Research Papers/Topics in Plant Physiology and Crop Ecology

Plant Parasitic Nematodes and Food Security In Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region beset with challenges, not least its ability to feed itself. Low agricultural productivity, exploding populations, and escalating urbanization have led to declining per capita food availability. In order to reverse this trend, crop production systems must intensify, which brings with it an elevated threat from pests and diseases, including plant-parasitic nematodes. A holistic systems approach to pest management recognizes disciplinary integrati...

Investigation of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) severity and cropping systems mapping in agro-ecological maize systems in Bomet, Kenya utilizing RapidEye and Landsat-8 Imagery.

Abstract: Spatiotemporal information on crops and cropping systems can provide useful insights into disease outbreak mechanisms in croplands. In September 2011, a severe outbreak of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease was reported in Bomet County, Kenya. We aimed to detect severely MLN-infected fields and discriminate mono, inter, and continuous maize cropping systems. We collected in-situ MLN severity observations and acquired multi-date and multi-sensor data viz., RapidEye (RE), Sentinel-1...

An assessment of the invasive alien tree, Robinia pseudoacacia canopy traits and its effect on grassland microclimates and subsequent arthropod assemblages

Abstract: Invasive alien trees transform landscapes and subsequent ecosystem function. For grassland ecosystems, fragmentation following invasion by alien woody species is of concern. In this study, we examined how an invasive alien tree, Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae) impacts grassland microclimates and the subsequent assemblages of endemic arthropods. The phenological trajectory of R. pseudoacacia, temperature and light intensity, as well as arthropod abundances in both invaded and uni...

Chemo-Ecological Insights into the Use of the Non-Host Plant Vegetable Black-Jack to Protect Two Susceptible Solanaceous Crops from Root-Knot Nematode Parasitism

Abstract: Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) develop through three major stages in their life cycle: hatching, infection, and reproduction. Interruption of any of these stages can affect their growth and survival. We used screenhouse pot experiments, laboratory in vitro hatching and mortality assays, and chemical analysis to test the hypothesis that the non-host Asteraceae plant vegetable black-jack (Bidens pilosa) suppresses infection of the PPN Meloidogyne incognita in two susceptible Solana...

Shoot Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin Contents Respond to Water Stress in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to determine the association of tea catechins to water stress in tea, with the objective of determining their suitability as indicators for predicting drought tolerance in tea (Camellia sinensis). The study consisted of six tea clones (BBK 35, TRFK 6/8, TRFK 76/1, TRFK 395/2, TRFK 31/30, and TRFK 311/287) and four levels of soil water content (38, 30, 22, and 14% v/v), which were arranged in a complete randomized design and replicated 3 times. The treatm...

Carbon stocks variability in Agro Ecosystems along an Altitudinal Gradient: a case study of Taita Hills, Kenya

Abstract: This study quantifies the effect of land cover change and seasonality on soil organic carbon and carbon dioxide emissivity. It takes to account the coupled inter-relationships with other ecological factors such as temperature and moisture. Next, the study assesses how topographic and ecological factors drive spatial soil nutrient stock variations and quantifies the observations required to discriminate stock detection in the mountain ecosystem. Thereafter, the study derives and eva...

Bioaccumulation of Lead and Cadmium from Contaminated Soil into Amaranthus Hybridus in Grown Irrigation Farm Lands in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe study on bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium from contaminated soil into Amaranthus hybridus grown in irrigation farm lands in zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria was carried out to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Pb and Cd) through the intake of grown vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus) from bomo lake, river galma and borehole water irrigated site. The samples collected (A. hybridus and soil) were separately digested and the heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic absorpti...

Incidence of Freshwater Aquatic Macrophytes in Relation to the Nutrients Content of Gwaigwaye and Mairuwa Reservoirs, Funtua, Nigeria

Abstract   Studies were conducted between (September, 2017 to October, 2018) to investigate the variation in the compositional distribution of macrophyte communities in relation to the nutrient contents in the water and sediments of Mairuwa and Gwaigwaye reservoirs, Funtua located in the Northern vegetation of Nigeria.  All the nutrients from sediments were analyzed using Standard procedures using  Spectrophotometer, flame photometer and titration metho...

Carbon Sequestration Potential Of Rehabilitated And Natural Forest Sites Of Bamburi Cement Limited, Mombasa County, Kenya

ABSTRACT Deforestation in the tropical regions accounts for approximately 20% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere. Restoration of mined areas through afforestation/reforestation (A/R) can potentially capture large quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide if appropriate management strategies are applied. This will help reduce the rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The key challenge for successful implementation of A/R carbon project is the unreliable estimation of biomass ca...

The Effect Of Invasive Species Lantana Camara On Soil Chemistry At Ol- Donyo Sabuk National Park, Kenya

ABSTRACT Invasive species are a major ecological and management concern in natural ecosystems and pose a threat to many of Kenya’s protected areas. Invasive plant species compete and hybridize with native species often to the disadvantage of the native species. Invasion can lead to the phasing out of native species and loss of ecosystem services such as water filtration, soil stabilization, and pest control. They may also result in reduction of wildlife forage or death of animals when they ...

Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya

ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate potential for rural communities in arid and semi-arid areas to derive economic benefit from hunting of gamebirds, specifically the guineafowls. In order to achieve this, it is important to have knowledge on guineafowl ecology and population dynamics; particularly how environmental conditions which vary in space and over time, influence their population dynamics. The study focussed on two sympatric species of guineafowl in Laikipia district, Kenya. Th...

Spatial Distribution Of Opuntia Stricta (Haworth) In Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

ABSTRACT Kenya has experienced biological invasions some of which are considered to have significant consequences on the socio-economic status of affected communities. At the ecosystem level, they change community structure and composition. Available data on invasive species in the East African region shows that 34 different species of invasive plants have invaded Kenya. Notable examples of invasive species include Opuntia stricta (Haw) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This res...

Assessment Of Water Quality Status Of River Kibisi, Kenya Using The Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera And Trichoptera (Ept) Index

Abstract The term water quality is applied universally to refer to the water status that meets the universal standards set for legitimate and vital water use at any scale i.e. local, regional and international levels (WHO, 2000). The evolution of the term water quality has been due to the expansion of water requirements and ability to measure and interpret water characteristics. The definition of water quality depends on the factors that determine it, and other variables that affect the natur...

Impact Of Habitat Moderation By Weir Installation On Invertebrate And Fish Communities In Rivers Awach–Seme (Kenya) And Nambale (Uganda

ABSTRACT The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) rivers and streams once rich in biodiversity have been undergoing degradation over the years resulting in decline in fish productivity. Studies have mainly focused on large rivers in Kenya and Uganda. Impacts of habitat alteration by weir installation as a river management tool are lacking. This study aimed at comparing the limnological responses of Rivers Awach Seme (Kenya) and Nambale (Uganda), after weir installation. Data was collected monthly for si...

Ecological Factors Influencing Distribution Patterns Of Three Aristida Species And Their Associated Species In Kifuko Ranch, Laikipia County, Kenya

ABSTRACT Species of Aristida are a common component of rangelands of Northern Kenya. They provide high value pasture to livestock, especially during their young stage of growth. The ecological data relating to the distribution of Aristida species at a local scale is scanty. The objectives of this research were; to assess the distribution patterns of the three Aristida species occurring at Kifuko ranch during wet and dry seasons, to determine plant species associated with the three species of ...


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