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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Evaluation Of Improved Coloured Targets To Control Riverine Tsetse In East Africa: A Bayesian Approach, Roger D. Santer, Michael N. Okal, Johan Esterhuizen, Steve J. Torr Jun 2021

Evaluation Of Improved Coloured Targets To Control Riverine Tsetse In East Africa: A Bayesian Approach, Roger D. Santer, Michael N. Okal, Johan Esterhuizen, Steve J. Torr

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Background Riverine tsetse (Glossina spp.) transmit Trypanosoma brucei gambiense which causes Gambian Human African Trypanosomiasis. Tiny Targets were developed for cost-effective riverine tsetse control, and comprise panels of insecticide-treated blue polyester fabric and black net that attract and kill tsetse. Versus typical blue polyesters, two putatively more attractive fabrics have been developed: Vestergaard ZeroFly blue, and violet. Violet was most attractive to savannah tsetse using large targets, but neither fabric has been tested for riverine tsetse using Tiny Targets. Methods We measured numbers of G. f. fuscipes attracted to electrified Tiny Targets in Kenya and Uganda. We compared violets, Vestergaard …

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Recent Advances Toward The Sustainable Management Of Invasive Xylosandrus Ambrosia Beetles, Antonio Gugliuzzo, Peter H.W. Biedermann, Daniel Carrillo, Louela A. Castrillo, James P. Egonyu, Diego Gallego, Khalid Haddi, Jiri Hulcr, Hervé Jactel, Hisashi Kajimura, Naoto Kamata, Nicolas Meurisse, You Li, Jason B. Oliver, Christopher M. Ranger, Davide Rassati, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Roanne Sutherland, Giovanna Tropea Garzia, Mark G. Wright, Antonio Biondi Jun 2021

Recent Advances Toward The Sustainable Management Of Invasive Xylosandrus Ambrosia Beetles, Antonio Gugliuzzo, Peter H.W. Biedermann, Daniel Carrillo, Louela A. Castrillo, James P. Egonyu, Diego Gallego, Khalid Haddi, Jiri Hulcr, Hervé Jactel, Hisashi Kajimura, Naoto Kamata, Nicolas Meurisse, You Li, Jason B. Oliver, Christopher M. Ranger, Davide Rassati, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Roanne Sutherland, Giovanna Tropea Garzia, Mark G. Wright, Antonio Biondi

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We provide an overview of both traditional and innovative control tools for management of three Xylosandrus ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), invasive species with a history of damage in forests, nurseries, orchards and urban areas. Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus and X. germanus are native to Asia, and currently established in several countries around the globe. Adult females bore galleries into the plant xylem inoculating mutualistic ambrosia fungi that serve as food source for the developing progeny. Tunneling activity results in chewed wood extrusion from entry holes, sap outflow, foliage wilting followed by canopy dieback, and branch and trunk necrosis. Maintaining …

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Farm‐Scale Assessment Of Maize–Pigeonpea Productivity In Northern Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, S. Zingore, L. Bastiaans, N. P.R. Anten, K. E. Giller Jun 2021

Farm‐Scale Assessment Of Maize–Pigeonpea Productivity In Northern Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, S. Zingore, L. Bastiaans, N. P.R. Anten, K. E. Giller

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Little is known about productivity of smallholder maize–pigeonpea intercropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a survey of 277 farm households in Northern Tanzania to assess socio-economic factors, field management characteristics, and their association with productivity of maize–pigeonpea intercrops. On each farm, crop assessments were focused on a field that the farmer identified as most important for food supply. Variables associated with yields were evaluated using linear regression and regression classification. Biomass production ranged between 1.0 and 16.6 for maize, and between 0.2 and 11.9 t ha−1 for pigeonpea (at maize harvest). The corresponding grain yields ranged between 0.1 and …

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Could Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J. E. Smith) Invasion In Africa Contribute To The Displacement Of Cereal Stemborers In Maize And Sorghum Cropping Systems, Girma Hailu, Saliou Niassy, Timon Bässler, Nathan Ochatum, Christoph Studer, Daisy Salifu, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, Zeyaur R. Khan, Charles Midega, Sevgan Subramanian Jun 2021

