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Articles 511 - 540 of 1129

Full-Text Articles in Entomology

Physico-Chemical Properties Of Extruded Aquafeed Pellets Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae And Adult Cricket (Acheta Domesticus) Meals, F. G. Irungu, C. M. Mutungi, A. K. Faraj, H. Affognon, N. Kibet, C. Tanga, S. Ekesi, D. Nakimbugwe, K. K.M. Fiaboe Jan 2018

Physico-Chemical Properties Of Extruded Aquafeed Pellets Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae And Adult Cricket (Acheta Domesticus) Meals, F. G. Irungu, C. M. Mutungi, A. K. Faraj, H. Affognon, N. Kibet, C. Tanga, S. Ekesi, D. Nakimbugwe, K. K.M. Fiaboe

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Fish farming is faced with the challenge of high cost of feeds because of the cost of high quality protein needed for formulation of the feeds. Thus, there is urgent need for alternative protein sources. The effects of substituting freshwater shrimp meal (FWSM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) or adult cricket meal (ACM) on physico-chemical properties of hot-extruded fish feed pellets were investigated. The FWSM protein in a 26 g/100 g protein fish feed formulation was substituted at 0, 25, 50 and 75%, and moisture content of the formulated blends adjusted to 10, 20 or 30 g/100 g …

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Residual Contact Toxicity And Repellence Of Cupressus Lusitanica Miller And Eucalyptus Saligna Smith Essential Oils Against Major Stored Product Insect Pests, Philip K. Bett, Arop L. Deng, Joshua O. Ogendo, Samuel T. Kariuki, Maud Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Joel M. Mihale, Baldwyn Torto Dec 2017

Residual Contact Toxicity And Repellence Of Cupressus Lusitanica Miller And Eucalyptus Saligna Smith Essential Oils Against Major Stored Product Insect Pests, Philip K. Bett, Arop L. Deng, Joshua O. Ogendo, Samuel T. Kariuki, Maud Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Joel M. Mihale, Baldwyn Torto

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In an effort to find eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides in grain storage, residual contact toxicity and repellence of Cupressus lusitanica and Eucalyptus saligna leaf essential oils were evaluated against adult Tribolium castaneum, Acanthoscelides obtectus and Sitophilus zeamais. In bioassays, oil was applied at 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% v/w to wheat and bean grains and stored for 30–120 days after which test insects were introduced into sub-samples of treated grains. Both oils at 0.20% v/w and 120 days grain storage duration caused a mortality of 5.0–65.0% in test insects whereas in the repellence bioassay, at same doses and …

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Dengue And Yellow Fever Virus Vectors: Seasonal Abundance, Diversity And Resting Preferences In Three Kenyan Cities, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang Dec 2017

Dengue And Yellow Fever Virus Vectors: Seasonal Abundance, Diversity And Resting Preferences In Three Kenyan Cities, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang

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Background: The transmission patterns of dengue (DENV) and yellow fever (YFV) viruses, especially in urban settings, are influenced by Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquito abundance and behavior. Despite recurrent dengue outbreaks on the Kenyan coast, these parameters remain poorly defined in this and other areas of contrasting dengue endemicity in Kenya. In assessing the transmission risk of DENV/YFV in three Kenyan cities, we determined adult abundance and resting habits of potential Aedes (Stegomyia) vectors in Kilifi (dengue-outbreak prone), and Nairobi and Kisumu (no dengue outbreaks reported). In addition, mosquito diversity, an important consideration for changing mosquito-borne disease dynamics, was compared. Methods: Between …

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Relationship Between Oviposition, Virulence Gene Expression And Parasitism Success In Cotesia Typhae Nov. Sp. Parasitoid Strains, R. Benoist, C. Chantre, C. Capdevielle-Dulac, M. Bodet, F. Mougel, P. A. Calatayud, S. Dupas, E. Huguet, R. Jeannette, J. Obonyo, C. Odorico, J. F. Silvain, B. Le Ru, L. Kaiser Dec 2017

Relationship Between Oviposition, Virulence Gene Expression And Parasitism Success In Cotesia Typhae Nov. Sp. Parasitoid Strains, R. Benoist, C. Chantre, C. Capdevielle-Dulac, M. Bodet, F. Mougel, P. A. Calatayud, S. Dupas, E. Huguet, R. Jeannette, J. Obonyo, C. Odorico, J. F. Silvain, B. Le Ru, L. Kaiser

