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Articles 331 - 360 of 1129

Full-Text Articles in Entomology

Organic Waste Substrates Induce Important Shifts In Gut Microbiota Of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens L.): Coexistence Of Conserved, Variable, And Potential Pathogenic Microbes, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Jacqueline Wahura Waweru, Yosef Hamba Tola, Abel Anyega Onyoni, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sunday Ekesi, Juan C. Paredes Feb 2021

Organic Waste Substrates Induce Important Shifts In Gut Microbiota Of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens L.): Coexistence Of Conserved, Variable, And Potential Pathogenic Microbes, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Jacqueline Wahura Waweru, Yosef Hamba Tola, Abel Anyega Onyoni, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sunday Ekesi, Juan C. Paredes

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The sustainable utilization of black soldier fly (BSF) for recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass, such as high-quality protein additive, is gaining momentum, and its microbiota is thought to play important roles in these processes. Several studies have characterized the BSF gut microbiota in different substrates and locations; nonetheless, in-depth knowledge on community stability, consistency of member associations, pathogenic associations, and microbe–microbe and host–microbe interactions remains largely elusive. In this study, we characterized the bacterial and fungal communities of BSF larval gut across four untreated substrates (brewers’ spent grain, kitchen food waste, poultry manure, and rabbit manure) using 16S and …

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Re-Analysis Of Abdominal Gland Volatilome Secretions Of The Africanweaver Ant, Oecophylla Longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Bethelihem Mekonnen, Xavier Cheseto, Christian Pirk, Abdullahi Yusuf, Sunday Ekesi, Emilie Deletre, Baldwyn Torto Feb 2021

Re-Analysis Of Abdominal Gland Volatilome Secretions Of The Africanweaver Ant, Oecophylla Longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Bethelihem Mekonnen, Xavier Cheseto, Christian Pirk, Abdullahi Yusuf, Sunday Ekesi, Emilie Deletre, Baldwyn Torto

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The African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, is used as a biological control agent for the management of pests. The ant has several exocrine glands in the abdomen, including Dufour’s, poison, rectal, and sternal glands, which are associated with pheromone secretions for intra-specific communication. Previous studies have analyzed the gland secretions of Dufour’s and poison glands. The chemistry of the rectal and sternal glands is unknown. We re-analyzed the secretions from Dufour’s and poison glands plus the rectal and sternal glands to compare their chemistries and identify additional components. We used the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique to collect gland headspace volatiles …

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The Fungus Leptosphaerulina Persists In Anopheles Gambiae And Induces Melanization, Godfrey Nattoh, Joel L. Bargul, Gabriel Magoma, Lilian Mbaisi, Hellen Butungi, Enock Mararo, Evan Teal, Jeremy Keith Herren Feb 2021

The Fungus Leptosphaerulina Persists In Anopheles Gambiae And Induces Melanization, Godfrey Nattoh, Joel L. Bargul, Gabriel Magoma, Lilian Mbaisi, Hellen Butungi, Enock Mararo, Evan Teal, Jeremy Keith Herren

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Anopheles mosquitoes are colonized by diverse microorganisms that may impact on host biology and vectorial capacity. Eukaryotic symbionts such as fungi have been isolated from Anopheles, but whether they are stably associated with mosquitoes and transmitted transstadially across mosquito life stages or to subsequent generations remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that a Leptosphaerulina sp. fungus isolated from the midgut of An. gambiae can be stably associated with An. gambiae host and that it imposes low fitness cost when re-introduced through co-feeding. This fungus is transstadially transmitted across An. gambiae developmental stages and to their progeny. It is present in …

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The Role Of Trialeurodes Vaporariorum-Infested Tomato Plant Volatiles In The Attraction Of Encarsia Formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Pascal M. Ayelo, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Samira A. Mohamed, Anaїs Chailleux, Emilie Deletre Feb 2021

The Role Of Trialeurodes Vaporariorum-Infested Tomato Plant Volatiles In The Attraction Of Encarsia Formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Pascal M. Ayelo, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Samira A. Mohamed, Anaїs Chailleux, Emilie Deletre

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Natural enemies locate their herbivorous host and prey through kairomones emitted by host plants and herbivores. These kairomones could be exploited to attract and retain natural enemies in crop fields for insect pest control. The parasitoid Encarsia formosa preferentially parasitises its whitefly host, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, a major pest of tomato Solanum lycopersicum, thus offering an effective way to improve whitefly control. However, little is known about the chemical interactions that occur in E. formosa-T. vaporariorum-S. lycopersicum tritrophic system. Using behavioural assays and chemical analyses, we investigated the kairomones mediating attraction of the parasitoid to host-infested tomato plants. In Y-tube olfactometer …

