Christopher Materu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Christopher Materu

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 30, 2019

Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee... more Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee and non-bee insect species in avocado growing areas worldwide, has been considered as potential pollinators. Despite of this information in Tanzania there has been little research into which pollinator insect species diversity visit avocado flowers during flowering season. The study was conducted at Jaegetal avocado orchard from 450 trees of Hass variety planted at spacing of 10m x 10m. Sample size was 10 trees were used to generate pollinator's population estimates. The orchard is located at S04˚47ʹ41.7ʹʹ and E038˚13ʹ11.8ʹʹ. Sweep net, forceps and aspirator were used to estimate pollinator's diversity during avocado production season 2018/19. The results showed a total of 115 individuals were sampled and honey bees were more abundant flower visitors representing 60% of all insects recorded. The second species observed included the stingless bee representing (26%), followed by tachnid fly (6%) and hoverfly (6%). The least species in abundance was ants (1%) and wasps (1%). Mean population comparison there was significant differences P< 0.005.Understanding pollinators species diversity interaction between honey bee and other flower visitor's abundances within and outside orchards could assist in improving pollination recommendations in avocado growing areas.

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2014

Potato aphid green peach (Myzus persicae Sulzer) is one of the serious pests in potato (Solanum t... more Potato aphid green peach (Myzus persicae Sulzer) is one of the serious pests in potato (Solanum tuberosum) production areas in the world. A survey was carried out during 2014 potato growing season to assess aphid and Coccinellid population abundance in potato production areas in Mbeya and Njombe regions situated in southern highlands of Tanzania. Aphid and Coccinellid abundance were sampled from 30 leaves selected randomly from ten plants. Estimates of aphid abundance from potato fields were carried out from transectline replicated three times. A total of 1,370 aphid populations were sampled during the survey period. Abundance from young leaves was 898, followed by medium leaves 270 and the least was old leaves represented by 202 individuals. The relative abundance of aphid population resulted from 15 minutes sampling effort per transect ranked from 8 individuals from Swaya village to 171 individuals from Atwelo village and the rest were in between. The differences between selected plant parts showed significant differences (p = 0.001). The results from this survey provides database on aphid population and Coccinellid natural enemies of potato aphid in potato growing areas which can be used for future research in the selected regions.

International journal of research - granthaalayah, Jul 31, 2019

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) is one of the important crop in East Africa as a source of fo... more Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) is one of the important crop in East Africa as a source of food, income and export. Occurrence of different pest including indigenous and alien in tomato fields are considered as a major threat pests to tomato growers. Worldwide pest problems in horticultural investment need to be considered carefully as their presence increase cost of production. Despite of this information in Tanzania there has been little research to update pest list infesting our tomatoes. The study was conducted in Morogoro region in Kauzeni and Bigwa wards whereby farmers grow different varieties of tomatoes. Farmers spray different fungicides and pesticides twice per week to manage different pests. The selected fields were located at S 04˚47ʹ41.7ʹʹ, E 038˚13ʹ11.8ʹʹ and S 06˚53ʹ38.3ʹʹ, E 037˚36ʹ07.4ʹʹ Random sampling using "W" Pattern was used to get representation of the fields. Occurrence of pest population was estimated from ten plants during 2018/19, searching from young, middle and older leaves. Insect specimens were collected using fine forceps, aspirators, and preserved in ethanol 70% for laboratory identification. The results showed no aphids were detected from frequent sprayed tomato fields, other pests observed include the white flies with mean (57) individuals per plant, followed by leaf miner (70) and the highest number was thrips representing (107) Mean population comparison showed a significant differences P< 0.005. Understanding occurrence of different pests in tomato growing areas could assist in planning sustainable Integrated Pest Management programme in tomato growing areas.

ABSTRACT: Termite population and foraging behavior is much affected by different land use. Variat... more ABSTRACT: Termite population and foraging behavior is much affected by different land use. Variation in termite species diversity is considered as changes of bio indicators in the selected habitat types. Despite of various benefits obtained from termites little information is known from termite species richness, diversity as well as evenness in response to different land use. A standard transect lines was used to collect termites from 10cm deep to 2M above the ground, hand sorted from the selected different land use. Sampling effort was 1hr per quadrat in all selected land use. Collected specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol for laboratory identification. Termites species encountered during the study period were 16 species from forest, 13 species from cropland and 7 species from grassland habitat types. The coefficient community similarity from different land use was high ranging from 60% to 70% The termites population differences from selected habitat types showed significant differences (P=0.05). This study was carried out to investigate the response of termite population in relation to different land use in Rufiji district which can be used for future research.

Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2017

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author NZ designed the study and ... more This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author NZ designed the study and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author M. Chidege revised the 1st draft. Author CM revised the 2nd draft. Author M. Chacha revised the 3rd draft and managed literature search. Author ERM revised the 4 th draft, managed the literature searches and designed the model. Author PAN revised the 5 th draft and made conclusion. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jun 1, 1999

The effect of natural aerial crown interconnections between coconut palms and interplanted citrus... more The effect of natural aerial crown interconnections between coconut palms and interplanted citrus on survival and movements, of Oecophylla longinoda colonies between the trees was studied in a coconut-citrus plantaiion at Kiimbwanindi in Tanzania. The overlapping leaves and branches of coconut and citrus trees facilitated movements of O. longinoda from the dirus trees to coconut palms and effected control of the coconut bug Pseudotheraptus wayi . Crown connections also enabled, O. longinoda to forage between citrus and coconut palms aerially by by-passing the ground nesting inimical ant, Pheidole megacephala . In the absence of crown connections P. megacephala normally prevented establishment of O. longinoda . Moreover when crown connections were lost an O. longinoda colony became isolated and was easily displaced by P. megacephala . Interplanting coconut with citrus is economically useful and is also a sustainable way of managing P. wayi through the encouragement of O. longinoda . Smallholder farmers are strongly advised to adop the cultural practice in order to effect protection of their coconut from P. wayi . It is a cost effective method because farmers do not have to use insecticides to reduce populations of P. megacephala . Keywords: Oecophylla longinoda , Pheidole megacephala , Pseudotheraptus wayi , colony, forage Tanzania. J. Agric. Sc. (1999) Vol.2 No.l, 107-113

Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1999

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2014

Potato aphid green peach ( Myzus persicae Sulzer) is one of the serious pests in potato ( Solanum... more Potato aphid green peach ( Myzus persicae Sulzer) is one of the serious pests in potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) production areas in the world. A survey was carried out during 2014 potato growing season to assess aphid and Coccinellid population abundance in potato production areas in Mbeya and Njombe regions situated in southern highlands of Tanzania. Aphid and Coccinellid abundance were sampled from 30 leaves selected randomly from ten plants. Estimates of aphid abundance from potato fields were carried out from transectline replicated three times. A total of 1,370 aphid populations were sampled during the survey period. Abundance from young leaves was 898, followed by medium leaves 270 and the least was old leaves represented by 202 individuals. The relative abundance of aphid population resulted from 15 minutes sampling effort per transect ranked from 8 individuals from Swaya village to 171 individuals from Atwelo village and the rest were in between. The differences between select...

Tomato leaf miner is native pest of South America and one of the most serious pest of tomato (Sol... more Tomato leaf miner is native pest of South America and one of the most serious pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and solanaceous plants. In Tanzania tomato is one of the most important nutritious vegetable crop and source of income (FAO 2012). Training of agricultural extension officers on sustainable management of invasive species like Tuta absoluta, especially training of trainers (ToTs) is crucial to equip them with adequate and appropriate knowledge about the pest. The report was developed during T. absoluta workshop held at TPRI in July 21, 2015 where by a total of 100 extension officers from three regions namely (Arusha, Kilimanyaro and Manyara) of northern Tanzania were randomly interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices on management of T. absoluta. The results revealed that (85%) of the respondents were aware of the T. absoluta as a major problem in most tomato growing areas. Additionally, of the total respondents (90%) indicated poor knowledge on identification...

Subterranean termites are major pests of various food and cash crops in tropical and subtropical ... more Subterranean termites are major pests of various food and cash crops in tropical and subtropical regions causing serious seedling losses. If control measures are not applied, losses ascribed to termites is estimated at 20%. The aim of this study is to assess coconut seedling (Cocos nucifera) losses due to termite pest species and to suggest possible control measures. Assessment of termite damage to coconut seedlings was conducted in established coconut nurseries at four villages (Nyambili, Pagae, Mtawanya and Nambunju) over a period of one year. Hand sorting was carried out from twenty seedlings foraged by termites and to identify termite pest species present in the coconut nurseries. The common pest species were Microtermes, Pseudacanthotermes, Macrotermes and Odontotermes. Infestation from these species was diverse but the most serious parts affected were plant roots, tunneling in root collar, wilting and eventually death of the seedling. Seedlings with physiological stress were u...

Farmer’s perception and knowledge is an important component for sustainable action plan of the in... more Farmer’s perception and knowledge is an important component for sustainable action plan of the invasive tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera Gelechiidae). Tuta absoluta is an endemic pest in South America where it causes a significant crop loss in tomato growing areas. A survey was carried out in August 2015 whereby a total of 100 tomato growers were interviewed randomly to assess their knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding Tuta absoluta. Semi-structured questionnaire open and close ended was used to assess knowledge perceptions and practices about the invasive insect pest. The results revealed that (80%) of the farmers were aware of the Tuta absoluta as a major problem in tomato growing areas. Furthermore, of the total respondents showed (90%) of the growers demonstrated poor knowledge on the taxonomy of the pest and its economic impact in tomato production. A total of (70%) of the growers completed standard seven, own cellphone for exchange various informat...

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a major threat to the vegetables and mango industry in the... more Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a major threat to the vegetables and mango industry in the world. The female flies prick and lay eggs under the skin of the fruits. The eggs hatch and release the larvae which present three immature stages before reaching adult stages. The first two larval stages occur in plant tissues and cause the premature fall of the fruits. The invasive fruit fly Bactrocera invadens was first detected in Tanzania in 2004. Direct damage due to B. invadens attack in African countries varies between 30-80%. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques on suppression of mango fruit flies in Muheza district. Improvised twenty traps baited with methyl eugenol hanged 2m above the soil surface was used to trap the flies. Traps were inspected every after 7days and were recharged every after 60 days. Traps were left on the same position throughout the entire period of this study. Furthermore, a...

