Papers by Kwanele A Nxumalo (PhD)
Current journal of applied science and technology, Jan 30, 2024
Indigenous/traditional vegetables have been used since prehistoric times in the Kingdom of Eswati... more Indigenous/traditional vegetables have been used since prehistoric times in the Kingdom of Eswatini. They are well appreciated for their nutritional cultural and medicinal value. However, despite their immense importance the advent of colonisation by the Europeans saw the traditional vegetables being declared weeds and thus undesirable. The situation went from bad to worse with modernization and urbanization. There are no statistics about their economic importance. This study aimed to decolonize, document and deliberate on the importance of traditional vegetables in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The study was a qualitative one. Information was sought, through informal surveys, group discussions and a review of existing literature.
Processes, Dec 20, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Food Quality, Nov 29, 2023
Acta horticulturae, Oct 1, 2022
Asian journal of advances in agricultural research, Nov 29, 2019
Green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable in the Kingdom of Eswatini. However, ... more Green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable in the Kingdom of Eswatini. However, there is rare information on pepper production using cattle manure. The experiment was conducted at the University of Swaziland, Luyengo Campus, in the Horticulture Department Lathhouse to determine the effects of different rates of cattle manure on the growth and yield of green pepper in order to come up with a suitable application rate for green pepper. Cattle manure was applied at different rates of 20, 40, 60 and 80 tons/ha in a Randomized Complete Block Design, while 2:3:2 which was used as a control was applied at 150 kg/ha. For every increase in the application level/rate of the cattle manure, there was a considerable increase in the growth Original Research Article
Acta horticulturae, Oct 1, 2022
Horticulture international journal, Apr 4, 2019
Decline in the availability of suitable land and good fertile soil for vegetable production due t... more Decline in the availability of suitable land and good fertile soil for vegetable production due to climate change, urbanisation and increasing population has resulted in studies to find alternative media that can be used to grow high value crops such as Swiss chard. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Department Greenhouses of the University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus to determine the growth and yield of Swiss chard using different growing media. The treatments were laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four times. The media treatments consisted of sand, sawdust and mixture of sand and vermiculite (1:1). The results showed that Swiss chard grown in sawdust performed better than those in the other growing media and gave significantly (P<0.05) higher fresh yield (227.7 g/plant), root length (25 cm/plant) and the highest chlorophyll content (48.9µmol m 2). Plants grown using sand had the lowest fresh yield (58.3 g/plant), root length (11.9 cm/plant) and the chlorophyll content (17.49 µmol m 2). The results showed that Swiss chard production in hydroponics using sawdust resulted in higher yields and therefore should be recommended to farmers for use. Not only is it the best in production of Swiss chard but it is also readily available at low cost and re-usable provided it is treated.
Frontiers in Plant Science, Jul 22, 2022
Restricted postharvest application of synthetic fungicides in maintaining the quality of citrus f... more Restricted postharvest application of synthetic fungicides in maintaining the quality of citrus fruits has led to a search for alternative postharvest treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of gum arabic (GA) enriched with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in maintaining the postharvest quality of mandarin (cv. Kinnow). ZnO-NPs were synthesized using Bidens pilosa leaf extract and incorporated into GA (2% w/v) at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% to form composite coatings: GA, GA + ZnO-NP 0.25%, GA + ZnO-NP 0.5% and GA + ZnO-NP 1%, respectively. Fruit were dipped for 3 min in the respective coatings, with untreated fruit used as control. Fruit were air-dried, packed in commercial cartons, and stored at 5 ± 1 • C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 40 days and observed at 10 days intervals, plus 5 days at 20 ± 5 • C and 65 ± 5% RH to determine the incidence of physiological disorders. GA + ZnO-NP showed promise as an alternative postharvest treatment for controlling postharvest physiological disorders associated with 'Kinnow' mandarin. For instance, GA + ZnO-NP 0.5% markedly minimized weight loss (9.2%), electrolyte leakage (43.8%) and chilling injury incidence (5.4%) compared to control (weight loss; 33.3%, electrolyte leakage; 90.3% and chilling injury incidence; 41.5%) at the end of the storage. GA + ZnO-NP 1% significantly alleviated rind pitting, with 13.2% incidence compared to 45.2% rind pitting incidence in the control fruit. This was due to significantly higher phytochemical and antioxidant capacity and reduced antioxidant enzyme degradation in coated fruit than in control. In conclusion, gum arabic coating enriched with ZnO-NPs at concentrations between 0.5 and 1% is recommended as a viable option to maintain the quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit during cold storage.