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Can Black Soldier Fly Desmodium Intortum Larvae-Based Diets Enhance The Performance Of Cobb500 Broiler Chickens And Smallholder Farmers' Profit In Kenya?, Mary M. Mutisya, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, John N. Kinyuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew Gicheha, Girma Hailu, Daisy Salifu, Zeyaur Khan, Saliou Niassy Feb 2021

Can Black Soldier Fly Desmodium Intortum Larvae-Based Diets Enhance The Performance Of Cobb500 Broiler Chickens And Smallholder Farmers' Profit In Kenya?, Mary M. Mutisya, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, John N. Kinyuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew Gicheha, Girma Hailu, Daisy Salifu, Zeyaur Khan, Saliou Niassy

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This study aimed to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed on 3 black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) and Greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum)-based meals. We evaluated growth performance, carcass quality, and profitability under various commercial pathways (doorstep, retail, whole, and assorted). Desmodium and BSFL powders were formulated into 3 ratios: T1 25:75, T2 50:50, and T3 75:25. A commercial feed was used as a control. One hundred and twenty mixed-sex 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb) were reared in pens for 42 d in a completely randomized design. The chickens were weighed weekly to monitor their growth rate. After the …

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Indigenous Knowledge Of Rift Valley Fever Among Somali Nomadic Pastoralists And Its Implications On Public Health Delivery Approaches In Ijara Sub-County, North Eastern Kenya, Geoffrey Otieno Muga, Washington Onyango-Ouma, Rosemary Sang, Hippolyte Affognon Feb 2021

Indigenous Knowledge Of Rift Valley Fever Among Somali Nomadic Pastoralists And Its Implications On Public Health Delivery Approaches In Ijara Sub-County, North Eastern Kenya, Geoffrey Otieno Muga, Washington Onyango-Ouma, Rosemary Sang, Hippolyte Affognon

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Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease whose outbreak results in heavy economic and public health burdens. In East Africa, RVF is mainly experienced in arid and semi-arid areas predominantly inhabited by the pastoralists. These areas experience sudden, dra-matic epidemics of the disease at intervals of approximately 10 years, associated with widespread flooding and the resultant swarms of mosquitoes. Pastoralists’ indigenous knowledge and experience of RVF is critical for public health interventions targeting prevention and control of RVF. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 204 respondents …

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Exploring The Influence Of Different Habitats And Their Volatile Chemistry In Modulating Sand Fly Population Structure In A Leishmaniasis Endemic Foci, Kenya, Iman B. Hassaballa, Baldwyn Torto, Catherine L. Sole, David P. Tchouassi Feb 2021

Exploring The Influence Of Different Habitats And Their Volatile Chemistry In Modulating Sand Fly Population Structure In A Leishmaniasis Endemic Foci, Kenya, Iman B. Hassaballa, Baldwyn Torto, Catherine L. Sole, David P. Tchouassi

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Phlebotomine sand flies transmit many viral protozoan and bacterial pathogens of public health importance. Knowledge of the ecologic factors influencing their distribution at local scale can provide insights into disease epidemiology and avenues for targeted control. Animal sheds, termite mounds and houses are important peri-domestic and domestic habitats utilized by different sand flies as resting or breeding habitats. However, our knowledge for selection of these habitats by sand flies remains poor. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these habitat types harbor different composition of sand fly species and differ in their volatile chemistry that could influence sand fly selection. To …

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Repurposing The Orphan Drug Nitisinone To Control The Transmission Of African Trypanosomiasis, Marcos Sterkel, Lee R. Haines, Aitor Casas-Sánchez, Vincent Owino Adung'a, Raquel J. Vionette-Amaral, Shannon Quek, Clair Rose, Mariana Silva Dos Santos, Natalia García Escude, Hanafy M. Ismail, Mark I. Paine, Seth M. Barribeau, Simon Wagstaff, James I. Macrae, Daniel Masiga, Laith Yakob, Pedro L. Oliveira, Álvaro Acosta-Serrano Jan 2021

