https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/1177 Conference proceedings from CAVM 2026-04-14T07:00:23Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2037 Effect of Soil Application of Stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid Based Granules on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mbaraka, Saidi Rumanzi; Nkurunziza, Christian; Habimana, Sylvestre; Abayisenga, Jean Claude Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Rwanda. Present study was aimed assessed the effect of stabilized ortho silicic acid (OSA) based granules on growth and yield of rice. Field experiments were conducted at Rwagitima, Gatsibo district in the Eastern province of Rwanda during two wet seasons in 2019, the first season was between February and May and the second one was from September to December. Two levels of recommended fertilizer doses (RDF; i.e., 200 kg ha−1 NPK as a basal fertilizer and 100 kg ha−1 urea as a top dressing fertilizer) were applied solely and along with different doses (10, 15 and 20 kg ha−1) of OSA based granules. The treatments were: T1 (100% RDF), T2 (75% RDF), T3 (T1 +10 kgha−1 OSA), T4 (T1 +15 kgha−1 OSA), T5 (T1 +20 kgha−1 OSA), T6 (T2 +10 kgha−1OSA), T7 (T2 +15 kgha−1 OSA) and T8 (T2 +20 kgha−1 OSA). Experiments were laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the application of 100% RDF +20 kg ha−1 of OSA granules increased plant height (99.80 cm), tiller number (361) and root length (15.7 cm). Furthermore, yield increments of 28.4% and 19.9% for the first and second seasons, respectively, were obtained in treatments where 100% RDF +20 kgha−1 of OSA granules were applied. The rice yield in the treatment 75% RDF +20 kg/ha Silixol OSA granules was higher than that recorded with 100% RDF only. This indicates that use of Silixol OSA granules can result in 25% saving of fertilizer (NPK and urea) without compromising the yield. Conclusively, Silixol OSA granules offers good potential for yield increment of rice in Rwanda and, can minimize fertilizer use by 25%. Research article 2023-01-21T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2036 Impact of Maize Storage Methods on Aflatoxin Contamination In Eight Districts of Southern Province of Rwanda Dushimeyesu, Erastus; Habimana, Sylvestre; Musana Rwalinda, Fabrice Aflatoxin levels were measured in 900 farmer’s stores grouped into 18 respective cooperatives throughout the whole parts of the southern region of Rwanda to assess the effects of different approaches of storage on aflatoxin attacks on maize. Questionnaires, maize sampling, and laboratory testing methods were used in this study to find out which storage techniques were linked to greater or lower aflatoxin levels in stored maize in the southern region of Rwanda so that extension services could be recommended on aflatoxin-reducing measures. Farmers were questioned on the structure of their storage, form, period, and pest problems in storage, as well as what they did to battle them and the sample was taken for aflatoxin testing, the presence of aflatoxin in stored corn was negatively associated to pesticide application. Aflatoxin contamination was found to be lower (2.8 parts per billion) when grain was stored in bags with pallets; aflatoxin levels were higher (88.5 parts per billions)in those who stored corn under their roofs. Henceforth, appropriate maize storage, sorting out of damaged cobs, the use of appropriate storage insecticides, storage in well-equipped, hygienic, and aerated stores with pallets, and farmers being aware of the risk that insects and aflatoxins pose to their stored maize, were found to minimize the level of aflatoxin in stored maize. Conference paper 2021-12-23T00:00:00Z