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Articles 481 - 510 of 1443

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Biochar And Gypsum Amendment Of Agro-Industrial Waste For Enhanced Black Soldier Fly Larval Biomass And Quality Frass Fertilizer, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Aug 2020

Biochar And Gypsum Amendment Of Agro-Industrial Waste For Enhanced Black Soldier Fly Larval Biomass And Quality Frass Fertilizer, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens L.) is one of the most efficient bio-waste recyclers. Although, waste substrate amendments with biochar or gypsum during composting process are known to enhance nutrient retention, their impact on agro-industrial waste have not been documented. Hence, this study focuses on a comparative effect of agro-industrial waste amended with biochar and gypsum on BSF larval performance, waste degradation, and nitrogen (N) and potassium retention in frass fertilizer. Brewery spent grain was amended with biochar or gypsum at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% to determine the most effective rates of inclusion. Amending feedstock with 20% …

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Diversity And Structure Of Prokaryotic Communities Within Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Central Highlands Of Kenya, Edward Nderitu Karanja, Andreas Fliessbach, Noah Adamtey, Anne Kelly Kambura, Martha Musyoka, Komi Fiaboe, Romano Mwirichia Aug 2020

Diversity And Structure Of Prokaryotic Communities Within Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Central Highlands Of Kenya, Edward Nderitu Karanja, Andreas Fliessbach, Noah Adamtey, Anne Kelly Kambura, Martha Musyoka, Komi Fiaboe, Romano Mwirichia

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Management practices such as tillage, crop rotation, irrigation, organic and inorganic inputs application are known to influence diversity and function of soil microbial populations. In this study, we investigated the effect of conventional versus organic farming systems at low and high input levels on structure and diversity of prokaryotic microbial communities. Soil samples were collected from the ongoing long-term farming system comparison trials established in 2007 at Chuka and Thika in Kenya. Physicochemical parameters for each sample were analyzed. Total DNA and RNA amplicons of variable region (V4-V7) of the 16S rRNA gene were generated on an Illumina platform using …

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Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell Aug 2020

Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell

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Scarcity of quantity and quality feed has been a key constraint to productivity of smallholder crop-livestock systems. Tropical forages include a variety of annual and perennial grasses, herbaceous and dual-purpose legumes, and multipurpose trees and shrubs. They have been promoted in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for increasing livestock productivity and household income through higher quantity and quality of herbage, while contributing to soil improvement and higher food crop yields. For the first time, we quantitatively reviewed 72 experimental studies from across SSA to take stock of geographical distribution and forage technology focus of past research; quantify magnitudes of multidimensional impacts of …

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Insights In The Global Genetics And Gut Microbiome Of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia Illucens: Implications For Animal Feed Safety Control, Fathiya M. Khamis, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Komivi S. Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Weerachai Saijuntha, Joop J.A. Van Loon, Marcel Dicke, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Jul 2020

Insights In The Global Genetics And Gut Microbiome Of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia Illucens: Implications For Animal Feed Safety Control, Fathiya M. Khamis, Fidelis L.O. Ombura, Komivi S. Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Weerachai Saijuntha, Joop J.A. Van Loon, Marcel Dicke, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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The utilization of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens L. for recycling organic waste into high-quality protein and fat biomass for animal feeds has gained momentum worldwide. However, information on the genetic diversity and environmental implications on safety of the larvae is limited. This study delineates genetic variability and unravels gut microbiome complex of wild-collected and domesticated BSF populations from six continents using mitochondrial COI gene and 16S metagenomics. All sequences generated from the study linked to H. illucens accessions KM967419.1, FJ794355.1, FJ794361.1, FJ794367.1, KC192965.1, and KY817115.1 from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences generated from the study and …

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Detecting Bracoviral Orthologs Distribution In Five Tsetse Fly Species And The Housefly Genomes, Kelvin M. Kimenyi, Muna F. Abry, Winnie Okeyo, Enock Matovu, Daniel Masiga, Benard W. Kulohoma Jul 2020

