Review
Entomology
Yuxin He, Yijuan Xu, Xiao Chen
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive summary of 10 important species of tephritid fruit flies in China, focusing on their biology, ecology, and integrated control methods. The aim is to provide researchers, quarantine officials, and hobbyists with a better understanding and more innovative approaches to limit the economic losses caused by these flies.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samuel Jeff Otieno, Cecilia Nyawira Ritho, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: This study evaluates the drivers of the adoption and dis-adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in the suppression of mango fruit-fly infestation in Embu County, Kenya. It employs a Correlated Random Effects Probit Model and a Discrete-time Proportional Hazard Model on two-wave panel data of 149 mango farmers selected using a cluster sampling technique. The descriptive results show that 59% and 17% of the respondents were adopters and dis-adopters of mango fruit fly IPM practices, respectively. Empirical findings reveal that the cost of IPM and training on IPM positively and significantly influenced adoption, while the unavailability of the technology had a negative and significant effect on adoption. For dis-adoption, the results indicate that farm size and the quality of IPM positively influenced the hazard of exit from IPM use, and hence, enhanced the sustained adoption of IPM. The study recommends capacity building for mango farmers through training and increased access to extension services to enhance the adoption of this technology and prevent dis-adoption.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samuel Elias Kayamo
Summary: The study estimated residents' willingness to pay for improved solid waste management in Hawassa city at an average of ETB 26.57 ($0.62) per month, and found that waste minimization practices were uncommon at the household level in the city.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mekonnen Bersisa, Almas Heshmati, Alemu Mekonnen
Summary: This study examines households' preferences, willingness to pay, and determinants of adopting improved cook stoves in rural Ethiopia. Findings suggest that households were aware of the benefits of improved cook stoves but were constrained by technology availability and product quality. Factors such as education, income, non-farm employment, and livestock ownership influenced the adoption of new gas stoves.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Sidol Houngbo, Afio Zannou, Esperance Zossou, Calmette S. G. Zanmenou, Augustin Aoudji, Antonio A. Sinzogan, Rachidatou Sikirou, Adam Ahanchede
Summary: The majority of farmers interested in integrated pest management preferred a combination of intercropping and ecological control products, and those willing to pay for IPM strategies were often characterized by having lower income, smaller farms, and limited access to extension services.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelsey J. Andrews, Rachelle Bester, Aruna Manrakhan, Hans J. Maree
Summary: The fruit fly species in South Africa, including Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis rosa, Ceratitis quilicii, and Bactrocera dorsalis, have a significant economic impact on commercially produced fruit, especially for export. Accurately identifying these fruit flies is a challenge, particularly at immature stages intercepted in fruit shipments. A rapid and accurate identification assay using high throughput sequencing and multiplex PCR has been developed, which can be applied in fruit inspection and surveillance activities within the country and at ports of entry.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Grazielle C. Maktura, Beatriz J. Paranhos, Henrique Marques-Souza
Summary: Fruit flies are economically important pests worldwide, causing direct damage to fruit crops. Current control methods involve cultural and biological techniques, as well as the use of pesticides, but there are challenges related to resistance and pollution, indicating the need for new approaches.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Zeni, Giovanni Benelli, Orlando Campolo, Giulia Giunti, Vincenzo Palmeri, Filippo Maggi, Roberto Rizzo, Gabriella Lo Verde, Andrea Lucchi, Angelo Canale
Summary: The Tephritidae family includes highly invasive and harmful species that are controlled primarily with synthetic insecticides, but research has shown that essential oils offer an alternative and eco-friendly option. Essential oils and their main constituents can act as attractants or toxins, showing potential applications in Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs and lure and kill techniques.
Article
Agronomy
D. Adeline Yeh, Bingyan Dai, Miguel I. Gomez, Vaughn M. Walton
Summary: This study utilizes a novel bioeconomic simulation framework to demonstrate the potential of incorporating fruit sampling in control strategies to reduce reliance on pesticides and control D. suzukii infestation. These findings provide valuable insights into the economic feasibility of using monitoring-based pest control strategies in organic berry production, with the assessment framework shedding light on the economics of pest management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Laima Blazyte-Cereskiene, Vincas Buda, Violeta Apsegaite, Sandra Radziute, Jurga Budiene, Dominykas Aleknavicius, Raimondas Mozuraitis
Summary: The study found that male R. batava are more attracted to the smell of ripe fruits, while females prefer unripe and semi-ripe fruits. There are significant quantitative and qualitative changes in volatile compounds between ripe and unripe fruits, which may be a key factor in the pest's host location.
