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International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

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Articles 121 - 150 of 429

Full-Text Articles in Agricultural Science

Socio-Economic Predictors, Soil Fertility Knowledge Domains And Strategies For Sustainable Maize Intensification In Embu County, Kenya, Monicah Wanjiku Mucheru-Muna, Mildred Achieng Ada, Jayne Njeri Mugwe, Franklin Somoni Mairura, Esther Mugi-Ngenga, Shammie Zingore, James Kinyua Mutegi Feb 2021

Socio-Economic Predictors, Soil Fertility Knowledge Domains And Strategies For Sustainable Maize Intensification In Embu County, Kenya, Monicah Wanjiku Mucheru-Muna, Mildred Achieng Ada, Jayne Njeri Mugwe, Franklin Somoni Mairura, Esther Mugi-Ngenga, Shammie Zingore, James Kinyua Mutegi

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Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices are widely recognized as crucial interventions but knowledge-intensive technologies for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Very few studies have synthesized the knowledge gaps between small-holder practices and recommended ISFM packages. A farm survey was therefore carried out in Runyenjes sub-County of Embu to determine factors influencing the quality of ISFM knowledge considering inorganic fertilizer, organic manure, integrated soil inputs, and improved maize seeds. One hundred small-scale maize farmers were systematically sampled in Embu County, Kenya, using a cross-sectional survey design. The most significant factors shaping the quality of ISFM knowledge (p < 0.05) included gender, age, household size, land under maize, off-farm earnings, maize yield, members involved in farming, farming experience, education level, and farm size. Farmers recorded lower knowledge scores for technical ISFM themes including soil liming, soil testing, fertilizer types, fertilizer functions, curing of organic manure, compost manure management, crop spacing, combination ratios for integrated inputs, and the labor and cost-benefit implications of integrated inputs, revealing important ISFM knowledge gaps. High-quality knowledge of blended fertilizers and DAP use was associated with increased soil testing and soil liming knowledge, respectively. Multivariate analysis of ISFM knowledge items provided a high-quality understanding of the structure of ISFM knowledge among farmers in Embu County, which is useful in developing future ISFM dissemination strategies. Humic nitisol, Fertilizer, ISFM strategies, ISFM knowledge quality, improved seeds, manure

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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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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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Assessing And Understanding Non-Responsiveness Of Maize And Soybean To Fertilizer Applications In African Smallholder Farms, Dries Roobroeck, Cheryl A. Palm, Generose Nziguheba, Ray Weil, Bernard Vanlauwe Jan 2021

Assessing And Understanding Non-Responsiveness Of Maize And Soybean To Fertilizer Applications In African Smallholder Farms, Dries Roobroeck, Cheryl A. Palm, Generose Nziguheba, Ray Weil, Bernard Vanlauwe

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Use of mineral fertilizers is essential to enhance crop productivity in smallholder farming systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, but various studies have reported ‘non-responsiveness’ where application of inorganic fertilizers does not lead to satisfactory yield gains. This phenomenon is not well defined nor are its extent and causes well understood. In order to close these knowledge gaps, we assessed the effects of commonly recommended nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and/or potassium (K) fertilizer inputs on maize grain and soybean production on farmer fields across prevalent land slope and/or soil texture gradients (2 × 2 matrix) in four agroecosystems over two growing seasons. …

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The Ethiopian Staple Food Crop Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) Assessed For The First Time For Resistance Against The Root-Lesion Nematode Pratylenchus Goodeyi, Selamawit A. Kidane, Beira H. Meressa, Solveig Haukeland, Anne Kathrine Hvoslef-Eide, Danny L. Coyne Jan 2021

The Ethiopian Staple Food Crop Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) Assessed For The First Time For Resistance Against The Root-Lesion Nematode Pratylenchus Goodeyi, Selamawit A. Kidane, Beira H. Meressa, Solveig Haukeland, Anne Kathrine Hvoslef-Eide, Danny L. Coyne

