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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Temperature-Dependent Phenology Of Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Simulation And Visualization Of Current And Future Distributions Along The Eastern Afromontane, Benignus V. Ngowi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Evans M. Mwangi, Tino Johansson, Janet Ambale, Paul N. Ndegwa, Sevgan Subramanian Mar 2017

Temperature-Dependent Phenology Of Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Simulation And Visualization Of Current And Future Distributions Along The Eastern Afromontane, Benignus V. Ngowi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Evans M. Mwangi, Tino Johansson, Janet Ambale, Paul N. Ndegwa, Sevgan Subramanian

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There is a scarcity of laboratory and field-based results showing the movement of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) across a spatial scale. We studied the population growth of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) under six constant temperatures, to understand and predict population changes along altitudinal gradients and under climate change scenarios. Non-linear functions were fitted to continuously model DBM development, mortality, longevity and oviposition. We compiled the best-fitted functions for each life stage to yield a phenology model, which we stochastically simulated to estimate the life table parameters. Three temperature-dependent indices (establishment, generation and activity) were …

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Green Tea Proanthocyanidins Cause Impairment Of Hormone-Regulated Larval Development And Reproductive Fitness Via Repression Of Juvenile Hormone Acid Methyltransferase, Insulin-Like Peptide And Cytochrome P450 Genes In Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto, Jackson M. Muema, Steven G. Nyanjom, James M. Mutunga, Sospeter N. Njeru, Joel L. Bargul Mar 2017

Green Tea Proanthocyanidins Cause Impairment Of Hormone-Regulated Larval Development And Reproductive Fitness Via Repression Of Juvenile Hormone Acid Methyltransferase, Insulin-Like Peptide And Cytochrome P450 Genes In Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto, Jackson M. Muema, Steven G. Nyanjom, James M. Mutunga, Sospeter N. Njeru, Joel L. Bargul

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Successful optimization of plant-derived compounds into control of nuisance insects would benefit from scientifically validated targets. However, the close association between the genotypic responses and physiological toxicity effects mediated by these compounds remains underexplored. In this study, we evaluated the sublethal dose effects of proanthocyanidins (PAs) sourced from green tea (Camellia sinensis) on life history traits of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) mosquitoes with an aim to unravel the probable molecular targets. Based on the induced phenotypic effects, genes selected for study targeted juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, signal transduction, oxidative stress response and xenobiotic detoxification in addition to vitellogenesis in females. …

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The Role Of Hyalomma Truncatum On The Dynamics Of Rift Valley Fever: Insights From A Mathematical Epidemic Model, Sansao A. Pedro, Shirley Abelman, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Mar 2017

The Role Of Hyalomma Truncatum On The Dynamics Of Rift Valley Fever: Insights From A Mathematical Epidemic Model, Sansao A. Pedro, Shirley Abelman, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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To date, our knowledge of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease spread and maintenance is still limited, as flooding, humid weather and presence of biting insects such as mosquitoes, have not completely explained RVF outbreaks. We propose a model that includes livestock, mosquitoes and ticks compartments structured according to their questing and feeding behaviour in order to study the possible role of ticks on the dynamics of RVF. To quantify disease transmission at the initial stage of the epidemic, we derive an explicit formula of the basic reproductive number, R0. Using the concept of Metzler matrix, we state necessary conditions for …

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Distribution And Abundance Of Key Vectors Of Rift Valley Fever And Other Arboviruses In Two Ecologically Distinct Counties In Kenya, Rosemary Sang, Samwel Arum, Edith Chepkorir, Gladys Mosomtai, Caroline Tigoi, Faith Sigei, Olivia Wesula Lwande, Tobias Landmann, Hippolyte Affognon, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander Feb 2017

Distribution And Abundance Of Key Vectors Of Rift Valley Fever And Other Arboviruses In Two Ecologically Distinct Counties In Kenya, Rosemary Sang, Samwel Arum, Edith Chepkorir, Gladys Mosomtai, Caroline Tigoi, Faith Sigei, Olivia Wesula Lwande, Tobias Landmann, Hippolyte Affognon, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander

