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Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop grown for household revenue, food and nutrition security in many parts of the world. Common bean is classified into Andean and Middle American gene pools. Most of the beans grown in east and southern Africa countries including Zambia...

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important legume crop, but drought and soil infertility, especially Phosphorus (P) deficiency are primary constraints for its production. Three studies, a field, greenhouse and hydroponics experiments were carried out at the University of Zambia to...

Agricultural practices that conserve soil moisture are inevitable in the face of erratic rains and constant droughts. Mulching can improve water productivity through increase in water retention and reduction in surface evaporation. The study was conducted in Lundazi District of Eastern Province...

Zambia’s many seed companies are involved in maize cultivar development with the primary focus of breeding for yield and disease tolerance. Despite having high yielding potential, most available maize cultivars are greatly affected by drought and heat stress. The parental line stock used in the...

Conservation Agriculture has been recommended as a sustainable farming system for many crops in Zambia based on reported improvements in soil infiltration, moisture, soil carbon, microbial activity and reduced bulk density over time. However, the effects in groundnuts such as plant development,...

ABSTRACT Understanding morpho-physiological factors associated with yield decline at high density in soybean (Glycine max L.) can assist in optimizing productivity and seed quality. The objective of this study was to determine effects of different spacing on development and seed quality. The...

Agriculture in sub-Saharan African region has depended mainly on rainfall since 1990s and crop production has faced negative impacts of extreme climate events which are believed to be manifestations of long term climate change. In addition, maize (Zea mays L.) productivity has continued to...

Striga asiatica is a noxious, obligate hemi-parasite of cereal grasses that causes grain yield losses in susceptible maize genotypes in Southern Africa. The development of host plant resistance is one of the most practical Striga control strategies. A study was carried out to identify genotypes...

Sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam) is becoming one of the most important tuber crops in Zambia and ranks second in importance from cassava. Orange fleshed varieties are being introduced to reduce vitamin A deficiency. However, the expression of β-carotene content, dry matter content and tuber...

Timely availability of high volumes of good quality planting materials is a challenge especially for crops propagated by vegetative means such as sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. Zambian growers rely on volunteer plant sprouts to generate vines. Recently the use of root sprouts has been...