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Articles 211 - 240 of 1443

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Integrating Vegetables In Push-Pull Technology: Gendered Preferences Of Smallholder Farmers In Western Kenya, F. O. Ouya, J. O. Pittchar, F. Chidawanyika, Z. R. Khan Jan 2024

Integrating Vegetables In Push-Pull Technology: Gendered Preferences Of Smallholder Farmers In Western Kenya, F. O. Ouya, J. O. Pittchar, F. Chidawanyika, Z. R. Khan

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Transformative rural smallholder agriculture addressing biophysical constraints requires farmer-led innovations for increased technology adoption. Following the need to further intensify the cereal push-pull technology (PPT) for pest and weed control through integration with vegetables, we conducted surveys to determine suitable vegetables across three different counties in Kenya namely Homabay, Siaya, and Trans-Nzoia. Farming in these areas is predominantly maize based and introducing vegetables to the system will improve household food and nutritional security, together with income. A systematic random sampling method was used to sample a total of 124 smallholder farmers who were interviewed during field days where farmer awareness …

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Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Infesting Cattle In Coastal Kenya Harbor A Diverse Array Of Tick-Borne Pathogens, Joseph Wang Ang A. Oundo, Shewit Kalayou, Quirine Ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt, Daniel Masiga Jan 2024

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Infesting Cattle In Coastal Kenya Harbor A Diverse Array Of Tick-Borne Pathogens, Joseph Wang Ang A. Oundo, Shewit Kalayou, Quirine Ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt, Daniel Masiga

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Ticks and the microbes they transmit have emerged in sub-Saharan Africa as a major threat to veterinary and public health. Although progress has been made in detecting and identifying tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) across vast agroecologies of Kenya, comprehensive information on tick species infesting cattle and their associated pathogens in coastal Kenya needs to be updated and expanded. Ticks infesting extensively grazed zebu cattle in 14 villages were sampled and identified based on morphology and molecular methods and tested for the presence of bacterial and protozoan TBPs using PCR with high-resolution melting analysis and gene sequencing. In total, 3,213 adult ticks …

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Effects Of Four Potent Entomopathogenic Fungal Isolates On The Survival And Performance Of Telenomus Remus, An Egg Parasitoid Of Fall Armyworm, Junitor Chepkemoi, Ken Okwae Fening, Felicitas Chaba Ambele, Joseph Munywoki, Komivi Senyo Akutse Jan 2024

Effects Of Four Potent Entomopathogenic Fungal Isolates On The Survival And Performance Of Telenomus Remus, An Egg Parasitoid Of Fall Armyworm, Junitor Chepkemoi, Ken Okwae Fening, Felicitas Chaba Ambele, Joseph Munywoki, Komivi Senyo Akutse

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Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a generalist pest known to feed on more than 300 plant species, including major staple crops such as rice, maize and sorghum. Biological control of FAW using a combination of a major indigenous egg parasitoid Telenomus remus and entomopathogenic fungi was explored in this study. Metarhizium anisopliae strains (ICIPE 7, ICIPE 41, and ICIPE 78) and Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 621 which demonstrated effectiveness to combat the pest, were evaluated through direct and indirect fungal infection to assess their pathogenicity and virulence against T. remus adults, S. frugiperda eggs and their effects on T. remus …

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Editorial: Invasive Pathogens And Arthropods: Biogeography, Drivers Of Invasion Success, Impacts On Indigenous Forest Trees And Emerging Management Strategies, Frank Chidawanyika, Komivi S. Akutse, Tendai Musvuugwa, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Casper Nyamukondiwa Jan 2024

Editorial: Invasive Pathogens And Arthropods: Biogeography, Drivers Of Invasion Success, Impacts On Indigenous Forest Trees And Emerging Management Strategies, Frank Chidawanyika, Komivi S. Akutse, Tendai Musvuugwa, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Casper Nyamukondiwa

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With the ongoing global anthropogenic climate change, a silent war rages in forests, the lungs of the earth. Invasive pathogens and insect pests are decimating native trees, compromising ecological function, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Many of the processes surrounding successful biotic invasions are broad and have been previously analyzed (Hobbs et al., 2006; Blackburn et al., 2011). For invasive insect pests and pathogens, globalization, the rise in human population and associated environmental disturbances are recognized as fundamental drivers of introduction of propagules of non-native species to novel environments. Superior tolerance of extreme climate environments, in particular temperature, is also associated …

