Browsing by Author "Mwatawala, M. W."

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Assessment of awareness of mycotoxins infections in stored maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnut (arachis hypogea L.) in Kilosa District, Tanzania
(2016) Magembe, K. S.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Mamiro, D. P.; Chingonikaya, E. E.
Background: Surveys were conducted to determine awareness of mould infection in maize and groundnut in Kilosa District, Eastern Central Tanzania, between August and October 2010. Four villages of Msingisi, Rudewa-Batini, Mamoyo and Mkalama were surveyed. We sampled maize from each household for mycotoxins contamination after nine months of storage. A questionnaire was administered to heads of 72 selected households in the study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to check factor dimensionality. The differences in mean total score of knowledge and awareness between the demographic and socio-economic factors were determined by t-test. Measurements of association were carried by Chi-square test (χ2), while ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the correlations between social variables and awareness of mould infection. Results: We found high levels of fumonisins in maize that ranged from 70.46 to 213.15. Aflatoxin levels in groundnuts ranged from 72.97 to 195.17. Result showed that 97 % of respondents were not aware of mould infection in stored maize and groundnuts. The mean score of mould infections awareness of females (1.7273±0. 45055) was significantly higher than that of males (1.5714±13.7). Awareness of mould infection was high among educated (mean score 1.9231.3±0.31470) than the less educated people (mean score 1.8913±0.27175). Results revealed significant association between awareness of mould infection with age (p=0.006), education (p=0.039), marital status (p=0.012), gender (0.037) and income (p=0.044). Conclusion: Campaigns are needed to improve awareness of mould infection in Kilosa District, Tanzania.
Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Fruits, 2006) Mwatawala, M. W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.
Introduction. Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are among the major constraints in commercial horticulture in many African developing countries. Knowledge of the tephritid spectrum in any given area is a prerequisite for the development of an IPM program to alleviate the pest problem. We studied the fruit fly diversity in four main agro-ecological zones which are significant fruit-producing areas in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Materials and methods. Fruit fly diversity was investigated for one year (October 2004 – October 2005). Parapheromones, synthetic food attractant and protein-bait traps were used to trap the flies at the different locations in Morogoro region, Tanzania. One mixed orchard was selected at each of four locations representing the different agro-ecological zones of the region. Results. The recently introduced alien species, Bactrocera invadens, and three indigenous pest species, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and D. punctatifrons, were found at all the four sites, while Bactrocera cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, Dacus chiwira and D. humeralis were found in three out of the four sites. The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Horticulture Unit and Mikese sites had the highest species diversity while the Mkindo and Nyandira sites had the lowest diversity. The between-habitats diversity (Beta diversity) was similar among the SUA, Mkindo and Mikese sites. Only the Nyandira site had a higher dissimilarity in comparison with the other three sites. Discussion. The most abundant species at low- and mid-elevation sites was Bactrocera invadens while, at high elevation, Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species. Protein-baited traps attracted the highest diversity of fruit flies in comparison with the more specific parapheromones. The synthetic food attractant (three-component lure) was less efficient compared with the protein bait. The large dissimilarity at the Nyandira site is probably due to the different types of host fruits found and grown in high altitude areas (mainly temperate fruits). Fruit fly species associated with these types of fruits, e.g., Ceratitis rubivora and Trirhithrum coffeae, were found only at this site.
Effect of Mango weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) damage on Mango seed viability in Tanzania
(Entomological Society of America, 2008-02) Mulungu, L. S.; Mpinga, M.; Mwatawala, M. W.
Studies were conducted at the horticulture unit of Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, to assess the incidence and effect of mango weevil, Cryptorhynchus mangiferae (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), infestation on mango, Mangifera indica L., seed viability. Three polyembryo mango cultivars (ÔSindano nyeusiÕ, ÔSindano nyeupeÕ, and ÔDodoÕ) as well as three monoembryo mango cultivars (ÔEx-horticultureÕ, ÔTangoÕ, and ÔBongwaÕ) were collected and examined for the presence ofC. mangiferae. The effect of seed damage on viability was assessed for both naturally and artiÞcially damaged seeds. However, for artiÞcially damaged seeds, the viability was assessed by cutting away 0, 25, 50, or 75% of the cotyledon before planting. In this experiment, only monoembryo mango cultivars were used. All the examined cultivars were infested by C. mangiferae, although at varying levels. Polyembryo mango cultivars were relatively more infested than monoembryo cultivars. Bongwa and Tango were least infested, whereas Sindano nyeusi recorded the highest C. mangiferae incidence. Germination rates of damaged seeds of polyembryonic cultivars differed signiÞcantly from the uninfested control, except for Sindano nyeusi. There were no signiÞcant differencesin germination percentage among the three monoembryo cultivars, and all the cultivars differed signiÞcantly from the uninfested control. The germination rates of seeds with 25% of their cotyledons removed did not differ signiÞcantly from the undamaged seeds, indicating that monoembryo cultivar seeds can withstand up to 25% damage and germinate successfully.
