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Articles 151 - 180 of 1443

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Insect Biological Control: A Global Perspective, Lessando M. Gontijo, Jorge B. Torres, Paul K. Abram, Armando Alfaro-Tapia, Hugo C. Arredondo-Bernal, Antonio Biondi, Raymond A. Cloyd, Alejandro C. Costamagna, Nicolas Desneux, Marie D’Ottavio, Michael J. Furlong, Nancy M. Greco, Roselyne Labbe, Martin Hill, Blas Lavandero, Tian Hao Li, José R. Lomelí-Flores, Eric Lucas, Gerben J. Messelink, Margarita Rocca, Marcela Rodriguez-Garcia, José R.P. Parra, Ainara Peñalver-Cruz, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Sean Thackeray, Alberto Urbaneja, German Vargas, Myron P. Zalucki, Lian Sheng Zang Jan 2025

Insect Biological Control: A Global Perspective, Lessando M. Gontijo, Jorge B. Torres, Paul K. Abram, Armando Alfaro-Tapia, Hugo C. Arredondo-Bernal, Antonio Biondi, Raymond A. Cloyd, Alejandro C. Costamagna, Nicolas Desneux, Marie D’Ottavio, Michael J. Furlong, Nancy M. Greco, Roselyne Labbe, Martin Hill, Blas Lavandero, Tian Hao Li, José R. Lomelí-Flores, Eric Lucas, Gerben J. Messelink, Margarita Rocca, Marcela Rodriguez-Garcia, José R.P. Parra, Ainara Peñalver-Cruz, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Sean Thackeray, Alberto Urbaneja, German Vargas, Myron P. Zalucki, Lian Sheng Zang

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The intentional use of biological control agents to manage arthropod pests dates back to as early as 304 AD, when Chinese farmers used weaver ants to manage citrus pests. Over time, biological control has evolved into distinct approaches: classical, augmentation, and conservation. Prior to the advent of pesticides, most insect pest management relied on natural and classical biological control. The most common strategy used at first, despite regional variations, was the importation of biological control agents. Nonetheless, due to issues with unintentional non-target impacts, numerous failures in the introduction, and longer periods required for implementation, augmentative and conservation approaches have …

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Swatting Flies: Biting Insects As Non-Invasive Samplers For Mammalian Population Genomics, Anubhab Khan, Ryan Carter, Chengetai D. Mpamhanga, Daniel Masiga, Manun Channumsin, Marc Ciosi, Oliva Manangwa, Furaha Mramba, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Harriet Auty, Barbara K. Mable Jan 2025

Swatting Flies: Biting Insects As Non-Invasive Samplers For Mammalian Population Genomics, Anubhab Khan, Ryan Carter, Chengetai D. Mpamhanga, Daniel Masiga, Manun Channumsin, Marc Ciosi, Oliva Manangwa, Furaha Mramba, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Harriet Auty, Barbara K. Mable

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Advances in next-generation sequencing have allowed the use of DNA obtained from unusual sources for wildlife studies. However, these samples have been used predominantly to sequence mitochondrial DNA for species identification while population genetics analyses have been rare. Since next-generation sequencing allows indiscriminate detection of all DNA fragments in a sample, technically it should be possible to sequence whole genomes of animals from environmental samples. Here we used a blood-feeding insect, tsetse fly, to target whole genome sequences of wild animals. Using pools of flies, we compared the ability to recover genomic data from hosts using the short-read sequencing (Illumina) …

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Aflatoxin Prevalence And Association With Maize Grain Physical And Nutritional Qualities In The Informal Markets In Meru County, Kenya, C. Cherotich, M. W. Okoth, Abong’ Go, S. W. Kariuki, E. R. Omuse Jan 2025

Aflatoxin Prevalence And Association With Maize Grain Physical And Nutritional Qualities In The Informal Markets In Meru County, Kenya, C. Cherotich, M. W. Okoth, Abong’ Go, S. W. Kariuki, E. R. Omuse

