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Articles 151 - 180 of 366

Full-Text Articles in Agricultural Science

Electrophysiological And Behavioral Responses Of An Ambrosia Beetle To Volatiles Of Its Nutritional Fungal Symbiont, Christopher M. Ranger, Marek Dzurenko, Jenny Barnett, Ruchika Geedi, Louela Castrillo, Matthew Ethington, Matthew Ginzel, Karla Addesso, Michael E. Reding Mar 2021

Electrophysiological And Behavioral Responses Of An Ambrosia Beetle To Volatiles Of Its Nutritional Fungal Symbiont, Christopher M. Ranger, Marek Dzurenko, Jenny Barnett, Ruchika Geedi, Louela Castrillo, Matthew Ethington, Matthew Ginzel, Karla Addesso, Michael E. Reding

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) cultivate their fungal symbiont within host substrates as the sole source of nutrition on which the larvae and adults must feed. To investigate a possible role for semiochemicals in this interaction, we characterized electrophysiological and behavioral responses of Xylosandrus germanus to volatiles associated with its fungal symbiont Ambrosiella grosmanniae. During still-air walking bioassays, X. germanus exhibited an arrestment response to volatiles of A. grosmanniae, but not antagonistic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium brunneum, Trichoderma harzianum, the plant pathogen Fusarium proliferatum, or malt extract agar. Solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, …

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Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre Mar 2021

Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Net houses can be used in tropical environments to protect crops such as cowpea against large insect pests, thereby avoiding pesticide treatments while sustainably mitigating the effects of climate change. We investigated a push-pull strategy to prevent small insect pest outbreaks in a net house. The push component consisted of two stimulus plants, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Tagetes minuta, and the pull stimuli consisted of visual cues from blue and yellow sticky traps. Field experiments were set up in central Kenya and conducted during a rainy and a dry season, involving an open field control treatment, and three management treatments …

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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

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

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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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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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

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

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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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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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

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

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

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

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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Exploring Black Soldier Fly Frass As Novel Fertilizer For Improved Growth, Yield, And Nitrogen Use Efficiency Of Maize Under Field Conditions, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Martha W. Musyoka, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga Sep 2020

Exploring Black Soldier Fly Frass As Novel Fertilizer For Improved Growth, Yield, And Nitrogen Use Efficiency Of Maize Under Field Conditions, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Martha W. Musyoka, Sunday Ekesi, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is increasingly gaining momentum worldwide as organic fertilizer. However, research on its performance on crop production remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluate the comparative performance of BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) on maize (H513) production. Both fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1, and 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1. Mineral fertilizer (urea) was also applied at 0, 30, 60 and 100 kg N ha-1 to establish the N fertilizer equivalence (NFE) of the organic fertilizers. Maize grown in plots treated with BSFFF …

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Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer And Synchrony Of Nitrogen Mineralization For Maize Production, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas Korir, Martha W. Musyoka, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Sep 2020

Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer And Synchrony Of Nitrogen Mineralization For Maize Production, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas Korir, Martha W. Musyoka, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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The use of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is being promoted globally. However, information on nitrogen (N) fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value and synchrony of N mineralization for crop production remains largely unknown. Comparative studies between BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) were undertaken under field conditions to determine synchrony of N release for maize uptake. The BSFFF, SAFI, and urea fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg N ha−1. The yield data from urea treated plots were used to determine the NFE of both organic inputs. Results showed that maize from BSFFF treated …

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Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro Aug 2020

Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro

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The growing scarcity of resources for feed production and environmental concerns highlight the unsustainability of conventional feed sources. Insect farming is considered as an alternative feed due to its low land and water requirements, its low ecological footprint, and circular economy contribution by converting biowaste into high-quality feed ingredients. While there is growing research on the technical feasibility and nutritional performance of insect-based feed, its potential beneifts are not quanitified. Using experimental and secondary data, we assess the potential socio-economic benefits of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) to the Kenyan poultry sector. We find that replacing 5–50% of the …

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Potential Of Resampled Multispectral Data For Detecting Desmodium-Brachiaria Intercropped With Maize In A 'Push-Pull' System, B. T. Mudereri, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, T. Dube, T. Landmann, S. Niassy, H. E.Z. Tonnang, Z. R. Khan Aug 2020

