RNA interference (RNAi) represents one of the most conserved pathways evolved by eukaryotic cells for regulating gene expression. RNAi utilises non-translatable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to sequester or degrade mRNA molecules gene. In RNAi, specifically designed exogenous dsRNA delivered to the cell can silence a target gene, a phenomenon that has been exploited in many functional studies and explored in biopesticide applications. The search for safe and sustainable crop pest management ...

The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was introduced sixty years ago to curb the overuse of agricultural pesticides, whereby its simplest version (IPM 1.0) was aiming at reducing the frequency of applications. Gradually, agro-ecological principles, such as biological control and habitat management, were included in IPM 2.0. However, throughout this time, smallholder farmers did not improve their decision-making skills and continue to use hazardous pesticides as their first control option. ...

Pest management in major cropping systems has long been dominated by chemical pesticides in Africa. Smallholder farmers have perceived pesticides as insurance to protect their crops. Consumers are less aware of pesticide-related food-safety issues, and markets providing economic incentives to producers who adopt alternatives to pesticides have been slow to emerge. Hence, overuse of pesticides has been constantly increasing. Although African countries have a number of pesticide-related policies, ...

An active microbial community of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria is needed for efficient utilization of nitrogenous compounds from wastewater. In this study, we explored the bacterial community diversity and structure within rivers, treated and untreated wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) discharging into Lake Victoria. Water samples were collected from rivers and WWTPs that drain into Lake Victoria. Physicochemical analysis was done to determine the level of nutrients or pollutant loading ...

The current study was designed to assess the effect of different feeding substrates on survival and reproduction of Therophilus javanus (Bhat & Gupta) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Phanerotoma syleptae Zettel (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in order to optimize their potential as biological control agents against Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Experiments were carried out in laboratory with batches of ten adult females exposed to flowers of either Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp., Tephrosia ...

Banana (and plantain, Musa spp.), in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is predominantly grown as a mixed crop by smallholder farmers in backyards and small farmlands, typically ranging from 0.2 ha to 3 ha. The crop is affected by several pests and diseases, including the invasive banana bunchy top virus (BBTV, genus Babuvirus), which is emerging as a major threat to banana production in SSA. The BBTV outbreak in West Africa was first recorded in the Benin Republic in 2010 and has spread to the adjoining ...

This chapter describes soil and water conservation measures for climate-resilient agriculture. It presents three interventions that can be used separately or in combination, depending on the context of the region: (1) integrating strips of forage grasses and legumes; (2) rainwater harvesting through tied ridges and ripping techniques; (3) constructing banks and ditches as part of an agroforestry system. The description of each technology, its benefits and application are discussed.

Cassava has potential for many industrial uses, which provide an opportunity for more rewarding markets. Therefore, significant research on improved varieties, targeting industrial applications, is required as a possible approach to spur improvements in the value chain. In addition, the promotion of cassava for production, targeting industrial applications, requires information on yield and stability performance of cassava genotypes and varieties in a diverse range of environments. To this end, ...

Cassava breeders have made significant progress in developing new genotypes with improved agronomic characteristics such as improved root yield. However, these new and improved cassava genotypes in cultivation in Nigeria have undergone little or no improvement in their culinary qualities; hence, there is a paucity of information on the texture of boiled cassava roots, particularly with regard to its mealiness. The objectives of this study were to: (i) elicit farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and ...

Food adulteration is a very old and common problem, which is often seen in both the low-and middle-income countries and even in some developed countries. Maize-based porridge especially ogi is a high-value commodity and common indigenous complementary food that is a target for adulteration, leading to loss of quality and encroachment on the rights and interests of consumers. This study investigated the characterization of the microorganisms found in ogi fermented for 0 to 120 hours and the feasibility ...