Robert Musundire - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Musundire
Food Control, 2019
The nutritional benefits associated with edible insects have led to the recognition of the import... more The nutritional benefits associated with edible insects have led to the recognition of the important role that edible insects can play in improving global food and nutrition security. The acceptance of edible insects by consumers and the contribution of edible insects to food security are well studied. However, there is still a knowledge gap in terms of food safety hazards and anti-nutritional factors associated with edible insects. This review evaluated the available literature on safety of edible insects. Besides identifying food safety hazards, effect of the production systems (i.e. controlled rearing versus wild harvested) and processing methods on the safety of the edible insects were also reviewed. The results showed that Europe had the highest number of publications, 50.0% (47/94), on safety of edible insects, followed by Africa with 28.7% (27/94). Publications from the African continent are mainly on safety of wild harvested edible insects, while those published in Europe are on safety of reared edible insects. The results also revealed that processing methods that include boiling, frying and roasting greatly increase the safety of the edible insects.
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021
Macrotermes natalensis is a widely consumed edible termite species that inhabits termitaria of di... more Macrotermes natalensis is a widely consumed edible termite species that inhabits termitaria of different soil colours in southern Africa. However, there is paucity of data regarding the relationship between termitaria soil properties, nutritional composition and safety for edible soldier termites. We hypothesised that soil properties viz. metal composition, and colour are positively correlated to mineral composition, bioactive compounds and level of contamination by heavy metals in soldier termites. Replicated insects samples were collected from termitaria of different soil colour types from Bikita district, Zimbabwe. Soil and insect mineral composition were determined using standard methods. Antioxidant properties of methanol insect extracts were estimated using the DPPH test. A cluster analysis was performed to relate soil colour to soil and insect minerals compositions and DPPH. Soil Zn and Cu significantly varied ( P < 0.05) with respect to soil colour. Termitaria with grey colour were associated with higher content of Zn in the soil (23.5 mg/kg) compared to other soil colours. Higher ( P < 0.05) Pb content (4.48 mg/kg) was detected in termites from yellowish-brown soil colour compared to dark-grey, grey, brown and light-gray (2.45, 1.45, 0.5, 0.49 mg/kg, respectively). The content of Cu and Zn in soil were significantly positively correlated to Cu and Zn in insects and inversely correlated to Pb detected in insects. Percentage DPPH (overall >50%) was independent of soil colour, soil and insect mineral composition. There is a possible risk of Pb poisoning associated with consumption of soldier Macrotermes natalensis irrespective of termitaria soil colour; however, the risk is more pronounced in insects gathered from yellowish-brown soils.
Encosternum delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) are consumed as relish and with tradi... more Encosternum delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) are consumed as relish and with traditional claims of having medicinal roles in the South-Eastern districts of Zimbabwe. However, very little has been explored scientifically to validate these claims. The current study was conducted to investigate bio-active compound composition and diversity of stable antibacterial activity from E. delegorguei extracts. Methanol, ethanol and aqueous extractions of E. delegorguei were performed followed by qualitative, quantitative analyses of phytochemical/bioactive compounds and determination of antibacterial activities using disc diffusion method on ten clinically important microbes. Alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, phlobatannins, steroids, triterpenoids and cyanogen glycosides were detected in the insect extracts. Flavonoids were detected in significantly higher concentrations in unprocessed compared to processed insects. Mean DPPH free radical scavenging activities were ...
Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentally-friendly sou... more Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentally-friendly source of food for the ever increasing human population especially in the develop-ing countries. However, food quality and safety concerns must first be addressed in this context. We addressed these concerns in the present study using the edible stink bug Encosternum delegorguei, which is widely consumed in southern Africa. We analysed for mycotoxins, and health beneficials including antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Qtof-MS) and coupled gas chromatography (GC)-MS. We also performed proximate analysis to determine nutritional components. We identified the human carcinogen myco-toxin (aflatoxin B1) at low levels in edible stink bugs that were stored in traditonally woven wooden dung smeared baskets and gunny bags previously used to store cereals. However, it was absent in insects stored i...
