Lack of awareness and information on the traits of orphan crops such as finger millet is a major constraint to finger millet production. Farmer participatory and varietal selection (FVPS) is an efficient method of achieving productivity through enhancing adoption of improved high yielding varieties. A study was conducted in two major growing areas in central Rift Valley, Agri-ecological zone III (ATC-Nakuru and Bomet), to assess the level of awareness and farmer preference of twenty-five finger millet varieties. Farmer participatory variety selection was conducted at physiological maturity of the finger millets. One hundred farmers assessed and scored their preferred traits and varieties in each site. The scores were ranked on a scale of 1-5 in Focused Group Discussions (FDGs) and analyzed using Kruskal Wallis H-test of non-parametric data using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) while scores collected on variety traits were used to construct a Pair-wise ranking table to find the best traits selected by farmers. The results showed that farmers preferred high yielding varieties with qualities such as uniformity, drought tolerance, tillering ability, big fingers, lodging and folded or straight fingers. They appreciated the snapping varieties for the ease of harvesting using fingers instead of traditional cutting using a knife. Kal 2 Pader (3.9), P-224 (3.9), KatFM1×U151.6.6.3.1.1 (3.9), GBK 027189A (2.8), Snapping green early (3.7) and KatFM1xU151.7.8.2.1 (3.7) were the most preferred varieties while in AEZ III, Bomet ATC KatFM1 (4.3), KNE 741 (4.3), KNE629 (4.2), KatFM1×U151.6.6.3.1 (4.1), Gulu E (3.9), GBK 027189A (3.8) and Kal 2 pader (3.8) were the most preferred varieties in ATC Nakuru. In both sites KatFM1×U151.6.6.3.1.1 (4.0), Kal 2 pader (3.85) and GBK 027189A (3.8), Gulu E (3.75) and P-224 (3.75), were ranked the best.The farmers expressed their interest in accessing the seeds of these improved varieties. FPVS provides a platform for identification of t h e most preferred traits of finger millet and knowledge dissemination of improved varieties to farmers.

Pyricularia grisea characterization is a prerequisite for species differentiation and understanding of the pathosystem, evolution and diversity of species. The aim of this study is to determine the morphological variation, pathogen virulence and molecular diversity of P. grisea isolates. Five isolates from infected heads of finger millet were collected from Bomet, Nakuru, Baringo, Busia and Machakos counties in 2019. The samples were cultured in the lab for both characterization and spore suspension preparation. Data on morphological characterization included colony diameter, color and shape of conidia. Pathogenicity test was done in the greenhouse in a randomized complete block design using KNE 741, a susceptible genotype and disease data scored. Molecular characterization involved the use of seven SSR markers. Data analyses included use of softwares such as AUDPC, Power Maker, GeneAlex and Darwin. Results showed that P. grisea isolates had different growth pattern with respect to color, colony diameter and conidia shape. Pathogenicity test revealed that all sites had significant different (P<0.01) virulence on the test genotype. Neck blast, scored at physiological maturity was prominent in Koibatek and Bomet strains while leaf blast was severe in Bomet and Alupe strains. Molecular analysis showed that ENA ranged from 1.30 (MGM 437) -1.99 (Pyrm 61-62) with an average of 1.71. PIC varied between 0.20-0.37 for primers MGM 437 and Pyrm 61-62, respectively. Factorial and phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. grisea isolates were diverse with no geographical grouping. AMOVA indicated diversity occurred within populations (87%) as opposed to among populations (13%). The high P. grisea variability found in the study is a clear indication of the high sexual recombination among strains collected in major growing areas of Kenya.