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In Kenya, aflatoxin contamination in maize remains a persistent issue, with potential negative impacts on both public health and economic growth. Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species, primarily Aspergillus flavus. The extent of Aspergillus fungal invasion in maize grains and the resulting increase in aflatoxin levels is heavily influenced by pre-and post-harvest practices. Before harvest, factors such as insect damage and exposure to warm, humid conditions increase the crop's susceptibility to Aspergillus infection and subsequent aflatoxin formation. Post-harvest, additional risks arise when kernels are damaged by pests like rats or when they are stored in unfavorable …

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Can Fungal Endophytes Suppress Trialeurodes Vaporariorum And The Transmission Of Tomato Infectious Chlorosis And Chlorosis Viruses In Field Conditions?, Marial Makur Zechariah Paweer, Everlyne Samita Namikoye, Shem Bonuke Nchore, Komivi Senyo Akutse Jan 2025

Can Fungal Endophytes Suppress Trialeurodes Vaporariorum And The Transmission Of Tomato Infectious Chlorosis And Chlorosis Viruses In Field Conditions?, Marial Makur Zechariah Paweer, Everlyne Samita Namikoye, Shem Bonuke Nchore, Komivi Senyo Akutse

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Field trials were conducted for two seasons in two experimental sites (Mwea in Kirinyaga and Ngoliba in Kiambu counties of Kenya) to assess the efficacy of fungal endophytes Hypocrea lixii F3ST1 and Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4 in the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum vector of tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) through seeds inoculation. TICV and ToCV’s disease incidence, severity and the yield were also evaluated. All the fungal endophytes successfully colonized all the tomato plant parts, but the highest root colonization was observed in H. lixii F3ST1 compared to the T. asperellum M2RT4 in both seasons. The …

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The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies-Based Extension In Agriculture: Application, Opportunities And Challenges, Kelvin Mulungu, Menale Kassie, Maurice Tschopp Jan 2025

The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies-Based Extension In Agriculture: Application, Opportunities And Challenges, Kelvin Mulungu, Menale Kassie, Maurice Tschopp

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Limited access to information about new technologies is a major barrier to agricultural productivity. To bridge this information gap, agricultural extension services increasingly use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide timely and actionable information to farmers. This systematic review analyses evidence from 49 studies examining the impact of ICT interventions including mobile apps, SMS messaging, educational videos, and voice calling services on awareness, agricultural practices adoption, yields, and income. The review reveals that 76% of studies reported increased adoption of good agricultural practices, 60% demonstrated improved awareness, 74% indicated higher yields, and 68% observed enhanced incomes. Cereals, particularly maize, …

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Biology-Informed Inverse Problems For Insect Pests Detection Using Pheromone Sensors, Thibault Malou, Nicolas Parisey, Katarzyna Adamczyk-Chauvat, Elisabeta Vergu, Béatrice Laroche, Paul André Calatayud, Philippe Lucas, Simon Labarthe Jan 2025

Biology-Informed Inverse Problems For Insect Pests Detection Using Pheromone Sensors, Thibault Malou, Nicolas Parisey, Katarzyna Adamczyk-Chauvat, Elisabeta Vergu, Béatrice Laroche, Paul André Calatayud, Philippe Lucas, Simon Labarthe

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Most insects have the ability to modify the odor landscape in order to communicate with their conspecies during key phases of their life cycle such as reproduction. They release pheromones in their nearby environment, volatile compounds that are detected by insects of the same species with exceptional specificity and sensitivity. Efficient pheromone detection is then an interesting lever for insect pest management in a precision agroecological culture context. A precise and early detection of pests using pheromone sensors offers a strategy for pest management before infestation. In this paper, we develop a biology-informed inverse problem framework that leverages temporal signals …

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Biological Control Of Ticks In Domestic Environments: Modeling The Potential Impact Of Entomopathogenic Fungi On The Transmission Of East Coast Fever In Cattle, Joseph Wang Ang A. Oundo, Nienke Hartemink, Mart C.M. De Jong, Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou, Daniel Masiga, Quirine Ten Bosch Jan 2025

Biological Control Of Ticks In Domestic Environments: Modeling The Potential Impact Of Entomopathogenic Fungi On The Transmission Of East Coast Fever In Cattle, Joseph Wang Ang A. Oundo, Nienke Hartemink, Mart C.M. De Jong, Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou, Daniel Masiga, Quirine Ten Bosch

