Browsing by Author "Moses Matovu"

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A high throughput phenotyping technique for banana cultivar Sukali Ndizi based on internal fruit quality attributes
(International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 2022-12-30) Henry Buregyeya; Steven Kashub. Tumwesigye; Ephraim Nuwamanya; Moses Matovu; Priver Namanya; Kephas Nowankunda; Wilberforce K Tushemereirwe; Patrick Rubaihayo
Background: Sukali Ndizi quality traits such as Total soluble solid (TSS) content, pulp texture and sugar/acid (S/A) ratio are critical in quality assessment. Screening very large numbers of fruit genotypes has prompted the development of a high throughput method using Near Infrared spectrometry (NIRS). Results: The calibration procedure for the attributes of TSS, pulp texture and S/A ratio was optimized with respect to a reference sampling technique, scan averaging, spectral window, data pre-treatment and regression procedure. Calibration equations for all analytical characteristics were computed by NIR Software ISI Present WINISI using Modified Partial Least Squares (MPLS) and Partial Least Squares. The quality of calibration models were evaluated by Standard Error of Calibration and coefficient of determination parameters between the measured and the predicted values. The results obtained with FOSS NIR systems 2500 spectrometer (model DS 2500) using the 350-2500 nm range, showed good prediction of the quality traits TSS content, pulp texture and S/A ratio. The MPLS method produced satisfactory Calibration model performance for TSS, texture and S/A ratio, with typical Rc2 of 0.73%Brix, 0.69kgf and 0.7; and root mean squared standard error of calibration of 0.73%Brix, 0.25kgf and 5.36 respectively. This is a good set of quality traits predicting Sukali Ndizi quality with NIRS with robustness, as it was obtained by using diverse Ndizi populations. Conclusions: This can be a useful tool to phenotype large numbers of Ndizi hybrids per day, making it possible to reduce on the resources spent when utilizing organoleptic evaluation selection technique.
Heterogeneity in Nutritional and Biochemical Composition of Cassava Varieties in Uganda
(Journal of Agriculture and Sustainability, 2022-10-02) Moses Matovu; Rose Nankya; Hannington Lwandasa; Brian E. Isabirye; Paola De Santis; Devra I. Jarvis; John Wasswa Mulumba
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has been prioritized by the New Partnership for African Development to spur development in Africa. However, the nutritional and biochemical composition of the cassava diversity has not been adequately assessed to inform the various user needs. Comparative analysis of macro, micro nutrients and biochemical composition of sixteen varieties of cassava in Uganda was undertaken following standard analytical techniques. Results showed significant differences in macro nutrients (p ≤0.000) except carbohydrate, starch and amylose contents. With the exception of Calcium and Iron, the varieties were significantly different (p ≤0.000) in micronutrient composition. The Cyanide and dry matter content were also significantly different (p ≤0.000) among the varieties. Overall, Mukibi, Juguja, Bao, Nigeria, ranked highest in dry matter, cyanide, macro and micronutrients content, respectively. Therefore varieties differ in nutritional and biochemical composition; information crucial in the development of new varieities and deployment of cassava diversity in various value chains.
Monitoring the Subolesin Vaccine Field Trial for Safer Control of Cattle Ticks Amidst Increasing Acaricide Resistance in Uganda
(Vaccines, 2022-09-22) Fredrick Kabi; Moses Dhikusooka; Moses Matovu; Swidiq Mugerwa; Paul Kasaija; Patrick Emudong; Halid Kirunda; Marinela Contreras; Christian Gortazar; Jose De la Fuente
A collaboration program was established between the group of Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) of the IREC Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Spain) and the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda (NARO) for the development of vaccines for the control of cattle ticks in Uganda. Controlled pen trials identified a tick protective antigen, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Subolesin, and a cross-species-effective vaccine formulation. As the next step, a controlled vaccine field trial has been approved by Ugandan state regulatory authorities, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and the National Drug Authority (NDA), to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine formulation for the control of cattle tick infestations under field conditions. The results of this trial may lead to the approval of the vaccine for application in Uganda to improve cattle health and production while reducing the use of acaricides.