Department of Biological Sciences

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Functional response of Orius albidipennis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) to Megalurothrips sjostedti (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
(Karatina University, 2002-05-02) Gitonga (a), Linus M.; Löhrb (b), B.; Magambo (a), J. K.; Mueke (c), J. M.
A locally available anthocorid predator, Orius albidipennis Reuter, was evaluated as a candidate biocontrol agent for Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, a major pest of French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris (L), in Kenya. The functional response of adult O. albidipennis to larval and adult M. sjostedti was studied at 15, 25, and 28 °C and densities of 5, 10, 20, and 30 larval and adult M. sjostedti per cage, over 24 h. More larvae and adult M. sjostedti were killed at the higher densities and with an increase in temperature. The data provided good fit to both type I and II functional response models. Attack rates increased with temperature for both the second instar larva and adult M. sjostedti. Handling times for the larvae decreased with an increase in temperature while those for the adults increased with increase in temperature. The implications of these results are discussed.
Functional response of Orius albidipennis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) to Megalurothrips sjostedti (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
(Karatina University, 2002-05-02) Gitonga, Linus M.; overhalt, W.A.; Löhr, B.; Magambo, J. K.; Mueke, J. M.
A locally available anthocorid predator, Orius albidipennis Reuter, was evaluated as a candidate biocontrol agent for Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, a major pest of French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris (L), in Kenya. The functional response of adult O. albidipennis to larval and adult M. sjostedti was studied at 15, 25, and 28 °C and densities of 5, 10, 20, and 30 larval and adult M. sjostedti per cage, over 24 h. More larvae and adult M. sjostedti were killed at the higher densities and with an increase in temperature. The data provided good fit to both type I and II functional response models. Attack rates increased with temperature for both the second instar larva and adult M. sjostedti. Handling times for the larvae decreased with an increase in temperature while those for the adults increased with increase in temperature. The implications of these results are discussed.
Temperature-dependent development of Megalurothripssjostedti and Frankliniellaoccidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
(2002-09) Gitonga, Linus; Lohr, B.; Overholt, Bill; Magambo, J. K.
Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanciptera: Thripidae) are among the most serious pests of French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris var. Monel in Kenya and occur in all major growing areas. The former seems to be prevalent during cold and rainy periods while the latter is mainly a problem during hot and dry conditions. The development of the two species was studied at temperatures ranging from 15 degreesC to 30 degreesC. The average developmental times of each stage are given. For both species, the developmental times decreased with an increase in temperature. The degree-days required to complete development from egg to adult were 212 and 256 above the estimated threshold temperatures of 9.6 degreesC and 9.0 degreesC for M. sjostedti and F.occidoitalis, respectively. Between 19 and 23 generations of M. sjostedti and between 17 and 20 generations of F. occidentalis; could possibly develop under Kenyan field conditions in one year. Overall mortality was lowest at 25 degreesC. Mortality rates for both species decreased from larval instars to adult and were higher for M. sjostedti than for F. occidentalis. Since the developmental times were not different, the differential pest status of M. sjostedti and F. occidentalis must be a result of other factors.
Antimicrobial acitivity of extracts from Tephrosiavogelii Hook F.
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT), Kenya, 2006) Wanga, B. N.; Akenga, T.; Imbuga, M.; Gitonga, L.; Olubayo, F.; Namungu, P.
The dichloromethane extracts of the root and leaf of Tephrosia vogelii Hook F. (Family: Papilionaceae) grown in Kenya, were subjected to antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Fusarium phoseolida. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) ranged between 0.25 to 6.4 μg/ml for all the microorganisms tested. The crude root and leaf extracts were also toxic to the brine shrimps, organisms used as indicators of toxicity (LC50: 0.960; 0.958μg/ml,respectively). Chromatographic separation led to the identification of (6aß, 12aß, 5'ß)-6a, 12a, 4',5'-tetra hydro-2,3-dimethoxy 5'-ß- isopropenyl–furano (3',2': 8,9)-6H-rotoxen-12-one, (rotenone) in 9.75% yield, (roots), and 11.75% (leaves). Characterisation was achieved by use of spectroscopic techniques and comparison with rotenone standard and literature data. Novel HPLC conditions for purification of rotenoids were established. The MIC of rotenone against the tested microbes was found to be 5.2 and 1.0 μg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively, while the LC50 against the brine shrimps was found to be 3.20 μg/ml. The findings indicate that the extracts of T. vogelii contain metabolites that have antimicrobial activity comparable to other medicinal plants.
