Entomology Commons^™

When Thermal Risk Indices Work And When They Don't: A Case Study Of Two Maize Insect Pests, Komi Mensah Agboka, Frank Thomas Ndjomatchoua, Luca Rossini, Ritter A. Guimapi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman

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The biological life cycle of terrestrial arthropods, using temperature as the primary driving factor has a large interest for insect pests in agriculture, forestry, urban ecosystems, as constitutes the basics for the development of mathematical models for decision making. A recent study proposed a physiologically-based risk index (RI) which finds large applications in the definition of risk maps; however, further case studies are needed to better explore its strengths and limitations. This study aims to extend this knowledge by presenting an application of the RI on two economically significant pests: the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and the stem borer Busseola …

Maximizing Horizontal Transmission Through Mating: Increased Mating Frequency And Mating Competitiveness Associated With Microsporidia Mb-Infected Anopheles Arabiensis Males, Tracy Maina, Aclaine Shisia, Joseph Gichuhi, Joel L. Bargul, Jeremy K. Herren, Tullu Bukhari

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Background: Microsporidia MB is a naturally occurring symbiont in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes that inhibits the development of Plasmodium. It is transmitted both vertically and horizontally, enabling its spread within mosquito populations. Currently, mating is the only known mechanism for horizontal transmission. Understanding the factors that influence Microsporidia MB transmission during mating is crucial for developing a malaria transmission-blocking strategy based on this symbiont. Methods: The effect of mosquito age on Microsporidia MB transmission was determined through mating bioassays between infected and uninfected Anopheles arabiensis males and females in three age groups: 3–4 days, 7–8 days, and 10–11 days. Mating bioassays …

De Novo Genome Assembly, Annotation, And Characterization Of Chemosensory Genes In The Camel Ked (Hippobosca Camelina), Fredrick Kebaso, Souleymane Diallo, Caleb Kibet, Suhaila Hashim, John Mark O. Makwatta, Merid Getahun, Dennis Getange, Jean Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Daniel Masiga

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Background: Hippobosca camelina (camel ked) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite that infests camels. Hematophagy inflicts painful bites leading to myiasis, anemia and pathogen transmission such as Candidatus Anaplasma camelii. A genome assembly for this biting flies is currently unavailable, limiting understanding of its genetics, including the chemosensory system.

Results: The assembly size for Hippobosca camelina female is 135.6 Mb with 17.08% repeated regions, an N50 of 1.2 Mb, a total of 2,182 contigs, a GC content of 33.5% and compleasm (Busco) completeness of 95.38% with the diptera_odb10 lineage (S:95.83%, 3148, D:0.30%, 10, F:0.30%, 10, I:0.00%, 0, M:3.56%, 117, N:3285) …

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Of Malaria Vector Niche Overlaps In Africa, Eric Ali Ibrahim, John Odindi, Mark Wamalwa, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

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Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with transmission heightened by the dynamics of primary and secondary mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium parasites. Regions where both vector types co-exist face heightened likelihood of intensified malaria transmission. Hence, understanding vectors' ecological interactions, especially their niche overlaps in geographic or environmental space, is crucial for targeted malaria control and elimination strategies. We employed a dynamic cellular automata (CA) model to map niche overlaps among primary (Anopheles gambiae complex, An. funestus group) and secondary (An. pharoensis, An. coustani) malaria vectors across African, using open-access environmental and vector occurrence datasets sourced from …

Tetrigidae Of Ethiopia: First Species Delimitation Via Dna Barcoding And Description Of Three New Species †, Tarekegn Fite, Hendrik Devriese, Dustin Kulanek, Josip Skejo, Niko Kasalo, Manaye Misganaw, Tadele Tefera, Jandouwe Villinger, Martin Husemann

