Browsing by Author "Masika, Fred Bwayo"

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    First report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda
    (New Disease Report, 2025-05-15) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Mahipal, S. K.; Alicai, T.; Shimelis, H.; Ddamulira, G.; Athman, S. Y.; Ipulet, P.; Osingada, F.; Salman, F. A.; Tugume, A. K.
    This study reports the first detection of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) and multiple other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda. Using high-throughput sequencing of leaf samples collected from commercial farms across three districts, we identified six viruses, including MWMV, pepo aphid-borne yellows virus (PABYV), Citrullus lanatus cryptic virus, Cucumis melo cryptic virus, Watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus, and a novel E. coli virus. The complete genome sequences of MWMV and PABYV were obtained, and virus presence was confirmed through RT-PCR. Observations indicated that mixed infections led to more severe symptoms such as mosaic patterns, leaf mottling, and stunting, affecting approximately 30–40% of cultivated plants. These findings underscore the emerging viral challenges in Ugandan watermelon production and emphasize the importance of vigilant disease monitoring and management strategies.
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    Genome-wide survey of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family and potential PSY specific miRNA revealed their role in plant development and diverse stress conditions in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
    (Springer Nature, 2025-08-26) Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Manohar, Swati; Anand, Ankit; Alamery, Salman Freeh; Badu, Meenakshi; Kabi, Mandakini; Mohanty, Ankita; Naik, Islavath Suresh; Kumar, Santosh; Kherawat, Bhagwat Singh; Kumar, Vinay; Lenka, Sangram K.; Verma, Shreya; Shrivastava, Harsha; Kumawat, Giriraj; Masika, Fred Bwayo
    Background Soybean is a fundamental oilseed crop, recognized for its notable protein and oil levels. Tyrosine Sulfation (PSY) genes play an essential role in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. However, the precise functions and mechanisms regulated by PSY are still being explored. Currently, there is insufficient information on the PSY gene family in soybean. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive genome-wide survey to detect and PSY family members were categorized in soybean. Results The phylogenetic analysis revealed that PSY family was categorized into nine distinct groups. Further, we precisely mapped the locations of the 12 GmPSY genes across seven soybean chromosomes. Examination of gene duplication revealed six pairs of duplicated genes within the PSY gene family in soybean. A consistent gene structure pattern was observed among GmPSY gene family members. The alignment of GmPSY protein amino acid sequences revealed a conserved PSY domain present in all proteins. Furthermore, RNA-seq data from the Soybean Expression Atlas revealed varying expression patterns of GmPSY genes across different tissues. To validate the expression profiles, qRT-PCR analysis was performed on selected GmPSY genes using root tissues from contrasting soybean accessions. In addition, identified eight out of the 12 GmPSY genes as targets for ten specific miRNAs. Moreover, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network to explore the connections between GmPSY and other soybean proteins. Conclusion Thus, these discoveries lay a robust groundwork for future research aimed at elucidating the specific roles of GmPSY members across different tissues and under various stress conditions in soybean.
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    High-throughput sequencing analysis reveals Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus and Tobacco Streak Virus isolates infecting pumpkins in Uganda
    (CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2025-08-01) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Tugume, Arthur K.; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Shimelis, Hussein; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Athman, Shahasi Y.; Ipulet, Perpetua; Alicai, Titus
    Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a globally cultivated, economically significant cucurbit species, yet viral diseases pose a major threat to its yield and quality, especially in key production areas such as Uganda. To investigate and document viruses affecting pumpkins in Uganda, we assessed the sub-regional severity of virus-like diseases and identified pumpkin-infecting viruses using RNA sequencing. A total of 75 pumpkin leaf samples displaying typical viral symptoms were collected from 66 fields across Uganda. These samples were then pooled into five bulk groups, each consisting of 15 different plant leaves. Our analysis identified two viruses and detected six viruses, which were, however, not confirmed by another method. The two identified viruses were Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus (MWMV) and Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV). This is the first report of MWMV and TSV infecting pumpkins in Uganda. The virus-like disease symptoms exhibited variations in sub-regional severity and incidence. These findings highlight the current viral diversity in pumpkins in Uganda, providing critical information for developing integrated disease management strategies to enhance crop yield and productivity.
