Jane Tei M'Ringera
PhD student at University of Nairobi.
Aims of research
The title of my project is "Ecological risk assessment for invasiveness, response to weeds and ratooning ability of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) and Oryza sativa rice varieties in Central Kenya".
My research focuses on invasiveness, response to weeds and ratooning ability of four NERICA varieties ( NERICAs 1,4,10 and 11) and on Oryza sativa (cv. Duorado precuoce). The area of research is the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Central Kenya.
Objectives
The main objective of the research is to assess the ecological risks of invasiveness, response to weeds and ratooning ability of four NERICA and one Oryza sativa (Duorado precuoce) rice varieties in Central Kenya. The specific objectives are:
1. To compare the response of four NERICA and one O. sativa rice varieties to weeds.
2. To determine the critical period of weed control in fields of NERICA and O. sativa rice varieties.
3. To evaluate the ratooning ability of NERICA and O. sativa rice varieties.
4. To assess the potential risk of invasiveness of NERICA rice varieties.
By Joy Owango, June 2010.