The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Rolando Riverapomar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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identification of g protein coupled receptors for opsines and neurohormones in rhodnius prolixus genomic and transcriptomic analysis
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2016Co-Authors: Sheila Ons, Andres Lavore, Marcos Sterkel, Juan Pedro Wulff, Ivana Sierra, Jesus Martinezbarnetche, Mario H Rodriguez, Rolando RiverapomarAbstract:The importance of Chagas disease motivated the scientific effort to obtain the complete genomic sequence of the vector species Rhodnius prolixus, this information is also relevant to the understanding of triatomine biology in general. The central nervous system is the key regulator of Insect Physiology and behavior. Neurohormones (neuropeptides and biogenic amines) are the chemical messengers involved in the regulation and integration of neuroendocrine signals. In Insects, this signaling is mainly mediated by the interaction of neurohormone ligands with G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The recently sequenced R. prolixus genome provides us with the opportunity to analyze this important family of genes in triatomines, supplying relevant information for further functional studies. Next-generation sequencing methods offer an excellent opportunity for transcriptomic exploration in key organs and tissues in the presence of a reference genome as well as when a reference genome is not available. We undertook a genomic analysis to obtain a genome-wide inventory of opsines and the GPCRs for neurohormones in R. prolixus. Furthermore, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of R. prolixus central nervous system, focusing on neuropeptide precursor genes and neurohormone and opsines GPCRs. In addition, we mined the whole transcriptomes of Triatoma dimidiata, Triatoma infestans and Triatoma pallidipennis - three sanitary relevant triatomine species - to identify neuropeptide precursors and GPCRs genes. Our study reveals a high degree of sequence conservation in the molecular components of the neuroendocrine system of triatomines.
Z. R. Khan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of adoption of climate-smart push-pull technology for enhanced food security through integrated pest management in eastern Africa
Food Security, 2015Co-Authors: A W Murage, J. O. Pittchar, John Anthony Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Z. R. KhanAbstract:Food security attainment in Africa has been hindered by poor yields of cereals that serve both as staple and cash crops for the majority of smallholder farmers. Among the various constraints responsible for lower yields are the parasitic weed Striga, and Stemborer pests whose control has remained a challenge. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) with partners developed a novel conservation agricultural technology termed ‘push-pull’, based on companion cropping that effectively controls both constraints simultaneously. However, the effects of climate change threatened its expansion into drier areas where Striga is rapidly spreading. Further adaptation of the conventional (original) push-pull technology was thus achieved through identification and incorporation of drought tolerant companion crops, and the procedure termed ‘climate-smart’ push-pull technology. With maximum adoption of the adapted technology, food security in the drier agro-ecologies would be enhanced through increased cereal yields. Adoption, however, depends on how well technology dissemination is implemented. The objective of this study was to quantify the potential adoption and impact of climate-smart push-pull technology ex ante in order to plan for its wide scale dissemination. Using a sample of 898 respondents (360 in Kenya, 240 in Tanzania, 298 in Ethiopia), multinomial logit and marginal rate of return (MRR) methods were used to analyze the findings of the ex ante baseline survey. These showed a high potential for adoption of climate-smart push-pull as 87.8 % of the overall sample were willing to adopt; 92.1 % in Tanzania, 88.6 % in Ethiopia and 84.3 % in Kenya. Gender, perceptions of Striga severity, technology awareness and input market access were the most likely factors that would positively influence the decision to adopt (marginal effects 0.060, 0.010, 0.042, and 0.738 respectively). The MRR was 109.2 % for sorghum and 143.4 % for maize, implying an expected positive impact to the community should they adopt the technology.
