Abstract: Maize lethal necrosis disease occur in major growing regions of Kenya, causing losses of up to 100% estimated at 50 million US$ in 2014/15. The study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of thrips and aphids in transmission of maize lethal necrosis viruses. Maize seedlings were inoculated with adults and nymphs of Western flower thrip (Franklinella occidentalis), corn leaf aphids (Rhapolosiphum maidis) and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) carrying maize lethal necrosis vi...
Abstract: Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies hold potential to protect against climate risks, reduce nutrient depletion and enhance food security. In this paper, we study how exposure to dry spells influences use and use intensity of ISFM technologies, specifically focusing on maize-legume intercropping and organic manure. We use a four-round panel dataset collected from households in six Malawi districts over a period of nine years and merged with daily rainfall data f...
Abstract: 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 ele...
Abstract: Pig production is one of the fastest growing livestock sectors. Development of this sector is hampered by rapidly increasing costs of fishmeal (FM), which is a common protein source in animal feeds. Here, we explored the potential of substituting FM with black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM) on growth and blood parameters of pigs as well as economic aspects. At weaning, 40 hybrid pigs, i.e., crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace were randomly assigned to five iso-nitroge...
Abstract: Background: Elaphrodes lactea Gaede is a highly praised edible lepidopteran insect in the Miombo forest in the DRC. Both caterpillars and pupae of this species are consumed. Following recent declines in the Miombo forest, it is crucial to investigate the rate of consumption, biological, and exploitation cycles, as well as the trade and profitability of E. lactea to develop a sustainable program for its use. Methods: We, therefore, embarked on a survey in 10 sites located in Lubumba...
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: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, also known as the Asian citrus psyllid, is a pest of citrus known for its transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Ca. L. asiaticus), the causal bacterium of Huanglongbing. The African citrus triozid Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) has been the putative vector of Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (Ca. L. africanus) which causes the African citrus greening disease, until the recent detection of D. citri on the continent. Foll...
Abstract: The African citrus triozid Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is the most destructive citrus pest. Presently, biological data on T. erytreae are insufficient for important parameters like distribution, seasonal dynamics and ntomopathogens. Therefore, we determined the temporal dynamics of T. erytreae along three different altitudinal gradients in Kenya. In low altitudes, females of T. erytreae reactivated and started laying eggs between late February and early March...
Abstract: Rice blast disease resulting from infected rice seed can be avoided by using treated seeds. Seed treatment using chemical fungicide has many limitations such as development of resistance to pathogens, damage to the natural environment and the health of farmers and consumers. Such limitations have raised the need for alternative non-chemical seed treatment methods such as antagonist microbial agents and hot water. Laboratory and the screen house experiments were carried out with the...
Abstract: Citrus production in Kenya has been declining due to myriad of challenges, top among them, being pest and disease infestations, with most severe ones noted to be the African citrus triozid (ACT) and false codling moth (FCM) pests and Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. In order to strengthen citrus industry in the sub-Saharan Africa, including in Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and its partners are proposing an alternative strategy for addressing t...
Abstract: Iroko gall bug, Phytolyma species is a major pest of Milicia excelsa which has hindered the establishment of Milicia plantations in many West African countries. To date, the genus Phytolyma consists of Phytolyma lata (Scot), Phytolyma fusca (Walker) Phytolyma minuta (Hollis) and Phytolyma tuberculata (Alibert). In Nigeria, there is no clear record of the Phytolyma spp found in the country. This has become a major concern due to irregularities in researchers’ report of species pre...
Abstract: Understanding farm diversity is essential to delineate recommendation domains for new technologies, but diversity is a subjective concept, and can be described differently depending on the way it is perceived. Historically, new technologies have been targeted primarily based on agro-ecological conditions, largely ignoring socioeconomic conditions. Based on 273 farm households' surveys in Ethiopia, we compare two approaches for the delineation of farm type recommendation domains for...
Abstract: The productivity of maize in Ethiopia has remained lower than the world average because of several biotic and abiotic factors. Stemborers and poor soil fertility are among the main factors that contribute to this poor maize productivity. A novel cropping strategy, such as the use of push-pull technology, is one of the methods known to solve both challenges at once. A push-pull technology targeting the management of maize stemborers was implemented in the Hawassa district of Ethiopi...
Abstract: 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...
Abstract: This study was carried out to assess individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for UZIMAX, a novel plant-based biopesticide developed for malaria vector control. The biopesticide is estimated to kill up to 100% of Anopheles larvae within 48 h of application and poses no risks to human health and the environment. However, scaling-up of its adoption requires clear evidence of its acceptance by individuals in malaria-prone areas. We conducted Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) revealed prefe...