FAITH MUMBUA MALUKI A22/0087/2009 PROJECT PROPOSAL: IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF BS C. AGRICULTURE (C ROP S CIENCE ). EFFECT OF MICROCLIMATE MODIFICATION ON TOMATO(Lycopersicon esculentum) SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOUR. SUPERVISOR: DR KINAMA

INTRODUCTION Horticulture, is the largest agricultural subsector, has recorded a remarkable export-driven growth in the past decade and, contributes 33 per cent of the GDP and 38 per cent of export earnings (GoK, 2010). Tomato growing is one of the most promising areas for horticultural expansion and development in Kenya especially for small- scale growers who currently number over 120,000 farmers across the country with holdings of less than one acre. (Sssejjemba, 2008).

PROBLEM STATEMENT Unfavorable soil temperature is amongst the major factors that contribute to poor germination, growth and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings in tropical areas (Gogo et al., 2012). Natural temperature changes play a dominant role in controlling the temperature range over which germination may occur in seed populations of species that exhibit seasonal dormancy patterns. (Probert, 2001)

JUSTIFICATION Temperature is the single most important factor in the regulation of the timing of germination, because of its role in dormancy control and/or release, or climate adaptation. (Hartman et al., 1997) Modification of the crop microclimate through natural shading influences soil temperature and this will have an effect on germination and performance of tomato seedlings in the field for small- scale farmers who have inadequate resources to construct a greenhouse and want to improve their living standards.

OBJECTIVE Main Objective: To determine the percentage germination of Rio Grande tomato variety under open field nursery management. Specific Objective: 1. To investigate the effects different percentages of shading on soil temperature. 2. To determine percentage germination in the field under different shading percentages and soil temperature. 3. Determine seedling strength and performance under different soil temperatures.

HYPOTHESIS Null Hypothesis Modification of soil temperature influences tomato seed germination. Alternative Hypothesis Soil temperature has no effect on tomato seed germination.

METHODOLGY Experimental site: The on-station study will be conducted at Kabete Field Station of the University of Nairobi, located about 10 km north of Nairobi. The station is about 1940 m above sea level and is located on latitude 1° 15’ Sand longitude 36° 41’ E (Sombroeket al., 1982). Experimental design: The experiment is to include five treatments which are laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) as follows:  T1: Full shading at 10 cm  T2: 75% shading at 7.5 cm  T3: 50% shading at 5 cm  T4: No shading (Control) The shading is applied the day of planting. Materials :Tomato seeds (Riogrande),Wooden pegs, Dry grass as shading material, Soil Thermometer (Gardeners soil thermometer, Brannam thermometers, England.), Hoe, Watering can (3.5 litres).

DATA COLLECTION: 1. Taking temperature readings: The bulb or sensing part of the thermometer will be placed at the intended seeding depth of 3cm. The bulb should be in firm contact with the surrounding soil. 2. Germination Data will be collected every three days after planting. Eight lines will be used in each plot for data collection. 3. Seedling Vigour Ten randomly selected plants will be used in each plot for data collection 5-6 weeks after planting. The following parameters were recorded:  Plant height, root length, number of branches and number of leaves per plant.

DATA ANALYSIS: The data recorded on various parameters will be subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method to determine the difference between different treatment and their interactions. While Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used to determine mean differences at 5% level of significance. (Kwanchai and Arturo, 1984). Statistical software Genstat, 13 th edition (SP2) will be applied for calculating both ANOVA and LSD.

BUDGET PARTICUL ARS UNITUNIT COSTTOTAL Seeds Tomato2 packets Compost Manure 1/2 bag100 Labor Land Preparation Planting1500 Watering Literature, Documentat ion and Information Report Printing 2 pieces Miscellaneou s Stationary1400 TOTAL6000

WORKPLAN ACTIVITYSTAGEJanuar y Februar y MarchAprilMay Land Preparati on Primary Secondar y Procurem ent of Inputs Planting Weeding Data Collection Data Analysis Report Writing Report Submissio n

REFERENCES Elisha O. Gogo, Mwanarusi Saidi, Francis M. Itulya, Thibaud Martin,and Mathieu Ngouajio. HortTechnology (June 2012) Microclimate Modification Using Eco-friendly Nets for High- quality Tomato Transplant Production by Small-scale Farmers in East Africa. GoK, (2010). National Horticulture Policy. Nairobi. Kenya. HT Hartmann, DE Kester, FT Davies, RL Geneva. Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. 6th ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Henk W. M. Hilhorst and Bruce Downie (1995).Primary dormancy in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Moneymaker): studies with the sitiens mutant- Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 47, No. 29 KARI, KARI-Thika, Priority setting document. 4, pp , January Kwanchai A. Gomez and Arturo A. Gomez (1984). Statistical Procedure for Agricultural Research. Printed by John Wiley and Sons, 2 nd Edition. The Organic Farmer Knowledge a must for greenhouse farming October 12th, 2011 edition. Robin J. Probert (2001).The Role of Temperature in the Regulation of Seed Dormancy and Germination. Seed Conservation Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, UK. Ssejimbe. (2008) Value Chain Analysis Kenya and Uganda. Uganda