dc.contributor.author | Mwaniki, S.W. | |
dc.contributor.author | Nderitu, J.H. | |
dc.contributor.author | Olubayo, F. | |
dc.contributor.author | Kimenju, J.W. | |
dc.contributor.author | Nguyen, Khuong | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-03-27T09:06:17Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2008 | |
dc.identifier.citation | African Journal of Ecology, 2008, 46 (Suppl. 1), 79–84 | en |
dc.identifier.uri | http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/15170 | |
dc.description | Journal article | en |
dc.description.abstract | A survey for entomopathogenic nematodes in the central
Rift valley region of Kenya was conducted at altitudes
between 1800 and 3000 m above sea level and from
croplands and noncropland habitats. The sampling depth
was 0–30 cm. GPS (global positioning system) was used to
measure site positions. One hundred and twelve soil samples
were collected and entomopathogenic nematodes
trapped through Galleria mellonella. Entomopathogenic
nematode presence was demonstrated by G. mellonella
mortality and viable ones bulked through the same host.
Nematode recoveries from two consecutive extractions
were 30% per extraction and 52% for cumulative extractions.
Recoveries from agro ecological zones ranged between
18% and 71%. Recovery frequency was higher from
disturbed cropland habitats than the stable noncrop habitats.
Steinernema species were more frequent than Heterorhabditis
(9 : 1). Nematode occurrence clustered at 2–
3% carbon and pH 5.3–6.3 with no specific pattern demonstrated
from soil types. Nematode species of the two
genera from high altitudes lost their culturing ability
within 1 month of isolation. There was a tendency for
recovering both nematode genera at the shores of water
bodies. This is the first report of Steinernema yirgalemense
and S. weiseri in Kenya and of S. karii in the central Rift
valley region. The Heterorhabditis species has not been
confirmed yet. This has widened the genetic base of entomopathogenic
nematodes from Kenya. The entomopathogenic
nematodes are available for developement as
biological control agents of athropod pests. | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.publisher | Blackwell Publishing Ltd | en |
dc.subject | Agro-ecological zones | en |
dc.subject | Entomopathogenic nematodes | en |
dc.subject | Heterorhabditis | en |
dc.subject | Steinernema | en |
dc.title | Factors influencing the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes in the Central Rift Valley Region of Kenya | en |
dc.type | Article | en |
local.publisher | Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi | en |