Could Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J. E. Smith) Invasion In Africa Contribute To The Displacement Of Cereal Stemborers In Maize And Sorghum Cropping Systems, Girma Hailu, Saliou Niassy, Timon Bässler, Nathan Ochatum, Christoph Studer, Daisy Salifu, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, Zeyaur R. Khan, Charles Midega, Sevgan Subramanian

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The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which has recently invaded the African continent, has become a new threat to cereal production. Being an invasive pest with certain competitive advantages, the impact of FAW on other lepidopteran pests is unclear. This study assessed the infestation of FAW and cereal stemborers on maize and sorghum under mono-cropped systems that are adjacently placed in five districts in Uganda. Data on maize and sorghum infestation cereal stemborers and FAW was collected at 6, 9 and 16 weeks after planting (WAP), to determine intensity and severity. Cereal stemborer infestations on maize at 6, …

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Field Efficacy Of Metarhizium Acridum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) In The Control Of Bactrocera Dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) In Citrus Orchards In Senegal, Papa Djibril Faye, Amadou Bocar Bal, Ndeye Meymouna Ndiaye, Fama Diop, Yaye Konaré Sangaré, Charles Haddad, Emile Victor Coly, Elhadji Omar Dieng, Saliou Niassy Jun 2021

Field Efficacy Of Metarhizium Acridum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) In The Control Of Bactrocera Dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) In Citrus Orchards In Senegal, Papa Djibril Faye, Amadou Bocar Bal, Ndeye Meymouna Ndiaye, Fama Diop, Yaye Konaré Sangaré, Charles Haddad, Emile Victor Coly, Elhadji Omar Dieng, Saliou Niassy

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The effectiveness of the “attract and kill” approach for the management of Bactrocera dorsalis in citrus orchards using autoinoculation strategy was evaluated in three locations in Senegal (Sindia, Sébikhotane and Ndoyene), between 2016 and 2018. Attractant Contaminant Traps (ACT) were treated with 0.3 g of Metarhizium acridum, and methyl eugenol was then deployed at densities of 25, 50 and 100 ACT to infect the flies. Recovery Traps (RT) containing methyl eugenol and a toxicant, Timaye were used to monitor the B. dorsalis population and the contamination rate. Results showed that the rate of contaminated flies increases with the number of …

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Application Of Residue, Inorganic Fertilizer And Lime Affect Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms And Microbial Biomass Under Different Tillage And Cropping Systems In A Ferralsol, Peter Bolo, Job Kihara, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru, Michael Kinyua, Rolf Sommer May 2021

Application Of Residue, Inorganic Fertilizer And Lime Affect Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms And Microbial Biomass Under Different Tillage And Cropping Systems In A Ferralsol, Peter Bolo, Job Kihara, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru, Michael Kinyua, Rolf Sommer

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Phosphorus is a critical nutrient for plant growth. Several agronomic practices have been promoted to improve soil fertility and crop productivity in Western Kenya. Yet, despite their benefits, a dearth of knowledge exists on their long-term effects on soil microbial biomass and phosphorus solubilizing microbial species (PSMs) abundance especially in this region. In a long-term (15 years) agronomic field trial, we selected 8 treatments that allowed for evaluation of 1) Effect of tillage in a maize-soybean rotation with fertilization and residue retention; 2) Effect of residue retention in a maize-soybean rotation with fertilization under conservation tillage; 3) Effect of N …

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Comprehensive Ecological And Geographic Characterization Of Eukaryotic And Prokaryotic Microbiomes In African Anopheles, Eugeni Belda Cuesta, Boubacar Coulibaly, Tullu Bukhari, Karin Eiglmeier, Raymond Kone, Mamadou B. Coulibaly, Soumanaba Zongo, Mamadou Barry, Awa Gneme, Wamdaogo M. Guelbeogo, Abdoul H. Beavogui, Sekou F. Traore, N’Fale Sagnon, Kenneth D. Vernick, Michelle M. Riehle May 2021

Comprehensive Ecological And Geographic Characterization Of Eukaryotic And Prokaryotic Microbiomes In African Anopheles, Eugeni Belda Cuesta, Boubacar Coulibaly, Tullu Bukhari, Karin Eiglmeier, Raymond Kone, Mamadou B. Coulibaly, Soumanaba Zongo, Mamadou Barry, Awa Gneme, Wamdaogo M. Guelbeogo, Abdoul H. Beavogui, Sekou F. Traore, N’Fale Sagnon, Kenneth D. Vernick, Michelle M. Riehle