Detecting Bracoviral Orthologs Distribution In Five Tsetse Fly Species And The Housefly Genomes, Kelvin M. Kimenyi, Muna F. Abry, Winnie Okeyo, Enock Matovu, Daniel Masiga, Benard W. Kulohoma

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Objective: Mutualism between endogenous viruses and eukaryotes is still poorly understood. Several endogenous double-stranded polydnaviruses, bracoviruses, homologous to those present in parasitic braconid wasp genomes were detected in the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans morsitans). This is peculiar since tsetse flies do not share a reproductive lifestyle similar to wasps, but deliver fully developed larvae that pupate within minutes of exiting their mothers. The objective of this study is to investigate genomic distribution of bracoviral sequences in five tsetse fly species and the housefly, and examine its value as a potential vector control strategy target point. We use comparative genomics to …

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Helminths Associated With Terrestrial Slugs In Some Parts Of Europe, Anna Filipiak, Solveig Haukeland, Kamila S. Zając, Dorota Lachowska-Cierlik, Bjørn A. Hatteland Jul 2020

Helminths Associated With Terrestrial Slugs In Some Parts Of Europe, Anna Filipiak, Solveig Haukeland, Kamila S. Zając, Dorota Lachowska-Cierlik, Bjørn A. Hatteland

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A survey of helminths associated with terrestrial slugs focusing on the invasive Arion vulgaris and the native A. ater was conducted on populations from France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Poland. In total, 648 terrestrial slugs were collected from 18 sample sites, and identified by means of morphological examination, dissection of genitalia and molecular analysis using mitochondrial DNA. In addition to A. vulgaris and A. ater, also A. vulgaris/A. rufus hybrids and A. ater/A. rufus hybrids were collected. Helminth species were identified based on morphological features and sequencing of the 18S and ITS rDNA regions. The parasites included four nematode species: …

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Potential Adoption Of Integrated Pest Management Strategy For Suppression Of Mango Fruit Flies In East Africa: An Ex Ante And Ex Post Analysis In Ethiopia And Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy G. Gathogo, Gracious M. Diiro, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi Jul 2020

Potential Adoption Of Integrated Pest Management Strategy For Suppression Of Mango Fruit Flies In East Africa: An Ex Ante And Ex Post Analysis In Ethiopia And Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy G. Gathogo, Gracious M. Diiro, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi

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To sustain agricultural development in Africa, innovative strategies for addressing a myriad of biotic and abiotic constraints facing the agricultural systems must be established. One current biotic stress is the mango infesting fruit flies. In the effort to contain the widely spreading and damaging invasive species of tephritid fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) (Hendel), an area-wide integrated pest management (IPM) program is being promoted in the horticultural sub-sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Such a new technology in which farmers have limited information before commercialization may have diffusion paths that are different from the often-assumed sigmoid (or “s”) shaped curve. We apply the …

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Light And Dark Rhythms Of Pupal Eclosion And Egg Hatching In Tropical Stem Borers’ Moths, Paul André Calatayud, François Rebaudo, Peter Ahuya, Bruno Le Ru Jul 2020

Light And Dark Rhythms Of Pupal Eclosion And Egg Hatching In Tropical Stem Borers’ Moths, Paul André Calatayud, François Rebaudo, Peter Ahuya, Bruno Le Ru

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Different traits in insects such as locomotor activity, egg-hatching, emergence from puparia and oviposition follow light and dark rhythms. In noctuid stemborer moths, activity cycles of the adults linked to their reproductive traits concentrate at the first half of the night and some of them are highly species specific. However, little information is available on the light and dark rhythm of egg hatching in noctuid stemborer moths as compared to adult’s activities (emergence, oviposition and mating). The purpose of this study was to compare the light and dark rhythms of pupal eclosion and egg hatching, respectively, for four main species …