Repurposing The Orphan Drug Nitisinone To Control The Transmission Of African Trypanosomiasis, Marcos Sterkel, Lee R. Haines, Aitor Casas-Sánchez, Vincent Owino Adung'a, Raquel J. Vionette-Amaral, Shannon Quek, Clair Rose, Mariana Silva Dos Santos, Natalia García Escude, Hanafy M. Ismail, Mark I. Paine, Seth M. Barribeau, Simon Wagstaff, James I. Macrae, Daniel Masiga, Laith Yakob, Pedro L. Oliveira, Álvaro Acosta-Serrano

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Tsetse transmit African trypanosomiasis, which is a disease fatal to both humans and animals. A vaccine to protect against this disease does not exist so transmission control relies on eliminating tsetse populations. Although neurotoxic insecticides are the gold standard for insect control, they negatively impact the environment and reduce populations of insect pollinator species. Here we present a promising, environment-friendly alternative to current insecticides that targets the insect tyrosine metabolism pathway. A bloodmeal contains high levels of tyrosine, which is toxic to haematophagous insects if it is not degraded and eliminated. RNA interference (RNAi) of either the first two enzymes …

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Edible Crickets (Orthoptera) Around The World: Distribution, Nutritional Value, And Other Benefits—A Review, Henlay J.O. Magara, Saliou Niassy, Monica A. Ayieko, Mukundi Mukundamago, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Emily K. Kimathi, Jackton O. Ongere, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sylvain Hugel, Mary A. Orinda, Nanna Roos, Sunday Ekesi Jan 2021

Edible Crickets (Orthoptera) Around The World: Distribution, Nutritional Value, And Other Benefits—A Review, Henlay J.O. Magara, Saliou Niassy, Monica A. Ayieko, Mukundi Mukundamago, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Emily K. Kimathi, Jackton O. Ongere, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sylvain Hugel, Mary A. Orinda, Nanna Roos, Sunday Ekesi

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Edible crickets are among the praised insects that are gaining recognition as human food and livestock feed with a potential of contributing to food security and reduction of malnutrition. Globally, the sustainable use of crickets as food or feed is undermined by lack of information on the number of the edible crickets, the country where they are consumed, and the developmental stages consumed. Furthermore, lack of data on their nutritional content and the potential risks to potential consumers limits their consumption or inclusion into other food sources. We reviewed published literature on edible cricket species, countries where they are consumed, …

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Microbial Contaminants In Wild Harvested And Traded Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) In Uganda, S. Labu, S. Subramanian, F. M. Khamis, P. Akite, P. Kasangaki, M. Chemurot, C. M. Tanga, F. L.O. Ombura, J. P. Egonyu Jan 2021

Microbial Contaminants In Wild Harvested And Traded Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) In Uganda, S. Labu, S. Subramanian, F. M. Khamis, P. Akite, P. Kasangaki, M. Chemurot, C. M. Tanga, F. L.O. Ombura, J. P. Egonyu

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This study investigated the relative abundance and identity of microbial contaminants of the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) harvested from the wild and traded in informal markets in Uganda, to reveal high health risk points. Raw samples of whole R. differens were collected from wild vegetation, trapping sites and markets. Additionally, samples of plucked and deep-fried ready-to-eat R. differens were collected from the markets. The samples were cultured on standard media for microbial quantification, and pure cultures were characterised using molecular techniques. Bacterial and fungal counts in deep fried ready-to-eat R. differens were ~3 and 2-fold lower, respectively, than in …

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Black Soldier Fly Larval Meal In Feed Enhances Growth Performance, Carcass Yield And Meat Quality Of Finishing Pigs, S. Y. Chia, C. M. Tanga, I. M. Osuga, A. O. Alaru, D. M. Mwangi, M. Githinji, T. Dubois, S. Ekesi, J. J.A. Van Loon, M. Dicke Jan 2021

Black Soldier Fly Larval Meal In Feed Enhances Growth Performance, Carcass Yield And Meat Quality Of Finishing Pigs, S. Y. Chia, C. M. Tanga, I. M. Osuga, A. O. Alaru, D. M. Mwangi, M. Githinji, T. Dubois, S. Ekesi, J. J.A. Van Loon, M. Dicke

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Using black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae as a novel protein source substituting fishmeal (FM) in animal feeds is globally gaining momentum. BSF can be reared on agro-industrial residues. However, incorporating BSF larval meal (BSFLM) into finisher pig diets has received inadequate attention. This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary FM with BSFLM on growth, carcass traits and meat quality of finisher pigs. A control diet (including FM: 0% BSFLM) was compared with four dietary levels of replacement of FM with BSFLM at 25, 50, 75 or 100%. Forty hybrid pigs (crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace) …

