Department of Biological Sciences

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Prevalence of Snail-Transmitted Parasites and the Role Of Snails in Parasite Transmission to Humans in Mwea East
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Muriithi, Stephen
Snails are a diverse group of mollusks that occupy terrestrial, fresh water and marine environments. Snails act as a host of different parasites leading to snail-borne parasitic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of snail-transmitted parasites and their role in parasite transmission to humans in Mwea. 34 samples were collected randomly from 6 different locations in the Mwea irrigation scheme for identification and classification of the parasites found in the snail. The results showed clonorchis sinesis parasites were present as eggs and rediae in the body of the snail. The eggs were mostly found in the internal organs of the snail after dissection of the snail though a few were on the shell of the snail. Schistosoma mansoni and Diphylobothrium latum were also found hosted by the snails. The study showed that most of the parasites hosted by the snail are found in the internal organs of the snail making them serve as the transmitting vector and intermediate host.
Characterization of Carica Papaya Seedlings Pathogens In Kamiu Tree Nurseries at Embu County
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Wangui, Nyoike Jackline
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an important fruit crop cultivated in many parts of the world. Its cultivation happens in different stages; from seeds, to seedling and finally to a grown papaya crop. Papaya crop in its seedling stage is highly infested by fungus and also bacterial diseases, mostly on leaves, causing the seedling to dry up and die. This causes huge economic losses to farmers cultivating papaya crop seedlings in tree nurseries for sale and also commercial losses since the papaya fruits have commercial benefits. The aim of the study was to characterize Carica papaya tree seedlings pathogens in Kamiu tree nurseries. Infected leaf samples were collected from papaya trees for pathogen isolation and characterization using morphological and molecular techniques. The results reported bacteria obtained from the isolates S1 ISOL1- S3 ISOL2 was confirmed as Erwinia spp. The isolated fungi were confirmed S ISOL1 as Penicillium spp, S ISOL2 as Corynespora spp and S ISOL3 as Phytophthora spp
Antibacterial Activity of Tea Senna Leaf Extracts on Standard Laboratory Bacteria Strains
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Brian, Baraka
Senna tea is a popular herbal remedy that’s often marketed as a laxative, weight loss aid, and detox method. However, there’s little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Senna tea for most of these uses aside from treating constipation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Senna tea leaves, stems, bark and roots for their ethno medicinal use and their activity on selected bacterial and fungal strains. The antibacterial activity of tea Senna extracts against standardized inoculums of Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were evaluated using the disk diffusion method. The results were obtained by measuring the clear zones that had formed around the bacterial and fungal growth of the isolates at different concentrations of the tea Senna extract. The results showed that the extract had antifungal activity against Candida albicans with the inhibition zones measuring 18mm and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with inhibition zones measuring 16mm. The study provides useful information and insights into antimicrobial activities on plant extract that can be used in drug development.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Of Neem [Azadirchta Indica] Plant Leaf Extracts against Standard Bacterial Strains
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Guyo, Abdihakim Abdullahi
Neem is fast growing tree of the mahogany family Meliaceae used in traditional medicine as a source of many therapeutic agents by many communities and grows well in tropical countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica against standard bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Azadirachta indica leaves and stem back were used in the preparation of extracts. Disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica extract which was extracted using the water extraction method. The results were obtained by measuring the clear zones that had formed around the bacterial and fungal growth of the isolates at different concentrations of Azadirachta indica extract. The extract concentration showed no antimicrobial activity on E. coli both at low and high concentrations. the average zone of inhibition formed on Staphylococcus aureus showed a decrease in antimicrobial activity with descending plant extract concentration as compared to Candida albicans. The study provides useful information and insights into antimicrobial activities on plant extract that can be used in drug development.