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Tetrigidae is a caeliferan family of Orthoptera constituting a diverse and relatively ancient lineage of small Orthopterans, which has its greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical areas. However, to date, few studies have been conducted on the identification and description of Tetrigidae species in Ethiopia, and even fewer molecular data are available. Hence, we performed the first species delimitation study via DNA barcoding of species belonging to the genera Paratettix, Leptacrydium, Dasyleurotettix, and Morphopoides from Ethiopia. We provide 35 new sequences of the COI gene belonging to six species of these genera. We show that Ethiopian Tetrigidae can be successfully …

Volatile Pyrethroid Spatial Repellents For Preventing Mosquito Bites: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ingrid Chen, Sarah L. Miller, Daniel Msellemu, Aidi G. Lugenge, Johnson Kyeba Swai, Nicole Achee, Marta Andrés, Christopher S. Bibbs, Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap, J. Derek Charlwood, Greg Devine, Noel Elman, Ulrike Fillinger, Carmen Flores-Mendoza, Seth Gibson, Nicodem Govella, Steven Gowelo, Sebastian Horstmann, Hitoshi Kawada, Daniel Kline, Aaron Lloyd, Neil F. Lobo, Marta F. Maia, Arnold Mmbando, Mara Moreno-Gómez, Amy C. Morrison, Winifrida Mponzi, Emmanuel P. Mwanga, Margaret Njoroge

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Background: Volatile pyrethroid spatial repellents (VPSRs) can prevent mosquito-borne diseases including malaria and dengue fever, but the use of varied evaluation methods has resulted in a lack of clarity regarding their protective efficacy (PE) against contact with mosquitoes. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates the entomological evidence base on the PE of VPSRs against Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex mosquitoes and different test methods used. Methods: We identified studies completed between January 2000 and September 2023 by searching through databases, conference abstracts, and personal correspondences. Included studies were semi-field or field studies that measured the PE of VPSRs using human landing …

Spatial Distribution Of Microsporidia Mb Along Clinal Gradient And The Impact Of Its Infection On Pyrethroid Resistance In Anopheles Gambiae S.L. Mosquitoes From Nigeria And Niger Republic, Lamine M. Moustapha, Muhammad M. Mukhtar, Abdoul Nasser H. Sanda, Shuaibu Adamu, Yusuf Y. Aliyu, Hadizat K. Einoi, Maryam U. Maigari, Peter C. Okeke, David E. Nwele, Abiodun Obembe, Udoka C. Nwangwu, Jeremy K. Herren, Sulaiman S. Ibrahim

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Microsporidia MB (MB), a promising biological control agent, suppresses Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes. This study examined the spatial distribution of MB infection in natural populations of An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes collected in Nigeria and Niger Republic, and its association with insecticide susceptibility in the mosquitoes. Microsporidia MB has wide geographic distribution across Nigeria and Niger Republic. The overall prevalence of MB in F0 mosquitoes was 12.25% (95% CI: 7.76–16.75%); 25 mosquitoes out of 204 were positive. Geographic variation was observed, with a higher prevalence (5/15 mosquitoes) in Ebonyi State (33.33%, CI: 9.48–57.19%, Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.008). …

Impact Of Adoption Of Fall Armyworm And Stemborer Pest Control Practices On Maize Yields In Rwanda: A Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression Approach, Vincent Gadamba Misango, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie

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The use of push-pull technologies (PPT) as an alternative control method for fall armyworms and stemborer pests amongst maize farmers has recently received considerable global attention. However, the impact of adoption of PPT on the maize productivity remains largely unexplored. This study used a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) to evaluate the impact of adoption of PPT on smallholder maize farmer's yields in Rwanda. The MESR model was estimated on a sample of 398 households operating 967 maize plots selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Overall, 25, 20, and 14 percent of the households used traditional methods, PPT and …

Developing Targets To Control Multiple Pest Fly Species: Violet Polyester Targets Effectively Attract Tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae), Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae), And House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae), Michael N. Okal, Sheillah J. Akinyi, Roger D. Santer

