Browsing by Author "Wilberforce K Tushemereirwe"

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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.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity Of Synthetic Dsrna Molecules Against Two Pathogens Of Banana, Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Cubense And Mycosphaerella Fijiensis
(Pest Management Science, 2013-01-03) Francis M Mumbanza; Andrew Kiggundu; Geoffrey Tusiime; Wilberforce K Tushemereirwe; Chuck Niblett; Anna Bailey
BACKGROUND: A key challenge for designing RNAi-based crop protection strategies is the identification of effective target genes in the pathogenic organism. In this study, in vitro antifungal activities of a set of synthetic double-stranded RNA molecules on spore germination of two major pathogenic fungi of banana, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht f. sp. cubense WC Snyder & HN Hans (Foc) and Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet (Mf) were evaluated. RESULTS: All the tested synthetic dsRNAs successfully triggered the silencing of target genes and displayed varying degrees of potential to inhibit spore germination of both tested banana pathogens. When Foc dsRNAs were applied to Foc spores, inhibition ranged from 79.8 to 93.0%, and from 19.9 to 57.8% when Foc dsRNAs were applied to Mf spores. However, when Mf dsRNAs were applied on Mf spores, inhibition ranged from 34.4 to 72.3%, and from 89.7 to 95.9% when Mf dsRNAs were applied to Foc spores. CONCLUSION: The dsRNAs for adenylate cyclase, DNA polymerase alpha subunit and DNA polymerase delta subunit showed high levels of spore germination inhibition during both self- and cross-species tests, making them the most promising targets for RNA-mediated resistance in banana against these fungal pathogens.