Potential Of Resampled Multispectral Data For Detecting Desmodium-Brachiaria Intercropped With Maize In A 'Push-Pull' System, B. T. Mudereri, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, T. Dube, T. Landmann, S. Niassy, H. E.Z. Tonnang, Z. R. Khan

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Poor crop yields remain one of the main causes of chronic food insecurity in Africa. This is largely caused by insect pests, weeds, unfavourable climatic conditions and degraded soils. Weed and pest control, based on the climate-adapted g'push-pull' system, has become an important target for sustainable intensification of food production adopted by many small-holder farmers. However, essential baseline information using remotely sensed data is missing, specifically for the g'push-pull' companion crops. In this study, we investigated the spectral uniqueness of two of the most commonly used g'companion' crops (i.e. greenleaf Desmodium (i Desmodium intortum/i) and Brachiaria (i Brachiaria/i cv Mulato) …

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Testing Flowering Perennial Plants In A Bermudagrass (Cynodon Spp.) Lawn, Paige Elizabeth Boyle, Michelle Wisdom Aug 2020

Testing Flowering Perennial Plants In A Bermudagrass (Cynodon Spp.) Lawn, Paige Elizabeth Boyle, Michelle Wisdom

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Most pollinating insects require a season-long succession of floral resources to fulfill life-cycle requirements. Incorporating forbs into turfgrass sites may create a season-long sequence of flowers to support foraging pollinators. However, persistence of forbs in warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) may be affected by the competitive nature of the turfgrass and routine management practices such as mowing. A 2-year study was conducted to evaluate seven forbs (Bellis perennis L., Lotus corniculatus L., Prunella vulgaris L., Trifolium fragiferum L. ‘Fresa’, Trifolium repens L. ‘Durana’ and ‘Resolute’, Trifolium subterraneum L.) for persistence and ability to produce floral resources …

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Biochar And Gypsum Amendment Of Agro-Industrial Waste For Enhanced Black Soldier Fly Larval Biomass And Quality Frass Fertilizer, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga Aug 2020

Biochar And Gypsum Amendment Of Agro-Industrial Waste For Enhanced Black Soldier Fly Larval Biomass And Quality Frass Fertilizer, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Musyoka M. Wangu, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens L.) is one of the most efficient bio-waste recyclers. Although, waste substrate amendments with biochar or gypsum during composting process are known to enhance nutrient retention, their impact on agro-industrial waste have not been documented. Hence, this study focuses on a comparative effect of agro-industrial waste amended with biochar and gypsum on BSF larval performance, waste degradation, and nitrogen (N) and potassium retention in frass fertilizer. Brewery spent grain was amended with biochar or gypsum at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% to determine the most effective rates of inclusion. Amending feedstock with 20% …

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Ecology Of The Roseau Cane Scale (Nipponaclerda Biwakoensis, Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) In Coastal Louisiana, Leslie Alejandra Aviles Lopez Jul 2020

Ecology Of The Roseau Cane Scale (Nipponaclerda Biwakoensis, Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) In Coastal Louisiana, Leslie Alejandra Aviles Lopez

LSU Master's Theses

Common reed, Phragmites australis, is the dominant plant in the Mississippi River Delta (MRD), Louisiana. Phragmites australis stands reduce soil erosion from wave action, protect the oil infrastructure, and freshwater habitats. In the fall of 2016, widespread reed die-backs in the MRD were associated with outbreaks of an invasive scale Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae). Due to the recent detection of the scale, there was limited knowledge of its ecology in the adventive range, and its impacts on P. australis lineages. Therefore, the objectives of my thesis were to determine (1) the host specificity of the N. biwakoensis in important economic …

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The Comparative Virulence Of An Atoxigenic Strain Of Aspergillus Flavus (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae) And The Commercial Icipe 69 Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) To The Bean Leaf Beetle Ootheca Mutabilis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Julius Mugonza, Michael H. Otim, James P. Egonyu Jun 2020

The Comparative Virulence Of An Atoxigenic Strain Of Aspergillus Flavus (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae) And The Commercial Icipe 69 Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) To The Bean Leaf Beetle Ootheca Mutabilis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Julius Mugonza, Michael H. Otim, James P. Egonyu

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The recent isolation of an atoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (Link) (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae), which was virulent to all stages of Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has generated interest to investigate virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus against other crop pests, and how it compares with established commercial biopesticides. In this study, we tested the pathogenicity and virulence of the atoxigenic A. flavus strain to Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the laboratory compared to the commercial Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff Sorokin) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae; OD®, ICIPE 69). Serial dilutions of both entomopathogenic fungi (1 × 106–1 × 109 conidia/ml) were evaluated against adult …