A W Murage - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of adoption of climate-smart push-pull technology for enhanced food security through integrated pest management in eastern Africa
Food Security, 2015Co-Authors: A W Murage, J. O. Pittchar, John Anthony Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Z. R. KhanAbstract:Food security attainment in Africa has been hindered by poor yields of cereals that serve both as staple and cash crops for the majority of smallholder farmers. Among the various constraints responsible for lower yields are the parasitic weed Striga, and Stemborer pests whose control has remained a challenge. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) with partners developed a novel conservation agricultural technology termed ‘push-pull’, based on companion cropping that effectively controls both constraints simultaneously. However, the effects of climate change threatened its expansion into drier areas where Striga is rapidly spreading. Further adaptation of the conventional (original) push-pull technology was thus achieved through identification and incorporation of drought tolerant companion crops, and the procedure termed ‘climate-smart’ push-pull technology. With maximum adoption of the adapted technology, food security in the drier agro-ecologies would be enhanced through increased cereal yields. Adoption, however, depends on how well technology dissemination is implemented. The objective of this study was to quantify the potential adoption and impact of climate-smart push-pull technology ex ante in order to plan for its wide scale dissemination. Using a sample of 898 respondents (360 in Kenya, 240 in Tanzania, 298 in Ethiopia), multinomial logit and marginal rate of return (MRR) methods were used to analyze the findings of the ex ante baseline survey. These showed a high potential for adoption of climate-smart push-pull as 87.8 % of the overall sample were willing to adopt; 92.1 % in Tanzania, 88.6 % in Ethiopia and 84.3 % in Kenya. Gender, perceptions of Striga severity, technology awareness and input market access were the most likely factors that would positively influence the decision to adopt (marginal effects 0.060, 0.010, 0.042, and 0.738 respectively). The MRR was 109.2 % for sorghum and 143.4 % for maize, implying an expected positive impact to the community should they adopt the technology.
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Climate-smart push-pull: a conservation agriculture technology for food security and environmental sustainability in Africa
Conservation agriculture for Africa: building resilient farming systems in a changing climate, 1Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, J. O. Pittchar, A W Murage, Charles A O Midega, John A. PickettAbstract:This chapter describes the push-pull technological innovation developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in the UK and partners in East Africa, which addresses smallholder agricultural constraints, food insecurity, and environmental degradation and has the potential to equip farmers with the resilience and adaptability they need to deal with climate change. The push-pull technology fits conservation agriculture (CA) principles of minimum soil disturbance in its minimum soil tillage agronomic management, continuous soil cover with a perennial cover crop and plant residue, as well as a diversified cereal-legume-fodder intercropping strategy. The perennial intercrop provides live mulching, thus improving above-ground and below-ground arthropod abundance, agrobiodiveristy and the food web of natural enemies of stem borers, thus effectively controlling major Insect pests of cereals. The field implementation of this technological innovation in Africa is discussed, as well as its various benefits.
Charles A O Midega - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of adoption of climate-smart push-pull technology for enhanced food security through integrated pest management in eastern Africa
Food Security, 2015Co-Authors: A W Murage, J. O. Pittchar, John Anthony Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Z. R. KhanAbstract:Food security attainment in Africa has been hindered by poor yields of cereals that serve both as staple and cash crops for the majority of smallholder farmers. Among the various constraints responsible for lower yields are the parasitic weed Striga, and Stemborer pests whose control has remained a challenge. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) with partners developed a novel conservation agricultural technology termed ‘push-pull’, based on companion cropping that effectively controls both constraints simultaneously. However, the effects of climate change threatened its expansion into drier areas where Striga is rapidly spreading. Further adaptation of the conventional (original) push-pull technology was thus achieved through identification and incorporation of drought tolerant companion crops, and the procedure termed ‘climate-smart’ push-pull technology. With maximum adoption of the adapted technology, food security in the drier agro-ecologies would be enhanced through increased cereal yields. Adoption, however, depends on how well technology dissemination is implemented. The objective of this study was to quantify the potential adoption and impact of climate-smart push-pull technology ex ante in order to plan for its wide scale dissemination. Using a sample of 898 respondents (360 in Kenya, 240 in Tanzania, 298 in Ethiopia), multinomial logit and marginal rate of return (MRR) methods were used to analyze the findings of the ex ante baseline survey. These showed a high potential for adoption of climate-smart push-pull as 87.8 % of the overall sample were willing to adopt; 92.1 % in Tanzania, 88.6 % in Ethiopia and 84.3 % in Kenya. Gender, perceptions of Striga severity, technology awareness and input market access were the most likely factors that would positively influence the decision to adopt (marginal effects 0.060, 0.010, 0.042, and 0.738 respectively). The MRR was 109.2 % for sorghum and 143.4 % for maize, implying an expected positive impact to the community should they adopt the technology.