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Effect Of Zebra Skin-Derived Compounds On Field Catches Of The Human African Trypanosomiasis Vector Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes, Olabimpe Y. Olaide, David P. Tchouassi, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Daniel K. Masiga, Rajinder K. Saini, Baldwyn Torto Jan 2021

Effect Of Zebra Skin-Derived Compounds On Field Catches Of The Human African Trypanosomiasis Vector Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes, Olabimpe Y. Olaide, David P. Tchouassi, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Daniel K. Masiga, Rajinder K. Saini, Baldwyn Torto

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The riverine tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes is a major vector of trypanosome pathogens causing African trypanosomiasis. This fly species uses a combination of olfactory and visual cues to locate its hosts. Previously, traps and targets baited with visual cues have been used in vector control, but the development of olfactory-based tools has been challenging. Recently, repellents have shown promise as olfactory-based tools in tsetse vector control. Here, we evaluated a three-component blend comprising 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, acetophenone and geranyl acetone (blend K), previously identified as a repellent for savannah tsetse flies in zebra skin odor, on G. f. fuscipes populations. Using …

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

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

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

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Prevalence Of Asymptomatic P. Falciparum Gametocyte Carriage Among School Children In Mbita, Western Kenya And Assessment Of The Association Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity Of Infection And Mosquito Infection Prevalence., Victor A. Mobegi, Jeremy K. Herren, Abdoulie O. Touray, Fred Wamunyokoli, Hellen Butungi Jan 2021

Prevalence Of Asymptomatic P. Falciparum Gametocyte Carriage Among School Children In Mbita, Western Kenya And Assessment Of The Association Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity Of Infection And Mosquito Infection Prevalence., Victor A. Mobegi, Jeremy K. Herren, Abdoulie O. Touray, Fred Wamunyokoli, Hellen Butungi

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Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are reservoirs for sustaining transmission in malaria endemic regions. Gametocyte presence in the host peripheral blood is a predictor of capacity to transmit malaria. However, it does not always directly translate to mosquito infectivity. Factors that affect mosquito infectivity include, gametocyte sex-ratio and density, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and host and vector anti-parasite immunity. We assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and to further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: P. falciparum …

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Τhe Complete Mitochondrial Genomes Of Ceratitis Rosa And Ceratitis Quilicii, Members Of The Ceratitis Far Species Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae), Elena Drosopoulou, Aristi Damaskou, Angeliki Markou, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya Khamis, Aruna Manrakhan, Antonios A. Augustinos, George Tsiamis, Kostas Bourtzis Jan 2021

Τhe Complete Mitochondrial Genomes Of Ceratitis Rosa And Ceratitis Quilicii, Members Of The Ceratitis Far Species Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae), Elena Drosopoulou, Aristi Damaskou, Angeliki Markou, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya Khamis, Aruna Manrakhan, Antonios A. Augustinos, George Tsiamis, Kostas Bourtzis

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Ceratitis FAR is an African species complex comprising insect pests of great economic interest and obscure species limits. Here, we report the mitochondrial genomes of two members of the FAR complex, namely Ceratitis rosa and the recently characterized Ceratitis quilicii. A phylogenetic analysis based on PCGs of available Tephritidae mitogenomes is presented. The current mitochondrial sequences from the FAR complex could contribute toward the resolution of phylogenetic relationships and species limits within this taxonomically challenging group, which is also an important issue for the development of environment-friendly and species-specific control methods, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT).

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The Importance Of Store Hygiene For Reducing Post-Harvest Losses In Smallholder Farmers’ Stores: Evidence From A Maize-Based Farming System In Kenya, Kobia J. Makinya, John M. Wagacha, Judith A. Odhiambo, Paddy Likhayo, Kukom Edoh-Ognakossan, Tadele Tefera, Adebayo Abass, Christopher M. Mutungi Jan 2021

The Importance Of Store Hygiene For Reducing Post-Harvest Losses In Smallholder Farmers’ Stores: Evidence From A Maize-Based Farming System In Kenya, Kobia J. Makinya, John M. Wagacha, Judith A. Odhiambo, Paddy Likhayo, Kukom Edoh-Ognakossan, Tadele Tefera, Adebayo Abass, Christopher M. Mutungi

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Knowledge of the role of hygiene in reducing food loss in farm stores is limited among extensionists, researchers, and farmers. Store hygiene practices during post-harvest handling and storage of maize were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 342 farmers, with regular follow-up of 40 farmers’ stores over seven months to measure losses caused by insects, and to score the hygiene levels using a standard checklist. Fractional Response Model was used to evaluate the associations between hygiene practices and the losses. Farmers stored their produce in sacks (98.2%) kept in outside granaries (60.1%), or rooms in dwelling houses (39.9%). Co-storage with …

