Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

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Gastrointestinal helminths of semi - domesticated helmeted guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) under different management systems in Arua district , Uganda.
(African Journal of Poultry Farming, 2016) Sente, Celsus; Kabasa, David John; Dranzoa, Christine; Gwabali, Damba Andrew; Tushabe, Josephine
Multi-stage and purposive sampling designs were undertaken to identify the smallest unit for extraction of samples to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of the guinea fowls in the free-range management system (FRMS) and semi-scavenging management system (SSMS) in Arua district. Gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) were extracted from 120 guinea fowls, 60 from each management system. All the 60(100%) guinea fowls from FRMS harboured helminths, whereas only 49(81.7%) from SSMS were infected. The number of helminths Hymenolepis carioca (X2=17, p<0.001), Heterakis gallinarum (X2= 7.60, p<0.01) and Subulura brumpti (X2=4.82, p<0.05) were significantly higher in FRMS than in the SSMS. The prevalence of all species was higher in the FRMS compared to SSMS except for Hartertia gallinarum (3.3%) which was the same in both systems. Ten helminth species, namely; Hymenolepis carioca, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Dispharynx spiralis, Raillietina tetragona, Subulura brumpti, Prosthogonimus spp., Hartertia gallinarum, trongyloides avium and Raillietina echinobothrida were identified. The mean worm burden of Hymenolepis carioca (FRMS, 140±21.7; SSMS, 63.4±14.7), Ascaridia galli (FRMS, 7.3±3.5; SSMS, 0.03±0.0) and Subulura brumpti (FRMS, 12.7±2.8; SSMS, 4.3±2.1) were significantly higher in FRMS than SSMS. It is important to separate guinea fowls from other poultry as well as improve hygiene measures in both management systems in order to realise a healthy flock.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of pseudocercospora fijiensis to determine the role of PfHog1 in osmotic stress regulation and virulence modulation
(Frontiers in Microbiology, 2017) Onyilo, Francis; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Chen, Li-Hung; Falk, Bryce; Stergiopoulos, Ioannis; Tripathi, N. Jaindra; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce; Kubiriba, Jerome; Changa, Charles; Tripathi, Leena
Black Sigatoka disease, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis is a serious constraint to banana production worldwide. The disease continues to spread in new ecological niches and there is an urgent need to develop strategies for its control. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is well known to respond to changes in external osmolarity. HOG pathway activation leads to phosphorylation, activation and nuclear transduction of the HOG1 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The activated HOG1 triggers several responses to osmotic stress, including up or down regulation of different genes, regulation of protein translation, adjustments to cell cycle progression and synthesis of osmolyte glycerol. This study investigated the role of the MAPK-encoding PfHog1 gene on osmotic stress adaptation and virulence of P. fijiensis. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of PfHog1 significantly suppressed growth of P. fijiensis on potato dextrose agar media supplemented with 1 M NaCl, indicating that PfHog1 regulates osmotic stress. In addition, virulence of the PfHog1-silenced mutants of P. fijiensis on banana was significantly reduced, as observed from the low rates of necrosis and disease development on the infected leaves. Staining with lacto phenol cotton blue further confirmed the impaired mycelial growth of the PfHog1 in the infected leaf tissues, which was further confirmed with quantification of the fungal biomass using absolute- quantitative PCR. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PfHog1 plays a critical role in osmotic stress regulation and virulence of P. fijiensis on its host banana. Thus, PfHog1 could be an interesting target for the control of black Sigatoka disease in banana.
