ILRI BecA outputs
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Item The Contribution of Microbial Endophytes Associated with Climate-Smart Brachiaria Grass Species to Sustainable Agriculture and Environment(Book Chapter, 2024) Misganaw, Goshu; Mutai, CollinsItem Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund(Report, 2012) International Livestock Research InstituteItem The BECA-ILRI Hub Business Plan 2013–2018(Report, 2013-05-30) International Livestock Research InstituteItem Mid-term review of the CSIRO-Africa food security partnerships—Report 2: The CSIRO-BecA partnership(Report, 2012-10-30) International Livestock Research InstituteItem The BECA-ILRI Hub Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF): capacity building evaluation final report(Report, 2014-04-30) International Livestock Research InstituteItem The importance of market signals in crop varietal development: Lessons from Komboka rice variety(Journal Article, 2022-09-04) Ng'endo, Mary; Kinyua, MaryLiza; Chebet, Lourine; Mutiga, Samuel K.; Ndung’u, Joseph; Nyongesa, Oliver; Njau, Simon; Panchbhai, Ajay; Musila, Ruth; Murori, RosemaryGrowing high-yielding varieties is crucial for successful crop production and maximizing farmers’ net returns. One such example is IR05N221, locally referred to as Komboka rice variety, which was released in Kenya in 2013. On the one hand, Komboka can bridge the gap in rice imports since yields of existing rice varieties do not meet the increasing rice consumption levels of the Kenyan population. On the other hand, it has taken about seven years for Komboka to be appreciated by farmers, necessitating the need to understand farmer preferences when it comes to adopting a new improved variety. We used a mixed-method study approach by combining quantitative and qualitative data collected regionally and locally in both rainfed and irrigated ecologies. When compared to most of the other rice varieties under evaluation, Komboka was high-yielding, early-maturing, and had moderate tolerance to diseases in both rainfed and irrigated ecologies. However, farmers at the regional level ranked Komboka either at the same or lower rank in terms of sensory attributes. At the local level, farmers predominantly grew older and more aromatic Basmati 370 rice variety for sale, as it fetched them more money, with preferences for both men and women rice farmers being the same. Despite Komboka being a high-yielding variety, Mwea rice farmers’ perceptions and preferences for this improved variety were low. While Komboka was equally aromatic, the lack of a ready market dissuaded these farmers from widely preferring the new Komboka variety. We provide prerequisite information that can support the commercialization and promotion of the Komboka variety. We also show that widespread favourable perception of new varieties hinges on matching preferences between breeders’ efforts for improved rice productivity with farmers’ needs for market competitiveness in these new varieties.Item Mwongozo wa ukuzaji wa nyasi ya Urochloa (kisawe Brachiaria)(Manual, 2021-09-21) Njarui, D.M.; Gichangi, Elias M.; Gatheru, M.; Mutimura, M.; Ghimire, Sita R.Item Genetic detection and phylogenetic relationship of Babesia species infecting domestic dogs from select regions in Kenya(Journal Article, 2021-11) Ngoka, I.T.; Mbogo, K.; Kyallo, Martina M.; Oduori, D.O.; Pelle, RogerItem Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) grass production manual(Manual, 2021-11-01) Njarui, D.M.G.; Gichangi, Elias M.; Gatheru, M.; Mutimura, Mupenzi; Ghimire, Sita R.Item Response of improved Brachiaria (Urochloa) grass cultivars to foliar diseases and their agronomic performances in Rwanda(Journal Article, 2021-12-10) Uzayisenga, Bellancile; Mutimura, Mupenzi; Muthomi, J.W.; Mwang’ombe, A.W.; Ghimire, Sita R.Diseases have emerged as one of the major challenges of Brachiaria production in Africa. Nine Brachiaria cultivars were evaluated for leaf rust, leaf spot and leaf blight diseases and agronomic performances in two agro-ecological zones of Rwanda. The relationships between agronomic traits and area under diseases progress curve (AUDPC) were determined using Pearson correlation analysis. Cultivars differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) for their response to these three diseases. Basilisk, Marandu, MG4, and Xaraes exhibited moderately resistant to resistant response to all three diseases, but Cayman and Cobra were susceptible to leaf rust. Site × cultivar × harvest interaction was significant for diseases and agronomic parameters (p ≤ 0.05). Cultivars also differed significantly for biomass production and dry matter content (p ≤ 0.05). The highest biomass producers were Marandu and Xaraes, and Cayman, Cobra and Piata had highest dry matter content. The AUDPC for leaf rust and leaf spot had negative and significant correlation with biomass yield. Our study concludes a satisfactory level of resistance in Basilisk, Marandu, MG4 and Xaraes to all three foliar disease in Rwanda. We recommend routine surveys for emerging and re-emerging Brachiaria diseases and studies to develop effective management measures against Brachiaria diseases.Item An efficient in-vitro regeneration system of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) using apical meristems(Journal Article, 2021-07-31) Kepue, M.S.; Mweu, C.M.; Kariuki, D.M.; Kerubo, L.; Njaci, Isaac; Njoroge, Anne; Kago, Leah; Mware, B.O.; Ghimire, Sita R.Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) is an important crop for food and nutrition security, incomes, and livelihood of people in developing countries. Its cultivation and productivity have been limited mainly due to a lack of quality planting materials. Therefore, this study developed an effective micropropagation method for two common taro varieties in Kenya (Purple Wild and Dasheen) using apical meristem derived from portions of the corm and base of leaf petioles. This study optimized the 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) levels for a better shoot and root development. The highest shoot induction was observed in both varieties when Murashige & Skoog (MS) media was supplemented with 2 mg/L of BAP. Similarly, the maximum rooting response was achieved in both varieties on half-strength MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L of IBA. The study also revealed significant interactions between variety × BAP levels and variety × IBA levels (P<0.0001) for shoot and root development, respectively. This apical meristem-based micropropagation method developed in this study can be used for rapid multiplication of genetically clean planting materials for commercial uses and to establish taro transformation protocols.Item First report of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its damage in the Democratic Republic of Congo(Journal Article, 2021-03-01) Mukwa, Lyna F.T.; Mukendi, J.; Adakate, F.G.; Bugeme, D.M.; Kalonji-Mbuyi, A.; Ghimire, Sita R.Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), a highly devastating and invasive pest attacking tomatoes either in greenhouses or in open fields, is currently spreading throughout many countries in Africa. Six major vegetable production areas in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were surveyed between October and November 2016 to report any possible occurrence of the invasive Tuta absoluta. Morphological identification of the sampled adult insect individuals was based on phenotypic characters using a stereomicroscope while molecular identification was carried out using polymerization chain reaction-based approaches targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Results showed that T. absoluta was found in a commercial tomato farm in Nsele area, while it was absent in the five other sampled sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. absoluta populations found in Nsele were genetically close to those from Tunisia and Kenya. This is the first report of T. absoluta occurrence and damage in tomatoes grown in DRC where effective and sustainable pest management programs against this invasive insect should be developed and implemented to avoid major crop yield and economic losses.Item The first complete genome sequence of the African swine fever virus genotype X and serogroup 7 isolated in domestic pigs from the Democratic Republic of Congo(Journal Article, 2021-12) Bisimwa, P.N.; Ongus, J.R.; Steinaa, Lucilla; Bisimwa, E.B.; Bochere, Edwina; Machuka, Eunice M.; Domelevo Entfellner, Jean-Baka; Okoth, Edward A.; Pelle, RogerBackground African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease, affects domestic pigs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where regular outbreaks are reported leading to high mortality rates approaching 100% in the affected regions. No study on the characteristics of the complete genome of strains responsible for ASF outbreaks in the South Kivu province of DRC is available, limited a better understanding of molecular evolution and spread of this virus within the country. The present study aimed at determining the complete genome sequence of ASFV strains genotype X involved in 2018–2019 ASF disease outbreaks in South Kivu province of DRC. Materials and methods Genomic DNA of a spleen sample from an ASFV genotype X-positive domestic pig in Uvira, during the 2018–2019 outbreaks in South Kivu, was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X platform. Obtained trimmed reads using Geneious Prime 2020.0.4 were blasted against a pig reference genome then contigs were generated from the unmapped reads enriched in ASFV DNA using Spades implemented in Geneious 2020.0.4. The assembly of the complete genome sequence of ASFV was achieved from the longest overlapping contigs. The new genome was annotated with the genome annotation transfer utility (GATU) software and the CLC Genomics Workbench 8 software was further used to search for any ORFs that failed to be identified by GATU. Subsequent analyses of the newly determined Uvira ASFV genotype X genome were done using BLAST for databases search, CLUSTAL W for multiple sequences alignments and MEGA X for phylogeny. Results 42 Gbp paired-end reads of 150 bp long were obtained containing about 0.1% of ASFV DNA. The assembled Uvira ASFV genome, termed Uvira B53, was 180,916 bp long that could be assembled in 2 contigs. The Uvira B53genome had a GC content of 38.5%, encoded 168 open reading frames (ORFs) and had 98.8% nucleotide identity with the reference ASFV