Browsing by Author "Samura, Alusaine Edward"

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Book Chapter: Varietal and Management-Based Modulation of Pests, Diseases, Weeds, and Yield Traits in Tomato Production and Productivity
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2025) Samura, Alusaine Edward
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plays a vital nutritional and economic role in Sierra Leone; however, its production is hindered by pest infestations, disease outbreaks, weed competition, and suboptimal agronomic practices. This study assessed the impact of two tomato varieties which are Heirloom (improved) and Nornro (local) under four agronomic management practices (AMPs), combining organic and inorganic approaches, over a two-year field trial (2022-2023) at Njala University. The experiment followed a 2 × 4 factorial design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. AMP 1, which included chicken manure, mulching, and neem biopesticide, significantly improved plant height, branch number, truss formation, and fruit yield (up to 5.3 t/ha), outperforming both the inorganic treatment (AMP 3: 4.6 t/ha) and the control (AMP 4: 2.5 t/ha). AMP 3, involving NPK fertilizer and chemical pesticides, was most potent in reducing pest populations (whiteflies, aphids, and leaf miners), disease incidence (tomato mosaic and bacterial leaf blight), and weed infestation. Conversely, AMP 1 also effectively enhanced soil health and economic returns, producing the highest net revenue (SLL 380,000/ha). The local Nornro variety demonstrated superior pest and disease resistance, while the Heirloom variety exhibited better vegetative growth. Weed surveys revealed diverse species dominated by Poaceae and Fabaceae families, with Imperata cylindrica and Panicum maximum being most prevalent. Overall, integrated organic and inorganic practices significantly influenced tomato productivity, weed suppression, and profitability. The findings advocate for the adoption of AMP 1 as a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for enhanced tomato cultivation in low-input agricultural systems in Sierra Leone.
Effect of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) on Yield and Profitability of Cassava and Gari Production Enterprises in Sierra Leone
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017-01-11) Samura, Alusaine Edward
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) seriously affects cassava (Samura et al., 2013; Fargette et al., 1988). There is limited information on tuberous root yield loss and the profitability of growing improved and local varieties infected with the cassava mosaic virus for tuber and gari production in Sierra Leone. The objectives of the study were to determine yield loss associated with cassava mosaic disease and conduct cost benefit analysis (budgets and break-even analysis) on cassava production using two improved varieties (SLICASS 4 and 6) compared against the local susceptible variety Cocoa, for gari production and Cocoa as a poundable enterprises for the boil and eat market. Activity 1 involved the establishment of a yield loss trial using the paired plot technique. Activity 2 assessed productivity of cassava and gari production. Data collected were analysed using the analytical frame work that incorporates the concept of gross margin analysis as describe by Brown (1979). This included cost benefit analysis (CBA), the net social benefit (NSB) or the excess of total benefit over total cost represents the net present value (NPV) and The Internal Rate of Returns (IRR).The yield loss associated with the local variety Cocoa under this system was 4.27 t/ha which is equivalent to 38.92% yield loss resulting from the cassava mosaic disease infection. SLICASS 4 and SLICASS 6 recorded positive returns to production of tubers and gari. The local variety Cocoa enterprises for gari under the same condition recorded a negative returns even in the 6 year. However Cocoa for the boil and eat market had the highest profit level. The implication of this study is that breeding effort should be geared towards high yielding mosaic resistant varieties that are poundable more profitable and suits the cultural and domestic demand of the producers, processors and consumers.
Influence of Variety and Cultivation Technologies on Cucumber Growth, Yield and Insect Pests Management in Sierra Leone
(Sciencedomain International, 2025-07-08) Samura, Alusaine Edward
The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of different cultivation technologies on the insect population, damage, weeds population and damage growth and yield of cucumber in two cropping years. Cucumber is an important and versatile fruit and vegetable because of its various uses, ranging from salads, pickles, and beauty in Sierra Leone. However, the cultivation of this crop is hindered by pests diseases and poor soil fertility. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the School of Agriculture and Food Science to evaluate the effect of cultivation technologies on the management of pests and weeds cucumbers. The experiment was laid in two two-factor completely randomized design (FCRD) with three replications. The results revealed that cultivation technology one (CT1) had a positive impact and recorded the highest growth and yield during the evaluations (6.5 and 7.8 t/ha). The results on pest and weed management revealed that cultivation technology three (CT3) proved to be the most potent in insect pest management, while cultivation technology two (CT2) was effective in weed management. The economic analysis showed that cultivation technology one (CT1) generated the highest revenue for both 2023 (Le 1,950.00) and 2024 (Le 2,340.00) evaluation years. The study concluded that there are potential benefits of using cultivation technology one and two and recommended that cultivation technology one and two (CT1 and CT2) should be adopted by farmers in the cultivation of cucumbers.