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Affordable Processing Of Edible Orthopterans Provides A Highly Nutritive Source Of Food Ingredients, Forkwa Tengweh Fombong, John Kinyuru, Jeremiah Ng’Ang’A, Monica Ayieko, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Mik Van Der Borght Jan 2021

Affordable Processing Of Edible Orthopterans Provides A Highly Nutritive Source Of Food Ingredients, Forkwa Tengweh Fombong, John Kinyuru, Jeremiah Ng’Ang’A, Monica Ayieko, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Mik Van Der Borght

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Edible orthopterans (grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts) are major delicacies, especially across sub-Saharan Africa. Their promotion as food ingredients is increasingly gaining momentum. This study evaluates the nutritional profiles of three widely consumed orthopterans: Gryllus bimacu-latus, Locusta migratoria, and Schistocerca gregaria after blanching and oven-drying. All three species had high protein (65.3, 54.2, and 61.4% on a dry matter (DM) basis for G. bimaculatus, L. migratoria, and S. gregaria, respectively) and fat contents. Oleic (22.9–40.8%) and palmitic (26.1–43.0%) were the two most abundant fatty acids. All essential amino acids (in mg/100 g protein) were present, with glutamic acid (120–131), alanine (90.2–123), …

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Effect Of Alternative Rearing Substrates And Temperature On Growth And Development Of The Cricket Modicogryllus Conspersus (Schaum), G. Ssepuuya, F. Sengendo, C. Ndagire, J. Karungi, K. K.M. Fiaboe, J. Efitre, D. Nakimbugwe Jan 2021

Effect Of Alternative Rearing Substrates And Temperature On Growth And Development Of The Cricket Modicogryllus Conspersus (Schaum), G. Ssepuuya, F. Sengendo, C. Ndagire, J. Karungi, K. K.M. Fiaboe, J. Efitre, D. Nakimbugwe

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The increasing demand for animal protein in sub-Saharan Africa has led to insects being considered an alternative protein source for food and feed. In Uganda, chicken mash, containing fish meal as the protein source is commonly used to rear crickets. However, fishmeal is an expensive protein source that is also human food. This study therefore aimed at establishing an alternative preferred (consumed in the highest quantity) plant leaf diet for raising the Modicogryllus conspersus cricket, and the most suitable temperature for hatchability and egg development. The effect of (a) three diets (cassava leaves + cocoyam leaves + milk weed leaves; …

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An Overview Of Antimicrobial Compounds From African Edible Insects And Their Associated Microbiota, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Segenet Kelemu, Baldwyn Torto Jan 2021

An Overview Of Antimicrobial Compounds From African Edible Insects And Their Associated Microbiota, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Segenet Kelemu, Baldwyn Torto

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The need for easily biodegradable and less toxic chemicals in drug development and pest control continues to fuel the exploration and discovery of new natural molecules. Like certain plants, some insects can also respond rapidly to microbial infections by producing a plethora of immune-induced molecules that include antibacterial and antifungal peptides/polypeptides (AMPs), among other structurally diverse small molecules. The recent recognition that new natural product-derived scaffolds are urgently needed to tackle life-threatening pathogenic infections has been prompted by the health threats posed by multidrug resistance. Although many researchers have concentrated on the discovery of AMPs, surprisingly, edible insect-produced AMPs/small molecules …

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Regional And Seasonal Activity Predictions For Fall Armyworm In Australia, James L. Maino, Rafael Schouten, Kathy Overton, Roger Day, Sunday Ekesi, Bosibori Bett, Madeleine Barton, Peter C. Gregg, Paul A. Umina, Olivia L. Reynolds Jan 2021

Regional And Seasonal Activity Predictions For Fall Armyworm In Australia, James L. Maino, Rafael Schouten, Kathy Overton, Roger Day, Sunday Ekesi, Bosibori Bett, Madeleine Barton, Peter C. Gregg, Paul A. Umina, Olivia L. Reynolds

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Since 2016, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has undergone a significant range expansion from its native range in the Americas, to continental Africa, Asia, and in February 2020, mainland Australia. The large dispersal potential of FAW adults, wide host range of immature feeding stages, and unique environmental conditions in its invasive range creates large uncertainties in the expected impact on Australian plant production industries. Here, using a spatial model of population growth and spread potential informed by existing biological and climatic data, we simulate seasonal population activity potential of FAW, with a focus on Australia's grain production regions. Our …

