Effect of Dry Conidia Formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Mortality, Progeny Emmergence and Maize Grain Damage

The efficacy of dry conidia formulation of Metharhizium anisopliae (PPRC-2) produced on locally available grains was assessed against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the laboratory. Conidial suspension was inoculated into glass jars containing 200 grams of maize, rice, wheat and sorghum grains sterilized and were incubated at 27°C and 70 ± 5% RH for 21days. Each grain substrate was air-dried and grounded to powder using a sterile coffee grinder. The powdered dry conidia were applied to the maize grain infested with S. zeamais. High mortality to the maize weevil was recorded 7-days after the fungus grown on rice (91%) and maize (84%) substrates were applied. The number of F1 progeny emerged was 0, 0.5 and 1, for primiphos methyl, rice and maize, respectively. Percentage grain protection ranged from 41% to 83% for fungal treatments. The number of grain damaged and percent grain weight loss were reduced in dry conidia treated maize grain than in the control. Therefore, the use of M. anisopliae holds promising prospect in managing S. zeamais

Susceptibility of Sitophilus zeamais (Mostch.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae

Evaluation of eleven Metarhizium anisopliae and six Beauveria bassiana isolates against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais was conducted under laboratory with the objectives of identifying the most virulent locally available fungal isolates, and determining the dose mortality response. The pathogenicity (virulence) of the entomopathogenic fungi was determined using LT50 and percent mortality at the conidial concentration of 1 x 108 ml-1. The most virulent isolates of M. anisopliae (PPRC-2, PPRC-14 and PPRC-51) and B. bassiana (PPRC-GG and PPRC-HH) caused 84.4% to 98.3% mortality to S. zeamais. These isolates had LT50 ranging from 3.8 to 4.3 days. The dose response study with the isolates PPRC-2, PPRC-14 and PPRC-51 at doses ranging from 1x 104 to 1x 108 conidia  ml-1  revealed susceptibility of the S. zeamais with mortality ranging from 25 to 95.5%. There was an increase in the resulting LT50 from 4.0 to 11.9 days with a decrease in conidial concentration from 1x 108 to 1x 104 conidia ml-1. PPRC-2 showed the lowest LC50 (1.46x 10 conidia ml-1) followed by PPRC-14 and PPRC-51 (3.5x 105 and 3.9x 105 conidia ml-1, respectively). In conclusion, the isolates PPRC-2, PPRC-14, PPRC-51, PPRC-GG and PPRC-HH, can be considered as a potential candidates in the development of mycoinsectisdes against S. zeamais

Biocontrol (Formulation of Bacillus firmus (BioNem)) of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants in the field

Bacillus firmus, commercial WP formulation (BioNem) was evaluated against root-knot nematode, Meloidogne incognita on tomato plants under field conditions of Dire Dawa and Haramaya University (Ethiopia). Studies were conducted with the objectives to find out the effect of BioNem on nematode infestation and plant growth/yield of tomato and to compare two methods of application of BioNem for the control of root-knot under field conditions. Soil application of BioNem at transplanting in the field @ 200 and 400 kg/ha provided control of root-knot nematode and increased crop growth and yield over untreated control significantly. Dip treatment of tomato nursery in 2% and 4% BioNem suspension for 2 hrs just before transplanting also reduced root-knot nematode infestation and improved crop growth and yield, though it was less effective than soil application of BioNem. In general, our result indicated, BioNem seems to be effective for the management of root-knot nematode and has the potential to be a vital component of integrated management for root-knot nematode.Keywords: Bacillus firmus, Biological control, Meloidogyne incognita, Tomat

Quality of field collected and laboratory reared Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) for screening maize genotypes

The quality of laboratory reared stem borer species for screening of maize varieties is usually questioned by end user cereal breeders. A quality check study was performed in a screen house at KARI-Katumani to evaluate the quality of eight-year old laboratory reared stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). The evaluation was aimed at finding out the performance of the laboratory borers subjected to six-month interval of gene infusion in comparison with wild F1 generation of the same species collected from the field. One hundred (100) maize seedlings were grown on plastic pots of 5 by 5 cm and of 12 cm-height. The maize seedlings were infested with five first instar larvae on eight plants replicated four times for each borer ecotype. The wild ecotypes were collected from two different localities for comparison with eight-year old laboratory reared borers. Foliar damage, tunnel length on the maize stems and the recovered number of C. partellus larvae from the maize plants were used as the parameters for quality measure of the borer ecotypes. The laboratory-reared stem borer species had been subjected to frequent six-month gene-infusion interval from the wild. The results indicated feedvoracity drop of 3.8 and 21.5% for stem and foliar damage on the laboratory borer ecotype. The study established the need for continuous gene infusion to maintain high quality maize stem borer species as test organisms.Keywords: Chilo partellus, quality insects, insect rearing, maize genotypes.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(34), pp. 5370-537