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Biological control of ticks using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a highly desired alternative to chemical acaricides for the control of tick-borne pathogens. For Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 7, one of these EPFs, efficacy against multiple tick species has been demonstrated in laboratory and field settings. However, we currently have little quantitative understanding of how EPFs can impact transmission. We developed a deterministic model of tick–host–pathogen interactions to explore how the effects of EPF on Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks may impact the transmission dynamics of East Coast fever (ECF) in cattle populations. We parameterized the multi-faceted effects of EPFs on tick dynamics …

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Nutritional And Antioxidant Properties Of Two Species Of Edible Scarab Beetles (Cetonia Aurata And Oryctes Rhinoceros), S. S. Mwanza, C. M. Mudalungu, N. M. Kimani, H. O. Mokaya, B. O. Ochieng, S. Juma, C. M. Tanga Jan 2025

Nutritional And Antioxidant Properties Of Two Species Of Edible Scarab Beetles (Cetonia Aurata And Oryctes Rhinoceros), S. S. Mwanza, C. M. Mudalungu, N. M. Kimani, H. O. Mokaya, B. O. Ochieng, S. Juma, C. M. Tanga

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Edible scarab beetles are important repositories for nutritive and bioactive compounds, but this information remains largely unexplored. This study explored the nutritional and therapeutic properties of two edible scarab beetles from three different locations (Embu, Murangâa and Nairobi Counties) in Kenya. Morphological and molecular characterization of the wild collected larvae revealed two important edible beetle species (Cetonia aurata L. and Oryctes rhinoceros L.). The larvae of both species are excellent source of crude proteins (44% for O. rhinoceros and 63% for C. aurata). The larvae of O. rhinoceros were rich in minerals, particularly calcium (15.75-22.65 mg/g) and potassium (13.62-22.88 mg/g). …

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Effects Of Insect Meals On Fish Digestibility, Blood Parameters, And Economic Performance: A Meta-Analysis, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, A. Hidir, M. Ikhwanuddin, N. A. Fatan, R. Muhammad-Rahimi, S. Ning-Shahira, R. G.N. Siankhe, G. W. Vandenberg, C. M. Tanga, R. Yossa Jan 2025

Effects Of Insect Meals On Fish Digestibility, Blood Parameters, And Economic Performance: A Meta-Analysis, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, A. Hidir, M. Ikhwanuddin, N. A. Fatan, R. Muhammad-Rahimi, S. Ning-Shahira, R. G.N. Siankhe, G. W. Vandenberg, C. M. Tanga, R. Yossa

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This review examines the use of insect meal (IM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in fish feeds within the past decade. While global interest in this alternative is growing, research on its effects on fish digestibility, blood parameters, and economic performance has been limited. Meta-analysis on the apparent digestibility coefficient revealed a negative effect summary on dry matter (0.92) and crude lipid (0.51), although the difference between the two groups was relatively minor. However, a positive effect summary was reported in the apparent digestibility of crude protein (0.12), suggesting a potential advantage in the utilization of protein by fish …

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Global Strategies To Manage Huanglongbing (Hlb) And Its Vectors: Insights And Implications For The Mediterranean Region, Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, Mark S. Hoddle, Fernando Alferez, Lochy Batista, George A.C. Beattie, Shourish Chakravarty, Paul Holford, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Aruna Manrakhan, Paul H. Fourie, Maritza Luis, Eduardo Osorio-Hernández, Mamoudou Sétamou, Alejandro Tena, Pedro Takao Yamamoto, Tara Wade, Changyong Zhou, Nian Wang, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Alberto Urbaneja Jan 2025

Global Strategies To Manage Huanglongbing (Hlb) And Its Vectors: Insights And Implications For The Mediterranean Region, Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, Mark S. Hoddle, Fernando Alferez, Lochy Batista, George A.C. Beattie, Shourish Chakravarty, Paul Holford, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Aruna Manrakhan, Paul H. Fourie, Maritza Luis, Eduardo Osorio-Hernández, Mamoudou Sétamou, Alejandro Tena, Pedro Takao Yamamoto, Tara Wade, Changyong Zhou, Nian Wang, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Alberto Urbaneja

