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Access status: Open Access ,
An inverstigation on the effects of maize seed size and planting depth on seedling emergence and seedling vigour
(BUSE, 2026-06) Maguranyanga, Terrance
This study examined how maize seed size and planting depth affect plant growth and development. A two-way factorial experiment, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), tested three seed sizes (small, medium, large) and three planting depths (3 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm). Both factors significantly influenced (p < 0.05) germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, leaf count, plant height, leaf length, leaf area, and leaf width. Large seeds planted at a shallow depth (3 cm) yielded the highest germination percentage (93.3%), germination rate (8.8), mean germination time (4.3 days), leaf count (9.33), plant height (65.27 cm), leaf length (24.23 cm), leaf area (110.42 cm²), and leaf width (6.07 cm). Conversely, small seeds at the deepest planting depth (8 cm) produced the lowest values for these traits. The study recommends using large seeds and a 3 cm planting depth for optimal maize production and emphasizes their importance in maize farming systems. These findings offer practical insights for maize farmers and agricultural practitioners, supporting the development of more efficient maize production strategies.
Access status: Open Access ,
The question of African agency in international relations
(Cogent Social Sciences, 2018) Chipaike, Ronald; Matarutse, H. Knowledge
The subject of agency in Africa’s international relations (IR) is often shrouded in generalised accounts of Africa as a supplicant actor. Utilising examples from a variety of African states, this article makes the argument that African actors are able to exert assertive agency in their various encounters with external partners although the level of agency they are able to exert is determined by a variety of factors including; the type of governmental regime in place, possession and control of strategic commodities by the regime in place and the willingness of the governmental regime to work with civil society in its engagements with external partners. In the final analysis, African agency should not be solely seen as emanating from and being exerted by governmental elites, but should also be examined as coming from independent civil society movements as well as exceptional and ordinary African individuals. Thus, African agency is multifaceted and multi-actor in nature.
Access status: Open Access ,
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Bidens pilosa as a grain protectant against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) in stored maize
(BUSE, 2026-06) Kawoni, Melisa
Maize is one of the major staple food crops. However, maize weevil infestation causes large post-harvest losses during storage. Even though synthetic insecticides are frequently used to manage storage pests, there is a growing need for more sustainable alternatives. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Bidens pilosa powder as a grain protectant against Sitophilus zeamais in stored Zea mays. The experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions at Astra Campus using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of 0g (control), 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, 20 g and 25 g of Bidens pilosa powder mixed with 10 g (33 kernels) of clean maize grains. Each experimental unit was infested with fifteen adult maize weevils. Data was collected on maize weevil mortality, grain damage and weight loss after 4, 6, 8 days of storage. The highest mortality was recorded in the 25 g treatment showing that increasing the concentration of Bidens pilosa powder significantly has an effect on maize weevil whilst the control treatment recorded the lowest mortality throughout the experiment. Grain damage and weight loss increased rapidly with storage duration in all treatments. The highest grain damage and weight loss were observed in the control treatment, whereas the lowest values were recorded in treatments with 20 g and 25 g of Bidens pilosa. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among treatments for all measured parameters (P < 0.001). The coefficients of variations were below 20%, indicating the reliability of the results. The study concluded that Bidens pilosa powder is effective in controlling maize weevils and reducing grain damage and weight loss in stored maize. Higher concentrations of 20 g and 25 g provided the greatest protection against maize weevil infestation. Therefore, Bidens pilosa powder has potential for use as it is affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable botanical grain protectant
Access status: Open Access ,
Damage effects of root knot nematodes (melodiogyn javanica) on chia (salvia hispanica)
(BUSE, 2026-06) Denhere, Amos
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), a key cash crop in Zimbabwe, is highly susceptible to root knot nematode infestations leading to huge yield losses. Traditionally, nematodes are controlled by crop rotation with grass fallows, meaning reduced income for farmers in those seasons when the land is fallow. The aim of this research was to determine the capacity of one chia variety (Jalisco) to suppress the root knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) populations when incorporated in tobacco rotations. An experiment was carried out at the Tobacco Research Board (Kutsaga) in the 2025 - 2026 rainy season. It was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments replicated five times. The treatments were based on Meloidogyne javanica inoculum concentrations applied to plants as follows: untreated control, 5000, 10000, 15000, 20000 and 25000 eggs per plant. The chia was planted in a greenhouse, inoculated with nematodes and observed for reaction over 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that, Meloidogyne javanica infection caused no significant effect (p > 0.05) on plant height and stalk dry weight in the early stages of growth that was at 4 weeks after inoculation for plant height and at 6 and 8 weeks after inoculation for stalk dry weight. Significant reduction in plant height and stalk dry weight were observed at 6, 8 and 10 weeks after inoculation for plant height and at 10 weeks after inoculation for stalk dry weight. Minimal nematode root galling damage scores ranging from 0 to 2 on a scale of 0 to 8 were observed across all the rates of inoculation. The weight of seeds produced per plant were not significantly different (p >0.05) between the treatments. Based on the results of this trial, it is recommended that farmers incorporate chia into tobacco rotation cycles to keep Meloidogyne javanica populations low
Access status: Open Access ,
The Conundrum of Great Zimbabwe
(Brepols publishers, 2023) Pikirayi, Innocent; Sulas, Federica; Chirikure, Shadreck; Chikumbirike, Joseph; Sagiya, Munyaradzi
Great Zimbabwe (AD1100–1700) was a substantial settlement comprising elite residences and non-elite housing, largely characterized by complexes of massive stone-walled structures. Its growth had an impact on energy resources within its immediate and broader environment, with water playing a key role in the development and persistence of the settlement. The settlement layout that extends beyond the monumental structures comprises water reservoirs and perimeter walls, which for several centuries sustained a substantial population living beyond the core urban area. This article sheds light on the ‘conundrum’ of Great Zimbabwe’s massive stone-built- structures. A reconsideration of the functioning of Great Zimbabwe informs the conundrum, which is relevant to contemporary discussion on urban design, architecture, energy saving, and environmental sustainability.