Silencing of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) Fus3 and Slt2 in Pseudocercospora fijiensis Reduces Growth and Virulence on Host Plants
(Frontiers in Plant Science, 2018) Onyilo, Francis; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Tripathi, N. Jaindra; Chen, Li-Hung; Falk, Bryce; Stergiopoulos, Ioannis; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce; Kubiriba, Jerome; Tripathi, Leena
Pseudocercospora fijiensis, causal agent of the black Sigatoka disease (BSD) of Musa spp., has spread globally since its discovery in Fiji 1963 to all the banana and plantain growing areas across the globe. It is becoming the most damaging and economically important disease of this crop. The identification and characterization of genes that regulate infection processes and pathogenicity in P. fijiensis will provide important knowledge for the development of disease-resistant cultivars. In many fungal plant pathogens, the Fus3 and Slt2 are reported to be essential for pathogenicity. Fus3 regulates filamentous-invasion pathways including the formation of infection structures, sporulation, virulence, and invasive and filamentous growth, whereas Slt2 is involved in the cell-wall integrity pathway, virulence, invasive growth, and colonization in host tissues. Here, we used RNAi-mediated gene silencing to investigate the role of the Slt2 and Fus3 homologs in P. fijiensis in pathogen invasiveness, growth and pathogenicity. The PfSlt2 and PfFus3 silenced P. fijiensis transformants showed significantly lower gene expression and reduced virulence, invasive growth, and lower biomass in infected leaf tissues of East African Highland Banana (EAHB). This study suggests that Slt2 and Fus3 MAPK signaling pathways play important roles in plant infection and pathogenic growth of fungal pathogens. The silencing of these vital fungal genes through host-induced gene silencing (HIG) could be an alternative strategy for developing transgenic banana and plantain resistant to BSD.
Indigenous Knowledge Influences Cowpea ( Vigna Unguiculata ) Production among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Uganda
(Scholars World-International Refereed Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce,, 2018) Ayaa, Franciska; Alumai, Alfred; Dranzoa, Christine
This study documented the available indigenous knowledge (IK) on cowpea production in northern Uganda. The study focused on smallholder farmers along the River Nile belt in Nebbi, Arua, and Moyo districts in Uganda where cowpea is still grown widely. Data was collected from 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers in the study area, using a semi-structured survey questionnaire. Our findings show that only 17% of farmers cultivated cowpea on more than 1 acre. The majority cultivated cowpea on 1 acre (31%) and half an acre (30%). We found that 5 cowpea varieties (small brown helium, medium black, pungent smell, small white red helium, and large white red helium) are grown. The varieties that are commonly grown are small white red helium (34.7%) and large white red helium (48.3%). However, the findings reveal that the small brown, medium black and pungent smell varieties are becoming extinct. The major source of seeds for farmers was found to be local markets (36.3%), farmers’ own preserved seeds from previous seasons (28.3%), purchasing and using own preserved seeds (23.0%), urban markets (2%), purchased from both local and urban markets (6%), and borrowed from other farmers (1%). The major field pests that affect cowpea production were found to be aphids, glow worms, and beetles. Farmers control them using IK methods, including homemade remedies (69.3%) and handpicking (36.1%). Farmers control storage pests using storage, farmer use neem leaves or wood ash spread in granaries (25.8%), “osikusi” (3.9%), “dula” (1.9%), underground tunnels (4.7%), pots (0.3%), and empty drums (0.3%). These results suggest that IK plays a significant role in cowpea production, and is critical to enhancing socio-economic growth, increasing income, and ensuring food security among smallholder farmers.
Agricultural Cooperative marketing and credit policy reform in Uganda: An opportunity for poverty reduction
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2019) Onyilo, Francis; Adong, Annet
Academics and development practitioners increasingly view cooperatives as the cornerstone for agricultural transformation and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. Cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting bulk storage and sale by smallholder farmers, which can play a major role in poverty reduction for farmers otherwise unable to commercialize. Despite the significant role of cooperatives, the reforms associated with economic liberalisation have caused many cooperatives in the region to fail. While efforts were made in Uganda to ameliorate this situation through the passing of the National Co-operative Policy (NCP), this has done little to enhance the survival of these cooperatives. In this opinion paper, we identify challenges faced by cooperatives that negatively impact performance and survival, such political interference, lack of administrative support, human resource constraints, inadequate knowledge of the operations by members and poor governance. This paper recommends stronger linkages between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Integrating cooperatives into the decentralisation framework and formalising existing village savings and loan association groups into formal cooperatives. Most importantly, the government needs to take on a more proactive approach toward cooperative development, as seen in some countries such as South Africa and Rwanda.
