Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Assessment of effective control methods for parthenium weed in maize fields
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Wambura, H. D.; Kudra, A. B.; Andrew, S. M.; Witt, A.
In the near future, labour to assist in weed management in the villages will become scarce and expensive, because of population drift from villages to cities. It is necessary to develop cheaper methods of weed management that will reduce weed impact on maize yield. A field experiment was conducted at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI), Arusha-Tanzania during the long rain season of 2017, to identify control methods for parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Treatments were hand hoeing (twice), mulches (dry grass and cowpeas), application of 2, 4-D (twice), weed free plots and un-weeded plots. Data collected include plant height at flowering (m), leaf length and width (m), number of leaves at flowering, number of days to (tasseling, silking and milking), tassel length (m), number of days to maize maturity, plant height at maturity (m), number of plants harvested, ear length and diameter (m), number of kernel rows/ear, number of kernels/row and grain yield (t/ha)at 12% moisture content, parthenium weed plant height (m), canopy width (m), and number of parthenium plants before weeding, height (m) and number of parthenium plants at maize maturity. Statistical analysis was performed using Genstat software (16th edition) and means were separated by Tukey’s mean separation test at p≤0.05. The results show that, mulches significantly reduced parthenium height and population in the maize crop at maturity (p<0.05). Plant height at flowering, leaf length and width, number of days to tasseling, tassel length, number of days to silking, milking, maturity, plant height at maturity and number of plants harvested were not significantly affected by any of the weed management methods. Thus mulching and 2, 4-D were found to be the best methods for controlling parthenium weed growth and population.
Bird species composition and diversity in habitats with different disturbance histories at Kilombero Wetland, Tanzania
(SciRes, 2013-11) Ntongani, W. A.; Andrew, S. M.
Wetland natural grasslands are important habi- tats for avian populations throughout the world. Unfortunately the increase of human population and rise in demand for settlements and agricul- tural land have degraded these habitats in many tropical wetlands. To effectively restore these natural grasslands and conserve avifaunal bio- diversity, understanding of the relationships be- tween habitat conditions and bird community structure are central. We used a combination of information from nearby villagers and field sur- veys to establish two important grassland habi- tats with low and high disturbance histories, and related the habitats to bird community structure. We surveyed a total of 119 sites in the two habi- tats to examine variation in the abundance, rich- ness, diversity and composition of birds at Kilo- mbero Wetland Tanzania. In total, 3049 indivi- duals, 126 species, 88 genera and 45 families were recorded from Kilombero grasslands. Our results show that grasslands with low human disturbance had more number of bird species, genera, families and diversity (both Shannon- Wiener and Simpson) than the most disturbed grasslands at p < 0.05. However, the abundance and Shannon evenness of birds were not dif- ferent (p > 0.05) between low and highly dis- turbed grassland habitats suggesting that other factors including variety of foraging sites are important. This study confirms that the wetland grasslands of Kilombero are important for con- servation of birds including rare and endemic species. It is recommended that anthropogenic disturbances should be minimized including control of fire, regulation of agricultural activities and population of cattle within the wetland sys- tem to restore and conserve biodiversity.
Challenges of producing quality tree seeds to support afforestation in Tanzania
(Tanzania Forest Fund (TAFORI), 2018-10) Msanga, H. P.; Masunga, E. W.; Andrew, S. M.; Fandey, F. H.
There is an increase of awareness among local communities, NGOs, the private sector and government agencies on the importance of afforestation in fostering the supply of important environmental goods and services. However, in order to sustain the afforestation initiatives and realize the anticipated impacts, quality seed production is critical. The history of tree seed production in Tanzania started as early as the 1902. In the 1970’s, the Government launched the national tree planting campaigns which led to the establishment of the National Tree Seed Programme (NTSP) in 1989. Following Government reforms, NTSP was transformed to Tanzania Tree Seed Agency (TTSA) in 2003. TTSA mandate is to produce and market high quality tree seed and other propagating materials. Currently, there is an increasing demand for quality tree seed for afforestation both locally and internationally. This paper identifies the challenges facing the production of quality tree seeds such as seed quality, low investments in tree seed industry, inadequate policy, and specific law to regulate and control tree seed quality, human resource limitations, and inadequate institutional integration with related expertise, research and climate change. Others issues include, problems of seed dormancy for some species, inadequate data on individual seed protocol for storage and germination. In addressing these challenges, the paper recommends investment in establishing as many seed orchards as possible, integrating institutions with related discipline at each node to create a multiplier effect on abundance, quality, and distribution as well as financing the tree seed industry, support training and recognition of the tree seed industry through policy and legal mechanisms.
Endemism of plants in the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Elsevier B.V., 2008) Temu, R. P. C.; Andrew, S. M.
