Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Entomology Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 181 - 210 of 1129

Full-Text Articles in Entomology

Potential Distribution Of Fall Armyworm In Africa And Beyond, Considering Climate Change And Irrigation Patterns, Bipana Paudel Timilsena, Saliou Niassy, Emily Kimathi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Irmgard Seidl-Adams, Mark Wamalwa, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Sunday Ekesi, David P. Hughes, Edwin G. Rajotte, Sevgan Subramanian Dec 2022

Potential Distribution Of Fall Armyworm In Africa And Beyond, Considering Climate Change And Irrigation Patterns, Bipana Paudel Timilsena, Saliou Niassy, Emily Kimathi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Irmgard Seidl-Adams, Mark Wamalwa, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Sunday Ekesi, David P. Hughes, Edwin G. Rajotte, Sevgan Subramanian

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW), first invaded Africa in 2016 and has since become established in many areas across the continent where it poses a serious threat to food and nutrition security. We re-parameterized the existing CLIMEX model to assess the FAW global invasion threat, emphasizing the risk of transient and permanent population establishment in Africa under current and projected future climates, considering irrigation patterns. FAW can establish itself in almost all countries in eastern and central Africa and a large part of western Africa under the current climate. Climatic barriers, such as heat and dry stresses, may limit …

Go to article

Gut Microbiota Shift In Layer Pullets Fed On Black Soldier Fly Larvae-Based Feeds Towards Enhancing Healthy Gut Microbial Community, Evalyne W. Ndotono, Fathiya M. Khamis, Joel L. Bargul, Chrysantus M. Tanga Dec 2022

Gut Microbiota Shift In Layer Pullets Fed On Black Soldier Fly Larvae-Based Feeds Towards Enhancing Healthy Gut Microbial Community, Evalyne W. Ndotono, Fathiya M. Khamis, Joel L. Bargul, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, most gut microbiota-related studies have focused on broilers due to their diverse microbial communities compared to that of layer chicken. However, in Africa few studies have been undertaken despite the increasing benefits to the poultry industry. The utilization of Insect-Based diets to improve the gastrointestinal function and gut health in poultry is increasingly gaining global attention. Here, we evaluated the potential roles of commercial black soldier fly larvae-based feeds (BSFLF) in reshaping the abundance, composition and diversity of the gut microbiota of layer chickens using high throughput Oxford nanopore Minion sequencing of the full length bacterial 16S rRNA gene. …

Go to article

Predicting The Potential Global Distribution Of An Invasive Alien Pest Trioza Erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, Philipe Guilherme Corcino Souza, Ricardo Siqueira Da Silva, Paulo Antonio Santana Júnior, Marcelo Coutinho Picanço, Rosina Kyerematen, Mamoudou Sétamou, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister Dec 2022

Predicting The Potential Global Distribution Of An Invasive Alien Pest Trioza Erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, Philipe Guilherme Corcino Souza, Ricardo Siqueira Da Silva, Paulo Antonio Santana Júnior, Marcelo Coutinho Picanço, Rosina Kyerematen, Mamoudou Sétamou, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The impact of invasive alien pests on agriculture, food security, and biodiversity conservation has been worsened by climate change caused by the rising earth’s atmospheric greenhouse gases. The African citrus triozid, Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio; Hemiptera: Triozidae), is an invasive pest of all citrus species. It vectors the phloem-limited bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter africanus”, a causal agent of citrus greening disease or African Huanglongbing (HLB). Understanding the global distribution of T. erytreae is critical for surveillance, monitoring, and eradication programs. Therefore, we combined geospatial and physiological data of T. erytreae to predict its global distribution using the CLIMEX model. The model’s …

Go to article

Genetics And Immunity Of Anopheles Response To The Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae Overlap With Immunity To Plasmodium, Tullu Bukhari, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Emmanuel Bischoff, Emma Brito-Fravallo, Karin Eiglmeier, Michelle M. Riehle, Kenneth D. Vernick, Christian Mitri Dec 2022

Genetics And Immunity Of Anopheles Response To The Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae Overlap With Immunity To Plasmodium, Tullu Bukhari, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Emmanuel Bischoff, Emma Brito-Fravallo, Karin Eiglmeier, Michelle M. Riehle, Kenneth D. Vernick, Christian Mitri