Biological impact of the exotic parasitoid, Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen), of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2006-08) Momanyi, Caleb; Loehr, Bernhard; Gitonga, Linus
Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) was introduced to Kenya from Taiwan for the control of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L., and released for the first time in July 2002. Seven and twelve months after release, field mortality studies using the cage exclusion method were conducted at two release sites (Werugha/Taita Hills and Tharuni/Central Kenya). Four treatments were applied: fully closed and partially open cages, both with and without glue applied to the base of the plants for the exclusion of crawling predators. During this time interval, parasitism of exposed larvae rose from 15 to 60% at Werugha and from 8 to 18% at Tharuni, with a concomitant decrease of parasitism by indigenous parasitoids. Crawling predators did not seem to have an effect on mortality. Unexplained mortality increased by half between the first and second experiment at both sites, indicating additional mortality due to the parasitoid. A subsequent field simulation with different parasitoid populations showed that in the presence of parasitoids more larvae died because of abandoning the plant than due to parasitism. Dissections of larvae on the ground showed most were parasitized. Thus, it appears that mortality due to D. semiclausum is more than twice the measured rate of parasitism. Additional information on parasitism was collected from concurrently executed DBM yield loss trials. Parasitism by D. semiclausum was in the same range as in the cage exclusion method. Seven months after release, local parasitoids were present at Werugha and dominant at Tharuni, after one year, they were almost completely displaced at both locations.
Relationship between virulence and repellency of entomopathogenic isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to the termite Macrotermes michaelseni
(Journal of Insect Physiology, 2009) Mburu, D.M.; Ochola, L.; Maniania, N.K; Njagi, P.G.N.; Gitonga, L.M.; Ndung'u, M.W.; Wanjoya, A.K.; Hassanali, A.
Termites encounter a diverse array of potentially useful and harmful fungi in their subterranean habitats. These vary from symbiotic to harmful species with varying levels of virulence. How these hemiedaphic insects survive in habitats with infective fungi is not well understood. Possible mediation of olfactory signals in avoiding contact with entomopathogenic fungi has been explored by a number of workers. In the present study, we initially found that Macrotermes michaelseni detected a virulent isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae from some distance and avoided direct physical contact. We hypothesized that there may be a relationship between virulence and repellency of different isolates of M. anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to the termite. We compared these for selected isolates of the two fungi. Positive correlations between the two parameters for both sets of isolates of the fungi were obtained. The results show an interesting co-evolutionary phenomenon in which the termite’s response to either M. anisopliae or B. bassiana is directly related to potential harm these fungi can inflict on the insect and that the virulent strains are more likely to be recognized from some distance and avoided.
Open relationships in the castles of clay: high diversity and low host specificity of Termitomyces fungi associated with fungus-growing termites in Africa
(International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSSI), 2010-08) Lagat, Zipporah Osiemo; Marten, Andreas; Kaib, M.; Gitonga, L. M.; Boga, H. I.; Brandl, R.
In the African and Asian tropics, termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae play a major role in the decomposition of dead plant material. Their ecological success lies in the obligate mutualism of the termites with fungi of the genus Termitomyces. Before the advent of molecular studies, the interaction with these fungi was poorly understood. Here, we combined available ITS sequence data from West, Central, and South Africa with data of 39 new samples from East Africa to achieve the most comprehensive view of the diversity and host specificity of Termitomyces symbionts across Africa to date. A high amount of sequence divergence in the ITS sequences was found; 11 different Termitomyces lineages in East Africa and >30 lineages across Africa were identified, and the expected diversity is estimated to be about 41 lineages. The fungal lineages belong to four major clades, each almost exclusively associated with one termite host genus. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 40% of the ITS sequence variation occurred between host genera, indicating close co-evolution at this level. However, within host genera, fungal lineages and haplotypes were frequently shared among host species and sampling localities, except for fungal symbionts of Odontotermes. Horizontal transmission of fungal symbionts may facilitate the transfer of haplotypes and species among hosts. However, at present, we have little understanding of the maintenance of specificity at the genus level. Possible explanations range from substrate specificity of fungi to an active selection of fungi by termites.