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Mediation Of Potato–Potato Cyst Nematode, G. Rostochiensis Interaction By Specific Root Exudate Compounds, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Danny Coyne, Baldwyn Torto Jun 2020

Mediation Of Potato–Potato Cyst Nematode, G. Rostochiensis Interaction By Specific Root Exudate Compounds, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Danny Coyne, Baldwyn Torto

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Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a widely consumed staple food crop worldwide whose production is threatened by potato cyst nematodes (PCN). To infect a host, PCN eggs first need to be stimulated to hatch by chemical components in the host root exudates, yet it remains unknown how most root exudate components influence PCN behavior. Here, we evaluated the influence of eight compounds identified by LC-QqQ-MS in the root exudate of potato on the hatching response of the PCN, Globodera rostochiensis at varying doses. The eight compounds included the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine; phytohormones zeatin and methyl dihydrojasmonate; steroidal glycoalkaloids …

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Cellular And Molecular Targets Of Waterbuck Repellent Blend Odors In Antennae Of Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes Newstead, 1910, Souleymane Diallo, Mohd Shahbaaz, Baldwyn Torto, Alan Christoffels, Daniel Masiga, Merid N. Getahun Jun 2020

Cellular And Molecular Targets Of Waterbuck Repellent Blend Odors In Antennae Of Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes Newstead, 1910, Souleymane Diallo, Mohd Shahbaaz, Baldwyn Torto, Alan Christoffels, Daniel Masiga, Merid N. Getahun

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Insects that transmit many of the world’s deadliest animal diseases, for instance trypanosomosis, find their suitable hosts and avoid non-preferred hosts mostly through olfactory cues. The waterbuck repellent blend (WRB) comprising geranylacetone, guaiacol, pentanoic acid, and δ-octalactone derived from waterbuck skin odor is a repellent to some savannah-adapted tsetse flies and reduces trap catches of riverine species. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with detection and coding of the repellent odors remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that WRB inhibited blood feeding in both Glossina pallidipes Austen, 1903 and Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910. Using the DREAM (Deorphanization …

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Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices (Kap) On Production Of African Indigenous Vegetables In Kenya, Donatien Ntawuruhunga, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Mary O. Abukutsa-Onyango, Losenge Turoop, Beatrice W. Muriithi Jun 2020

Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices (Kap) On Production Of African Indigenous Vegetables In Kenya, Donatien Ntawuruhunga, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Mary O. Abukutsa-Onyango, Losenge Turoop, Beatrice W. Muriithi

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Local knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) among local growers are required to design effective vegetable productivity-enhancing interventions. However, limited studies have been conducted in Kenya to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on production performance of AIVs. A survey was conducted among 600 AIV growers in Busia, Nyamira and Machakos Counties of Kenya to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding AIVs and their contribution on output/yield. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire supplemented with key informant interviews. Results showed significant knowledge and positive attitude of farmers regarding AIVs, but insignificant use of …

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Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi Jun 2020

Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi

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Cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, is a major cowpea pest. Cowpea–cereal intercrop alone does not effectively manage the pest. Use of pesticides in intercrop leads to health and environmental risks. Fungal-based biopesticides offer a better option because they are environment-and consumer-friendly. This study assessed the combined effect of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 62 and cowpea–maize intercrop against A. craccivora under six treatments: (1) untreated cowpea monocrop, (2) untreated cowpea–maize intercrop, (3) cowpea monocrop + ICIPE 62, (4) cowpea–maize intercrop + ICIPE 62, (5) cowpea monocrop + Duduthrin insecticide, and (6) cowpea–maize intercrop + Duduthrin during three seasons (long rainy/cold and dry/short rainy). …

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The Comparative Virulence Of An Atoxigenic Strain Of Aspergillus Flavus (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae) And The Commercial Icipe 69 Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) To The Bean Leaf Beetle Ootheca Mutabilis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Julius Mugonza, Michael H. Otim, James P. Egonyu Jun 2020