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Entomopathogenic fungi have been explored as a potential biopesticide to counteract the insecticide resistance issue in mosquitoes. However, little is known about the possibility that genetic resistance to fungal biopesticides could evolve in mosquito populations. Here, we detected an important genetic component underlying Anopheles coluzzii survival after exposure to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. A familiality study detected variation for survival among wild mosquito isofemale pedigrees, and genetic mapping identified two loci that significantly influence mosquito survival after fungus exposure. One locus overlaps with a previously reported locus for Anopheles susceptibility to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Candidate gene …

Go to article

Leveraging Machine Learning Tools And Algorithms For Analysis Of Fruit Fly Morphometrics, Daisy Salifu, Eric Ali Ibrahim, Henri E.Z. Tonnang Dec 2022

Leveraging Machine Learning Tools And Algorithms For Analysis Of Fruit Fly Morphometrics, Daisy Salifu, Eric Ali Ibrahim, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Analysis of landmark-based morphometric measurements taken on body parts of insects have been a useful taxonomic approach alongside DNA barcoding in insect identification. Statistical analysis of morphometrics have largely been dominated by traditional methods and approaches such as principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA) and discriminant analysis (DA). However, advancement in computing power creates a paradigm shift to apply modern tools such as machine learning. Herein, we assess the predictive performance of four machine learning classifiers; K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), support vector machine (the linear, polynomial and radial kernel SVMs) and artificial neural network (ANNs) on …

Go to article

Nutrient Quality And Maturity Status Of Frass Fertilizer From Nine Edible Insects, Dennis Beesigamukama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga Dec 2022

Nutrient Quality And Maturity Status Of Frass Fertilizer From Nine Edible Insects, Dennis Beesigamukama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, there is growing interest to recycle organic waste using insect larvae into high-quality frass fertilizer through circular economy approach. This paper presents the first comparative report on the nutrient concentrations, fertilizing indices, nutrient supply potentials and compost maturity of nine edible insect frass fertilizers. Our results revealed that frass fertilizers from all the insect species had adequate concentrations and contents of macronutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulphur) and micro-nutrients (manganese, copper, iron, zinc, boron, and sodium). The fertilizing indices of the frass fertilizers were above 3. However, black soldier fly (BSF) frass …

Go to article

The Effect Of Climate Variability In The Efficacy Of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium Acridum Against The Desert Locust Schistocerca Gregaria, Samuel F. Kamga, Frank T. Ndjomatchoua, Ritter A. Guimapi, Ingeborg Klingen, Clément Tchawoua, Anne Grete Roer Hjelkrem, Karl H. Thunes, Francois M. Kakmeni Dec 2022

The Effect Of Climate Variability In The Efficacy Of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium Acridum Against The Desert Locust Schistocerca Gregaria, Samuel F. Kamga, Frank T. Ndjomatchoua, Ritter A. Guimapi, Ingeborg Klingen, Clément Tchawoua, Anne Grete Roer Hjelkrem, Karl H. Thunes, Francois M. Kakmeni

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Despite substantial efforts to control locusts they remain periodically a major burden in Africa, causing severe yield loss and hence loss of food and income. Distribution maps indicating the value of the basic reproduction number R0 was used to identify areas where an insect pest can be controlled by a natural enemy. A dynamic process-based mathematical model integrating essential features of a natural enemy and its interaction with the pest is used to generate R0 risk maps for insect pest outbreaks, using desert locust and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum (Synn. Metarhizium anisoliae var. acridum) as a case study. This …

Go to article

Transcriptomic Profiling Of Trypanosoma Congolense Mouthpart Parasites From Naturally Infected Flies, Sara Silva Pereira, Kawira Mathenge, Daniel Masiga, Andrew Jackson Dec 2022

Transcriptomic Profiling Of Trypanosoma Congolense Mouthpart Parasites From Naturally Infected Flies, Sara Silva Pereira, Kawira Mathenge, Daniel Masiga, Andrew Jackson

