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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Low-Cost Technology For Recycling Agro-Industrial Waste Into Nutrient-Rich Organic Fertilizer Using Black Soldier Fly, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Jan 2021

Low-Cost Technology For Recycling Agro-Industrial Waste Into Nutrient-Rich Organic Fertilizer Using Black Soldier Fly, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Efforts to recycle organic waste using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae into high-quality alternative protein ingredients in animal feeds and organic fertilizers have gained momentum worldwide. However, there is limited information on waste manipulation to increase nutrient retention for enhanced larval performance and frass fertilizer quality. In the present study, brewer's spent grain with a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 11 (control) was amended with sawdust to obtain substrates with C/N ratios of 15, 20, 25 and 30. The effects of substrate C/N ratios on BSF larval yield, waste degradation, biomass conversion efficiency, compost maturity and nutrient levels of …

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Effects Of Agricultural Intensification Practices On Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Outcomes In Kenyan Hotspots Of Climate Change, F. O. Ouya, O. I. Ayuya, M. I. Kariuki Dec 2020

Effects Of Agricultural Intensification Practices On Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Outcomes In Kenyan Hotspots Of Climate Change, F. O. Ouya, O. I. Ayuya, M. I. Kariuki

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Developing countries, Kenya included are mostly affected by food shortage and poverty as a result of high dependence on agriculture constrained by climate variability, declining land sizes and low agricultural technologies. Agricultural intensification is key in solving these problems to ensure increased farm output per unit land area. This study analyzed the role of agricultural intensification on smallholders’ poverty and food security status. The study is based on data collected from a sample of 320 smallholder households from two Sub-counties of Kenya, Makueni and Nyando. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was first used to group agricultural intensification practices into clusters. The …

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Endophytic Fungi Protect Tomato And Nightshade Plants Against Tuta Absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Through A Hidden Friendship And Cryptic Battle, Ayaovi Agbessenou, Komivi S. Akutse, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Sunday Ekesi, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya M. Khamis Dec 2020

Endophytic Fungi Protect Tomato And Nightshade Plants Against Tuta Absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Through A Hidden Friendship And Cryptic Battle, Ayaovi Agbessenou, Komivi S. Akutse, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Sunday Ekesi, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya M. Khamis

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Endophytic fungi live within plant tissues without causing any harm to the host, promote its growth, and induce systemic resistance against pests and diseases. To mitigate the challenging concealed feeding behavior of immature stages of Tuta absoluta in both tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and nightshade (Solanum scabrum) host plants, 15 fungal isolates were assessed for their endophytic and insecticidal properties. Twelve isolates were endophytic to both host plants with varied colonization rates. Host plants endophytically-colonized by Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4, Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 706 and Hypocrea lixii F3ST1 outperformed all the other isolates in reducing significantly the number of eggs laid, mines …

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Genome Wide Association Analysis Of A Stemborer Egg Induced “Call-For-Help” Defence Trait In Maize, Amanuel Tamiru, Rajneesh Paliwal, Samuel J. Manthi, Damaris A. Odeny, Charles A.O. Midega, Zeyaur R. Khan, John A. Pickett, Toby J.A. Bruce Dec 2020

Genome Wide Association Analysis Of A Stemborer Egg Induced “Call-For-Help” Defence Trait In Maize, Amanuel Tamiru, Rajneesh Paliwal, Samuel J. Manthi, Damaris A. Odeny, Charles A.O. Midega, Zeyaur R. Khan, John A. Pickett, Toby J.A. Bruce

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Tritrophic interactions allow plants to recruit natural enemies for protection against herbivory. Here we investigated genetic variability in induced responses to stemborer egg-laying in maize Zea mays (L.) (Poaceae). We conducted a genome wide association study (GWAS) of 146 maize genotypes comprising of landraces, inbred lines and commercial hybrids. Plants were phenotyped in bioassays measuring parasitic wasp Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attraction to volatiles collected from plants exposed to stemborer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) eggs. Genotyping-by-sequencing was used to generate maize germplasm SNP data for GWAS. The egg-induced parasitoid attraction trait was more common in landraces than in …