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Tsetse (Glossina spp.), stable (Stomoxys spp.), and house flies (Musca domestica L.) impact humans and animals through bites and/or disease transmission. Tsetse are controlled using insecticide-coated fabric targets that are traditionally blue and/or black, but a violet polyester has now been engineered for greater attractiveness. Here, we investigate whether violet targets are also effective against stable and house flies. We sampled flies by electrocution at 1.0 (H) × 0.5 m (W) targets in Kenya, comparing catches at violet targets, and blue and black targets made from polyesters used in commercial traps and targets. Catches of female but not male Glossina …

Seasonal And Landscape-Driven Variations In Forage Resources Of Apis Mellifera Scutellata: Implications For Pollination Sustainability And Colony Health In Taita Taveta County, Kenya, Mary Chege, Mbatha B. Wambua, Wambua J. Kilonzo, Sevgan Subramanian, Beatrice T. Nganso

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Seasonality and land-use change are key factors influencing forage availability for managed honey bee colonies, yet knowledge of forage identity and how these factors influence forage availability remains limited in Africa. To address these gaps, we used DNA metabarcoding to identify nectar and pollen plant species supporting the nutrition of the African savannah honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata, across different land-use/land cover types and seasons in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. We identified 224 forage plant species from 65 families, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Myrtaceae being the top contributors. Forage availability was significantly influenced by landscape and season, with honey bees …

Longitudinal Surveillance Of Aedes Aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) In Urban Coastal Kenya: Population Dynamics, Blood Feeding Frequency And Dengue Virus Infection Rates, Josephine Osalla, Louis Clement Gouagna, Gilbert Rotich, Maureen Nzilani, Penina Safari, Kennedy Senagi, Francis Mutuku, Baldwyn Torto, David P. Tchouassi

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The coastal region of Kenya has emerged as a focal point for urban dengue virus transmission driven by Aedes aegypti as the primary vector. To gain a deeper understanding of the epidemiological situation, we carried out a year-long longitudinal study (December 2021- November 2022) of the population dynamics of A. aegypti through weekly mosquito surveys using ovitrap and CO2-baited Biogents (BG) mosquito traps in Ukunda, an urban township in the coastal region. Aedes eggs laid in ovitraps were exclusively A. aegypti with 80.8% mean hatch rate. A total of 35,109 adult A. aegypti were captured, with twice as many females …

Heterogeneous Impacts For Malaria Control From Larviciding Across Villages And Considerations For Monitoring And Evaluation, Ellie Sherrard-Smith, Ulrike Fillinger, Jean Philippe B. Tia, Peter Winskill, Benjamin G. Koudou, Emile S.F. Tchicaya, Antoine Sanou, Fredros Okumu, Mercy Opiyo, Silas Majambere, Arran Hamlet, Giovanni Charles, Ben Lambert, Thomas S. Churcher

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Malaria vector control tools currently focus on insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying in malaria-endemic locations, but additional preventative strategies are needed to address protection gaps. Larval source management (LSM) includes larvicide application to aquatic habitat and an array of alternative forms of environmental efforts. An individual-based transmission model for falciparum malaria is used to demonstrate the theoretical benefit of suppressing malaria adult mosquito vector densities through LSM. The model simulates results of epidemiological trials from Western Kenya (a hilly area with papyrus swamps adjacent to human settlements and moderate to high perennial malaria transmission) and Côte d’Ivoire …

Meeting Report On An Integrated Research Agenda For Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses, Angela K. Ulrich, Nicolina M. Moua, Alison Mack, Natsuko Imai-Eaton, J. Erin Staples, Angela J. Mehr, Julia T. Ostrowsky, Tabitha Leighton, Ana Cehovin, Petra C. Fay, Josephine P. Golding, Emma Maynard, Luke Alphey, Diana P. Rojas Alvarez, Lark L. Coffey, Nuno R. Faria, Rafael Maciel-De-Freitas, Kevin Maringer, Kris A. Murray, Henrik Salje, Rosemary Sang, Pedro F.C. Vasconcelos, Yee Sin Leo, Steven P. Sinkins, Jocelyne Neto De Vasconcelos, Samuel K. Dadzie, Eva Harris, Thais H. Dos Santos, Raman Velayudhan