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Animal African trypanosomiasis, or nagana, is a veterinary disease caused by African trypanosomes transmitted by tsetse flies. In Africa, Trypanosoma congolense is one of the most pathogenic and prevalent causes of nagana in livestock, resulting in high animal morbidity and mortality and extensive production losses. In the tsetse fly, parasites colonise the midgut and eventually reach the mouthparts, from where they can be transmitted as the fly feeds on vertebrate hosts such as cattle. Despite the extreme importance of mouthpart-form parasites for disease transmission, very few global expression profile studies have been conducted in these parasite forms. Methods: Here, …

Go to article

The Distinctive Bionomics Of Aedes Aegypti Populations In Africa, David P. Tchouassi, Sheila B. Agha, Jandouwe Villinger, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto Dec 2022

The Distinctive Bionomics Of Aedes Aegypti Populations In Africa, David P. Tchouassi, Sheila B. Agha, Jandouwe Villinger, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses of medical importance. Behavioral and biological attributes contribute to its vectorial capacity. The mosquito domestic form, which resides outside Africa (Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa)), is considered to breed in artificial containers in and around homes and preferentially feeds on human blood but commonly indulges in a plant diet. Potential divergence in these attributes, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where Aaa coexists with the forest ecotype (Ae. aegypti formosus), should impact the vectoring ability and hence disease epidemiology. A summary of current knowledge on Ae. aegypti blood feeding, oviposition, and …

Go to article

Urbanization Of Aedes Mosquito Populations And Evolution Of Arboviral Disease Risk In Africa, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi Dec 2022

Urbanization Of Aedes Mosquito Populations And Evolution Of Arboviral Disease Risk In Africa, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The arboviral diseases dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever are re-merging and gaining a foothold in Africa, with a significant threat of large outbreaks in urban areas. Although their emergence is intimately linked to the primary vector Aedes aegypti, which thrives in urban environments, the risk of these diseases remains substantially heterogeneous in different geographic areas. Range expansion of invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus, and colonization of urban habitats by sylvatic and peridomestic Aedes vectors, are likely to alter the diseases’ epidemiology. We discuss how a network of different vector species and perhaps vector subpopulations could interact with associated serotypes/genotypes/lineages of …

Go to article

Malaria Vector Feeding, Peak Biting Time And Resting Place Preference Behaviors In Line With Indoor Based Intervention Tools And Its Implication: Scenario From Selected Sentinel Sites Of Ethiopia, Alemnesh Hailemariam Bedasso, Abebe Asale Gutto, Abate Waldetensai, Araya Eukubay, Getachew Eticha Bokore, Solomon Kinde, Fekadu Gemechu, Yared Debebe, Mesfin Aklilu, Geremew Tasew, Fekadu Massebo, Abebe Teshome, Tilahun Kebede, Bedri Abdulatif, Achamyelesh Sisay, Hiwot Solomon, Eliningaya J. Kweka Dec 2022

Malaria Vector Feeding, Peak Biting Time And Resting Place Preference Behaviors In Line With Indoor Based Intervention Tools And Its Implication: Scenario From Selected Sentinel Sites Of Ethiopia, Alemnesh Hailemariam Bedasso, Abebe Asale Gutto, Abate Waldetensai, Araya Eukubay, Getachew Eticha Bokore, Solomon Kinde, Fekadu Gemechu, Yared Debebe, Mesfin Aklilu, Geremew Tasew, Fekadu Massebo, Abebe Teshome, Tilahun Kebede, Bedri Abdulatif, Achamyelesh Sisay, Hiwot Solomon, Eliningaya J. Kweka

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

In Ethiopia, malaria incidence has significantly reduced in the past decade through the combined use of conventional vector control approaches and treatment using antimalarial drugs. However, the sustainability of this achievement is threatened by the shift in biting and resting behaviors and emergence of insecticide resistance by the primary malaria vector. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the behaviour of malaria mosquitoes in different sentinel sites is crucial to design effective prevention and control methods in the local context. Entomological investigations were conducted in three sentinel sites for five consecutive months during the major malaria transmission season. The species composition, population dynamics, …

Go to article

Contributions Of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) To Livelihoods Of Peri-Urban Dwellers In The Free State Province Of South Africa, Gerald Chikowore, Frank Chidawanyika, Grant D. Martin Dec 2022