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Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi Jun 2020

Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, is a major cowpea pest. Cowpea–cereal intercrop alone does not effectively manage the pest. Use of pesticides in intercrop leads to health and environmental risks. Fungal-based biopesticides offer a better option because they are environment-and consumer-friendly. This study assessed the combined effect of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 62 and cowpea–maize intercrop against A. craccivora under six treatments: (1) untreated cowpea monocrop, (2) untreated cowpea–maize intercrop, (3) cowpea monocrop + ICIPE 62, (4) cowpea–maize intercrop + ICIPE 62, (5) cowpea monocrop + Duduthrin insecticide, and (6) cowpea–maize intercrop + Duduthrin during three seasons (long rainy/cold and dry/short rainy). …

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Spread And Impact Of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda J.E. Smith) In Maize Production Areas Of Kenya, Hugo De Groote, Simon C. Kimenju, Bernard Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, Menale Kassie, Anani Bruce Apr 2020

Spread And Impact Of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda J.E. Smith) In Maize Production Areas Of Kenya, Hugo De Groote, Simon C. Kimenju, Bernard Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, Menale Kassie, Anani Bruce

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Fall armyworm (FAW), one of the most important pests of maize in Latin America, suddenly appeared in Africa in 2016 and spread rapidly. Estimates of crop losses due to FAW are essential in order to compare the impact of these losses with the cost of controlling FAW and advise appropriate technology dissemination and policy. In this study, therefore, crop losses due to FAW in 2017 and 2018 were estimated in all the maize production areas of Kenya. Data were collected during June and July 2018 through 121 group discussions with 1439 farmers, separately with men (697) and women (742), in …

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Extreme Fire As A Management Tool To Combat Regime Shifts In The Range Of The Endangered American Burying Beetle, Alison K. Ludwig, Daniel R. Uden, Dirac Twidwell Apr 2020

Extreme Fire As A Management Tool To Combat Regime Shifts In The Range Of The Endangered American Burying Beetle, Alison K. Ludwig, Daniel R. Uden, Dirac Twidwell

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study is focused on the population of federally-endangered American burying beetles in south-central Nebraska. It is focused on changes in land cover over time and at several levels of spatial scale, and how management efforts are impacting both the beetle and a changing landscape. Our findings are applicable to a large portion of the Great Plains, which is undergoing the same shift from grassland to woodland, and to areas where the beetle is still found.

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A Historical Review Of Management Options Used Against The Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae), David F. Cook Apr 2020

A Historical Review Of Management Options Used Against The Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae), David F. Cook

Animal production and livestock research articles

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), remains a significant economic pest globally in situations where intensive animal production or horticultural production provide a suitable developmental medium. Stable flies have been recorded as pests of livestock and humans since the late 1800s to early 1900s. Over 100 years of research has seen numerous methodologies used to control this fly, in particular to protect cattle from flies to minimise production losses. Reduced milk production in dairy cows and decreased weight gain in beef cattle account for losses in the US alone of > $2000 million annually. Rural lifestyles and recreation are …

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Ecological And Economic Benefits And Risks Of Using Botanical Insecticides In Tanzanian Farms, Lilia Garcia Apr 2020

Ecological And Economic Benefits And Risks Of Using Botanical Insecticides In Tanzanian Farms, Lilia Garcia

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Insect damage is a major concern for smallholder farmers in developing countries like Tanzania. Synthetic insecticides can tame infestations, however they can be expensive, inaccessible, and their misuse can threaten farmer health and ecological conditions. Botanical insecticides are cheap alternatives to treat infestations while preserving beneficial insects such as pollinators, predators, and parasitoids. This study assesses how both synthetic and botanical insecticides affect beneficial insects, crop yield and profit/costs. This study finds botanical insecticides slightly less harmful towards non-target insects. Botanical insecticides seldomly improve crop yields but usually result in a higher profit/lower cost. Due to high variation in ecological …

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The Impact Of Conventional And Organic Farming On Soil Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study On Termites In The Long-Term Farming Systems Comparison Trials In Kenya, John J. Anyango, David Bautze, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Zipporah O. Lagat, Anne W. Muriuki, Sibylle Stöckli, Judith Riedel, Gladys K. Onyambu, Martha W. Musyoka, Edward N. Karanja, Noah Adamtey Feb 2020