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The emergence and re-emergence of mosquito-borne arbovirus (MBV) diseases pose a rapidly expanding global health threat fueled by the convergence of multiple ecologic, economic, and social factors, including climate change, land use, poverty, deficiencies of water storage and sanitation, and limitations of vector control programs. On December 6, 2023, the Wellcome Trust and the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy held a meeting titled "An integrated approach to mosquito-borne arboviruses: a priority research agenda."The meeting comprised presentations, panels, and facilitated discussions aimed at describing the state of the field, highlighting recent accomplishments, identifying novel strategies, and …

Field Responses Of Glossina Pallidipes And Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes Tsetse Flies To Novel Repellent Blend And Waterbuck Repellent Compounds In Kenya, Benson M. Wachira, Richard Echodu, Johnson O. Ouma, Imna I. Malele, Daniel Gamba, Michael Okal, Kennedy O. Ogolla, Clement Mangwiro, Robert Opiro, Deusdedit J. Malulu, Bernard Ochieng, Raymond E. Mdachi, Paul O. Mireji

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Control of tsetse flies constitutes a cornerstone of trypanosomiasis control and elimination efforts in Africa. The use of eco-friendly odor-based bait technologies has been identified as a safer method for control of tsetse flies. These technologies are significantly augmented by development of effective repellents that reduce contact between trypanosome-infected tsetse flies and their vertebrate hosts. Waterbuck Repellent Compounds (WRC) and Novel Repellent Blend (NRB) are recently developed tsetse fly repellent formulations. Information on relative efficacy of these formulations against major tsetse fly vectors of trypanosomiasis in Kenya is limited. Such information can inform choices of repellent technology for optimal control …

Assessment Of Bg-Pro (Biogent Ag) And Silver Bullet 2.1 (Lumin8) Uv-Light Traps Efficiency For Surveillance Of Malaria Vectors In Western Kenya, Billy L. Amugune, Richard Tamre, Dylan Mogaka, Oscar Mbare, Tullu Bukhari, Ulrike Fillinger, Margaret M. Njoroge

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The Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) light trap is widely used for malaria vector surveillance, but its acquisition logistics pose challenges in Africa. Evaluating new traps can improve surveillance tools. This study compared the efficiency of the BG-Pro UV and Silver Bullet 2.1 UV (SB 2.1 UV) against the UV LED CDC trap in western Kenya’s rice irrigation area. The traps were tested indoors in eight houses over 64 nights. Light properties and fan speed were analyzed using spectrometry and an anemometer. The BG-Pro UV trap performed better than the UV LED CDC trap for An. gambiae s.l. (RR 2.0, …

Microbial Composition And Bioremediation In Frass Fertilizers From Insect-Based Agri-Food Waste Valorization, María Gómez-Brandón, Dennis Beesigamukama, Maraike Probst, Thomas Klammsteiner, Jian Qiang Su, Yong Guan Zhu, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga

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Insect frass fertilizer is emerging as a sustainable and novel input for improving soil health and crop production; however, research attention on its safety and microbial properties remains limited. Here, we evaluated the levels of heavy metals, pathogens, diversity, abundance, composition and functional roles of bacteria and fungi in frass fertilizer produced by eight edible insect species. Our results revealed the absence of Salmonella spp. In the frass fertilizers produced by all insect species, while the levels of other pathogens and heavy metals were within permissible limits for organic fertilizers. We found that 79–86 % of the variations in bacterial …