Contributions Of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) To Livelihoods Of Peri-Urban Dwellers In The Free State Province Of South Africa, Gerald Chikowore, Frank Chidawanyika, Grant D. Martin

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a globally widespread tree of North American origin, considered as a tree of economic importance in some countries and regarded as disruptive invader in others. In South Africa, the species is categorised as a category1b invasive species which dictates the species as undesirable warranting management. We conducted a survey on how the tree has been integrated into livelihoods of peri-urban inhabitants in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. Results showed that while the tree is currently being utilised by peri-urban dwellers, it is not the species of choice. Moreover, its contribution to …

Go to article

Differential Responses Of Bactrocera Dorsalis And Its Parasitoids To Headspaces Of Different Varieties Of Tree-Attached Mango Fruits And The Associated Chemical Profiles, Raphael Njurai Miano, Samira A. Mohamed, Xavier Cheseto, Shepard Ndlela, Tibebe Dejene Biasazin, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Egmont Rohwer, Teun Dekker Nov 2022

Differential Responses Of Bactrocera Dorsalis And Its Parasitoids To Headspaces Of Different Varieties Of Tree-Attached Mango Fruits And The Associated Chemical Profiles, Raphael Njurai Miano, Samira A. Mohamed, Xavier Cheseto, Shepard Ndlela, Tibebe Dejene Biasazin, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Egmont Rohwer, Teun Dekker

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major pest of fruits and vegetables worldwide with documented losses of up to 100%. Various management techniques including the use of parasitoids, such as Fopius arisanus (Sonan) and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) within the context of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach have been deployed for its control. The effectiveness of parasitoids is well understood, but knowledge of the semiochemicals that mediate their behavior, as well as that of the host fruit fly to tree-attached mangoes, is lacking. Here, we first compared the attractiveness of the above-mentioned fruit fly and its parasitoids to volatiles …

Go to article

Innovative Feedstocks For Optimal Mass Production Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens, Kababu Margaret, Mweresa K. Collins, Sevgan Subramanian, James P. Egonyu, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Nyamu Faith, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Nov 2022

Innovative Feedstocks For Optimal Mass Production Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens, Kababu Margaret, Mweresa K. Collins, Sevgan Subramanian, James P. Egonyu, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Nyamu Faith, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae) is a highly nutritious food source consumed in over 20 African countries. Its occurrence is highly seasonal, and wild harvesting is carried out using locally designed and inefficient light traps, thus limiting sustainable utilization as an important food source. To ensure year-round production and availability of R. differens, we evaluated the effects of low-cost and affordable diets based on agricultural by-products on their growth performance, survival, fecundity, and longevity. A total of four diets with varying ratios of agricultural by-products were evaluated: Diet 1 [33.3% maize bran (MB) + 33.3% wheat bran …

Go to article

Influence Of Si In Maize Plants In Kenyan Populations Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ovide Nuambote-Yobila, Boaz Musyoka, Elijah Njuguna, Anani Yaovi Bruce, Fathia Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Frédéric Marion-Poll, Paul André Calatayud Nov 2022

Influence Of Si In Maize Plants In Kenyan Populations Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ovide Nuambote-Yobila, Boaz Musyoka, Elijah Njuguna, Anani Yaovi Bruce, Fathia Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Frédéric Marion-Poll, Paul André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), native to the Americas, was confirmed in West and Central Africa in 2016 and reported in almost all countries of sub-Saharan Africa in 2017, becoming thereafter one of the major constraints on the production of maize, the main staple food crop in the region. Cereals depend on silicon (Si)-based defences to fight off herbivores. Both FAW strains, namely rice and corn strains, have been found to be present in Kenya. The present study tested the influence of Si on larval survival and relative growth rate according to the FAW strain, using potted …

Go to article

Tephritid Fruit Fly Species Composition, Seasonality, And Fruit Infestations In Two Central African Agro-Ecological Zones, Samuel Nanga Nanga, Rachid Hanna, Apollin Fotso Kuate, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Ibrahim Nchoutnji, Michel Ndjab, Désiré Gnanvossou, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Champlain Djieto-Lordon Nov 2022

