December 2013

Evaluation of predation potential of coccinellids on cassava whiteflies

Two whitefly species namely Bemisia tabaci and Aleurodicus dispersus are common cassava pests in Kenya. As direct feeders on the phloem contents and vectors of viruses, whiteflies cause significant damage to the cassava crop in Kenya. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of coccinellidae beetles (Chelomenes vicina, Diomers flavipes, Diomers Hottentota, and Coccinella septempunctata) as predators of whiteflies....

Author(s): H. Atuncha,  E. Ateka R. Amata, R. Mwirichia, M. Kasina, B. Mbevi and E. Wakoli

December 2013

Investigation of fleas as vectors in the transmission of plague during a quiescent period in North-Eastern, Tanzania

Yersinia pestis, the etiologic agent of plague, is normally transmitted to animals by infective flea-bites. Fleas associated with rodents, cats, dogs and other small mammals are considered important for the maintenance and transmission of the bacterium. Therefore, a study was undertaken to investigate the presence of Y. pestis in fleas of North-Eastern Tanzania during a quiescent period. House rodents were trapped with...

Author(s): Martin Haule, Eligius E. Lyamuya, Bernard M. Hang’ombe, Bukheti S. Kilonzo and Mecky I. Matee