Abstract For ages, plant breeders have relied on the genetic variability that results from sexually crossing plants within the same species. However, the variability that exists within species populations is inadequate, hence the need to exploit desirable traits of interest in distantly related or even unrelated plants through hybridization techniques. Hybridization can be categorized into two; sexual and somatic. Sexual hybridization, also referred to as wide or distant hybridization involv...
Abstract: Millions of people around the world suffer from heavy social and health burdens related to HIV/AIDS and its associated opportunistic infections. To reduce these burdens, preventive and therapeutic vaccines are required. Effective HIV vaccines have been under investigation for several decades using different animal models. Potential plant-made HIV vaccine candidates have also gained attention in the past few years. In addition to this, broadly neutralizing antibodies produced in pla...
Abstract: Ocimum grattissimum L. (Labiatae) leaves are widely eaten as a vegetable in Nigeria, and in the eastern parts, are traditionally used in post-harvest protection and relieving stomach aches. The effect of the essential oil of O. grattissimum leaves on Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was assessed for repellency, mortality, progeny emergence and maize damage in the laboratory. The oil was found to be moderately repellent to the maize weevil and induced hig...
Abstract: Background: Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) are serious soil-borne pests in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L) production in high tunnels. This study was undertaken to determine effects of soil chemical properties on their abundance. Method: Soil samples were collected from 32 high tunnels in the sub-counties: Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Juja, Thika, Ruiru and Kiambu, Kenya, from January to November 2016. Nematodes genera, R. solanacearum...
Abstract: Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in the South West Region of Cameroon. An understanding of the abundance and distribution of the Bulinus snail, intermediate host can inform strategic snail control programmes at a local scale. This study investigated seasonal dynamics and environmental factors influencing occurrence and abundance of freshwater snail intermediate hosts in Tiko, a semi-urban endemic focus in the Mount Cameroon area. A longi...
Abstract: The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, is an important pest of tomatoes in Kenya. Acaricides commonly used in excessive amounts by farmers have led to cases of resistance as well as widespread residues in the food chain and the larger environment. There is need to seek alternative control measures such as the use of endophytes. In this study, laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out to screen for Beauveria bassiana isolates that could esta...
Abstract: Vegetable production is increasing in order to feed the growing urban populations in subSaharan Africa. Net houses are one possible solution to increase the quality and yield of cowpea, an important leafy vegetable, and to reduce the use of pesticides. This study tested the hypothesis that net houses do not protect cowpea against the Black Legume Aphid,Aphis craccivora or Bean Flower Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti, two small but major cowpea pests. Thus, a possibility to suppleme...
Abstract: Antestia bug Antestiopsis thunbergii (Gmelin) is a key insect pest of Arabica coffee associated with high losses in terms of quality, yield and export market of produce from the African region. Although the pest prefer feeding on unripe (mature) green berries than other coffee berry maturity stages or coffee parts, the cues that influence their host choice are unknown. In addition, A. thunbergii is gregarious in the field and produces a strong distinct smell while disturbed, which ...
Abstract: The Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari is the most important pest of coffee worldwide. The predominant method for the pest control is application of broad spectrum pesticides, but they are often toxic to humans and pollute the environment, hence the need to search for safer alternatives. Spiroacetals represent a group of semiochemicals often used to manage various pests through manipulation of their behaviour. This study which was carried out between January 2013 and D...
Abstract: Root-Knot Nematodes (RKNs) are major economically important group of plant parasitic nematodes distributed worldwide. RKNs cause over $100 billion yield losses annually on major crops. The damage caused to crops is due to plant root invasion by motile second stage juveniles (J2s). The J2s induce redifferentiation of the plant root cells into specialized feeding cells essential for nematode development. The hyperplasia and hypertrophy of cells surrounding the feeding cells lead to f...
Abstract: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L), is one of the most common and important vegetable crops in the world with over 18,477 hectares under tomato production in Kenya. Tomato production is however, greatly threatened by bacterial wilt (BW). Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious disease in the tropics and subtropics, causing severe losses in many agricultural crops. To control its infection, several measures have been deployed but with minimum success. Alternative ...
Abstract: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the important vegetables grown in Kenya. It is the second leading vegetable in terms of production and nutritional value after the potato. Tomatoes are mainly grown by small scale farmers in most arable areas with the main production areas being in Kiambu County. Production of tomatoes in Kenya has been mainly under open field conditions until recently where modified high tunnels (‘greenhouse’) were introduced. Tomato production in greenh...