Host plant resistance among tomato accessions to the spider mite Tetranychusevansi in Kenya
(Springer, 2011-04-11) Onyambus, G. K.; Maranga, R. O.; Gitonga, L. M.; Knapp, M.
The spider mite Tetranychus evansi has a broad range of host plants. Control of T. evansi has been a big challenge to tomato farmers due to its fast rate of reproduction, development of resistance to chemical pesticides and its ability to use weeds as alternative hosts when the tomato plants are not available. The aim of the current study was to determine the host plant acceptance and the relative contributions of trichomes in the control of the red spider mite by comparing the survival, development and oviposition rates of the red spider mite on eight tomato accessions. Leaflets from eight tomato varieties were assayed with the spider mites to determine the egg laying capacity and developmental time of the spider mites on the tomato accessions as well as the trichome densities. Densities of trichome types I, IV, V and VI varied among the tomato accessions. Variation in types I, IV and VI accounted for most of the variation in mite responses. The varieties with high densities of types IV and VI had the highest fecundity and mite development did not go beyond the larval stage. The developmental time varied significantly among the tomato accessions. The results indicated that the higher the density of trichome type I the lower the adult survival. The findings indicated possible resistance of some of the tested tomato accessions against T. evansi which is partially associated with trichomes types and density.
Performance of a semiochemical-baited autoinoculation device treated with Metarhizium anisopliae for control of Frankliniella occidentalis on French bean in field cages
(Karatina University, 2011-12-16) Niassy, S.; Maniania, N. K.; Subramanian, S.; Gitonga, L. M.; Ekesi, S.
The performance of an autoinoculation device was evaluated in field cage experiments for control of Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in French bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Samantha (Fabaceae). Treatments consisted of a fungus-treated device with and without semiochemical (Lurem-TR), and a fungusfree device as control; the fungus used was Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The overall mean number of conidia acquired by a single insect was higher in the fungus-treated semiochemical-baited device than in the device without 10 × 0.6 ± semiochemical: 5.04 10 × 0.4 ± vs. 2.24 conidia per insect. The overall thrips mortality was also higher in the semiochemical-baited device than in the device without the 3.5%. Conidial viability was not ± 3.9 vs. 41.7 ± semiochemical: 59.3 affected in the M. anisopliae-treated device without days after treatment, whereas it was considerably semiochemicals, 7 days post-inoculation 1.1%, 2 and 7 ± 1.3 to 6.5 ± decreased – from 81.0 – in the M. anisopliae-treated semiochemical-baited device. Thrips mortality was positively correlated with M. anisopliae conidial viability, and conidial viability was negatively correlated with conidial acquisition. This suggests that the semiochemical volatiles reduced the conidial viability, which in turn resulted in significant reduction in thrips mortality, despite the highest conidial acquisition in the semiochemical-baited fungus-treated device. Thrips density per plant was significantly reduced in both fungus-treated 1.7 adults per plant; without ± treatments (with semiochemical: 8.7 1.4 adults per plant) compared with the fungus-free ± semiochemical: 6.6 2.6 adults per plant). These results demonstrate the ± control (19.8 potential for an autoinoculation device strategy for the control of thrips, particularly in screenhouses.
Selection of promising fungal biological control agent of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
(Karatina University, 2012) Niassy, S.; Maniania, NK; Gitonga, LM; Mburu, DM; Masiga, D.; Ekesi, S.
Aims: Larval stages of Frankliniella occidentalis are known to be refractory to fungal infection compared with the adult stage. The objective of this study was to identify promising fungal isolate(s) for the control of larval stages of F. occidentalis. Methods and results: Ten isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and eight of Beauveria bassiana were screened for virulence against second-instar larvae of F. occidentalis. Conidial production and genetic polymorphism were also investigated. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 69 and ICIPE 665 had the shortest LT(50) values of 8.0-8.9 days. ICIPE 69, ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 20 had the lowest LC(50) values of 1.1 × 10(7), 2.0 × 10(7) and 3.0 × 10(7) conidia ml(-1), respectively. Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 produced significantly more conidia than M. anisopliae isolates ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 20. Internally transcribed spacers sequences alignment showed differences in nucleotides composition, which can partly explain differences in virulence. Conclusion: These results coupled with the previous ones on virulence and field efficacy against other species of thrips make M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 a good candidate. Significance and impact of the study: Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 can be suggested for development as fungus-based biopesticide for thrips management.