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Background: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis of ruminants and humans that causes outbreaks in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula with significant public health and economic consequences. Humans become infected through mosquito bites and contact with infected livestock. The virus is maintained between outbreaks through vertically infected eggs of the primary vectors of Aedes species which emerge following rains with extensive flooding. Infected female mosquitoes initiate transmission among nearby animals, which amplifies virus, thereby infecting more mosquitoes and moving the virus beyond the initial point of emergence. With each successive outbreak, RVF has been found to expand …

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The One Health Approach To Identify Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices That Affect Community Involvement In The Control Of Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks, Osama Ahmed Hassan, Hippolyte Affognon, Joacim Rocklöv, Peter Mburu, Rosemary Sang, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander Feb 2017

The One Health Approach To Identify Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices That Affect Community Involvement In The Control Of Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks, Osama Ahmed Hassan, Hippolyte Affognon, Joacim Rocklöv, Peter Mburu, Rosemary Sang, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander

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Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral mosquito-borne disease with the potential for global expansion, causes hemorrhagic fever, and has a high case fatality rate in young animals and in humans. Using a cross-sectional community-based study design, we investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living in small village in Sudan with respect to RVF outbreaks. A special One Health questionnaire was developed to compile data from 235 heads of household concerning their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regard to controlling RVF. Although the 2007 RVF outbreak in Sudan had negatively affected the participants’ food availability and livestock income, …

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Phylogenetic Analysis And Systematics Of The Acrapex Unicolora Hampson Species Complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Apameini), With The Description Of Five New Species From The Afrotropics, Bruno Le Ru, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Boaz K. Musyoka, Beatrice Pallangyo, Mohamedi Njaku, Onésime Mubenga, Gilson Chipabika, Rose Ndemah, Grégoire Bani, Richard Molo, George Ong’Amo, Gael J. Kergoat Feb 2017

Phylogenetic Analysis And Systematics Of The Acrapex Unicolora Hampson Species Complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Apameini), With The Description Of Five New Species From The Afrotropics, Bruno Le Ru, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Boaz K. Musyoka, Beatrice Pallangyo, Mohamedi Njaku, Onésime Mubenga, Gilson Chipabika, Rose Ndemah, Grégoire Bani, Richard Molo, George Ong’Amo, Gael J. Kergoat

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Ten morphologically similar species of Acrapex Hampson, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Apameini) from Central and Eastern Africa are reviewed, including five new species: Acrapex kafula le Ru sp. nov., A. kavumba le Ru sp. nov., A. kiakouama le Ru sp. nov., A. miscantha le Ru sp. nov. and A. simillima le Ru sp. nov. Evidence is provided to transfer the monotypic genus Poecopa Bowden, 1956 to the genus Acrapex. Host plants of five species are recorded, some of them for the first time. Acrapex kavumba sp. nov., A. miscantha sp. nov. and A. simillima sp. nov. were found on one …

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Farm Production, Market Access And Dietary Diversity In Malawi, Stefan Koppmair, Menale Kassie, Matin Qaim Feb 2017

Farm Production, Market Access And Dietary Diversity In Malawi, Stefan Koppmair, Menale Kassie, Matin Qaim

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Objective The association between farm production diversity and dietary diversity in rural smallholder households was recently analysed. Most existing studies build on household-level dietary diversity indicators calculated from 7d food consumption recalls. Herein, this association is revisited with individual-level 24 h recall data. The robustness of the results is tested by comparing household- and individual-level estimates. The role of other factors that may influence dietary diversity, such as market access and agricultural technology, is also analysed. Design A survey of smallholder farm households was carried out in Malawi in 2014. Dietary diversity scores are calculated from 24 h recall data. …

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A Survey Of Root Knot Nematodes And Resistance To Meloidogyne Incognita In Sweet Potato Varieties From Kenyan Fields, Hannah W. Karuri, Daniel Olago, Roy Neilson, Enock Mararo, Jandouwe Villinger Feb 2017

A Survey Of Root Knot Nematodes And Resistance To Meloidogyne Incognita In Sweet Potato Varieties From Kenyan Fields, Hannah W. Karuri, Daniel Olago, Roy Neilson, Enock Mararo, Jandouwe Villinger