genotype X Kenya 1950. The phylogenetic relationship with selected representative genomes clustered the Uvira B53 strain together with ASFV genotype X reported to date (Kenya 1950 and Ken05/Tk1). Multiple genome sequences comparison with the two reference ASFV genotype X strains showed that 130 of the 168 ORFs were fully conserved in the Uvira B53. The other 38 ORFs were divergent mainly due to SNPs and indels (deletions and insertions). Most of 46 multigene family (MGF) genes identified were affected by various genetic variations. However, 8 MGF ORFs present in Kenya 1950 and Ken05/Tk1 were absent from the Uvira B53 genome including three members of MGF 360, four of MGF 110 and one of MGF 100 while one MGF ORF (MGF 360-1L) at the left end of the genome was truncated in Uvira B53. Moreover, ORFs DP96R and p285L were also absent in the Uvira B53 genome. In contrast, the ORF MGF 110-5L present in Uvira B53 and Ken05/Tk1 was missing in Kenya 1950. The analysis of the intergenic region between the I73R and I329L genes also revealed sequence variations between the three genotype X strains mainly characterized by a deletion of 69 bp in Uvira B53 and 36 bp in Kenya 1950, compared to Ken05/Tk1. Assessment of the CD2v (EP402R) antigen unveiled the presence of SNPs and indels particularly in the PPPKPY tandem repeat region between selected variants representing the eight serogroups reported to date. Uvira B53 had identical CD2v variable region to the Uganda (KM609361) strain, the only other ASFV serogroup 7 reported to date. Conclusion We report the first complete genome sequence of an African swine fever virus (ASFV) p72 genotype X and CD2v serogroup 7, termed Uvira B53. This study provides additional insights on genetic characteristics and evolution of ASFV useful for tracing the geographical spread of ASF and essential for improved design of control and management strategies against ASF.Item Brachiaria grass for climate resilient and sustainable livestock production in Kenya(Book Chapter, 2020-06-01) Njarui, D.M.G.; Gatheru, M.; Ghimire, Sita R.Brachiaria grass is a “climate smart” forage that produces high amount of palatable and nutritious biomass for livestock and performs well in infertile soils, sequesters carbon in soil, and provides several environmental benefits. The objective of the study was to validate the productivity of Brachiaria grass and upscale the suitable cultivars for improved livestock feed resources in Kenya. We assume integrating Brachiaria grass into mixed crop-livestock system will enhance feed availability and livestock productivity, leading to increased food and nutrition security. Farmer participatory approach was adopted to evaluate and promote four Brachiaria grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. brizantha cvs. Xaraes, Piata, and MG-4) in the Central Highland and Eastern Midland of Kenya. The extension/advisory approaches used to promote Brachiaria grass cultivars included field days, village knowledge centres, agricultural shows, posters, and linkages with other institutions through multi-actor platform established under the InnovAfrica project. Generally, Brachiaria grass cultivars were more productive than the control (Rhodes grass) in most harvests reaching peak of 5.1–7.7 t/ha in the fifth harvest. For Rhodes grass, DM was less than 4 t/ha in all harvest and died by sixth harvest. Similarly, based on farmers’ evaluation using phenotypic traits, the Brachiaria grass cultivars had higher score than Rhodes grass except cv. Piata. The mean score ranged from 2.75 to 3.19 for Brachiaria cultivars, while for Rhodes the mean score was 2.63. Within 2 years of intervention, over 4000 farmers in the 2 project sites and additional 1500 farmers from other parts of the country have planted the Brachiaria grass. The demand for Brachiaria grass seeds is increasing due to benefits gained, e.g., increased milk production from dairy cattle fed on the grass. Our study will quantify the associated benefits from cultivation of Brachiaria grass with respect to a set of ecological, food and nutrition security, and social-economic indicators.Item Diversity of fungal endophytes associated with Rwandan Brachiaria ecotypes (Brachiaria spp)(Journal Article, 2020-10-27) Dusingize, M.C.; Mutimura, Mupenzi; Mutai, Collins; Ghimire, Sita R.Brachiaria species are important tropical forage grasses of East Africa origin. It is known to produce palatable and nutritious biomass for livestock, enhances nitrogen use efficiency, sequesters carbon and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Despite significant potential of this grass; no information available on endophytic fungal associated with Rwandan Brachiaria ecotypes which can have impacts on plant protection under extreme environment. This study identified and characterized the Brachiaria associated fungal endophytes from the stems and leaves of 36 Rwandan Brachiaria ecotypes collected from three agro- ecological zone of Rwanda in 2014. DNA was extracted from the pure isolated fungal using PrepMan Kit and PCR amplification using 2ITS. Fungal endophytes were characterized in vitro by conducting bio-chemical tests for Phosphate solubilization, Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) production, antagonism