Pseudocercospora fijiensis cell fusion (Fus3) gene, complete cds
(National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2019-08-07) Onyilo, Francis
Pseudocercospora fijiensis suppressor of the lytic phenotype (Slt2) gene, complete cds
(National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2019-08-07) Onyilo, Francis; Stergiopoulosq, I; Chen, L.-H.; Falk, B.; Odong, T. L.; Tripathi, J. N.; Tusiime, G.; Tripathi, L
Pseudocercospora fijiensis high osmolarity glycerol (Hog1) gene, complete cds
(National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2019-08-07) Onyilo, Francis
Anodic oxidation of effluents from stages of MBR-UF Municipal landfill leachate treatment plant
(Mary Ann Liebert, 2020-05-18) Ukundimana, Zubeda; Kobya, Mehmet; Omwene, Philip Isaac; Gengec, Erhan; Can, Orhan Taner
This study used boron-doped diamond electrode on niobium substrate (Nb/boron-doped diamond [BDD]) for the anodic oxidation of landfill leachate in a batch reactor. Raw leachate and biologically pretreated effluent samples were collected from each step of the existing unit operation of a municipal landfill leachate treatment plant (Kocaeli-Turkey). The influence of parameters, such as treatment time, initial pH (3.50–10.0), and applied current density (j = 76–1,060 A/m2), on the removal of total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) was assessed. The highest pollutant removal efficiencies were obtained at leachate inherent pH (6.50–8.75), moreover, pollutant removal rates increased with the increase in current density. The NH4+-N removal mainly occurred by indirect oxidation and well fitted second-order kinetics, whereas COD removal followed pseudo first-order kinetics. The optimum current density ensuring simultaneous removal of COD and NH4+-N was 756 and 455 A/m2 for raw leachate and for pretreated effluents, respectively. Under these optimums, nearly complete NH4+-N removal was attained, while ≥97% removal of TOC and COD was recorded. Herein, we present anodic oxidation as a suitable alternative for treatment of both stabilized raw leachate and effluents from stages of the membrane bioreactor/ultrafiltration treatment plant for the abatement of COD, TOC, and NH4+-N.
Recovery of succinic acid from whey fermentation broth by reactive extraction coupled with multistage processes
(Science Direct, 2020-06) Omwenea, Philip Isaac; Yagcioglu, Meltem; Sarihan, Zehra Betül Ocal; Karagunduz, Ahmet; Keskinler, Bülent
Fermentative production of succinic acid (SA) from renewable resources such as whey is environmentally sustainable compared to petroleum-based synthesis. However, a major drawback of fermentation is the concurrent production of SA with byproducts such as lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AA). Therefore, appropriate downstream SA recovery and purification steps are significant in ensuring sustainable SA production. In this study, SA was fermented by Actinobacillus succinogenes and recovered in an integrated process consisting of ultrafiltration, vacuum distillation and reactive extraction. The extractant used was tri-n-octylamine (TOA) with 1-octanol as a diluent for both liquid-liquid (LLE) extraction and supported liquid membrane (SLM). The produced SA titer and yield was 11.16 g/L and 0.44 g/g, respectively. The steady state ultrafiltration permeate flux ranged from 31.18 to 33.42 L/m2h, and complete decolorization of the fermentation broth was achieved with 10 % (w/v) of powdered activated carbon. The extraction efficiency for LLE was 51.5 %, whereas SLM achieved 57.3 % recovery. SA exhibited transport and permeability coefficient of 0.00697 h−1 (R2 > 0.92) and 0.08605 cm h−1, respectively. Extraction of SA tremendously decreased as the aqueous pH was increased from 2 to 5. In SLM, initial SA flux was calculated as 9.65 g/m2h and doubled that of lactic acid. Selective extraction of only SA was not achieved; however, residue biological material and macromolecular substances were effectively removed. Herein, we clearly demonstrated that process integration applied in reactive extraction is a promising approach for recovery of SA from fermentation broth.