Selection of promising fungal biological control agent of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
(Letters of Applied Microbiology, 2012-02) Niassy, S.; Maniania, N.K; Subramanian, S.; Gitonga, L.M.; Mburu, D.M.; Masiga, D.; Ekesi, S.
Aims: Larval stages of Frankliniella occidentalis are known to be refractory to fungal infection compared with the adult stage. The objective of this study was to identify promising fungal isolate(s) for the control of larval stages of F. occidentalis. Methods and Results: Ten isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and eight of Beauveria bassiana were screened for virulence against second-instar larvae of F. occidentalis. Conidial production and genetic polymorphism were also investigated. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 69 and ICIPE 665 had the shortest LT50 values of 8Æ0–8Æ9 days. ICIPE 69, ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 20 had the lowest LC50 values of 1Æ1 · 107 , 2Æ0 · 107 and 3Æ0 · 107 conidia ml)1 , respectively. Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 produced significantly more conidia than M. anisopliae isolates ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 20. Internally transcribed spacers sequences alignment showed differences in nucleotides composition, which can partly explain differences in virulence. Conclusion: These results coupled with the previous ones on virulence and field efficacy against other species of thrips make M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 a good candidate. Significance and Impact of the Study: Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 can be suggested for development as fungus-based biopesticide for thrips management.
Compatibility of Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 with agrochemicals used in French bean production
(Journal of Pest Management, 2012-04) Niassy, S.; Maniania, N.K; Subramanian, S.; Gitonga, L.M.; Maranga, R.; Obonyo, A.B.; Ekesi, S.
The compatibility of the Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin isolate ICIPE 69, which is being developed as a biopesticide for the control of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, was assessed under laboratory conditions with 12 agrochemicals including 5 insecticides (thiamethoxam, L-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, diazinon), 1 botanical insecticide (azadirachtin), 2 acaricides (abamectin, spiromesifen), and 3 fungicides (carbendazim, copper hydroxide, probineb) used in French bean production. The insecticides abamectin and imidacloprid were highly compatible with M. anisopliae; thiamethoxam was compatible, whereas azadirachtin and L-cyahalothrin were toxic to the fungus, adversely affecting vegetative growth and sporulation. The acaricide spiromesifen was moderately toxic, while the fungicides carbendazim, probineb, and copper-hydroxide were very toxic to the fungus. The combination of the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 with imidacloprid or thiamethoxam did not result in any synergistic or antagonistic effects to larvae of F. occidentalis. However, the combination of lower concentrations of the fungus with thiamethoxam resulted in a shorter lethal time (LT50) compared with individual treatments. Our results suggest that application of the fungus with agrochemicals has to be assessed carefully prior to any field intervention.
Bioecology of thrips in French bean growing ecosystem in Kenya
(2012-10-31) Gitonga, Linus Muthuri
Studies on the bioecology ofthrips on French beans were carried out at Machakos, Kaguru and JKUAT. The general objectives of this study were twofold, namely to study the biology and population dynamics of thrips on French beans and to identify and evaluate indigenous natural enemies of the thrips. Two thrips species, M sjostedti and F occidentalis were found throughout the year on French bean crops in all localities of the study. Their population peaks occurred at different times in the course of the year. Populations of M sjostedti peaked after the rains while those of F occidentalis occurred during the hot and dry months of the year at all the localities. Studies on the movements of thrips, into and out of the French bean crops showed that colonization by both species begins soon after germination and that both species preferred the flowers to other plant parts. F occidentalis was found to thrive equally well on the leaves, unlike M sjostedti which only inhabited flower buds and flowers. During the pre-flowering phase ofthe crop, M sjostedti were found on the terminal buds from where they moved to the flowers immediately after the onset of flowering. Most first instar larvae emerged from the pods and flowers. Petioles, leaves, flower buds, flowers and pods were used as oviposition substrates by the thrips.to varying extents. Analysis of the spatial distribution showed both species to be significantly aggregated in the respective plant parts. Laboratory studies indicated that developmental period decreased with an increase in temperature for all the stages of M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental threshold temperatures were calculated as 9.6 and 9.0 for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Development from egg to adult required 212.0 and 256.8 Degree Days for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. However, at 15?C and 300C, mortality rates for all the developmental stages were higher for M sjostedti than F. occidentalis. The highest mortalities were recorded for the first instar larvae for both species, ranging from 15% to 42% and 11 % to 30% for M sjostedti and F. occidentalis respectively. Pre-pupae and pupae had the lowest mortality rates. An indigenous anthocorid bug, Orius albidipennis was found throughout the year in all the three field sites. Studies on the functional responses