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Prediction Of Breeding Regions For The Desert Locust Schistocerca Gregaria In East Africa, Emily Kimathi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Sevgan Subramanian, Keith Cressman, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Mehari Tesfayohannes, Saliou Niassy, Baldwyn Torto, Thomas Dubois, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Menale Kassie, Sunday Ekesi, David Mwangi, Segenet Kelemu Dec 2020

Prediction Of Breeding Regions For The Desert Locust Schistocerca Gregaria In East Africa, Emily Kimathi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Sevgan Subramanian, Keith Cressman, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Mehari Tesfayohannes, Saliou Niassy, Baldwyn Torto, Thomas Dubois, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Menale Kassie, Sunday Ekesi, David Mwangi, Segenet Kelemu

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Desert locust outbreak in East Africa is threatening livelihoods, food security, environment, and economic development in the region. The current magnitude of the desert locust invasion in East Africa is unprecedented and has not been witnessed for more than 70 years. Identifying the potential breeding sites of the pest is essential to carry out cost-effective and timely preventive measures before it inflicts significant damage. We accessed 9,134 desert locust occurrence records and applied a machine-learning algorithm to predict potential desert locust breeding sites in East Africa using key bio-climatic (temperature and rainfall) and edaphic (sand and moisture contents) factors. Ten …

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Insect Chemical Ecology: Chemically Mediated Interactions And Novel Applications In Agriculture, Crispus M. Mbaluto, Pascal M. Ayelo, Alexandra G. Duffy, Anna L. Erdei, Anaїs K. Tallon, Siyang Xia, Gabriela Caballero-Vidal, Urban Spitaler, Magdolna O. Szelényi, Gonçalo A. Duarte, William B. Walker, Paul G. Becher Dec 2020

Insect Chemical Ecology: Chemically Mediated Interactions And Novel Applications In Agriculture, Crispus M. Mbaluto, Pascal M. Ayelo, Alexandra G. Duffy, Anna L. Erdei, Anaїs K. Tallon, Siyang Xia, Gabriela Caballero-Vidal, Urban Spitaler, Magdolna O. Szelényi, Gonçalo A. Duarte, William B. Walker, Paul G. Becher

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Insect chemical ecology (ICE) evolved as a discipline concerned with plant–insect interactions, and also with a strong focus on intraspecific pheromone-mediated communication. Progress in this field has rendered a more complete picture of how insects exploit chemical information in their surroundings in order to survive and navigate their world successfully. Simultaneously, this progress has prompted new research questions about the evolution of insect chemosensation and related ecological adaptations, molecular mechanisms that mediate commonly observed behaviors, and the consequences of chemically mediated interactions in different ecosystems. Themed meetings, workshops, and summer schools are ideal platforms for discussing scientific advancements as well …

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Citronellal Perception And Transmission By Anopheles Gambiae S.S. (Diptera: Culicidae) Females, Weijian Wu, Shanshan Li, Min Yang, Yongwen Lin, Kaibin Zheng, Komivi Senyo Akutse Dec 2020

Citronellal Perception And Transmission By Anopheles Gambiae S.S. (Diptera: Culicidae) Females, Weijian Wu, Shanshan Li, Min Yang, Yongwen Lin, Kaibin Zheng, Komivi Senyo Akutse

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Anopheles gambiae s.s. is a key vector of Plasmodium parasites. Repellents, which may be a promising alternative to pesticides used to control malaria mosquitoes. Although citronellal is a known mosquito repellent, its repellency characteristics are largely unknown. Determining the specific odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) that detect and transfer the citronellal molecule in A. gambiae s.s. will help to define the mode of action of this compound. In this research, we assessed the repellent activity of citronellal in A. gambiae s.s. using a Y-tube olfactory meter, screened candidate citronellal-binding OBPs and ORs using reverse molecular docking, clarified the …