Antimicrobial Activity of Plant J Leaf and Bark Extracts Against Standard Laboratory Test Microorganisms
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Mutai, Kimunai Kipngetich
Plant extracts with medicinal value have been used to treat many diseases that can either be bacterial, fungal or parasitic among many others. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant J extract extracted from plant J collected in Mbeere, Embu County against Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Serial dilution was carried out to obtain different concentrations of the plant extract, for standardization of the isolates McFarland procedure was carried out within a range of 0.5- 4 and used as a reference to regulate the turbidity of bacteria suspensions. The plant extract was extracted using water as the solvent and allowing it to boil for 5-10 minutes then filtered using a filter paper. After incubation of the preferred plant extract concentration with bacteria isolates, zones of inhibition that had formed around the bacteria growth were measured and recorded. The results showed that plant J extract had antimicrobial activity on all the bacteria isolates. The study identified microbial activities of plant J as useful and can be used as a medicinal plant
Antimicrobial Activity of Emilia Discifolia Leaf Extracts Against Standard Laboratory Test Microorganisms
(University of Embu, 2021-09) . Juma, Chrispine O; Kemuma, Dorcas Ndemo
Emilia discifolia is a species of plants in the family Asteraceae and is classified as a medicinal plant due to its antimicrobial activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Emilia discifolia against standard laboratory test micro-organisms and to assess the availability of phytochemical compounds. The extract of Emilia discifolia was first prepared by washing, drying and crushing it to powder. The extract was then serial diluted to four-folds. Different laboratory test micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) were spread plated in different media and paper disks prepared from Whatman filter paper dipped in the extract concentration and placed on plates containing different isolates. After incubation, zones of inhibition were measured and recorded. The results showed that zones of inhibition were bigger in E. coli as compared to S. aureus and C. albicans, they also displayed key phytochemical compounds found on the plant extract. Further studies can therefore be done for further knowledge on the antimicrobial activity of Emilia discifolia.
Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Extract K Leaf Extracts On Standard Laboratory Test Microorganism
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Akolo, Michael
Medicinal plants have played an important role in drug discovery, with many pharmaceutical products originating from plants. Isolation and characterization of antibacterial compounds are still relevant today because of the continuing development of resistance of bacteria and fungi to antibiotics. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant K against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Serial dilution was carried out to obtain different concentrations of the plant extract, for standardization of the isolates McFarland procedure was carried out within a range of 0.5-4 and used as a reference to regulate the turbidity of bacteria suspensions. The plant extract was extracted using water as the solvent and allowing it to boil for 5-10 minutes then filtered using a filter paper. After incubation of the preferred plant extract concentration with bacteria isolates, zones of inhibition that had formed around the bacteria growth were measured and recorded. The results showed that plant K extract had antimicrobial activity on all the bacteria isolates. The study identified microbial activities of plant K as useful and can be used as a medicinal plant
Antimicrobial Properties of Kigelia Africana (Sousage Tree) Leaf Extracts
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Odhiambo, Felix Onyango
The use of Kigelia Africana also known as “Sausage tree” as a source of medicine among the Traditional African Society has tremendously been exploited in the past for their medicinal value playing a critical role in traditional human health care systems, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to allopathic drugs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Kigelia Africana against two bacterial isolates (E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of Kigelia Africana extract which was extracted using the water extraction method. The results were obtained by measuring the clear zones that had formed around the bacterial and fungal growth of the isolates at different concentrations of Kigelia Africana extract. The extract concentration showed no antimicrobial activity on E. coli both at low and high concentrations. the average zone of inhibition formed on Staphylococcus aureus showed a decrease in antimicrobial activity with descending plant extract concentration as compared to Candida albicans. The study provides useful information and insights into antimicrobial activities on plant extract that can be used in drug development
Assessment of Bacterial Contaminants in Roasted African Sausages and Raw Salad in Embu Town and Kangaru Market
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Opala, Omondi Collins
African sausages are local popular delicacies in Kenya. Demand for these sausages has resulted in this delicacy’s vendors being on the increase. However, the health risk posed to unsuspecting consumers of African sausages sold in informal, unhygienic makeshift road-side kiosks in major cities of Kenya is largely unknown. A purposive study was designed to isolate and quantitate bacteria from raw vegetable salad and roasted African sausages sold at Embu town and nearby Kangaru market. A total of 4 samples (2 vegetable salads and two roasted African sausages) were conveniently collected from two vendors (one in Kangaru and the other in Embu town) and studied in the Research Laboratory of the University of Embu. Four genera of bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species, and Shigella species, were isolated from these samples in large numbers. The results affirmed the presence of bacterial pathogens in roasted African sausages and raw salad, which are potentially zoonotic to humans, sold at these two sites. Therefore, there is a need to establish these pathogens sources due to the high microbial load defined in the current study and the need for regulatory bodies to ensure that microbiological standards are prioritized by farmers and vendors in the distribution and processing of salads.
