http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/249 2026-04-13T16:04:01Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2539 Investigation of the morphological variation among taxa to determine species diversity within Cyperus dives complex in East Africa: a review Tallam, Jerop; Otieno, Donald Fredrick; Musili, Paul Mutuku The Cyperus dives complex, a group within the Cyperaceae family, exhibits substantial morphological diversity across East Africa, presenting a valuable opportunity for studying species diversity and ecological adaptation. This investigation explored the morphological variation among taxa within this complex to assess species diversity and inform conservation strategies. Through a detailed examination of leaf shape, inflorescence structure, and reproductive features, the study reveals significant variations that delineate species boundaries and highlight adaptive traits. Findings from existing literature affirms the complex interplay between environmental factors and morphological characteristics, illustrating how different taxa are adapted to a range of ecological niches. The results demonstrates that morphological diversity within the Cyperus dives complex is influenced by habitat variability and evolutionary pressures. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of morphological variation is essential for accurate species identification and effective conservation management. This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of biodiversity in East Africa and supports the development of targeted conservation strategies to protect the diverse taxa within the Cyperus dives complex. 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2514 ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF LEAVES AND ROOT EXTRACTS OF KENYAN POPULATIONS OF DODONAEA VISCOSA ON STREPTOZOTOCIN (STZ) INDUCED DIABETIC RATS Langa, Philemon Kibet; Njenga, Elizabeth Wanjiku; Jeruto, Pascaline; Lukhoba, Catherine Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. There are three types of diabetes which includes type I diabetes mellitus (T1D), type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) and gestational diabetes. The disease is associated with polyuria, polydipsia, and glycosuria, and many other underlying conditions. It leads to disability, high financial constraints and ultimately death of the patients. This study therefore intends to seek alternative ways of managing diabetes using herbal remedies. Dodonaea viscosa leaves and roots were collected from Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Kwale counties. They were soaked in ethanol and their antidiabetic activity done on male swiss albino rats. Antidiabetic activity was calculated by a glucometer. T-test was used to compare the activity of the roots and leaves. ANOVA was calculated using F-test to find out the activity of various populations. A comparison of activity of Insulin, 200 mg and 400 mg/kg bw extracts was determined using their means. From the results, D. viscosa has a strong antidiabetic activity. T-test revealed that there was no significant difference between their activities of roots and leaves as evidenced from p >0.05. Fstatistic (F = 0.545) indicates that the variances between the populations are not statistically different. The p-value (Sig. = 0.742) further confirms this. Insulin led to the highest decrease in blood sugar, followed by plant extract at 400 mg/kg bw and finally 200 mg/kg bw extracts. More research to isolate pure compounds from this rich plant need to be done. 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2513 Molecular phylogeny and genetic diversity of Dodonaea viscosa populations from North Rift and Coastal Kenya using ITS1 and rbcL markers Langat, P.K.; Njenga, E.W.; Jeruto, P.; Lukhoba, C. W.; Musila, F.M. The genus Dodonaea (Sapindaceae) comprises slightly over 70 species. Dodonaea viscosa is a plant of Australian origin with seven subspecies. In Kenya, there are two subspecies. D. viscosa has been used medicinally to manage several ailments. It is considered a difficult taxonomic group due to its polymorphic nature. Owing to its uses in ethnomedicine and the taxonomic challenge of Kenyan subspecies, a molecular phylogenetic study was done using ITS1 and rbcL genes from Kenyan populations. DNA was extracted, sequenced, exported to MEGA 11, PhyloSuite, and R for analysis. Aligned sequences were subjected to evolutionary analyses and PCA while phylogeny was constructed using maximum likelihood (ML) method. Nucleotide frequency and substitution rates, nucleotide disparity index, and evolutionary divergence of the genes were very low implying a short genetic distance among the Kenyan populations. ML trees showed that the highland and coastal Dodonaea populations were closely related as they are monophyletic and have high bootstrap values. PCA showed that rbcL genes contributed to most variations in Dodonaea populations where two clusters based on rbcL genes were observed. In contrast, ITS1 genes contributed to fewer variations and grouped all Dodonaea populations into one cluster. This study provides more data to solve the taxonomic challenge of D. viscosa. There is a need for further studies targeting other gene regions to understand well the phylogenetic relationships of Kenyan populations of Dodonaea. 