Nicholas Otieno

University of Nairobi | UON · Department of Biology Faculty of Science and Technology

We conducted a study in Nairobi County to assess Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in selected herbs and spices and to ascertain product use and consumer awareness of fungi and mycotoxin contamination. Descriptive statistical analysis of the survey data was performed using R-studio software version 1.4. Results revealed significant differences in consumer...

There is an increasing demand for herbs and spices within the African continent either for culinary or medicinal purposes. Though herbs and spices are regularly consumed in small quantities in the diets, they serve as good sources for antioxidant components. Their nutritive nature renders them susceptible to contamination with toxigenic fungi such...

The use of plant growth promoting bacterial inoculants as live microbial biofertilizers provides a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Inorganic phosphate solubilization is one of the major mechanisms of plant growth promotion by plant associated bacteria. This involves bacteria releasing organic acids into the soil which...

Endophytes are bacteria present in plants that form a symbiotic relationship with their hosts and may promote plant growth and health (Ryan et al., 2008). We extracted Pseudomonas endophytes from Miscanthus × giganteus; a series of strains were selected for application to two oilseed rape (OSR) trials. Endophytes colonise plants (including the root...

The use of potent and effective live microbial biofertilisers in agricultural has significant potential to reduce the costs of crop production and in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution associated with excessive fertiliser use. Many plant associated bacteria possess plant growth promotion traits. However, when used as plant inoc...

A survey was carried out between 2005 and 2006 in two ecologically different localities, Suam and Mtito Andei, to assess diversity and abundance of wild host plants of lepidopteran stem borers during the cropping and non-cropping seasons. Suam in western Kenya is situated in the moist high tropics and is characterised by an Afromontane vegetation m...

A survey was carried out between 2004 and 2005 in two ecologically different locations, Kakamega and Muhaka to assess diversity and abundance of wild host plants of lepidopteran stem borers as compared to maize plots during the cropping and non-cropping seasons. Kakamega in Western Kenya is characterized by a Guineo-Congolian rain forest mosaic and...

A survey was carried out between 2004 and 2005 in two ecologically different locations, Kakamega and Muhaka to assess diversity and abundance of wild host plants of lepidopteran stem borers as compared to maize plots during the cropping and non-cropping seasons. Kakamega in Western Kenya is characterized by a Guineo-Congolian rain forest mosaic and...

A survey was carried out between 2004 and 2005 in two ecologically different locations, Kakamega and Muhaka to assess diversity and abundance of wild host plants of lepidopteran stem borers as compared to maize plots during the cropping and non-cropping seasons. Kakamega in Western Kenya is characterized by a Guineo-Congolian rain forest mosaic and...