A survey was conducted to determine richness of Vascular Endemic Plants of the Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania. Strict and near- endemic species were identified and their habits, habitats and altitudinal ranges were indicated. About 108 strict endemic plant species were identified in the Uluguru Mountains. Most of the endemic species are shrubs followed by herbs, trees and climbers, and are confined to the families Rubiaceae (38 species in 11 general), Orchidaceae (13 species in 7 general) and Balsaminaceae (11 species in 1 genus). The major habitat for endemic species is the montane rain forest on the windward side ranging between 1200 and 2450 m a.s.l. The major areas where the Uluguru endemics are concentrated are the forests of Bondwa/Lupanga followed by Lukwangule/Chenzema and then Bunduki and Mgeta. These areas are therefore the major hotspots for the endemism in the Uluguru Mountains. The information presented in this paper will contribute to the conservation and management of the biodiversity of the Uluguru Mountains.
Growth performance of azadirachta Indica provenances in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 2004) Andrew, S. M.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Mtika, J.; Msanga, H. P.; Nsolomo, V. R.
The growth performance of 20 provenances and one land race of Azadirachta indica (neem) from 10 countries was evaluated at Mkundi Fuel Wood Forest Reserve in Morogoro region, Tanzania. The experiment was established in a randomised complete block design with six replications. This is one of the provenance trials under the International Neem Network. The assessment involved tree height, diameter at breast height, number of branches, stem quality, survival and total volume after 58 months of planting. Except for survival, differences between provenances as well as between provenance and land race were observed in all the parameters studied. Provenances Ban Bo, Ban Nong (Thailand), Ghaati (India), Doi Tao (Thailand), Ramanaguda (India), Vietianne (Vietnam), Kuliyapitiya (Sri Lanka), Annur, Mandore, Chitradunga (India) and Bandia (Senegal) were the best performers. Yezin (Myanmar), Allhabad (India), Balharshalt (Nepal), Sunyan (Ghana), Lamahal, Geta (Nepal), Chamwino (Tanzania), Chanatorin (India), Muttan, Tibbi Laran (Pakistan) were marginal performers. It is recommended that further assessments on provenance performance be carried out up to half rotation age for identification of promising provenance.
He role of urban forestry in mitigating climate change and performing environmental services in Tanzania
(AJOL, 2008) Munishi, P. K. T.; Mhagama, M.; Muheto, R.; Andrew, S. M.
The possibility of global climate change, due to increasing levels of CO 2 concentrations is one of the key environmental concerns today, and the role of terrestrial vegetation management has received attention as a means of mitigating carbon emissions and climate change. In this study tree dimensions and assessment of plant species composition were used to quantify the potential of urban ecosystems in acting as carbon sink and mitigating climate change through carbon assimilation and storage and the potential of the system to enhance biodiversity conservation taking Morogoro Municipality as a case study. Biomass/carbon models for trees were developed and used to predict biomass/carbon storage based on tree diameters. The model was in the form B = 0.5927DBH 1.8316 (r 2 =0.91, P< 0.01). The carbon content was computed as 50% of the tree biomass. The tree carbon for Morogoro municipality ranged from 4.63±3.39 to 21.18±12.41t km -1 length of ground surface along roads and avenues. Newly established areas seemed to have lower carbon storage potential while areas established earlier have highest carbon storage potential. About 36 different tree species growing/planted in the Morogoro municipal were identified, dominated by Senna siamea, Azadirachta indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Pithecelobium dulce and Mangifera indica. Apart from being natural amenity the tree species also act as CO 2 sink through photosynthesis and areas of ex-situ conservation of plant diversity. Urban forestry can store large amount of carbon in addition to biodiversity conservation especially where they cover extensive areas like parks, gardens and avenues managed over long periods, as is the case in urban ecosystems. Improved management of urban forests will likely improve the potential for carbon storage by terrestrial vegetation as a means of mitigating CO 2 emissions and climate change as well as biodiversity conservation.
Invasion of the cosmopolitan species Echinochloa colona into herbaceous vegetation of a tropical wetland system
(The Ecological Society of Japan 2014, 2004) Andrew, S. M.; Totland, Q.; Moe, S. R.
The negative effects of alien plant species on ecosystem structure and functions are increasingly recognised, and efforts to control these species are vital to restore degraded ecosystems and preserve biodiver- sity. However, we lack a full understanding of factors that determine alien species invasions along spatial gradients in herbaceous vegetation of tropical systems. We therefore examined the effects of community prop- erties, environmental variables and human-related dis- turbance factors on the invasion of the alien grass Echinochloa colona (L.) Link at small- and large scales in the Kilombero Valley wetland, Tanzania. Generalized additive mixed models showed that E. colona abundance on a small scale was negatively related to above-ground biomass and evenness of resident species, whereas E. colona abundance was positively related to grazing intensity. On a large scale, biomass (negatively related to E. colona abundance) and distance to river (positive) were important in explaining E. colona abundance. These findings support the assertion that different fac- tors may contribute to the invasion of alien plant species at different spatial scales, as also reported in many temperate systems. Overall, our results show that suc- cessful invasion of alien species is a function of plant community properties, human-related disturbance and favourable environmental conditions. Effective man- agement strategies should consider mitigations that can increase the biomass and evenness of native species and a reduction of grazing pressure to restore the wetland and conserve biodiversity.