The Comparative Virulence Of An Atoxigenic Strain Of Aspergillus Flavus (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae) And The Commercial Icipe 69 Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) To The Bean Leaf Beetle Ootheca Mutabilis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Julius Mugonza, Michael H. Otim, James P. Egonyu

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The recent isolation of an atoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (Link) (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae), which was virulent to all stages of Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has generated interest to investigate virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus against other crop pests, and how it compares with established commercial biopesticides. In this study, we tested the pathogenicity and virulence of the atoxigenic A. flavus strain to Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the laboratory compared to the commercial Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff Sorokin) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae; OD®, ICIPE 69). Serial dilutions of both entomopathogenic fungi (1 × 106–1 × 109 conidia/ml) were evaluated against adult …

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Exploiting Insect-Specific Viruses As A Novel Strategy To Control Vector-Borne Disease, Edward I. Patterson, Jandouwe Villinger, Joseph N. Muthoni, Lucien Dobel-Ober, Grant L. Hughes Jun 2020

Exploiting Insect-Specific Viruses As A Novel Strategy To Control Vector-Borne Disease, Edward I. Patterson, Jandouwe Villinger, Joseph N. Muthoni, Lucien Dobel-Ober, Grant L. Hughes

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Novel insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are being discovered in many important vectors due to advances in sequencing technology and a growing awareness of the virome. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that ISVs are capable of modulating pathogenic arboviruses. In addition, there is growing evidence that both vertical and horizonal transmission strategies maintain ISVs in vector populations. As such there is potential to exploit ISVs for stand-alone vector control strategies and deploying them in synergy with other symbiont control approaches such as Wolbachia-mediated control. However, before the applied potential can be realized, a greater understanding of their basic biology …

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Microbiome Diversity In Diaphorina Citri Populations From Kenya And Tanzania Shows Links To China, Inusa J. Ajene, Inusa J. Ajene, Inusa J. Ajene, Fathiya M. Khamis, Barbara Van Asch, Gerhard Pietersen, Brenda A. Rasowo, Fidelis L. Ombura, Anne W. Wairimu, Komivi S. Akutse, Mamoudou Sétamou, Samira Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi Jun 2020

Microbiome Diversity In Diaphorina Citri Populations From Kenya And Tanzania Shows Links To China, Inusa J. Ajene, Inusa J. Ajene, Inusa J. Ajene, Fathiya M. Khamis, Barbara Van Asch, Gerhard Pietersen, Brenda A. Rasowo, Fidelis L. Ombura, Anne W. Wairimu, Komivi S. Akutse, Mamoudou Sétamou, Samira Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi

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The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is a key pest of Citrus spp. worldwide, as it acts as a vector for "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las)", the bacterial pathogen associated with the destructive Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Recent detection of D. citri in Africa and reports of Las-associated HLB in Ethiopia suggest that the citrus industry on the continent is under imminent threat. Endosymbionts and gut bacteria play key roles in the biology of arthropods, especially with regards to vector-pathogen interactions and resistance to antibiotics. Thus, we aim to profile the bacterial genera and to identify antibiotic resistance genes within the microbiome …

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Prevalence And Parasite Load Of Nematodes And Trematodes In An Invasive Slug And Its Susceptibility To A Slug Parasitic Nematode Compared To Native Gastropods, Henrik Antzée-Hyllseth, Nina Trandem, Torfinn Torp, Solveig Haukeland Jun 2020

Prevalence And Parasite Load Of Nematodes And Trematodes In An Invasive Slug And Its Susceptibility To A Slug Parasitic Nematode Compared To Native Gastropods, Henrik Antzée-Hyllseth, Nina Trandem, Torfinn Torp, Solveig Haukeland