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Studying mechanisms that drive host adaptation in parasitoids is crucial for the efficient use of parasitoids in biocontrol programs. Cotesia typhae nov. sp. (Fernández-Triana) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a newly described parasitoid of the Mediterranean corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Braconidae are known for their domesticated bracovirus, which is injected with eggs in the host larva to overcome its resistance. In this context, we compared reproductive success traits of four Kenyan strains of C. typhae on a French and a Kenyan populations of its host. Differences were found between the four strains and the two most contrasted ones were …

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Diversity And Abundance Of Lepidopteran Stem Borer Natural Enemies In Natural And Cultivated Habitats In Botswana, Reyard Mutamiswa, Eva Moeng, Bruno P. Le Ru, Des E. Conlong, Yoseph Assefa, Muluken Goftishu, Casper Nyamukondiwa Dec 2017

Diversity And Abundance Of Lepidopteran Stem Borer Natural Enemies In Natural And Cultivated Habitats In Botswana, Reyard Mutamiswa, Eva Moeng, Bruno P. Le Ru, Des E. Conlong, Yoseph Assefa, Muluken Goftishu, Casper Nyamukondiwa

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Lepidopteran stem-borers in Africa are attacked by diverse natural enemies in natural and cultivated environments. Field surveys of stem-borer natural enemies and associated host plants were conducted during the austral summers of 2014/15 and 2015/16 on natural and cultivated habitats across Botswana to determine their diversity and relative abundance. In cultivated habitats, the most common parasitoids of larvae were Cotesia flavipes Cameron, C. sesamiae (Cameron), and of pupae, Pediobius furvus Gahan and Gambroides nimbipennis Seyrig. In natural habitats, the larval parasitoids Chelonus curvimaculatus Cameron and Goniozus indicus Ashmead were recorded, along with the pupal parasitoid, Dentichasmias busseolae Heinrich. Furthermore, the …

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Temperature-Dependent Models Of Development And Survival Of An Insect Pest Of African Tropical Highlands, The Coffee Antestia Bug Antestiopsis Thunbergii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Lucy K. Murungi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Dickson Mwenda, Régis Babin Dec 2017

Temperature-Dependent Models Of Development And Survival Of An Insect Pest Of African Tropical Highlands, The Coffee Antestia Bug Antestiopsis Thunbergii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Lucy K. Murungi, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Dickson Mwenda, Régis Babin

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The antestia bug Antestiopsis thunbergii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a major pest of Arabica coffee in African tropical highlands. It feeds on coffee plant vegetative parts and berries leading to a direct reduction in coffee yield and quality. This study aimed to determine A. thunbergii thermal requirements, and to obtain new information on the pest demography as influenced by temperature. Temperature-dependent models were developed using the Insect Life Cycle Modelling software (ILCYM) through a complete life table study at seven constant temperatures in the range 18–32 °C. Non-linear functions were fitted to A. thunbergii development, mortality, fecundity and senescence. Model parameters …

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Mechanisms Of Plasmodium-Enhanced Attraction Of Mosquito Vectors, Annette O. Busula, Niels O. Verhulst, Teun Bousema, Willem Takken, Jetske G. De Boer Dec 2017

Mechanisms Of Plasmodium-Enhanced Attraction Of Mosquito Vectors, Annette O. Busula, Niels O. Verhulst, Teun Bousema, Willem Takken, Jetske G. De Boer

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Evidence is accumulating that Plasmodium-infected vertebrates are more attractive to mosquitoes than noninfected hosts, particularly when high levels of gametocytes are present. Changes in host odour have been suggested as a likely target for parasite manipulation because olfactory cues are crucial to mosquitoes in search of a bloodmeal host. This review discusses two routes that may lead to such changes: (i) direct emission of volatile products from malaria parasites, and (ii) changes in skin microbial composition that could lead to changes in the vertebrate odour profile. Here we synthesize what is known and suggest how further research can increase our …

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Datasets On Abundance Of Common Blossom Thrips And Weather Variables In Small-Scale Avocado Orchards At Taita Hills And Mount Kilimanjaro, James J. Odanga, Samira Mohamed, Florence Olubayo, Richard Nyankanga, Sizah Mwalusepo, Sevgan Subramanian, Tino Johansson, Sunday Ekesi Dec 2017

Datasets On Abundance Of Common Blossom Thrips And Weather Variables In Small-Scale Avocado Orchards At Taita Hills And Mount Kilimanjaro, James J. Odanga, Samira Mohamed, Florence Olubayo, Richard Nyankanga, Sizah Mwalusepo, Sevgan Subramanian, Tino Johansson, Sunday Ekesi