Elucidating The Functions Of Gut Microbiota From Two Edible Dung Beetle Species: Implications For Waste Management And Food Industry, Syombua S. Mwanza, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, John Mark Makwatta, James Kabii, Njogu M. Kimani, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Dung beetle larvae are consumed globally, yet their gut microbiota across different geographical locations remains largely unexplored. This study examined the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota of two edible dung beetle species, Cetonia aurata and Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes sp.), from three sites in Kenya. Using advanced molecular techniques, bacterial and fungal communities were sequenced. The most abundant bacterial phyla in C. aurata were Firmicutes (42.10%) and Bacteroidota (32.50%), while Oryctes sp. had higher levels of Proteobacteria (35.00%), Actinobacteriota (11.40%) and Desulfobacterota (7.40%). Fungal communities were dominated by Lecanoromycetes (92.60%) in Oryctes sp. and Saccharomycetes (92.60%) in C. aurata. …

Modelling The Environmental And Terrestrial Drivers Of The Spread Of The Invasive Fall Armyworm Spodoptera Frugiperda In Africa, Marian Adan, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Klaus Greve, Christian Borgemeister, Georg Goergen

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The Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lep.: Noctuidae) a destructive invasive pest, poses a significant threat to maize cultivation in Africa, highlighting the need for a better understanding the factors affecting its prevalence. In this study we utilized the Maxent modelling approach to assess the impact of environmental and terrestrial parameters on the spread of FAW in Africa. We compared four different models based on their predictive accuracy: the most comprehensive model, which included bioclimatic factors, landscape structure, and FAW phenology, achieved an accuracy of 0.902. In contrast, models using only single categories of variables yielded lower accuracies, …

One Health Interventions And Challenges Under Rural African Smallholder Farmer Settings: A Scoping Review, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

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The global human population is rapidly increasing, escalating interactions of people, animals and the environment. This has led to more convoluted health challenges, for which African smallholder farmers bear the brunt. The One Health (OH) approach recognises the interconnectedness of these health challenges and thus follows a transdisciplinary approach involving diverse stakeholders to address them. Although there have recently been global concerted efforts and studies on OH, an information gap exists in Africa, particularly regarding smallholder farmers and their needs. Additionally, evaluation frameworks and outcome metrics for OH initiatives are still unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to critically map …

An Eco-Epidemiological Model For Malaria With Microsporidia Mb As Bio-Control Agent, Charlène N.T. Mfangnia, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Berge Tsanou, Jeremy Keith Herren

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Microsporidia MB is an endosymbiont which naturally infects Anopheles mosquitoes. Due to its ability to block Plasmodium transmission, it shows potential as a bio-based agent for the control of malaria. Its self-sustainability is promising, as it can spread through both vertical and horizontal transmissions. However, its low prevalence in mosquito populations remains a challenge. We develop an eco-epidemiological mathematical model describing the co-dynamics of Microsporidia MB (within mosquito population) and malaria (within human population). The model is used to assess the potential of Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes on the control of malaria infection. The results on the basic reproduction numbers, the …

Desert Locust (Schistocerca Gregaria) Flour As An Emerging Functional Ingredient For Baking Flavorful And Nutritious Whole Wheat Bread, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Antonny M. Nzomo, Paul N. Ndegwa, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya M. Khamis, Komivi S. Akutse, George Ong'amo, Brian O. Ochieng, Margaret Kababu, Dennis Beesigamukama, Shaphan Y. Chia, J․Ghemoh G. Changeh, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Segenet Kelemu

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Increasing interest in consuming insects is accelerating the expansion of the fortified snacks market. However, there is limited knowledge of the drivers of consumers to appreciate the role of desert locust [DL] Schistocerca gregaria Forskål as emerging functional ingredient for use in the food industry. Here, we evaluated the nutrient profile and functional properties of wheat breads fortified with powder from captive mass reared DL. The crude protein values of processed DL meal fed on three different food plants ranged between 40 and 56 %. The specific volume and firmness of the breads correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with incremental …

Influence Of Colony And Hive Attributes, Landscape, And Seasonality On Occurrence Of Large Hive Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) In Taita Taveta County, Kenya, Mbatha B. Wambua, Ayuka T. Fombong, Kiatoko Nkoba, Gladys K. Onyambu, Helen Lydiah Kutima, Sevgan Subramanian, Beatrice T. Nganso