The Impact Of Conventional And Organic Farming On Soil Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study On Termites In The Long-Term Farming Systems Comparison Trials In Kenya, John J. Anyango, David Bautze, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Zipporah O. Lagat, Anne W. Muriuki, Sibylle Stöckli, Judith Riedel, Gladys K. Onyambu, Martha W. Musyoka, Edward N. Karanja, Noah Adamtey

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: A long-term experiment at two trial sites in Kenya has been on-going since 2007 to assess the effect of organic and conventional farming systems on productivity, profitability and sustainability. During these trials the presence of significant numbers of termites (Isoptera) was observed. Termites are major soil macrofauna and within literature they are either depict as 'pests' or as important indicator for environmental sustainability. The extent by which termites may be managed to avoid crop damage, but improve sustainability of farming systems is worthwhile to understand. Therefore, a study on termites was added to the long-term experiments in Kenya. The …

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Plant Community Composition And Functional Characteristics Define Invasion And Infestation Of Termites In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems, T. C.L. Djuideu, D. H.B. Bisseleua, S. Kekeunou, M. J. Meupia, F. G. Difouo, C. F. Ambele Feb 2020

Plant Community Composition And Functional Characteristics Define Invasion And Infestation Of Termites In Cocoa Agroforestry Systems, T. C.L. Djuideu, D. H.B. Bisseleua, S. Kekeunou, M. J. Meupia, F. G. Difouo, C. F. Ambele

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The effects of farm management on non-native species and the structure and function of native communities and ecosystems on crop yield is poorly documented especially in the cocoa agroforestry systems of West Africa. We assessed termite damages, cocoa plantations structural characteristic and local farmer knowledge to refine the critical role of shade trees management on subterranean crops pests and the consequences on marketable yield in five cocoa agroforestry systems. Farmers recognized termites as the most damaging subterranean pests and clearly described the type of damages they cause on cocoa trees and seedlings. Complete shade removal or very heavy shade on …

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Different Plant Viruses Induce Changes In Feeding Behavior Of Specialist And Generalist Aphids On Common Bean That Are Likely To Enhance Virus Transmission, Francis O. Wamonje, Ruairí Donnelly, Trisna D. Tungadi, Alex M. Murphy, Adrienne E. Pate, Christine Woodcock, John Caulfield, J. Musembi Mutuku, Toby J.A. Bruce, Christopher A. Gilligan, John A. Pickett, John P. Carr Jan 2020

Different Plant Viruses Induce Changes In Feeding Behavior Of Specialist And Generalist Aphids On Common Bean That Are Likely To Enhance Virus Transmission, Francis O. Wamonje, Ruairí Donnelly, Trisna D. Tungadi, Alex M. Murphy, Adrienne E. Pate, Christine Woodcock, John Caulfield, J. Musembi Mutuku, Toby J.A. Bruce, Christopher A. Gilligan, John A. Pickett, John P. Carr

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Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) cause serious epidemics in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a vital food security crop in many low-to-medium income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aphids transmit these viruses “non-persistently,” i.e., virions attach loosely to the insects' stylets. Viruses may manipulate aphid-host interactions to enhance transmission. We used direct observation and electrical penetration graph measurements to see if the three viruses induced similar or distinct changes in feeding behaviors of two aphid species, Aphis fabae and Myzus persicae. Both aphids vector BCMV, BCMNV, and CMV but A. …

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Arthropod Resistant Tomatoes: Screening Tools, Yield And Nutritional Quality Of Interspecific Hybrids, Mohammad Hasan Salman Ali Dawood Jan 2020

Arthropod Resistant Tomatoes: Screening Tools, Yield And Nutritional Quality Of Interspecific Hybrids, Mohammad Hasan Salman Ali Dawood

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops grown around globe but is a host for numerous pests and pathogens. In the future, tomato breeders will have to focus on increasing fruit quantity and on enhancing pest resistance. Many accessions of the wild relative of tomato, S. habrochaites display high levels of resistance towards arthropods such as spider mites. The presence of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, 7-epi-zingiberene, found in S. habrochaites type IV trichomes has been associated with arthropod resistance. However, the presence of other compounds in its trichome secretions may also be related …

