Research

Apple Peel Biochemical Changes after Foliar Application of Combined Boron and Calcium II. Photosynthetic Pigments, Total Peroxides and Photochemical Efficiency

Published

5 years ago

July 3, 2020

Mark Wamai

Seedlings in a nursery at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute - Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso Uganda.

Understanding of the physiological effect of post-full-bloom foliar boron combined with calcium (B+Ca) on apple (Malus domestica ) peel tissues is envisaged to give way to the unknown mode-of-action by which these mineral regimens suppress fruit sunburn-browning incidence in orchards. Promotion of this mineral approach among growers, as a certainly cheaper alternative to mitigate fruit sunburn-browning incidence in apple orchards necessitates clear elucidation of its mode-of-action. This study investigated peel photosynthetic pigments and total peroxides (as a measure of oxidative stress) in three apple cultivars, ‘Cripps Pink’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ which were treated with four B+Ca treatments varying in levels of B and Ca as well as inclusion of zinc (Zn) in one treatment. Randomized complete block design experiments with five replications were conducted at commercial farms in Western Cape, South Africa. Significant (p < 0.05) treatment effect for major pigment aspects and total peroxides occurred in all cultivars, but with strong influence of cultivar and fruit age. For instance, effect of varying B, Ca and possible B+Ca duet-effect on photosynthetic pigments occurred in ‘Cripps Pink’, whereas the Zn-treatment was mainly responsible for significant treatment effects in both ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Significant treatment effect for total peroxides occurred in ‘Cripps Pink’ and ‘Granny Smith’, yet significant interaction effect occurred with ‘Golden Delicious’, however, these significant results did not yield meaningful peel oxidative stress differences among the treatments. Foliar treatment differences in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) were not sig-nificant. The study concludes with firm evidence that foliar B+Ca treatment composition has a significant effect on apple peel photosynthetic pigments depending on cultivar, and Zn is not desirable in the formulation of these treatments.

Keywords: Carotenoids, Chlorophyll, Total Peroxides, Malus domestica , ‘Cripps Pink’

Business & Management

PIM CoE Magazine Issue 1: Jul-Dec 2024

Published

4 hours ago

February 5, 2025

Betty Kyakuwa

Cover page of the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) Magazine Issue 1: July - December 2024. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) was conceived as a result of the 2016 PIM Diagnostic study done by the World Bank and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development with support from Makerere University School of Economics that discovered inefficiencies in PIM in Uganda.

This report highlights the work, achievements and prospects of the Center. The Center plans to start offering Advanced level training through Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in PIM and Master of Science in Economic and Investment Modelling (MEIM). I am pleased to introduce this report to the public for use by all stakeholders.

I would like to appreciate PIM CoE Secretariat, partners, staff and well-wishers for technical support, daily running of the Center and their role in the realization of these achievements.

Special thanks go to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Makerere University for the overwhelming support rendered towards the development of the Center.

Prof. Edward Bbaale
Principal & Principal Investigator, CoBAMS/PIM CoE

Makerere-CoBAMS-PIM-CoE-Magazine-Issue-1-Jul-Dec-2024 Download

Research

CARTA Graduate Dr. Drago on Advancing Research in Infectious Diseases

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2025

Mark Wamai

Dr. Kato Charles Drago at work in the Lab. Photo: CARTA.

In our latest ‘Stories of Change’ feature, CARTA graduate, Kato Charles Drago, cohort 3, Makerere University shares his journey from an early-career scientist to a leading expert in infectious disease in Uganda. His work focuses on biomarkers for zoonotic diseases, securing over $5 million in research funding, and establishing a biosafety level 2 lab for high-impact research at Makerere. Beyond his research, Kato is mentoring the next generation of African scientists and strengthening regional collaborations.

Read the full story here

Source: CARTA Newsletter Issue 85

General

CARTA Fellow Dr. Wandera Receives Research Excellence Award

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2025

Mark Wamai

Right to Left: Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Dr. Patricia Ndugga and Ms. Namugenyi Christabellah. Convocation Luncheon, 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, CoBAMS, CHS and CoNAS. 14th January 2025, Research, Teaching, Students Excellence Awards, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Stephen Wandera, cohort 2, Makerere University, was nominated for the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award 2025. This nomination recognizes his outstanding contributions to research excellence. The award ceremony took place on January 14, 2025, during the Convocation luncheon, following the 75^th graduation ceremony of Makerere. We congratulate Stephen on this significant achievement and commend his dedication to advancing research within his field.

Source: CARTA Newsletter Issue 85