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021
One of the traditional practices in drier eastern districts of Zimbabwe aimed to reduce protein m... more One of the traditional practices in drier eastern districts of Zimbabwe aimed to reduce protein malnutrition involves blending nutrient rich termite powders and millet flour. Despite this common practice, no standard guidelines have been developed to optimize and evaluate nutritional benefits of this blending. This study was aimed at formulating an extruded instant porridge composed of termite and millet powders and characterizing the physico-chemical, nutritional and sensory attributes of this porridge. Termite and millet powders were analysed for nutritional quality using Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods after which formulation of porridge was done using the Pearson Square method. The instant porridge’s nutritional and, heavy metal contents were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectrometry method. Functional properties and microbiological quality were assessed using standard methods. A panel of 80 untrained individuals assessed the por...
A paper presented during a Conference on Bridging the Gap between Society, Science And Industry h... more A paper presented during a Conference on Bridging the Gap between Society, Science And Industry held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi- Kenya between 1st – 5th December, 2014 Incorporating: 1st Ku School of Agriculture Biennial International Conference ,1st African Green Revolution Students Conference and 14th Workshop on Sustainable Horticulture in the Tropics
Tropical Conservation Science, 2020
Pollination ecosystem service contributes tremendously to food security; however, little is known... more Pollination ecosystem service contributes tremendously to food security; however, little is known about the farmers' awareness of the ecosystem service to ensure conservation of pollinators. This study determined farmers' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes toward bees, and pollination in a maize-producing region of Zimbabwe using semistructured questionnaires (N ¼ 828). Generalized linear model and logit regressions were used to determine factors influencing farmers' ability to identify bees, knowledge of pollination, and fear toward bees, respectively. Identification of bees was positively related to education, years in farming, and negatively related to fear toward bees (p < .001). Fear toward bees was influenced by gender, knowledge of bee attack fatalities, and perception of the importance of bees (p < .001). The majority of respondents (67%) confirmed knowledge of pollination (v 2 ¼ 96.043, p < .001), and the probability of knowing pollination was higher for those who depended on media compared with extension and school education as a source of farming information (p < .001). Our findings suggest that to improve bee conservation, farmers should be made more aware of the diverse bee fauna, specifically regarding their benefits as pollinators compared with the few dangers (resulting from stings) in order to reduce fear and increase willingness to conserve bees. Bee awareness programs need to be accessible to women, youth, and those with less formal education as they exhibited the least knowledge. Our findings also support evidence showing that extension officers should consider various media options for the effective dissemination of information to the different target audiences.
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2016
Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is widely consumed in rural and farming communi... more Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is widely consumed in rural and farming communities ofZimbabwe. Preparation methods before consumption for these insects are variable and have not been documented. Our study hypothesised that cooking for different durations result in different nutritional and bioactive compoundscomposition in insects and significant losses of beneficial bioactive compounds. Representative samples derivedfrom standard insect sampling procedures were collected from natural occurrences in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe. Proximate composition and bioactive component analyses were conducted following standard proceduresusing dried pulverised material from whole insects. There were no significant differences in proximate componentsbetween dried uncooked and cooked insects. Both insect samples prepared differently showed high crude protein and fibre contents of 62.4 and 25.4%, respectively, on dry matter basis; values which were higher than those of mo...
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Edible insects have gained popularity as alternative food resources in the face of climate change... more Edible insects have gained popularity as alternative food resources in the face of climate change and increasing carbon and environmental footprints associated with conventional agricultural production. Among the positive attributes that make edible insects suitable as food and feed substrates include rapid reproduction, high energy conversion efficiency, wide distribution, diversity, reduced greenhouses gases and ammonia emissions, possibility to reduce waste and high nutritional composition. In Sub-Saharan Africa, considerable scientific data exist on use of insects as food and livestock feed. However, coherent policies regarding safety, sustainability, trade and regulation of insects as food and animal feed are lacking. The benefits associated with edible insects are likely to accrue in Sub-Saharan Africa through use of a combination of approaches such as ensured sustainable utilization of edible insects in the wild, preservation of traditional conservation, harvesting and consum...