of 0. albidipennis to M sjostedti showed that more second instar larvae than adult M sjostedti were killed at all the temperature profiles and densities. With increase in temperature, more second instar larvae and adult M sjostedti were killed. High f2 values shows that both Types I and IT functional responses provided good fit for the data at 15?C, 25?C and 28?C. Attack rates also increased with an increase in temperature. Mortality rates of the 0. albidipennis nymphal instars decreased from the first to the 5th instar at all the temperatures. The mortality rates at 25?C were lower than at 20?C and 30?C for all the nymphal instars except the first instar. Temperatures had a significant effect on the pre-oviposition period, which decreased with an increase in temperature. The eggs took long to hatch at 20?C. Developmental periods of each of the nymphal instars decreased with an increase in temperature. An indigenous larval endoparasitoid of thrips, Ceranisus menes, was found throughout the year in the three localities and its population peaks occurred in the late and early months of the year, from October to April. A closer correlation was found between C. menes and F. occidentalis than with M sjostedti. At JKUAT, percentage parasitism, over the entire crop cycle, ranged from 3.5% to 19.5% and peaked in the months of Marchi April. The lowest percentage parasitism coincided with the period of the highest M sjostedti infestation on French beans. Linear regression analysis showed a density dependence relationship between parasitism and larval density. Laboratory experiments showed that C. menes successfully parasitized and completed development in both M sjostedti and F. occidentalis. Developmental times of C. menes in M sjostedti and F. occidentalis were not significantly different.
Evidence for Potential of Managing Some African Fruit Fly Species (Diptera: Tephritidae) Using the Mango Fruit Fly Host-Marking Pheromone
(JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY, 2012-12) Kachigamba, D.L.; Ekesi, S.; Ndung'u, M.; Gitonga, L.M.; Teal, P.E.A.; Torto, B.
We investigated conspecific and heterospecific oviposition host discrimination among four economically important fruit fly pests of mango in Africa (Ceratitis capitata, Wiedemann; C. fasciventris, Bezzi; C. rosa, Karsch, and C. cosyra, Walker) with regard to host-marking behavior and fecal matter aqueous solutions. The objective of the study was to get insight into the potential of managing these pests using the host-marking technique. Observations were done on mango slices marked by the flies and treated with aqueous solutions of fecal matter of the flies, respectively. In both host-marking and fecal matter experiments, C. cosyra, which is the most destructive species of the four on mango, was exceptional. It only discriminated against hosts treated with its fecal matter but with lower sensitivity while C. capitata and C.fasciventris discriminated against hosts marked by it or treated with its fecal matter and with higher sensitivity. Our results provide evidence for potential of managing some of the major fruit fly species infesting mango in Africa using the host-marking pheromone of the mango fruit fly, C. cosyra.
Interaction between Phaedrotoma scabriventris Nixon and Opius dissitus Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): endoparasitoids of Liriomyza leafminer
(African Entomology, 2015) Foba, C.N; Langat, Z.O.; Gitonga, L.M.; Akutse, K.S.; Fiaboe, K.K.M.
The exotic parasitoid, Phaedrotoma scabriventris Nixon, was imported from Peru for the biological control of invasive Liriomyza species in vegetable and ornamental crops in Kenya where Opius dissitus Muesebeck is the most abundant indigenous Liriomyza parasitoid. Both species are solitary larva-pupal endoparasioids attacking the same larval stage. In order to assess whether these two species compete or co-exist, an interaction study involving sole, sequential and simultaneous releases of the two species on polyphagous Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) was conducted in the laboratory at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya. Simultaneous releases of 50 individuals each of the two parasitoids resulted in significantly higher total parasitism rate (61.96 ± 4.60) than in the single release of P. scabriventris (34.94 ± 8.50). Simultaneous release of 25 individuals of each species resulted in a parasitism rate (44.52 ± 2.75) similar to that obtained for single releases of 50 individuals of O. dissitus (42.57 ± 3.35) and P. scabriventris (34.94 ± 8.50). No significant effect was observed in total parasitism between sequential and single releases of 50 individuals of each species. The specific parasitism rate of each parasitoid species in the simultaneous release of 50 individuals of each species was not significantly different from when each species was released alone. The first introduced parasitoid in sequential releases achieved the same parasitism rate as when released alone. However, the second released species gave a significantly lower parasitism rate than when released alone and compared to the first released species. The F1 progeny sex ratio was balanced for P. scabriventris but male-biased in O. dissitus. The sex ratios of both parasitoid species were not significantly affected, neither in simultaneous nor sequential releases, except in one of the sequential release where P. scabriventris was released second, with its sex ratio significantly female-biased. Non-reproductive host mortality was not important for both parasitoids when used alone and in combined releases compared to the natural mortality observed in the control. These findings suggest that P. scabriventris has no detrimental effect on O. dissitus and its release into Kenya’s agricultural ecosystems will enhance the management of Liriomyza leafminer.