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Exposure of mosquitoes to numerous eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes in their associated microbiomes has probably helped drive the evolution of the innate immune system. To our knowledge, a metagenomic catalog of the eukaryotic microbiome has not been reported from any insect. Here we employ a novel approach to preferentially deplete host 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons to reveal the composition of the eukaryotic microbial communities of Anopheles larvae sampled in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Republic of Guinea (Conakry). We identified 453 eukaryotic operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with Anopheles larvae in nature, but an average of 45% of the 18S …

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A Survey Of Mosquito-Borne And Insect-Specific Viruses In Hospitals And Livestock Markets In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Daniel K. Masiga, Laura C. Falzon, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Jandouwe Villinger May 2021

A Survey Of Mosquito-Borne And Insect-Specific Viruses In Hospitals And Livestock Markets In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Daniel K. Masiga, Laura C. Falzon, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Jandouwe Villinger

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Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are prolific vectors of arboviruses that are a global threat to human and animal health. Increased globalization and ease of travel have facilitated the worldwide dissemination of these mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit. To assess disease risk, we determined the frequency of arboviruses in western Kenyan counties bordering an area of high arboviral activity. In addition to pathogenic viruses, insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), some of which are thought to impair the transmission of specific pathogenic arboviruses, were also evaluated. We trapped mosquitoes in the short and long rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019 …

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Spatial Acuity-Sensitivity Trade-Off In The Principal Eyes Of A Jumping Spider: Possible Adaptations To A ‘Blended’ Lifestyle, Ana M. Cerveira, Ximena J. Nelson, Robert R. Jackson May 2021

Spatial Acuity-Sensitivity Trade-Off In The Principal Eyes Of A Jumping Spider: Possible Adaptations To A ‘Blended’ Lifestyle, Ana M. Cerveira, Ximena J. Nelson, Robert R. Jackson

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Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are diurnal visual predators known for elaborate, vision-mediated behaviour achieved through the coordinated work of four pairs of camera-type eyes. One pair (‘principal’ eyes) is responsible for colour and high spatial acuity vision, while three pairs (‘secondary’ eyes) are mostly responsible for motion detection. Based on its unusual capacity to visually discriminate specific prey in very low, but also under bright light settings, we investigated the structure of the principal and one pair of secondary eyes (antero-lateral eyes) of Cyrba algerina to determine how these eyes achieve the sensitivity, while maintaining spatial acuity, needed to sustain behaviour …

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Rehabilitation Practices In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems Mitigate Outbreaks Of Termites And Support Cocoa Tree Development And Yield, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Sévilor Kekeunou, Felicitas C. Ambele May 2021

Rehabilitation Practices In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems Mitigate Outbreaks Of Termites And Support Cocoa Tree Development And Yield, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Sévilor Kekeunou, Felicitas C. Ambele

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Most smallholder cocoa farmers in West Africa are not equipped with the necessary tools, techniques, and practices to rejuvenate their aging cocoa farms. Instead, they rather prefer to establish new cocoa farms at the expense of forest remnants. Poor management of their overaged farms has resulted in the emergence and outbreaks of new pest species such as termites feeding on the remaining productive trees and negatively affecting overall yield. We investigated how rehabilitation pruning of cocoa trees influences termite outbreaks and yield in three cocoa agroforestry systems (rustic, intermediate and full sun systems). We monitored cocoa and non-cocoa trees at …

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Dispersion Patterns And Monitoring Samplings Of Termite Pests In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems Of Southern Cameroon, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Sevilor Kekeunou, Felicitas C. Ambele May 2021

Dispersion Patterns And Monitoring Samplings Of Termite Pests In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems Of Southern Cameroon, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Sevilor Kekeunou, Felicitas C. Ambele

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Termites are major emerging pests of cocoa in Africa. However, their dispersion models on cocoa trees as well as their sampling plans remain unclear. Moreover, the effect of shade trees on the severity of termite infestation on cocoa is poorly known. We evaluated the severity of termite infestation on cocoa trees in relation to shade management in five cocoa agroforestry systems in southern Cameroon with shade cover ranging from rustic to full sun. The dispersion models of termites on cocoa were analyzed using Taylor’s power law, Nachman model and Iwao’s method. We then simulated the optimal sampling sizes for pest …