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Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated With Maize, And Their Relationship With Soil Properties In Southern And Southwestern Ethiopia, Abebe W. Aseffa, Beira H. Meressa, Tadele Tefera, Kristina K. Green, Peter Anderson, Esayas Mendesil Jan 2024

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated With Maize, And Their Relationship With Soil Properties In Southern And Southwestern Ethiopia, Abebe W. Aseffa, Beira H. Meressa, Tadele Tefera, Kristina K. Green, Peter Anderson, Esayas Mendesil

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Maize is an important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Plant-parasitic nematodes significantly impact maize production. However, research on maize nematodes in SSA is limited. The current study aimed to assess the occurrences and densities of nematodes associated with maize and to assess the correlation of some soil physicochemical properties with nematodes in southern and southwestern Ethiopia. One hundred and eighty-six soil and root samples were collected from 62 maize fields (31 from Hawassa Zuria and 31 from Mana districts). Eleven plant-parasitic nematode genera were identified. The most important genera of plant-parasitic nematodes identified were Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus, followed by …

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Characterisation Of ‘Giant’ Cysts Of The Potato Cyst Nematode, Globodera Rostochiensis, Present In Potato Fields In Kenya, James A. Price, Kelsey Hunt, Newton Nyagah, Calvince Orage, Onesmus Mwaura, Solveig Haukeland, Danny Coyne, John T. Jones Jan 2024

Characterisation Of ‘Giant’ Cysts Of The Potato Cyst Nematode, Globodera Rostochiensis, Present In Potato Fields In Kenya, James A. Price, Kelsey Hunt, Newton Nyagah, Calvince Orage, Onesmus Mwaura, Solveig Haukeland, Danny Coyne, John T. Jones

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Potato production in East Africa is seriously impacted by the potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis, where it has been recorded in at least three countries. In Kenya, it is widespread in all major potato-growing regions, often at very high densities. Consecutive cropping of potato on the same land and a sub-tropical climate have influenced PCN biology. For example, unusually large cysts have been regularly recovered. We have analysed the biological properties of these ‘giant cysts’. The giant cysts contained more eggs than those recovered from UK fields. Egg size did not differ from UK populations and there was no …

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A Convolutional Neural Network With Image And Numerical Data To Improve Farming Of Edible Crickets As A Source Of Food—A Decision Support System, Henry Kyalo, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, James P. Egonyu, John Olukuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Kennedy Senagi Jan 2024

A Convolutional Neural Network With Image And Numerical Data To Improve Farming Of Edible Crickets As A Source Of Food—A Decision Support System, Henry Kyalo, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, James P. Egonyu, John Olukuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Kennedy Senagi

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Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) produce sounds as a natural means to communicate and convey various behaviors and activities, including mating, feeding, aggression, distress, and more. These vocalizations are intricately linked to prevailing environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. By accurately monitoring, identifying, and appropriately addressing these behaviors and activities, the farming and production of crickets can be enhanced. This research implemented a decision support system that leverages machine learning (ML) algorithms to decode and classify cricket songs, along with their associated key weather variables (temperature and humidity). Videos capturing cricket behavior and weather variables were recorded. From these videos, sound …

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Dual Suppression Of Glossina Pallidipes Using Entomopathogenic Fungal-Based Biopesticides And Sterile Insect Technique, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Adly M.M. Abd-Alla, Komivi S. Akutse, Steven Runo, Paul O. Mireji, Rosemary Bateta, Joseck E. Otiwi, Inusa J. Ajene, Fathiya M. Khamis Jan 2024

Dual Suppression Of Glossina Pallidipes Using Entomopathogenic Fungal-Based Biopesticides And Sterile Insect Technique, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Adly M.M. Abd-Alla, Komivi S. Akutse, Steven Runo, Paul O. Mireji, Rosemary Bateta, Joseck E. Otiwi, Inusa J. Ajene, Fathiya M. Khamis