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Scientific Reports
In 2003, the pest species Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was reported for the first time in Kenya, ... more In 2003, the pest species Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was reported for the first time in Kenya, Africa, and subsequently on many other African countries. In this work, 20 locations along the Rusitu Valley (Zimbabwe) were sampled in 2014 during the sweet oranges fruiting seasons, to verify the fruit fly taxonomy, invasion source, population dynamics, and fruit damage. The trapped fruit flies were identified using morphological traits and molecular techniques, as B. dorsalis. The haplotype network analysis revealed that Zimbabwe COI sequences were identical to other African B. dorsalis sequences. Fruit fly trappings per day varied during the year, although it remained always high. The same applies to fruit damage, most likely due to the permanent availability of cultivated and wild fruit varieties during the year. Rusitu Valley was invaded by B. dorsalis, most likely from neighbouring countries. Ten years after the first report in Kenya, the complete or near complete invasion of Afri...
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
A B S T R A C T Most spiders are generalist predators and important biological control agents of ... more A B S T R A C T Most spiders are generalist predators and important biological control agents of various insect pests of agricultural crops. A study was conducted to determine the impact of cultural practices on the abundnace and diversity of soil surface-dwelling spiders (Araneae). Two experiments were conducted at the Chinhoyi University of Technology experimental farm, Zimbabwe, over the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons. The two experiments were conducted using a split-split-plot design arranged in randomized complete blocks using tillage, mulching, fertilizer and weeding management as factors, with spider diversity being a response variable. Tillage and mulching had strong effects on spider composition. In the first experiment that involved tillage system as the main plot factor, conventional tillage had a negative effect on ground dwelling taxa as evidenced by high negative taxon weights of Lycosidae, Gnaphosidae and Salticidae. In the second experiment, mulching had strong positive effects on ground dwelling spiders with the strongest being Lycosidae followed Gnaphosidae and Thomisidae. The no-tillage option increased richness by 14.5% compared to conventional tillage. The effective number of species was higher in the no-tillage option (exp^Hʹ = 2.2) than in conventional tillage (exp^Hʹ = 1.8). Our results suggest that no-tillage and retention of plant residue on the soil surface facilitate the abundance of ground and plant wandering spiders. More research is required to assess the specific benefits associated with this increased abundance, such as biological pest control.
Applied Soil Ecology
Soil dwelling beetles contribute greatly to biodiversity and offer important services in agroecos... more Soil dwelling beetles contribute greatly to biodiversity and offer important services in agroecosystems including predation, weed herbivory and decomposition. An experiment was conducted in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons at Chinhoyi University of Technology experiment station, Zimbabwe, to investigate the impact of tillage system (conservation tillage and conventional tillage), fertilizer application rate and weeding intensity on beetle communities in maize. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot using a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Beetles were sampled using un-baited pitfall traps. A total of 6020 beetles were collected comprising 53 species, nine families and four functional groups. Tillage system had the strongest effects on beetle diversity. Advanced constrained analysis using principal response curves revealed that the abundances of Anchophthalmus oncotipes decreased under conservation tillage. In contrast, abundances of Zophosis boei, Gonocephalum simplex, Renatiella reticulata and Stenethmus tentyriniformis increased under conservation tillage relative to conventiona tillage (CT). Detritivore abundances were 50.8% and 45% greater under rip line seeding than CT during the hot dry season of 2014 and cold dry season of 2015, respectively. Predator abundances were almost double in basin planting relative to CT during the cold dry season of 2014 and hot humid season of 2015. In the 2014/2015 cropping season, maize grain yield significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 4963 kg ha−1 in CT to 7848 kg ha−1 in basin planting tillage. Application of a high rate of fertilizer increased maize grain yield by 31.2% compared to the low and medium fertilizer application rates. Weeding twice resulted in the highest maize grain yield but there was no yield benefit in increasing weeding intensity more than twice per season. Our results suggest that there is potential for increasing density and diversity of beneficial beetle species through conservation tillage with crop residue retention.