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Diversity Of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda And Their Gut Bacterial Community In Kenya, Joseph Gichuhi, Subramanian Sevgan, Fathiya Khamis, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Hannalene Du Plessis, Sunday Ekesi, Jeremy K. Herren Jan 2020

Diversity Of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda And Their Gut Bacterial Community In Kenya, Joseph Gichuhi, Subramanian Sevgan, Fathiya Khamis, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Hannalene Du Plessis, Sunday Ekesi, Jeremy K. Herren

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Background: The invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous pest that causes widespread damage particularly to maize and sorghum in Africa. The microbiome associated with S. frugiperda could play a role in the insects' success and adaptability. However, bacterial communities in S. frugiperda remain poorly studied. Methods: We investigated the composition, abundance and diversity of microbiomes associated with larval and adult specimens of S. frugiperda collected from four maize growing regions in Kenya through high throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The population structure of S. frugiperda in Kenya was assessed through amplification of the …

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Impact Of Integrated Fruit Fly Management Strategy On Food Security Among Smallholder Mango Farmers In Kenya, P. N. Nyang'au, B. W. Muriithi, J. M. Nzuma, P. Irungu, H. M. Gichungi, G. Diiro Jan 2020

Impact Of Integrated Fruit Fly Management Strategy On Food Security Among Smallholder Mango Farmers In Kenya, P. N. Nyang'au, B. W. Muriithi, J. M. Nzuma, P. Irungu, H. M. Gichungi, G. Diiro

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Adoption of agricultural innovations is perceived as a key avenue for poverty reduction and improved food and nutritional security in developing countries. The International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has developed and implemented a set of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in several sub-Saharan African countries aimed at controlling mango infesting fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis). Although positive returns from the use of fruit fly IPM have already been documented, the impact of these technologies on food security is not well understood. This study evaluated the impact of the IPM strategy on food security with the help of a …

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Towards A Global Dna Barcode Reference Library For Quarantine Identifications Of Lepidopteran Stemborers, With An Emphasis On Sugarcane Pests, Timothy R.C. Lee, Stacey J. Anderson, Lucy T.T. Tran-Nguyen, Nader Sallam, Bruno P. Le Ru, Desmond Conlong, Kevin Powell, Andrew Ward, Andrew Mitchell Dec 2019

Towards A Global Dna Barcode Reference Library For Quarantine Identifications Of Lepidopteran Stemborers, With An Emphasis On Sugarcane Pests, Timothy R.C. Lee, Stacey J. Anderson, Lucy T.T. Tran-Nguyen, Nader Sallam, Bruno P. Le Ru, Desmond Conlong, Kevin Powell, Andrew Ward, Andrew Mitchell

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Lepidopteran stemborers are among the most damaging agricultural pests worldwide, able to reduce crop yields by up to 40%. Sugarcane is the world’s most prolific crop, and several stemborer species from the families Noctuidae, Tortricidae, Crambidae and Pyralidae attack sugarcane. Australia is currently free of the most damaging stemborers, but biosecurity efforts are hampered by the difficulty in morphologically distinguishing stemborer species. Here we assess the utility of DNA barcoding in identifying stemborer pest species. We review the current state of the COI barcode sequence library for sugarcane stemborers, assembling a dataset of 1297 sequences from 64 species. Sequences were …

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Molasses Grass Induces Direct And Indirect Defense Responses In Neighbouring Maize Plants, Tigist A. Tolosa, Amanuel Tamiru, Charles A.O. Midega, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Michael A. Birkett, Christine M. Woodcock, Toby J.A. Bruce, Segenet Kelemu, John A. Pickett, Zeyaur R. Khan Dec 2019

Molasses Grass Induces Direct And Indirect Defense Responses In Neighbouring Maize Plants, Tigist A. Tolosa, Amanuel Tamiru, Charles A.O. Midega, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Michael A. Birkett, Christine M. Woodcock, Toby J.A. Bruce, Segenet Kelemu, John A. Pickett, Zeyaur R. Khan

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Plants have evolved intricate defence strategies against herbivore attack which can include activation of defence in response to stress-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by neighbouring plants. VOCs released by intact molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora), have been shown to repel stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), from maize and enhance parasitism by Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron). In this study, we tested whether the molasses grass VOCs have a role in plant-plant communication by exposing different maize cultivars to molasses grass for a 3-week induction period and then observing insect responses to the exposed plants. In bioassays, C. partellus preferred non-exposed maize landrace plants …

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