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False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Meyrick) A New Threat To Horticulture Industry: Stakeholders’ Perspectives On The Status, Impact And Management In Kenya, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Nyang’Au I. Mbeche, Emmanuel Onamu, Muo J. Kasina, John H. Nderitu, Allan N. Mweke Dec 2020

False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Meyrick) A New Threat To Horticulture Industry: Stakeholders’ Perspectives On The Status, Impact And Management In Kenya, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Nyang’Au I. Mbeche, Emmanuel Onamu, Muo J. Kasina, John H. Nderitu, Allan N. Mweke

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False codling moth (FCM) has emerged as a major constraint to the production of horticultural crops in Kenya and is currently the leading cause of interceptions of Capsicum and cut flowers exported to European Union. Use of pesticides to control this pest is not only unsustainable, uneconomical but also contributes to interceptions of export produce due to higher levels of pesticide residues in the produce. Further, due to cryptic nature of feeding by the pest, pesticides often do not result to efficient control. Growing crops under protected areas though effective is not affordable to smallholder resource poor farmers necessitating search …

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A Microsporidian Impairs Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission In Anopheles Arabiensis Mosquitoes, Jeremy K. Herren, Lilian Mbaisi, Enock Mararo, Edward E. Makhulu, Victor A. Mobegi, Hellen Butungi, Maria Vittoria Mancini, Joseph W. Oundo, Evan T. Teal, Silvain Pinaud, Mara K.N. Lawniczak, Jordan Jabara, Godfrey Nattoh, Steven P. Sinkins Dec 2020

A Microsporidian Impairs Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission In Anopheles Arabiensis Mosquitoes, Jeremy K. Herren, Lilian Mbaisi, Enock Mararo, Edward E. Makhulu, Victor A. Mobegi, Hellen Butungi, Maria Vittoria Mancini, Joseph W. Oundo, Evan T. Teal, Silvain Pinaud, Mara K.N. Lawniczak, Jordan Jabara, Godfrey Nattoh, Steven P. Sinkins

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A possible malaria control approach involves the dissemination in mosquitoes of inherited symbiotic microbes to block Plasmodium transmission. However, in the Anopheles gambiae complex, the primary African vectors of malaria, there are limited reports of inherited symbionts that impair transmission. We show that a vertically transmitted microsporidian symbiont (Microsporidia MB) in the An. gambiae complex can impair Plasmodium transmission. Microsporidia MB is present at moderate prevalence in geographically dispersed populations of An. arabiensis in Kenya, localized to the mosquito midgut and ovaries, and is not associated with significant reductions in adult host fecundity or survival. Field-collected Microsporidia MB infected An. …

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Global Risk Of Invasion By Bactrocera Zonata: Implications On Horticultural Crop Production Under Changing Climatic Conditions, Kumbirai M. Zingore, George Sithole, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mohammed E.E. Mahmoud Dec 2020

Global Risk Of Invasion By Bactrocera Zonata: Implications On Horticultural Crop Production Under Changing Climatic Conditions, Kumbirai M. Zingore, George Sithole, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mohammed E.E. Mahmoud

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The peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important invasive species causing substantial losses to the horticulture industry worldwide. Despite the severe economic impact caused by this pest in its native and invaded range, information on its potential range expansion under changing climate remains largely unknown. In this study, we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach to predict the global potential climatic suitability of B. zonata under current climate and four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for the year 2050. Outputs from MaxEnt were merged with Spatial Production Allocation Model. A natural dispersal model using Gaussian dispersal kernel …

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Characterization Of Mycotoxins From Entomopathogenic Fungi (Cordyceps Fumosorosea) And Their Toxic Effects To The Development Of Asian Citrus Psyllid Reared On Healthy And Diseased Citrus Plants, Muhammad Qasim, Saif Ul Islam, Waqar Islam, Ali Noman, Khalid Ali Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chandra Kanta Dash, Bamisope Steve Bamisile, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Shahid Nisar, Saad Jan, Liande Wang Dec 2020