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The root knot nematode, Meloidogyne is one of the most economically damaging plant parasitic nematode groups, and are widely distributed in Kenyan agro-ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of Meloidogyne species in Kenyan sweet potato fields and identify sweet potato varieties that exhibit resistance to M. incognita. Meloidogyne species were collected from Nyanza, Western, Eastern and Central Provinces of Kenya. Mitochondrial DNA was used to differentiate Meloidogyne species. The most common species in all sampled regions was M. incognita. Meloidogyne hapla was recorded for the first time in Kenyan sweet potato growing areas (Mosocho, Matayos, …

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Diversity Of Lepidopteran Stemborers And Their Parasitoids On Maize And Wild Host Plants In The Rain Forest Of Kisangani, Dr Congo, Onésime Mubenga Kankonda, Benjamin Dudu Akaibe, George Otieno Ong’Amo, Bruno Pierre Le Ru Feb 2017

Diversity Of Lepidopteran Stemborers And Their Parasitoids On Maize And Wild Host Plants In The Rain Forest Of Kisangani, Dr Congo, Onésime Mubenga Kankonda, Benjamin Dudu Akaibe, George Otieno Ong’Amo, Bruno Pierre Le Ru

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Lepidopteran stemborers are considered as the most important insect pests of cereal crops in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, limited information exists on stemborers and their parasitoids in the rain forest of the DR Congo. In order to enhance the understanding of the pest ecology, sampling in both cultivated and wild habitats has been recommended as a bottom line to any action aiming at the design of pest management measures. Following this recommendation, a survey was carried out in the rain forest of the DR Congo on maize and wild host plants. We collected eighteen stemborer and one earborer species belonging to …

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At Lunch With A Killer: The Effect Of Weaver Ants On Host-Parasitoid Interactions On Mango, Valentina Migani, Sunday Ekesi, Katharina Merkel, Thomas Hoffmeister Feb 2017

At Lunch With A Killer: The Effect Of Weaver Ants On Host-Parasitoid Interactions On Mango, Valentina Migani, Sunday Ekesi, Katharina Merkel, Thomas Hoffmeister

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Predator-prey interactions can affect the behaviour of the species involved, with consequences for population distribution and competitive interactions. Under predation pressure, potential prey may adopt evasive strategies. These responses can be costly and could impact population growth. As some prey species may be more affected than others, predation pressure could also alter the dynamics among species within communities. In field cages and small observation cages, we studied the interactions between a generalist predator, the African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, two species of fruit flies that are primary pests of mango fruits, Ceratitis cosyra and Bactrocera dorsalis, and their two exotic …

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Genes Encoding Two Theileria Parva Antigens Recognized By Cd8+ T-Cells Exhibit Sequence Diversity In South Sudanese Cattle Populations But The Majority Of Alleles Are Similar To The Muguga Component Of The Live Vaccine Cocktail, Diaeldin A. Salih, Roger Pelle, Joram M. Mwacharo, Moses N. Njahira, Wani L. Marcellino, Henry Kiara, Agol K. Malak, Abdel Rahim M.E.L. Hussein, Richard Bishop, Robert A. Skilton Feb 2017

Genes Encoding Two Theileria Parva Antigens Recognized By Cd8+ T-Cells Exhibit Sequence Diversity In South Sudanese Cattle Populations But The Majority Of Alleles Are Similar To The Muguga Component Of The Live Vaccine Cocktail, Diaeldin A. Salih, Roger Pelle, Joram M. Mwacharo, Moses N. Njahira, Wani L. Marcellino, Henry Kiara, Agol K. Malak, Abdel Rahim M.E.L. Hussein, Richard Bishop, Robert A. Skilton

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East Coast fever (ECF), caused by Theileria parva infection, is a frequently fatal disease of cattle in eastern, central and southern Africa, and an emerging disease in South Sudan. Immunization using the infection and treatment method (ITM) is increasingly being used for control in countries affected by ECF, but not yet in South Sudan. It has been reported that CD8+ T-cell lymphocytes specific for parasitized cells play a central role in the immunity induced by ITM and a number of T. parva antigens recognized by parasite-specific CD8+ T-cells have been identified. In this study we determined the sequence diversity among …