Invasive species Echinochloa colona reduces abundance and diversity of resident plant communities in tropical wetland
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2018) Andrew, S. M.
Although the relationship between invasive alien species (IAS) and plant com- munity structure has attracted considerable interest, the impacts of IAS on abun- dance and diversity of resident plant communities in species rich-ecosystems, such as tropical wetlands are poorly understood. Consequently, this has im- peded development of improved management strategies and successful res- toration of invaded tropical wetlands. Therefore, data on vegetation were col- lected from 60 plots of 20 × 50 m to study the impacts of alien invasive grass Echinochloa colona (L.) Link abundance on plant community abundance, richness, evenness and diversity of resident plant species within grasslands of the Kilombero Valley wetland, Tanzania. Moreover, the impacts of abun- dance of E . colona on plant functional groups ( i.e. graminoids, forbs and shrubs) richness were also explored. Generalized linear models showed that community richness, evenness, diversity and abundance of resident species were negatively related to the E. colona abundance. There was a negative rela- tionship between richness of graminoids and shrubs and the abundance of E. colona . Similarly, the abundance of graminoids, forbs and shrubs is related negatively to the abundance of E. colona . Given that most of the community and functional group attributes of resident plants is related negatively to E . colona abundance, improved management strategies should be developed to minimize the abundance and further spread of E . colona to restore and con- serve wetland biodiversity.
Preliminary observations on the species composition and distribution of indigenous wild mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin wetlands, Musoma, Tanzania.
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2007) Munishi, P. K. T.; Olila, D.; Kabasa, J. D.; Kisovi, I.; Andrew, S. M.
Harvesting of wild mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin for household food and inter-household trade is widespread and mushrooms contribute strongly to household food security. In spite of the importance of mushrooms to household food security the spatial and temporal distribution and ecological conditions influencing mushroom growth and availability in the Lake Victoria basin are yet to be documented adequately to enable development of plans for their conservation. The objective of this study was to document the composition, seasonal and spatial distribution of the mushrooms of the Lake Victoria basin wetlands and their habitats. Preliminary surveys identified a total of nine species most of which are of the genus Termitomyces. Generally most of the mushrooms were associated with termite mounds thus growing on clay soils and soils associated with low organic matter. Some species grow solely on termite mounds while others can grow a distance from a termite mound but associated with underground termite nests. Majority of the mushrooms appear during the rain season and are equally available during the short and long rains. This suggests that most species will grow well throughout the year whenever moisture level in the substrate is adequate irrespective of the season. Some of the species especially the Polypores (Ganoderma sp.) grow on dead wood as well as on living trees, infecting living trees through wounds. Most of the species grow in acidic (pH 6.5) substrates with a pH range between 5 and 6.8 though one species (Termitomyces clypeatus) was observed to grow on slightly alkaline conditions. Generally the substrate for most species had low organic carbon ranging from 3% to slightly above 4%. More detailed study of the ecology of the most important mushrooms in the Lake Victoria basin wetlands is important as a basis for their management and domestication.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of land use and land cover in and around Magamba Nature Forest Reserve, Lushoto, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2017-06) Andrew, S. M.; Sembosi, S. J.
agamba Nature Forest Reserve is the largest forest reserve with endemic, rare and unique species of flora and fauna in Lushoto, Tanzania. It lies within the Eastern Arc Mountains and is important for biodiversity, water catchment, environmental and cultural values. Unfortunately, it is perceived that human activities have had impacts on the forest resources in and around the reserve. However, these perceptions are little proved quantitatively. Thus, a study was carried out to assess the dynamics of land use and land cover in and around Magamba Nature Forest Reserve for the period 1995-2015 to facilitate improved management of the reserve. Remote sensing and GIS methods were used to carry out satellite images classification and ground truthing data were collected during field observations using GPS. Landsat thematic mapper and operational land imagery were used to locate and quantify the land use and land cover changes in the study area. Change detection was done through post classification in SAGA 2.2.0. Results indicated a major expansion of agricultural area from 169.33 ha in 1995 to 902.54 ha in 2015. Likewise, there was an increase of built-up area from 36.50 ha in 1995 to 1792.92 ha in 2015 at the expense of other land covers. Natural forest decreased from 8051.35 ha in 1995 to 3431.30 ha in 2015. Similarly, woodland area decreased from 2333.37 ha in 1995 to 1216.76 ha in 2015. It is evident that there have been considerable changes in land use and land cover in and around the reserve that call for improved management strategies to sustain biodiversity and other values.