HSOA journal of agronomy and agricultural science, Nov 30, 2018
Physiological disorders of white/Irish potato tubers are abnormalities of the tubers which are no... more Physiological disorders of white/Irish potato tubers are abnormalities of the tubers which are not caused by infectious diseases/insects, or animals. Potato tuber abnormalities occur as a result of environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies or excess on the plant
Acta horticulturae, Oct 1, 2022
Asian journal of agricultural and horticultural research, Feb 12, 2020
Dormancy is a condition where seeds will not germinate even when the environmental conditions (wa... more Dormancy is a condition where seeds will not germinate even when the environmental conditions (water, temperature and aeration) are permissive for germination. Wild guavas (Psidium guajava L.) are very popular in all agro-ecological zones of Eswatini. Farmers have shown an interest towards guava cultivation but have to cope with the shortage of quality propagation material. The demand is not fulfilled because of unavailability of superior seedling rootstocks, which might be due to poor seed germination and seedling growth. Nevertheless, it has been reported that guava seeds exhibited seed dormancy, which affects their growth and development. The experiment was carried out to study effects of different pre-germination methods on seed germination of guava. The study was conducted at the University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus. The objective of the study was to get maximum germination of guava seeds in as short a time as possible. Four methods were used i.e., soaking in distilled water for five days at room temperature, soaking in hot water at 80ºC for three minutes, subjecting seeds to heat at 80ºC in oven for six minutes and Original Research Article
Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Jan 25, 2020
Vegetables are important in human diets as a side dish eaten either cooked or raw as in salads. T... more Vegetables are important in human diets as a side dish eaten either cooked or raw as in salads. They are important for their nutritional contribution as major sources of minerals, vitamins, nine essential amino acids, beneficial phytochemicals, fibre and interesting colour from an aesthetic point of view. Despite the immerse health benefits offered by vegetables there are challenges encountered in their post-harvest handling and storage up to consumption. Challenges include post-harvest losses due to diseases. Some losses occur even at household level when vegetables are not stored appropriately when stored under the sink where humidity can be high leading to an environment which promotes diseases. Diseases in the post-harvest chain are caused by bacteria and opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Post-harvest losses of vegetables are not only a threat to
Snow peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) are one of the widely used baby vegetable in Swaziland... more Snow peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) are one of the widely used baby vegetable in Swaziland; however, there is a dearth of information pertaining to its organic production. A field study laid out in Factorial Randomised Complete Block Design was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Luyengo Campus, of the University of Swaziland. Organic fertilisers used were kraal manure, broiler manure, and Igrow, applied at 20, 40, and 60 (t/ha). Inorganic fertilisers 2:3:2 (22) + 0.5% zinc and limestone ammonium nitrate (28%) were applied at 100 kg/ha and 80 kg/ha respectively. A trend of superiority of the different levels of organic manure application was observed as snow peas provided with 40 t/ha and 60 t/ha exhibited higher values in vegetative and reproductive growth, marketable yield and protein content especially on broiler and kraal manure application. The use of broiler manure at 40 t/ha and 60 t/ha in the production of vegetables like snow peas should be encouraged, because their application resulted in increased growth and yield compared to synthetic fertilisers.
Advancement in Medical Plant Research, 2022
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the major essential oil-producing species used in cul... more Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the major essential oil-producing species used in culinary and fragrance applications. However, there is a dearth of information pertaining to its organic production in the country. A field study laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Luyengo Campus, University of Eswatini to assess the effects of organic fertilisers on the growth, yield and nutritional content of basil. This study consisted of four treatments replicated four times. The organic fertilisers used were chicken manure, kraal (cattle) manure and compost. The rates of application were 40 t/ha for the manures. Chemical fertilizer 2:3:2 (22) + 0.5 Zinc (Zn) and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN 28%) were included at application rates of 150 kg/ha basal dressing and 100 kg/ha LAN top dressing, respectively. The results showed that the type of organic fertilizer applied affected the growth and yield of sweet basil. A trend in the superiority of the different types of organic fertilisers was observed as chicken manure exhibited higher values of the number of leaves (134.2), branches (78.6), leaf area (30.2 cm 2)) and chlorophyll content (68.2 CCI), fresh leaf mass (355 g), and fresh mass of basil plant (691 g). Kraal manure was the second, followed by chemical fertilizer and lastly compost. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in P, K, Mn, Cu, and Zn content due to the application of different organic fertilisers. Calcium, Mg and Fe showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the treatments. The use of chicken manure in the production of basil should be encouraged because its application resulted in relatively higher growth and yields compared to the other fertilisers.
