Browsing by Author "Mulungu, L. S."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 32

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.
Control of rodent pests in maize cultivation: the case of Africa
(Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited) Mulungu, L. S.
Control of rodent pests in maize cultivation: the case of Africa
(Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.
Rodents cause serious problems to human communities in Africa as a result of their involvement in the spread of diseases (Katakweba et al. 2012) and in the losses of crops through direct consumption (Mulungu et al. 2003; Bekele et al. 2003) and spoilage (Mdangi et al. 2013). For example, Taylor (1968) reported 20% damage to maize crop after the outbreak of rodents in Western Kenya. Earlier reports (Taylor 1968) on economic losses due to rodents in Kenya indicated 20–30% damage to maize crops, and a 34–100% loss during rodent outbreaks. In Ethiopia, it has been estimated that rodents consume up to 26.4% of maize crop in most years (Bekele et al. 2003). In Northern Ethiopia, surveyed farmers estimated 9–44% pre-harvest yield losses in annual production of cereal crops due to rodent attacks (Meheretu et al. 2010), while Central Ethiopia showed 26.4% loss of yield in maize (Bekele et al. 2003). In Tanzania, rodents are estimated to cause on average 15% yield loss (Makundi et al. 1991), which would mean the loss of around 382 673 tonnes per year of the actual yield (FAO statistics 2014). This amount of maize, with an estimated value of US$42.5 million (at US$11.1 per 100 kg bag of maize), would be enough to feed 2.1 million people for a whole year (at about 0.5 kg/day/person). However, in many parts of Africa, this figure has risen dramatically over the last few years, most noticeably in places where rodent outbreaks occur (Mwanjabe et al. 2002; Taylor and Green 1968, 1976). Today
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH, 2018) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania are famous for rich biodiversity and endemic species of plants and animals. Although there have been extensive studies on plant and animals species, little attention has been given on abiotic factors influencing their spatial distribution. Given rampant degradation of vegetation and associated consequence on biodiversity, knowledge on abiotic factors influencing distribution of species along the landscape become pertinent for conservation. A study was carried out to explore abiotic factors impacting plant and animals species distribution. Soil, landform and land use/cover were studied using grids of 20 m × 20 m using FAO Guidelines for Soil Profile and Habitat Descriptions. Soils were described, sampled for laboratory analysis. Spatial distribution of plant species were determined in the grids, and along the transects, every time estimating the percent cover and describing the habitat. Distribution of animal species was studied using both small mammals and rodent burrows as proxies. Trapping was done using different traps sizes, checking daily for animal caught, counting and re-trapping. Rodent burrows were estimated in same grids by examining a width of 0.5 m from end to end of grid and total number of burrows recorded. Determination of species distribution was done using GLM regression. Results show that species are influenced by elevation, which was common to both plants and animals. Topsoil soil depth was positive to plant species whereas hillshade, surface stones, cultivation and atmospheric temperature were negatively influencing plant species. Rock outcrops, surface stones and cultivation were positively influencing small mammals distribution. It is concluded that factors influencing distribution of small mammals are elevation, surface stones, rock outcrop and cultivation. Factors influencing plant species are elevation soil depth whereas cultivation, hillshade, surface stone and rock out crops negatively impact distribution. For conservation, it is recommended that the best steps are to stop human activities leading to depletion of plant species and accelerating soil erosion and allow for self-regeneration. Control of soil erosion strongly recommended as way of plant species re-establishment.
Effect of Mango weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) damage on Mango seed viability in Tanzania
(Entomological Society of America) Mulungu, L. S.; Mpinga, M.; Mwatawala, M. W.
Effect of Mango weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) damage on Mango seed viability in Tanzania
(Entomological Society of America, 2008-02) Mulungu, L. S.; Mpinga, M.; Mwatawala, M. W.
Studies were conducted at the horticulture unit of Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, to assess the incidence and effect of mango weevil, Cryptorhynchus mangiferae (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), infestation on mango, Mangifera indica L., seed viability. Three polyembryo mango cultivars (ÔSindano nyeusiÕ, ÔSindano nyeupeÕ, and ÔDodoÕ) as well as three monoembryo mango cultivars (ÔEx-horticultureÕ, ÔTangoÕ, and ÔBongwaÕ) were collected and examined for the presence ofC. mangiferae. The effect of seed damage on viability was assessed for both naturally and artiÞcially damaged seeds. However, for artiÞcially damaged seeds, the viability was assessed by cutting away 0, 25, 50, or 75% of the cotyledon before planting. In this experiment, only monoembryo mango cultivars were used. All the examined cultivars were infested by C. mangiferae, although at varying levels. Polyembryo mango cultivars were relatively more infested than monoembryo cultivars. Bongwa and Tango were least infested, whereas Sindano nyeusi recorded the highest C. mangiferae incidence. Germination rates of damaged seeds of polyembryonic cultivars differed signiÞcantly from the uninfested control, except for Sindano nyeusi. There were no signiÞcant differencesin germination percentage among the three monoembryo cultivars, and all the cultivars differed signiÞcantly from the uninfested control. The germination rates of seeds with 25% of their cotyledons removed did not differ signiÞcantly from the undamaged seeds, indicating that monoembryo cultivar seeds can withstand up to 25% damage and germinate successfully.