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015
Food Control, 2019
The nutritional benefits associated with edible insects have led to the recognition of the import... more The nutritional benefits associated with edible insects have led to the recognition of the important role that edible insects can play in improving global food and nutrition security. The acceptance of edible insects by consumers and the contribution of edible insects to food security are well studied. However, there is still a knowledge gap in terms of food safety hazards and anti-nutritional factors associated with edible insects. This review evaluated the available literature on safety of edible insects. Besides identifying food safety hazards, effect of the production systems (i.e. controlled rearing versus wild harvested) and processing methods on the safety of the edible insects were also reviewed. The results showed that Europe had the highest number of publications, 50.0% (47/94), on safety of edible insects, followed by Africa with 28.7% (27/94). Publications from the African continent are mainly on safety of wild harvested edible insects, while those published in Europe are on safety of reared edible insects. The results also revealed that processing methods that include boiling, frying and roasting greatly increase the safety of the edible insects.
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021
Macrotermes natalensis is a widely consumed edible termite species that inhabits termitaria of di... more Macrotermes natalensis is a widely consumed edible termite species that inhabits termitaria of different soil colours in southern Africa. However, there is paucity of data regarding the relationship between termitaria soil properties, nutritional composition and safety for edible soldier termites. We hypothesised that soil properties viz. metal composition, and colour are positively correlated to mineral composition, bioactive compounds and level of contamination by heavy metals in soldier termites. Replicated insects samples were collected from termitaria of different soil colour types from Bikita district, Zimbabwe. Soil and insect mineral composition were determined using standard methods. Antioxidant properties of methanol insect extracts were estimated using the DPPH test. A cluster analysis was performed to relate soil colour to soil and insect minerals compositions and DPPH. Soil Zn and Cu significantly varied ( P < 0.05) with respect to soil colour. Termitaria with grey colour were associated with higher content of Zn in the soil (23.5 mg/kg) compared to other soil colours. Higher ( P < 0.05) Pb content (4.48 mg/kg) was detected in termites from yellowish-brown soil colour compared to dark-grey, grey, brown and light-gray (2.45, 1.45, 0.5, 0.49 mg/kg, respectively). The content of Cu and Zn in soil were significantly positively correlated to Cu and Zn in insects and inversely correlated to Pb detected in insects. Percentage DPPH (overall >50%) was independent of soil colour, soil and insect mineral composition. There is a possible risk of Pb poisoning associated with consumption of soldier Macrotermes natalensis irrespective of termitaria soil colour; however, the risk is more pronounced in insects gathered from yellowish-brown soils.
Encosternum delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) are consumed as relish and with tradi... more Encosternum delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) are consumed as relish and with traditional claims of having medicinal roles in the South-Eastern districts of Zimbabwe. However, very little has been explored scientifically to validate these claims. The current study was conducted to investigate bio-active compound composition and diversity of stable antibacterial activity from E. delegorguei extracts. Methanol, ethanol and aqueous extractions of E. delegorguei were performed followed by qualitative, quantitative analyses of phytochemical/bioactive compounds and determination of antibacterial activities using disc diffusion method on ten clinically important microbes. Alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, phlobatannins, steroids, triterpenoids and cyanogen glycosides were detected in the insect extracts. Flavonoids were detected in significantly higher concentrations in unprocessed compared to processed insects. Mean DPPH free radical scavenging activities were ...
Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentally-friendly sou... more Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentally-friendly source of food for the ever increasing human population especially in the develop-ing countries. However, food quality and safety concerns must first be addressed in this context. We addressed these concerns in the present study using the edible stink bug Encosternum delegorguei, which is widely consumed in southern Africa. We analysed for mycotoxins, and health beneficials including antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Qtof-MS) and coupled gas chromatography (GC)-MS. We also performed proximate analysis to determine nutritional components. We identified the human carcinogen myco-toxin (aflatoxin B1) at low levels in edible stink bugs that were stored in traditonally woven wooden dung smeared baskets and gunny bags previously used to store cereals. However, it was absent in insects stored i...