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2512 olecular Analyses of Genetic Variation and Phylogenetic Relationship in the Family Sapindaceae. A Review Paper Langat, P.K.; Njenga, E.W.; Jeruto, P.; Nyamwamu, C.N.; Lukhoba, C.W.; Musila, F.M. The Sapindaceae, commonly known as the soapberry family, is a cosmopolitan group of approximately 1900 species across 144 genera, forming part of the economically and ecologically significant angiosperm order Sapindales. Despite prior taxonomic efforts, relationships within Sapindaceae and across Sapindales have remained poorly resolved due to complex morphological variation and incomplete infra-familial classification systems. Recent advances in molecular systematics, particularly the use of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and Angiosperms353 target enrichment datasets, have enabled substantial progress in reconstructing evolutionary relationships within this group. ITS-based phylogenetic analyses have confirmed species-level resolution within Indian Sapindus, clearly distinguishing S. emarginatus from S. trifoliatus, and revealing the divergent position of S. oligophyllus, which clusters with Allophylus of tribe Thouinieae. Estimates of evolutionary divergence revealed significant variability among tribes, with the greatest divergence observed between Paullinieae and Harpullieae (0.20) and the least between Sapindeae and Lepisantheae (0.06), supporting past taxonomic hypotheses. Complementary phylogenomic analyses using Angiosperms353 markers across 123 Sapindaceae genera (86% coverage) recovered 21 clades, providing the basis for a revised classification into four subfamilies and 20 tribes, including six newly proposed tribes within Sapindoideae. Broader Sapindales-wide analyses comprising 448 samples and 85% of genera confirmed family monophyly and resolved core clades while also revealing persistent challenges in subfamily-level relationships due to paralogy, likely linked to ancient hybridisation and polyploidy events. The presence of paralogous loci, particularly in Meliaceae and Rutaceae, affirms the need for careful data curation and highlights the impact of ancient genome duplications on phylogenetic inference. This integrated molecular framework provides the most comprehensive phylogenetic resolution of Sapindaceae and Sapindales to date. It offers a robust foundation for future evolutionary, biogeographic, taxonomic, and conservation-orientated studies while emphasising the need for continued sampling and the incorporation of genomic complexity in phylogenetic reconstruction. 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2495 Screening advanced potato mutant genotypes against bacterial wilt disease under different agro-ecological zones of Kenya Apondi, Maurine; Kinyua, Miriam G.; Were, Javan O.; Gohole, Linnet S. Host plant resistance is a key tool in the management of plant diseases. Mutant lines (IP1, IP2, IP3 and IP4) were tested against other potato varieties (Shangi, Sherehekea, K. Mpya and Unica) in different agro-ecological zones to ascertain their performance under potato bacterial wilt disease pressures. An experiment was set in an RCBD design with three replications in four different sites, namely, Nyandarua, Elgeiyo Marakwet, Burnt Forest and Moiben. Assessment was done on potato bacterial wilt disease prevalence and severities, as well as host plant status, which were rated on a scale of 1-5. Data obtained were subjected to analysis using statistical software GenStat 16th Edition VSN International Ltd. Different response levels and uniqueness were express across all AEZs, where variety, sites and time intervals (DAS) as well as their interactions had significant effects on disease severity, with different tolerance levels to the pathogen experienced in all the lines. The severity mean of four mutant lines was below 2.0 as per the days after sowing (DAS). Moreover, IP1 (2.0) and IP2 (2.1) had an overall mean across all sites; therefore, they proved a high level of tolerance to the bacterial wilt pathogen, while IP3 (2.4) and IP4 (2.5) wer the resistant check (2.8) across all the sites and the susceptible check Kenya Mpya (3.2). Hence, there is a need for regular screening of the available genotypes for R. solanacearum production. The existence of the most tolerant varieties could form a baseline in integrated disease management for sustainable potato production. 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2493 Investigation of the morphological variation among taxa to determine species diversity within Cyperus dives complex in East Africa Tallam, Tallam; Otieno, Donald Fredrick; Musil, Paul Mutuku The Cyperus dives complex, a group within the Cyperaceae family, exhibits substantial morphological diversity across East Africa, presenting a valuable opportunity for studying species diversity and ecological adaptation. This investigation explored the morphological variation among taxa within this complex to assess species diversity and inform conservation strategies. Through a detailed examination of leaf shape, inflorescence structure, and reproductive features, the study reveals significant variations that delineate species boundaries and highlight adaptive traits. Findings from existing literature affirms the complex interplay between environmental factors and morphological characteristics, illustrating how different taxa are adapted to a range of ecological niches. The results demonstrates that morphological diversity within the Cyperus dives complex is influenced by habitat variability and evolutionary pressures. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of morphological variation is essential for accurate species identification and effective conservation management. This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of biodiversity in East Africa and supports the development of targeted conservation strategies to protect the diverse taxa within the Cyperus dives complex. 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2463 Association of microclimatic and edaphic factors with sandfly abundance and distribution in Bungoma county, Kenya Mulonga, Job; Makwali, Judith; Ngeiywa, Moses Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the only known primary vectors of leishmaniases including cutaneous leishmaniasis. Infected female phlebotomine sandflies pass Leishmania parasites to humans and animals as they bite for blood meals. Environmental microclimatic factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil characteristics affect sandfly abundance and distribution differently. Heterogenous environmental factors that pose potential disease risks exist in Bungoma County, with scanty studies documenting their relationships. The current study aimed to investigate the associations of environmental altitude, temperature, humidity and soil chemical and physical factors with sandfly abundance and distribution. A cross-sectional field survey was applied to collect sandflies from 12 cave habitats in 5 selected sub-counties in Bungoma County by use of Center