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Avocado, Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae), is an important fruit crop cultivated by small-holder farmers along Afrotropical highlands of Taita Hills in South-eastern Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania. The small-holder farmers in these East African regions generate substantial food and cash from avocado fruits. However, the avocado crop is faced with challenges of infestation by insect pests such as the common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei Trybom) which feeds on pollen and floral tissue thereby reducing productivity of the trees. Moreover, there is no information describing distribution patterns of Frankliniella schultzei and associated weather in East African avocado orchards despite …

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Protected Cultivation Of Vegetable Crops In Sub-Saharan Africa: Limits And Prospects For Smallholders. A Review, Thibault Nordey, Claudine Basset-Mens, Hubert De Bon, Thibaud Martin, Emilie Déletré, Serge Simon, Laurent Parrot, Hugo Despretz, Joël Huat, Yannick Biard, Thomas Dubois, Eric Malézieux Dec 2017

Protected Cultivation Of Vegetable Crops In Sub-Saharan Africa: Limits And Prospects For Smallholders. A Review, Thibault Nordey, Claudine Basset-Mens, Hubert De Bon, Thibaud Martin, Emilie Déletré, Serge Simon, Laurent Parrot, Hugo Despretz, Joël Huat, Yannick Biard, Thomas Dubois, Eric Malézieux

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Vegetable production in sub-Saharan Africa faces numerous agronomic constraints that will have to be overcome to feed the increasing population and to fight malnutrition. Technology transfer and the adoption of low-tech protected cultivation techniques affordable for smallholders are believed to be able to meet this challenge. Protected cultivation techniques are a set of agricultural practices aimed at artificializing the crop environment through the use of soil covers and/or plant covers to control pests and climatic conditions. Although protected cultivation techniques may increase the yield and quality of vegetable crops and extend their production periods worldwide, the transfer of these techniques …

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The Cotesia Sesamiae Story: Insight Into Host-Range Evolution In A Hymenoptera Parasitoid And Implication For Its Use In Biological Control Programs, L. Kaiser, S. Dupas, A. Branca, E. A. Herniou, C. W. Clarke, C. Capdevielle Dulac, J. Obonyo, R. Benoist, J. Gauthier, P. A. Calatayud, J. F. Silvain, B. P. Le Ru Dec 2017

The Cotesia Sesamiae Story: Insight Into Host-Range Evolution In A Hymenoptera Parasitoid And Implication For Its Use In Biological Control Programs, L. Kaiser, S. Dupas, A. Branca, E. A. Herniou, C. W. Clarke, C. Capdevielle Dulac, J. Obonyo, R. Benoist, J. Gauthier, P. A. Calatayud, J. F. Silvain, B. P. Le Ru

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This review covers nearly 20 years of studies on the ecology, physiology and genetics of the Hymenoptera Cotesia sesamiae, an African parasitoid of Lepidoptera that reduces populations of common maize borers in East and South Africa. The first part of the review presents studies based on sampling of C. sesamiae from maize crops in Kenya. From this agrosystem including one host plant and three main host borer species, studies revealed two genetically differentiated populations of C. sesamiae species adapted to their local host community, and showed that their differentiation involved the joint evolution of virulence genes and sensory mechanisms of …

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Mosquito Larvicidal Activity Of Cassia Tora Seed Extract And Its Key Anthraquinones Aurantio-Obtusin And Obtusin, Valentine C. Mbatchou, David P. Tchouassi, Rita A. Dickson, Kofi Annan, Abraham Y. Mensah, Isaac K. Amponsah, Julia W. Jacob, Xavier Cheseto, Solomon Habtemariam, Baldwyn Torto Nov 2017

Mosquito Larvicidal Activity Of Cassia Tora Seed Extract And Its Key Anthraquinones Aurantio-Obtusin And Obtusin, Valentine C. Mbatchou, David P. Tchouassi, Rita A. Dickson, Kofi Annan, Abraham Y. Mensah, Isaac K. Amponsah, Julia W. Jacob, Xavier Cheseto, Solomon Habtemariam, Baldwyn Torto

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Background: The edible and medicinal leguminous plant Cassia tora L. (Fabaceae) is known to possess insecticidal properties against a wide range of plant-feeding insects. However, the bioactivity of extracts of this plant and their constituents against vectors of medical importance has been largely unexplored. We investigated the mosquito larvicidal activity of the seed extract and its major anthraquinones against larvae of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (s.s.). Methods: Third-fourth instar larval mortality was observed after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure to varying doses of the extracts, and two anthraquinones isolates identified using liquid chromatography- quadrupole time …