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Tsetse flies and trypanosomosis significantly impact bovine production and human health in sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbating underdevelopment, malnutrition, and poverty. Despite various control strategies, long-term success has been limited. This study evaluates the combined use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and the sterile insect technique (SIT) to combat tsetse flies. Eleven EPF isolates were tested against teneral males of Glossina pallidipes, focusing on mortality rates, radial growth, and impacts on fly fitness. Temperature effects on conidial growth, sporulation, and spore yield of SIT-compatible/tolerant strains were also assessed. The fungal isolates significantly influenced mortality rates in both unirradiated and irradiated (SIT-treated) males (p <  0.0001). Metarhizium anisopliae strains ICIPE 20, ICIPE 32, ICIPE 41, ICIPE 62, ICIPE 78, and Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 603 showed higher SIT compatibility/tolerance with LT50 values of 11–30 days, compared to other more virulent isolates with LT50 values of 4–9 days. Temperature significantly affected the radial growth of SIT-compatible EPF strains (p <  0.0001), with M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 exhibiting the fastest conidia growth at 25°C. Spore yield varied significantly across temperatures (15–40°C), and the thermal range for conidia germination of SIT-compatible strains was 8.1–45.4°C, with an optimal range of 26.7–31.1°C. Moreover, infected unirradiated females and irradiated males (donors) successfully transmitted conidia to untreated flies (receivers) without significant differences in survival rates (p = 0.6438) and no observed sex dimorphism. Our findings highlight the potential of combining EPF and SIT as a novel dual approach that could effectively and synergistically suppress tsetse fly populations.

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Insect Frass Fertilizer As A Regenerative Input For Improved Biological Nitrogen Fixation And Sustainable Bush Bean Production, Agnes Chepkorir, Dennis Beesigamukama, Harun I. Gitari, Shaphan Y. Chia, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi, Birachi Eliud Abucheli, Jean Claude Rubyogo, Theodore Zahariadis, Gina Athanasiou, Aikaterini Zachariadi, Vasileios Zachariadis, Abdou Tenkouano, Chrysantus M. Tanga Jan 2024

Insect Frass Fertilizer As A Regenerative Input For Improved Biological Nitrogen Fixation And Sustainable Bush Bean Production, Agnes Chepkorir, Dennis Beesigamukama, Harun I. Gitari, Shaphan Y. Chia, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi, Birachi Eliud Abucheli, Jean Claude Rubyogo, Theodore Zahariadis, Gina Athanasiou, Aikaterini Zachariadi, Vasileios Zachariadis, Abdou Tenkouano, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production is undermined by soil degradation and low biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) capacity. This study evaluated the effect of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) on bush bean growth, yield, nutrient uptake, BNF, and profitability, in comparison with commercial organic fertilizer (Phymyx, Phytomedia International Ltd., Kiambu, Kenya), synthetic fertilizer (NPK), and rhizobia inoculant (Biofix, MEA Fertilizers, Nairobi, Kenya). The organic fertilizers were applied at rates of 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg N ha−1 while the NPK was applied at 40 kg N ha−1, 46 kg P ha−1, and 60 kg K ha−1. The fertilizers …

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A Worldwide Overview Of The Status And Prospects Of Edible Insect Production, R. Caparros Megido, F. Francis, E. Haubruge, P. Le Gall, J. K. Tomberlin, C. D. Miranda, H. R. Jordan, C. J. Picard, M. J.M. Pino, J. Ramos-Elordy, E. Katz, K. B. Barragán-Fonseca, E. M. Costa-Neto, R. Ponce-Reyes, G. Wijffels, S. Ghosh, C. Jung, Y. S. Han, B. Conti, A. Vilcinskas, C. M. Tanga, M. O. Kababu, D. Beesigamukama, J. A. Morales Ramos, A. Van Huis Jan 2024

A Worldwide Overview Of The Status And Prospects Of Edible Insect Production, R. Caparros Megido, F. Francis, E. Haubruge, P. Le Gall, J. K. Tomberlin, C. D. Miranda, H. R. Jordan, C. J. Picard, M. J.M. Pino, J. Ramos-Elordy, E. Katz, K. B. Barragán-Fonseca, E. M. Costa-Neto, R. Ponce-Reyes, G. Wijffels, S. Ghosh, C. Jung, Y. S. Han, B. Conti, A. Vilcinskas, C. M. Tanga, M. O. Kababu, D. Beesigamukama, J. A. Morales Ramos, A. Van Huis

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There has been continuous and growing interest in edible insects. Worldwide, various levels of insect farming are emerging, ranging from small domestic farms to vertical farms reaching heights of 36 meters, accommodating several million growing insects. The appeal of insects lies in their ecological benefits, as they contribute to the valorization of unde-rutilized organic residues while requiring minimal space and water. The selection of insect species is influenced not only by their biology and behavior but also by local preferences and customs, varying with the scale of production and geographi-cal location. This review article aims to provide an updated overview …

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Transferability Of Tsetse Habitat Models Between Different Regions In Kenya And Rwanda, Stella Gachoki, Anton Vrieling, Thomas A. Groen, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga Dec 2023

Transferability Of Tsetse Habitat Models Between Different Regions In Kenya And Rwanda, Stella Gachoki, Anton Vrieling, Thomas A. Groen, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga

