Browsing by Author "Ssekandi, Joseph"

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    Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Maize in the Eastern Part of Uganda
    (MDPI, 2022) Fall, Abdoulaye Fofana; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Founoune-Mboup, Hassna; Badji, Arfang; Balde, Issa; Ndiaye, Pape Malick
    Improving maize yield is an utmost important objective for food security in Uganda. In the evaluation of soil microorganisms to crop production, it is important to assess the composition and diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) species at different agroecosystems. AMF play an important role in improving crop growth and yield. We present a study of the morphological diversity of native AMF species associated with the rhizosphere of maize in two locations in eastern Uganda (Amuria and Serere districts). The effects of soil chemical properties on this diversity were also assessed. AMF diversity was assessed by morphological identification of the spores extracted from soils samples by the wet sieving method. Spores abundance, species richness, and diversity were determined. A total of 19 AMF morphotypes were distributed in 7 genera (Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Glomus, Acaulospora, Archaospora, Entrophosporaa, and Paraglomus) were observed. Glomus species were abundant in all sites. Spores densities were higher in Amuria than in Serere. Soil pH, CEC, and phosphorus content influenced AMF distribution. Finding the species in various agroecological environments indicates that they are adapted to the environments. Maize grown in eastern Uganda is associated with a diversity of AMF that could be selected as a bio-fertilizer to improve crop production.
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    Genetic diversity of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus isolated from groundnuts in selected agroecological zones of Uganda
    (BMC microbiology, 2020) Acur, Amos; Arias, Renée S.; Odongo, Steven; Tuhaise, Samuel; Ssekandi, Joseph; Muhanguzi, Dennis; Adriko, John; Buah, Stephen; Kiggundu, Andrew
    Background Aspergillus is the main fungal genus causing pre- and post-harvest contamination of groundnuts. Aspergillus flavus belongs to section Flavi, a group consisting of both the aflatoxigenic species (A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius) and non-aflatoxigenic species (A. oryzae, A. sojae and A. tamarii). Aflatoxins are food-borne toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, causing hepatic carcinoma and stunting in children and are the most toxic carcinogenic mycotoxins ever identified. Despite the well-known public health problems associated with aflatoxicosis in Uganda, information about the genetic diversity of the main aflatoxin causing fungus, Aspergillus flavus in this country is still limited. Results A cross-sectional survey was therefore carried out in three main groundnut-growing agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Uganda; West Nile farming system, Lake Kyoga basin mixed farming system and Lake Victoria basin farming system. This was to assess the genetic diversity of A. flavus and to establish the contamination rates of groundnuts with Aspergillus species at pre- and post-harvest stages. Out of the 213 A. flavus isolates identified in this study, 96 representative isolates were fingerprinted using 16 insertion/deletion microsatellite markers. Data from fingerprinting were analyzed through Neighbor Joining while polymorphism was determined using Arlequin v 3.5. The pre- and post-harvest contamination rates were; 2.5% and 50.0% (West Nile farming system), 55.0% and 35.0% (Lake Kyoga basin mixed farming system) and 32.5% and 32.5% (Lake Victoria basin farming system) respectively. The Chi-square test showed no significant differences between pre- and post-harvest contamination rates among AEZs (p = 0.199). Only 67 out of 96 isolates produced suitable allele scores for genotypic analysis. Analysis of genetic diversity showed higher variation within populations than among populations. Two major clusters (aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates) were identified as colonizing groundnuts at pre- and postharvest stages. Conclusions These findings provide a first insight on the existence of non-aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus in Uganda. These strains are potential candidates for developing local Aspergillus biocontrol agent.
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    Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project
    (Frontiers Media S.A, 2024-05) Chirinda, Ngonidzashe; Abdulkader, Bisan; Hjortsø, Carsten Nico; Aitelkadi, Kenza; Salako, Kolawolé Valère; Taarji, Noamane; Mhada, Manal; Lamdaghri, Zidane; Romanova, Gergana; Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem; Chadare, Flora Josiane; Saidi, Mwanarusi; Sassi, Maria; Mugonola, Basil; Gogo, Elisha Otieno; Ssekandi, Joseph; Okalany, Emmanuel; Egeru, Anthony; Mshenga, Patience; Mlongo; Chfadi, Tarik
    The underperformance of agricultural education systems in Africa is evident through various indicators such as increased unemployment among recent agricultural graduates, inefficiencies in agricultural product value chains, and a decline in enrollment in agricultural schools. The AgriENGAGE project, which included eight African universities, was supported through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program funded by the European Commission to address these challenges. The project aimed to contribute toward revitalizing agricultural education systems to stimulate agricultural transformation and enhance the sector’s competitiveness while meeting the labor market’s demands. This article draws on lessons learned at eight universities to provide a perspective on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in African universities. We provide descriptions, experiences, and insights on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in partner universities in Kenya, Benin, Morocco, and Uganda. Based on these experiences, we provide perspectives on reducing youth unemployment and improving the effectiveness of agricultural education in contributing to the development of sustainable food systems.
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    Roles of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on soil fertility and its importance in phytoremediation of polluted soil
    (Preprints, 2021) Fall, Abdoulaye Fofana; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Apori, Samuel Obeng
    A single paragraph Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with many crops. These soil microbiotas improve the soil fertility through the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. extending the root absorbing area. In return, the symbiont receives plant carbohydrates for the completion of its life cycle. AMF also helps plants to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses such as extreme temperature, heavy metal, diseases, and pathogens. For soil physical properties, the mechanisms used by AMF are the production of a glycoprotein, glomalin, which creates a high quality of soil macro-aggregations. These macro-aggregations control soil erosion, nutrients and organic matter losses. For soil chemical properties, AMF produce acids and an enzyme called phosphatase. This enzyme hydrolyzes the inorganic phosphorus and the rock phosphate (RP) hence making P available in the soil for plant uptake. AMF also are involved in soil nitrogen, carbon and trace element cycling. Regarding the biological component of the soil, AMF influence the composition, diversity and activity of microbial communities in the hydrosphere. They also work in synergy with others soil microorganisms to improve soil fertility, plant growth and resistance against some diseases. In this review, we present the contribution of AMF on soil fertility and importance in polluted soils.