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Protecting Cows In Small Holder Farms In East Africa From Tsetse Flies By Mimicking The Odor Profile Of A Non-Host Bovid, Rajinder K. Saini, Benedict O. Orindi, Norber Mbahin, John A. Andoke, Peter N. Muasa, David M. Mbuvi, Caroline M. Muya, John A. Pickett, Christian W. Borgemeister Oct 2017

Protecting Cows In Small Holder Farms In East Africa From Tsetse Flies By Mimicking The Odor Profile Of A Non-Host Bovid, Rajinder K. Saini, Benedict O. Orindi, Norber Mbahin, John A. Andoke, Peter N. Muasa, David M. Mbuvi, Caroline M. Muya, John A. Pickett, Christian W. Borgemeister

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Background: For the first time, differential attraction of pathogen vectors to vertebrate animals is investigated for novel repellents which when applied to preferred host animals turn them into non-hosts thereby providing a new paradigm for innovative vector control. For effectively controlling tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), vectors of African trypanosomosis, causing nagana, repellents more powerful than plant derived, from a non-host animal the waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa, have recently been identified. Here we investigate these repellents in the field to protect cattle from nagana by making cattle as unattractive as the buck. Methodology/Principal findings: To dispense the waterbuck repellents comprising guaiacol, …

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Potential Distribution Dataset Of Honeybees In Indian Ocean Islands: Case Study Of Zanzibar Island, Sizah Mwalusepo, Eliud Muli, Kiatoko Nkoba, Everlyn Nguku, Joseph Kilonzo, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Tobias Landmann, Asha Fakih, Suresh Raina Oct 2017

Potential Distribution Dataset Of Honeybees In Indian Ocean Islands: Case Study Of Zanzibar Island, Sizah Mwalusepo, Eliud Muli, Kiatoko Nkoba, Everlyn Nguku, Joseph Kilonzo, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Tobias Landmann, Asha Fakih, Suresh Raina

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Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are principal insect pollinators, whose worldwide distribution and abundance is known to largely depend on climatic conditions. However, the presence records dataset on potential distribution of honeybees in Indian Ocean Islands remain less documented. Presence records in shape format and probability of occurrence of honeybees with different temperature change scenarios is provided in this article across Zanzibar Island. Maximum entropy (Maxent) package was used to analyse the potential distribution of honeybees. The dataset provides information on the current and future distribution of the honey bees in Zanzibar Island. The dataset is of great importance for improving stakeholders …

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Composition Of Anopheles Mosquitoes, Their Blood-Meal Hosts, And Plasmodium Falciparum Infection Rates In Three Islands With Disparate Bed Net Coverage In Lake Victoria, Kenya, Edwin Ogola, Jandouwe Villinger, Danspaid Mabuka, David Omondi, Benedict Orindi, James Mutunga, Vincent Owino, Daniel K. Masiga Sep 2017

Composition Of Anopheles Mosquitoes, Their Blood-Meal Hosts, And Plasmodium Falciparum Infection Rates In Three Islands With Disparate Bed Net Coverage In Lake Victoria, Kenya, Edwin Ogola, Jandouwe Villinger, Danspaid Mabuka, David Omondi, Benedict Orindi, James Mutunga, Vincent Owino, Daniel K. Masiga

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Background: Small islands serve as potential malaria reservoirs through which new infections might come to the mainland and may be important targets in malaria elimination efforts. This study investigated malaria vector species diversity, blood-meal hosts, Plasmodium infection rates, and long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) coverage on Mageta, Magare and Ngodhe Islands of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, a region where extensive vector control is implemented on the mainland. Results: From trapping for six consecutive nights per month (November 2012 to March 2015) using CDC light traps, pyrethrum spray catches and backpack aspiration, 1868 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected. Based on their cytochrome …

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Impact Of Habitat Degradation On Species Diversity And Nest Abundance Of Five African Stingless Bee Species In A Tropical Rainforest Of Kenya, Nkoba Kiatoko, Suresh Kumar Raina, Frank Van Langevelde Sep 2017

Impact Of Habitat Degradation On Species Diversity And Nest Abundance Of Five African Stingless Bee Species In A Tropical Rainforest Of Kenya, Nkoba Kiatoko, Suresh Kumar Raina, Frank Van Langevelde