Testcross performance of doubled haploid maize lines derived from tropical adapted backcross populations

Doubled haploid (DH) lines produced by in vivo induction of maternal haploids are routinely used in maize breed¬ing. The present study was carried out to assess the performance of 75 doubled haploid maize testcrosses and six checks tested across four locations in Kenya for grain yield, agronomic traits and reaction to major leaf diseases. The 75 DH lines were derived from the backcross (BC1) plants of two CIMMYT bi-parental crosses. Significant location, genotype and genotype x location effects were observed for grain yield and anthesis-silking interval (ASI). Genotypes were significantly different for reaction to leaf blight and gray leaf spot. Location explained 69% of the total phenotypic variance while both genotype and genotype by environment interaction effects contributed 4% each. Fifteen DH testcross hybrids yielded better than the best commercial check, WH505 (5.1 t ha-1). The best DH testcross hybrid (CKDHH0223) averaged over the four locations yielded 29.5% higher than WH505. These results indicate that maize testcrosses developed from DH lines produced as high a grain yield and as acceptable agro¬nomic traits as the commercial hybrids developed through conventional pedigree methods. The DH lines identified in the study may be useful for improving yield and disease resistance in maize breeding programs in eastern and southern Africa

Biology of barley shoot fly Delia flavibasis Stein (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) on resistant and susceptible barley cultivars

The biology of barley shoot fly Delia flavibasis was studied using resistant (Dinsho and Harbu) and susceptible (Holker) barley cultivars at Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. A higher number of eggs was laid on Holker (17 eggs/female) than on Dinsho (11 eggs/female) or Harbu (12 eggs/female). However, there were no differences between cultivars in preoviposition and total reproductive periods. The shortest time required to complete larval, pupal and total developmental stages from egg to adult emergence occurred when the insect was reared on the cultivar Holker. Pupal weight, adult emergence and adult longevity did not differ between cultivars. The female to male sex ratio was 1:1. This study enabled us to understand the duration of each of the life stages of D.flavibasis, which will undoubtedly aid researchers and growers to design a sustainable management strategy against barley shoot fly

Non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: policy and strategy gaps in the reduction of behavioral risk factors

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Over 80% of NCD deaths occur in developing countries. Four modifiable behaviors, namely tobacco use, consumption of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol, contribute to 80% of the NCD burden. Studies show that the vast majority of NCDs can be prevented through behavioral risk-reduction interventions. Properly executed, the interventions could lead to a decrease in the burden of NCDs, ranging from a 30% drop in the prevalence of cancer to a 75% reduction in cardiovascular diseases. This study examined the policy and strategy gaps in the reduction of the modifiable NCD behavioral risk factors in Ethiopia to inform and guide policy-makers and other stakeholders. Methodology: This study used a data triangulation methodology with a sequential, explanatory, mixed-method design conducted in two stages. The authors carried out quantitative analysis on the prevalence and distribution of behavioral risk factors from the Ethiopia NCD STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey. Qualitative data on national policies and strategies complemented the analysis of the progress made so far and the existing gaps. Results and Discussion: Ethiopia has made substantial progress in responding to the NCD epidemic by developing a health sector NCD strategic action plan, generating evidence, and setting time-bound national targets on NCD behavioral risk factors. Activities mainly aimed at reducing tobacco use, such as implementation of the ratified WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), using evidence of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), and the articulation of legislative measures are ongoing. On this paper our analysis reveals policy and strategy gaps, status in law enforcement, social mobilization, and awareness creation to reduce the major behavioral risk factors. Conclusions: NCDs share common risk factors and risk reduction strategies creates an opportunity for an effective response. However, the national response still needs more effort to have a sufficient impact on the prevention of NCDs in Ethiopia. Thus, there is an urgent need for the country to develop and implement targeted strategies for each behavioral risk factor and design functional, multisectoral coordination. There is also a need for establishing sustainable financial mechanisms, such as increasing program budgets and levying ‘sin taxes,’ to support the NCD prevention and control program. Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2019; 33(4):259-268] Key words: NCDs, behavioral risk factors, policy, strategy, multisectoral coordination, Ethiopi

Non-communicable Diseases in Ethiopia: Disease burden, gaps in health care delivery and strategic directions.