Effectiveness of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) urine extracts odour against commensal rodents
(COSTECH) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
Effectiveness of the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus) Urine Extracts Odour against Commensal Rodents
(Huria Journal) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
Effectiveness of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) urine extracts odour against commensal rodents
(COSTECH, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an extract of cat urine odour as a repellant of commensal rodents in houses. Cat urine was drawn and stored frozen in universal bottles at -20 0 C until use. The stored cat urine was then thawed and mixed with maize starch to form a thick dough and then granulated and dried at room temperature before being packed in a hermetically closed jar. Initially, rodent foot marks on tracking soot coat tiles were used to estimate the rat population before the cat urine extracts application. Twenty households with high and low rodent activities were selected purposively in the study area. Ten houses were treated with the urine extracts and ten others were kept untreated (control). Both treated and untreated houses were categorized at two levels (i.e. low and high rodent activities) as determined by the tracking tile foot prints. One tracking tile was placed in each of the selected houses and rodent foot marks were counted. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed a significant difference in rodent activities which however, depended on the sex of the cat that donated the urine base. Female cat urine extract repelled significantly more commensal rodents as compared to male cat urine extract. The repellent effect was observed from day 1 to 4; but not beyond. Our findings suggest that cat urine odour has the potential to repel commensal rodent pest species; with female cat urine being more effective than male cat urine.
Efficacy of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Neorautanenia mitia and Gnidia kraussiana against larger grain Borer (Prostephanus trancutus Horn) and Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamays Motschulsky) on Maize (Zea mays L.) grain seeds
(Academic Journals Inc.) Mulungu, L. S.; Ndilahomba, B.; Nyange, C. J.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Mwalilino, J. K.; Joseph, C. C.; Mgina, C. A.
Efficacy of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Neorautanenia mitia and Gnidia kraussiana against larger grain Borer (Prostephanus trancutus Horn) and Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamays Motschulsky) on Maize (Zea mays L.) grain seeds
(Academic Journals Inc., 2011) Mulungu, L. S.; Ndilahomba, B.; Nyange, C. J.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Mwalilino, J. K.; Joseph, C. C.; Mgina, C. A.
Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of natural protectants in controlling Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamays in stored maize using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of natural protectants viz., pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium), Neorautanenia mitis, N. mitis with talc as carrier, Gnidia kraussiana powder and untreated control. Actellic Super Dust included as a standard insecticide control. The data collected included the number of dead and live insects, number of damaged and undamaged maize seeds, number of holes per seed, percentage damage and weight loss. Seeds treated with Actellic super dust, pyrethrum and G. kraussiana powder had significantly lower number of live insects and damaged seeds as compared to untreatedcontrol. Among the natural protectants, pyrethrum and G. kraussiana powder showed good potential in protecting maize grain against P. truncatus and S. zeamays. Positive and significant correlations between the numbers of live insects with number of damaged seeds, percentage damaged seeds, average number of holes per seed and weight loss were observed.
Evaluation of field performance and storage of some tropical short-day onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology) Msuya, D. G.; Reuben, S. O.; Mbilinyi, L. B.; Maerere, A. P.; Msogoya, T.; Mulungu, L. S.; Misangu, R. N.
Evaluation of field performance and storage of some tropical short-day onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2005) Msuya, D. G.; Reuben, S. O.; Mbilinyi, L. B.; Maerere, A. P.; Msogoya, T.; Mulungu, L. S.; Misangu, R. N.
The storage of bulbs of onion (Allium cepa L.) is very crucial to ensure its availability throughout the year. Experiments were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture to evaluate the growth and yield characteristics of some tropical short–day onion cultivars and the storability of their bulbs after harvest. The first experiment in 1994 involved 21 cultivars evaluated for their growth and yield variables. The second experiment, involving six cultivars, was carried out in 1996 and in addition to performance evaluation, the storability of bulbs was investigated. Results showed significant differences among the cultivars in yield, yield components and storability. Granex 429 had the highest yield among cultivars in both trials, but had very poor storability. Serrana and XPH 6074 had long storability and maintained more than 50% of their weight after 5 months of storage. These two cultivars are promising as good sources of genes to incorporate storage traits in other cultivars of onion.
Evaluation of sweet wormwood (artemisia annua l.) as stored grain protectant against maize storage weevil (sitophilus zeamays, motschulsky) and larger grain borer (prostephanus truncatus, horn) on stored maize grains
(African Journal of Science and Research) Mwalilino, J. K.; Mwendo, M. M.; Mdangi, M. E.; Mulungu, L. S.