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Exploring The Kairomone-Based Foraging Behaviour Of Natural Enemies To Enhance Biological Control: A Review, Pascal M. Ayelo, Christian W.W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Anaïs Chailleux, Samira A. Mohamed, Emilie Deletre Apr 2021

Exploring The Kairomone-Based Foraging Behaviour Of Natural Enemies To Enhance Biological Control: A Review, Pascal M. Ayelo, Christian W.W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Anaïs Chailleux, Samira A. Mohamed, Emilie Deletre

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Kairomones are chemical signals that mediate interspecific interactions beneficial to organisms that detect the cues. These attractants can be individual compounds or mixtures of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) or herbivore chemicals such as pheromones, i.e., chemicals mediating intraspecific communication between herbivores. Natural enemies eavesdrop on kairomones during their foraging behaviour, i.e., location of oviposition sites and feeding resources in nature. Kairomone mixtures are likely to elicit stronger olfactory responses in natural enemies than single kairomones. Kairomone-based lures are used to enhance biological control strategies via the attraction and retention of natural enemies to reduce insect pest populations and crop damage …

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Efficacy Of Parapheromone Traps In The Protection Of Grafted Mango Orchards Against Fruit Flies In Togo, Atti Tchabi, Abouwaliou Nafadjara Nadio, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Magnim Essolakina Bokobana, Mondjonnesso Gomina, Agbéko Kodjo Tounou, Komla Sanda Apr 2021

Efficacy Of Parapheromone Traps In The Protection Of Grafted Mango Orchards Against Fruit Flies In Togo, Atti Tchabi, Abouwaliou Nafadjara Nadio, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Magnim Essolakina Bokobana, Mondjonnesso Gomina, Agbéko Kodjo Tounou, Komla Sanda

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Fruit flies by infesting grafted mangoes cause considerable losses and loss of profit to the various actors range from producers to consumers. To control these pests, synthetic chemical insecticides use is generally the most common and first resort solution in all regions of Togo. But this method remains dangerous for human and environmental health. The objective of this study was to test the effecacy of Biofeed trap, an alternative solution that is environmentally friendly in comparison with a trap already used in the field (M3 traps based on food bait). Three orchards of about 1 ha for the 3 treatments …

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Managing And Monitoring Genetic Isolation And Local Adaptation Of Endemic And Introduced Cotesia Sesamiae For The Biological Control Of The Cereal Stemborer Busseola Fusca In Cameroon, Rose Ndemah, Bruno Pierre Le Ru, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Fritz Schulthess, Laure Kaiser, Rachid Hanna, Alexandre Depoilly, Julius Obonyo, Paul André Calatayud, Albert Abang, Stéphane Dupas Apr 2021

Managing And Monitoring Genetic Isolation And Local Adaptation Of Endemic And Introduced Cotesia Sesamiae For The Biological Control Of The Cereal Stemborer Busseola Fusca In Cameroon, Rose Ndemah, Bruno Pierre Le Ru, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Fritz Schulthess, Laure Kaiser, Rachid Hanna, Alexandre Depoilly, Julius Obonyo, Paul André Calatayud, Albert Abang, Stéphane Dupas

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The success of biological bontrol (BC) introductions can be enhanced by considering theory and knowledge of biological systems. The gregarious braconid parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae (Cameroon) is one of the best studied biological control agent from the perspective of molecular ecology. Its evolutionary adaptation to the target host involves symbiotic partners. Polydnaviruses are responsible for immune and developmental adaptations whereas Wolbachia bacteria may reinforce this local adaptation though genetic isolation mechanisms. The noctuid Busseola fusca is a major stemborer pest of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast to eastern Africa, C. sesamiae is rarely found on B. fusca in western Africa. …

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Impact Of The Exotic Fall Armyworm On Larval Parasitoids Associated With The Lepidopteran Maize Stemborers In Kenya, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Julius Obonyo, Enock Mwangangi Sammy, Samira A. Mohamed, Sevgan Subramanian, Dora Chao Kilalo, Gerald Juma, Paul André Calatayud Apr 2021