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Accurate and reliable information on the distribution of tsetse habitats is crucial for the effective management of African Trypanosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. However, conducting large-scale surveillance of tsetse flies to develop distribution maps is impractical due to vast areas infested and limited resources available. To address this challenge, we evaluated the applicability of tsetse habitat models developed in the intensively sampled Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kenya for both the wet and the dry season, to two other regions in Kenya (Ruma National Park and Nguruman Conservancy) and one region in Rwanda (Akagera National Park). The models utilized satellite-based estimates …

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Microsporidia Mb In The Primary Malaria Vector Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto Is Avirulent And Undergoes Maternal And Horizontal Transmission, Godfrey Nattoh, Brenda Onyango, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Diana Omoke, Lilian Mbaisi Ang’Ang’O, Luna Kamau, Maxwell Machani Gesuge, Eric Ochomo, Jeremy Keith Herren Dec 2023

Microsporidia Mb In The Primary Malaria Vector Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto Is Avirulent And Undergoes Maternal And Horizontal Transmission, Godfrey Nattoh, Brenda Onyango, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Diana Omoke, Lilian Mbaisi Ang’Ang’O, Luna Kamau, Maxwell Machani Gesuge, Eric Ochomo, Jeremy Keith Herren

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Background: The demonstration that the recently discovered Anopheles symbiont Microsporidia MB blocks malaria transmission in Anopheles arabiensis and undergoes vertical and horizontal transmission suggests that it is a promising candidate for the development of a symbiont-based malaria transmission-blocking strategy. The infection prevalence and characteristics of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.), another primary vector species of malaria in Kenya, were investigated. Methods: Field-collected females were confirmed to be Microsporidia MB-positive after oviposition. Egg counts of Microsporidia MB-infected and non-infected individuals were used to infer the effects of Microsporidia MB on fecundity. The time to pupation, adult sex ratio …

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Waste To Value: Global Perspective On The Impact Of Entomocomposting On Environmental Health, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation And Soil Bioremediation, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Subramanian Sevgan, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu Dec 2023

Waste To Value: Global Perspective On The Impact Of Entomocomposting On Environmental Health, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation And Soil Bioremediation, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Subramanian Sevgan, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu

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The innovative use of insects to recycle low-value organic waste into value-added products such as food, feed and other products with a low ecological footprint has attracted rapid attention globally. The insect frass (a combination unconsumed substrate, faeces, and exuviae) contains substantial amounts of nutrients and beneficial microbes that could utilised as fertilizer. We analyse research trends and report on the production, nutrient quality, maturity and hygiene status of insect-composted organic fertilizer (ICOF) generated from different organic wastes, and their influence on soil fertility, pest and pathogen suppression, and crop productivity. Lastly, we discuss the impact of entomocomposting on greenhouse …

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Determinants Of Agro-Pastoralists’ Willingness To Pay For Improved Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine In Kenya, Fredrick Ochieng Ouya, Eric Bett, Purity Nguhiu, Stella Makokha, Harrison Lutta, Willis Adero Abwao, Martin Mwirigi Dec 2023

Determinants Of Agro-Pastoralists’ Willingness To Pay For Improved Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine In Kenya, Fredrick Ochieng Ouya, Eric Bett, Purity Nguhiu, Stella Makokha, Harrison Lutta, Willis Adero Abwao, Martin Mwirigi

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Animal health care is critical for livestock production especially in arid and semi-arid areas where majority are agro-pastoralists. Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious and fatal disease which commonly affects goats in arid and semi-arid areas. The government has been the major provider of CCPP vaccine and few large-scale farmers who are licensed and able to purchase directly from the vaccine producer. Although the vaccine is sold to farmers at a subsidized price by the government, its distribution has been characterized by scarcity, irregular and late administration by the authority concerned. It is envisioned that if the willingness …

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Companion Crops Alter Olfactory Responses Of The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) And Its Larval Endoparasitoid (Cotesia Icipe), Emmanuel Peter, Amanuel Tamiru, Subramanian Sevgan, Thomas Dubois, Segenet Kelemu, Kerstin Kruger, Baldwyn Torto, Abdullahi Yusuf Dec 2023

Companion Crops Alter Olfactory Responses Of The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) And Its Larval Endoparasitoid (Cotesia Icipe), Emmanuel Peter, Amanuel Tamiru, Subramanian Sevgan, Thomas Dubois, Segenet Kelemu, Kerstin Kruger, Baldwyn Torto, Abdullahi Yusuf