Article
Biology
Haider Karar, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Abdul Basit, Sagheer Atta, Ahmad Ali Anjum, Ali Bakhsh, Arif Hussain, Abid Hameed, Yong Wang, Reem Atalla Alajmi, Dina M. Metwally, Muhammad Imran
Summary: The study evaluated the preference of fourteen mango cultivars for fruit flies and found that late cultivars like `Sanglakhi', `Mehmood Khan', and `Reutal-12' were highly susceptible to fruit flies. Bagging proved to be an effective method for managing fruit flies and improving fruit quality by reducing insect damage and disease incidence.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Waqas Wakil, Muhammad Usman, Jaime C. Pinero, Shaohui Wu, Michael D. Toews, David I. Shapiro-Ilan
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different combinations of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on the peach fruit fly and the Oriental fruit fly under laboratory, glasshouse, and field cage conditions. The results showed that combined applications of EPF and EPNs were more effective than individual treatments in controlling both fly species. The combination of Beauveria bassiana and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora consistently showed strong effects, while Metarhizium anisopliae applied with Steinernema carpocapsae was the least effective combination. Synergistic interactions were observed between B. bassiana and H. bacteriophora, B. bassiana and S. carpocapsae, and M. anisopliae and H. bacteriophora in different bioassays. Additive effects were observed in other combinations, especially against fly pupae. The study suggests that specific combinations of EPF and EPNs can be deployed in integrated pest management to control fruit flies in orchard agro-ecosystems.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gwang-Hyun Roh, Paul E. Kendra, Dong H. Cha
Summary: The preference of mated female oriental fruit flies for host fruit odors or protein food odors affects their oviposition outcomes, with females preferring host fruit odors laying more eggs. This suggests an olfactory-based behavioral switch from protein to host odors in oviposition-ready female B. dorsalis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jess R. Inskeep, Andrew P. Allen, Phillip W. Taylor, Polychronis Rempoulakis, Christopher W. Weldon
Summary: Insects tend to have distinct microhabitat preferences, which can be influenced by environmental conditions, leading to spatial separation in tree canopies between mass-reared and wild fruit flies with different reproductive statuses.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Patrick L. Cahill, Ian C. Davidson, Javier A. Atalah, Chris Cornelisen, Grant A. Hopkins
Summary: Pests in bivalve aquaculture pose challenges to productivity and sustainability. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) principles can improve economic and environmental outcomes. While IPM has been applied in some cases, data gaps and implementation barriers need to be addressed.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatrice W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: Tsetse-transmitted Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a significant disease affecting livestock development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The use of trypanocides to manage the disease is expensive and poses health risks. The novel Tsetse repellent collar technology (TRCT) developed by icipe provides an effective alternative control measure for AAT. The study found that TRCT increased the market value of cattle by 36%, decreased poverty levels by 8.5% points, and reduced household food insecurity by 36% and hunger scale by 24%.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samuel Jeff Otieno, Cecilia Nyawira Ritho, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: This study evaluates the drivers of the adoption and dis-adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in the suppression of mango fruit-fly infestation in Embu County, Kenya. It employs a Correlated Random Effects Probit Model and a Discrete-time Proportional Hazard Model on two-wave panel data of 149 mango farmers selected using a cluster sampling technique. The descriptive results show that 59% and 17% of the respondents were adopters and dis-adopters of mango fruit fly IPM practices, respectively. Empirical findings reveal that the cost of IPM and training on IPM positively and significantly influenced adoption, while the unavailability of the technology had a negative and significant effect on adoption. For dis-adoption, the results indicate that farm size and the quality of IPM positively influenced the hazard of exit from IPM use, and hence, enhanced the sustained adoption of IPM. The study recommends capacity building for mango farmers through training and increased access to extension services to enhance the adoption of this technology and prevent dis-adoption.