Impact Of The Exotic Fall Armyworm On Larval Parasitoids Associated With The Lepidopteran Maize Stemborers In Kenya, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Julius Obonyo, Enock Mwangangi Sammy, Samira A. Mohamed, Sevgan Subramanian, Dora Chao Kilalo, Gerald Juma, Paul André Calatayud

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Exotic invasive insect herbivores have the potential to interfere with existing herbivore-natural enemy interactions in new environments. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a new invasive pest in maize fields in Africa. Understanding the acceptability and suitability of FAW to existing maize stemborer-parasitoid interactions is the first step in elucidating the impact that this exotic insect pest can have on the existing natural enemies used in biological control of maize stemborers in Kenya. The most commonly used larval parasitoids for biological control programs against maize stemborer communities in East Africa are Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) …

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Temperature-Based Phenology Model To Predict The Development, Survival, And Reproduction Of The Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera Dorsalis, Dongmo K. Michel A., Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sévilor Kekeunou, Samuel N. Nanga, Apollin F. Kuate, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Désiré Gnanvossou, Rachid Hanna Apr 2021

Temperature-Based Phenology Model To Predict The Development, Survival, And Reproduction Of The Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera Dorsalis, Dongmo K. Michel A., Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sévilor Kekeunou, Samuel N. Nanga, Apollin F. Kuate, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Désiré Gnanvossou, Rachid Hanna

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The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major pest of fruit and vegetable production systems on several continents. The pest has invaded many countries, causing considerable impact on fruit production systems and commercialization. In this study we determined the relationship between temperature and development, survival and reproductive parameters of B. dorsalis on an artificial diet under laboratory conditions under 7 constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 35 °C) with 70 ± 10% relative humidity and a photoperiod of L12:D12. We validated the laboratory results with a full life table analysis under semi-natural conditions in …

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Global Habitat Suitability Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Je Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae): Key Parasitoids Considered For Its Biological Control, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Georg Goergen, Sevgan Subramanian, Emily Kimathi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Daniel Flø, Karl H. Thunes, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Saliou Niassy, Anani Bruce, Samira A. Mohamed, Manuele Tamò, Sunday Ekesi, May Guri Sæthre Apr 2021

Global Habitat Suitability Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Je Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae): Key Parasitoids Considered For Its Biological Control, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Georg Goergen, Sevgan Subramanian, Emily Kimathi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Daniel Flø, Karl H. Thunes, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Saliou Niassy, Anani Bruce, Samira A. Mohamed, Manuele Tamò, Sunday Ekesi, May Guri Sæthre

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The present study is the first modeling effort at a global scale to predict habitat suitability of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda and its key parasitoids, namely Chelonus insularis, Cotesia marginiventris, Eiphosoma laphygmae, Telenomus remus and Trichogramma pretiosum, to be considered for biological control. An adjusted procedure of a machine-learning algorithm, the maximum entropy (Maxent), was applied for the modeling experiments. Model predictions showed particularly high establishment potential of the five hymenopteran parasitoids in areas that are heavily affected by FAW (like the coastal belt of West Africa from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to Nigeria, the Congo basin to Eastern …

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Innovative Agronomic Practices For Sustainable Intensification In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Review, Shem Kuyah, Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi, Libère Nkurunziza, Ngonidzashe Chirinda, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Kangbéni Dimobe, Ingrid Öborn Apr 2021

Innovative Agronomic Practices For Sustainable Intensification In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Review, Shem Kuyah, Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi, Libère Nkurunziza, Ngonidzashe Chirinda, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Kangbéni Dimobe, Ingrid Öborn

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Africa’s need to double food production and feed the burgeoning human population, without compromising its natural resource base, has raised the momentum for sustainable agricultural intensification on the continent. Many studies describe agronomic practices that can increase productivity on existing agricultural land without damaging the environment and without increasing the agricultural carbon footprint. However, there is limited information on specific practices with the greatest potential to contribute to sustainable intensification on smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa, while simultaneously keeping the carbon footprint low. The objectives of this review were to (1) identify good agronomic practices with potential for contributing to …

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Intercropping Desmodium And Maize Improves Nitrogen And Phosphorus Availability And Performance Of Maize In Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan Apr 2021