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Natural habitat degradation often involves the reduction or disappearance of bee species. In Africa, stingless bees are hunted for honey, which is used as food, for medicinal purposes, and for traditional rituals. Severe habitat degradation due to human settlement is hypothesized to have a negative impact on the species diversity of the African stingless bee species. In this paper, we assess the impact of habitat degradation on the diversity of five stingless bee species across different habitats in the tropical rainforest of Kenya (indigenous forest, mixed indigenous forest) and its neighbouring landscape (grassland, village) in western Kenya. The species fauna, …

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The Impact Of Hive Type On The Behavior And Health Of Honey Bee Colonies (Apis Mellifera) In Kenya, Alexander Mcmenamin, Fiona Mumoki, Maryann Frazier, Joseph Kilonzo, Bernard Mweu, Tracey Baumgarten, Harland Patch, Baldwyn Torto, Daniel Masiga, James Tumlinson, Christina Grozinger, Elliud Muli Sep 2017

The Impact Of Hive Type On The Behavior And Health Of Honey Bee Colonies (Apis Mellifera) In Kenya, Alexander Mcmenamin, Fiona Mumoki, Maryann Frazier, Joseph Kilonzo, Bernard Mweu, Tracey Baumgarten, Harland Patch, Baldwyn Torto, Daniel Masiga, James Tumlinson, Christina Grozinger, Elliud Muli

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There has been a long-standing interest in developing approaches to maximize honey production by Kenyan beekeepers. Since honey bees in Kenya are passively managed, the main decision beekeepers make is which hive type to use: traditional Log hives, Langstroth hives, and Kenyan top-bar hives. We found Langstroth hives to be the most attractive to migrating swarms, followed by Log hives, while Kenyan top-bar hives were the least preferred. Pathogen and parasite loads correlated only with colony age and absconding rates were associated only with colony size and weight. We recommend additional studies to understand the factors that drive swarm attraction …

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Impact Of Introduced Parasitoid Cotesia Vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) On Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) And Its Parasitoid Guild On Kale In Semi-Arid Areas In Kenya, Ruth Kahuthia-Gathu, Brigitte Nyambo, Sevgan Subramanian Sep 2017

Impact Of Introduced Parasitoid Cotesia Vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) On Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) And Its Parasitoid Guild On Kale In Semi-Arid Areas In Kenya, Ruth Kahuthia-Gathu, Brigitte Nyambo, Sevgan Subramanian

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Cotesia vestalis was introduced into Kenya from South Africa in March 2003 for biological control of Plutella xylostella with initial release in 2004. To confirm establishment, the rate of spread beyond the release sites and parasitism rates by C. vestalis were assessed between October 2011 and April 2012 in eastern and southeastern Kenya (Kitui, Mwingi/Yatta and Loitokitok areas). Monthly observations on kale infestation by diamondback moth, damage scores, parasitism and parasitoid guild were undertaken on 20 randomly selected plants in farmer-managed kale farms. Sampled larval and pupal stages were placed in containers and taken to the laboratory for parasitoid emergence. …

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An Assessment Of The Magnitudes And Factors Associated With Postharvest Losses In Off-Farm Grain Stores In Kenya, Joseph K. Mwangi, Christopher M. Mutungi, Soul Kifouly G. Midingoyi, Abdul K. Faraj, Hippolyte D. Affognon Sep 2017

An Assessment Of The Magnitudes And Factors Associated With Postharvest Losses In Off-Farm Grain Stores In Kenya, Joseph K. Mwangi, Christopher M. Mutungi, Soul Kifouly G. Midingoyi, Abdul K. Faraj, Hippolyte D. Affognon

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Off-farm grain storage is an important postharvest undertaking by government, traders and processors in Kenya. A survey was conducted in 2014/2015 to assess the kinds and magnitudes of perceived losses experienced in off-farm stores, and the factors associated with them. Store supervisors or key personnel charged with grain storage in 39 public and 74 private stores, spread across the six maize growing agro-ecological zones, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Total perceived losses averaged 17.6± 2.3%, and were attributed to insects (7.2± 1.0%), molds (5.7± 2.1%), moisture loss (3.4± 0.5%), rodents (2.0± 0.5%), spillage (0.50 ± 0.0%) and birds (0.10± …

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Endemic Grasshopper Species Distribution In An Agro-Natural Landscape Of The Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, Samuel Adu-Acheampong, Michael J. Samways, Tobias Landmann, Rosina Kyerematen, Richard Minkah, Mukundi Mukundamago, Claude M. Moshobane Aug 2017