Tephritid Fruit Fly Species Composition, Seasonality, And Fruit Infestations In Two Central African Agro-Ecological Zones, Samuel Nanga Nanga, Rachid Hanna, Apollin Fotso Kuate, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Ibrahim Nchoutnji, Michel Ndjab, Désiré Gnanvossou, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Champlain Djieto-Lordon

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Bactrocera dorsalis and several Africa-native Ceratitis species are serious constraints to fruit production in sub-Saharan Africa. A long-term trapping and fruit collection study was conducted (2011–2016) in two contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Cameroon to determine fruit fly species composition, seasonality, attraction to various lures and baits, and fruit infestation levels. Ten tephritid species from genera Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, and Perilampsis were captured in traps. Bactrocera dorsalis was the most dominant of the trapped species and persisted throughout the year, with peak populations in May–June. Ceratitis spp. were less abundant than B. dorsalis, with Ceratitis anonae dominating in the western …

Go to article

Occurrence And Density Of The Stink Bug Antestiopsis Thunbergii Gmelin 1790 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) And Related Egg-Parasitoids In Burundi Coffee Agroecosystems, Jean Mugishawimana, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Soter Ndihokubwayo, Anaclet Nibasumba, Julien Haran, Guillaume David Oct 2022

Occurrence And Density Of The Stink Bug Antestiopsis Thunbergii Gmelin 1790 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) And Related Egg-Parasitoids In Burundi Coffee Agroecosystems, Jean Mugishawimana, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Soter Ndihokubwayo, Anaclet Nibasumba, Julien Haran, Guillaume David

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Antestiopsis thunbergii is the most important coffee pest in Burundi causing yield losses of up to 30%. The aim of this study was to estimate its occurrence and density and to assess the species diversity of native egg-parasitoids associated to this pest in coffee agroecosystems. Our study was carried out in four coffee growing agro-ecological zones of Burundi namely; the humid west escarpments, the humid central highlands, the sub-humid central highlands and the sub-humid southeastern and northern depressions. In total, 600 coffee trees, randomly selected in 40 coffee plots of 20 communes were investigated at three phenological stages of the …

Go to article

Evolving Dynamics Of Aedes-Borne Diseases In Africa: A Cause For Concern, Rosemary Sang, Joel Lutomiah, Edith Chepkorir, David P. Tchouassi Oct 2022

Evolving Dynamics Of Aedes-Borne Diseases In Africa: A Cause For Concern, Rosemary Sang, Joel Lutomiah, Edith Chepkorir, David P. Tchouassi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Aedes-borne viruses, yellow fever (YF), dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are taking a huge toll on global health as Africa faces re-emergence with potential for massive human catastrophe. Transmission driven by diverse vectors in ecological settings that range from urban to rural and sylvatic habitats with human and nonhuman primate/reservoir activities across such habitats has facilitated virus movement and spillover to susceptible human populations. Approved vaccine exists for YF, although availability for routine and mass vaccination is often constrained. Integrating vector surveillance, understanding disease ecology with rationalised vaccination in high-risk areas (YF) remains important in disease prevention and control. We review …

Go to article

Classical Biological Of Key Horticultural Pests In Africa: Successes, Challenges, And Opportunities, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois, Abdelmutalab Ga Azrag, Shepard Ndlela, Peter Neuenschwander Oct 2022

Classical Biological Of Key Horticultural Pests In Africa: Successes, Challenges, And Opportunities, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois, Abdelmutalab Ga Azrag, Shepard Ndlela, Peter Neuenschwander

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Classical biological control (CBC) is considered a safer and more sustainable alternative for management of alien-invasive species. This review presents recent advances in CBC of key horticultural insect pests using parasitoids in Africa. Several CBC programs have been undertaken targeting different insect pests of both fruits and vegetables, largely yielding outstanding success. Key obstacles impeding CBC and opportunities that could promote CBC in Africa are outlined. Also, very brief highlights on recent scientific and technological advances in modeling, integrative taxonomy and molecular tools, and endosymbionts that relate to CBC are provided.

