Publications by authors named "E K Muge"
Background: The genus Physalis belongs to the Solanaceae family and has different species with important nutritional and medicinal values. Species within this genus have limited morphological differences, a characteristic that hinders accurate identification, safe utilization and genetic conservation of promising genotypes. In addition, to prevent the perceived loss of Physalis diversity due to habitat destruction, species delimitation needs attention.
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- Pigeon pea is a valuable legume grown in tropical and subtropical regions, known for its high protein content and medicinal properties, which support low-income farmers economically.
- The study assessed how different pigeon pea genotypes respond to drought conditions, finding significant variations in their physiological and biochemical traits, particularly in fresh and dry weight under stress.
- Analysis using SCoT genetic markers revealed substantial genetic diversity among the eight pigeon pea genotypes, indicating their potential for breeding programs focused on drought tolerance.
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- Maize is a crucial food source and economic driver in sub-Saharan Africa, but yields are low due to various stresses worsened by climate change.
- Five significant biotic stresses impacting Kenyan maize production include Maize lethal necrosis, fall armyworm, gray leaf spot, turcicum leaf blight, and desert locusts, with some being new threats.
- These stresses can reduce maize yields by 30-100%, posing serious risks to food security, highlighting the need for government and research intervention to mitigate their effects.
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- A study was conducted to understand the genetic diversity of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) among blood donors in Kenya, focusing on how emerging viral traits affect treatment outcomes and cancer risk.
- Researchers collected 194 serum samples from HBsAg-positive donors in various counties and found that HBV genotype A1 was predominant, comprising 88.14% of the samples, with notable genetic diversity.
- The analysis revealed 90 different haplotypes with specific mutations indicating immune escape, alongside a high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity, suggesting complex viral evolution in the region.
Article Synopsis
- * This study analyzed 68 Nile tilapia fish samples from Nairobi markets for the presence of these pathogens, their antimicrobial resistance, and genetic diversity using various lab techniques.
- * Results showed contamination rates of 26.47% for Salmonella spp. and 35.29% for E. coli, with identified multi-drug resistant strains, particularly notable for certain antibiotics.