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Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a severe threat to the global citrus industry. This disease is caused by three species of bacteria, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, ‘C. L. africanus’, and ‘C. L. ameri-canus’. The primary pathogen vectors are the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio, Hemiptera: Triozidae). The disease is incurable, and its management relies on reducing vector densities and the adverse effects of bacterial infections on host trees. Managing psyllid vec-tors, especially D. citri, has proven exceptionally challenging due to its rapid spread and subsequent …

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An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika Jan 2025

An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

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Global food production systems are under pressure due to population increase, limited farmland, biotic and abiotic constrains, and ongoing climate change. Sustainable intensification is needed to increase agricultural productivity with minimal adverse environmental and social impacts. Vegetable-integrated push pull (VIPP) technology coupled with black soldier fly (BSF) frass offer such opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, farmers’ vegetable preferences and willingness to adopt these innovations remain unknown and are variable across various geographic scales. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-person interviews with smallholder farmers were conducted to assess vegetable production constraints and select vegetables to be integrated into VIPP coupled with …

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The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana Jan 2025

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

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Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

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Morphometric Characterization Of Invasive Diaphorina Citri Infesting Citrus And Orange Jasmine In Ghana, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Bernard Agyeman Boateng, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Fred Kormla Ablormeti, Samuel Opuni-Basoa, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, George Edusei, Steve B.S. Baleba, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo Jan 2025

Morphometric Characterization Of Invasive Diaphorina Citri Infesting Citrus And Orange Jasmine In Ghana, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Bernard Agyeman Boateng, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Fred Kormla Ablormeti, Samuel Opuni-Basoa, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, George Edusei, Steve B.S. Baleba, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo

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Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different …

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Performance Of The Dssat Manihot-Cassava Model For Cassava Cultivation In The Recôncavo Baiano, Diego M. De Melo, Paola De F. Bongiovani, Fabio L.S. Costa, Patricia Moreno-Cadena, Alexandre B. Heinemann, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, Mauricio A. Coelho Filho Jan 2025

Performance Of The Dssat Manihot-Cassava Model For Cassava Cultivation In The Recôncavo Baiano, Diego M. De Melo, Paola De F. Bongiovani, Fabio L.S. Costa, Patricia Moreno-Cadena, Alexandre B. Heinemann, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, Mauricio A. Coelho Filho

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The aim of the present study was to calibrate the DSSAT MANIHOT-Cassava model with information from cassava varieties grown in the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state, Brazil. The database used to calibrate the model was obtained in the dry sub-humid tropical climate in Cruz das Almas city, from 2019 to 2020. The model was calibrated with experimental data obtained under irrigated and rainfed conditions for the BRS Novo Horizonte and Eucalipto varieties. The calibration was carried out by adjusting parameters related to the characteristics of each variety. Model performance was evaluated with statistical indices that indicate the precision and accuracy …

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Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi Jan 2025

Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi

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Introduction: Food price volatility continues to be a significant concern in Kenya's economic development, posing challenges to the country's economic stability. Methodology: This study examines the application of machine learning methods, employing a hybrid approach that combines XGBoost and gradient boosting, to predict food prices in Kenya. The food prices data from the World Food Programme, covering the period from January 2006 to September 2024, as well as currency exchange rates data from the Central Bank of Kenya in US dollars (USD) and inflation rates data, were collated and preprocessed to be ready for analytics and machine learning. The augmented …

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Acceptability And Suitability Of Some Poaceae Plants For Fall Armyworm Feeding And Oviposition, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Islam S. Sobhy, Duncan Cheruiyot, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan, Amanuel Tamiru Jan 2025

Acceptability And Suitability Of Some Poaceae Plants For Fall Armyworm Feeding And Oviposition, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Islam S. Sobhy, Duncan Cheruiyot, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan, Amanuel Tamiru

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Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has invaded new geographical regions, now spanning Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, from its native distribution in the last decade. Little is known about FAW host plants in recently invaded habitats; although more than 300 hosts have been reported in the Americas, its native habitat. In our study, we evaluated the acceptability and suitability of 12 cultivated varieties of plants from Africa, in the family Poaceae, for FAW herbivory and oviposition. Methods: Experiments investigating larval development, no-choice oviposition, and no-choice larval arrestment-feeding were conducted to evaluate the insect´s ability to utilize …

