Browsing by Author "Massawe, A. W."

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A systematic review of rodent pest research in Afro-Malagasy small-holder farming systems: are we asking the right questions?
(PLOS ONE) Swanepoel, L. H.; Swanepoel, C. M.; Brown, P. R.; Eiseb, S. J.; Goodman, S. M.; Keith, M.; Kirsten, F.; Leirs, H.; Mahlab, T. A. M.; Makundi, R. H.; Malebane, P.; Maltitz, E. F.; Massawe, A. W.; Monadjem, A.; Mulungu, L. S.; Singleton, G. R.; Taylor, P. J.; Soarimalala, V.; Belmain, S. R.
A systematic review of rodent pest research in Afro-Malagasy small-holder farming systems: are we asking the right questions?
(PLOS ONE, 2017) Swanepoel, L. H.; Swanepoel, C. M.; Brown, P. R.; Eiseb, S. J.; Goodman, S. M.; Keith, M.; Kirsten, F.; Leirs, H.; Mahlab, T. A. M.; Makundi, R. H.; Malebane, P.; Maltitz, E. F.; Massawe, A. W.; Monadjem, A.; Mulungu, L. S.; Singleton, G. R.; Taylor, P. J.; Soarimalala, V.; Belmain, S. R.
Rodent pests are especially problematic in terms of agriculture and public health since they can inflict considerable economic damage associated with their abundance, diversity, generalist feeding habits and high reproductive rates. To quantify rodent pest impacts and identify trends in rodent pest research impacting on small-holder agriculture in the Afro-Malagasy region we did a systematic review of research outputs from 1910 to 2015, by developing an a priori defined set of criteria to allow for replication of the review process. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We reviewed 162 publications, and while rodent pest research was spatially distributed across Africa (32 countries, including Madagascar), there was a disparity in number of studies per country with research biased towards four countries (Tanzania [25%], Nigeria [9%], Ethiopia [9%], Kenya [8%]) accounting for 51% of all rodent pest research in the Afro-Malagasy region. There was a disparity in the research themes addressed by Tanzanian publications compared to publications from the rest of the Afro-Malagasy region where research in Tanzania had a much more applied focus (50%) compared to a more basic research approach (92%) in the rest of the Afro-Malagasy region. We found that pest rodents have a significant negative effect on the Afro-Malagasy small-holder farming communities. Crop losses varied between cropping stages, storage and crops and the highest losses occurred during early cropping stages (46% median loss during seedling stage) and the mature stage (15% median loss). There was a scarcity of studies investigating the effectiveness of various management actions on rodent pest damage and population abundance. Our analysis highlights that there are inadequate empirical studies focused on developing sustainable control methods for rodent pests and rodent pests in the Africa-Malagasy context is generally ignored as a research topic
Arenavirus infection correlates with lower survival of its natural rodent host in a long-term capture-mark-recapture study
Mariën, J.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.; Gryseels, S.; Broecke, B. V.; Sabuni, C. A.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, L. S.; Günther, S.; de Bellocq, J. G.; Massawe, A. W.; Leirs, H
Arenavirus infection correlates with lower survival of its natural rodent host in a long-term capture-mark-recapture study
(2018) Mariën, J.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.; Gryseels, S.; Broecke, B. V.; Sabuni, C. A.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, L. S.; Günther, S.; de Bellocq, J. G.; Massawe, A. W.; Leirs, H
Background: Parasite evolution is hypothesized to select for levels of parasite virulence that maximise transmission success. When host population densities fluctuate, low levels of virulence with limited impact on the host are expected, as this should increase the likelihood of surviving periods of low host density. We examined the effects of Morogoro arenavirus on the survival and recapture probability of multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis) using a seven-year capture-mark-recapture time series. Mastomys natalensis is the natural host of Morogoro virus and is known for its strong seasonal density fluctuations. Results: Antibody presence was negatively correlated with survival probability (effect size: 5–8% per month depending on season) but positively with recapture probability (effect size: 8%). Conclusions: The small negative correlation between host survival probability and antibody presence suggests that either the virus has a negative effect on host condition, or that hosts with lower survival probability are more likely to obtain Morogoro virus infection, for example due to particular behavioural or immunological traits. The latter hypothesis is supported by the positive correlation between antibody status and recapture probability which suggests that risky behaviour might increase the probability of becoming infected.
Breeding dynamics of rodent species inhabiting farm–fallow mosaic fields in Central Tanzania
Massawe, A. W.; Makundi, R. H.; Mulungu, L. S.; Katakweba, A.; Shayo, T. N.
Breeding dynamics of rodent species inhabiting farm–fallow mosaic fields in Central Tanzania
(2012-04) Massawe, A. W.; Makundi, R. H.; Mulungu, L. S.; Katakweba, A.; Shayo, T. N.