Free-Living Nematode Diversity in Organic and Conventional Farming Systems: A Meta-Analysis.
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Wekesa, Emmanuel
Research indicates that agricultural management practices affect the diversity of organic farms. Theoretically, organic farming should lead to a higher diversity of free living nematodes (FLNs) compared to conventional farming. However, it is not clear how these management practices affect the abundance and diversity of FLNs. This research synthesizes published literature reporting the diversity of FLNs in organic and conventional farms. Studies were identified through a comprehensive search in google scholar using the search string "free-living nematodes" AND "diversity" in "organic AND conventional farming". Which resulted to 56 articles and after considering an inclusion criterion only 8 articles were included in the study; one of which was a PhD dissertation. Throughout these articles, the abundance of FLNs was reported to be higher in organic farms than in conventional farms. The abundance of functional groups was also higher in organic farming systems than in conventional farming systems. Bacterivores had a higher abundance, followed by fungivores. While the omnivores and predators had some insignificant abundances. The findings from this study confirms that organic farming is a more sustainable agricultural management system as compared to conventional farming. This research also shows that soils in organic farms are much healthier and of a higher quality that those of conventional farms due to the high abundance of FLNs in organic farms.
Testing the Antibacterial Properties of Plant G Leaf Extracts
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Gachihi, Pius Collins
Plant extracts with medicinal value have been used to treat many diseases that can either be bacterial, fungal or parasitic among many others. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant G extract extracted from plant G collected in Mbeere, Embu county against Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Serial dilution was carried out to obtain different concentrations of the plant extract, for standardization of the isolates McFarland procedure was carried out within a range of 0.54 and used as a reference to regulate the turbidity of bacteria suspensions. The plant extract was extracted using water as the solvent and allowing it to boil for 5-10 minutes then filtered using a filter paper. After incubation of the preferred plant extract concentration with bacteria isolates, zones of inhibition that had formed around the bacteria growth were measured and recorded. The results showed that plant G extract had antimicrobial activity on all the bacteria isolates. The study identified microbial activities of plant G as useful and can be used as a medicinal plant.
Free Living Nematode Diversity in Polluted Soils: A Meta-Analysis
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Tino, Lydia Seyialoi
Soil disturbances affects the community structures of soil organisms and the deterioration of the soil environment can be evaluated by studying these changes. Many experimental results have been published on the effects of heavy metals on the diversity of soil free living nematodes. We used a meta-analysis to obtain comprehensive and multi-disciplinary information on the use of soil free living nematodes as tools for assessing soil quality. Our aim was to determine the effects of heavy metal pollution on the diversity of soil free living nematodes and evaluate their suitability in soil health assessment. Free living nematodes are found to respond quickly to environmental stress compared to higher organisms, as they have intimate relations with their surroundings due to their high surface to volume ratio. In effect the knowledge gained in relation to the effects of pollution on soil free living nematode diversity, showed that species more sensitive to the toxic substances contained in the polluted sites, can disappear while others which are more tolerant can dramatically increase. In fact, many trace elements contained in the organic waste were reported to reduce the abundance and diversity of soil free living nematode communities and influence the survival potential and the rate of growth of more sensitive species. These were the results of comparatively small number of field studies that tested the short term effects of low level contamination by heavy metals on the soil health examined by analyzing soil nematode communities. However, our analyses on the impacts of heavy metal contamination on soil free living nematode abundance have led to inconsistent results and maturity index showed no relationship with heavy metal pollution. This impacted our results and altered the expected outcome.