Journal of experimental agriculture international, Feb 22, 2020
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the widely and popularly used salad vegetable in the Kingdo... more Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the widely and popularly used salad vegetable in the Kingdom of Eswatini: However, there is scarcity of information pertaining to its organic production. A field study laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Luyengo Campus, at the University of Eswatini to determine the effects of cattle manure on growth, yield, quality and shelf-life of beetroot. Five treatments were applied in this experiment, and included cattle manure applied at 20, 40, 60, and 80 t/ha and a control of inorganic fertilizer, NPK [2:3:2 (22)] applied at 100 kg/ha as basal dressing and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) (28) applied at 80 kg as a top dressing. The treatments were replicated four times. The results obtained showed that beetroot grown under the application rate of 80 t/ha exhibited higher values in plant height (32.5 cm), number of leaves (9), leaf area (206 cm 2), root diameter (5.1 cm), root length (11.7 cm), root fresh mass/plant (10.8 g), root dry mass/plant (9.2 g), marketable yield/plant (9.2 g) and quality [(aroma (33.5%), flavour (34%),
Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Mar 23, 2019
Calcium (Ca 2+) related physiological disorders of fruits and vegetables are abnormalities of fru... more Calcium (Ca 2+) related physiological disorders of fruits and vegetables are abnormalities of fruits and vegetables which are not caused by infectious diseases, insects, nematodes or animals. Fruit and vegetable abnormalities occur due to environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies or excess on the plant. In this study, information was sought through informal surveys, review of literature and interviews with key post-harvest handling and storage participants and direct observation of fruits and vegetables in the markets. Calcium related post-harvest physiological disorders of fruits and vegetables encountered in this study included: cavity-spot, black end and cork, bronzing, skin freckles, fruit and crown, fasciation, soft-nose/spongy-tissue, granulation, low temperature breakdown/flesh browning, water-core, senescent-breakdown, superficial-scald, bitter pit, leaf tipburn, golden specks and blossom-end rot. Post-harvest physiological disorders result in direct
Journal of Nematology, 2020
Tomato (Solanum esculentum) is one of the vegetable crops grown by both smallholder and commercia... more Tomato (Solanum esculentum) is one of the vegetable crops grown by both smallholder and commercial farmers in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta M. is a major insect pest of tomatoes resulting in reduced tomato yields throughout the country. The study investigated the virulence of two sub-tropical EPN species on T. absoluta larvae. Steinernema yirgalemense and S. jeffreyense at different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 IJs/insect) were screened for efficacy (i.e. mortality rate) against larvae of T. absoluta in laboratory bioassays. Results obtained showed that S. yirgalemense and S. jeffreyense were able to kill T. absoluta larvae without significant differences between the two EPN species in 24-well bioassay trays. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) mortality was observed when 60 IJs/insect was used. The combination of S. yirgalemense at 60 IJs/insect (100%) and S. jeffreyense at 60 IJs/insect (98.3%) resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.05) mortality, c...
International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science
Frontiers in Plant Science
Restricted postharvest application of synthetic fungicides in maintaining the quality of citrus f... more Restricted postharvest application of synthetic fungicides in maintaining the quality of citrus fruits has led to a search for alternative postharvest treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of gum arabic (GA) enriched with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in maintaining the postharvest quality of mandarin (cv. Kinnow). ZnO-NPs were synthesized using Bidens pilosa leaf extract and incorporated into GA (2% w/v) at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% to form composite coatings: GA, GA + ZnO-NP 0.25%, GA + ZnO-NP 0.5% and GA + ZnO-NP 1%, respectively. Fruit were dipped for 3 min in the respective coatings, with untreated fruit used as control. Fruit were air-dried, packed in commercial cartons, and stored at 5 ± 1°C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 40 days and observed at 10 days intervals, plus 5 days at 20 ± 5°C and 65 ± 5% RH to determine the incidence of physiological disorders. GA + ZnO-NP showed promise as an alternative postharvest treatment for controlling post...
Synthetic chemicals have been successfully used to control economic postharvest pathogens such as... more Synthetic chemicals have been successfully used to control economic postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., etc., thus reducing postharvest losses. However, their active ingredient and co-formulants have resulted in their use being restricted internationally due to health concerns and consumers' requests for safe and natural alternatives. As an alternative to chemicals, green synthesized nanomaterials incorporated with edible coatings in a polymer matrix have been successfully applied on horticultural crops to improve their shelf-life Due to their known antimicrobial activities, plant extracts and nanoparticles such as silver and zinc oxide have been successfully used in food processing applications. Green sources are used as stabilizer and reducing agents to synthesize shape and sizecontrolled metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Thus, eco-friendly nanoparticles are produced without using toxic materials and are cost-effective. Edible coatings form a thin layer that prevents oxidation, maintains the product quality, can be safely eaten as part of the product, and does not add unfavourable properties. Studies showed that edible coatings with or without green nanomaterials have been successfully used to control postharvest losses and improve the shelf-life of fruit crops such as plums, raspberries, etc.
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Papers by Kwanele A Nxumalo (PhD)