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Earth Observations Reveal Impacts Of Climate Variability On Maize Cropping Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adomas Liepa, Michael Thiel, Hannes Taubenböck, Doris Klein, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marcell K. Peters, Sarah Schönbrodt-Stitt, Insa Otte, Tobias Landmann, Zeyaur R. Khan, Michael Ochieng Obondo, Frank Chidawanyika, Emily A. Martin, Tobias Ullmann Jan 2025

Earth Observations Reveal Impacts Of Climate Variability On Maize Cropping Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adomas Liepa, Michael Thiel, Hannes Taubenböck, Doris Klein, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Marcell K. Peters, Sarah Schönbrodt-Stitt, Insa Otte, Tobias Landmann, Zeyaur R. Khan, Michael Ochieng Obondo, Frank Chidawanyika, Emily A. Martin, Tobias Ullmann

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In Kenya, climate variability and change threaten smallholder, rainfed farms, with crop failures, yield reductions, and pest infestations. Efficient agroecological strategies, such as Push-Pull intercropping, offer documented benefits including pest control, improved soil fertility, and water conservation compared to traditional maize monocropping. To date, no studies exist comparing traditional maize monocropping and Push-Pull intercropping using earth observation tools over several growing seasons in East Africa. Our research addresses this by harmonizing Landsat 7, 8, 9 with Sentinel-2 remote sensing time series from 2016 to 2023. Phenological metrics of 15 growing seasons are extracted based on a threshold method using the …

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Farmers’ Decision Processes About Biocontrol Innovation Adoption: Dynamics Surrounding Push-Pull Technology In Western Kenya, Olufemi Samson Adesina, Stephen Whitfield, Susannah M. Sallu, Steven M. Sait, Jimmy Pittchar Dec 2024

Farmers’ Decision Processes About Biocontrol Innovation Adoption: Dynamics Surrounding Push-Pull Technology In Western Kenya, Olufemi Samson Adesina, Stephen Whitfield, Susannah M. Sallu, Steven M. Sait, Jimmy Pittchar

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Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face increasing challenges from pests and climate change, among other issues. In response to these challenges, international agricultural research for development (R4D) investment is often focused on developing and scaling up techniques and technologies that bolster resilience. However, such approaches are often technocentric and follow linear assumptions of innovation diffusion and adoption, which overlook the complex realities that influence smallholder farmers’ dynamic decisions and engagement with novel techniques. This study used qualitative ethnographic methods to explore the experiences, knowledge construction, motivations, and decision-making of farmers in Western Kenya regarding the extensively researched push-pull technology …

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Review – Insect Farming For Food And Feed In The Global South: Focus On Black Soldier Fly Production, K. B. Barragán-Fonseca, D. Gómez, C. H. Lalander, D. Dzepe, S. Y. Chia Dec 2024

Review – Insect Farming For Food And Feed In The Global South: Focus On Black Soldier Fly Production, K. B. Barragán-Fonseca, D. Gómez, C. H. Lalander, D. Dzepe, S. Y. Chia

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Clear differences exist between the Global South and the Global North with respect to economic development. The majority of small and medium-sized insect production farms are located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which face challenges to food production and organic waste management in general. These regions have a long history of insect use, as well as environmental advantages, making production of insects in general - and the black soldier fly in particular - a promising option for sustainable food production and organic waste management. This study aimed to identify the current state of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) …

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Feeding Habits And Malaria Parasite Infection Of Anopheles Mosquitoes In Selected Agroecological Areas Of Northwestern Ethiopia, Aklilu K. Belay, Abebe Asale, Catherine L. Sole, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto, Clifford M. Mutero, David P. Tchouassi Dec 2024

Feeding Habits And Malaria Parasite Infection Of Anopheles Mosquitoes In Selected Agroecological Areas Of Northwestern Ethiopia, Aklilu K. Belay, Abebe Asale, Catherine L. Sole, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto, Clifford M. Mutero, David P. Tchouassi

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Background: Surveillance of the host–anopheline mosquitoes’ interaction is important for assessing malaria transmission risk and guiding vector control. We assume that changes in malaria vector species’ feeding habits, as well as the surrounding environment, have a substantial impact on varied malaria transmission. In this study, we determined the vertebrate host feeding patterns of anopheline mosquitoes to characterize entomologic risk factors for malaria in Jabi Tehnan, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: Blood-fed anophelines surveyed during malaria surveillance in Jabi Tehnan district of northwestern Ethiopia were utilized in this study. They were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps deployed …