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Selection Of Fungal Isolates For Virulence Against Three Aphid Pest Species Of Crucifers And Okra, W. Bayissa, S. Ekesi, S. A. Mohamed, G. P. Kaaya, J. M. Wagacha, R. Hanna, N. K. Maniania Feb 2017

Selection Of Fungal Isolates For Virulence Against Three Aphid Pest Species Of Crucifers And Okra, W. Bayissa, S. Ekesi, S. A. Mohamed, G. P. Kaaya, J. M. Wagacha, R. Hanna, N. K. Maniania

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Aphids are regarded as important pest problems of vegetable crops worldwide. Most vegetable growers in sub-Saharan Africa heavily rely on synthetic chemical insecticides for aphids’ control. Fungus-based biopesticides are being considered as alternatives to chemical insecticides. This study evaluates virulence of five isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and three of Beauveria bassiana against Brevicoryne brassicae, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, and Aphis gossypii, and their thermotolerance and conidial yield as a prerequisite for strain selection. The study also evaluates performance of the best isolate in screenhouse experiment against target aphid species. Three isolates of M. anisopliae ICIPE30, ICIPE62, and ICIPE69 outperformed the others, causing …

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Clarifying The Source Of Conicofrontia Sesamoides Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Population In South African Sugarcane Using Morphological Identification And Mitochondrial Dna Analysis, Y. Assefa, M. Goftishu, C. Capdevielle-Dulac, B. Le Ru Feb 2017

Clarifying The Source Of Conicofrontia Sesamoides Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Population In South African Sugarcane Using Morphological Identification And Mitochondrial Dna Analysis, Y. Assefa, M. Goftishu, C. Capdevielle-Dulac, B. Le Ru

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Valid identification of a novel pest species and clarifying its origin are the primary steps in understanding population structure and development of biocontrol programs. In this study geographical populations of Conicofrontia sesamoides Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected during surveys conducted in the years 2009, 2014 and 2015 were morphologically identified and their genetic diversity was analysed by using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase I (COI) gene in an attempt to examine host plant, or/and altitude associated differences among populations and determine the source of the newly recorded population of this species in the South African sugarcane. The C. sesamoides specimens …

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Can Toxicants Used Against Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis Be Compatible With An Encyrtid Parasitoid Aenasius Bambawalei Under Laboratory Conditions?, Hayat Badshah, Farman Ullah, Paul Andre Calatayud, Hidayat Ullah, Bashir Ahmad Feb 2017

Can Toxicants Used Against Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis Be Compatible With An Encyrtid Parasitoid Aenasius Bambawalei Under Laboratory Conditions?, Hayat Badshah, Farman Ullah, Paul Andre Calatayud, Hidayat Ullah, Bashir Ahmad

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The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae) is a serious pest of various cultivated plants in Pakistan. Recent reports show that the parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a good biocontrol agent of the pest. Compatibleness is important in any IPM programme, and the insecticide used must have little or no effects on the biological control agent. This study investigated the compatibility of neem treatments and a commercial insecticide, imidacloprid on A. bambawalei. Bioassays were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the adult stage of the parasitoid was more susceptible …

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Genetic Markers Associated With Resistance To Beta-Lactam And Quinolone Antimicrobials In Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Isolates From Humans And Animals In Central Ethiopia, Tadesse Eguale, Josephine Birungi, Daniel Asrat, Moses N. Njahira, Joyce Njuguna, Wondwossen A. Gebreyes, John S. Gunn, Appolinaire Djikeng, Ephrem Engidawork Jan 2017

Genetic Markers Associated With Resistance To Beta-Lactam And Quinolone Antimicrobials In Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Isolates From Humans And Animals In Central Ethiopia, Tadesse Eguale, Josephine Birungi, Daniel Asrat, Moses N. Njahira, Joyce Njuguna, Wondwossen A. Gebreyes, John S. Gunn, Appolinaire Djikeng, Ephrem Engidawork