Characterization Of Mycotoxins From Entomopathogenic Fungi (Cordyceps Fumosorosea) And Their Toxic Effects To The Development Of Asian Citrus Psyllid Reared On Healthy And Diseased Citrus Plants, Muhammad Qasim, Saif Ul Islam, Waqar Islam, Ali Noman, Khalid Ali Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chandra Kanta Dash, Bamisope Steve Bamisile, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Shahid Nisar, Saad Jan, Liande Wang

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Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) produce multiple mycotoxins, which play an essential role in improving fungal pathogenesis and virulence. To characterize various mycotoxins from the crude methanol extract of Cordyceps fumosorosea, a major EPF against various insect pests, we performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-QTOF MS) technique, and all compounds were identified through molecular mass and formulae. Bassianolide was assessed against the nymphs and adults of Diaphorina citri reared on healthy and Huánglóngbìng (HLB)-diseased Citrus spp. Plants under laboratory conditions. Overall, 17 compounds were identified from the fungal extract and categorized into three groups, i.e. …

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Reconciling Yield Gains In Agronomic Trials With Returns Under African Smallholder Conditions, Rachid Laajaj, Karen Macours, Cargele Masso, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe Dec 2020

Reconciling Yield Gains In Agronomic Trials With Returns Under African Smallholder Conditions, Rachid Laajaj, Karen Macours, Cargele Masso, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe

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Increased adoption of improved agricultural technologies is considered an essential step to address global poverty and hunger, and agronomic trials suggest intensification in developing countries could result in large yield gains. Yet the promise of new technologies does not always carry over from trials to real-life conditions, and diffusion of many technologies remains limited. We show how parcel and farmer selection, together with behavioural responses in agronomic trials, can explain why yield gain estimates from trials may differ from the yield gains of smallholders using the same inputs under real-life conditions. We provide quantitative evidence by exploiting variation in farmer …

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Mitochondrial Genetic Variation Reveals Phylogeographic Structure And Cryptic Diversity In Trioza Erytreae, Inusa Ajene, Gerhard Pietersen, Barbara Van Asch Dec 2020

Mitochondrial Genetic Variation Reveals Phylogeographic Structure And Cryptic Diversity In Trioza Erytreae, Inusa Ajene, Gerhard Pietersen, Barbara Van Asch

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Trioza erytreae is the main vector for ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’, the causative agent of African Citrus Greening disease. The insect is widespread in Africa, and has recently disseminated to Southwestern Europe. This study aimed at generating reference mitogenome sequences for T. erytreae, as a background for future genetic diversity surveys. Complete mitochondrial sequences of three specimens collected in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa were recovered using Ion Torrent technology. The mitogenomes of T. erytreae from Uganda and Ethiopia were highly similar, and distinct from that found in South Africa. The phylogeographic structure of T. erytreae was assessed using genetic clustering …

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The Kampala Statement-For-Action On Reactive Nitrogen In Africa And Globally, Mark A. Sutton, Peter Ebanyat, N. Raghuram, Mateete Bekunda, John S. Tenywa, Wilfried Winiwarter, Albert Bleeker, Eric A. Davidson, Jan Willem Erisman, Wim De Vries, James N. Galloway, Patrick Heffer, W. Kevin Hicks, Cargele Masso, Cheryl A. Palm, Clifford S. Snyder, Bernard Vanlauwe, Shamie Zingore, Delegates Of The 6th International Nov 2020

The Kampala Statement-For-Action On Reactive Nitrogen In Africa And Globally, Mark A. Sutton, Peter Ebanyat, N. Raghuram, Mateete Bekunda, John S. Tenywa, Wilfried Winiwarter, Albert Bleeker, Eric A. Davidson, Jan Willem Erisman, Wim De Vries, James N. Galloway, Patrick Heffer, W. Kevin Hicks, Cargele Masso, Cheryl A. Palm, Clifford S. Snyder, Bernard Vanlauwe, Shamie Zingore, Delegates Of The 6th International