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Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a devastating invasive pest and a threat to food security in Africa, with yield losses of 20–50%. Recent studies highlighted the importance of cereal crops such as maize and sorghum as the most preferred host plants for FAW oviposition. In the current work, we investigated the olfactory responses of FAW and its key larval endoparasitoid Cotesia icipe to odours from the preferred host (maize) in the presence of six potential companion crops including beans, groundnut, sweet potato, greenleaf- and silverleaf desmodium, and cassava. We hypothesized that odours released by companion crops in …

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Unravelling The Nutritional And Health Benefits Of Wheat Bread Enriched With Meat Powder From Laying Hen Fed Diet With Insect (Hermetia Illucens) Meal, Marcasy P. Makokha, Patrick S. Muliro, Peninah N. Ngoda, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Sevgan Subramanian, Cheseto Xavier, Brian O. Ochieng, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Oct 2023

Unravelling The Nutritional And Health Benefits Of Wheat Bread Enriched With Meat Powder From Laying Hen Fed Diet With Insect (Hermetia Illucens) Meal, Marcasy P. Makokha, Patrick S. Muliro, Peninah N. Ngoda, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Sevgan Subramanian, Cheseto Xavier, Brian O. Ochieng, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Wheat bread is among stable foods that are nutritionally imbalanced, thus enrichment is crucial. We evaluated the nutritional impact of high-valued wheat bread enriched with varying levels of meat powder from hen fed diet with insect (Hermetia illucens)-based meal. Crude protein and ash in bread increased with increasing inclusion of meat powder. Limiting amino acids like lysine and threonine in enriched bread products increased by 3.0–4.5 and 1.8–3.1-folds, respectively. Omega 3 fatty acids were significantly enhanced in bread fortified with meat powder. Vitamins (retinol, nicotinic acid, and pantothenic acid) were significantly increased in supplemented bread products. Iron, zinc, and calcium …

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Nutritional Characteristics, Microbial Loads And Consumer Acceptability Of Cookies Enriched With Insect (Ruspolia Differens) Meal, Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sunday Ekesi, James Peter Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, John M. Nduko, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Xavier Cheseto, Chrysantus M. Tanga Jul 2023

Nutritional Characteristics, Microbial Loads And Consumer Acceptability Of Cookies Enriched With Insect (Ruspolia Differens) Meal, Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sunday Ekesi, James Peter Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, John M. Nduko, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Xavier Cheseto, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Utilization of Ruspolia differens Serville as functional food ingredient is rapidly gaining popularity. This study evaluated the nutrient quality, microbial safety and consumers’ acceptability of cereal-based cookies fortified with various processed products of R. differens meals. Cookies fortified with blanched, boiled, and toasted R. differens meals had higher protein, fat and energy levels, respectively, than the control cookies. Enrichment of cookies with differentially processed R. differens meals had elevated levels of isoleucine and leucine. Omega-3 fatty acid, methyl (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoate, was detected only in cookies prepared from wheat-insect meals blends. Blanched and boiled R. differens meal significantly (p < 0.05) boosted iron (1.70-folds) and zinc (1.12–1.16-folds) contents of the cookies. The cookie products had reduced Enterobacteriaceae, S. aureus, yeast and mould with permissible exposure limits for human consumption. The overall acceptability of insect-enriched cookie product by male and female respondents ranged between 57 and 80%. The survey revealed that the flavour, colour, mouthfeels and texture of the cookie products were important motivation for consumers to accept grasshoppers as a food source. Further research on the flavour of cookie products enriched with grasshopper meal would be required to increase acceptability to market-driven consumer appealing food products.

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Promoting Insect Farming And Household Consumption Through Agricultural Training And Nutrition Education In Africa: A Study Protocol For A Multisite Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial, Mohammed Hussen Alemu, Afton Halloran, Søren Bøye Olsen, Jacob Paarechuga Anankware, Philip Nyeko, Monica Ayieko, Evans Nyakeri, John Kinyuru, Silvenus Konyole, Saliou Niassy, James Peter Egonyu, Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga, Jeremiah Ng'ang'a, Charles Adino Ng'ong'a, Nicky Okeyo, Shadrack Kwaku Debrah, Samuel Kiiru, Amos Acur, Nanna Roos Jul 2023