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Background: Beta-lactam and quinolone antimicrobials are commonly used for treatment of infections caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and other pathogens. Resistance to these classes of antimicrobials has increased significantly in the recent years. However, little is known on the genetic basis of resistance to these drugs in Salmonella isolates from Ethiopia. Methods: Salmonella isolates with reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams (n=43) were tested for genes encoding for beta-lactamase enzymes, and those resistant to quinolones (n=29) for mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) as well as plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes using PCR and sequencing. Results: Beta-lactamase genes (bla) …

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Genetic Diversity And Population Structure Of The African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) In Kenya: Implication For Conservation And Aquaculture, James E. Barasa, Sinebongo Mdyogolo, Romulus Abila, Johannes Paul Grobler, Robert A. Skilton, Hesmari Bindeman, Moses Ndotono Njahira, Emily J. Chemoiwa, Otto G. Dangasuk, Boaz Kaunda-Arara, Erik Verheyen Jan 2017

Genetic Diversity And Population Structure Of The African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) In Kenya: Implication For Conservation And Aquaculture, James E. Barasa, Sinebongo Mdyogolo, Romulus Abila, Johannes Paul Grobler, Robert A. Skilton, Hesmari Bindeman, Moses Ndotono Njahira, Emily J. Chemoiwa, Otto G. Dangasuk, Boaz Kaunda-Arara, Erik Verheyen

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African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is an important species in aquaculture and fisheries in Kenya. Mitochondrial D-loop control region was used to determine genetic variation and population structure in samples of C. gariepinus from 10 sites including five natural populations (Lakes Victoria (LVG), Kanyaboli (LKG), Turkana (LTA), Baringo (LBA) and Jipe (LJP), and five farms (Sangoro Aquaculture Center (SAN), Sagana Aquaculture Centre (SAG), University of Eldoret Fish Farm (UoE), Kibos Fish Farm (KIB), and Wakhungu Fish Farm (WKU)) in Kenya. Similarly, samples from eight localities (four natural populations: LVG/LKG, LTA, LBA, and four farmed: SAN, SAG, KIB, UoE) were genotyped using …

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Plant–Insect Interactions In A Changing World, S. Pincebourde, J. Van Baaren, S. Rasmann, P. Rasmont, G. Rodet, B. Martinet, P. A. Calatayud Jan 2017

Plant–Insect Interactions In A Changing World, S. Pincebourde, J. Van Baaren, S. Rasmann, P. Rasmont, G. Rodet, B. Martinet, P. A. Calatayud

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Global change is resetting the spatial and ecological equilibrium of complex co-evolutionary relationships between plants and their insect herbivores. We review the mechanisms at play in the responses of plant–insect interactions to global changes, including increased temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations, modification of land use and pollution. We distinguish between the direct effects of global changes on each partner from the indirect impacts on insects via the responses of plants. The indirect effects include a change in the nutritional quality of the plant tissues for herbivore insects, as well as a change in the microclimatic conditions at the leaf surface. …

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Cotesia Icipe Sp. N., A New Microgastrinae Wasp (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) Of Importance In The Biological Control Of Lepidopteran Pests In Africa, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Jose Fernández-Triana, Faith W. Nyamu, Komi M. Agbodzavu Jan 2017

Cotesia Icipe Sp. N., A New Microgastrinae Wasp (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) Of Importance In The Biological Control Of Lepidopteran Pests In Africa, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Jose Fernández-Triana, Faith W. Nyamu, Komi M. Agbodzavu

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A new species of Microgastrinae, Cotesia icipe Fernández-Triana & Fiaboe, sp. n., is described from eastern Africa. It was reared in Kenya as a solitary parasitoid from two major amaranth pests, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833) and S. exigua (Hübner, 1808); study of specimens in collections also revealed its presence in four other countries in the Afrotropical region (Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Yemen). Morphological, molecular and biological characters are used to describe the new species and to distinguish it from all 12 previously described species of Afrotropical Cotesia. Cotesia icipe shows potential in the biological control of key Lepidopteran …