Intercropping Desmodium And Maize Improves Nitrogen And Phosphorus Availability And Performance Of Maize In Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan

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Low levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soils in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) limit maize (Zea mays) production in smallholder farms. We tested the hypothesis that desmodium (Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb.), a fodder legume, and food legumes commonly grown with maize in Western Kenya avail N and P and improve the performance of maize in intercrops. We measured available N and P in 15 cm topsoil at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), and corresponding maize shoot weight in three seasons: 2017 long rains (LR), 2017 short rains (SR), and 2018 LR at Thomas Odhiambo Campus of …

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Comparison Of Biological Methods To Control Aphis Fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) On Kalanchoe Crops In East Africa, Thibault Nordey, Simon Boniface Boni, Mawufe Komi Agbodzavu, Robert Mwashimaha, Nickson Mlowe, Srinivasan Ramasamy, Emilie Deletre Apr 2021

Comparison Of Biological Methods To Control Aphis Fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) On Kalanchoe Crops In East Africa, Thibault Nordey, Simon Boniface Boni, Mawufe Komi Agbodzavu, Robert Mwashimaha, Nickson Mlowe, Srinivasan Ramasamy, Emilie Deletre

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Aphids cause considerable damage to numerous crops all over the world and insecticides are the main means of controlling them, despite their detrimental impacts on human and environmental health. This study assessed the effectiveness of the parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a mixture of predatory ladybird beetles, Hippodamia variegata Goeze, Chilocorus calvus Chiccl, and Cheilomenes propinqua Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and an entomopathogenic strain of Aspergillus flavus Link (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae), collected locally in Tanzania, to control Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae). After assessing the predation and parasitism rates of these natural enemies at different aphid densities in laboratory experiments, their …

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Supplementing Blood Diet With Plant Nectar Enhances Egg Fertility In Stomoxys Calcitrans, Simon K. Tawich, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel Masiga, Merid N. Getahun Mar 2021

Supplementing Blood Diet With Plant Nectar Enhances Egg Fertility In Stomoxys Calcitrans, Simon K. Tawich, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel Masiga, Merid N. Getahun

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Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly) is a cosmopolitan biting fly of both medical and veterinary importance. Unlike blood-feeding-related behavior of stable fly, its plant feeding, the fitness value, and the S. calcitrans–plant interaction are less understood. Here we show based on two chloroplast DNA genes, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcL) and the intergenic spacer gene trnH-psbA, that field-collected male and female stable flies fed on various plant species. We investigated the fitness cost of plant feeding using Parthenium hysterophorus, one of the plant species identified to have been fed on by the field-collected flies. Supplementation of blood feeding with a …

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On-Farm Assessment Of Cassava Root Yield Response To Tillage, Plant Density, Weed Control And Fertilizer Application In Southwestern Nigeria, Olabisi Omolara Onasanya, Stefan Hauser, Magdalena Necpalova, Felix Kolawole Salako, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six, Pieter Pypers Mar 2021

On-Farm Assessment Of Cassava Root Yield Response To Tillage, Plant Density, Weed Control And Fertilizer Application In Southwestern Nigeria, Olabisi Omolara Onasanya, Stefan Hauser, Magdalena Necpalova, Felix Kolawole Salako, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six, Pieter Pypers

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Cassava is growing in importance in Nigeria as a food and industrial crop. Current yields are low due to poor soil fertility and because farmers do not use improved germplasm, clean planting material, or improved crop management in Nigeria. To provide feasible agronomic recommendations targeting increased root yield, the effects of tillage intensity, fertilizer application, plant density and weed control were tested in 230 farmers’ fields in southwestern Nigeria over two years. In 2016, tillage treatments were zero, single and double passage with a disc plough, followed by ridging (soil shaping) versus leaving the soil flat. Fertilizer application at 75:20:90 …

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Importation And Preliminary Evaluation Of The Stem Boring Moth Buakea Kaeuae1 As A Potential Biological Control Agent Of Invasive Guineagrass, Megathyrsus Maximus2, Ann T. Vacek, John A. Goolsby, Paul Andre Calatayud, Bruno Le Ru, Boaz Musyoka, Rupesh R. Kariyat Mar 2021

Importation And Preliminary Evaluation Of The Stem Boring Moth Buakea Kaeuae1 As A Potential Biological Control Agent Of Invasive Guineagrass, Megathyrsus Maximus2, Ann T. Vacek, John A. Goolsby, Paul Andre Calatayud, Bruno Le Ru, Boaz Musyoka, Rupesh R. Kariyat

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Guineagrass, Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs, is an African grass that is invasive in Florida, Hawaii, southern Texas, and northeastern Mexico. Buakea kaeuae Moyal et al., a stem-boring African moth found only on M. maximus, was imported from Kenya and evaluated for its ability to feed and develop on Guineagrass naturalized in southern Texas. Neither larvae nor adults developed or reproduced on Texas Guineagrass.