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Summary – Pratylenchus goodeyi appears to be the most prevalent nematode pest of enset in Ethiopia, where it can occur in extremely high densities. However, the damage to yield or how different enset cultivars react to the nematode has yet to be determined. The current study therefore sought to establish a first assessment of these reactions by enset to P. goodeyi infection. Determining pest-resistant cultivars is an important task in developing management strategies. Our study evaluated nine enset cultivars to establish host response and identify potential sources of resistance. In addition, the pathogenicity of P. goodeyi was assessed on three …

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Effects Of Rhizobia And Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Yield, Size Distribution And Fatty Acid Of Soybean Seeds Grown Under Drought Stress, Nicholas O. Igiehon, Olubukola O. Babalola, Xavier Cheseto, Baldwyn Torto Jan 2021

Effects Of Rhizobia And Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Yield, Size Distribution And Fatty Acid Of Soybean Seeds Grown Under Drought Stress, Nicholas O. Igiehon, Olubukola O. Babalola, Xavier Cheseto, Baldwyn Torto

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Soybean (Glycine max L.) is among the most economically important legumes that provide more than 1/4 of food (for man) and animal feed. However, its yield is comparatively low, most especially under drought stress. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the ability of Rhizobium spp. and mycorrhizal fungi to enhance the yield, seed size and fatty acid content of soybean grown under semi-arid environment. Rhizobium sp. strain R1 was found to possess nitrogen-fixing gene coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase function while Rhizobium cellulosilyticum strain R3 was found to have nitrogen-fixing genes cysteine desulfurase SufS and cysteine desulfurase IscS activity. …

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

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

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

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Effects Of Agricultural Intensification Practices On Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Outcomes In Kenyan Hotspots Of Climate Change, F. O. Ouya, O. I. Ayuya, M. I. Kariuki Dec 2020

Effects Of Agricultural Intensification Practices On Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Outcomes In Kenyan Hotspots Of Climate Change, F. O. Ouya, O. I. Ayuya, M. I. Kariuki

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Developing countries, Kenya included are mostly affected by food shortage and poverty as a result of high dependence on agriculture constrained by climate variability, declining land sizes and low agricultural technologies. Agricultural intensification is key in solving these problems to ensure increased farm output per unit land area. This study analyzed the role of agricultural intensification on smallholders’ poverty and food security status. The study is based on data collected from a sample of 320 smallholder households from two Sub-counties of Kenya, Makueni and Nyando. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was first used to group agricultural intensification practices into clusters. The …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Characterization Of Mycotoxins From Entomopathogenic Fungi (Cordyceps Fumosorosea) And Their Toxic Effects To The Development Of Asian Citrus Psyllid Reared On Healthy And Diseased Citrus Plants, Muhammad Qasim, Saif Ul Islam, Waqar Islam, Ali Noman, Khalid Ali Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chandra Kanta Dash, Bamisope Steve Bamisile, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Shahid Nisar, Saad Jan, Liande Wang Dec 2020

Characterization Of Mycotoxins From Entomopathogenic Fungi (Cordyceps Fumosorosea) And Their Toxic Effects To The Development Of Asian Citrus Psyllid Reared On Healthy And Diseased Citrus Plants, Muhammad Qasim, Saif Ul Islam, Waqar Islam, Ali Noman, Khalid Ali Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chandra Kanta Dash, Bamisope Steve Bamisile, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Shahid Nisar, Saad Jan, Liande Wang

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Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) produce multiple mycotoxins, which play an essential role in improving fungal pathogenesis and virulence. To characterize various mycotoxins from the crude methanol extract of Cordyceps fumosorosea, a major EPF against various insect pests, we performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-QTOF MS) technique, and all compounds were identified through molecular mass and formulae. Bassianolide was assessed against the nymphs and adults of Diaphorina citri reared on healthy and Huánglóngbìng (HLB)-diseased Citrus spp. Plants under laboratory conditions. Overall, 17 compounds were identified from the fungal extract and categorized into three groups, i.e. …