Promoting Insect Farming And Household Consumption Through Agricultural Training And Nutrition Education In Africa: A Study Protocol For A Multisite Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial, Mohammed Hussen Alemu, Afton Halloran, Søren Bøye Olsen, Jacob Paarechuga Anankware, Philip Nyeko, Monica Ayieko, Evans Nyakeri, John Kinyuru, Silvenus Konyole, Saliou Niassy, James Peter Egonyu, Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga, Jeremiah Ng'ang'a, Charles Adino Ng'ong'a, Nicky Okeyo, Shadrack Kwaku Debrah, Samuel Kiiru, Amos Acur, Nanna Roos

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Background Edible insects are a sustainable source of high-quality animal protein. Insect farming is gaining interest globally, particularly in low-income countries, where it may provide substantial nutritional and economic benefits. To enhance insect farming practices in Africa, new farming systems are being developed. However, knowledge on how to best promote uptake of these systems is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the effectiveness of educational interventions in promoting insect farming for household consumption in Africa. Method The study is designed as a multi-site randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impacts of agricultural training alone or in …

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Desert Locust (Schistocerca Gregaria) Invasion Risk And Vegetation Damage In A Key Upsurge Area, Raphael Mongare, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Emily Kimathi, Simon Onywere, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Jun 2023

Desert Locust (Schistocerca Gregaria) Invasion Risk And Vegetation Damage In A Key Upsurge Area, Raphael Mongare, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Emily Kimathi, Simon Onywere, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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In the recent past, the Horn of Africa witnessed an upsurge in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) invasion. This has raised major concerns over the massive food insecurity, socioeconomic impacts, and livelihood losses caused by these recurring invasions. This study determined the potential vegetation damage due to desert locusts (DLs) and predicted the suitable habitat at high risk of invasion by the DLs using current and future climate change scenarios in Kenya. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for the period 2018–2020 was computed using multi-date Sentinel-2 imagery in the Google Earth Engine platform. This was performed to assess the …

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Long-Term Mammal Herbivory On Arthropod Assemblages At Kruger National Park, South Africa, Ludzula Mukwevho, Tatenda Dalu, Frank Chidawanyika Jun 2023

Long-Term Mammal Herbivory On Arthropod Assemblages At Kruger National Park, South Africa, Ludzula Mukwevho, Tatenda Dalu, Frank Chidawanyika

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Protected savannas are essential reserves for biological diversity, including endangered arthropod species, however, extreme grazing by mammals has cascading impacts on the communities and disrupts the functioning of these ecosystems globally. The current study assessed the abundance, species richness and composition of arthropods at the long-term grazing exclosures of Kruger National Park, South Africa. Pitfall traps and active searches were used to sample arthropods at the ungrazed, moderately, and heavily grazed exclosures. We found that Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Araneae were the most abundant orders of arthropods sampled. The abundance of multi-taxon, Diptera and Hymenoptera was significantly different between exclosures. …

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Effect Of Use Of Tsetse Repellant Collar Technology On The Farm Performance And Household Welfare Of Small-Scale Livestock Farmers In Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga Jun 2023

Effect Of Use Of Tsetse Repellant Collar Technology On The Farm Performance And Household Welfare Of Small-Scale Livestock Farmers In Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga

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Tsetse-transmitted Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a disease of economic importance to livestock development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is widely managed using trypanocides that are expensive for smallholders and associated with health risks due to drug residues in animal products and drug resistance. Developed recently by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and partners, the novel Tsetse repellent collar technology (TRCT) provides an effective alternative control measure that targets the tsetse fly vector of AAT. This study assessed the impact of TRCT on household welfare and food security by using ex-post non-experimental data obtained from 632 …

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Characterizing Movement Patterns Of Nomadic Pastoralists And Their Exposure To Rift Valley Fever In Kenya, G. Mosomtai, J. L. Kasiiti, R. M. Murithi, P. Sandström, T. Landmann, O. W. Lwande, O. A. Hassan, C. Ahlm, R. Sang, M. Evander, Z. Szantoi, G. Ottavianelli Apr 2023

Characterizing Movement Patterns Of Nomadic Pastoralists And Their Exposure To Rift Valley Fever In Kenya, G. Mosomtai, J. L. Kasiiti, R. M. Murithi, P. Sandström, T. Landmann, O. W. Lwande, O. A. Hassan, C. Ahlm, R. Sang, M. Evander, Z. Szantoi, G. Ottavianelli

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The role of animal movement in spreading infectious diseases is highly recognized by various legislations and institutions such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Animal Health Code. The increased interactions at the nexus of human-animal-ecosystem interface have seen an unprecedented introduction and reintroduction of new zoonotic diseases with high socio-economic impacts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes or through contact with the body fluids of infected animals. This study seeks to characterize movement patterns of pastoralist and …