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Dna Barcodes, Expanded Distribution, And Redescription Of Apanteles Hemara Nixon, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae), A Potential Biocontrol Species Against Amaranth Leaf-Webbers In Africa, Jose Fernandez-Triana, Melanie Beaudin, Kees Van Achterberg, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, Stephen T.O. Othim, Faith W. Nyamu, Komi K.M. Fiaboe Jan 2017

Dna Barcodes, Expanded Distribution, And Redescription Of Apanteles Hemara Nixon, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae), A Potential Biocontrol Species Against Amaranth Leaf-Webbers In Africa, Jose Fernandez-Triana, Melanie Beaudin, Kees Van Achterberg, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, Stephen T.O. Othim, Faith W. Nyamu, Komi K.M. Fiaboe

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The microgastrine parasitoid wasp Apanteles hemara Nixon, 1965, is currently being considered as a potential biocontrol agent of amaranth leaf-webber pests in Africa. To facilitate future research and identification of the species, we characterize it from an integrative taxonomy perspective by providing a comprehensive morphological redescription, extensive illustrations (including the first images of the holotype), DNA barcodes, wasp biology, host data (Choreutidae and Crambidae caterpillars), and updated geographical distribution of the species (including eight new country records). Despite a wide distribution across four major biogeographical regions (mostly within the Old World tropics), the species seems to be relatively uniform from …

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Use Of Insects For Fish And Poultry Compound Feed In Sub-Saharan Africa - A Systematic Review, G. Ssepuuya, V. Namulawa, D. Mbabazi, S. Mugerwa, P. Fuuna, Z. Nampijja, S. Ekesi, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe Jan 2017

Use Of Insects For Fish And Poultry Compound Feed In Sub-Saharan Africa - A Systematic Review, G. Ssepuuya, V. Namulawa, D. Mbabazi, S. Mugerwa, P. Fuuna, Z. Nampijja, S. Ekesi, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe

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The cost of compound feed is a constraint in intensive fish and poultry farming, contributing 60-80% of the total production costs, 70% of which is due to fish and soy meal used as protein source. This review presents the extent to which insects have been utilised as an alternative protein source in feed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A key word search of agricultural, biological and multi-disciplinary databases and academic search engines was conducted for literature on the extent of research and utilisation of insects in poultry and fish feed in SSA. There is limited published information on the practice as …

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Impact Of Push-Pull Technology On The Nutritional Status Of Farmers' Children In Western Kenya, Nicholas O. Ogot, J. O. Pittchar, C. A.O. Midega, Z. R. Khan Jan 2017

Impact Of Push-Pull Technology On The Nutritional Status Of Farmers' Children In Western Kenya, Nicholas O. Ogot, J. O. Pittchar, C. A.O. Midega, Z. R. Khan

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This study examined the impact of push-pull technology (PPT) on the nutritional status of children aged 1-12 years. Non-push-pull (NPPT) farmers were used as a control group to establish a comparative model for this study. It determined household production, consumption, and surpluses, comparing the PPT adopters to the nonadopters; found out the incomes and food expenditures from farm products; found out the household dietary diversity scores; and finally found the nutritional status of the two household groups. A six faceted household-level metrics was employed. A sample of 216 households that registered 326 children was derived. This study was conducted in …

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Systematics And Biology Of Cotesia Typhae Sp. N. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae), A Potential Biological Control Agent Against The Noctuid Mediterranean Corn Borer, Sesamia Nonagrioides, Laure Kaiser, Jose Fernandez-Triana, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Célina Chantre, Matthieu Bodet, Ferial Kaoula, Romain Benoist, Paul André Calatayud, Stéphane Dupas, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Rémi Jeannette, Julius Obonyo, Jean François Silvain, Bruno Le Ru Jan 2017

Systematics And Biology Of Cotesia Typhae Sp. N. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae), A Potential Biological Control Agent Against The Noctuid Mediterranean Corn Borer, Sesamia Nonagrioides, Laure Kaiser, Jose Fernandez-Triana, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Célina Chantre, Matthieu Bodet, Ferial Kaoula, Romain Benoist, Paul André Calatayud, Stéphane Dupas, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Rémi Jeannette, Julius Obonyo, Jean François Silvain, Bruno Le Ru