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push pull technology a conservation agriculture approach for integrated management of Insect pests weeds and soil health in africa
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2011Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, J. O. Pittchar, J. A. Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Toby J. A. BruceAbstract:Push—pull technology (www.push-pull.net) is based on a novel cropping system developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Rothamsted Research (UK) and national partners for integrated pest, weed and soil management in cereal—livestock farming systems. Stemborers are attracted to Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), a trap plant (pull), and are repelled from the main cereal crop using a repellent legume intercrop (push), desmodium (Desmodium spp.). Desmodium root exudates effectively control the parasitic striga weed by causing abortive germination. Desmodium also improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, natural mulching, improved biomass and control of erosion. Both companion plants provide high value animal fodder, facilitating milk production and diversifying farmers' income sources. The technology is appropriate to smallholder mixed cropping systems in Africa. It effectively addresses major production constraints, increases maize yields from below 1 to 3.5t/ha, and ...
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farmers perceptions of a push pull technology for control of cereal stemborers and striga weed in western kenya
Crop Protection, 2008Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, Charles A O Midega, David Mulama Amudavi, Japhether M Wanyama, J. A. PickettAbstract:Abstract Striga and cereal stemborers are major constraints to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa causing serious food security concerns. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and partners have developed a novel integrated management system called the ‘push–pull’ technology (PPT) in mitigation. This involves inter-cropping maize with a stemborer moth-repellent forage legume, silverleaf desmodium (push), and planting an attractive trap crop, Napier grass (pull), around the intercrop. Additionally, chemicals produced from desmodium roots inhibit Striga . We evaluated farmers’ perceptions of the pests, PPT attributes and factors influencing the likelihood of its adoption in 15 districts in western Kenya. A random sample of 923 farmers, with 478 having adopted the technology (practicing) and 445 not yet adopted but attending PPT field days (visiting) were interviewed. The practicing farmers cited both Striga and stemborers as major maize production constraints, alongside other constraints, as the main motivations for adoption of PPT. Reduced infestation by the pests, improvement in soil fertility, increase in maize grain yields, improved fodder and milk productivity were cited as main benefits of PPT. Similarly, the field day visiting farmers rated PPT as a more superior technology compared to their own maize production practices. Farmer's age, household headship by female farmers, technology attributes and exposure to a variety of extension methods significantly influenced likelihood of PPT adoption. Effective dissemination pathways are needed to provide farmers with appropriate information for evaluating potential benefits and tradeoffs of such a management-intensive technology. Further research is needed to understand how PPT contributes to farmers’ livelihood improvement and how the efficacy of different dissemination pathways in PPT technology transfer influences its adoption.
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Climate-smart push-pull: a conservation agriculture technology for food security and environmental sustainability in Africa
Conservation agriculture for Africa: building resilient farming systems in a changing climate, 1Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, J. O. Pittchar, A W Murage, Charles A O Midega, John A. PickettAbstract:This chapter describes the push-pull technological innovation developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in the UK and partners in East Africa, which addresses smallholder agricultural constraints, food insecurity, and environmental degradation and has the potential to equip farmers with the resilience and adaptability they need to deal with climate change. The push-pull technology fits conservation agriculture (CA) principles of minimum soil disturbance in its minimum soil tillage agronomic management, continuous soil cover with a perennial cover crop and plant residue, as well as a diversified cereal-legume-fodder intercropping strategy. The perennial intercrop provides live mulching, thus improving above-ground and below-ground arthropod abundance, agrobiodiveristy and the food web of natural enemies of stem borers, thus effectively controlling major Insect pests of cereals. The field implementation of this technological innovation in Africa is discussed, as well as its various benefits.