Temporal Dynamics of Bioindicator Phytoplankton Species in Connected Freshwater Ecosystems
(University of Embu, 2019) Wanyora, Veronica Wanjiru
Bioindicator phytoplankton species form an important component in aquatic systems. Fresh water phytoplankton such as blue-green algae Microcystis spp is indicative of pre-existing high nutrient and eutrophic status. In the context of change, bioindicators serve as early-warning signals to reflect the health status of an aquatic system. The fresh water ponds at the University of Embu, initially built for irrigation purposes, have in the recent past been a source of water for various activities. These ponds receive water from areas surrounding the University and could be prone to various sources of pollution. We undertook to study phytoplankton bioindicators in the University of Embu dams during a one-month period between 9 February to 21st March. Five points from three dams were sampled and were designated as “Dam1”, “Dam3Pt1”, “Dam3Pt2”, “Dam5Pt1” and “Dam5Pt2”. During each sampling event, physicochemical parameters including temperature, pH, water transparency, and conductivity were measured and water samples were collected for chlorophyll-a analysis as well as phytoplankton species identification and counting. The data was subjected to both quantitative and qualitative methods of statistical analysis using graph pad prism version 7 for windows and R, a language used for environmental statistical computing. A combined total of 56 species of phytoplankton were identified to species level; Chlorophyta (24), Cyanophyta (12), Euglenophyta (9), Bacillariophyta (5), Xanthophyta (4) and Pyrrophyta (2). Significant differences among dams for Microcystis aeruginosa were observed. Temporal differences were observed in four of the five focal bioindicator species. The presence of M. aeruginosa and Anabaena cylindrica could be an indicator of deteriorating conditions of water quality due to organic pollutants. The information generated by this study not only form baseline for future studies but also be used to advise the University management of the status of the waters for enhanced use and conservation.
Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Cellulose Degrading Bacteria from Dam Five Forest Soil in University
(University of Embu, 2019) Wambugu, Wangui C.
Cellulose is the most abundant biological compound on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and is the main component of plant biomass.it is dominant in waste materials from agricultural industry in the form of stalks, stems and husk and there has been great interest in utilizing cellulose as an energy source and feed. This study was conducted to isolate, identify and characterize bacteria from Dam five forest soils in University of Embu which may be useful in different industrial applications such as the biofuel industry. Isolation was done by spread plating in media containing cellulose and incubated at 32°C for 48 hours, after which the pure isolates were obtained by repeated streaking in nutrient agar. Six bacteria isolates were found to have the ability to utilize cellulose as the main substrate. Morphological identification was done under the compound microscope to describe the physical characteristics of bacteria. Biochemical properties and utilization of different substrates was tested on the pure isolates. Five isolates were found to be non-spore forming and only one was spore forming. Ability to grow at different physiological conditions was tested by growing the isolates at different salt concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%. All the concentrations supported optimum growth of the microbes. In conclusion, the isolates were found to have varying ability to utilize the different substrates such as xylose, glycerol, skimmed milk, Simmons citrate and starch and ability to grow at varying salt concentration.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Coliforms in Yoghurt Produced at The University of Embu Dairy Farm
(University of Embu, 2019) Wanyaga, Charity Wakonyu
his study aimed at isolating and characterizing bacterial coliforms in yoghurt produced at the University of Embu dairy farm. 250 ml yoghurt was used for experimentation at the microbiology laboratory(lab). MaCconkey agar was diluted in distilled water and placed it in the autoclave together with the plates to be used for sterilization. An antifungal (cycloheximide) was added into the media and the media was regulated to a pH of 7.2 by addition of sodium hydroxide. Serial dilution was carried out using a micropitte into 6 tubes forming the samples of the study. Pure cultures were isolated whereby 2.8g of nutrient agar was measured into plates and incubated to allow growth of pure cultures. Gram staining technique was carried out whereby sterile slides were labeled appropriately and used to make microbial smears from each pure culture. The smears on each slide were gently flooded with crystal violet and allowed to stand for 1 minute then rinsed with distilled water. Ethyl ethanol was applied by drop rinsed and finally safranin was flooded and allowed to stand for 1 min and rinsed with distilled water. The slides were allowed to dry then viewed under oil immersion using a compound microscope. Substrate utilization and biochemical tests were carried out to confirm the presence of bacterial coliforms and their ability to utilize nutrients. Pure isolates were stored at different temperatures and we observed their growth rate. In this study, four bacterial isolates namely 1, 2, 3 and 4 were isolated from the yoghurt sample after serial dilution. All isolates were found to be enteric bacteria since they were all able to grow and show visible colonies on macConkey agar. The bacterial isolates were identified to be gram negative rods after carrying out the gram staining. The isolates were able to utilize different substrates such as cellulose, skimmed milk, glycerol, starch and Simmons citrate. All isolates had positive growth at optimum temperatures. The result of this study concluded that there was presence of bacterial coliforms in the yoghurt produced in the university dairy farm. The results are thus significant to the health of the public, especially consumers of these brands of yoghurt. The study recommends that the university dairy farm should ensure that the yoghurt produced is within the recommended coliform bacterial count appropriate for human consumption and to avoid spoilage.