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Tsetse Blood-Meal Sources, Endosymbionts And Trypanosome-Associations In The Maasai Mara National Reserve, A Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Jandouwe Villinger, Vincent Owino Adunga, Maamun M. Jeneby, Edwin Murungi Kimathi, Enock Mararo, Joseph Wang’Ang’A Oundo, Ali Abdulahi Musa, Lillian Wambua Jan 2021

Tsetse Blood-Meal Sources, Endosymbionts And Trypanosome-Associations In The Maasai Mara National Reserve, A Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Jandouwe Villinger, Vincent Owino Adunga, Maamun M. Jeneby, Edwin Murungi Kimathi, Enock Mararo, Joseph Wang’Ang’A Oundo, Ali Abdulahi Musa, Lillian Wambua

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African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a neglected disease of both humans and animals caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which are transmitted by obligate hematophagous tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). Knowledge on tsetse fly vertebrate hosts and the influence of tsetse endo-symbionts on trypanosome presence, especially in wildlife-human-livestock interfaces, is limited. We identified tsetse species, their blood-meal sources, and correlations between endosymbionts and trypanosome presence in tsetse flies from the trypanosome-endemic Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Among 1167 tsetse flies (1136 Glossina pallidipes, 31 Glossina swynnertoni) collected from 10 sampling sites, 28 (2.4%) were positive by PCR for trypanosome DNA, most (17/28) …

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Cannibalism, Oviposition And Egg Development In The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) Under Laboratory Conditions, J. P. Egonyu, M. M. Miti, C. M. Tanga, A. Leonard, S. Subramanian Jan 2021

Cannibalism, Oviposition And Egg Development In The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) Under Laboratory Conditions, J. P. Egonyu, M. M. Miti, C. M. Tanga, A. Leonard, S. Subramanian

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Reliance on seasonal wild harvests of the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) needs to be broken through developing efficient mass rearing protocols. This study aimed at boosting productivity of laboratory colonies of R. differens through understanding ways of minimising cannibalism, selecting suitable oviposition substrates and enhancing egg development and hatchability. Firstly, we investigated the extent of cannibalism in a colony of R. differens relative to total mortality, sex, diurnality, growth stage, body parts eaten and visual barriers (presence/absence of cardboard egg trays). R. differens cadavers recovered from cages with/without the egg trays were scored for cause of …

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Naturally Occurring Compounds With Larvicidal Activity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Trizah K. Milugo, David P. Tchouassi, Reginald A. Kavishe, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Baldwyn Torto Jan 2021

Naturally Occurring Compounds With Larvicidal Activity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Trizah K. Milugo, David P. Tchouassi, Reginald A. Kavishe, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Baldwyn Torto

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Female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria. Currently, vector control is the most widely deployed approach to reduce mosquito population and hence disease transmission. This relies on use of insecticide-based interventions including Long-lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) where scale-up has contributed to a dramatic decline in malaria deaths and morbidity over the past decade. Challenges to their effective use include the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance by malaria vector populations coupled with the inability to curb outdoor transmission. Under these situations, use of larvicides through larval source management (LSM) can complement these …

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Trapping, Identification And Rearing Of Edible Palm Weevils In Kenya And Uganda, J. P. Egonyu, K. J. Gitonga, F. M. Khamis, R. S. Copeland, P. Finyange, R. Odhiambo, G. Ddamulira, C. M. Tanga, S. Subramanian Jan 2021

Trapping, Identification And Rearing Of Edible Palm Weevils In Kenya And Uganda, J. P. Egonyu, K. J. Gitonga, F. M. Khamis, R. S. Copeland, P. Finyange, R. Odhiambo, G. Ddamulira, C. M. Tanga, S. Subramanian

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Palm weevils, Rhynchophorus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) double as devastating invasive pests of palms, and delicacies in many communities. This study evaluated ethyl acetate and 3-methyl-octan-4-ol for trapping palm weevils from coconut, oil and raffia palms in Kenya and Uganda; taking into account the distance of traps on oil palm from a forest or raffia palm. Eggs from the weevils from different locations were incubated and their larvae reared on sugarcane under laboratory conditions. All the 285 weevils collected were identified by morphological and molecular techniques as Rhynchophorus phoenicis, and the catch was female-biased. 3-methyl-octan-4-ol attracted more weevils than ethyl acetate. …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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