Prof. Mebelo Mataa

Education Background

• PhD. Agricultural Science (Horticulture), Kagoshima University, Japan  
• MSc. Horticulture, Kagoshima University, Japan
• BSc. Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia

Research Interests

• Ecophysiological effects of environmental stresses (water, nutrients and light) and effects on plant productivity.
• Domestication, conservation and commercialization of indigenous plants.
• Postharvest physiology of horticultural commodities.
• Optimization of horticultural propagation protocols.
• Sustainable agriculture and environmental impact of agricultural activities.

Teaching Responsibilities

• Advanced Horticulture (AGC 5421)
• Postharvest physiology (AGC 5712)
• Undergraduate research course (AGC 5004)
• Horticulture (AGC 6162)
• Plant propagation (AGC 6172)
• Sustainable Agriculture (AGC 6125)
• Plant Physiology (AGC 6111)
• Physiology of Yield (AGC 6162)
• Postgraduate research courses (AGC 7000/8000)

Postgraduate Student Supervision

1. Main Supervisor

• Abera, B. (Post Doc, 2015): Evaluation of the cultural significance of neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS) in Ethiopia. Dept. of Biology, College of Natural resources, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
• Namanyungu, D. (PhD, 2018): Soil and Yield Responses of incomplete conservation tillage practices in millet, sorghum and cowpea.
• Shula, D. (MSc, 2016): Comparative performance of Millet, sorghum and cowpea under incomplete conservation tillage practices.
• Siziya, I.  (MSc, 2015): Changes in secondary metabolite and macronutrient content associated with maturity and processing methods in selected roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) genotypes.
• Manda, N. (MSc, 2015): Developmental elasticity in soybeans (Glycine max L) in response to phased thinning.
• Sichilima I. (MSc, 2014): Morpho-physiological variation and seed vigour associated with variable planting densities in soybeans (Glycine max L).
• Bwalya B. (MSc, 2014): Comparative effects of tillage system on selected soil properties and yields in groundnuts (Arachis hypogea).
• Singogo, B. (MSc, 2013): Relationship between environmental temperature and soil types on beta carotene content and yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Varieties.
• Fruit Tree Production Manual: Mebelo Mataa. A Farmer’s Guide. Published by Zambia National Farmers Union and Swedish Cooperative Centre, Regional Office Southern Africa. Swedish Cooperative Centre 2013. New Horizon Printing Press. ISBN No. 9982- 55- 063-2.
• Smallholder Vegetable Production Practices: Mebelo Mataa. Study Circle Material. Published by Zambia National Farmers Union and Swedish Cooperative Centre, Regional Office Southern Africa. Swedish Cooperative Centre 2013, New Horizon Printing Press. ISBN 9982- 55- 079- 9.
• Mathias T. (MSc, 2012): Survey and molecular characterization of Cassava Mosaic Virus Gemini viruses and their effects on yield of cassava (Manihot esculentum) in Zambia.
• Mambo, W. (MSc, 2011): Comparative effects of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) cake and other cover crops on the soil physical and chemical properties
• Mulundu, M. (MSc, 2011): Relationship between vine propagation method, growth and yield in sweetpotato. (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)
• Bwalya J. (MSc, 2010): Estimation of net carbon sequestration potential of citrus (Citrus spp) under different management systems using the life cycle approach.
• Mabengwa M. (MSc, 2008): Growth responses of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) to different growing media under greenhouse and field conditions
• Dondo, B. (MSc, 2007): Efficacy of bio- control of maize stalk borers (Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus and Sesamia calamistis) using sorghum-maize intercropping systems.
• Mbwaga, Z. (MSc, 2006): Quality and yield stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) varieties grown in different agro-ecologies.
• Mwansasu, D. F. (MSc, 2005): Evaluation of different propagation media for use in the production of selected indigenous fruit trees.
• Mwenebanda, B. M. L. (MSc, 2003): Potential use of dormant buds as explants and callus tissue culture for micro propagation of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe).
• Kiya, M. (MSc, 2002): The Influence of the stage of maturity of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersci) on quality and shelf life in selected cultivars.
• Kalima P. (MSc, 2011): Physiological responses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes to water stress.
• Nkoma N. (MSc, 2011): Stability of yield and antioxidant content of selected advanced cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L] Walp.) germplasm.

Ongoing Research

• Effects of incomplete conservation practices on soil and crop productivity, in conjunction with Self Help Africa.
• Evaluation of underutilized vegetables- roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Chili- Capsicum spp. In conjunction with Horticultural Innovation Labs consortium/ Rutgers University USA.
• Yield plasticity and elasticity in soybeans (Glycine max).