Go to article

Immersion In Hot Water As A Phytosanitary Treatment For Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) In Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.), Nelson L. Mwando, Shepard Ndlela, Rainer Meyhöfer, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed Oct 2022

Immersion In Hot Water As A Phytosanitary Treatment For Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) In Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.), Nelson L. Mwando, Shepard Ndlela, Rainer Meyhöfer, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira A. Mohamed

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a major quarantine pest that hampers Capsicum production and trade in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and may need a postharvest treatment to meet quarantine standards of lucrative overseas markets. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of hot water treatment (HWT) as a potential nonchemical quarantine control option against T. leucotreta in bell pepper and its effect on the quality parameters of the peppers. Infested bell pepper harboring different immature stages of T. leucotreta were subjected to a hot water treatment of 50 ± 0.2 °C for eight different time-points to determine heat …

Go to article

Parasitisation Of Weaver Ants By A Species Of Smicromorpha Girault (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae: Smicromorphinae) And Unequivocal Evidence Of Its Presence In The Afrotropical Region, Robert S. Copeland, Bethelihem Mekonnen, Gerard Delvare Sep 2022

Parasitisation Of Weaver Ants By A Species Of Smicromorpha Girault (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae: Smicromorphinae) And Unequivocal Evidence Of Its Presence In The Afrotropical Region, Robert S. Copeland, Bethelihem Mekonnen, Gerard Delvare

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Smicromorpha Girault (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) is distributed in the old world tropics and subtropics from Australia through New Guinea, Southeast and South Asia. Since its original description in 1913 conclusive evidence of its host has been lacking although it has been collected in association with weaver ants (Oecophylla spp.; Formicidae: Formicinae) either in proximity to ant nests or, on one occasion, reared from one. In this paper we report the presence of Smicromorpha pupae within the gaster of Oecophylla longinoda workers from a nest collected in coastal Kenya. This discovery extends the distribution of Smicromorpha to the Afrotropical Region and demonstrates …

Go to article

Differential Immune Responses In New And Old Fruit Fly-Parasitoid Associations: Implications For Their Management, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Jeremy K. Herren, Christopher W. Weldon, Fathiya M. Khamis, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed Aug 2022

Differential Immune Responses In New And Old Fruit Fly-Parasitoid Associations: Implications For Their Management, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Jeremy K. Herren, Christopher W. Weldon, Fathiya M. Khamis, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and marula fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker), are major fruit-infesting tephritids across sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control of these pests using parasitic wasps has been widely adopted but with varying levels of success. Most studies investigating host-parasitoid models have focused on functional and evolutionary aspects leaving a knowledge gap about the physiological mechanisms underpinning the efficacy of parasitoids as biocontrol agents of tephritids. To better understand these physiological mechanisms, we investigated changes in the cellular immune responses of C. cosyra and B. dorsalis when exposed to the parasitic wasps, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmaed) and Psyttalia …

Go to article

Entomological Assessment Of Tsetse-Borne Trypanosome Risk In The Shimba Hills Human-Wildlife-Livestock Interface, Kenya, Faith I. Ebhodaghe, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga Aug 2022

Entomological Assessment Of Tsetse-Borne Trypanosome Risk In The Shimba Hills Human-Wildlife-Livestock Interface, Kenya, Faith I. Ebhodaghe, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Shimba Hills is a wildlife area in Kenya and a major focus of tsetse-borne trypanosomes in East Africa. In Shimba Hills, tsetse-borne trypanosomes constrain animal health and smallholder livelihoods. However, epidemiological data to guide hotspot-targeted control of infections are limited. This study assessed the dynamics of tsetse-borne trypanosome risk in Shimba Hills with the objective to describe infection hotspots for targeted control. Tsetse flies (n = 696) collected in field surveys between November 2018 and September 2019 in Shimba Hills were characterized for chronological age and phenotypic sizes and screened for trypanosome and cattle DNA. Entomological inoculation rates for trypanosome …

Go to article

Larval Exposure To Parasitic Varroa Destructor Mites Triggers Specific Immune Responses In Different Honey Bee Castes And Species, Yu Fang, Abebe Jenberie Wubie, Mao Feng, Chuan Ma, Boris Baer, Jianke Li Aug 2022

