Department of Crop Production and Management

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https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/752

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Browsing Department of Crop Production and Management by Author "Amayo, Robert"

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    A comprehensive review of aflatoxin in groundnut and maize products in Africa : prevalence, detection and mitigation strategies.
    (Wiley, 2025) Akullo, Jolly Oder; Okello, David Kalule; Mohammed, Abdi; Muyinda, Robert; Amayo, Robert; Magumba, David; Gidoi, Robert; Njoroge, Samuel; Mweetwa, Alice
    Aflatoxins are a toxic secondary metabolite, mainly produced by the fungi Aspergillus favus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination of food is a global concern, as they are carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. Groundnuts and maize products are highly susceptible to afatoxin contamination at both pre- and postharvest stages; this leads to a great risk for those countries that rely on these products for food and nutrition security as well as income. Groundnut and maize products have contributed a substantial amount of afatoxin exposure to human and animal health risks, especially in countries that experience tropical climate and recurrent drought, favouring mould developments. Due to the strange health impacts of afatoxin in agricultural commodities, diferent countries have set the acceptable limits for groundnut and maize products, whereas most of the countries use the same limit for both commodities. Detection and quantifcation of afatoxins in groundnut and maize products are mainly through enzyme-linked immunoafnity assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), among others. However, currently rapid, accurate and cost-efective techniques are emerging to quickly monitor and enforce the regulation limits. Among the widely applied strategies for afatoxin mitigation are biological control including atoxigenic Aspergillus strains, plant extracts, and chemical and physical methods of detoxifcation and decontamination. Afatoxin decontamination using plant extracts is promising for most countries in sub-Saharan Africa owing to the availability, ease of access and afordability; however, there is a need for further screening to isolate the bioactive ingredients. Tis review could provide insight into the researchers, stakeholders and consumers on the prevalence of afatoxin in groundnut and maize products as well as mitigation strategies to improve food safety. Keywords: afatoxin; Aspergillus; carcinogenic; decontamination; food safety; health risk
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    Prioritising non-native pest species to inform plant health biosecurity policy decisions and to safeguard agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Uganda.
    (Frontiers, 2025) Mulema, Joseph; Nankinga, Caroline; Kagorora, John Patrick Kanahe; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Amayo, Robert; Chemonges, Martin; Gumisiriya, Costa; Kato, Fred; Kigongo, Boniface Mulindwa; Kutunga, David; Mudde, Barnabas; Muhumuza, John Bosco; Mukasa, Yosia; Musiimenta, Herbert; Muzira, Fred; Namasa, Emmanuel John; Ramathan, Idd; Sebutare, Gilbert; Ssamula, Alexander; Tukahirwa, Benius; Opio, Samuel Morris; Obare, Ivan Juma; Aliamo, Caroline; Alokit, Christine; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Karanja, Daniel; Mwambu, Paul; Oronje, MaryLucy; Athman, Shahasi Yusuf; Akiri, Morris; Rwomushana, Ivan; Tugume, Joab; Talwana, Herbert; Onkendi, Edward; Ochwo, Mildred
    In recent years, various invasive species have been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa, partly due to insufficient information about potential invasions, which has led countries to respond reactively rather than proactively. This information can be gathered through horizon scanning. Using the CABI Horizon Scanning Tool, 9,071 pest species have been identified as unreported in Uganda. A subset of 1,517 was prioritised for rapid risk assessment based on guidelines that evaluated the likelihood of entry and establishment, the magnitude of socio-economic and environmental impact, as well as potential pathways of introduction. These pest species included 357 arthropods, 130 bacteria, 74 chromista, 417 fungi, 19 molluscs, 124 nematodes, nine protists, and 387 viruses and viroids, of which 360 of the 1,517 were reported as invasive. Vectors and vectored organisms were also assessed to determine their associated risk. Management actions were recommended for 618 species, which included 160 arthropods, 70 bacteria, 30 chromista, 174 fungi, six molluscs, 41 nematodes, three protists, eight viroids, and 126 viruses. These pest species either attained an overall risk score of 54 and above or a lower score for specific pest species. The actions included targeted surveillance, regulation supported by pest risk analysis, contingency planning, publicity, management by the industry, and research. This information is vital for risk monitoring and management and can be utilised by countries in the East African Region. KEYWORDS: invasive alien species, horizon scanning, rapid risk assessment, pest risk identification, pest risk analysis, pest risk management