Selected Publications

• Mataa, M., N.  Manzi and K. Munyinda. 2018. Stability and Maturity of Different Poultry Manures and Potential Utilization for Horticultural Production.  Environment and Pollution 7. In press.
• Sichilima, I., Mataa, M. and A. M. Mweetwa. 2018. Morpho- physiological and yield responses associated with plant density variation in soybean (Glycine max L. (Merrill)). International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology. 3:274- 285.
• Mataa, M., P. Cheelo, and M. Lungu. 2017. Effect of apical dominance on bud take in Citrus vegetative propagation. International Journal of Agricultural Research Innovation and Technology. 7: 64- 70.
• Tembo, M., M. Mataa, J. Legg, P.C. Chikoti and P. Ntawuruhungu. 2017. Cassava mosaic disease: incidence and yield performance of cassava cultivars in Zambia. Journal of Plant pathology. 99: 681- 689.
• Kalima P., M. Mataa and D. M. Lungu. 2017. Physiological responses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes to water stress. Journal of Agriculture and Biomedical Sciences. In press.
• Hampwaye, G., Mataa, M., Siame, G. and O. L. Kamanga. 2016. City Regions Food System Situation Analysis, Lusaka Zambia. 2016. FAO, International Network of Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF) and University of Zambia. FAO Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP). Available on http://www.fao.org/3/a-bl822e.pdf
• Kanyanta, M. L. Mwala, M. S. and M. Mataa. 2015. Use of inbred line secondary traits in predicting performance in maize (Zea mays. L) hybrids under low nitrogen. Zambia Journal of Agricultural Science 10: 23- 29.
•  Hamvumba, R., M. Mataa and A. Mutiti Mweetwa. 2014. Evaluation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) for phytoremediation of lead contaminated soils. Environment and Pollution 3: 65- 73. Available on www.ccsnet.org/ep
• Sitko, N. J., A. Chapoto, S. Kabwe, S. Tembo, M. Hichaambwa, R. Lubinda, H. Chiwawa, M. Mataa, S. Heck, and  Nthani. D. 2011. Technical Compendium: Descriptive Agricultural Statistics and Analysis for Zambia in Support of the USAID Mission’s Feed the Future Strategic Review. Food Security Collaborative Working Papers. Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. Available on http://www.aec.edu/agrecon/fs2/zambia/index.htm
• M. Mtamboh, M. Mataa, and O. I. Yerokun. 2009. Soil Chemical and biochemical effects of jatropha (Jatropha curcus) under Zambian conditions. Inaugural National Symposium on Agriculture. Held at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia Lusaka 7- 8th April, 2009.
• Mataa M., C. Musenga and C. Hakachite. 2009. Longevity Responses of ‘Akito’ Rose (Rosa spp) Cut Flowers when treated with BAP Growth Regulator and or Aluminium Sulphate Germicide. Zambia Journal of Agricultural Science. 9: 22-27.
• Mataa, M. and S. Chilembo. 2009. Interaction of preharvest and postharvest practices on internal fruit quality in mango (Mangifera indica). University of Swaziland Journal of Agriculture, Science & Technology. 12: 129- 137.
• M. Kiya, M. Mataa and K. Nguz. 2007. Influence of the stage of maturity at harvesting on quality and shelf-life of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). University of Swaziland Research Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology 10: 93-98.
• Mbwaga, Z, M. Mataa and M. Msabaha. 2007. Quality and yield stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) varieties grown in different agro-ecologies. African Crop Society Conference. October 2007, Cairo Egypt.
• Mwenda, H. M., Lusambo, E., Phiri, E. and M. Mataa. 2005. Assessment of the Potential of the Manufacture of Mechanized Irrigation Systems in Zambia. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Inter- disciplinary Research. Lusaka, 11th to 12th August 2005. pp 59- 64.
• Mataa, M. 2000. Performance of some apple cultivars under Zambian tropical conditions. J. Hort. Sci. & Biotech. 75: 346- 349.
• Mataa, M. and S. Tominaga. 1998. Effects of root restriction on tree development in ponkan mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123: 651-655.
• Mataa, M. and S. Tominaga. 1998. The Effects of shading stage and level on fruit set and development, leaf carbohydrates and photosynthesis in ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Japan. J. Trop. Agr. 42: 103- 110.
• Mataa, M., S. Tominaga and I Kozaki. 1998. The effect of time of girdling on carbohydrate contents and fruiting in ponkan mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Scientia Hort. 73: 203-211.
• Mataa, M. and S. Tominaga. 1998. Reproductive-vegetative shoot growth interactions and relationship to non-structural carbohydrates in immature ponkan mandarin. (Citrus reticulata Blanco). J. Hort. Sci. & Biotech. 73: 191-196.
• Mataa, M., S. Tominaga and I. Kozaki. 1998. Relative effects of growth retardant (paclobutrazol) and water stress on tree growth and photosynthesis in ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco). J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 67: 28-34.
• Mataa, M. and S. Tominaga. 1998. Influence of application time on growth retardation by paclobutrazol in ponkan mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Bull. Fac. Agr. Kagoshima Univ. 48: 1- 6 (in Japanese with English summary).
• Mataa, M., S. Tominaga and I. Kozaki. 1997. Effects of application of exogenous growth regulators on source-leaf carbohydrate accumulation patterns in ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco). J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 66: 246-251.
• Mataa, M., S. Tominaga and I. Kozaki. 1996. Seasonal changes of carbohydrate constituents in ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco). J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 65: 513-523.