Treatment of organized industrial zone wastewater by microfiltration/reverse osmosis membrane process for water recovery: from lab to pilot scale
(Science Direct, 2020-09-21) Ozbey-Unal, Bahar; Omwene, Philip Isaac; Yagcioglu, Meltem; Balcik-Canbolat, Çigdem; Karagunduz, Ahmet; Keskinler, Bulent; Dizge, Nadir
The global increase in industrialization has resulted into water scarcity. Research on water use efficiency and water reclamation is paramount in addressing this scarcity. In this study, laboratory and on-site pilot scale tests were conducted for water recovery from an industrial wastewater treatment plant. Different RO membranes (BW30, HP, and LE) were investigated with chemical treatment and ceramic microfiltration (MF) as pretreatment steps. Laboratory studies were conducted in dead-end filtration mode, whereas pilot scale studies were performed in cross flow mode with two spiral wound membranes. The removal efficiencies ranged from 40.0-86.3% for COD, 97.6- 99% for SO42-, 69.2-94.9% for Cr ion, 89.3-100% for Pb ion, 66.3-98.2 for Fe ion, 97.5- 99.7% for Zn ion, 95.1-99.5% for Si ion, and 79.1-100% for total phosphorus (TP). For the laboratory studies with 80% water recovery, the permeate flux reduced from 27.2 to 7.1 L/m2h, 35.7 to 1.3 L/m2h and 25.6 to 0.8 L/m2h for BW30, LE, and HP, respectively. On the other hand, four different operation modes were investigated to determine the effect of each mode on membrane performance and fouling properties. Average permeate flux of 18.7 and 21.3 L/m2h, 12.7 and 12.8 L/m2h, 13.4 and 14.6 L/m2h, 12.5 and 14.1 L/m2h were recorded for LE and BW30 membranes in the first, second, third, and fourth modes, respectively. Membrane autopsies were performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The system was effective in recovering the permeate to required industrial cooling and boiler water quality.
Analysis of sesame seed production and export trends; challenges and strategies towards increasing production in Uganda
(Oilseeds and fats, Crops and Lipids Journal, 2021-01) Wacal, Cosmas; Basalirwa, Daniel; Okello-Anyanga, Walter; Murongo, Marius Flarian; Namirembe, Caroline; Malingumu, Richard
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most ancient oilseed crops cultivated for its edible oil and uses in food. Sesame seeds are very nutritious and confer health benefits. However, its potential production in Uganda has not been fully realized. The objective of this review was to summarize the trends in sesame production, export quantity, export value, challenges, and strategies for sustainable sesame seed production in Uganda. The review revealed the sesame seed production and area harvested generally increased from 1996 to 2007 but significantly decreased between 2008 and 2018. The review also revealed that while the export quantities and values were low, they gradually increased from 2009 to 2016. The decreased production between 2008 and 2016 could have been due to challenges such as pests and diseases, loss of soil fertility, prolonged drought, poor agronomic practices, poor yielding varieties, and lack of access to credit. Therefore, it is recommended to improve breeding programs and soil management practices; strengthen agricultural credits and extension services to support marketing of sesame seeds; and improve agronomic practices and farmer knowledge on improved techniques such as sowing methods, plant spacing, intercropping practices, pests and disease control measures. These could boost sesame production in Uganda given the high domestic and global demand for sesame seeds and provide an opportunity to expand sesame production throughout Uganda. Research should focus on how to increase seed yield on farmers’ fields and bridge the yield gap between researchers and farmers while adopting good agronomic practices.
Descriptive analysis of heavy metals content of beef from Eastern Uganda and their safety for public consumption
(Frontiers in Nutrition, 2021-02-11) Bogere, Paul; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Hamira, Yunusu; Zirintunda, Gerald
In this study, we initiated an effort to generate information about beef safety in Uganda. Our entry point was to assess by atomic absorption spectrophotometry the levels of essential elements copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), and non-essential elements lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) in 40 beef samples collected from within and around Soroti (Uganda). The information was used to evaluate the safety of consuming such beef against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The latter was accomplished by (i) estimating the daily intake (EDI) of each metal in the study area, (ii) modeling the non-cancer health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and (iii) modeling the cancer risk using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The study finds that the mean concentrations (±95% CI) and EDI were in the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd. Cancer risk was found to be due to Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb and significantly higher in children than adults. The latter particularly demonstrates the importance of Ni poisoning in the study area. Overall, while essential elements in our beef samples were below WHO limits (hence no health risks), non-essential elements had high health and cancer risks due to higher levels of Cr and Ni.
