Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
S. Labu, S. Subramanian, F. M. Khamis, P. Akite, P. Kasangaki, M. Chemurot, C. M. Tanga, F. L. O. Ombura, J. P. Egonyu
Summary: This study investigated the microbial contaminants in edible long-horned grasshoppers in Uganda, finding that deep-fried insects had lower bacterial and fungal counts compared to raw samples. Bacterial counts were highest in whole grasshoppers from markets, while fungal counts were similar across sampling points. Pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus sciuri were present in marketed insects but absent in wild-caught ones. Processing through deep frying is necessary to minimize health risks associated with consumption. Further research on specific handling practices is warranted to prevent microbial contamination in grasshoppers.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
J. P. Egonyu, M. M. Miti, C. M. Tanga, A. Leonard, S. Subramanian
Summary: The study found that cannibalism accounted for 49% of R. differens deaths, with 83% of victims being adults. Males and females were equally susceptible to cannibalism. Over half of cannibalism occurred at night, and the presence of egg trays almost doubled the incidence of cannibalism. The thorax was the most preferred body part, consumed in 77% of cannibalized individuals.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Alfonce Leonard, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Samuel Kyamanywa, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Christos Athanassiou
Summary: Investigated the development, survival, and reproduction of R. differens on diets mixed with host plants, and found that the inclusion of host plants can enhance the survival, development, and fecundity of R. differens.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Kababu Margaret, Mweresa K. Collins, Sevgan Subramanian, James P. Egonyu, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Nyamu Faith, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of low-cost diets based on agricultural by-products on the growth performance, survival, fecundity, and longevity of the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens. The results showed that Diet 3 had the highest crude protein content and digestibility, resulting in the shortest development time, highest survival, longevity, and fecundity among the tested diets.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
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)
Article
Entomology
F. Sengendo, S. Subramanian, M. Chemurot, C. M. Tanga, J. P. Egonyu
Summary: By modifying the collection drum with a funnel, wire meshes, and replacing mercury bulbs with LED bulbs, the energy-use efficiency of trapping Ruspolia differens has been improved. Additionally, safety for collectors, processors, and consumers is ensured with the modified traps.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, John M. Nduko, Xavier Cheseto, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Fathiya M. Khamis, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Peter J. Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of different post-harvest thermal treatments on the nutrients and compounds of long-horned grasshopper products. The results showed that blanching technique increased the flavonoid content and sterols, while reducing the loss of nutrients.
Article
Biology
Alfonce Leonard, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Samuel Kyamanywa, Henri Z. E. Tonnang, Abdelmutalab G. A. Azrag, Fathiya M. Khamis, Sunday Ekesi, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: The study investigated the effect of temperature on the development, survival, and reproduction of the edible grasshopper R. differens, finding optimal rearing temperatures and predicting up to three generations per year in subSaharan Africa under current scenarios. The research utilized predictive models to estimate the potential distribution of R. differens under current and future climates, showing changes in the suitable areas for establishment by 2050. The outcomes can guide the optimization of mass rearing practices for R. differens.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Leen Van Campenhout, Ann De Winne, Johan Claes, Mik Van Der Borght
Summary: This research aimed to determine the causes and mechanisms of spoilage in the long-horned grasshopper, finding that water activity plays a crucial role in determining the type of spoilage that occurs. High water activity led to microbial spoilage, while low water activity resulted in oxidative rancidity.
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Geoffrey M. Malinga, Amos Acur, Patrick Ocen, Sille Holm, Karlmax Rutaro, Stephen Ochaya, John N. Kinyuru, Jorgen Eilenberg, Nanna Roos, Anu Valtonen, Philip Nyeko, Heikki Roininen
Summary: Experimental evaluation of 12 diets on Ruspolia differens showed that fresh maize comb and germinated finger millet had the highest nymphal survival rates, shortest development times, and highest adult weights. Females fed on germinated finger millet also had more than twice higher lifetime fecundity compared to other diets, suggesting these diets as suitable options for mass-rearing systems.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Francis Sengendo, Sevgan Subramanian, Michael Kidoido, Moses Chemurot, Chrysantus Tanga, James Peter Egonyu
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that improved light traps using modified drums and LED bulbs are more efficient and safer in trapping wild Ruspolia differens compared to mercury light traps commonly used in Uganda. A cost-benefit analysis showed that the improved trapping technique is more profitable than the current method, due to factors such as higher costs of electricity and harmful non-target insects associated with the current technique. Adoption of the improved trapping technique is recommended for increased profitability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jing Liu, Xiangyi Lu, Xun Bian
Summary: This study provided meaningful genetic information for Ruspolia yunnana and validated the phylogenetic relationships within the Conocephalinae, confirming the closest genetic relationship between Ruspolia yunnana and Ruspolia dubia.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pilar Benites, Alejandro Zaldivar-Riveron, Rubi N. Meza-Lazaro, Ernesto Samaca-Saenz, Jorge Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Antonio Hernandez-Lopez
Summary: By analyzing the Sphenarium genus, we identified four undescribed species and found evidence of mitochondrial and nuclear introgression, highlighting the importance of gene flow in speciation.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
John N. Kinyuru
Summary: This study assessed the physico-chemical characteristics and fatty acid profile of oil from termite, green long-horned grasshopper, and brown long-horned grasshopper. The insects have high-quality oil that can be used in processing nutritional food products, and heat processing does not significantly affect the quality of the oils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Alejandro Vera, Paula Prelo
Summary: The genital morphologies of male and female Aphractini tribe were studied, including four species. The length between the female spermathecal duct and titillatory articulated processes was found to be similar within species but different between them, suggesting a possible association with the sperm removal strategy.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2022)