B.Tech, MSc., PhD
Email:rosemary.keyagha@futo.edu.ng
Many important agricultural traits such as crop yield, weight gain in animals, fat content in meat etc are quantitative traits that are controlled by multiple genes segregating according to Mendel’s law and much of the pioneering research into the mode of inheritance of these traits are performed by agricultural geneticists. As a plant breeder and molecular geneticists, I have keen interest in the development of new crop varieties that will withstand pests and diseases, cope with drought and other environmental stresses; and dramatically increase farmers’ yield using improved seeds produced through conventional and molecular breeding methods, thus increasing farmer’s productivity, producing a good marketable surplus, thereby making a major contribution towards ending hunger and poverty in Nigeria. Most of my works revolve around plant breeding and genetics with emphasis on molecular genotyping, morphological diversity, genetic variability, crop improvement and heritability studies of various crops such as sweet potato, cucumber, maize, okra, garlic, onions, legumes, pepper, Amarantus cruentus etc. In my doctoral research, I focused on assessment of sweet potato germplasm from different locations using morphological and molecular tools to improve the health and general well-being of Nigerians by developing sweet potato genotypes with the desired combination of high dry matter, β-carotene, starch and low sugar content. My research therefore contributed to the pre-breeding knowledge base required for the improvement of sweetpotato nutritional qualities targeting β-carotene, dry matter, starch, sucrose, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium as a sustainable strategy to reduce the problems associated with vitamin A and micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition among people in developing countries thereby leading to an increased food security and thus enhanced skills and knowledge base of sweetpotato breeders, research scientists and extension workers towards improved sustainable agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
|
Academic Qualification
Ø B.Agric Tech. (Crop Science) Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria, (2004). Ø M.Sc. (Agronomy) University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, (2009).
Ø M.Sc. (Plant Breeding and Genetics) Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, (2014).
Ø Ph.D. (Plant Breeding and Genetics) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia state, Nigeria, (2021).
Ø Certificate Course (Contemporary approaches to Genetic Resources, Conservation and Use), Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, (2019).
Ø Certificate Course (Contemporary approaches to Genetic Resources, Conservation and Use), Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, (2012).
|
Honours/Awards
Ø Contemporary Approaches to Genetic Resources, Conservation and Use at Wageningen UR Centre for Development innovation, Netherlands. (April, 2019).
Ø The Goi Peace Foundation and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Essay Competitiion 1-4-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093 Japan. (September, 2007).
Ø N.Y.S.C. Kano State Honors Award, Kano State. (August, 2006).
Ø Merit Award from Kano Catholic Diocese, Kano State. (August, 2006). |
Affiliations
Ø Netherlands Institute Alumni Association of Nigeria (NIAAN) Ø Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN) Ø Genetics Society of Nigeria (GSN) Ø Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN) Ø Organization for women in Science for the developing world (OWSD) Ø Young Professionals Platform on Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD) Ø Organic Agriculture Project for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (OAPTIN) Ø Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) Ø Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Ø National Science Foundation (NSF)
|
Courses Assigned to Teach
Research Interest
Ø Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics Ø Molecular Biology Ø Plant Biotechnology Ø Bioinformatics Ø Artificial Intelligence Ø Climate change Ø Crop Improvement
|
Publications
E. R. Keyagha, J. I. Ulasi, O. A. Umeh and S. Shuaibu Kahya, (2023). Molecular genotyping of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) accessions using microsatellites; Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science 8(1): 1-7, https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2023.080101. e-ISSN: 2456-6632. E. M. Nwokeji, M. C. Ibeh, N. W. Nnaji , V. E. Ogwudire, E. R. Keyagha , C. O. Cookey, R. A. Alagba and G. O. Ihejirika (2023). Management of Phytophthora Blight of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Hugh) through the Use of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Plant Parts Aqueous Extracts, Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science Volume 8, Issue 3, Page 36-43, 2023; Article no.AJRCS.96222 ISSN: 2581-7167.
Ulasi, J. Ifeanyi, Gamaliel, I.Harry and Keyagha, E. Rosemary (2022). Diversity of morphological characters in progenies of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) obtained from polycross and controlled crossed systems in southeastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Plant Breeding, Volume 1(1): 33-42.