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Effect Of Microsporidia Mb Infection On The Development And Fitness Of Anopheles Arabiensis Under Different Diet Regimes, Godfred Yaw Boanyah, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Jeremy K. Herren, Tullu Bukhari Dec 2024

Effect Of Microsporidia Mb Infection On The Development And Fitness Of Anopheles Arabiensis Under Different Diet Regimes, Godfred Yaw Boanyah, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Jeremy K. Herren, Tullu Bukhari

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Background: Microsporidia MB (MB) is a naturally occurring symbiont of Anopheles and has recently been identified as having a potential to inhibit the transmission of Plasmodium in mosquitoes. MB intensity is high in mosquito gonads, with no fitness consequences for the mosquito, and is linked to horizontal (sexual) and vertical (transovarial) transmission from one mosquito to another. Maximising MB intensity and transmission is important for maintaining heavily infected mosquito colonies for experiments and ultimately for mosquito releases. We have investigated how diet affects the MB-Anopheles arabiensis symbiosis phenotypes, such as larval development and mortality, adult size and survival, as well …

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Bioinformatics Analysis Of The Microsporidia Sp. Mb Genome: A Malaria Transmission-Blocking Symbiont Of The Anopheles Arabiensis Mosquito, Lilian Mbaisi Ang’Ang’O, Jeremy Keith Herren, Özlem Tastan Bishop Dec 2024

Bioinformatics Analysis Of The Microsporidia Sp. Mb Genome: A Malaria Transmission-Blocking Symbiont Of The Anopheles Arabiensis Mosquito, Lilian Mbaisi Ang’Ang’O, Jeremy Keith Herren, Özlem Tastan Bishop

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Background: The use of microsporidia as a disease-transmission-blocking tool has garnered significant attention. Microsporidia sp. MB, known for its ability to block malaria development in mosquitoes, is an optimal candidate for supplementing malaria vector control methods. This symbiont, found in Anopheles mosquitoes, can be transmitted both vertically and horizontally with minimal effects on its mosquito host. Its genome, recently sequenced from An. arabiensis, comprises a compact 5.9 Mbp. Results: Here, we analyze the Microsporidia sp. MB genome, highlighting its major genomic features, gene content, and protein function. The genome contains 2247 genes, predominantly encoding enzymes. Unlike other members of the …

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Shaping The Microbial Landscape: Parasitoid-Driven Modifications Of Bactrocera Dorsalis Microbiota, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Jeremy K. Herren, Christopher W. Weldon, Shepard Ndlela, Joseph Gichuhi, Nehemiah Ongeso, Anne W. Wairimu, Sunday Ekesi, Samira A. Mohamed Dec 2024

Shaping The Microbial Landscape: Parasitoid-Driven Modifications Of Bactrocera Dorsalis Microbiota, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Jeremy K. Herren, Christopher W. Weldon, Shepard Ndlela, Joseph Gichuhi, Nehemiah Ongeso, Anne W. Wairimu, Sunday Ekesi, Samira A. Mohamed

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Koinobiont endoparasitoids regulate the physiology of their hosts through altering host immuno-metabolic responses, processes which function in tandem to shape the composition of the microbiota of these hosts. Here, we employed 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing to investigate whether parasitization by the parasitoid wasps, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmaed) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Psyttalia cosyrae (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), induces gut dysbiosis and differentially alter the gut microbial (bacteria and fungi) communities of an important horticultural pest, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We further investigated the composition of bacterial communities of adult D. longicaudata and P. cosyrae to ascertain whether the adult parasitoids …

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Edible Caterpillars (Gonimbrasia Belina And Gynanisa Maja) As Emerging Source Of Nutrients And Bioactive Compounds, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Brian O. Ochieng, Dennis Beesigamukama, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Cynthia Mudalungu, Xavier Cheseto, Isaac M. Osuga, Sevgan Subramanian, Segenet Kelemu Dec 2024