Evaluation of newly released cassava varieties for yield performance, reactions to cassava diseases and farmers’ preference in Adjumani district of Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Science, 2021-03-15) Abaca, Alex; Odama, Emmanuel; Komakech, Alfred; Asiku, Baron; Andema, A. Andrews; Sadik, Kassim
Cassava viral diseases particularly cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) have put pressure on cassava breeders to develop varieties that are resistant/tolerant to them. Several cassava varieties have been rolled out to farmers with the latest being NAROCASS series that are tolerant to these diseases. The yield performance of these new varieties have not been documented in some sub zones like Adjumani district that falls within a major West Nile agro-ecology of Uganda. Therefore this study sought to established yield performances of, reactions to major diseases, and farmers’ preference to these newly released cassava varieties in Adjumani. Results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among cassava varieties and experimental sites for all the parameters evaluated. Average yield performance by varieties were in the order of a local cassava—Alifasia (8.7 t/Ha) lowest, NAROCASS 2 (18.55 t/Ha), NASE 14 (33.97 t/Ha), NASE 19 (41.26 t/Ha), and NAROCASS 1 (41.71 t/Ha) highest. CMD foliar symptom was present at all sites on a local cassava—Alifasia, and on NAROCASS 1 in Ayiri parish, Ukusijoni sub-county. CBSD foliar symptoms were observed on off-types (TME 14) in the plot of NASE 14 in Miniki Parish only whereas CBSD root necrosis was observed at all sites on the local cassava—Alifasia, and on NASE 19 in Maaji parish, Ukusijoni sub-county. Cassava root rot disease was localised in Ukusijoni sub-county only. Farmers’ preferences to these newly released cassava varieties were in the order of NASE 19 (40.96%), NAROCASS 1 (24.86%), NAROCASS 2 (15.82.28%), NASE 14 (15.54%), and a Local cassava—Alifasia (2.83%). Result from this study strengthens the information gap in the breeding process towards developing a cassava variety with farmer-preferred attributes, and can also inform the utilisation of these improved cassava varieties in Adjumani district.
Stingless beekeeping in Uganda: an industry in its infancy
(African Entomology, 2021-03-23) Chemurot, M.; Otim, A.S.; Namayanja, D.; Onen, H.; Angiro, C.; Mugume, R.; Kajobe, Robert; Macharia, J.; Gikungu, M.; Abila, P. P.; Kasangaki, P.
Stingless bees are important resources for pollination of crops, production of medicinal honey and other products. However, throughout the developing countries in Africa, meliponiculture has received less attention in beekeeping development programmes. Here, the current situation of stingless beekeeping in Uganda is assessed. First, stingless bee species utilised for their products were collected and identified. Thereafter, the economic benefits derived from stingless beekeeping in the Western Highlands agro-ecological zones of Uganda with anecdotal reports of meliponiculture were analysed. The findings reveal that stingless beekeeping is in its early stages of development in Uganda. Four stingless bee species were identified: Meliponula bocandei, Meliponula nebulata, Meliponula ferruginea and Plebeina hildebrandtii that are currently used for honey and propolis. These stingless bee species can be selected for domestication, targeting different products such as honey, propolis and pollen to make meliponiculture more profitable. Indigenous knowledge of beekeepers that can assist in locating wild stingless bee nests for domestication was documented as it is essential for the preservation of this practice. In order to transform the stingless beekeeping industry in Uganda, training needs such as hive making, colony management, product harvesting and processing will have to be addressed.
Phosphorous removal from anaerobically digested municipal sludge centrate by an electrocoagulation reactor using metal (Al, Fe and Al-Fe) scrap anodes.