Nwokeji, E.M., Nwufo, M.I., Agu, C.M., Ihejirika, G.O., Peter-onoh, C., Ogwudire, V.E. Okere, S.E. Emmanuel- Okafor, L. C., Cooky, C.O. and Keyagha, E. R. (2022). Effects of different organic mulch materials on the performance and fungal diseases of pepper (capsicum annum L) in Owerri, Nigeria, International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 25(2): 6322-6326.
J. U. Agbim, S. O. Afuape, J. I. Ulasi and E. R. Keyagha (2022), Assessment of genetic parameters for important agronomic traits in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) germplasm in two agro- ecological regions of Nigeria. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 34(20): 693-708, Article no.IJPSS.88185 ISSN: 2320-7035.
E. M. Nwokeji , V. E. Ogwudire , C. P. Anyanwu , C. O. Cooky, E. R. Keyagha , G. O. Ihejirika and A. A. Ngwuta (2022). Management of Tomato Fusarium Wilt and Septoria Leaf Spot through the Use of Plant Extracts and Tomato Cultivars, in Owerri, South East, Nigeria, Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences 4(2): 133-141, 2022; Article no.AJORIB.115.
Book Chapter Lovina I. Udoh, Josephine U. Agogbua, Eberechi R. Keyagha and Itorobong I. Nkanga (2022), Carotenoids in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz); DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.10521
Ulasi Joseph Ifeanyi , Okim Rinene Samuel and Keyagha Eberechi Rosemary (2021), Evaluation of storage root yield, dry matter and starch content in f1 progenies of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) obtained from controlled cross system. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch Vol. 06, No. 06; 2021 ISSN: 2456-8643. Ulasi, J.I., Afuape, S.O., and Keyagha, E.R. (2021). Assessment of morphological diversity among full sibs of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Genotypes in Umudike SouthEastern Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, Volume 6 (6): 78-91. ISSN: 2456-8643.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Okoli, N.A., Nwaigwe, M.O., Abana, P.C., Keyagha, E.R.,and Ibeawuchi, I.I. (2019). Moisture conservation techniques and micro-climate moderation for late season production of selected maize (Zea mays) varieties in Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Food Environment (JAFE) Volume 6 (1): 32-44.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Iwuanyanwu, U.P, Okoli, N.A., Keyagha, E.R. (2019). Effect of Organic manure for sustainable productivity of plantain/cassava intercrop in the Ultisol of Southeastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agricultural Technology, (NJAT), Vol. 16:1-5. ISSN: 0795-2775.
Dialoke, S.A., Emosairue, S.O., Akparaobi, C.O., Cookey, C.O., Keyagha, E.R., and Ogwudire, V.E. (2019). Impact of rates and frequency of formulated neem seed oil (F-NSO) on Riptortus dentipes Fab, Hemiptera: Coredae damage of improved Pigeonpea in Owerri, rainforest zone of Southeastern, Nigeria. International Journal of Entomology Research, ISSN: 2455-4758; Impact factor: RJIF5.24, Volume 4, issue 2, pp 53-58.
Umeh, O.A. and Keyagha, E.R. (2019). Genetic variability and heritability studies of some reproductive traits in cucumber (Cucumus sativus L.) International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 22(2): 4310-4316. ISSN: 1595 – 9716. Cookey, C.O., Dialoke, S.A., Keyagha, E.R., Bosah, B.O., and Ogbede, K.O. (2019). Synergistic effect of poultry manure and some botanicals on cowpea root-gall nematode infection in a naturally infested soil of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Canadian Journal of Agriculture and Crops. Volume 4 (1) 17-25. e-ISSN: 2518-6655.
Dialoke, S.A., Akparobi, S.O., Ngwuta, A.A., Bosah, B.O., Nwosu, L.C., Zakka, U., Ogbede, K.O., Ojiako, F.O., Echereobia, C.O., Cookey, C.O., Tom, C.T., Keyagha, E.R., Okere, S.E. and Eke, J.C. (2019). Effect of color sticky traps on the population of major pests of improved pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L) Mill sp) cultivar and its yield in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria, International Journal of Science and Technology. ISSN 2321-919X. Vol. 7 issue 4 DOI No.: 10.24940/the ijst 2019/V7/14/STI708-049.
Keyagha, E.R., Onyishi, G.C., Ngwuta, A.A., and Onwubiko, N.C. (2018). Genetic diversity in yield and yield related traits in some accessions of Maize (Zea mays L.), Nigerian Journal of Crop Science (NJCS), Volume 5(1):40-43. ISSN: 2350-2487.