Soil moisture variabillity across soil texture regimes in disturbed and nondisturbed areas of University of Embu in Embu county.
(University of Embu, 2019) Ahmed, Suleiman Ali
Soils are complex porous media comprising of minerals, water, air and organic matter. Soil serves as a media for growth of various types of plant and reservoir of the hydrological cycle. Soil moisture is the amount of water content in a soil at a given time while soil texture is the proportion of sand, silt and clay particles in a given soil .Soil moisture is affected by various factors such as soil structure, texture, organic matter content, density of soil, and temperature. This study is aimed at understanding of how soil moisture vary with texture, moisture is a critical component in the water cycle and its assessment is of paramount important in estimating water balance of a region. In agricultural production, the variability in soil moisture may be responsible for low or high crop yields as soil moisture affects nutrient absorption. Soil texture also affects the physical characteristics and behavior of the soil, such as water retention power of the soil, nutrients holding capacity and hence vulnerable to erosion. Research has shown that soil moisture content varies greatly with texture. Different soils have different moisture content with sandy soil retaining very little water while clay soil holds maximum water, thus understanding the concept helps taking appropriate measures in management practices to enhance conservation and maintenance of soil.
Pathogenic Fungal Diversity in Onions (Allium cepa) from Different Growing Regions of Kenya
(University of Embu, 2019) Masai, Ryan
Onions in storage are affected by different species of fungal pathogens causing rots leading to huge monetary losses. In addition, the fungal pathogens are a health risk to onion consumers. We seek to study the diversity and abundance of post-harvest fungal pathogens affecting different varieties of onions in Kenyan markets. Samples of “red” and “white” bulb onions were obtained from three markets, i.e., Bungoma, Naivasha and Nyeri, and brought into the laboratory for fungal pathogen analyses. In the lab, samples were crashed in a pestle and mortar, inoculated in Potato dextrose agar and incubated in an oven set at 28 for seven days for growth of fungal pathogens. Thereafter, the pathogens were identified using colour and morphological characteristics. Fungal species diversity and abundance were subjected to descriptive and inferential methods of statistical analysis. Seven fungal species were isolated from both red and white onions across the three markets. Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp. were isolated from both onion cultivars. Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from red onions but not white onion, while R. stolonifera and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were isolated from white but not red onions. We discuss these results on post-harvest fungal pathogens in onions, and propose management measures in this document. Onions in storage are affected by different species of fungal pathogens causing rots leading to huge monetary losses. In addition, the fungal pathogens are a health risk to onion consumers. We seek to study the diversity and abundance of post-harvest fungal pathogens affecting different varieties of onions in Kenyan markets. Samples of “red” and “white” bulb onions were obtained from three markets, i.e., Bungoma, Naivasha and Nyeri, and brought into the laboratory for fungal pathogen analyses. In the lab, samples were crashed in a pestle and mortar, inoculated in Potato dextrose agar and incubated in an oven set at 28 for seven days for growth of fungal pathogens. Thereafter, the pathogens were identified using colour and morphological characteristics. Fungal species diversity and abundance were subjected to descriptive and inferential methods of statistical analysis. Seven fungal species were isolated from both red and white onions across the three markets. Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp. were isolated from both onion cultivars. Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from red onions but not white onion, while R. stolonifera and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were isolated from white but not red onions. We discuss these results on post-harvest fungal pathogens in onions, and propose management measures in this document.