(Elsevier, 2021-06-02) Kobya, Mehmet; Omwenea, Philip Isaac; Sarabia, Sanaz Mohammadzadeh; Yildirim, Sadullah; Ukundimana, Zubeda
Phosphates are a major cause of eutrophication and growth of algal blooms in surface waters. The current study investigated phosphorus removal from sludge centrate effluent (SCE) of a municipal wastewater plant by packed-bed electrocoagulation (EC) reactor. Distinctively, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and Al-Fe hybrid scrap anodes were used. The influence of initial pHi, applied current and packed anode bed density were evaluated. Phosphorous removal efficiency of 99.99 % was obtained at applied current of 0.20A with anode bed densities of 0.18 kg Al/m3 (pHi 5.0) and 0.48 kg Fe/m3(pHi 7.0). Optimum operating costs entailing sludge disposal, chemical, energy and electrode consumption were calculated as 0.379 US $/m3 (6.04 $/kg PO4-P) for Fe scrap, 0.494 US $/m3 (9.46 $/kg PO4-P) for Al scrap and 0.501 US $/m3 (9.59 $/kg PO4-P) for Al-Fe hybrid scraps. Phosphorus removal per electrochemically generated metal was 191.22 mg P/g Al, 104.88 mg P/g Fe, and 61.08 mg P/g (Al + Fe). The molar metal to phosphorus ratio at optimum conditions were calculated as 5.41, 3.97 and 7.65 mol/mole for Al, Fe and Al-Fe, respectively. The key mechanisms for phosphorus removal were metal-phosphorus precipitation and adsorption. Herein, metal scrap anodes have been proved effective for phosphorous removal from SCE.
Bio-based succinic acid recovery by ion exchange resins integrated with nanofiltration/reverse osmosis preceded crystallization
(Elsevier, 2021-07-03) Omwenea, Philip Isaac; Sarihan, Zehra Betul Ocal; Karagunduz, Ahmet; Keskinlera, Bulen
Succinic acid is a key platform chemical for production of various products such as biodegradable polymers, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and foods. In the present study, bio-based succinic acid was recovered through two processes. Process I consisted of chromatographic separation with anionic exchange resin followed by direct crystallization, whereas process II sequentially consisted of cationic exchanger, activated carbon, NF/RO membrane, vacuum distillation, and crystallization. The highest chromatographic separation efficiency for succinic acid by Amberlite IRA900 Cl column was calculated as 69.3% at flow rate of 0.42 BV/h. Rejection of succinic aid (SA), lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AC) by NF90 membrane was 53.1, 51.8, 46.6 and 39.8%, respectively at pH less than 2. However, at pH 6.8 the respective rejections increased to 96.8, 90.6, 71.3 and 70.5%. Double pass with BW30 or HP reverse osmosis membranes achieved retention of SA, LA, FA and AC of 95.9%, 95.8%, 65.4% and 46.9%, respectively. Analysis of generated SA crystals by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) showed the crystallinity of recovered SA as conformable to standard grade crytsals. The purity of generated succinic acid crystals was recorded as 98.5% and 96.7% for process I and process II, respectively. The calculated succinic acid yield was 78% for process I and 65% for process II. Herein, we demonstrated two alternative systems for bio-based succinic acid recovery, which will set a stage for research in efficient downstream purification of SA.
Batch fermentation of succinic acid from cheese whey by Actinobacillus succinogenes under variant medium composition
(Springer, 2021-07-29) Omwene, Philip Isaac; Yağcıoğlu, Meltem; Öcal-Sarihan, Zehra Betül; Ertan, Fatma; Keris-Sen, Ülker Diler; Karagunduz, Ahmet; Keskinler, Bülent
Bio-based succinic acid production has attracted global attention since its consideration as a potential replacement to petroleum-based platform chemicals. This study used three different CO2 sources, namely NaHCO3, K2CO3 and MgCO3 for fermentation of succinic acid (SA) by Actinobacillus succinogenes under three distinct substrate conditions i.e. lactose, whey and whey devoid of any supplements. Batch experiments were performed in both anaerobic flasks and 5L benchtop fermenter. SA fermentation in anaerobic flasks was unfettered by supplementary nutrients. However, fermentation in the benchtop fermenter devoid of supplementary nutrients resulted into 42% reduction in SA yield as well as lower SA productivities. Furthermore, a significant reduction of cell growth occurred in anerobic flasks at pH < 6.0, and complete termination of bacterial activity was noted at pH < 5.3. The highest SA titer, yield and productivity of 15.67 g/L, 0.54 g/g and 0.33 g/L/h, respectively, was recorded from whey fermentation with MgCO3. The present study further highlights significant inhibitory effect of K2CO3 buffered medium on Actinobacillus succinogenes. Thus, we can claim that environmental pollution as well as costs of SA production from whey can be reduced by leveraging on whey residual nutrients to support the activity of Actinobacillus succinogenes.