Onyishi, G.C., Agu, C.M., Nwachukwu, C.G. and Keyagha, E.R (2018). Optimal time of the day for controlled maize pollination in rain forest agro-ecology of South-Eastern Nigeria, Nigerian Agricultural Journal, Vol. 49 (1): 11-14. ISSN: 0300-368X.
Keyagha, E.R., Emma-Okafor, L.C., Cookey, C.O., Adikuru, N.C., Otika, I.C., and Obasi, C.C. (2018). Growth response of Amarantus cruentus to different organic media in Owerri, South-Eastern Nigeria. Proceedings of the 5th National Annual conference of the Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN), pp 233-238.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Alagba, R.A., Okoli, N.A., Nnebue, O.M., Keyagha, E.R., and Ibeawuchi, I.I., (2018). Pineapple forage legume intercropping systems for sustainable pineapple production in the tropical rainforest of South Eastern Nigeria, FUTO Journal series (FUTOJNLS), Volume 4, Issue 2, pp 1-9. ISSN: 2467-8325.
Keyagha, E.R., Agbim, J.U. and Amasiatu, O.M. (2017). Multivariate assessment of variations in yield and yield components of Maize (Zea mays L.). International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 20(1): 2967-2970, ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Umeh, O.A., Ngwuta, A.A., Onyishi, G.C., Anyanwu, C.P., Keyagha, E.R., Peter-Onoh, and Onovo, J.C. (2017). Application of molecular tools in breeding cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.): A review. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 20(2): 3175-3180, ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Okoli, N.A., Alagba, R.A., Ibeawuchi, I.I., Obiefuna, J.C. and Keyagha, E.R. (2017). Effects of three rates of mucuna live-mulch in the production of plantain in Owerri area of Southeastern Nigeria, International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 20(1): 3004-3010. ISSN:1595 – 9716.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Okoli, N.A., Alagba, R.A., Ibeawuchi, I.I.,Obiefuna, J.C. and Keyagha, E.R. (2017). Fruiting patterns of explants from acropetal loci of pineapple growth axis. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 20(1): 3011-3015. ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Keyagha, E.R., Uwakwe, J.C., Cookey, C.O., Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Alagba, R.A., Ihejirika, G.O. and Ogwudire, V.E. (2016). Effect of different growing media on the growth and development of Irvingia wombulu in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 19(1): 2569-2575. ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, Abana, P.C., Keyagha, E.R., Ogwudire, V.E., Cookey, C.O., and Okoli, N.A. (2016). Effect of tillage methods and poultry manure on the Growth and yield of African garden egg (Solanum macrocarpon) in Owerri, Rainforest Zone of Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 19(1): 2583-2589. ISSN: 1595 9716.
Cookey, C.O., Agu, C.M., Uwaga, E.C., Keyagha, E.R. and Ogwudire, V.E. (2016). Effect of plastic mulch colour and cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus) on Root-gall nematode (Meloidogyne spp) infection in a Nigerian Ultisol, Journal of Global Biosciences, ISSN: 2320-1355, Volume 5, Number 5, pp. 4149-4157.
Emma–Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Ibeawuchi, I.I., Okoli, N.A., Keyagha, E. R., Amasiatu, O.M. Cookey, C.O. and Alagba, R.A. (2016). Effective weed management and income generation in plantain production in the Rainforest zone of Nigeria, Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS) ISSN: 2458-925X, Vol. 2 Issue 11, special issue.
N.C. Onwubiko, C.A. Uka, A.A. Ngwuta, G.C. Onyishi and R.E. Keyagha (2015). Organics to enhance Emergence and Growth of oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seedlings. Journal of Advances in Biology and Biotechnology, 3(1): 36-41, Article no. JABB. 2015.030 ISSN: 2394-1081. Science Domain International.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Ibeawuchi, I.I., Horsefall, T.I.M., Peter-Onoh, C.A. and Keyagha, E.R. (2015), Productivity response of Maize/Sweet potato mixtures to poultry manure rates in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Vol. 18(2): 2173-2182 ISSN: 1595 – 9716
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Ibeawuchi, I.I., Peter-Onoh, C.A. , Okoli, N.A., Alagba, R.A. and Keyagha, E.R. (2015) Effects of planting time and poultry manure on late season plantain establishment and yield in Owerri Rainforest zone of Nigeria., Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Health care. ISSN:2224-3208, Vol. 5, No. 20.pp 40-46.
Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Ibeawuchi, I.I., Peter-Onoh C.A. , Okoli, N.A., Alagba, R.A. and Keyagha, E.R. (2015) Effects of planting time and poultry manure on late season plantain establishment and yield in Owerri Rainforest zone of Nigeria., Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Health care. ISSN:2224-3208, Vol. 5, No. 20.pp 40-46.
Okoli, N.A., Obiefuna, J.C., Ihejirika, G.O., Alagba, R.A., Keyagha, E.R., Adikuru, N.C., and Emma-Okafor, L.C. (2015). Effect of organic manure mixtures and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Owerri Area of Imo state, Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, IJARD, Volume 18(2): 2209-2214. ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Onyishi, G.C., Ngwuta, A.A. and Keyagha, E.R. (2014) Maturity estimate and Genetic Correlation among various quantitative characters in Maize (Zea mays L.) Accessions of South Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development. IJARD, Vol. 17 (3) 2000-2005. ISSN:1 595 – 9716.
Dialoke, S.A., C.A. Peter-Onoh, I.I. Ibeawuchi, A.A. Ngwuta, N.O. Kabuo, C.O. Cookey, R.E. Keyagha, B.O. Bosah, E.O. Egho and J.N. Akalazu (2013), The Insect orders and Relative Abundance (RA) of major pest species on early Maturing Pigeon pea Cultivar (Cajanus cajan L. Mill SP. in Imo state, Nigeria, International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development. IJARD, Vol. 16(1) 1436-1443 ISSN: 1595 – 9716.
Agim, L.C; Osuji,G.E; Ndukwu, B.N. and Keyagha, E.R. (2012) Erodibility status of soils under different land use types in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria. Science and Technology in Africa, FUTO Alumni Association in Diaspora (FAAD) Texas, U.S.A. pp. 6-9. EIN:26-0365709.
Onuoha, E.R., Mbuka C.O., Onyishi G.C., Aken’Ova, M.E., and Poly Mba, C.P. (2011) Inheritance of Dwarf Plant height in Okra. (Abelmoschus esculentus), International Journal of Agriculture; Volume 3, Number 2, pp .26-28. Pan African Journal series.
Mbuka, C.O.; Agu C.M.; Ogwudire V.E., and Onuoha E.R. (2011 Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) as affected by root-gall nematode disease (Meloidogyne javanica). International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development. IJARD, 14(1): 577-580. ISSN: 1595-9716.
Obilo, O.P., G.O. Ihejirika, K.O., Ogbedeh, E.R., Onuoha, K.C. Uzosike, V.C. Ilozumba and O.P. Ibe. (2010) The Efficacy of garlic and other plant extracts in the Control of septorial leaf spot of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development. IJARD 14(2):627-629. ISSN: 1595-9716.
Onuoha R.E., Ashama Aku Omeji and Rosemary Eberechi Onuoha, (2010) Profitability Analysis of Food Vending as Micro Enterprise in Aguata L.G.A. of Anambra State, Nigeria; Journal of Occupation and Training, School of Agriculture and Vocational studies, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State. Vol. 4(1) 1-5, ISSN: 3446-6290.
Onyishi, G.C., Ajagu, C.O., Onuoha, E.R., Okoporie, E.O., and Dialoke, S.A. (2010).Evaluation of the performance of Upland Rice cultivars as affected by fertilizer levels in a Clay loam Ultisol, Nigerian Agricultural Journal Vol. 41(1)76-82, ISSN: 0300-368x.
Onuoha R.E., Ashama Aku Omeji and Rosemary Eberechi Onuoha, (2010). Economies of small scale Broiler production in Aboh Mbaise Area of Imo State, Nigeria, Journal of Occupation and Training, School of Agriculture and Vocational studies, Alvan Ikoku Federal college of Education, Owerri, Imo State. Vol. 5(1) 1-7, ISSN: 3446-6290.
G.O. Ihejirika, M.I. Nwufo, C.I. Duruigbo, E.U. Onweremadu, O.P. Obilo, E.R. Onuoha and K.O. Ogbede. (2006) Effects of Plant extract and plant density on the severity of leaf spot disease of groundnut (Cercospora arachidicola Hori.) in Imo State., Journal of plant Sciences 1(4): 374-377, ISSN 1816-4951 Academic journals, Inc. US
|
Research/Publication Links
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8854-8932
Research Gate Profile URL: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rosemary-Keyagha
Google Scholar Page:https://scholar.google.com/citations