Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya.

Background: In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80-88% of rice production.

Endophytic Colonization of Onions Induces Resistance Against Viruliferous Thrips and Virus Replication.

In agricultural ecosystems, insect pests, pathogens, weather patterns, and reduced soil fertility pose major challenges to crop productivity and are responsible for significant yield losses worldwide. (IYSV) vectored by Lindeman, is a major hindrance to onion production in eastern Africa. Control measures often rely on insecticides with deleterious effects.

Colonization of onions by endophytic fungi and their impacts on the biology of Thrips tabaci.

Endophytic fungi, which live within host plant tissues without causing any visible symptom of infection, are important mutualists that mediate plant-herbivore interactions. Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) is one of the key pests of onion, Allium cepa L., an economically important agricultural crop cultivated worldwide.