Edible Caterpillars (Gonimbrasia Belina And Gynanisa Maja) As Emerging Source Of Nutrients And Bioactive Compounds, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Brian O. Ochieng, Dennis Beesigamukama, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Cynthia Mudalungu, Xavier Cheseto, Isaac M. Osuga, Sevgan Subramanian, Segenet Kelemu

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Globally, despite the commercial and cultural importance of edible caterpillars (Gynanisa maja and Gonimbrasia belina), comprehensive information on their dietary and therapeutic benefits has not been fully explored. The study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds profile of two important edible caterpillars (Gonimbrasia belina and Gynanisa maja) in Africa. Our results demonstrated that G. belina and G. maja are capable of amplifying host plant protein (17 %) by 4.3-folds [72.8 %] and 3.6-folds [61.3 %], respectively. Lysine (32.6 mg/g), methionine (12.5–27.1 mg/g) and valine (7.7–25.4 mg/g) value were significantly harnessed. Substantial amounts of ω−3 fatty acids …

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Unearthing Lactococcus Lactis And Scheffersomyeces Symbionts From Edible Wood-Boring Beetle Larvae As A Bio-Resource For Industrial Applications, Shadrack Kibet, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Njogu M. Kimani, John Mark O. Makwatta, James Kabii, Subramanian Sevgan, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga Dec 2024

Unearthing Lactococcus Lactis And Scheffersomyeces Symbionts From Edible Wood-Boring Beetle Larvae As A Bio-Resource For Industrial Applications, Shadrack Kibet, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Njogu M. Kimani, John Mark O. Makwatta, James Kabii, Subramanian Sevgan, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Background: Gut microbiota have several advantages in influencing the host nutrition, metabolism, immunity and growth. However, the understanding of the gut microbiota in key edible wood-boring beetle larvae remain largely undefined. In the present study, the characteristics of the gut microbiota of two edible wood-boring species (Titocerus jaspideus and Passalus punctiger) from two indigenous forested areas were investigated. Results: Over 50% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) constituted of Firmicutes in T. jaspideus. The dominant phyla in both beetle species were Bacteroidota (4.20–19.79%) and Proteobacteria (15.10–23.90%). Lactococcus lactis was the most abundant and core prokaryote in the guts of T. jaspideus. …

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Effects Of Changing Farming Practices In African Agriculture, Todd S. Rosenstock, Peter Steward, Namita Joshi, Christine Lamanna, Nictor Namoi, Lolita Muller, Akinwale O. Akinleye, Erica Atieno, Patrick Bell, Clara Champalle, William English, Anna Sarah Eyrich, Angela Gitau, Dorcas Kagwiria, Hannah Kamau, Anna Madalinska, Lucas Manda, Scott Mcfatridge, Elijah Mumo, Alex Nduah, Babra Ombewa, Anatoli Poultouchidou, Janie Rioux, Meryl Richards, Julia Shuck, Helena Ström, Katherine Tully Dec 2024

Effects Of Changing Farming Practices In African Agriculture, Todd S. Rosenstock, Peter Steward, Namita Joshi, Christine Lamanna, Nictor Namoi, Lolita Muller, Akinwale O. Akinleye, Erica Atieno, Patrick Bell, Clara Champalle, William English, Anna Sarah Eyrich, Angela Gitau, Dorcas Kagwiria, Hannah Kamau, Anna Madalinska, Lucas Manda, Scott Mcfatridge, Elijah Mumo, Alex Nduah, Babra Ombewa, Anatoli Poultouchidou, Janie Rioux, Meryl Richards, Julia Shuck, Helena Ström, Katherine Tully

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Information on the effects of changing agricultural management on crop and livestock performance is critical for developing evidence-based policies, investments, and programs. Evidence for Resilient Agriculture (ERA) v1.0.1 presents a dataset that harmonizes and aggregates 112,859 observations from 2,011 agricultural studies taken place in Africa between 1934 and 2018. The dataset includes information on the effect of 364 combinations of management practices and technologies on 87 environmental, social, and economic indicators of outcomes. Observations are geolocated and temporally tagged and thus can be linked to other datasets such as historical weather, soil properties, and road networks. ERA offers a new …