Women and youths participation in agroforestry: what counts and what doesn’t around Mount Elgon, Uganda?
(Science Press, 2021-09-13) Galabuzi, Charles; Agaba, Hillary; Okia, Clement Akias; Odoul, Judith; Muthuri, Catherine
The increase in global climate change incidents is a glaring indication that more pragmatic and direct approaches to tree and forest management are urgently needed. A study was conducted around Mount Elgon Uganda between June 2018 and December 2019. The objectives were to: i) determine the socio-economic characteristics of women and youth farmers engaged in agroforestry, ii) determine the relationship between women and youth farmers’ characteristics in adoption of tree technologies and related decisions, and iii) assess the incentives, challenges and strategies for promoting agroforestry technologies’ adoption in the region. Data were collected from 250 women and youths using focus group discussions, semi-structured, and key informant interviews. Results showed that engagements in agroforestry practices attracted largely (82%) of uneducated women and youths and basic methods and tools were used to farm. Up to 70% of women and youth relied on crop farming as a major source of income, earning about USD$ 250 perannum. Farm and family size were positively (P>0.0001) related to tree adoption decisions while farmer capacity building activities (such as training, farmer guided field tours, and participatory farmer trial’s establishments) and access to low-cost tree seedlings motivated their involvement in tree planting. Land scarcity, soil, water, and tree conservation issues and shortage of desired tree species affected the extent of tree growing in both women and youth-led households. The suggested strategies comprised strengthening farmer capacity-building programs and upholding soil and water conservation technologies. Agroforestry has the potential to address the challenges related to land scarcity and shortage of desired tree products in women and youth-led households around Mount Elgon. However, the women and youths involved in farming activities were generally poor, illiterate and faced issues of land insecurity. These factors, limited their full potential and interest in agroforestry. A significant increase in tree adoption rates by women and youths will be achieved with increased training on tree seed collection and pre-treatment, reforestation programs as well as tree pest and disease control.
First report of banana bunchy top disease caused by Banana bunchy top virus in Uganda
(Wiley, 2021-11-16) Ocimati, Walter; Tazuba, A.F.; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce Kateera; Tugume, Joab; Omondi, Bonaventure Aman; Acema, Dan; Were, E.; Onyilo, Francis; Ssekamate, A.M.; Namanya, P.; Kubiriba, J.; Erima, R.; Okurut, A.W.; Kutunga, D.; Blomme, G.
In August 2020, banana plants with characteristic symptoms of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) caused by the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) were observed on two different banana (Musa sp.) mats in backyard gardens in Arua City (GPS coordinates: 2o59’36’’N 30o54’40’’E), West Nile region of Uganda. The plants were severely stunted with short, narrow leaves, chlorotic leaf margins and dark green streaks on petioles and midribs. The affected plants had a rosette-like or bunchy and choked appearance (Figures 1–2). A PCR using specific primers that amplify a 240 bp conserved domain of the BBTV DNA-mRep segment (Mansoor et al., 2005) confirmed the presence of BBTV in leaf, pseudostem and corm samples of the two symptomatic plants. The PCR product from one of the samples was purified and reverse sequenced (GenBank Accession No. OK066320). This sequence showed 98–99% nucleotide sequence identity with multiple BBTV isolates from India (e.g., KX219591, GU085264), Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo; e.g. KU687085, KU687070, KU687068), Benin (e.g. JQ437548), Burundi (e.g. JN204198), Australia (e.g. KM607586), USA (Hawaii; e.g., KM607599) and other African and South Pacific countries. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first report of BBTD in Uganda.

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