Spatial variation in plant species richness and diversity along human disturbance and environmental gradients in a tropical wetland
(Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014, 2014-11) Andrew, S. M.; Totland, Q.; Moe, S. R.
Human disturbance, natural environmen- tal conditions and seed dispersal are often inferred as important drivers of plant community richness and diversity in wetland ecosystems. However, plant functional groups within a plant community have different environmental requirements and may respond differently to human disturbance. Therefore, the understanding of the relative importance of these variables in determining community and functional groups richness and diversity is important for improved management and wise use of wetland resources. We collected data on vegetation and envi- ronmental conditions, human disturbance and seed dispersal from 60 plots of 20 9 50 m, to identify variables that potentially affect total species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity of the grassland plant community at the Kilombero Valley wetland, Tanza- nia. We further tested whether important predictor variables for species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity differ among graminoid, forb and shrub functional groups. Overall, our results suggest that environmental conditions, human disturbance and seed dispersal determine spatial variation in species rich- ness and Shannon-Wiener diversity of the grassland vegetation. The total richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity and the richness of shrubs decreased with distance from the Kilombero River, whereas the total Shannon-Wiener diversity and the Shannon-Wiener diversity of graminoids decreased with the increase in grazing intensity. Shrub species richness was related to the spatial position of plots and decreased with total organic carbon of soil. Current increase in human disturbances through cattle husbandry and changes in natural environmental conditions (e.g. through water diversion and drainage) should be discouraged in order to restore and sustain biodiversity of the Kilombero wetland.
Species composition and functional structure of herbaceous vegetation in a tropical wetland system
(Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2012) Andrew, S. M.; Moe, S. R.; Totland, Q.; Munishi, P. K. T.
Understanding driving factors of spatial heterogeneity in plant species com- position and functional structure is a key step towards wetland ecosystems restoration and biodiversity conservation. We surveyed 60 randomly selected plots of 20 9 50 m each and collected 12 explanatory variables to understand potential impacts of natural environ- mental conditions, human disturbance and spatial position of plots variables on plant functional groups (PFGs) and species composition within grasslands of the Kilombero Valley Floodplain wetland, Tanzania. Ordination analyses were used to identify important vegetation gradients and establish significant natural environmental conditions, human disturbance and spatial position of plots correlates. Partial redundancy analysis (RDA) and partial canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to determine the individual and shared effects of these three sets of explanatory variables on the PFGs and species composition, respectively. In total, 115 plant species, including 22 weed and 3 invasive species, and five PFGs were registered. Annual graminoid was the most abundant, whereas perennial forb the least abundant PFG with 50 and 1 % relative covers, respectively. Overall, spatial position, altitude, total organic carbon, cow dung, distance to the river and distance to kraal (cattle enclosure near human settlement commonly made of wood materials for animal protection) were important descriptors of both PFGs and overall species composition. Separate CCA of only weed and invasive plant species showed that some species, particularly the invasive Polygala paniculata were strongly associated with cow dung, indicating that present increase in cattle numbers may result in future problems associated with this species. Intensification of human activities and alteration of natural environmental conditions associated with these factors should be discouraged to maintain plant species composition and functional structure for wetland restoration and sustainable biodiversity conservation.
Yield of edible pleurotus mushrooms grown on rice straw with and without chicken manure supplementation in Morogoro, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2008) Andrew, S. M.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Munishi, P. K. T.; Msita, H.
n experiment was conducted to determine the performance of different species of edible Pleurotus mushrooms grown on rice straw substrate with and without chicken manure supplementation. The Pleurotus species /varieties tested were P. flabellatus of Tanzania, India and Thailand origin, and P. sajor caju from Tanzania. Rice straw with and without chicken manure were used as substrates. The results showed that the duration of time from spawning to pin formation and from pin formation to first harvest was not significantly different for both treatments (p=0.05). The yields of the Indian and Thai P. flabellatus varieties were significantly higher than yields of P. flabellatus and P. sajor caju from Tanzania (p=0.05). The yields of the substrate amended with manure and un-amended were not significantly different. These results suggest that yields of the studied varieties of Pleurotus mushrooms are not influenced by substrate amendments rather other factors like spawn quality. This implies that use of high quality spawn can be a good determinant of high yields. On the other hand local varieties had lower yields than exotic varieties under the same treatments showing that research and breeding to screen and select for good quality local edible varieties can adequately improve yields and utilization of local breeds/varieties.

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