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Chemosensory Function Of Varroa Gnathosoma: Transcriptomic And Proteomic Analyses, Beatrice T. Nganso, Nurit Eliash, Kannan Mani, Noa Sela, Alejandro Villar-Briones, Angelina Fathia Osabutey, Ada Rafaeli, Alexander S. Mikheyev, Victoria Soroker Dec 2024

Chemosensory Function Of Varroa Gnathosoma: Transcriptomic And Proteomic Analyses, Beatrice T. Nganso, Nurit Eliash, Kannan Mani, Noa Sela, Alejandro Villar-Briones, Angelina Fathia Osabutey, Ada Rafaeli, Alexander S. Mikheyev, Victoria Soroker

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In this study, we evaluated the role of the gnathosoma (mouthparts) in chemosensing of the most devastating honey bee parasite, Varroa destructor mite. Through transcriptomic analysis, we compared the expression of putative chemosensory genes between the body parts containing the main chemosensory organs (the forelegs), gnathosoma and the rest of the body devoid of these two body parts. Furthermore, we checked the presence of chemosensory-related transcripts in the proteome of the gnathosoma. Our comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed the presence of 83 transcripts with known characteristic conserved domains belonging to eight chemosensory gene families in the three Varroa transcriptomes. Among these …

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Multimodal Interactions In Stomoxys Navigation Reveal Synergy Between Olfaction And Vision, Merid N. Getahun, Steve B.S. Baleba, John Ngiela, Peter Ahuya, Daniel Masiga Dec 2024

Multimodal Interactions In Stomoxys Navigation Reveal Synergy Between Olfaction And Vision, Merid N. Getahun, Steve B.S. Baleba, John Ngiela, Peter Ahuya, Daniel Masiga

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Stomoxys flies exhibit an attraction toward objects that offer no rewards, such as traps and targets devoid of blood or nectar incentives. This behavior provides an opportunity to develop effective tools for vector control and monitoring. However, for these systems to be sustainable and eco-friendly, the visual cues used must be specific to target vector(s). In this study, we modified the existing blue Vavoua trap, which was originally designed to attract biting flies, to create a deceptive host attraction system specifically biased toward attracting Stomoxys. Our research revealed that Stomoxys flies are attracted to various colors, with red proving to …

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A Mathematical Model For Mapping The Insecticide Resistance Trend In The Anopheles Gambiae Mosquito Population Under Climate Variability In Africa, Komi Mensah Agboka, Mark Wamalwa, James Mutuku Mutunga, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Dec 2024

A Mathematical Model For Mapping The Insecticide Resistance Trend In The Anopheles Gambiae Mosquito Population Under Climate Variability In Africa, Komi Mensah Agboka, Mark Wamalwa, James Mutuku Mutunga, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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The control of arthropod disease vectors using chemical insecticides is vital in combating malaria, however the increasing insecticide resistance (IR) poses a challenge. Furthermore, climate variability affects mosquito population dynamics and subsequently IR propagation. We present a mathematical model to decipher the relationship between IR in Anopheles gambiae populations and climate variability. By adapting the susceptible-infected-resistant (SIR) framework and integrating temperature and rainfall data, our model examines the connection between mosquito dynamics, IR, and climate. Model validation using field data achieved 92% accuracy, and the sensitivity of model parameters on the transmission potential of IR was elucidated (e.g. μPRCC = …

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Long-Term Push–Pull Cropping System Shifts Soil And Maize-Root Microbiome Diversity Paving Way To Resilient Farming System, Abdul A. Jalloh, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Sevgan Subramanian, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai Dec 2024

Long-Term Push–Pull Cropping System Shifts Soil And Maize-Root Microbiome Diversity Paving Way To Resilient Farming System, Abdul A. Jalloh, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Sevgan Subramanian, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai

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Background: The soil biota consists of a complex assembly of microbial communities and other organisms that vary significantly across farming systems, impacting soil health and plant productivity. Despite its importance, there has been limited exploration of how different cropping systems influence soil and plant root microbiomes. In this study, we investigated soil physicochemical properties, along with soil and maize-root microbiomes, in an agroecological cereal-legume companion cropping system known as push–pull technology (PPT). This system has been used in agriculture for over two decades for insect-pest management, soil health improvement, and weed control in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared the results with …

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