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    Nanoparticles in plant system: A comprehensive review on their role in diverse stress management and phytohormone signaling
    (Elsevier, 2025-08-19) Kumar, Vinay; Naik, Islavath Suresh; Das, Bimal; Singh, Anupama; Nayak, Prayasi; Mohapatra, Chinmayee; Debnath, Debanjana; Tripathy, Maitreyee; Behera, Kumareswar; Masika, Fred Bwayo; Manohar, Swati; Chung, Sang-Min; Kherawat, Bhagwat Singh; Hemalatha, Mamidi; Kesawat, Mahipal Singh
    Climate variability has led to significant environmental shifts in recent years, placing growing strain on agricultural systems worldwide. These environmental fluctuations have magnified the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plants, substantially hampering their growth and lowering crop productivity. To tackle these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative and effective strategies that promote sustainable agricultural practices. Among emerging technologies, nanotechnology has attracted significant interest for its transformative potential in agriculture. The application of nanoscale materials including nanopesticides, nanofungicides, nanofertilizers, and nanoherbicides offers promising avenues for enhancing crop protection and boost productivity. Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties that allow for precise and targeted delivery of nutrients and protective agents, thereby improving both the quality and yield of crops under diverse stress conditions. Phytohormone signaling pathways comprise intricate biochemical networks that enable plant hormones to regulate growth, development, and stress responses by transmitting and amplifying precise molecular signals. Recent studies suggest that NPs can alleviate stress-induced damage in plants by modulating phytohormone signaling pathways. However, the complex mechanisms underlying the interactions between NPs and phytohormone biosynthesis remain largely unexplored. This review offers a comprehensive overview of nanoparticle synthesis methods, types, and characterization techniques, with particular emphasis on their potential for mitigating both abiotic and biotic stresses. In addition, the article explores the role of NPs in plant pathology, particularly in disease detection and management. It also highlights emerging evidence on the impact of NPs on phytohormone signaling pathways, which are crucial for improving plant resilience and productivity in stress-prone environments. Thus, nanotechnology holds considerable promise for alleviating stress-related challenges and improving crop yields. A deeper understanding of NP–phytohormone interactions is crucial for developing safe and effective nanotechnological strategies to advance sustainable agriculture
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    Relative abundance, geographical distribution, and utilization of the edible wild black plum (Vitex doniana) in Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025-08-04) Caku, Jimmy; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Masika, Fred Bwayo
    Wild edible plants play a crucial role in food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustaining rural livelihoods. Vitex doniana, though widely distributed, remains an underutilized species with significant ecological, economic, and medicinal value. Despite its adaptability across diverse ecosystems, its population in Uganda faces increasing threats from human activities. In addition, the lack of comprehensive data on its abundance and distribution hampers conservation efforts, posing a risk to the plant’s genetic diversity. Ecological and ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Uganda, Koboko district, to assess the abundance, utilization, and distribution of V. doniana. A total of six line transects and 18 quadrats (three alternating quadrats (50 m × 100 m) with 25 m spacing between quadrats per line transect) were used for data collection. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the utilisation of V. doniana from 144 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS. Results indicated a higher relative abundance of young regenerating trees (74.0%) than mature trees (26.0%). The distribution of V. doniana across different land-use types showed a statistically significant variation (χ² = 7.17, df = 2, p = 0.028). The local community utilizes the tree for fruit harvesting, firewood, charcoal production, and construction purposes. To ensure the sustainable use of V. doniana, community by-laws, awareness, controlled harvesting, and agroforestry practices should be embraced.