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The invasive slug Arion vulgaris (Gastropoda: Arionidae) is an agricultural pest and serious nuisance in gardens of Central and Northern Europe. To investigate if the success of A.vulgaris in Norway can be attributed to a release from parasites, we compared the prevalence and parasite load of nematodes and trematodes in A. vulgaris to that of three native gastropod species, A. circumscriptus, A. fasciatus and Arianta arbustorum, in SE Norway. We found A. vulgaris to have the highest prevalence of both parasite groups (49% nematodes, 76% trematodes), which does not support the parasite release hypothesis, but rather points to A. vulgaris …

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Potato Cyst Nematodes: A New Threat To Potato Production In East Africa, Harrison Mburu, Laura Cortada, Solveig Haukeland, Wilson Ronno, Moses Nyongesa, Zachary Kinyua, Joel L. Bargul, Danny Coyne May 2020

Potato Cyst Nematodes: A New Threat To Potato Production In East Africa, Harrison Mburu, Laura Cortada, Solveig Haukeland, Wilson Ronno, Moses Nyongesa, Zachary Kinyua, Joel L. Bargul, Danny Coyne

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Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), such as Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida, are quarantine restricted pests of potato causing major yield and financial losses to farmers. G. rostochiensis was first reported from Kenya’s key potato growing area in 2015. We sought to determine the diversity, prevalence and distribution of PCN species across the country by conducting a country-wide survey between 2016 and 2018, which included a more focused, follow-up assessment in three key potato growing counties. A total of 1,348 soil samples were collected from 20 potato growing counties. Information regarding local potato farming practices, potato cultivar use, their diversity and …

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Effects Of Traditional Processing Techniques On The Nutritional And Microbiological Quality Of Four Edible Insect Species Used For Food And Feed In East Africa, Dorothy N. Nyangena, Christopher Mutungi, Samuel Imathiu, John Kinyuru, Hippolyte Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Komi K.M. Fiaboe May 2020

Effects Of Traditional Processing Techniques On The Nutritional And Microbiological Quality Of Four Edible Insect Species Used For Food And Feed In East Africa, Dorothy N. Nyangena, Christopher Mutungi, Samuel Imathiu, John Kinyuru, Hippolyte Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Komi K.M. Fiaboe

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Edible insects are increasingly being considered as food and feed ingredients because of their rich nutrient content. Already, edible insect farming has taken-off in Africa, but quality and safety concerns call for simple, actionable hazard control mechanisms. We examined the effects of traditional processing techniques—boiling, toasting, solar-drying, oven-drying, boiling + oven-drying, boiling + solar-drying, toasting + oven-drying, toasting + solar-drying—on the proximate composition and microbiological quality of adult Acheta domesticus and Ruspolia differens, the prepupae of Hermetia illucens and 5th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Boiling, toasting, and drying decreased the dry matter crude fat by 0.8–51% in the order: …

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Widespread Army Ant Aversion Among East African Jumping Spiders (Salticidae), Ximena J. Nelson, Samuel Aguilar-Arguello, Robert R. Jackson May 2020

Widespread Army Ant Aversion Among East African Jumping Spiders (Salticidae), Ximena J. Nelson, Samuel Aguilar-Arguello, Robert R. Jackson

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Jumping spiders (Salticidae) typically prey on a variety of arthropods of similar size to themselves, but rarely on ants. Using 28 salticid species from East Africa, we first investigated vision-based aversion to ants by recording latency to enter a transparent sealed chamber flanked by chambers containing living army ants (Dorylus sp.) or tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes) of comparable size. For all species, entry latency was significantly longer when the stimuli were ants. In another experiment, we used dead ants and tsetse flies mounted in a life-like posture as stimuli; except for Goleba puella, a species with unusual retinal ultrastructure, we …

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Prevalence Of Trypanosomes Associated With Drug Resistance In Shimba Hills, Kwale County, Kenya, Benard W. Kulohoma, Sarah A.O. Wamwenje, Ibrahim I. Wangwe, Nicodemus Masila, Caroline K. Mirieri, Lillian Wambua Apr 2020