Effectiveness of the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus) Urine Extracts Odour against Commensal Rodents
(Huria Journal, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an extract of cat urine odour as a repellant of commensal rodents in houses. Cat urine was drawn and stored frozen in universal bottles at -20 0 C until use. The stored cat urine was then thawed and mixed with maize starch to form a thick dough and then granulated and dried at room temperature before being packed in a hermetically closed jar. Initially, rodent foot marks on tracking soot coat tiles were used to estimate the rat population before the cat urine extracts application. Twenty households with high and low rodent activities were selected purposively in the study area. Ten houses were treated with the urine extracts and ten others were kept untreated (control). Both treated and untreated houses were categorized at two levels (i.e. low and high rodent activities) as determined by the tracking tile foot prints. One tracking tile was placed in each of the selected houses and rodent foot marks were counted. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed a significant difference in rodent activities which however, depended on the sex of the cat that donated the urine base. Female cat urine extract repelled significantly more commensal rodents as compared to male cat urine extract. The repellent effect was observed from day 1 to 4; but not beyond. Our findings suggest that cat urine odour has the potential to repel commensal rodent pest species; with female cat urine being more effective than male cat urine.
Effectiveness of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) urine extracts odour against commensal rodents
(COSTECH, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an extract of cat urine odour as a repellant of commensal rodents in houses. Cat urine was drawn and stored frozen in universal bottles at -20 0 C until use. The stored cat urine was then thawed and mixed with maize starch to form a thick dough and then granulated and dried at room temperature before being packed in a hermetically closed jar. Initially, rodent foot marks on tracking soot coat tiles were used to estimate the rat population before the cat urine extracts application. Twenty households with high and low rodent activities were selected purposively in the study area. Ten houses were treated with the urine extracts and ten others were kept untreated (control). Both treated and untreated houses were categorized at two levels (i.e. low and high rodent activities) as determined by the tracking tile foot prints. One tracking tile was placed in each of the selected houses and rodent foot marks were counted. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed a significant difference in rodent activities which however, depended on the sex of the cat that donated the urine base. Female cat urine extract repelled significantly more commensal rodents as compared to male cat urine extract. The repellent effect was observed from day 1 to 4; but not beyond. Our findings suggest that cat urine odour has the potential to repel commensal rodent pest species; with female cat urine being more effective than male cat urine.
Efficacy of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Neorautanenia mitia and Gnidia kraussiana against larger grain Borer (Prostephanus trancutus Horn) and Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamays Motschulsky) on Maize (Zea mays L.) grain seeds
(Academic Journals Inc., 2011) Mulungu, L. S.; Ndilahomba, B.; Nyange, C. J.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Mwalilino, J. K.; Joseph, C. C.; Mgina, C. A.
Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of natural protectants in controlling Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamays in stored maize using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of natural protectants viz., pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium), Neorautanenia mitis, N. mitis with talc as carrier, Gnidia kraussiana powder and untreated control. Actellic Super Dust included as a standard insecticide control. The data collected included the number of dead and live insects, number of damaged and undamaged maize seeds, number of holes per seed, percentage damage and weight loss. Seeds treated with Actellic super dust, pyrethrum and G. kraussiana powder had significantly lower number of live insects and damaged seeds as compared to untreatedcontrol. Among the natural protectants, pyrethrum and G. kraussiana powder showed good potential in protecting maize grain against P. truncatus and S. zeamays. Positive and significant correlations between the numbers of live insects with number of damaged seeds, percentage damaged seeds, average number of holes per seed and weight loss were observed.
Women’s prospects to adopt enhanced freshness formulation (EFF) technologies for banana in Morogoro rural district, Tanzania
(The Journal of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, 2018) Subert, M. P.; Kilima, F. T. M.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Msogoya, T. J.; Mtui, H.
This paper draws lessons from a study based on forecasts rather than actual results. The study was conducted to identify factors that could potentially affect women’s decisions to adopt enhanced freshness formulation (EFF) technologies among banana growers in Morogoro, Tanzania. The study tested whether men and women were equally likely to adopt EFF technologies. The authors also explored whether women who are willing and able to influence adoption decisions and women who are willing but unable to influence adoption decisions face similar adoption challenges. The results from logit model suggest that the adoption prospect is lower among female adopters than male adopters (p < .05). The study predicted a higher probability of female growers to be willing and able to influence adoption decisions among younger female growers compared to those over 35 years old (p < .1) although the overall impact on the adoption rate was low, owing to limited participation of young farmers (11 %) in banana production. The findings reveal less willingness and ability to adopt the technologies among female growers who perceived EFF applications as labour-insensitive technologies (p < .05). Likewise, the study identified higher willingness and ability to influence the adoption among growers whose bananas were not about to be harvested (p < .05). The authors recommend continued efforts to address a priori challenges that can potentially undermine adoption with easy-to-use preparation and application methods, and by targeting growers whose fruits are at early stages of maturation. Future studies could focus on the potential impacts of specific types of EFF technologies on the adoption prospect.