The monotypic genus Bulborrhizina belongs to Bulbothrix sensu lato (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)
(The American Bryological and Lichenological Society, Inc. - The Bryologist, 2015) Kirika, Paul, M.; Leavitt, Steven, D.; Divakar, Pradeep, K.; Crespo, Ana; Gatheri, Grace; Mugambi, George; Lumbsch, Thorsten, H.
The phylogenetic position of the monotypic genus Bulborrhizina is studied using molecular data from three loci (mtSSU, nuLSU and ITS) aligned with sequences from 95 other samples of parmelioid lichens. Bulborrhizina africana clusters within the predominantly paleotropical Bulbothrix ‘clade II’ with strong support. However, its relationships within this clade remain uncertain. The morphological characters used to circumscribe Bulborrhizina are interpreted as adaptations to the habitat of this species in semi-arid regions of eastern Africa. A formal synonymy of the genus Bulborrhizina with either Bulbothrix or Parmelinella is postponed until sequences of the type species of Bulbothrix become available that will allow us to identify which of the two clades of species currently placed in Bulbothrix represents Bulbothrix s.str.
Liriomyza Leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Parasitoid Complex in Different Agroecological Zones, Seasons, and Host Plants in Kenya
(Environmental Entomology, 2015) Gitonga, L. M.; Foba, C. N.; Salifu, D.; Lagat, Z. O.; Akutse, K. S.; Fiaboe, K. K. M.
Liriomyza leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are severe pests of vegetables and ornamentals worldwide. Previous studies revealed low leafminer parasitism across different agroecological zones in Kenya. The present paper reports on the composition of leafminer parasitoids at different elevations, in different seasons, and on different host crops. Surveys were conducted monthly from January to November 2012, and nine parasitoid species were recovered. Total mean parasitism in the study sites was 31.23 6 1.03% from a total of 20 different vegetable Liriomyza-infested crops belonging to seven families. Diglyphus isaea (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Phaedrotoma scabriventris, a newly released parasitoid, and Opius dissitus Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were the most abundant at all elevations, accounting for 67.3, 18.6, and 9.2% of total parasitoids, respectively. Elevation, season, and host crop significantly affected the parasitoid species present and their abundance. Diglyphus isaea was more abundant at the high- and mid-elevations at all seasons compared with the low-elevation, whereas the lower-elevation favored higher abundance of P. scabriventris and O. dissitus during the long rainy season compared with the high- and mid-elevations at all seasons. Of all the host crops surveyed, parasitoids were more abundant on tomato, local kidney bean, snow pea and French bean than other crops. The total parasitism rate observed in this study suggests a considerable improvement in leafminer parasitism compared with previous surveys in Kenya. The implications of these findings for leafminer management in vegetable and ornamental production in Kenya are discussed
Species Composition, Distribution, and Seasonal Abundance of Liriomyza Leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Under Different Vegetable Production Systems and Agroecological Zones in Kenya
(Environmental Entomology, 2015-02-03) Foba, C.N; Salifu, D.; Langat, Z.O.; Gitonga, L.M.; Akutse, K.S.; Fiaboe, K.K.M.