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Improving Phosphorus Acquisition Efficiency Through Modification Of Root Growth Responses To Phosphate Starvation In Legumes, Zhijian Chen, Linjie Wang, Juan Andres Cardoso, Shengnan Zhu, Guodao Liu, Idupulapati M. Rao, Yan Lin Feb 2023

Improving Phosphorus Acquisition Efficiency Through Modification Of Root Growth Responses To Phosphate Starvation In Legumes, Zhijian Chen, Linjie Wang, Juan Andres Cardoso, Shengnan Zhu, Guodao Liu, Idupulapati M. Rao, Yan Lin

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Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential macronutrients for plant growth and development, and it is an integral part of the major organic components, including nucleic acids, proteins and phospholipids. Although total P is abundant in most soils, a large amount of P is not easily absorbed by plants. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is the plant-available P, which is generally immobile and of low availability in soils. Hence, Pi starvation is a major constraint limiting plant growth and productivity. Enhancing plant P efficiency can be achieved by improving P acquisition efficiency (PAE) through modification of morpho-physiological and biochemical alteration in root …

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Mathematical Modelling Of The Interactive Dynamics Of Wild And Microsporidia Mb-Infected Mosquitoes, Charlène N.T. Mfangnia, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Berge Tsanou, Jeremy Herren Jan 2023

Mathematical Modelling Of The Interactive Dynamics Of Wild And Microsporidia Mb-Infected Mosquitoes, Charlène N.T. Mfangnia, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Berge Tsanou, Jeremy Herren

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A recent discovery highlighted that mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB are unable to transmit the Plasmodium to humans. Microsporidia MB is a symbiont transmitted vertically and horizontally in the mosquito population, and these transmission routes are known to favor the persistence of the parasite in the mosquito population. Despite the dual transmission, data from field experiments reveal a low prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes in nature. This study proposes a compartmental model to understand the prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes. The dynamic of the model is obtained through the computation of the basic reproduction number and the analysis of the stability of …

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Invasion Risk By Fruit Trees Mealybug Rastrococcus Invadens (Williams) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) Under Climate Warming, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Samira A. Mohamed, Shepard Ndlela, Sunday Ekesi Jan 2023

Invasion Risk By Fruit Trees Mealybug Rastrococcus Invadens (Williams) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) Under Climate Warming, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Samira A. Mohamed, Shepard Ndlela, Sunday Ekesi

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The mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens (Williams) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) is a destructive and important insect pest of fruit trees in Africa and Asia, especially the mango. Females and nymphs feed on plant leaves and fruits and produce honeydew that causes sooty mold, leading to yield reduction. Although it is an important pest, the distribution of R. invadens under different climate change scenarios has not been established. In this study, we predicted the suitable habitat for R. invadens occurrence under current and future [two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios: (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) for the years 2050s and 2070s], using environmental variables and …

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Response Of Some Mango-Infesting Fruit Flies To Aqueous Solutions Of The Basil Plant Ocimum Tenuiflorum L, Saliou Niassy, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Xavier Cheseto, Evanson Rigan Omuse, John Bwire Ochola, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Boubacar Badji, Sheppard Ndlela, Levi Ombura, Noelah Leah Okun, David Mfuti Kupesa, Thomas Dubois, Yeneneh Taye Belayneh, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi Jan 2023

Response Of Some Mango-Infesting Fruit Flies To Aqueous Solutions Of The Basil Plant Ocimum Tenuiflorum L, Saliou Niassy, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Xavier Cheseto, Evanson Rigan Omuse, John Bwire Ochola, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Boubacar Badji, Sheppard Ndlela, Levi Ombura, Noelah Leah Okun, David Mfuti Kupesa, Thomas Dubois, Yeneneh Taye Belayneh, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi

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Introduction: Horticulture is an important sub-sector for many African countries. Tephritid fruit flies continue to cause serious direct and indirect damage to the sub-sector. The male annihilation technique (MAT) using methyl eugenol (ME) is among the most revered techniques in fruit fly management. However, ME-based lures are only available to some farmers in Africa. Several basils of the genus Ocimum produce ME. Methods: In laboratory experiments, we used a dual choice olfactometer to assess the attraction of adult oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis to intact plants, 100 µL commercial methyl eugenol (ME) (positive control), 10 mg/mL of O. tenuiflorum aqueous …