test, pathogenicity test and siderophores. The numbers of fungal species identified were 21species isolated from stems and leaves of 36 local Brachiaria. The most frequent species were Epicoccum nigrum followed by Cladosporium cladosporioides and Coprinopsis atramentaria.30.1% of total isolate fungal were positive for IAA (Auxins) , 47.3 % of the total isolates fungal were not pathogen to the plant host ;10.1% were antagonistic to Nigrospora sphaerica , 8.3% to Phoma herbarum and 5% to the Aspergillus flavus; 49 % of isolates fungal were able to produce siderophore, No of the ffungal isolates specieswas be able to solubilize Phosphate compound. Results showed that Brachiaria with associated fungal are diverse and contain significant number of endophytes, which need to be explored/conserved and applied to others forage crops in Rwanda.Item Transforming African food systems through bioscience(Video, 2020-10-16) International Livestock Research InstituteWatch a virtual tour of ILRI's world-class research facilities in Nairobi, Kenya, which host researchers from more than 10 international institutions who are using bioscience to improve food systems in Africa. This video was part of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) Voices of Food Systems Live: 24-Hour Global Relay Conversation on 16 Oct 2020, which was hosted by Kanayo Nwanze, a UNFSS champion and the CGIAR special representative to the UNFSS, on 'Virtual tours of the coolest African food research centres you never knew about.'Item Disease surveillance and farmers’ knowledge of Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) grass diseases in Rwanda(Journal Article, 2021-12-10) Uzayisenga, Bellancile; Mutimura, Mupenzi; Muthomi, J.W.; Mwang’ombe, A.W.; Ghimire, Sita R.Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) is one of the most important tropical forages grass of African origin. Its performance is affected by different constraints, including diseases. This study assessed the distribution, incidence and severity of Brachiaria diseases and documented farmers’ knowledge on Brachiaria diseases in Rwanda. Surveys were conducted in five districts in the dry and wet seasons of 2018 and 2019. Fungi associated with major diseases were isolated and identified based on internal transcribed spacer sequences. The demographic information and farmers’ knowledge of Brachiaria diseases and yield loss were collected using structured questionnaire. Surveys revealed widespread distribution of leaf blight, leaf rust and leaf spot diseases in Rwanda. Incidence and severity of these diseases differed significantly by districts, seasons and district × season interactions; the exception was the non-significant effect of season and district × season interactions on rust incidence in 2018. Molecular identification revealed Phakopsora apoda as a provisional leaf rust pathogen, and frequent association of fungi Epicoccum spp. and Nigrospora spp. with leaf blight, and Bipolaris secalis and Fusarium spp. with leaf spot symptoms. This study provides baseline information for future studies on Brachiaria diseases and recognises diseases as a major challenge to sustainable production of Brachiaria grass in Rwanda and East Africa.Item BecA-ILRI Hub Bulletin Issue 2(Newsletter, 2020-10-15) Mundia, Mwihaki; Shorinola, OluwaseyiItem Genetic diversity and population structure of Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) ecotypes from Uganda(Journal Article, 2020-08-14) Namazzi, C.; Sserumaga, J.P.; Mugerwa, S.; Kyallo, Martina M.; Mutai Collins, K.; Mwesigwa, R.; Djikeng, Appolinaire; Ghimire, Sita R.Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) grass is an important tropical forage of African origin that supports millions of livestock and wildlife in the tropics. Overgrazing, conversion of grasslands for crop production and non-agricultural uses, and the introduction of improved forages have threatened the natural diversity of Brachiaria grass in Uganda. This study established a national collection of Brachiaria ecotypes in Uganda and analyzed them for genetic diversity and population structure using 24 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. These markers had a high discriminating ability with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.89 and detected 584 alleles in 99 ecotypes. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high within populations variance (98%) indicating a high gene exchange or low genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 00.016) among the ecotype populations. The Bayesian model based clustering algorithm showed three allelic pools in Ugandan ecotypes. The principal component analysis (PCA) of ecotypes, and Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree of ecotypes and six commercial cultivars showed three main groups with variable membership coefficients. About 95% of ecotype pairs had Rogers’ genetic distance above 0.75, suggesting most of them were distantly related. This study confirms the high value of these ecotypes in Brachiaria grass conservation and improvement programs in Uganda and elsewhere.Item Brachiaria grass: The forage for more milk and meat production in sub-Saharan Africa(Brochure, 2019-11-15) Ghimire, Sita R.