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Reconciling Yield Gains In Agronomic Trials With Returns Under African Smallholder Conditions, Rachid Laajaj, Karen Macours, Cargele Masso, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe Dec 2020

Reconciling Yield Gains In Agronomic Trials With Returns Under African Smallholder Conditions, Rachid Laajaj, Karen Macours, Cargele Masso, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe

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Increased adoption of improved agricultural technologies is considered an essential step to address global poverty and hunger, and agronomic trials suggest intensification in developing countries could result in large yield gains. Yet the promise of new technologies does not always carry over from trials to real-life conditions, and diffusion of many technologies remains limited. We show how parcel and farmer selection, together with behavioural responses in agronomic trials, can explain why yield gain estimates from trials may differ from the yield gains of smallholders using the same inputs under real-life conditions. We provide quantitative evidence by exploiting variation in farmer …

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Mitochondrial Genetic Variation Reveals Phylogeographic Structure And Cryptic Diversity In Trioza Erytreae, Inusa Ajene, Gerhard Pietersen, Barbara Van Asch Dec 2020

Mitochondrial Genetic Variation Reveals Phylogeographic Structure And Cryptic Diversity In Trioza Erytreae, Inusa Ajene, Gerhard Pietersen, Barbara Van Asch

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Trioza erytreae is the main vector for ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’, the causative agent of African Citrus Greening disease. The insect is widespread in Africa, and has recently disseminated to Southwestern Europe. This study aimed at generating reference mitogenome sequences for T. erytreae, as a background for future genetic diversity surveys. Complete mitochondrial sequences of three specimens collected in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa were recovered using Ion Torrent technology. The mitogenomes of T. erytreae from Uganda and Ethiopia were highly similar, and distinct from that found in South Africa. The phylogeographic structure of T. erytreae was assessed using genetic clustering …

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The Kampala Statement-For-Action On Reactive Nitrogen In Africa And Globally, Mark A. Sutton, Peter Ebanyat, N. Raghuram, Mateete Bekunda, John S. Tenywa, Wilfried Winiwarter, Albert Bleeker, Eric A. Davidson, Jan Willem Erisman, Wim De Vries, James N. Galloway, Patrick Heffer, W. Kevin Hicks, Cargele Masso, Cheryl A. Palm, Clifford S. Snyder, Bernard Vanlauwe, Shamie Zingore, Delegates Of The 6th International Nov 2020

The Kampala Statement-For-Action On Reactive Nitrogen In Africa And Globally, Mark A. Sutton, Peter Ebanyat, N. Raghuram, Mateete Bekunda, John S. Tenywa, Wilfried Winiwarter, Albert Bleeker, Eric A. Davidson, Jan Willem Erisman, Wim De Vries, James N. Galloway, Patrick Heffer, W. Kevin Hicks, Cargele Masso, Cheryl A. Palm, Clifford S. Snyder, Bernard Vanlauwe, Shamie Zingore, Delegates Of The 6th International

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Following discussions at the 6th International Nitrogen Conference, Kampala (24th-27th November 2013), the delegates agreed the Kampala Statement-for-Action on Reactive Nitrogen in Africa and Globally. The Statement-for-Action highlights the global challenge of aiming for just enough nitrogen: enough to meet human needs for food, fuel and fibre, while avoiding excess that contributes to air and water pollution, climate change and ecosystem degradation. The following priorities for Africa are highlighted: (i) Sub-Saharan African agriculture needs to be part of the solution to regional and world food security. This will require restoring and sustaining the fertility of Sub-Saharan African soils through better …

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The Response Of Climbing Bean To Fertilizer And Organic Manure In The Northern Province Of Rwanda, Edouard Rurangwa, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller Oct 2020

The Response Of Climbing Bean To Fertilizer And Organic Manure In The Northern Province Of Rwanda, Edouard Rurangwa, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller

