Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda, From Selected Regions in Kenya.

2024-04-18T11:34:03+03:00

Purpose: This study was done in Kenya for the purpose of confirmation and tentative identification of fall armyworm to help in proper monitoring and effective management of the pest. To achieve this, the study was organized in order to characterize Spodoptera frugiperda (fall army worm) found in Kenya using morphological and molecular techniques and determine prevalent strain of Spodoptera frugiperda in eastern and central regions of Kenya. The study was also organized to compare the host diversity for Spodoptera frugiperda strains in eastern and central regions of Kenya.

Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in 5 regions namely; Machakos, Nyeri, Murang’a, Embu and Kiambu. Sampling of sub counties was done followed by random choice of at least 2 villages and eventually reaching the actual households. Questionnaires were used to interrogate farmers about their knowledge on fall armyworm and seeking permission to check and pick the fall armyworm from their farms. Samples of moths and larvae were obtained. The pest was identified morphologically in the field before being taken to the lab for DNA was extraction and COI gene amplification. The amplified DNA was shipped to Macrogen, Netherlands for sequencing.

Findings: This study confirmed actual establishment of Spodoptera frugiperda in eastern and central Kenya using COI gene amplification and analysis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of both the “Rice” and “Corn” strains. Results indicated higher prevalence of the Rice strain at 77.8% while that of Corn strain was 22.2%. Investigation of the host plants for the fall armyworm gave no evidence of plant host specificity for R- strain since it was also found in Zea mays (maize). Only two plants species, maize and sorghum, were found to host Spodoptera frugiperda in the study region, with a higher preference towards the maize crop.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The findings of morphological and molecular characterization together with phylogenetic studies confirms presence of rice and corn strains of Spodoptera frugiperda in Kenya. The pest was recorded mainly in maize and sorghum crop and due to its host range in its native Western Hemisphere and migration ability it may spread to other crops like millet, rice, cotton, vegetables etc. Host status should be continuously investigated. It was also found that Spodoptera frugiperda has established itself in central and eastern regions of Kenya meaning that permanent solution to control its effects have to be developed.

Efficacy of on Farm Bovine Stool Examination as Compared to Postmortem for Fascioliasis

2024-04-27T18:44:46+03:00

Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine prevalence of fascioliasis by examination of liver for adult flukes and bovine stool at the farm in Uasin Gishu County.

Methodology: Stool examination and routine meat examination procedures were used.

Findings: The results at postmortem showed that female bovine were significantly (P<0.05) more infected (47.4%) compared to male cattle (32.8%). Ayrshire breed had higher infection rate (38.1%) compared to the other breeds, with the local breed having a significantly (p < 0.05) lowest infection rate (11.5%) Older cattle (over 48 months) had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher infection compared to the younger age groups. More slaughtered cattle were sourced from Uasin Gishu compared to other regions and they were also significantly (P<0.05) more infected (at 47.1%) than cattle from the other regions. Results for stool examination also had a similar trend. There was a significant difference in the rates of Fasciola infections in cattle in the six Sub counties. Fasciola infection between the male and female, between Ayrshire, Friesian and local breed, between age 8-24, age 25-48 and age 48 were also significant. More females were infected followed by animals aged between 25-48 months. Friesian breed was the most infected and sampled on farms in the field among the breeds with the least infected being the local breeds which showed more resistance to fascioliasis than the other groups. F. hepatica was the most common species infecting the cattle, although some animals were found to have mixed infections. The results of stool analysis also showed that more female cattle and the animals aged between 25-48 months were more infected. Friesian breed were more infected during stool examination among the bovine breeds with the least infected being local breeds which suggests that they are more resistance to fascioliasis than the exotic breeds. Stool analysis prevalence was 28% while liver examination was 40%. Stool analysis was found to be a suitable method for routine management of livestock in order to reduce losses that are associated with liver flukes.

Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Uasin Gishu contributed the highest number of slaughtered animals in the Eldoret main abattoir and therefore farmers in the region should be advised on the best cattle management practices such as regular stool analysis deworming and avoiding grazing their cattle in potentially snail infested areas.

International Journal of Biological Studies

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda, From Selected Regions in Kenya.

Efficacy of on Farm Bovine Stool Examination as Compared to Postmortem for Fascioliasis