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Following discussions at the 6th International Nitrogen Conference, Kampala (24th-27th November 2013), the delegates agreed the Kampala Statement-for-Action on Reactive Nitrogen in Africa and Globally. The Statement-for-Action highlights the global challenge of aiming for just enough nitrogen: enough to meet human needs for food, fuel and fibre, while avoiding excess that contributes to air and water pollution, climate change and ecosystem degradation. The following priorities for Africa are highlighted: (i) Sub-Saharan African agriculture needs to be part of the solution to regional and world food security. This will require restoring and sustaining the fertility of Sub-Saharan African soils through better …

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First Report Of A Gall Midge As A Parasitoid Of Weaver Ants, Bethelihem Mekonnen, Julien Haran, Robert S. Copeland, Christian W.W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Emilie Deletre Nov 2020

First Report Of A Gall Midge As A Parasitoid Of Weaver Ants, Bethelihem Mekonnen, Julien Haran, Robert S. Copeland, Christian W.W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Emilie Deletre

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Gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) comprise a diverse family of small nematoceran flies. While most species are phytophagous, the family also includes predatory species, and endoparasitoids. Endoparasitic species have been reared from aphids and psyllids. We discovered parasitoid-infected weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in nests on mango trees in coastal Kenya. Examination of 5 colonies revealed the presence of parasitoids in all of them, with parasitism rates ranging from 2 to 21%. Morphological examination of larval parasitoids indicated that they were gall midges, and molecular data were consistent with the identification. Attempts to rear adults were unsuccessful. This study …

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Population Abundance Of Varroa Destructor And Its Effects On Apis Mellifera Scutellata Colonies In Kenya, Sammy Kiprotich Cheruiyot, Ruth Kahuthia-Gathu, Jenard Patrick Mbugi, Elliud Muli, H. Michael G. Lattorff Oct 2020

Population Abundance Of Varroa Destructor And Its Effects On Apis Mellifera Scutellata Colonies In Kenya, Sammy Kiprotich Cheruiyot, Ruth Kahuthia-Gathu, Jenard Patrick Mbugi, Elliud Muli, H. Michael G. Lattorff

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The devastating effects of Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman on Western honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) have been well documented. Not only do these mites cause physical damage to parasitized individuals when they feed on them, but they also transmit viruses and other pathogens, weaken colonies and ultimately may cause their death. Unlike the subspecies of European origin, the honeybees of African origin suffer less from mite infestations. Absconding is one of the factors contributing to low V. destructor population in honeybee colonies as it creates a brood-free period. For a long time, researchers hypothesized that absconding was the main …

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Interactions Between Two Parasitoids Of Tephritidae: Diachasmimorpha Longicaudata (Ashmead) And Psyttalia Cosyrae (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Under Laboratory Conditions, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Paul Nduati Ndegwa, George Otieno Ong’Amo, Sunday Ekesi Oct 2020

Interactions Between Two Parasitoids Of Tephritidae: Diachasmimorpha Longicaudata (Ashmead) And Psyttalia Cosyrae (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Under Laboratory Conditions, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Paul Nduati Ndegwa, George Otieno Ong’Amo, Sunday Ekesi

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The braconid wasp, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead), was introduced in Kenya from Hawaii for classical biological control of the invasive tephritid, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel. Following reports that D. longicaudata had formed new associations with Ceratitis cosyra, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the interaction between the introduced and the native parasitoid of C. cosyra; Psyttalia cosyrae (Wilkinson) under three scenarios: B. dorsalis only, C. cosyra only and mixed populations of the two species. Parasitoids were introduced to the host as sole, sequential and simultaneous releases. Host searching and probing events were five times higher for D. longicaudata than P. cosyrae with …

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The Response Of Climbing Bean To Fertilizer And Organic Manure In The Northern Province Of Rwanda, Edouard Rurangwa, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller Oct 2020

The Response Of Climbing Bean To Fertilizer And Organic Manure In The Northern Province Of Rwanda, Edouard Rurangwa, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller