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Recently, an unexpectedly large number of large hive beetles, Oplostomus haroldi (Witte), was observed in Taita Taveta County (TTC), Kenya, suggesting a potential threat to the apicultural industry. This study investigated the influence of colony and hive attributes, landscape characteristics, and seasonality on the occurrence of O. haroldi within beehives in TTC. Field surveys assessed beetle populations alongside colony strength parameters, environmental variables, and hive types using standard protocols. Our findings revealed significant positive correlations between beetle occurrence and colony phenotypes, such as capped brood, pollen, and honey quantities. Higher beetle populations were also observed in areas with tree cover …

Honey Bee Colony Losses And Causes During The Active Beekeeping Season 2022/2023 In Nine Sub-Saharan African Countries, Beatrice T. Nganso, Workneh Ayalew, Abebe J. Wubie, Freweini Assefa, Lulseged Belayhun, Nelly N. Ndungu, Daniel Toroitich, Z. Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo, Mbatha B. Wambua, Yudah O. Oyieyo, Ntirenganya Elie, Rachidatou Sikirou, Souradji B. Idrissou, Willy Mwiza, S. Turner, Bridget O. Bobadoye, Sidonie T. Fameni, Sayemie Gaboe, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, Patrick Mafwila, Geraud C. Tasse Taboue, Kimathi Emily, Tonnang Z.E. Henri, Saliou Niassy, Simplice N. Fonkou, Christian W.W. Pirk, Alison Gray, Robert Brodschneider, Victoria Soroker, Sevgan Subramanian

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This study reports for the first-time a multi-country survey of managed honey bee colony loss rates and associated risk factors during the active beekeeping season 2022/2023 in nine Sub-Saharan African countries, namely Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also evaluates the sustainability of bee swarm catches as a primary source for expanding apiary size by African beekeepers. In this survey, the 1,786 interviewed beekeepers across these countries collectively managing 41,761 colonies registered an overall loss rate of 21.3%, which varied significantly among countries (from 9.7 to 45.3%) and hive types (from …

Do Behavioral Attitudes Of Livestock Farmers In Cameroon Influence The Adoption Of Insect-Based Feed? An Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Ruth T. Nembu, Boris D. Soh Wenda, Hervé K. Mube, Hervé W. Napi, Shaphan Y. Chia, Sali A. Ndindeng, Rodrigue B. Kamga, Dorothy E. Fon

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This study investigates the effects of behavioral factors on the adoption of insect-based feed technology among livestock farmers in Cameroon. We use partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze primary data collected from 131 poultry and fish farmers in the Centre region of Cameroon. Our findings reveal that 18.32 % of the surveyed farmers are users of insect-based feed, whereas 81.68 % are non-users. We also show that livestock farmers’ attitudes directly influence the decision to use insect-based feed. Our findings suggest that perceived behavior control and subjective norms indirectly reinforce the decision to use insect-based feed-through attitudes. …

Thermal Performance Drifts Between The Egg Parasitoid Telenomus Remus And The Fall Armyworm May Threaten The Efficacy Of Biological Control Under Climate Change, Macdonald Mubayiwa, Honest Machekano, Brighton M. Mvumi, Winnifred A. Opio, Bame Segaiso, Frank Chidawanyika, Casper Nyamukondiwa

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The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith, is a significant global agricultural pest known for its rapid invasion and devastating impact on crops. While pesticides may be effective for controlling the pest in the short-term, they cause several socioeconomic and ecological costs that highlight the need for more sustainable management strategies. Telenomus remus (Nixon) is a promising egg parasitoid for its biological control. For the parasitoid to provide effective ecosystem services, it should be able to survive and coexist within the same ecological niches as its host. However, there is limited information regarding the potential responses of T. remus to …