Endemic Grasshopper Species Distribution In An Agro-Natural Landscape Of The Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, Samuel Adu-Acheampong, Michael J. Samways, Tobias Landmann, Rosina Kyerematen, Richard Minkah, Mukundi Mukundamago, Claude M. Moshobane

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Conservation biologists and ecologists often make use of models to identify important biotic and abiotic factors that constrain species distributions for conservation decisions to be taken. In line with such practices, we developed species distribution models for four localized, Cape Floristic Region (CFR) endemic, flightless, congeneric Euloryma grasshopper species. We chose this group as use of these models has been little explored for narrow range endemics with specific traits. Euloryma larsenorum and E. lapollai are associated with fynbos only, while E. umoja and E. ottei are both associated with fynbos and vineyards. We used the Maximum Entropy algorithm, which showed …

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Vibrational Signals Of African Stingless Bees, K. Krausa, F. A. Hager, N. Kiatoko, W. H. Kirchner Aug 2017

Vibrational Signals Of African Stingless Bees, K. Krausa, F. A. Hager, N. Kiatoko, W. H. Kirchner

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Many bee species produce thoracic vibrations in various contexts. Among the social stingless bees (Meliponini) pulsed thoracic vibrations are used to communicate with nestmates. To date all studies on stingless bee vibrational communication have been conducted in the Neotropics. We, therefore, focused on six African stingless bee species of five genera: Meliponula, Hypotrigona, Liotrigona, Dactylurina, Plebeina. We analysed the signals’ temporal patterns. Vibrational signals appear to play a role in the recruitment of stingless bees. The degree of signal variation in the studied species was much lower than the variation in the signals of Neotropical stingless bees. Furthermore, the inter-signal …

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Assessment Of Risk Of Dengue And Yellow Fever Virus Transmission In Three Major Kenyan Cities Based On Stegomyia Indices, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang Aug 2017

Assessment Of Risk Of Dengue And Yellow Fever Virus Transmission In Three Major Kenyan Cities Based On Stegomyia Indices, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang

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Dengue (DEN) and yellow fever (YF) are re-emerging in East Africa, with contributing drivers to this trend being unplanned urbanization and increasingly adaptable anthropophilic Aedes (Stegomyia) vectors. Entomological risk assessment of these diseases remains scarce for much of East Africa and Kenya even in the dengue fever-prone urban coastal areas. Focusing on major cities of Kenya, we compared DEN and YF risk in Kilifi County (DEN-outbreak-prone), and Kisumu and Nairobi Counties (no documented DEN outbreaks). We surveyed water-holding containers for mosquito immature (larvae/pupae) indoors and outdoors from selected houses during the long rains, short rains and dry seasons (100 houses/season) …

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Vector Competence Of Populations Of Aedes Aegypti From Three Distinct Cities In Kenya For Chikungunya Virus, Sheila B. Agha, Edith Chepkorir, Francis Mulwa, Caroline Tigoi, Samwel Arum, Milehna M. Guarido, Peris Ambala, Betty Chelangat, Joel Lutomiah, David P. Tchouassi, Michael J. Turell, Rosemary Sang Aug 2017

Vector Competence Of Populations Of Aedes Aegypti From Three Distinct Cities In Kenya For Chikungunya Virus, Sheila B. Agha, Edith Chepkorir, Francis Mulwa, Caroline Tigoi, Samwel Arum, Milehna M. Guarido, Peris Ambala, Betty Chelangat, Joel Lutomiah, David P. Tchouassi, Michael J. Turell, Rosemary Sang

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Background: In April, 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) re-emerged in Kenya and eventually spread to the islands in the Indian Ocean basin, South-East Asia, and the Americas. The virus, which is often associated with high levels of viremia in humans, is mostly transmitted by the urban vector, Aedes aegypti. The expansion of CHIKV presents a public health challenge both locally and internationally. In this study, we investigated the ability of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from three distinct cities in Kenya; Mombasa (outbreak prone), Kisumu, and Nairobi (no documented outbreak) to transmit CHIKV. Methodology/Principal findings: Aedes aegypti mosquito populations were exposed to different …

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Effect Of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets On House-Entry By Malaria Mosquitoes: The Flight Response Recorded In A Semi-Field Study In Kenya, Jeroen Spitzen, Teun Koelewijn, W. Richard Mukabana, Willem Takken Aug 2017

Effect Of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets On House-Entry By Malaria Mosquitoes: The Flight Response Recorded In A Semi-Field Study In Kenya, Jeroen Spitzen, Teun Koelewijn, W. Richard Mukabana, Willem Takken