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021
One of the traditional practices in drier eastern districts of Zimbabwe aimed to reduce protein m... more One of the traditional practices in drier eastern districts of Zimbabwe aimed to reduce protein malnutrition involves blending nutrient rich termite powders and millet flour. Despite this common practice, no standard guidelines have been developed to optimize and evaluate nutritional benefits of this blending. This study was aimed at formulating an extruded instant porridge composed of termite and millet powders and characterizing the physico-chemical, nutritional and sensory attributes of this porridge. Termite and millet powders were analysed for nutritional quality using Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods after which formulation of porridge was done using the Pearson Square method. The instant porridge’s nutritional and, heavy metal contents were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectrometry method. Functional properties and microbiological quality were assessed using standard methods. A panel of 80 untrained individuals assessed the por...
A paper presented during a Conference on Bridging the Gap between Society, Science And Industry h... more A paper presented during a Conference on Bridging the Gap between Society, Science And Industry held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi- Kenya between 1st – 5th December, 2014 Incorporating: 1st Ku School of Agriculture Biennial International Conference ,1st African Green Revolution Students Conference and 14th Workshop on Sustainable Horticulture in the Tropics
Tropical Conservation Science, 2020
Pollination ecosystem service contributes tremendously to food security; however, little is known... more Pollination ecosystem service contributes tremendously to food security; however, little is known about the farmers' awareness of the ecosystem service to ensure conservation of pollinators. This study determined farmers' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes toward bees, and pollination in a maize-producing region of Zimbabwe using semistructured questionnaires (N ¼ 828). Generalized linear model and logit regressions were used to determine factors influencing farmers' ability to identify bees, knowledge of pollination, and fear toward bees, respectively. Identification of bees was positively related to education, years in farming, and negatively related to fear toward bees (p < .001). Fear toward bees was influenced by gender, knowledge of bee attack fatalities, and perception of the importance of bees (p < .001). The majority of respondents (67%) confirmed knowledge of pollination (v 2 ¼ 96.043, p < .001), and the probability of knowing pollination was higher for those who depended on media compared with extension and school education as a source of farming information (p < .001). Our findings suggest that to improve bee conservation, farmers should be made more aware of the diverse bee fauna, specifically regarding their benefits as pollinators compared with the few dangers (resulting from stings) in order to reduce fear and increase willingness to conserve bees. Bee awareness programs need to be accessible to women, youth, and those with less formal education as they exhibited the least knowledge. Our findings also support evidence showing that extension officers should consider various media options for the effective dissemination of information to the different target audiences.
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2016
Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is widely consumed in rural and farming communi... more Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is widely consumed in rural and farming communities ofZimbabwe. Preparation methods before consumption for these insects are variable and have not been documented. Our study hypothesised that cooking for different durations result in different nutritional and bioactive compoundscomposition in insects and significant losses of beneficial bioactive compounds. Representative samples derivedfrom standard insect sampling procedures were collected from natural occurrences in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe. Proximate composition and bioactive component analyses were conducted following standard proceduresusing dried pulverised material from whole insects. There were no significant differences in proximate componentsbetween dried uncooked and cooked insects. Both insect samples prepared differently showed high crude protein and fibre contents of 62.4 and 25.4%, respectively, on dry matter basis; values which were higher than those of mo...
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Edible insects have gained popularity as alternative food resources in the face of climate change... more Edible insects have gained popularity as alternative food resources in the face of climate change and increasing carbon and environmental footprints associated with conventional agricultural production. Among the positive attributes that make edible insects suitable as food and feed substrates include rapid reproduction, high energy conversion efficiency, wide distribution, diversity, reduced greenhouses gases and ammonia emissions, possibility to reduce waste and high nutritional composition. In Sub-Saharan Africa, considerable scientific data exist on use of insects as food and livestock feed. However, coherent policies regarding safety, sustainability, trade and regulation of insects as food and animal feed are lacking. The benefits associated with edible insects are likely to accrue in Sub-Saharan Africa through use of a combination of approaches such as ensured sustainable utilization of edible insects in the wild, preservation of traditional conservation, harvesting and consum...