Stomoxys Flies (Diptera, Muscidae) Are Competent Vectors Of Trypanosoma Evansi, Trypanosoma Vivax, And Other Livestock Hemopathogens, Julia W. Muita, Joel L. Bargul, John Mark O. Makwatta, Ernest M. Ngatia, Simon K. Tawich, Daniel K. Masiga, Merid N. Getahun

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Stomoxys flies are widely distributed and economically significant vectors of various livestock pathogens of veterinary importance. However, the role of Stomoxys spp. in pathogen transmission is poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the feeding patterns of these blood feeders collected from specific locations in Kenya to identify various vertebrate hosts they fed on, the livestock hemopathogens they carried, and to elucidate their role in pathogens transmission. Our findings show that field-collected Stomoxys flies carried several pathogens, including Trypanosoma spp., Anaplasma spp., and Theileria spp., which were also detected in the blood of sampled livestock, namely camels and cattle. The findings on …

Nanosilica Supplementation In Tomato Increases Oviposition On Stems And Caterpillar Mortality In The Tomato Pinworm, Kokou R. Fiaboe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Xavier Cheseto, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto

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Silicon-induced responses play a key role in plant defense against herbivory, though the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, we examined how mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) defense against an invasive and highly destructive lepidopteran herbivore, the tomato pinworm (TPW), Phthorimaea absoluta. In tomato plants supplemented with MSN, prior exposure to TPW oviposition shifted subsequent egg-laying from a preference for leaves to an even distribution between stems and leaves. This shift was not observed in nonsilicon-supplemented plants. Prolonged oviposition triggered pigmentation in the basal cells of type I glandular trichomes on the stems of silicon-supplemented plants. …

Know Where You Go: Infestation Dynamics And Potential Distribution Of Two Bed Bug Species (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) In Africa, Dennis M. Mbuta, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Fathiya M. Khamis, Komivi S. Akutse

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Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are blood-feeding insects closely linked with humans and animals, causing discomfort, and posing potential threats as disease vectors. This study focuses on Cimex lectularius (common bed bug) and Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), the two key species identified in Africa. Cimex lectularius infests human habitats, while C. hemipterus, more common in Africa, infests diverse habitats, including bat colonies. In our study, we investigated the infestation dynamics and distribution of bed bugs in Africa, when considering climate, habitat, and host availability using system dynamics and ecological niche modelling techniques. System dynamics modelling analyses in Kenya revealed varied …

Differential Responses Of The Egg-Larval Parasitoid Chelonus Bifoveolatus To Fall Armyworm-Induced And Constitutive Volatiles Of Diverse Maize Genotypes, Collins O. Onjura, Emmanuel Peter, George O. Asudi, Michael M. Gicheru, Samira A. Mohamed, Toby J.A. Bruce, Amanuel Tamiru

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The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious invasive crop pest and threat to food security. Conventional pest control approaches using chemical pesticides can lead to adverse environmental and human health problems calling for safer alternative pest management options. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants constitutively and in response to herbivory have been shown to enhance ecologically benign biocontrol alternatives to chemical insecticides for pest management. However, genotypic variations in VOC emissions have also been reported for plant species including maize (Zea mays). Hence, a better insight into the variations in odor profiles of different maize varieties and …

4-Ethylacetophenone From Potato Plants Repels Phthorimaea Operculella And Inhibits Oviposition: A Sustainable Management Strategy, Xinyu Ma, Junjie Yan, Guangyuan Su, Fathiya M. Khamis, Athanase Hategekiman, Yulin Gao

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The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is an important pest of potato crops capable of boring into and consuming the potato tubers. Although chemical insecticides are employed to control P. operculella populations, their efficacy is frequently limited, raising environmental concerns. Host plant volatiles are important allelochemicals that can be exploited for the management of pests. In our previous studies, we identified five volatile organic compounds (3-ethylacetophenone, 4-ethylacetophenone, geranylacetone, ethylbenzene, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone) as allelochemicals potentially influencing the oviposition behavior of P. operculella. Using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral assays, we found that 4-ethylacetophenone significantly repelled P. operculella at all tested concentrations …