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Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre Mar 2021

Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre

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Net houses can be used in tropical environments to protect crops such as cowpea against large insect pests, thereby avoiding pesticide treatments while sustainably mitigating the effects of climate change. We investigated a push-pull strategy to prevent small insect pest outbreaks in a net house. The push component consisted of two stimulus plants, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Tagetes minuta, and the pull stimuli consisted of visual cues from blue and yellow sticky traps. Field experiments were set up in central Kenya and conducted during a rainy and a dry season, involving an open field control treatment, and three management treatments …

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Oviposition Behavior Of Telenomus Busseolae, Telenomus Isis And Trichogramma Bournieri On Eggs Of East African Cereal Stemborers, Anani Y. Bruce, Fritz Schulthess, Jacqueline K. Makatiani, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Mar 2021

Oviposition Behavior Of Telenomus Busseolae, Telenomus Isis And Trichogramma Bournieri On Eggs Of East African Cereal Stemborers, Anani Y. Bruce, Fritz Schulthess, Jacqueline K. Makatiani, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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The oviposition behavior of the scelionids Telenomus busseolae, Telenomus isis and the trichogrammatid Trichogramma bournieri was studied on eggs of lepidopteran cereal stemborers, which included the noctuid Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, Sesamia nonagrioides, the crambid Chilo partellus, and the pyralid Eldana saccharina. Unlike Tr. bournieri, Telenomus spp. did not attack eggs of C. partellus and E. saccharina. Five distinct behavioral steps were observed, which included foraging, drumming with the antennae on the eggs, ovipositor insertion, egg marking, and walking and resting. Foraging, walking and resting were observed less frequently than the other behaviors. There was a clear hierarchy of behavioral …

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A Recalibrated And Tested Lintul-Cassava Simulation Model Provides Insight Into The High Yield Potential Of Cassava Under Rainfed Conditions, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, R. P.M. Van Den Beuken, K. S. Ezui, P. Pypers, A. O. Ano, C. N. Egesi, K. E. Giller Mar 2021

A Recalibrated And Tested Lintul-Cassava Simulation Model Provides Insight Into The High Yield Potential Of Cassava Under Rainfed Conditions, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, R. P.M. Van Den Beuken, K. S. Ezui, P. Pypers, A. O. Ano, C. N. Egesi, K. E. Giller

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Accurate assessments of the yield potential of cassava are needed to analyse yield gaps, define yield targets and set benchmarks for actual yields in Nigeria. This study evaluated the crop model LINTUL-Cassava under assumed potential growth and water-limited conditions in Nigeria. On-farm experiments were conducted at six locations across the three major cassava growing agro-ecologies of Western Africa (Tropical Rainforest – Ogoja and Ikom in Cross River state, Rainforest Transition Savanna – Ekpoma in Edo state and Guinea Savanna – Otukpo in Benue state) during two subsequent seasons (2016 – 2018). Treatments included fertilizer rates calculated to support the assumed …

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The African Citrus Triozid Trioza Erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Temporal Dynamics And Susceptibility To Entomopathogenic Fungi In East Africa, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, C. M. Tanga, S. A. Mohamed, F. M. Khamis, S. Opisa, B. A. Rasowo, J. W. Kimemia, J. Ambajo, M. Sétamou, S. Ekesi, C. Borgemeister Mar 2021

The African Citrus Triozid Trioza Erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Temporal Dynamics And Susceptibility To Entomopathogenic Fungi In East Africa, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, C. M. Tanga, S. A. Mohamed, F. M. Khamis, S. Opisa, B. A. Rasowo, J. W. Kimemia, J. Ambajo, M. Sétamou, S. Ekesi, C. Borgemeister