Larval Exposure To Parasitic Varroa Destructor Mites Triggers Specific Immune Responses In Different Honey Bee Castes And Species, Yu Fang, Abebe Jenberie Wubie, Mao Feng, Chuan Ma, Boris Baer, Jianke Li

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Innate immune systems are key defenses of animals and particularly important in species that lack the sophisticated adaptive immune systems as found in vertebrates. Here, we were interested to quantify variation in innate immune responses of insects in hosts that differ in their parasite susceptibility. To do this, we studied immune responses in honey bees, which can host a remarkable number of different parasites, which are major contributors of declining bee health and colony losses. The most significant parasite of honey bees is the mite Varroa destructor, which has infested the majority of global honey bee populations, and its control …

Go to article

Integrated Management Of Spodoptera Frugiperda 6 Years Post Detection In Africa: A Review, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Peter Chinwada, Ivan Rwomushana, Georg Goergen, Sevgan Subramanian Aug 2022

Integrated Management Of Spodoptera Frugiperda 6 Years Post Detection In Africa: A Review, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Peter Chinwada, Ivan Rwomushana, Georg Goergen, Sevgan Subramanian

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The introduction of fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on the African continent has led to paradigm shifts in pest control in maize systems, occasioned by year-round populations. The discovery of resident parasitoid species adapting to the new pest significantly informed decision-making toward avoiding highly hazardous synthetic insecticides to control the pest. A number of biopesticides have shown promise against the fall armyworm, providing a new arsenal for the sustainable management of this invasive pest. However, a few knowledge gaps remain for a fully integrated and sustainable FAW-management approach, particularly on host-resistance potential.

Go to article

Dynamics In Nutrients, Sterols And Total Flavonoid Content During Processing Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper (Ruspolia Differens Serville) For Food, Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, John M. Nduko, Xavier Cheseto, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Fathiya M. Khamis, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Peter J. Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Chrysantus M. Tanga Jul 2022

Dynamics In Nutrients, Sterols And Total Flavonoid Content During Processing Of The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper (Ruspolia Differens Serville) For Food, Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, John M. Nduko, Xavier Cheseto, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Fathiya M. Khamis, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Peter J. Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Serville) is a tasty delicacy in over 20 African countries. This study evaluated the impact of diverse post-harvest thermal treatment (blanching, boiling, toasting, and deep-frying) on the nutrients, total flavonoid content and sterols preservation of R. differens products. Crude protein, ash, and fibre of R. differens was drastically reduced by deep-frying technique. There was increase in Omega-3 (α-linolenic acid), Omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic and arachidonic acids) and sterols [(22Z)-27-Norergosta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, cholesterol, campesterol, cholest-4-ene-3-one and β-sitosterol] and flavonoids (2–3 folds) during blanching compared to other techniques. The iron and zinc content increased significantly in blanched and boiled products …

Go to article

Biological Control Interventions And Botanical Pesticides For Insect Pests Of Crops In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mapping Review, Fabrizia Ratto, Toby Bruce, Gilson Chipabika, Sithembile Mwamakamba, Rachel Mkandawire, Zeyaur Khan, Angela Mkindi, Jimmy Pittchar, Frank Chidawanyika, Susannah M. Sallu, Stephen Whitfield, Kenneth Wilson, Steven M. Sait Jul 2022

Biological Control Interventions And Botanical Pesticides For Insect Pests Of Crops In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mapping Review, Fabrizia Ratto, Toby Bruce, Gilson Chipabika, Sithembile Mwamakamba, Rachel Mkandawire, Zeyaur Khan, Angela Mkindi, Jimmy Pittchar, Frank Chidawanyika, Susannah M. Sallu, Stephen Whitfield, Kenneth Wilson, Steven M. Sait

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Agricultural productivity can be increased sustainably in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by reducing crop losses due to insect pest damage. As an alternative to environmentally-damaging chemical pesticides, biological control interventions and botanical pesticides show potential to achieve both high yields and profits. However, synthesized information of their performance and understanding of their adoption among smallholder farmers is limited. Here, 173 studies of biological control interventions and botanical pesticides of insect pests for 35 crops from 20 sub-Saharan countries from 2005 to 2021 were systematically reviewed. Drawing on published datasets, we found that cereals, particularly maize, were the most studied crop (59%). …

