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Browsing by Author "Githinji, L."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Sweet Potato Yield and Consumer Preference for Thirteen Varieties Grown Organically in Virginia
    Githinji, L.; Gao, H. (2016-09-20)
    Growers are interested in knowing the yield and marketability of sweet potato as both variables determine profitability of the sweet potato enterprise. A study was carried out at Virginia State University’s Organic Research and Demonstration site located at Randolph Farm, Petersburg, Virginia, to determine the yield and consumer preferences of 13 varieties of sweet potato. These were Beauregard, Bellevue, Bonita, Burgundy, Covington, Hayman, Murasaki, O’Henry, Orleans, Porto Rico, Purple, Stokes, and Vardaman. The experiment was laid out as a complete randomized design with three replications established on 20-ft rows with 24 by 48 inches intra- and inter- row spacing, respectively. The slips were planted on June 18, 2015 while digging of roots was done at 105 and at 120 days after transplanting (DAP). During the growing period, the beds were watered twice each week for two hours per irrigation event using a drip irrigation system, and no fertilizers or pesticides were used. The total yield ranged from 6,897 lbs/ac for Hayman to 17,860 lbs/ac for Bellevue at 105 DAP, and 6,824 lbs/ac for Vardaman to 17,860 lbs/ac for Bellevue at 120 DAP. For the consumer preference, the most desirable characteristics were reported for Burgundy (8.4) while the least desirable characteristics were reported for the purple varieties (4.6 to 4.7) based on the data that was reported. ). We conclude that this information will be useful to current and potential sweet potato growers for planning their production enterprises.
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    Urban Agriculture as an Avenue for Transforming Food Insecure Neighborhoods
    Githinji, L. (2016-03-29)
    With over 17 percent of Virginia population living in food deserts, or areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, it is imperative to mitigate the situation by investing in urban food production. Offering continuous extension education that involves hands-on training is the key to increasing urban food production leading to enhanced food security. The Sustainable and Urban Agriculture Program (SUAP) at Virginia State University, in conjunction with other partners, is providing comprehensive urban agriculture education across the state to increase knowledge and hands-on skills of gardeners, farmers, and extension educators. To accomplish this, the program is engaged in conducting regular workshops, field days, and hands-on training on various urban agriculture topics. In addition, the program is establishing demonstration sites across the state for displaying appropriate techniques, as well as developing and disseminating educational resources. The expected long-term project outcomes are increased urban food production, enhanced food security, reduced cost of food, improved health through access to fresh foods, and increased local incomes. The success of the project is constantly being evaluated using appropriate tools such as pre/post-tests, questionnaires, surveys, and follow up interviews.