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Many parasitoid species are subjected to strong selective pressures from their host, and their adaptive response may result in the formation of genetically differentiated populations, called host races. When environmental factors and reproduction traits prevent gene flow, host races become distinct species. Such a process has recently been documented within the Cotesia flavipes species complex, all of which are larval parasitoids of moth species whose larvae are stem borers of Poales. A previous study on the African species C. sesamiae, incorporating molecular, ecological and biological data on various samples, showed that a particular population could be considered as a distinct …

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Entomopathogens Routinely Used In Pest Control Strategies: Orchards In Tropical Climate, N. K. Maniania, S. Ekesi, C. Dolinski Jan 2017

Entomopathogens Routinely Used In Pest Control Strategies: Orchards In Tropical Climate, N. K. Maniania, S. Ekesi, C. Dolinski

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Fruit and nut trees such as mango, pineapples, papaya, banana, guava, cashew, passion fruit, and avocado are important components of tropical ecosystems. They are sources of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates and have great economic importance as sources of both household incomes and national revenues. Fruit and nut trees provide important adaptive values and tend to be more resilient to climate change due to their perennial nature, and they have the property of sequestering carbon. World production and trade of fresh tropical fruit are expected to expand over decades, with developing countries accounting for about 98% of total production, while developed …

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The Plant As A Habitat For Entomophagous Insects, L. Kaiser, P. Ode, S. Van Nouhuys, P. A. Calatayud, S. Colazza, A. M. Cortesero, A. Thiel, J. Van Baaren Jan 2017

The Plant As A Habitat For Entomophagous Insects, L. Kaiser, P. Ode, S. Van Nouhuys, P. A. Calatayud, S. Colazza, A. M. Cortesero, A. Thiel, J. Van Baaren

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Populations of herbivorous insects are naturally consumed by other predacious or predatory insect species. These entomophagous insects are thus plant-dwelling organisms that use the plant for several vital functions and are affected by plant traits at the evolutionary, organism and population levels. Many entomophagous species are used for the biological control of insect pests worldwide. The aim of this chapter is to provide an exhaustive review of mechanisms underlying the interactions between plants and entomophagous insects, including those governing life history traits at the individual level, as well as those acting on population and community structure and dynamics. We detail …

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Determinants Of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies Adoption By Smallholder Farmers In The Chinyanja Triangle Of Southern Africa, Powell Mponela, Lulseged Tamene, Gift Ndengu, Ruth Magreta, Job Kihara, Nelson Mango Dec 2016

Determinants Of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies Adoption By Smallholder Farmers In The Chinyanja Triangle Of Southern Africa, Powell Mponela, Lulseged Tamene, Gift Ndengu, Ruth Magreta, Job Kihara, Nelson Mango

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Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies have proven to be viable options for improving land productivity and increasing yield. However, adoption of the set of complementary technologies that are required in ISFM is quite variable and studies tend to focus on single technologies. In this study we used cluster analysis to group technologies and ordered probit to determine the probability of multiple technology adoption. The result show that usage of ISFM in the Chinyanja Triangle (Southern Africa) is grouped into 3 technological sets based on complementarities. The set of nutrient dense technologies of inorganic fertiliser, compost and animal manure (ISFMset3) …

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Predicting Rift Valley Fever Inter-Epidemic Activities And Outbreak Patterns: Insights From A Stochastic Host-Vector Model, Sansao A. Pedro, Shirley Abelman, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Dec 2016

Predicting Rift Valley Fever Inter-Epidemic Activities And Outbreak Patterns: Insights From A Stochastic Host-Vector Model, Sansao A. Pedro, Shirley Abelman, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks are recurrent, occurring at irregular intervals of up to 15 years at least in East Africa. Between outbreaks disease inter-epidemic activities exist and occur at low levels and are maintained by female Aedes mcintoshi mosquitoes which transmit the virus to their eggs leading to disease persistence during unfavourable seasons. Here we formulate and analyse a full stochastic host-vector model with two routes of transmission: vertical and horizontal. By applying branching process theory we establish novel relationships between the basic reproduction number, R0, vertical transmission and the invasion and extinction probabilities. Optimum climatic conditions and presence …