Prevalence Of Trypanosomes Associated With Drug Resistance In Shimba Hills, Kwale County, Kenya, Benard W. Kulohoma, Sarah A.O. Wamwenje, Ibrahim I. Wangwe, Nicodemus Masila, Caroline K. Mirieri, Lillian Wambua

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Objective: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a life-threatening vector-borne disease, caused by trypanosome parasites, which are principally transmitted by tsetse flies. In Kenya, the prevalence of drug-resistant trypanosomes in endemic regions remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to establish AAT point prevalence, drug susceptibility of associated trypanosomes, and measure infectivity by multiple AAT mammalian hosts to tsetse flies in Shimba hills, a resource-poor region with high bovine trypanosomiasis prevalence and morbidity rates at the coast of Kenya. We collected tsetse flies using traps (1 Ngu and 2 biconical), and then sorted them on sex and species. Trypanosomes …

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Spread And Impact Of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda J.E. Smith) In Maize Production Areas Of Kenya, Hugo De Groote, Simon C. Kimenju, Bernard Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, Menale Kassie, Anani Bruce Apr 2020

Spread And Impact Of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda J.E. Smith) In Maize Production Areas Of Kenya, Hugo De Groote, Simon C. Kimenju, Bernard Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, Menale Kassie, Anani Bruce

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Fall armyworm (FAW), one of the most important pests of maize in Latin America, suddenly appeared in Africa in 2016 and spread rapidly. Estimates of crop losses due to FAW are essential in order to compare the impact of these losses with the cost of controlling FAW and advise appropriate technology dissemination and policy. In this study, therefore, crop losses due to FAW in 2017 and 2018 were estimated in all the maize production areas of Kenya. Data were collected during June and July 2018 through 121 group discussions with 1439 farmers, separately with men (697) and women (742), in …

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Evaluation Of Personal Protection Afforded By Repellent-Treated Sandals Against Mosquito Bites In South-Eastern Tanzania, Onyango P. Sangoro, Tegemeo Gavana, Marceline Finda, Winfrida Mponzi, Emmanuel Hape, Alex Limwagu, Nicodem J. Govella, Prosper Chaki, Fredros O. Okumu Apr 2020

Evaluation Of Personal Protection Afforded By Repellent-Treated Sandals Against Mosquito Bites In South-Eastern Tanzania, Onyango P. Sangoro, Tegemeo Gavana, Marceline Finda, Winfrida Mponzi, Emmanuel Hape, Alex Limwagu, Nicodem J. Govella, Prosper Chaki, Fredros O. Okumu

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Background: Outdoor and early evening mosquito biting needs to be addressed if malaria elimination is to be achieved. While indoor-targeted interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, remain essential, complementary approaches that tackle persisting outdoor transmission are urgently required to maximize the impact. Major malaria vectors principally bite human hosts around the feet and ankles. Consequently, this study investigated whether sandals treated with efficacious spatial repellents can protect against outdoor biting mosquitoes. Methodology: Sandals affixed with hessian bands measuring 48 cm2 treated with 0.06 g, 0.10 g and 0.15 g of transfluthrin were tested in large cage semi-field …

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Science-Based Decision Support For Formulating Crop Fertilizer Recommendations In Sub-Saharan Africa, Jairos Rurinda, Shamie Zingore, Jibrin M. Jibrin, Tesfaye Balemi, Kenneth Masuki, Jens A. Andersson, Mirasol F. Pampolino, Ibrahim Mohammed, James Mutegi, Alpha Y. Kamara, Bernard Vanlauwe, Peter Q. Craufurd Apr 2020

Science-Based Decision Support For Formulating Crop Fertilizer Recommendations In Sub-Saharan Africa, Jairos Rurinda, Shamie Zingore, Jibrin M. Jibrin, Tesfaye Balemi, Kenneth Masuki, Jens A. Andersson, Mirasol F. Pampolino, Ibrahim Mohammed, James Mutegi, Alpha Y. Kamara, Bernard Vanlauwe, Peter Q. Craufurd