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Climbing beans play a central role in food security of rural households in the densely populated highlands of East and Central Africa. Soil fertility degradation and the lack of nutrient inputsare major limitations to yield of beans and other crops. We conducted field trials in Northern Rwanda in Kinoni and Muko villages to evaluate the effect of mineral N, P, and K fertilizers (both alone and in combination) and farmyard manure on nitrogen fixation and grain yields of climbing bean insmallholder farmers' fields. The trials were laid down in a randomized complete block design with seven replicate blocks in each …

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Push-Pull Technology Improves Maize Grain Yield And Total Aboveground Biomass In Maize-Based Systems In Western Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan Oct 2020

Push-Pull Technology Improves Maize Grain Yield And Total Aboveground Biomass In Maize-Based Systems In Western Kenya, Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Shem Kuyah, Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Zeyaur Rahman Khan

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Push-pull is one of the sustainable intensification technologies for the control of stem-borers, striga weed and fall armyworm. Even though the effectiveness of push-pull in addressing these constraints has been evaluated under different agro-ecological conditions and on research stations, performance of the technology relative to other common maize-based cropping systems in farmers’ fields and the impact of the push-pull age is not yet understood. We hypothesized that, a) maize grain yield and aboveground biomass from push-pull system is higher than other common maize farming systems; b) duration of use of push-pull, and climatic conditions have an influence on its efficacy; …

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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

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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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Managing Phosphate Rock To Improve Nutrient Uptake, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, And Carrot Yields, Edwin Mwangi, Catherine Ngamau, John Wesonga, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Felix Matheri, Komi Fiaboe, David Bautze, Noah Adamtey Sep 2020

Managing Phosphate Rock To Improve Nutrient Uptake, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, And Carrot Yields, Edwin Mwangi, Catherine Ngamau, John Wesonga, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Felix Matheri, Komi Fiaboe, David Bautze, Noah Adamtey

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The objectives of this study were to assess (a) the efficiency of lemon and pineapple juices and the concentration and time needed to release more than 50% of available phosphorus from phosphate rock (PR), and (b) the effect of different types of PR management on carrot yields, nutrient uptake, and phosphorus use efficiency. Field trials were set up at two sites with humic andosols and orthic acrisols over two seasons in Kenya. In a randomized complete block design, replicated three times, the following treatments were compared: (i) composted dissolved PR in lemon juice; (ii) powdered PR composted; (iii) dissolved PR …

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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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Towards Closing Cassava Yield Gap In West Africa: Agronomic Efficiency And Storage Root Yield Responses To Npk Fertilizers, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, R. P.M. Van Den Beuken, K. S. Ezui, P. Pypers, A. O. Ano, C. N. Egesi, K. E. Giller Aug 2020

Towards Closing Cassava Yield Gap In West Africa: Agronomic Efficiency And Storage Root Yield Responses To Npk Fertilizers, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, R. P.M. Van Den Beuken, K. S. Ezui, P. Pypers, A. O. Ano, C. N. Egesi, K. E. Giller

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Nutrient management of cassava has received little attention compared with cereal crops. We evaluated cassava yield potential and nutrient use efficiency when supplied with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at high rates and when supplied with increasing rates of K. On-farm experiments were conducted at six locations in Nigeria across the major cassava growing agro-ecologies of Western Africa (Tropical Rainforest – Cross River, Forest Transition Savanna – Edo, and Guinea Savanna – Benue) during two seasons (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). Nitrogen, P and K fertilizers were applied at various rates, including treatments with and without added secondary and micronutrients. Storage root dry …

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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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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

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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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Diversity And Structure Of Prokaryotic Communities Within Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Central Highlands Of Kenya, Edward Nderitu Karanja, Andreas Fliessbach, Noah Adamtey, Anne Kelly Kambura, Martha Musyoka, Komi Fiaboe, Romano Mwirichia Aug 2020

Diversity And Structure Of Prokaryotic Communities Within Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Central Highlands Of Kenya, Edward Nderitu Karanja, Andreas Fliessbach, Noah Adamtey, Anne Kelly Kambura, Martha Musyoka, Komi Fiaboe, Romano Mwirichia