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Climbing beans play a central role in food security of rural households in the densely populated highlands of East and Central Africa. Soil fertility degradation and the lack of nutrient inputsare major limitations to yield of beans and other crops. We conducted field trials in Northern Rwanda in Kinoni and Muko villages to evaluate the effect of mineral N, P, and K fertilizers (both alone and in combination) and farmyard manure on nitrogen fixation and grain yields of climbing bean insmallholder farmers' fields. The trials were laid down in a randomized complete block design with seven replicate blocks in each …

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Push-Pull Technology Improves Maize Grain Yield And Total Aboveground Biomass In Maize-Based Systems In Western Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan Oct 2020

Push-Pull Technology Improves Maize Grain Yield And Total Aboveground Biomass In Maize-Based Systems In Western Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan

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Push-pull is one of the sustainable intensification technologies for the control of stem-borers, striga weed and fall armyworm. Even though the effectiveness of push-pull in addressing these constraints has been evaluated under different agro-ecological conditions and on research stations, performance of the technology relative to other common maize-based cropping systems in farmers’ fields and the impact of the push-pull age is not yet understood. We hypothesized that, a) maize grain yield and aboveground biomass from push-pull system is higher than other common maize farming systems; b) duration of use of push-pull, and climatic conditions have an influence on its efficacy; …

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Repellence And Fumigant Toxicity Of Essential Oils Of Ocimum Gratissimum And Ocimum Kilimandscharicum On Tuta Absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Flaure Rosette Ehawa Essoung, Alain Tcho Tadjong, Sumesh Chander Chhabra, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Ahmed Hassanali Oct 2020

Repellence And Fumigant Toxicity Of Essential Oils Of Ocimum Gratissimum And Ocimum Kilimandscharicum On Tuta Absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Flaure Rosette Ehawa Essoung, Alain Tcho Tadjong, Sumesh Chander Chhabra, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Ahmed Hassanali

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Tuta absoluta Meyrick originates in South America and is now one of the most important insect pests of Solanaceae in different parts of the world, including Africa. Its control has relied primarily on chemical insecticides, which are associated with negative ecological effects. In the present study, essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum and O. kilimandscharicum were tested for repellence and fumigant toxicity on the adult stages under laboratory conditions. The oil of O. gratissimum was more repellent, but its toxicity was comparable with that of O. kilimandscharicum. The major constituents of O. gratissimum were methyl eugenol (39.5%) and eugenol (29.7%). Those …

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Biopesticide Research And Product Development In Africa For Sustainable Agriculture And Food Security – Experiences From The International Centre Of Insect Physiology And Ecology (Icipe), Komivi Senyo Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi Sep 2020

Biopesticide Research And Product Development In Africa For Sustainable Agriculture And Food Security – Experiences From The International Centre Of Insect Physiology And Ecology (Icipe), Komivi Senyo Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi

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Arthropod pests and vectors constrain the livelihood opportunities of people in Africa by debilitating production of crops and livestock and through transmission of vector-borne diseases. In the absence of effective alternative management options to tackle these pests and vectors, there is extensive dependence on synthetic pesticides for their management on crop and livestock systems, with significant negative impacts on animal and human health, and the environment. Biopesticides are effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. At the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Arthropod Pathology Unit (APU) was established for effective biopesticide research-for-development (R4D), underpinned by …

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Exploring Black Soldier Fly Frass As Novel Fertilizer For Improved Growth, Yield, And Nitrogen Use Efficiency Of Maize Under Field Conditions, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Martha W. Musyoka, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga Sep 2020

Exploring Black Soldier Fly Frass As Novel Fertilizer For Improved Growth, Yield, And Nitrogen Use Efficiency Of Maize Under Field Conditions, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Martha W. Musyoka, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is increasingly gaining momentum worldwide as organic fertilizer. However, research on its performance on crop production remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluate the comparative performance of BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) on maize (H513) production. Both fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1, and 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1. Mineral fertilizer (urea) was also applied at 0, 30, 60 and 100 kg N ha-1 to establish the N fertilizer equivalence (NFE) of the organic fertilizers. Maize grown in plots treated with BSFFF …