The breeding dynamics of three species of rodents, Mastomys natalensis, Aethomys chrysophilus and Gerbilliscus vicina were investigated in a seasonal environment (wet versus dry) in Berega in the eastern parts of central Tanzania. Berega has a distinct unimodal rainfall pattern, with most rainfall from November to April/May. We hypothesized that breeding of rodents in central Tanzania would be confined to the wet season, when unlimited resources would be available for reproduction. We provide evidence of breeding discontinuity in the three species, showing that breeding was seasonally restricted to the wet season and early in the dry season. The observed discontinuity could largely be ascribed to variation in primary productivity between the wet and dry seasons. Reproductively active females were found in the population as early as November, a month into the rainy season, but when early rains occurred, some individuals were already breeding in October. Breeding was more intensive in the latter part of the wet season (March–May) and completely ceased during the dry season. For M. natalensis, survival was highest in the wet period and low in the dry season. The study provides knowledge on the breeding dynamics of rodents in central Tanzania, which can help farmers to take proactive rodent management decisions to prevent high rodent densities and reduce crop damage in the fields. Application of control measures by the community early in the season when populations of reproductive females is lowest will be most rewarding.
Breeding patterns of Arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Eco) Massawe, A. W.; Mrosso, F. P.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species in the Magamba Forest Reserve, Western Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species in the Magamba Forest Reserve, Western Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2006) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, Loth S.
We investigated breeding seasonality and population dynamics of three rodent species, Lophuromys flavopuncatus, Grammomys dolichurus and Praomys delectorum, in the Magamba Forest, Western Usambara Mountains, northeast Tanzania. Capture–mark–recapture studies were conducted in 2002–2004. Reproductive conditions of males and females showed temporal variations, an indication of breeding seasonality. Animals were reproductively active between February and May. Rainfall in November–January was instrumental for the onset of breeding and continued throughout the wet season. The recruitment of new individuals born during the season led to highest population densities between end of May and August. Populations declined progressively towards the end of the dry season (September–October). Only P. delectorum showed a marked density increase during January–February, indicating greater survival and/or recruitment during the November– January rains. The study shows that despite a relatively stable environment of the forest reserve, rainfall has strong influence on reproduction and population dynamics, probably because of its effect on primary food resources. Key words: breeding, dynamics, Grammomys, Lophuromys, Praomys, Tanzania Re´sume´ Nous avons e´tudie´ la chronologie saisonnie`re de la reproduction et la dynamique de la population de trois espe`ces de rongeurs, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Grammomys dolichurus et Praomys delectorum, dans la foreˆt de Magamba, dans la partie ouest des monts Usambara, au nord-est de la Tanzanie. Des e´tudes par capture – marquage – re-capture ont e´te´ re´alise´es en 2002 – 2004. La condition reproductrice des maˆles et des femelles pre´sentait des variations saisonnie`res, un indice de saisonnalite´ de la reproduction. Les animaux e´taient en e´tat de reproduction active entre fe´vrier et mai. Les chutes de pluie de novembre a` janvier e´taient tre`s importantes pour le de´clenchement de la reproduction et continuaient pendant toute la saison des pluies. Le recrutement de nouveaux individus ne´s durant cette saison conduisait a` une densite´ de population qui culminait entre fin mai et aouˆ t. Les populations de´clinaient progressivement jusque vers la fin de la saison se`che (septembre – octobre). Seul P. delectorum montrait un taux de recrutement et/ou de survie plus e´leve´ pendant les pluies de novembre a` janvier. Cette e´tude montre que malgre´ l’environnement relativement stable de la re´serve forestie`re, les chutes de pluie ont une forte influence sur la reproduction et la dynamique des populations, probablement a` cause de leur effet sur les ressources primaires en nourriture.
Do farming practices influence population dynamics of rodents? A case study of the multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, in Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Ecol.) Massawe, A. W.; Rwamugira, W; Leirs, H; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
Do farming practices influence population dynamics of rodents? A case study of the multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, in Tanzania
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Afr. J. Ecol., 2006) Massawe, A. W.; Rwamugira, W; Leirs, H; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Mulungu, Loth S.
A capture-mark-recapture study was conducted in crop fields in Morogoro, Tanzania, to investigate how the population dynamics of multimammate field rats, Mastomys natalensis, was influenced by the commonly practised land preparation methods and cropping systems. Two land preparation methods (tractor ploughing and slash and burn) and two cropping systems (mono-cropping with maize and inter-cropping with maize and beans) were investigated in a Complete Randomized Design experiment with 2 · 2 factors, and two 0.5 ha replicates per treatment. Mastomys natalensis comprised 97.8% of the abundance of the three rodent species captured in the study area. The slash and burned fields had higher rodent population densities than tractor ploughed fields (P < 0.05). Recruitment rates were higher in the slash and burn fields than in the tractor ploughed fields, suggesting that the former were more favourable habitats for M. natalensis. Land preparation methods appeared to influence the population dynamics of M. natalensis through recruitment of new individuals in the population and most probably survival. Apart from the temporal changes in population density, which were reflected in both tractor ploughed and slash and burn fields, cropping systems (mono- and inter-crop) had little effect on the population dynamics of M. natalensis [F(1,8) ¼ 6.50; P > 0.05]. The study shows that land preparation methods should be considered a component of rodent pest management in ecologically based or integrated management practices. In maize fields in Tanzania, the crop is most susceptible to damage by M. natalensis in the first 2 weeks after planting, and therefore, lower densities of rodents will result into lower crop damage in tractor ploughed fields.