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In sub-Saharan Africa, there is considerable spatial and temporal variability in relations between nutrient application and crop yield, due to varying inherent soil nutrients supply, soil moisture, crop management and germplasm. This variability affects fertilizer use efficiency and crop productivity. Therefore, development of decision systems that support formulation and delivery of site-specific fertilizer recommendations is important for increased crop yield and environmental protection. Nutrient Expert (NE) is a computer-based decision support system, which enables extension advisers to generate field- or area-specific fertilizer recommendations based on yield response to fertilizer and nutrient use efficiency. We calibrated NE for major maize agroecological …

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Decision Support System For Fitting And Mapping Nonlinear Functions With Application To Insect Pest Management In The Biological Control Context, Ritter A. Guimapi, Samira A. Mohamed, Lisa Biber-Freudenberger, Waweru Mwangi, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Apr 2020

Decision Support System For Fitting And Mapping Nonlinear Functions With Application To Insect Pest Management In The Biological Control Context, Ritter A. Guimapi, Samira A. Mohamed, Lisa Biber-Freudenberger, Waweru Mwangi, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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The process of moving from experimental data to modeling and characterizing the dynamics and interactions in natural processes is a challenging task. This paper proposes an interactive platform for fitting data derived from experiments to mathematical expressions and carrying out spatial visualization. The platform is designed using a component-based software architectural approach, implemented in R and the Java programming languages. It uses experimental data as input for model fitting, then applies the obtained model at the landscape level via a spatial temperature grid data to yield regional and continental maps. Different modules and functionalities of the tool are presented with …

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Closing Yield Gaps In Oil Palm Production Systems In Ghana Through Best Management Practices, Tiemen Rhebergen, Shamie Zingore, Ken E. Giller, Charles Adu Frimpong, Kwame Acheampong, Francis Tetteh Ohipeni, Edward Kofi Panyin, Victor Zutah, Thomas Fairhurst Apr 2020

Closing Yield Gaps In Oil Palm Production Systems In Ghana Through Best Management Practices, Tiemen Rhebergen, Shamie Zingore, Ken E. Giller, Charles Adu Frimpong, Kwame Acheampong, Francis Tetteh Ohipeni, Edward Kofi Panyin, Victor Zutah, Thomas Fairhurst

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The area under oil palm in Ghana has expanded but average fruit bunch yields remained low, resulting in large yield gaps. This study assessed the potential for increasing yield with 'Best Management Practices (BMP)' on plantations and smallholder farms in southern Ghana, compared with current standard practices, i.e. reference (REF) yield. We evaluated short-term (≤1 year) yield increases with 'yield taking' (improved crop recovery), and long-term increases (>1 year) with 'yield making' (better agronomy) practices and identified the factors that contributed most to yield improvements. Average fruit bunch yield increases with BMP were 2.1 t ha−1 (+19%) and 4.7 …

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Modelling The Effect Of Temperature On The Biology And Demographic Parameters Of The African Coffee White Stem Borer, Monochamus Leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Saliou Niassy, Ephantus K. Guandaru, Guillaume David, Régis Babin Apr 2020

Modelling The Effect Of Temperature On The Biology And Demographic Parameters Of The African Coffee White Stem Borer, Monochamus Leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Saliou Niassy, Ephantus K. Guandaru, Guillaume David, Régis Babin

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The African coffee white stem borer Monochamus leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a destructive insect pest of Arabica coffee trees in African highlands. Our study aims to provide information on the pest biology as influenced by temperature, determine thermal thresholds, and provide life table parameters for M. leuconotus reared in the laboratory. The life cycle of M. leuconotus was studied at seven constant temperatures in the range 15–35 °C, with 80 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of L:D 12:12. Linear and nonlinear models were fitted to laboratory data to describe the impact of temperature on M. leuconotus development, mortality, …