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Scientific Reports
In 2003, the pest species Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was reported for the first time in Kenya, ... more In 2003, the pest species Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was reported for the first time in Kenya, Africa, and subsequently on many other African countries. In this work, 20 locations along the Rusitu Valley (Zimbabwe) were sampled in 2014 during the sweet oranges fruiting seasons, to verify the fruit fly taxonomy, invasion source, population dynamics, and fruit damage. The trapped fruit flies were identified using morphological traits and molecular techniques, as B. dorsalis. The haplotype network analysis revealed that Zimbabwe COI sequences were identical to other African B. dorsalis sequences. Fruit fly trappings per day varied during the year, although it remained always high. The same applies to fruit damage, most likely due to the permanent availability of cultivated and wild fruit varieties during the year. Rusitu Valley was invaded by B. dorsalis, most likely from neighbouring countries. Ten years after the first report in Kenya, the complete or near complete invasion of Afri...
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
A B S T R A C T Most spiders are generalist predators and important biological control agents of ... more A B S T R A C T Most spiders are generalist predators and important biological control agents of various insect pests of agricultural crops. A study was conducted to determine the impact of cultural practices on the abundnace and diversity of soil surface-dwelling spiders (Araneae). Two experiments were conducted at the Chinhoyi University of Technology experimental farm, Zimbabwe, over the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons. The two experiments were conducted using a split-split-plot design arranged in randomized complete blocks using tillage, mulching, fertilizer and weeding management as factors, with spider diversity being a response variable. Tillage and mulching had strong effects on spider composition. In the first experiment that involved tillage system as the main plot factor, conventional tillage had a negative effect on ground dwelling taxa as evidenced by high negative taxon weights of Lycosidae, Gnaphosidae and Salticidae. In the second experiment, mulching had strong positive effects on ground dwelling spiders with the strongest being Lycosidae followed Gnaphosidae and Thomisidae. The no-tillage option increased richness by 14.5% compared to conventional tillage. The effective number of species was higher in the no-tillage option (exp^Hʹ = 2.2) than in conventional tillage (exp^Hʹ = 1.8). Our results suggest that no-tillage and retention of plant residue on the soil surface facilitate the abundance of ground and plant wandering spiders. More research is required to assess the specific benefits associated with this increased abundance, such as biological pest control.
Applied Soil Ecology
Soil dwelling beetles contribute greatly to biodiversity and offer important services in agroecos... more Soil dwelling beetles contribute greatly to biodiversity and offer important services in agroecosystems including predation, weed herbivory and decomposition. An experiment was conducted in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons at Chinhoyi University of Technology experiment station, Zimbabwe, to investigate the impact of tillage system (conservation tillage and conventional tillage), fertilizer application rate and weeding intensity on beetle communities in maize. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot using a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Beetles were sampled using un-baited pitfall traps. A total of 6020 beetles were collected comprising 53 species, nine families and four functional groups. Tillage system had the strongest effects on beetle diversity. Advanced constrained analysis using principal response curves revealed that the abundances of Anchophthalmus oncotipes decreased under conservation tillage. In contrast, abundances of Zophosis boei, Gonocephalum simplex, Renatiella reticulata and Stenethmus tentyriniformis increased under conservation tillage relative to conventiona tillage (CT). Detritivore abundances were 50.8% and 45% greater under rip line seeding than CT during the hot dry season of 2014 and cold dry season of 2015, respectively. Predator abundances were almost double in basin planting relative to CT during the cold dry season of 2014 and hot humid season of 2015. In the 2014/2015 cropping season, maize grain yield significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 4963 kg ha−1 in CT to 7848 kg ha−1 in basin planting tillage. Application of a high rate of fertilizer increased maize grain yield by 31.2% compared to the low and medium fertilizer application rates. Weeding twice resulted in the highest maize grain yield but there was no yield benefit in increasing weeding intensity more than twice per season. Our results suggest that there is potential for increasing density and diversity of beneficial beetle species through conservation tillage with crop residue retention.
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015