Abstract Introduction: In Ethiopia, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 42% of deaths, of which 27% are premature deaths before 70 years of age. The Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) increased from below 20% in 1990 to 69% in 2015. With no action, Ethiopia will be the first among the most populous nations in Africa to experience dramatic burden of premature deaths and disability from NCDs by 2040. However, the national response to NCDs remains fragmented with the total health spending per capita for NCDs still insignificant. The focus of this paper is highlighting the burden of NCDs in Ethiopia and analyzing one of the two major WHO recommended policy issues; the status of integrated management of NCDs, in Ethiopia. NCDs are complex conditions influenced by a range of individual, social and economic factors, including our perceptions and behavior. Also, NCDs tend to be easily overlooked by individuals and policy makers due to their silent nature. Thus, effectively addressing NCDs requires a fresher look into a range of health system issues, including how health services are organized and delivered.Methods: A mixed method approach with quantitative and qualitative data was used. Quantitative data was obtained through analysis of the global burden of diseases study, WHO-STEPs survey, Ethiopian SARA study and the national essential NCD drug survey. This was supplemented by qualitative data through review of a range of documents, including the national NCD policies and strategies and global and regional commitments.Results and discussion: In 2015, NCDs were the leading causes of age-standardized death rate (causing 711 deaths per 100,000 people (95% UI: 468.8–1036.2) and DALYs. The national estimates of the prevalence of NCD metabolic risk factors showed high rates of raised blood pressure (16%), hyperglycemia (5.9%), hypercholesterolemia (5.6%), overweight (5.2%) and Obesity (1.2%). Prevalence of 3-5 risk factors constituting a metabolic syndrome was 4.4%. Data availability on NCD morbidity and mortality is limited. While there are encouraging actions on NCDs in terms of political commitment, lot of gaps as shown by limited availability of resources for NCDs, NCD prevention and treatment services at the primary health care (PHC) level. Shortage of essential NCD drugs and diagnostic facilities and lack of treatment guidelines are major challenges. There is a need to re-orient the national health system to ensure recognition of the NCD burden and sustain political commitment, allocate sufficient funding and improve organization and delivery of NCD services at PHC level. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2018;32 (3):00-000]Key words: Non-communicable diseases, health-system re-orientation, NCD burden, metabolic risk factors, Service delivery, Primary Health Car

Genetic diversity in tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter]

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is a cereal crop resilient to adverse climatic and soil conditions, and possessing desirable storage properties. Although tef provides high quality food and grows under marginal conditions unsuitable for other cereals, it is considered to be an orphan crop because it has benefited little from genetic improvement. Hence, unlike other cereals such as maize and wheat, the productivity of tef is extremely low. In spite of the low productivity, tef is widely cultivated by over six million small-scale farmers in Ethiopia where it is annually grown on more than three million hectares of land, accounting for over 30% of the total cereal acreage. Tef, a tetraploid with 40 chromosomes (2n = 4x = 40), belongs to the family Poaceae and, together with finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaerth.), to the subfamily Chloridoideae. It was originated and domesticated in Ethiopia. There are about 350 Eragrostis species of which E. tef is the only species cultivated for human consumption. At the present time, the gene bank in Ethiopia holds over five thousand tef accessions collected from geographical regions diverse in terms of climate and elevation. These germplasm accessions appear to have huge variability with regard to key agronomic and nutritional traits. In order to properly utilize the variability in developing new tef cultivars, various techniques have been implemented to catalog the extent and unravel the patterns of genetic diversity. In this review, we show some recent initiatives investigating the diversity of tef using genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics and discuss the prospect of these efforts in providing molecular resources that can aid modern tef breeding

Performance of Bt maize event MON810 in controlling maize stem borers Chilo partellus and Busseola fusca in Uganda

Stem borers are major insect pests of maize in Uganda. A study was conducted in 2014–2016 to assess the performance of Bt hybrids expressing Cry1Ab (event MON810) against the two major stem borer species in Uganda – the African stem borer (Busseola fusca) and the spotted stem borer (Chilo partellus) – under artificial infestation. The study comprised 14 non-commercialized hybrids, including seven pairs of Bt and non-Bt hybrids (isolines), three non-Bt commercial hybrids and a conventional stem borer resistant check. All stem borer damage parameters (leaf damage, number of internodes tunneled and tunnel length) were generally significantly lower in Bt hybrids than in their isolines, the conventionally resistant hybrid, and local commercial hybrids. Mean yields were significantly higher by 29.4–80.5% in the Bt hybrids than in the other three categories of non-Bt hybrids. This study demonstrated that Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab protects against leaf damage and can limit entry of stem borers into the stems of maize plants, resulting in higher yield than in the non-transgenic hybrids. Thus, Bt maize has potential to contribute to the overall management package of stem borers in Uganda