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Insecticide Susceptibility Of Anopheles Gambiae S.L And Identification Of Some Resistance Mechanisms In Kwilu Province In The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Emery Metelo Matubi, Gillon Ilombe Kaounga, Josue Zanga, Guillaume Binene Mbuku, Jean Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Basimike Mulenda, Jonas Nagahuedi Mbongu Sodi, Jean Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Paul Masiangi Sep 2020

Insecticide Susceptibility Of Anopheles Gambiae S.L And Identification Of Some Resistance Mechanisms In Kwilu Province In The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Emery Metelo Matubi, Gillon Ilombe Kaounga, Josue Zanga, Guillaume Binene Mbuku, Jean Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Basimike Mulenda, Jonas Nagahuedi Mbongu Sodi, Jean Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Paul Masiangi

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Introduction: the control of the mosquito malaria vectors by the National Malaria Control Programme of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) relies mainly on the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). However, the widespread emergence of resistance to pyrethroids is jeopardizing this control strategy. The objective of this study is to determine the status and resistance mechanisms involved in Anopheles gambiae s.l. population of DRC. Methods: pre-imaginal stages of An. gambiae s.l. were collected and standard WHO bioassays were performed on adult An.gambiae s.l. reared in the laboratory from larvae collected from different sites in the study area. The bioassays …

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Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer And Synchrony Of Nitrogen Mineralization For Maize Production, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas Korir, Martha W. Musyoka, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Sep 2020

Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer And Synchrony Of Nitrogen Mineralization For Maize Production, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas Korir, Martha W. Musyoka, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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The use of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is being promoted globally. However, information on nitrogen (N) fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value and synchrony of N mineralization for crop production remains largely unknown. Comparative studies between BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) were undertaken under field conditions to determine synchrony of N release for maize uptake. The BSFFF, SAFI, and urea fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg N ha−1. The yield data from urea treated plots were used to determine the NFE of both organic inputs. Results showed that maize from BSFFF treated …

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How To Turn Collectors Of Edible Insects Into Mini-Livestock Farmers: Multidimensional Sustainability Challenges To A Thriving Industry, Sarah Nischalke, Ingo Wagler, Chrysantus Tanga, David Allan, Chama Phankaew, Christian Ratompoarison, Andrianantenaina Razafindrakotomamonjy, Elizabeth Kusia Sep 2020

How To Turn Collectors Of Edible Insects Into Mini-Livestock Farmers: Multidimensional Sustainability Challenges To A Thriving Industry, Sarah Nischalke, Ingo Wagler, Chrysantus Tanga, David Allan, Chama Phankaew, Christian Ratompoarison, Andrianantenaina Razafindrakotomamonjy, Elizabeth Kusia

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Edible insects reared under suitable climatic conditions are an efficient and ecological food source. However, most of the insects come from wild collection and not from farms (FAO, 2013). To establish insects as part of a sustainable food environment, collectors, farmers or small entrepreneurs need to be transformed into mini-livestock farmers, but people who eat or collect insects do not necessarily want to rear them. This paper presents four case studies from Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar and Thailand, which are in different stages of sector development to show pathways for establishing insect rearing, and the associated economic, resource/ecological and social challenges …

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Managing Phosphate Rock To Improve Nutrient Uptake, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, And Carrot Yields, Edwin Mwangi, Catherine Ngamau, John Wesonga, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Felix Matheri, Komi Fiaboe, David Bautze, Noah Adamtey Sep 2020

Managing Phosphate Rock To Improve Nutrient Uptake, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, And Carrot Yields, Edwin Mwangi, Catherine Ngamau, John Wesonga, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Felix Matheri, Komi Fiaboe, David Bautze, Noah Adamtey

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The objectives of this study were to assess (a) the efficiency of lemon and pineapple juices and the concentration and time needed to release more than 50% of available phosphorus from phosphate rock (PR), and (b) the effect of different types of PR management on carrot yields, nutrient uptake, and phosphorus use efficiency. Field trials were set up at two sites with humic andosols and orthic acrisols over two seasons in Kenya. In a randomized complete block design, replicated three times, the following treatments were compared: (i) composted dissolved PR in lemon juice; (ii) powdered PR composted; (iii) dissolved PR …