Ants are major decomposers and they are sensitive to any human influence in our environment. Pres... more Ants are major decomposers and they are sensitive to any human influence in our environment. Presence or absence of ants in cropland habitat is resulted from alteration of forest habitat into cropland. Ant's species diversity in mango orchard was considered as an important biodiversity indicator due to alteration of the primary forest into cropland habitat. Ants were sampled from mango trees searching species of ants from tree bases to 2M high. Dental rolls with 10% sugar as attractant bait were also used to attract ground preference of ant species. Attractant bait was placed on a tree base for 30 minutes and thereafter inspected for data collection. This study has revealed that ant species composition in mango orchard varies according to cropping system. Dominance of species was Crematogaster followed by Pheidole megacephala and the least was Oecopyhlla longinoda ants. Comparison of species composition revealed that there were significant differences. Species with low represent...

On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and food Security and Co-operatives for their kindly fin... more On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and food Security and Co-operatives for their kindly financial support of this work through COSTECH. Fruit flies (Diptera Tephritidae) are polyphagous pest infest different fruits and vegetables in the country. In nature this has various generations depending on availability of plants hosts. Due to different climatic conditions suitable for fruits and vegetable production made the problem caused by this pest to be wide spread in different agro ecological regions. The drastic increase of B. invadens population in the country demonstrated that the pest has well established in Tanzania and its neighboring countries. In order to meet high quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables, need to control fruit flies is very important. Through this field training manual it will be possible to conduct training to various stakeholders including, VEOs, Farmers, Exporters and consumers. Furthermore, it will facilitate to apply sanitary and phytosanitary m...

International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH

Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee... more Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee and non-bee insect species in avocado growing areas worldwide, has been considered as potential pollinators. Despite of this information in Tanzania there has been little research into which pollinator insect species diversity visit avocado flowers during flowering season. The study was conducted at Jaegetal avocado orchard from 450 trees of Hass variety planted at spacing of 10m x 10m. Sample size was 10 trees were used to generate pollinator’s population estimates. The orchard is located at S04˚47ʹ41.7ʹʹ and E038˚13ʹ11.8ʹʹ. Sweep net, forceps and aspirator were used to estimate pollinator’s diversity during avocado production season 2018/19. The results showed a total of 115 individuals were sampled and honey bees were more abundant flower visitors representing 60% of all insects recorded. The second species observed included the stingless bee representing (26%), followed by tachnid f...

Plant Disease

'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the bacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), wa... more 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the bacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), was reported from Uganda and tentatively from Tanzania, posing a threat to citriculture in Africa. Two surveys of citrus expressing typical HLB symptoms were conducted in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to verify reports of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' and to assess the overall threat of HLB to eastern and southern African citrus production. Samples were analyzed for the presence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter' species by real-time PCR and partial sequencing of three housekeeping genes, 16S rDNA, rplJ, and omp. 'Ca. L. africanus', the bacterium historically associated with HLB symptoms in Africa, was detected in several samples. However, samples positive in real-time PCR for 'Ca. L. asiaticus' were shown not to contain 'Ca. L. asiaticus' by sequencing. Sequences obtained from these samples were analogous to 'Ca. L. africanus subsp. clausenae', identified from an indigenous Rutaceae species in South Africa, and not to 'Ca. L. asiaticus'. Results indicate a nontarget amplification of the real-time assay and suggest that previous reports of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' from Uganda and Tanzania may be mis-identifications of 'Ca. L. africanus subsp. clausenae'. This subspecies was additionally detected in individual Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae specimens recovered from collection sites. This is the first report of 'Ca. L. africanus subsp. clausenae' infecting citrus and being associated with HLB symptoms in this host.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 30, 2019

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2014

International journal of research - granthaalayah, Jul 31, 2019

Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2017

Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jun 1, 1999

Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1999

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2014

International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH

Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee... more Insect pollinator diversity is key to ensuring adequate fruit yields within avocado orchards. Bee and non-bee insect species in avocado growing areas worldwide, has been considered as potential pollinators. Despite of this information in Tanzania there has been little research into which pollinator insect species diversity visit avocado flowers during flowering season. The study was conducted at Jaegetal avocado orchard from 450 trees of Hass variety planted at spacing of 10m x 10m. Sample size was 10 trees were used to generate pollinator’s population estimates. The orchard is located at S04˚47ʹ41.7ʹʹ and E038˚13ʹ11.8ʹʹ. Sweep net, forceps and aspirator were used to estimate pollinator’s diversity during avocado production season 2018/19. The results showed a total of 115 individuals were sampled and honey bees were more abundant flower visitors representing 60% of all insects recorded. The second species observed included the stingless bee representing (26%), followed by tachnid f...

Plant Disease