This paper, which is perhaps our umpteenth and umptieth on scientific method and scientific methodology, proposes, discusses and lays bare the canon of what we propose to call “irreducible simplicity”. We believe and hypothesize that this approach would encompass, and play a natural, pivotal and a vital role in all aspects and facets of scientific activity from the cradle to the grave such as grounds-up hypothesis conceptualization, hypothesis building, detailed hypothesis specification, ...
Abstract: Maize is the main staple crop of most communities of the East African mountains but the yield is affected by both biotic and abiotic factors. While soil nutrients increase the maize yields, infestation of maize fields by Lepidopteran pests such as, Chilo partellus (Crambidae) and Busseola fusca (Noctuidae) generally reduces the yields. In addition to enhancing maize yields, some soil elements such as silicon (Si) aid plants in overcoming abiotic and biotic stresses. Hence, any fact...
Abstract: The present study aims to determine the phylogenetic relationships among the sand lizards, Pedioplanis. In addition, a single mitochondrial gene is used to investigate the geographic genetic structure of the widey distributed P. burchelli. With 11 species, Pedioplanis is the most speciose genus among the southern African genera of the family Lacertidae. All the species are restricted to the subcontinent with the exception of three (P. namaquensis, P. undata and P. benguellensis), w...
Abstract: This thesis reports studies on three aspects of Glossina biology:- a) Studies on the peridomestic behaviour of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in the sleeping sickness epidemic focus of Busoga, Uganda. b) Application of analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons in the chemotaxonomy of Glossina and c) Studies on the ovulation and late mating of virgin Glossina. A search near homesteads, made over a period of 20 months, revealed tsetse puparia and puparial shells under Coffea canephora (coffee),...
Abstract: A study was conducted on the activity response of unfed adults of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus to some o the environmental changes during the three main seasons here in East Africa. Ticks of two different ages were subjected to various treatments in the laboratory to vary their physiological (hydration) states and thereafter exposed in the field. Observations there made on the activity responses in relation to changes in temperature and relative humidity within the micro-habitat at...
Abstract: In this study, adsorption of heavy metals (copper, lead, zinc and cadmium) from aqueous solutions was investigated using mangrove biomass from the Kenyan Coast. The efficacy of mangrove biomass on the removal of divalent metal ions from aqueous solutions was investigated in single state in batch mode. Batch experiments involved the study of the effects of initial pH, temperature, initial concentration of the metal ion, adsorbent dosage and contact time on metal ions adsorption. The...
Abstract: Control of disease vectors by use of synthetic chemical pesticides has been associated with a series of problems, including resistance development, environmental pollution, and safety risks for humans and domestic animals. Plant-based products have been used for generations in traditional practices to control different arthropods. These have been used in space or personal protection either to repel the arthropods from distance or to deter them from blood-feeding on contact. In the ...
Abstract: The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motchulsky), the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius), and the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver), are serious pests of stored grain in Kenya. The control of these insect pests relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides by better off farmers; but there is an increasing cost of application and erratic supply in developing countries. In addition, small-scale farmers cannot afford these commercial products...
Abstract: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is present in 36 sub-Saharan African countries. The disease is easier to treat in early stage than late stage when treatment with melarsoprol is responsible for significant fatality. Therefore there is need to develop a diagnostic test for early detection before progression of the disease into the late stage. Currently available tests have poor sensitivity. Thus highly sensitive methods are needed for the detection of the parasite in human blood....
Abstract: The contamination of food is increasingly becoming a concern in developing countries due to the mounting amounts of heavy metals in urban environments. Juices are common beverages in the usual diet and contribute significantly to the nutritional intake of essential and harmful trace elements. Currently, there is inadequate information regarding the amounts of heavy metals in juice from sugarcane produced along rivers in Nairobi city. In the present study, the levels of heavy metals...
Abstract: Eleven species/subspecies belonging to the genus Trypanosoma, cause African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) with Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma congolense being the predominant pathogens. Annually, AAT leads to losses worth 4.5 billion dollars to livestock dependent economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to manage the disease, trypanocidal drugs have been in use. However, parasites resistant to these trypanocides have emerged making the treatment of AAT difficult. Parasite resis...
Abstract: Odor-baited traps (OBTs) are increasingly being considered for use in sampling, surveillance and control of malaria mosquitoes. Most odor baits contain carbon dioxide, which apparently enhances trap catches given its role as a mosquito activator. Unfortunately, organic CO2, which is the most locally amenable source of the gas, must be replaced after each experimental night. This precludes the application of carbon dioxide-based odor baits for prolonged area-wide use. This study exp...
Abstract: Cowpea is a multipurpose legume crop that serves as human food, livestock fodder, and income source and is widely produced in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil fertility and attack by insect pests and diseases are significant limitations to its production. Although farm inputs such as phosphate-rich fertilizers and pesticides can solve the mentioned constraints, they are costly for resource-poor farmers. This study aimed at determining the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation ...
Abstract: Rodents are one of the major postharvest pests that affect food security by impacting on both food availability and safety. However, knowledge of the impact of rodents in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya is limited. A survey was conducted in 2014 with a total of 630 farmers spread across the six maize growing agro-ecological zones (AEZs) to assess postharvest losses magnitudes in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya, and the contribution of rodents to the losses. Experiment...
Abstract: Tsetse flies are the sole vectors of African trypanosomiasis in humans (sleeping sickness) and animals (nagana). The whole genome sequence of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans revealed the presence of putative bracoviral sequences (n = 310) widely spread in the genome. These sequences are similar to those identified in parasitic braconid wasps. Bracoviruses (family Polydnaviridae) encode proteins that lower host immunity allowing for the development of parasitoid larvae i...