Article
Entomology
Chrysantus M. M. Tanga, Hosea O. O. Mokaya, Wendie Kasiera, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: Although studies on the nutritional properties of edible insects are limited, this study provides in-depth knowledge on the nutritional composition of Gonimbrasia cocaulti (GC), Bombyx mori (BM), and Samia Cynthia ricini (SC). The edible stage of GC showed high levels of linoleic acid, minerals, vitamins, and crude fiber. The protein content of the larvae and pupae of the insects ranged between 50 and 62%. These insects have the potential to be utilized in food fortification and reduce reliance on unsustainable animal and plant-based sources.
Correction
Food Science & Technology
Beatrice W. W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. M. Diiro, Michael N. N. Okal, Daniel K. K. Masiga
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Bonoukpoe Mawuko Sokame, Mark Wamalwa, Saliou Niassy, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had a negative impact on food and nutritional security worldwide. This study proposes a framework to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on food supply chains in Eastern Africa, with Kenya and Rwanda as case studies. The results show that COVID-19 has adversely affected food and nutritional security in these countries.
Article
Entomology
John Muinde, Chrysantus M. Tanga, John Olukuru, Clifford Odhiambo, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Kennedy Senagi
Summary: In recent years, farming black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has gained popularity due to its usefulness in animal feed production and waste management. However, current production levels do not meet market demand. This study used data science and machine learning modeling approaches to determine optimal rearing conditions for improved BSFL farming. The random forest regressor algorithm provided the best prediction results, highlighting key variables that contribute to the expected larvae weight. By tuning production system parameters according to the ranked variables, BSFL production can be optimized, contributing to alleviating food insecurity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Margaret Kababu, Collins K. Mweresa, Sevgan Subramanian, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: This study provides comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens from different districts in Uganda, and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake. The results showed significant variations in proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens. R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients to address food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Fathiya Mbarak Khamis
Summary: Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause significant losses in yam production among smallholders in Africa. A seed wrap technology offers a cost-effective, nature-based solution.
Review
Entomology
Komi Mensah Agboka, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Saliou Niassy, Shepard Ndlela, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi
Summary: This study models the spatio-temporal dispersal of a parasitoid in Kenya and estimates the economic benefits of investing in classical biological control. The findings show that investing in CBC can lead to significant economic gains without environmental contamination or adverse effects.
Article
Entomology
Fridah Chepchirchir, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Jackson Langat, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Fathiya Khamis
Summary: The negative effects of pest infestation on agricultural production are significant and efforts to control pests through synthetic pesticides have drawbacks. This study examines the economic, health, and environmental impacts of a specific pest, Tuta absoluta, on tomato production in Kenya and Uganda. The use of synthetic chemicals for pest management contributes to a significant portion of the cost of production.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelvin Mulungu, Hailemariam Tekelewold, Zewdu Abro, Subramanian Sevgan, Beatrice Muriithi, Julius Ecuru, Dennis Beesigamukama, Menale Kassie
Summary: Recent literature has shown that animal pollinator-dependent (PD) crops have the potential to enhance food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan African countries. These crops have higher micronutrient content but lower macronutrient content compared to pollinator-independent (PI) crops. PI crops, on the other hand, have higher calorie yield per hectare. PD crops significantly contribute to vitamin A production.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chrysantus M. Tanga, Margaret O. Kababu
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcasy P. Makokha, Patrick S. Muliro, Peninah N. Ngoda, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Sevgan Subramanian, Cheseto Xavier, Brian O. Ochieng, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: Adding high-valued meat powder to wheat bread can enhance its nutritional value without adverse effects on functional or sensory properties. The inclusion of meat powder increases protein, amino acids, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in bread, while improving its color, flavor, and overall acceptability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susan Mwelwa, Donald Chungu, Frank Tailoka, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: This article presents data on the biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain collected along a 60km pollution gradient. The datasets include concentrations of eight heavy metals in soils, host plants, and edible insects. The data demonstrate the potential biotransfer of heavy metals along the food chain and the health risks posed by edible insects harvested in heavy metal-polluted environments.
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Arnold L. Musungu, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: Globally, crickets are recognized as a valuable alternative protein source due to their lower resource requirement and ecological footprint compared to traditional livestock. This study found that providing cricket production starter kits, access to credit facilities, encouraging farmer group participation, and fostering partnerships can enhance the adoption of cricket farming. Additionally, institutional training significantly increases cricket yields, while embracing cricket consumption increases market supply. These findings emphasize the importance of technical training, provision of production starter kits, and raising awareness about entomophagy for sustainable mass production and adoption of cricket farming.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS
(2023)