A longitudinal study to identify the species of Liriomyza leafminer, their distribution, relative abundance, and seasonal variation, including their host range, was conducted in vegetable fields at three altitudes in Kenya from November 2011 to November 2012. Three main species were identified: Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), of which L. huidobrensis was the most abundant across all altitudes irrespective of the cropping season and accounting for over 90% of the total Liriomyza specimens collected. Liriomyza species were collected from all infested incubated leaves of 20 crops surveyed belonging to seven families: Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Amaryllidaceae. However, more than 87.5% of the Liriomyza species were obtained from only four of these crops: Pisum sativum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Solanum lycopersicum L., and Solanum tuberosum, thereby demonstrating that Fabaceae and Solonaceae crops are the most important hosts with regard to Liriomyza species richness and relative abundance. L. huidobrensis had the widest host range (20 crops), followed by L. sativae (18 crops) and L. trifolii (12 crops). Although L. trifolii has been considered the dominant Liriomyza leafminer in Kenya, this study suggests that this may not be the case anymore, as L. huidobrensis dominates at all altitudes.
Interaction between Phaedrotomascabriventris Nixon and Opiusdissitus Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) : endoparasitoids of Liriomyza leafminer
(Sabinet African Journals, 2015-03-01) Foba, C.N.; Akutse, K.S.; Fiaboe, K.K.M.; Lagat, Z.O.; Gitonga, L.M.
The exotic parasitoid, Phaedrotoma scabriventris Nixon, was imported from Peru for the biological control of invasive Liriomyza species in vegetable and ornamental crops in Kenya where Opius dissitus Muesebeck is the most abundant indigenous Liriomyza parasitoid. Both species are solitary larva-pupal endoparasioids attacking the same larval stage. In order to assess whether these two species compete or co-exist, an interaction study involving sole, sequential and simultaneous releases of the two species on polyphagous Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) was conducted in the laboratory at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya. Simultaneous releases of 50 individuals each of the two parasitoids resulted in significantly higher total parasitism rate (61.96 ± 4.60) than in the single release of P. scabriventris (34.94 ± 8.50). Simultaneous release of 25 individuals of each species resulted in a parasitism rate (44.52 ± 2.75) similar to that obtained for single releases of 50 individuals of O. dissitus (42.57 ± 3.35) and P. scabriventris (34.94 ± 8.50). No significant effect was observed in total parasitism between sequential and single releases of 50 individuals of each species. The specific parasitism rate of each parasitoid species in the simultaneous release of 50 individuals of each species was not significantly different from when each species was released alone. The first introduced parasitoid in sequential releases achieved the same parasitism rate as when released alone. However, the second released species gave a significantly lower parasitism rate than when released alone and compared to the first released species. The F1 progeny sex ratio was balanced for P. scabriventris but male-biased in O. dissitus. The sex ratios of both parasitoid species were not significantly affected, neither in simultaneous nor sequential releases, except in one of the sequential release where P. scabriventris was released second, with its sex ratio significantly female-biased. Non-reproductive host mortality was not important for both parasitoids when used alone and in combined releases compared to the natural mortality observed in the control. These findings suggest that P. scabriventris has no detrimental effect on O. dissitus and its release into Kenya's agricultural ecosystems will enhance the management of Liriomyza leafminer.
Species Composition, Distribution, and Seasonal Abundance of Liriomyza Leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Under Different Vegetable Production Systems and Agroecological Zones in Kenya
(Karatina University, 2015-04) Foba, Caroline; Salifu, Daisy; Osiemo Lagat, Zipporah; Gitonga, Linus
A longitudinal study to identify the species of Liriomyza leafminer, their distribution, relative abundance, and seasonal variation, including their host range, was conducted in vegetable fields at three altitudes in Kenya from November 2011 to November 2012. Three main species were identified: Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), of which L. huidobrensis was the most abundant across all altitudes irrespective of the cropping season and accounting for over 90% of the total Liriomyza specimens collected. Liriomyza species were collected from all infested incubated leaves of 20 crops surveyed belonging to seven families: Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Amaryllidaceae. However, more than 87.5% of the Liriomyza species were obtained from only four of these crops: Pisum sativum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Solanum lycopersicum L., and Solanum tuberosum, thereby demonstrating that Fabaceae and Solonaceae crops are the most important hosts with regard to Liriomyza species richness and relative abundance. L. huidobrensis had the widest host range (20 crops), followed by L. sativae (18 crops) and L. trifolii (12 crops). Although L. trifolii has been considered the dominant Liriomyza leafminer in Kenya, this study suggests that this may not be the case anymore, as L. huidobrensis dominates at all altitudes. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com