Diversity and Anti-Microbial Resistance Profiles of Selected Bacterial Species in Chicken Droppings from a Poultry Farm in Juja Farm
(University of Embu, 2019) Oloo, Pauline Achieng'
Indigenous chicken production in most African countries including Kenya is traditionally based on free feed resources available in the surrounding environment. There is high risk of zoonosis that could be an important source of enteric pathogens that can be transmitted to humans via horizontal gene transfer. The chicken that are considered healthy apparently can shed enteric pathogens that are associated with antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize the diverse bacteria present in chicken droppings and to evaluate their antimicrobial resistance this was achieved by collecting chicken droppings from a poultry farm in Juja followed by culturing and sub-culturing to obtain diverse bacteria colonies. Characterization of these bacteria was done using gram staining and various biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out in order to evaluate the antimicrobial resistant profiles of the diverse bacteria present in the chicken droppings. Five antibiotics belonging to different classes were used namely; tetracycline, amoxicillin norfloxacin, erythromycin and cefotaxime were used. Salmonella spp, E. coli, Campylobacter, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and Bacillus spp were the most dominant bacteria isolated the chicken droppings. The isolated bacteria were resistant to different classes of antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (30µg class tetracycline), norfloxacin class (10µg class quinolone) cefotaxime(25µg class cephalosporin) and erythromycin(25µg class macrolide). This study provides meaningful information and foundation on diverse bacteria present in chicken droppings and their resistance profiles, in order to understand consequences of sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for growth promotion rather than treatment.
Isolation and Characterisation of Cellulose Degrading Fungi from Dead Wood Sediments at The University of Embu Forest
(University of Embu, 2019) Ogero, Victor Omwoma
Degradation of cellulose by fungi is a scientifically established phenomenon. This research a successful isolated five fungal isolates named OV1, OV2, OV3 and OV4 were obtained from dead decaying wood at the University of Embu. Samples were collected from the forest and taken to the laboratory where different tests were performed. The isolates were exposed at p.H of 3.2, 8.5, and 7.0 whereby different growth characteristics were exhibited. Temperatures of 42 0 0 C, 10 0 C and 28 C were used in checking the degrading ability of these these isolates showed different degradation rates. Skimmed milk, citrate, starch, xylose and glycerol substrates were as well used as substrates to be utilized by this isolates. In this substrate utilization growth occurred in some and failed in other substrates. Morphological identification including mycelium color, colony characteristics and microscopic features were used when colonies were grown on PDA. Biochemical and physiological tests were as well done to differentiate between the isolates ability to degrade cellulose and the optimum conditions required for growth. of isolates.OV1 is postulated to belong to Beauveria spp, OV2 to Aspergillus spp, OV3 to Trichorderma spp and OV4 to Verticillium spp.. The research facilitated the acquisition of knowledge on the decomposition process that is aided by cellulose degrading fungi in the University of Embu forest. Therefore the knowledge obtained in understanding the degradation mechanisms and process of complex molecules (cellulose) by fungi can be applied in the management of organic wastes.
Abundance of root-knot nematodes in the University of Embu
(University of Embu, 2019) Oduor, Joseph Odingo
Root-knot nematodes are parasitic microorganisms that attack the roots of almost all species on plants. They cause devastating effects on important crops throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance of root knot nematodes in different crop fields in University of Embu. Different crop fields were identified and 10 crops were uprooted randomly and rated for galling severity using a scale of 1 to 9. Differences in galling severity between different were compared using analysis of variance using R statistical software. Means were separated using Tukey’s test. There was a significant difference in galling severity between the plants with spinach and tomato having the highest rate of galling severity. The results indicate that nematode management strategies should be implemented in the University.

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