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Insecticide-treated nets are currently a major tool to reduce malaria transmission. Their level of repellency affects contact of the mosquito with the net, but may also influence the mosquito's entry into the house. The response of host-seeking malaria mosquitoes approaching the eave of an experimental house was recorded within a large screen house. We compared entry- and exit rates in relation to the presence in the house of different insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) with an untreated net. Mosquitoes were lured towards the house by dispensing a synthetic host-odour blend from within the net in the house. Complementary WHO bioassays revealed …

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Advances In Crop Insect Modelling Methods—Towards A Whole System Approach, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Bisseleua D.B. Hervé, Lisa Biber-Freudenberger, Daisy Salifu, Sevgan Subramanian, Valentine B. Ngowi, Ritter Y.A. Guimapi, Bruce Anani, Francois M.M. Kakmeni, Hippolyte Affognon, Saliou Niassy, Tobias Landmann, Frank T. Ndjomatchoua, Sansao A. Pedro, Tino Johansson, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Paulin Nana, Komi M. Fiaboe, Samira F. Mohamed, Nguya K. Maniania, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister Jun 2017

Advances In Crop Insect Modelling Methods—Towards A Whole System Approach, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Bisseleua D.B. Hervé, Lisa Biber-Freudenberger, Daisy Salifu, Sevgan Subramanian, Valentine B. Ngowi, Ritter Y.A. Guimapi, Bruce Anani, Francois M.M. Kakmeni, Hippolyte Affognon, Saliou Niassy, Tobias Landmann, Frank T. Ndjomatchoua, Sansao A. Pedro, Tino Johansson, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Paulin Nana, Komi M. Fiaboe, Samira F. Mohamed, Nguya K. Maniania, Sunday Ekesi, Christian Borgemeister

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A wide range of insects affect crop production and cause considerable yield losses. Difficulties reside on the development and adaptation of adequate strategies to predict insect pests for their timely management to ensure enhanced agricultural production. Several conceptual modelling frameworks have been proposed, and the choice of an approach depends largely on the objective of the model and the availability of data. This paper presents a summary of decades of advances in insect population dynamics, phenology models, distribution and risk mapping. Existing challenges on the modelling of insects are listed; followed by innovations in the field. New approaches include artificial …

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Genetic Structure And Diversity Of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella Occidentalis In A French Bean Agroecosystem Of Kenya, P. Hondelmann, J. O. Nyasani, S. Subramanian, R. Meyhöfer Jun 2017

Genetic Structure And Diversity Of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella Occidentalis In A French Bean Agroecosystem Of Kenya, P. Hondelmann, J. O. Nyasani, S. Subramanian, R. Meyhöfer

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Western flower thrips (WFT) (Frankliniella occidentalis) is an introduced pest that harms French bean production in Kenya and other countries. Since new WFT management approaches are being developed, a closer look at the genetic makeup of WFT populations can give new insights into source habitats, crop colonization patterns or host plant preferences, which are prerequisites for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. For this purpose, we used six microsatellite loci to analyse the genetic structure, diversity and gene flow of WFT sampled on French beans, intercrops and weeds in Kenyan French bean production areas. The results of this preliminary study indicate …

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Returns To Research And Outreach For Integrated Pest Management Of Western Flower Thrips Infesting French Bean And Tomato In Kenya, E. A. Mujuka, H. Affognon, B. W. Muriithi, S. Subramanian, P. Irungu, J. Mburu Jun 2017

Returns To Research And Outreach For Integrated Pest Management Of Western Flower Thrips Infesting French Bean And Tomato In Kenya, E. A. Mujuka, H. Affognon, B. W. Muriithi, S. Subramanian, P. Irungu, J. Mburu

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Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a major invasive pest that causes extensive yield losses in French bean and tomato in Kenya. Thrips management is based on the application of pesticides. In addition to increased environmental risks associated with pesticides, frequent use of these chemicals increases production costs and pesticide resistance. Furthermore, exports are restricted due to non-compliance to maximum residue levels in important consumer export markets, especially the European Union (EU). This study was conducted to estimate the potential benefits of the effectiveness of the icipe-developed strategy for control of western flower thrips before dissemination of the technology in Kenya, …

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Resolving The Taxonomic Status Of Frankliniella Schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Colour Forms In Kenya - A Morphological-, Biological-, Molecular- And Ecological-Based Approach, M. W. Gikonyo, S. Niassy, G. B. Moritz, F. M. Khamis, E. Magiri, S. Subramanian Jun 2017