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Management practices such as tillage, crop rotation, irrigation, organic and inorganic inputs application are known to influence diversity and function of soil microbial populations. In this study, we investigated the effect of conventional versus organic farming systems at low and high input levels on structure and diversity of prokaryotic microbial communities. Soil samples were collected from the ongoing long-term farming system comparison trials established in 2007 at Chuka and Thika in Kenya. Physicochemical parameters for each sample were analyzed. Total DNA and RNA amplicons of variable region (V4-V7) of the 16S rRNA gene were generated on an Illumina platform using …

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Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell Aug 2020

Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell

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Scarcity of quantity and quality feed has been a key constraint to productivity of smallholder crop-livestock systems. Tropical forages include a variety of annual and perennial grasses, herbaceous and dual-purpose legumes, and multipurpose trees and shrubs. They have been promoted in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for increasing livestock productivity and household income through higher quantity and quality of herbage, while contributing to soil improvement and higher food crop yields. For the first time, we quantitatively reviewed 72 experimental studies from across SSA to take stock of geographical distribution and forage technology focus of past research; quantify magnitudes of multidimensional impacts of …

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Helminths Associated With Terrestrial Slugs In Some Parts Of Europe, Anna Filipiak, Solveig Haukeland, Kamila S. Zając, Dorota Lachowska-Cierlik, Bjørn A. Hatteland Jul 2020

Helminths Associated With Terrestrial Slugs In Some Parts Of Europe, Anna Filipiak, Solveig Haukeland, Kamila S. Zając, Dorota Lachowska-Cierlik, Bjørn A. Hatteland

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A survey of helminths associated with terrestrial slugs focusing on the invasive Arion vulgaris and the native A. ater was conducted on populations from France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Poland. In total, 648 terrestrial slugs were collected from 18 sample sites, and identified by means of morphological examination, dissection of genitalia and molecular analysis using mitochondrial DNA. In addition to A. vulgaris and A. ater, also A. vulgaris/A. rufus hybrids and A. ater/A. rufus hybrids were collected. Helminth species were identified based on morphological features and sequencing of the 18S and ITS rDNA regions. The parasites included four nematode species: …

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Mediation Of Potato–Potato Cyst Nematode, G. Rostochiensis Interaction By Specific Root Exudate Compounds, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Danny Coyne, Baldwyn Torto Jun 2020

Mediation Of Potato–Potato Cyst Nematode, G. Rostochiensis Interaction By Specific Root Exudate Compounds, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Danny Coyne, Baldwyn Torto

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Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a widely consumed staple food crop worldwide whose production is threatened by potato cyst nematodes (PCN). To infect a host, PCN eggs first need to be stimulated to hatch by chemical components in the host root exudates, yet it remains unknown how most root exudate components influence PCN behavior. Here, we evaluated the influence of eight compounds identified by LC-QqQ-MS in the root exudate of potato on the hatching response of the PCN, Globodera rostochiensis at varying doses. The eight compounds included the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine; phytohormones zeatin and methyl dihydrojasmonate; steroidal glycoalkaloids …

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Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices (Kap) On Production Of African Indigenous Vegetables In Kenya, Donatien Ntawuruhunga, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Mary O. Abukutsa-Onyango, Losenge Turoop, Beatrice W. Muriithi Jun 2020

Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices (Kap) On Production Of African Indigenous Vegetables In Kenya, Donatien Ntawuruhunga, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Mary O. Abukutsa-Onyango, Losenge Turoop, Beatrice W. Muriithi

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Local knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) among local growers are required to design effective vegetable productivity-enhancing interventions. However, limited studies have been conducted in Kenya to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on production performance of AIVs. A survey was conducted among 600 AIV growers in Busia, Nyamira and Machakos Counties of Kenya to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding AIVs and their contribution on output/yield. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire supplemented with key informant interviews. Results showed significant knowledge and positive attitude of farmers regarding AIVs, but insignificant use of …

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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

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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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