Browsing by Author "Moses M. Muraya"

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Efficacy of endophytic fungi isolated from Azadirachta indica roots against Alternaria causing early blight of tomato
(Talenta Publisher (University of Sumatera Utara journal platform hosting service), 2023-12-01) Kennedy O. Ododa; Eunice W. Githae; Moses M. Muraya
Many medicinal plants are reported to host a myriad of beneficial endophytic microbes. Among the well-known medicinal plants is Azadirachta indica (Neem; Family Meliaceae), which has gained worldwide importance due to its extensive array of therapeutic and insecticidal qualities. The use of A. indica extracts in the treatment of plant pathogens has been the subject of extensive investigation, but its endophytic microbes as potential biocontrol agents have received very little attention. In this study, the efficacy of endophytic fungi isolated from A. indica roots against Alternaria, which causes tomato early blight, was examined. Isolation and characterization of Alternaria species and endophytic fungi were done in the laboratory using standard procedures. An in-vitro assay of the endophytic fungi isolates against Alternaria was conducted in a complete randomized design in order to determine the percentage zone of inhibition. The colonies of Alternaria isolates were fast-growing, black to grayish-brown, and suede-like. The conidial length from different isolates was statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05) and ranged from 15 μm to 46 μm. The conidial widths were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) and ranged from 8 μm to 15 μm, while the conidial area ranged from 120 μm to 690 μm. A total of seven species of endophytes were isolated from the root of Azadirachta indica: Phoma, Actinomycetes, Chaetomium, Trichoderma, Verticillium, Penicillium, and Fusarium. There was a significant difference in the zones of inhibition (p ˂ 0.05), which ranged from 0.0 mm (Actinomycetes) to 3.44 mm (Trichoderma). These isolates could be used to create brand- new organic antifungal substances that are efficient against a variety of plant fungal pathogens.
Factors Influencing Selection and production of Common Bean Cultivars in medium Potential Agro Ecological Zone of Imenti South Sub-County, Kenya
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-11-20) Ian M. Kirimi1; Moses M. Muraya; Shelmith W. Munyiri; James K. Kiramana; ; ;
Influence of Socio-economic Factors on Prevalence of Ochratoxin A in Dry Coffee Cherry in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Kenya Horticultural Society, 2024-12) Tabitha K. Gitonga; Eunice W. Githae; Moses M. Muraya; Olivia A. Njiri
Coffee is a vital cash crop worldwide, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and offering potential health benefits. However, concerns over contamination with mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A (OTA), have grown due to its serious health risks. This study investigated the influence of socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of OTA in dry Coffee Cherry from Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A cluster random sampling method was used to collect the dry coffee cherry samples and survey data from 143 farmers across three agroecological zones, employing a semi-structured questionnaire. Pathogens were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media and OTA production assessed according to the International Commission on Microbiological Safety for Foods. Data was analysed using the SPSS version 28 and SAS version 9.4. The study found out that socio-economic factors significantly (p < 0.05) influenced coffee farming practices and prevalence of OTA. Ochratoxin A prevalence was strongly associated with agro-ecological zones, farm size, and altitude. Larger farms and lower altitudes were linked to higher OTA risks. Gender, farm size and coffee variety also influenced OTA contamination levels. The study revealed that 88.3% of coffee farmers recognized mold in dry coffee cherries, yet 22.8% consuming moldy cherries, with 64.1% unaware of the health risks. Additionally, 87.6% of farmers identified poor drying and storage practices as key contributors to OTA contamination. Key indicators of contamination included discoloration, moldy smell, and moldiness with wetness. Roasting practices varied, with 35.1% roasting dried cherries after fermentation. The study highlights significant socioeconomic factors influencing OTA contamination in coffee. To mitigate risks, it is recommended to improve farmers' awareness of mold-related health risks and implement targeted interventions in high-risk areas to reduce OTA prevalence.
Prevalence of banana Xanthomonas wilt in Nithi, Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya
(Journal BiNET, 2021-05-30) Mogaka M. Onyambu; Benson O. Onyango; Moses M. Muraya; Peterson M. Ong’au; Fredrick O. Ogolla; ; ;
Banana (Musa spp.) is a nutrient rich crop grown in small and large scale across the globe. It is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals thus, it may serve as the source of nutrition in low resourced regions such as Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. However, banana production in many areas is faced with biotic constraints such as banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. The pathogen attacks photosynthetic leaves and young fruits, reducing palatability and marketability. There is currently scanty information on prevalence of BXW in Nithi region of Tharaka Nithi County. Additionally, it remains unclear whether farmers in the region are knowledgeable on occurrence of BXW disease, symptoms and management practices. The prevalence of BXW was assessed through survey method in five villages (Kiang’ondu, Marima, Mitheru, Kibumbu and Giampampo) in Nithi. Percentage BXW prevalence in the studied villages was not significantly different (p>0.05). However, slightly higher BXW prevalence value of 21.14% was recorded at Giampampo village and was lower at Mitheru 11.24%. There was significant relationship (X2 (8, N = 46) = 19.93, p= 0.0034) between banana variety grown and occurrence of banana diseases. There was significant relationship (X2 (8, N = 46) = 31.165, p = 0.0053) between banana variety grown and susceptibility to diseases. The relationship between years of growing banana in the same farm and occurrence of banana diseases was significant (X2(6,N= 46) = 8.761,p= <0.0001. The relationship between occurrence of banana diseases and season of the year was significant (X2(8,N= 46) = 32.4591, p= <0.0001). The relationship between occurrence of banana diseases and management option in Nithi was significant (X2(4,N= 46) = 6.9758,p= 0.0025). Majority of the farmers (92%) were unaware of existence of BXW in the region. Farmers expressed lack of knowledge on managing BXW diseases in their banana farms with the majority not being able to identify common diseases of banana. Based on these observations, there is need to educate farmers on best banana farming practices, disease identification and management.