Resolving The Taxonomic Status Of Frankliniella Schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Colour Forms In Kenya - A Morphological-, Biological-, Molecular- And Ecological-Based Approach, M. W. Gikonyo, S. Niassy, G. B. Moritz, F. M. Khamis, E. Magiri, S. Subramanian

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Frankliniella schultzei Trybom is a polyphagous pest and vector of tospoviruses worldwide. It occurs in dark and pale colour forms that are morphologically similar but differ in vector competency and geographic spread. In Kenya and other tropical regions, mixed populations of both colour forms are observed in similar habitats, so are considered as one species. To ascertain the taxonomic status of the two colour forms, they were characterized using morphological, molecular, biological and ecological approaches. Morphological characterization revealed differences between the colour forms on eight features and they separated into distinct clusters through principal component analysis. Restriction fragment length polymorphism …

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Evaluation Of Onion (Allium Cepa) Germplasm Entries For Resistance To Onion Thrips, Thrips Tabaci (Lindeman) In Tanzania, Gabriel Michael Njau, Agnes M.S. Nyomora, Fekadu Fufa Dinssa, Jian Cheng Chang, P. Malini, S. Subramanian, R. Srinivasan Jun 2017

Evaluation Of Onion (Allium Cepa) Germplasm Entries For Resistance To Onion Thrips, Thrips Tabaci (Lindeman) In Tanzania, Gabriel Michael Njau, Agnes M.S. Nyomora, Fekadu Fufa Dinssa, Jian Cheng Chang, P. Malini, S. Subramanian, R. Srinivasan

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Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci (Lindeman), is a prominent species infesting onion and tomato in the northern highlands of Tanzania. It causes considerable leaf damage by direct feeding and also transmits the Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV). Hence, one of the objectives of this study was to identify the most resistant onion entries against T. tabaci. One highly resistant (VI038552) and two resistant onion entries (VI038512 and AVON 1067) were identified against T. tabaci. Besides thrips resistance, the bulb size of VI038512 was also equivalent to one of the commercial varieties, Texas. The highly resistant VI038552 recorded the highest yield, followed …

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Evaluation Of Coloured Traps With Kairomone Attractant For Monitoring Thrips Population Dynamics On Tomato Crop In East Africa, Alexander Mutua Muvea, Helen Lydia Kutima, Zipporah Osiemo Lagat, Monicah Waiganjo, Sevgan Subramanian Jun 2017

Evaluation Of Coloured Traps With Kairomone Attractant For Monitoring Thrips Population Dynamics On Tomato Crop In East Africa, Alexander Mutua Muvea, Helen Lydia Kutima, Zipporah Osiemo Lagat, Monicah Waiganjo, Sevgan Subramanian

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Tomato is an important vegetable crop that is cultivated for the domestic market in Kenya and other East African countries. Thrips are one of the key pests hampering the production of tomato, both by direct damage to the crop and as vectors of tospoviruses. Field experiments were carried out over two planting times to evaluate the use of sticky traps for monitoring thrips infesting tomato in East Africa. Blue, yellow, and clear sticky traps with and without a thrips lure (Lurem-TR) were tested. Field observations for thrips catches on the sticky traps were made weekly until crop senescence. Sticky traps …

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Do The Mechanisms Modulating Host Preference In Holometabolous Phytophagous Insects Depend On Their Host Plant Specialization? A Quantitative Literature Analysis, Christophe Petit, Stéphane Dupas, Denis Thiéry, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Bruno Le Ru, Myriam Harry, Paul André Calatayud Jun 2017

Do The Mechanisms Modulating Host Preference In Holometabolous Phytophagous Insects Depend On Their Host Plant Specialization? A Quantitative Literature Analysis, Christophe Petit, Stéphane Dupas, Denis Thiéry, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Bruno Le Ru, Myriam Harry, Paul André Calatayud

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In holometabolous phytophagous insects, adult females and larvae determine host plant selection through oviposition and feeding preferences. Pre-imaginal and/or imaginal experiences with plant chemical cues can modulate these preferences. Various studies found evidence, or not, of host preference modulation through previous experience but they appear to contradict each other. Most probably, modulation of host preference depends on the degree of specialization of the insects. Our literature analysis revealed that the positive influence of experience in the modulation of host plant preference occurred equally in polyphagous, oligophagous and monophagous species, but was significantly more influenced by the phylogeny of the insect …

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