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Identification And Virulence Screening Of Fungal And Bacterial Entomophathogens Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) From Uganda, Alfonce Leonard, James P. Egonyu, Fathiya M. Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Sunday Ekesi, Samuel Kyamanywa, Sevgan Subramanian Jan 2023

Identification And Virulence Screening Of Fungal And Bacterial Entomophathogens Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) From Uganda, Alfonce Leonard, James P. Egonyu, Fathiya M. Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Sunday Ekesi, Samuel Kyamanywa, Sevgan Subramanian

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Natural enemies are major challenges in laboratory rearing of grasshoppers, but the identity and virulence of these towards the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Serville) is scarcely known. In this study, fungi and bacteria were isolated from R. differens collected from Mbarara, Masaka, Hoima, Kampala and Kabale districts in Uganda in 2018, cultured on standard microbial media, identified using molecular techniques and screened for virulence against the insect in laboratory bioassays. Fourteen and nine species of fungi and bacteria were isolated from R. differens, respectively, with the number of isolates varying based on collection site. The most prevalent entomopathogenic fungal …

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Leveraging Data, Models And Farming Innovation To Prevent, Prepare For And Manage Pest Incursions: Delivering A Pest Risk Service For Low-Income Countries, Bryony Taylor, Henri Edouard Zefack Tonnang, Tim Beale, William Holland, Mary Lucy Oronje, Elfatih Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, David Onyango, Cambria Finegold, Jessica Zhu, Stefania Pozzi, Sean T. Murphy Jan 2023

Leveraging Data, Models And Farming Innovation To Prevent, Prepare For And Manage Pest Incursions: Delivering A Pest Risk Service For Low-Income Countries, Bryony Taylor, Henri Edouard Zefack Tonnang, Tim Beale, William Holland, Mary Lucy Oronje, Elfatih Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, David Onyango, Cambria Finegold, Jessica Zhu, Stefania Pozzi, Sean T. Murphy

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Globally, pests (invertebrates, vertebrates, pathogens, weeds) can cause estimated annual losses of between 20% and 40%, but higher losses are disproportionately experienced by many low-income countries, as agriculture is the mainstay of the majority of the people and of national economies. Pests pose a major barrier to these countries’ ability to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG2, “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.” However, solutions, in the form of pest risk alert systems, coupled with major advances in technology, are now providing opportunities to overcome this barrier in …

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Endophytic Fungi Improve Management Of The Burrowing Nematode In Banana (Musa Spp.) Through Enhanced Expression Of Defence-Related Genes, James Kisaakye, Hendrika Fourie, Danny Coyne, Laura Cortada, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Shirlyne Masinde, Solveig Haukeland Jan 2023

Endophytic Fungi Improve Management Of The Burrowing Nematode In Banana (Musa Spp.) Through Enhanced Expression Of Defence-Related Genes, James Kisaakye, Hendrika Fourie, Danny Coyne, Laura Cortada, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Shirlyne Masinde, Solveig Haukeland

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The root-burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, is reputedly the most damaging nematode pest of banana and responsible for major production losses. In this study, the endophytic potential of 13 fungal isolates was assessed for the management of R. similis in East African Highland bananas (‘Ng’ombe’). All isolates successfully colonised tissue-cultured banana roots, with isolates from Trichoderma, Fusarium and Hypocrea producing the highest (≥49.1%) and Beauveria isolates the lowest (≤14.4%) colonisation. The fungal endophytes T. asperellum (ICIPE 700) and H. lixii (ICIPE 697) were the most effective in reducing R. similis densities (>81%) relative to the non-inoculated control. However, the combined …

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Chemosensory System Of Tsetse Flies (Diptera: Glossinidae), M. N. Getahun, R. W. Macharia, S. G. Nyanjom, G. F. Obiero, S. Diallo, P. O. Mireji, D. Masiga Jan 2023

Chemosensory System Of Tsetse Flies (Diptera: Glossinidae), M. N. Getahun, R. W. Macharia, S. G. Nyanjom, G. F. Obiero, S. Diallo, P. O. Mireji, D. Masiga

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Tsetse flies are exclusively hematophagous and vectors of trypanosomes, which cause human and animal African trypanosomiasis. They are widely distributed in Africa, with 33 extant taxa and 22 species in three sub-genera. Despite a low reproductive rate, tsetse can maintain populations large enough to cause the restriction of the economic use of large areas of tropical Africa through the transmission of trypanosomiases. This success is largely due to their ability to navigate in their environments, using olfactory signals, which elicit critical behavioural phenotypes, such as attraction to hosts for blood meals, larviposition and resting sites, as well as avoidance of …

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