Browsing by Author "Maena, Borniface"

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    Optimization of macro-propagation protocols for the production of quality pineapple planting materials in Uganda
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-10) Maena, Borniface
    Pineapple production in Uganda remains constrained by inadequate access to quality planting materials, a key limitation to productivity and sustainability. This study was conducted from December 23rd, 2023, to December 23rd, 2024, at Kyambogo University’s Faculty of Agriculture, with the overall objective of optimizing macro-propagation protocols for the production of quality pineapple planting materials. Standard laboratory procedures were employed to assess the suitability of various growth substrates (Black soldier fly frass, composite [sand: soil: vermiculite, mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1], lake sand, black forest soil, and vermiculite) for generating pineapple plantlets. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to determine the effect different substrates and plant parts (crowns, slips, and stems) on plantlet production over a 90-day experimental period under field conditions. Plant parts were longitudinally sectioned into quarters and treated with different chemicals including water (control), IAA-hormone, sodium hypochlorite, and a combination of IAA-hormone and sodium hypochlorite prior to planting in the substrates. Accordingly, a completely randomized design (CRD) was subsequently used to evaluate the growth performance of the three-month-old plantlets generated from different substrates and plant parts over a 120-day experimental period in a screen house. Statistical analyses revealed significant (p<0.05) differences among substrates, plant parts, and chemical treatments on plantlet yield and growth parameters. Three way ANOVA indicated significant interaction effects (p<0.05) among substrate type, plant part, and sampling time. Black forest soil exhibited the most favorable physiochemical properties including pH and texture for pineapple production. The highest plantlet yield (3.17) was obtained from stem cuttings raised on soil and composite substrates at 90 days after planting. Crowns raised on black soldier fly frass yielded the least number of plantlets. Plantlets generated from slips grown on soil exhibited superior growth performance across majority of the growth parameters measured throughout the 120-day period. Furthermore, plant parts and treated with sodium hypochlorite, and the resultant plantlets outperformed those treated with other chemicals. Considering overall results, it can be concluded that the use of soil substrate with stems or slips provides an effective and reliable protocol for optimizing the production of quality pineapple planting materials in Uganda. The results also demonstrate that treating plant parts with sodium hypochlorite enhances plantlet initiation during the production phase and improves subsequent growth performance of the generated plantlets.