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The African citrus triozid Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is the most destructive citrus pest. Presently, biological data on T. erytreae are insufficient for important parameters like distribution, seasonal dynamics and entomopathogens. Therefore, we determined the temporal dynamics of T. erytreae along three different altitudinal gradients in Kenya. In low altitudes, females of T. erytreae reactivated and started laying eggs between late February and early March. The mean monthly number of immature stages of T. erytreae per flush shoot peaked in February, whereas adults peaked in March. For mid-altitudes, T. erytreae mean populations peaked in February, but adults were …

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Detection Of The Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila Suzukii, In Continental Sub-Saharan Africa, Charles A. Kwadha, Louis A. Okwaro, Isabella Kleman, Guillermo Rehermann, Santosh Revadi, Shepard Ndlela, Fathiya M. Khamis, Peterson W. Nderitu, Muo Kasina, Momanyi K. George, Grace G. Kithusi, Samira A. Mohamed, H. Michael G. Lattorff, Paul G. Becher Mar 2021

Detection Of The Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila Suzukii, In Continental Sub-Saharan Africa, Charles A. Kwadha, Louis A. Okwaro, Isabella Kleman, Guillermo Rehermann, Santosh Revadi, Shepard Ndlela, Fathiya M. Khamis, Peterson W. Nderitu, Muo Kasina, Momanyi K. George, Grace G. Kithusi, Samira A. Mohamed, H. Michael G. Lattorff, Paul G. Becher

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The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is an insect pest of soft-skinned fruit, native to Eastern Asia. Since 2008, a world-wide dispersal of D. suzukii is seen, characterized by the establishment of the pest in many Asian, American and European countries. While the potential for invasion of continental Africa by D. suzukii has been predicted, its presence has only been shown for Morocco in Northern Africa. Knowledge about a possible establishment in other parts of the continent is needed as a basis for pest management. In 2019, we carried out a first survey in three counties in Kenya to …

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Are The Current Animal Trypanosomiasis Management Methods In Kenya Complementary Or Substitutes? Evidence From Kwale County, Arnold Lumumbah Musungu, David Jakinda Otieno, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Rose Nyikal, Daniel Masiga, Michael Nyanganga Okal Mar 2021

Are The Current Animal Trypanosomiasis Management Methods In Kenya Complementary Or Substitutes? Evidence From Kwale County, Arnold Lumumbah Musungu, David Jakinda Otieno, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Rose Nyikal, Daniel Masiga, Michael Nyanganga Okal

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African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) and its vectors, mainly tsetse, are a major constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Control efforts have been ongoing for decades, but finding a sustainable solution remains a major concern. This paper assessed the complementarity and substitutability of existing AAT management methods to inform policies toward an integrated approach. A multivariate probit (MVP) analytical technique was used to model interrelationships in the control methods from 308 randomly selected livestock keepers. The results show that the current AAT control methods are complementary and not substitutes. Furthermore, the number of years of formal education, household size, …

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Mice Pups Breastfed By Foster Mothers Whose Breast Milk Contains Plasmodium Falciparum Recombinant Se36 Antigen Develop Specific Antibodies, Margaret Mendi Njoroge, Victor Irungu Mwangi, Tonny Jimmy Owalla, Hastings Ozwara, Thomas G. Egwang Mar 2021

Mice Pups Breastfed By Foster Mothers Whose Breast Milk Contains Plasmodium Falciparum Recombinant Se36 Antigen Develop Specific Antibodies, Margaret Mendi Njoroge, Victor Irungu Mwangi, Tonny Jimmy Owalla, Hastings Ozwara, Thomas G. Egwang

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Intranasal instillation of SE36, a malaria vaccine candidate antigen, in lactating BALB/c strain (derived from the Bagg and albino laboratory inbred mice) female mice resulted in the appearance of the antigen in breast milk as demonstrated by sandwich ELISA and Western blot. Pups born of immunologically naive mice and breastfed on lactating foster mothers exposed intranasally to SE36 developed IgG anti-SE36 antibodies. These data demonstrate that maternal immunization in mice by this route in lactating mothers can result in active immunization of offspring via ingestion of breast milk containing antigen. If confirmed in a nonhuman primate model and in human …

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