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Performance Of Elite Maize Genotypes Under Selected Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya, Leonard Rusinamhodzi, Dan Makumbi, James M. Njeru, Fred Kanampiu Apr 2020

Performance Of Elite Maize Genotypes Under Selected Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya, Leonard Rusinamhodzi, Dan Makumbi, James M. Njeru, Fred Kanampiu

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Combining different cropping and tillage systems with different genotypes across several cropping seasons can reveal opportunities for sustainable intensification (SI). The objective of this study was to assess the performance of six maize genotypes under intercropping with conservation tillage (no-till) – two promising options for SI. The experiment was carried out over three years (or six cropping seasons) at Kiboko Research Station, Kenya with sole cropping and mouldboard ploughing as baseline production systems. Results showed that maize genotypes and cropping systems had a significant effect on yield, but the effect of tillage was not significant. Moreover, there was no significant …

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Temperature-Dependent Development And Survival Of Immature Stages Of The Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus Hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), A. G.A. Azrag, A. A. Yusuf, C. W.W. Pirk, S. Niassy, K. K. Mbugua, R. Babin Apr 2020

Temperature-Dependent Development And Survival Of Immature Stages Of The Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus Hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), A. G.A. Azrag, A. A. Yusuf, C. W.W. Pirk, S. Niassy, K. K. Mbugua, R. Babin

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Although the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is the most destructive insect pest of coffee worldwide, there is much to learn about its thermal biology. This study aimed to develop temperature-based models for H. hampei development and to provide the thermal requirements of immature stages in the laboratory. Using a new observation method, larval development and survival were monitored daily on fresh Arabica coffee seeds, under seven constant temperatures in the range 15-35°C, with 80 ± 5% RH and 12:12 L:D photoperiod. Linear and non-linear functions were fitted to the development data plotted against temperature, using …

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Soil Quality And Phosphorus Status After Nine Years Of Organic And Conventional Farming At Two Input Levels In The Central Highlands Of Kenya, C. Von Arb, E. K. Bünemann, H. Schmalz, M. Portmann, N. Adamtey, M. W. Musyoka, E. Frossard, A. Fliessbach Mar 2020

Soil Quality And Phosphorus Status After Nine Years Of Organic And Conventional Farming At Two Input Levels In The Central Highlands Of Kenya, C. Von Arb, E. K. Bünemann, H. Schmalz, M. Portmann, N. Adamtey, M. W. Musyoka, E. Frossard, A. Fliessbach

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Under temperate climate conditions, organic farming systems show improved soil quality compared to non-organic systems, whereas little long-term research on the impact of organic farming on soil quality has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Within the system comparison (SysCom) project, two long-term field experiments were set up in 2007 in the sub-humid Central Highlands of Kenya to compare organic and conventional farming at two input levels (high input systems with recommended rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and pesticides and with irrigation vs. rain-fed low input systems with low N, P and pesticides), with a similar design at both sites. …

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Immunocompetence Of Gynaikothrips Uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Populations From Different Latitudes Against Beauveria Bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Deyi Yu, Peng Huang, Yongwen Lin, Jinai Yao, Yanyang Lan, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Xiangyu Hou Mar 2020

Immunocompetence Of Gynaikothrips Uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Populations From Different Latitudes Against Beauveria Bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Deyi Yu, Peng Huang, Yongwen Lin, Jinai Yao, Yanyang Lan, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Xiangyu Hou

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Gynaikothrips uzeli gall thrips are protected from insecticide exposure by their leaf gall habitat. A biocontrol strategy based on entomopathogenic fungi is an alternative approach for the control of G. uzeli. Higher temperatures can promote the reproduction and spread of pests; however, the impact of higher temperatures on biological control is unclear. We studied the immunocompetence of thrips from different latitudes and determined the effect of degree days on thrips immunity. We examined the potential impact of temperature on the biocontrol provided by entomopathogenic fungi. Beauveria bassiana pathogenicity against thrips increased with decreasing latitude, suggesting that immunity of thrips increased …

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