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Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro Aug 2020

Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro

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The growing scarcity of resources for feed production and environmental concerns highlight the unsustainability of conventional feed sources. Insect farming is considered as an alternative feed due to its low land and water requirements, its low ecological footprint, and circular economy contribution by converting biowaste into high-quality feed ingredients. While there is growing research on the technical feasibility and nutritional performance of insect-based feed, its potential beneifts are not quanitified. Using experimental and secondary data, we assess the potential socio-economic benefits of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) to the Kenyan poultry sector. We find that replacing 5–50% of the …

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Towards Closing Cassava Yield Gap In West Africa: Agronomic Efficiency And Storage Root Yield Responses To Npk Fertilizers, 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 Aug 2020

Towards Closing Cassava Yield Gap In West Africa: Agronomic Efficiency And Storage Root Yield Responses To Npk Fertilizers, 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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Nutrient management of cassava has received little attention compared with cereal crops. We evaluated cassava yield potential and nutrient use efficiency when supplied with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at high rates and when supplied with increasing rates of K. On-farm experiments were conducted at six locations in Nigeria across the major cassava growing agro-ecologies of Western Africa (Tropical Rainforest – Cross River, Forest Transition Savanna – Edo, and Guinea Savanna – Benue) during two seasons (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). Nitrogen, P and K fertilizers were applied at various rates, including treatments with and without added secondary and micronutrients. Storage root dry …

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Potential Of Resampled Multispectral Data For Detecting Desmodium-Brachiaria Intercropped With Maize In A 'Push-Pull' System, B. T. Mudereri, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, T. Dube, T. Landmann, S. Niassy, H. E.Z. Tonnang, Z. R. Khan Aug 2020

Potential Of Resampled Multispectral Data For Detecting Desmodium-Brachiaria Intercropped With Maize In A 'Push-Pull' System, B. T. Mudereri, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, T. Dube, T. Landmann, S. Niassy, H. E.Z. Tonnang, Z. R. Khan

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Poor crop yields remain one of the main causes of chronic food insecurity in Africa. This is largely caused by insect pests, weeds, unfavourable climatic conditions and degraded soils. Weed and pest control, based on the climate-adapted g'push-pull' system, has become an important target for sustainable intensification of food production adopted by many small-holder farmers. However, essential baseline information using remotely sensed data is missing, specifically for the g'push-pull' companion crops. In this study, we investigated the spectral uniqueness of two of the most commonly used g'companion' crops (i.e. greenleaf Desmodium (i Desmodium intortum/i) and Brachiaria (i Brachiaria/i cv Mulato) …

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Entomopathogenic Fungi As Endophytes For Biological Control Of Subterranean Termite Pests Attacking Cocoa Seedlings, Chaba F. Ambele, Sunday Ekesi, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Olubukola O. Babalola, Fathiya M. Khamis, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Komivi S. Akutse Aug 2020

Entomopathogenic Fungi As Endophytes For Biological Control Of Subterranean Termite Pests Attacking Cocoa Seedlings, Chaba F. Ambele, Sunday Ekesi, Hervé D.B. Bisseleua, Olubukola O. Babalola, Fathiya M. Khamis, Christian T.L. Djuideu, Komivi S. Akutse

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This study was conducted in the scope of developing a sustainable effective approach against subterranean termite pests using entomopathogenic and endophytic fungus-based biopesticides. Termites, Odontotermes spp. workers, were tested for their susceptibility to 15 entomopathogenic fungal isolates through the direct spraying of conidia suspensions at 1 × 108 conidia/mL. In general, all the isolates screened were pathogenic, with 100% mortality 4–7 days post-inoculation. However, the most virulent isolates were Metarhizium brunneum Cb15-III; the M. anisopliae isolates ICIPE 30 and ICIPE 60; Hypocrea lixii F3ST1; and the Beauveria bassiana isolates ICIPE 279, ICIPE 706 and ICIPE 662. These isolates were further …

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