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Exploring Factors That Shape Small-Scale Farmers’ Opinions On The Adoption Of Eco-Friendly Nets For Vegetable Production, F. Vidogbéna, A. Adégbidi, R. Tossou, F. Assogba-Komlan, T. Martin, M. Ngouajio, S. Simon, L. Parrot, S. T. Garnett, K. K. Zander Dec 2016

Exploring Factors That Shape Small-Scale Farmers’ Opinions On The Adoption Of Eco-Friendly Nets For Vegetable Production, F. Vidogbéna, A. Adégbidi, R. Tossou, F. Assogba-Komlan, T. Martin, M. Ngouajio, S. Simon, L. Parrot, S. T. Garnett, K. K. Zander

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If agro-ecological systems are to realize their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural systems, innovation diffusion needs to be enhanced. We conducted surveys among 214 small-scale vegetable farmers in Benin, a food-deficit country in West Africa, on how they perceived the different attributes of eco-friendly nets (EFNs). The nets act as physical barriers against insects in vegetable production and so reduce pesticide use. Understanding farmer perceptions about new technologies helps reveal farmers’ propensity to adopt them. Intensity of attitude was measured on a Likert scale, and an ordered probit model was used to determine which characteristics of nets were …

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Pesticide Resistance In Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Populations From Togo And Benin, L. K. Agboyi, G. K. Ketoh, T. Martin, I. A. Glitho, M. Tamò Dec 2016

Pesticide Resistance In Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Populations From Togo And Benin, L. K. Agboyi, G. K. Ketoh, T. Martin, I. A. Glitho, M. Tamò

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The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is the major insect pest of cabbage crops in Togo and Benin. For control, farmers very often resort to spraying chemical insecticides at high dosages with frequent applications. Bioassays were carried out on three populations of P. xylostella, two from Togo (Kara and Dapaong) and one from Benin (Cotonou), to assess their level of susceptibility to currently used insecticides. A reference strain of P. xylostella from Matuu in Kenya was used as a control. In the laboratory, three insecticide representatives of different chemical families (deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos ethyl and spinosad) were assayed against third instar …

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Managing Storage Pests Of Maize: Farmers' Knowledge, Perceptions And Practices In Western Kenya, Charles A.O. Midega, Alice W. Murage, Jimmy O. Pittchar, Zeyaur R. Khan Dec 2016

Managing Storage Pests Of Maize: Farmers' Knowledge, Perceptions And Practices In Western Kenya, Charles A.O. Midega, Alice W. Murage, Jimmy O. Pittchar, Zeyaur R. Khan

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Insect pests are a key constraint to effective utilization of cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with damage caused by these pests in the stores of particular concern. Although a number of approaches have been advanced for control of storage pests of maize, uptake remains a challenge, with effectiveness of some approaches being questionable. We conducted a survey in western Kenya among 330 respondents using face to face interviews and focus group discussions to evaluate farmers' practices, knowledge and perceptions of storage pests of maize, and their current practices in managing such pests as a basis for development of efficient …

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On-Farm Maize Storage Systems And Rodent Postharvest Losses In Six Maize Growing Agro-Ecological Zones Of Kenya, Kukom Edoh Ognakossan, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Christopher M. Mutungi, Daniel N. Sila, Soul Kifouly G. Midingoyi, Willis O. Owino Dec 2016

On-Farm Maize Storage Systems And Rodent Postharvest Losses In Six Maize Growing Agro-Ecological Zones Of Kenya, Kukom Edoh Ognakossan, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Christopher M. Mutungi, Daniel N. Sila, Soul Kifouly G. Midingoyi, Willis O. Owino

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Rodents are one of the major postharvest pests that affect food security by impacting on both food availability and safety. However, knowledge of the impact of rodents in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya is limited. A survey was conducted in 2014 to assess magnitudes of postharvest losses in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya, and the contribution of rodents to the losses. A total of 630 farmers spread across six maize growing agro-ecological zones (AEZs) were interviewed. Insects, rodents and moulds were the main storage problems reported by farmers. Storage losses were highest in the moist transitional and moist …

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