Go to article

Genetic Diversity Of Diaphorina Citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Unravels Phylogeographic Structure And Invasion History Of Eastern African Populations, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Barbara Van Asch, Gerhard Pietersen, Nurhussen Seid, Anne Wambui Wairimu, Fidelis Levi Ombura, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Mamoudou Sétamou, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira Mohammed, Sunday Ekesi Jul 2022

Genetic Diversity Of Diaphorina Citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Unravels Phylogeographic Structure And Invasion History Of Eastern African Populations, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Barbara Van Asch, Gerhard Pietersen, Nurhussen Seid, Anne Wambui Wairimu, Fidelis Levi Ombura, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Mamoudou Sétamou, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira Mohammed, Sunday Ekesi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) is a key pest of Citrus sp. worldwide, as it acts as a vector for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterial pathogen that causes citrus Huanglongbing. Diaphorina citri has been reported in Kenya, Tanzania, and more recently in Ethiopia. This study assessed the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of the pest to gain insights into the potential sources of its introduction into Africa. Population structure and differentiation of D. citri populations from China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the USA were assessed using 10 microsatellite loci. Additionally, five new complete mitogenomes of D. citri collected …

Go to article

Observing The Distribution Of Mosquito Bites On Humans To Inform Personal Protection Measures Against Malaria And Dengue Vectors, Winifrida P. Mponzi, Johnson K. Swai, Emmanuel W. Kaindoa, Khamis Kifungo, Alvaro E. Eiras, Elis P.A. Batista, Nancy S. Matowo, Peter O. Sangoro, Marceline F. Finda, Arnold S. Mmbando, Tegemeo Gavana, Halfan S. Ngowo, Fredros O. Okumu Jul 2022

Observing The Distribution Of Mosquito Bites On Humans To Inform Personal Protection Measures Against Malaria And Dengue Vectors, Winifrida P. Mponzi, Johnson K. Swai, Emmanuel W. Kaindoa, Khamis Kifungo, Alvaro E. Eiras, Elis P.A. Batista, Nancy S. Matowo, Peter O. Sangoro, Marceline F. Finda, Arnold S. Mmbando, Tegemeo Gavana, Halfan S. Ngowo, Fredros O. Okumu

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background Understanding mosquito biting behaviours is important for designing and evaluating protection methods against nuisance biting and mosquito-borne diseases (e.g. dengue, malaria and zika). We investigated the preferred biting sites by Aedes aegypti and Anopheles arabiensis on adult volunteers in standing or sleeping positions; and estimated the theoretical protection limits affordable from protective clothing or repellent-treated footwear. Methods Adult volunteers dressed in shorts and t-shirts were exposed to infection-free laboratory-reared mosquitoes inside screened chambers from 6am to noon (for day-biting Ae. aegypti) or 6pm to midnight (night-biting An. arabiensis). Attempted bites on different body parts were recorded. Comparative observations were …

Go to article

Disentangling Thermal Effects Using Life Cycle Simulation Modelling On The Biology And Demographic Parameters Of Dolichogenidea Gelechiidivoris, A Parasitoid Of Tuta Absoluta, Pascal O. Aigbedion-Atalor, Martin P. Hill, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Myron P. Zalucki, Samira A. Mohamed Jul 2022

Disentangling Thermal Effects Using Life Cycle Simulation Modelling On The Biology And Demographic Parameters Of Dolichogenidea Gelechiidivoris, A Parasitoid Of Tuta Absoluta, Pascal O. Aigbedion-Atalor, Martin P. Hill, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Myron P. Zalucki, Samira A. Mohamed

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) (Syn. Apanteles gelechiidivoris) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a konoibiont larval endoparasitoid of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), was imported into Kenya in 2017 for the first classical biological control of T. absoluta in Africa. We determined the thermal thresholds of D. gelechiidivoris, with T. absoluta as host, using life cycle simulation modelling. Life-table data of D. gelechiidivoris were generated at six constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and 12L: 12D photoperiod). Multiple non-linear functions were fitted to model some aspects of the biology of the parasitoid, including its …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last