J. O. Pittchar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of adoption of climate-smart push-pull technology for enhanced food security through integrated pest management in eastern Africa
Food Security, 2015Co-Authors: A W Murage, J. O. Pittchar, John Anthony Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Z. R. KhanAbstract:Food security attainment in Africa has been hindered by poor yields of cereals that serve both as staple and cash crops for the majority of smallholder farmers. Among the various constraints responsible for lower yields are the parasitic weed Striga, and Stemborer pests whose control has remained a challenge. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) with partners developed a novel conservation agricultural technology termed ‘push-pull’, based on companion cropping that effectively controls both constraints simultaneously. However, the effects of climate change threatened its expansion into drier areas where Striga is rapidly spreading. Further adaptation of the conventional (original) push-pull technology was thus achieved through identification and incorporation of drought tolerant companion crops, and the procedure termed ‘climate-smart’ push-pull technology. With maximum adoption of the adapted technology, food security in the drier agro-ecologies would be enhanced through increased cereal yields. Adoption, however, depends on how well technology dissemination is implemented. The objective of this study was to quantify the potential adoption and impact of climate-smart push-pull technology ex ante in order to plan for its wide scale dissemination. Using a sample of 898 respondents (360 in Kenya, 240 in Tanzania, 298 in Ethiopia), multinomial logit and marginal rate of return (MRR) methods were used to analyze the findings of the ex ante baseline survey. These showed a high potential for adoption of climate-smart push-pull as 87.8 % of the overall sample were willing to adopt; 92.1 % in Tanzania, 88.6 % in Ethiopia and 84.3 % in Kenya. Gender, perceptions of Striga severity, technology awareness and input market access were the most likely factors that would positively influence the decision to adopt (marginal effects 0.060, 0.010, 0.042, and 0.738 respectively). The MRR was 109.2 % for sorghum and 143.4 % for maize, implying an expected positive impact to the community should they adopt the technology.
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push pull technology a conservation agriculture approach for integrated management of Insect pests weeds and soil health in africa
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2011Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, J. O. Pittchar, J. A. Pickett, Charles A O Midega, Toby J. A. BruceAbstract:Push—pull technology (www.push-pull.net) is based on a novel cropping system developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Rothamsted Research (UK) and national partners for integrated pest, weed and soil management in cereal—livestock farming systems. Stemborers are attracted to Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), a trap plant (pull), and are repelled from the main cereal crop using a repellent legume intercrop (push), desmodium (Desmodium spp.). Desmodium root exudates effectively control the parasitic striga weed by causing abortive germination. Desmodium also improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, natural mulching, improved biomass and control of erosion. Both companion plants provide high value animal fodder, facilitating milk production and diversifying farmers' income sources. The technology is appropriate to smallholder mixed cropping systems in Africa. It effectively addresses major production constraints, increases maize yields from below 1 to 3.5t/ha, and ...
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Climate-smart push-pull: a conservation agriculture technology for food security and environmental sustainability in Africa
Conservation agriculture for Africa: building resilient farming systems in a changing climate, 1Co-Authors: Zeyaur R. Khan, J. O. Pittchar, A W Murage, Charles A O Midega, John A. PickettAbstract:This chapter describes the push-pull technological innovation developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in the UK and partners in East Africa, which addresses smallholder agricultural constraints, food insecurity, and environmental degradation and has the potential to equip farmers with the resilience and adaptability they need to deal with climate change. The push-pull technology fits conservation agriculture (CA) principles of minimum soil disturbance in its minimum soil tillage agronomic management, continuous soil cover with a perennial cover crop and plant residue, as well as a diversified cereal-legume-fodder intercropping strategy. The perennial intercrop provides live mulching, thus improving above-ground and below-ground arthropod abundance, agrobiodiveristy and the food web of natural enemies of stem borers, thus effectively controlling major Insect pests of cereals. The field implementation of this technological innovation in Africa is discussed, as well as its various benefits.