Does exploratory behavior or activity in a wild mouse explain susceptibility to virus infection?
(Current Zoology) Broecke, B. V.; Borremans, B.; Mariën, J.; Makundi, R. H .; Massawe, A. W.; Hughes, N. K.; Leirsa, H.
Ecological considerations for management of rodent pests in Tanzania
Makundi, R. S.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, L.S.
Ecological considerations for management of rodent pests in Tanzania
(2006) Makundi, R. S.; Massawe, A. W.; Mulungu, L.S.
Ecologically based rodent management in Africa: potential and challenges
(CSIRO Publishing) Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.
Effect of Seedbed Type on Yield and Yield Components of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Commercial Cultivars
(Asia Network for Scientific Information) Mulungu, Loth S; Tarimo, A. J. P.; Reuben, O.W.M.; Lema, D. N.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.
Effect of Seedbed Type on Yield and Yield Components of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Commercial Cultivars
(Asia Network for Scientific Information, 2006) Mulungu, Loth S; Tarimo, A. J. P.; Reuben, O.W.M.; Lema, D. N.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Massawe, A. W.
Two experiments were conducted, one in 1997 during the long rain season (April-July) and another in 2004 during dry season (September - December) at Sokoine University of Agriculture plots, Morogoro, Tanzania to evaluate the effect of seedbed types on crop performance of beans of different growth types. Treatments were laid out in a split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In 1997, the main plots consisted of four common bean cultivars namely SUA 90, Canadian wonder, Kablanketi and Glory. Three seedbed types constituted the sub-plots namely ridge cultivation, flat cultivation and ngolo cultivation. In 2004, the main plots consisted of two bean cultivars namely SUA 90 and Kablanketi. Four seedbed types constituted the sub-plots viz., ridge cultivation, flat cultivation, ngolo cultivation and fipa mound seedbed. The data recorded included number of harvested plants m-2, number of branches plant-1, pods plant-1, pod length, seeds pod-1, grain yield plant-1, yield ha-1 and 100 seed weight. Results showed that bean cultivars differed in yield components and determinate cultivars showed consistently higher seed yield per plant while indeterminate showed consistely higher 100 seed weight. Ridge seedbed showed superiority on number of pods per plant, pod length and yield per plant only during dry season. However, flat seedbeds showed consistently good performance for many variables investigated. Increased grain yield in flat seedbeds, therefore, at both cropping seasons was reflected in increased production of pods per plant, longer pods and yield per plant. Therefore, flat seedbed type is recommended for bean production in the studied location.
Effect of synthetic hormones on reproduction in Mastomys natalensis
(Journal of Pest Science.) Massawe, A. W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Zhang, Z.; Mhamphi, G.; Liu, M.; Jun Li, H.; Belmain, S. R.
Effect of synthetic hormones on reproduction in Mastomys natalensis
(Journal of Pest Science., 2018) Massawe, A. W.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Zhang, Z.; Mhamphi, G.; Liu, M.; Jun Li, H.; Belmain, S. R.
Rodent pest management traditionally relies on some form of lethal control. Developing effective fertility control for pest rodent species could be a major breakthrough particularly in the context of managing rodent population outbreaks. This laboratory-based study is the first to report on the effects of using fertility compounds on an outbreaking rodent pest species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Mastomys natalensis were fed bait containing the synthetic steroid hormones quinestrol and levonorgestrel, both singly and in combination, at three concentrations (10, 50, 100 ppm) for 7 days. Consumption of the bait and animal body mass was mostly the same between treatments when analysed by sex, day and treatment. However, a repeated measures ANOVA indicated that quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel treatments reduced consumption by up to 45%, particularly at the higher concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm. Although there was no clear concentration effect on animal body mass, quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel lowered body mass by up to 20% compared to the untreated and levonorgestrel treatments. Quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel reduced the weight of male rat testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles by 60–80%, and sperm concentration and motility were reduced by more than 95%. No weight changes were observed to uterine and ovarian tissue; however, high uterine oedema was observed among all female rats consuming treated bait at 8 and 40 days from trial start. Trials with mate pairing showed there were significant differences in the pregnancy rate with all treatments when compared to the untreated control group of rodents.
Experimental treatment-control studies of ecologically based rodent management in Africa: balancing conservation and pest management
(CSIRO PUBLISHING) Taylor, P. J.; Downs, S.; Monadjem, A.; Eiseb, S. J.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Massawe, A. W.; Mahlaba, T. A.; Kirsten, F.; Maltitz, E. V.; Malebane, P.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Lamb, J.; Belmain, S. R.