for Disease Control and Prevention light traps. Cave ambient temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity, Geographical positioning system locations were measured and recorded on site, and a composited soil sample collected from each site was transported to a soil laboratory for physical-chemical analyses. Sandflies were collected once from each site every month for 24 months. Chi-square tests, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation tests (p<0.05) were used for data analysis. Temperature and relative humidity significantly (p<0.05) correlated with sandfly abundance and distribution. Short rain seasons (October-December) recorded the peak abundance of sandflies (p=0.2611). soil physical and chemical factors nonsignificantly correlated with sandfly abundance in the sampled sites. Altitude, relative humidity and temperature are key determinants of sandfly abundance and distribution in Bungoma County. Vector management strategies should be planned to target the peak season of sandfly abundance (OctoberDecember) for effective cutaneous leishmaniasis control. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2455 Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus Derived from Wound Samples of Diabetic Patients Attending the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya Oguda, Domnic Owuor; Rono, Salinah J.; Aloo, Becky Nancy Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of delayed wound healing worldwide, especially among diabetic patients, due to the bacterium’s resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of S. aureus, and potential risk factors for its occurrence in diabetic wound infections at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). A purposive sampling method was used to select 156 diabetic patients aged 13 years or older attending the diabetic clinic. Wound swabs were collected aseptically, inoculated onto blood agar, and then sub-cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar. The isolates were characterized using biochemical tests, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed via the agar disk diffusion technique. Results showed that 19.87% were positive for S. aureus, while 80.13% were negative. Among the positive isolates, 10.48% showed intermediate sensitivity, and 29.03% exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic. More than half of the isolates were susceptible to the tested antibiotics. The highest susceptibility was observed for Cefoxitin (96.77%) and Clindamycin (80.65%), while Ampicillin demonstrated the lowest susceptibility (25.81%). The study found a 19.87% prevalence of S. aureus in wounds of diabetic patients at the outpatient diabetic clinic of MTRH, with most isolates showing susceptibility to Cefoxitin, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2454 Profile of predominant gram-negative pathogenic bacteria in River Sosiani and wastewater systems in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Auma, Sharon; Barasa, James E.; Kosgei, Caroline; Bisem, Naomi; Rono, Salinah; Korir, Richard Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria play a significant role in spreading infections, with some strains exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics. Aquatic and wastewater systems, which receive effluents from various sources, contain pathogenic bacteria, chemicals, and antibiotic contaminants. This study investigated the bacterial load and antibiotic resistance profiles of gram-negative bacteria in water samples from wastewater systems and River Sosiani in Eldoret town, Kenya. Water samples were aseptically processed using standard microbiological techniques, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. Data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and ANOVA. The highest bacterial count was detected at Kipkaren bridge (296) and the lowest at Kipkenyo boundary effluent (21). The study identified pathogenic gram-negative bacteria with varying frequencies: Escherichia coli (30.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes (20.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.3%), Salmonella enteritidis (8.7%), Citrobacter freundii (7.8%), Yersinia enterocolitica (5.6%), Proteus vulgaris (5.6%), Proteus mirabilis (5.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.4%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (2.7%). Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol, with high multi-antibiotic resistance indices recorded in E. coli (60%), E. aerogenes (33.3%), C. freundii (30%), K. oxytoca (30%), K. pneumoniae (25%), P. mirabilis (25%), P. vulgaris (16.7%), P. aeruginosa (12.5%), and Y. enterocolitica (12.5%) but not in S. enteritidis (0%). The study demonstrates rivers and wastewater systems as the critical reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria, exhibiting varying levels of multi-antibiotic resistance index. This poses threats of multi-drug resistant infections outbreak from the environment to public health, hence prompting the need for quick remedial action. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2447 Modification of Solution pH as a Mechanism of Tolerance to Acidity and Aluminium Stress in Selected Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Cultivars Sang, Janeth; Too, J. Emily; Were, A. Beatrice Aluminium toxicity is a major constraint to crop production in soils with a pH below 5.5. However, plant species exhibit varied tolerance mechanisms. Nine (9) cowpea cultivars that were coded; UOE-COWPEA-1, UOE-COWPEA-2, UOE-COWPEA-3, UOECOWPEA-4, UOE-COWPEA-5, KEN-KUNDE-1, K-80, M-66 and KVU-27-1 were assessed for modification of solution pH and tolerance to acidity and aluminium stress in solution culture. Cowpea seeds were sterilized and pre-germinated in paperlined trays and the seedlings were transferred to constantly aerated growth trays containing 1 5 X Hoagland Nutrient solution with a starting pH of 4.3, supplemented with 0 µM and 185 µM Al. The seedlings’ initial root and shoot lengths per cultivar were measured and recorded. pH measurements of the nutrient solutions were recorded daily for seven (7) days without adjusting. The final root and shoot lengths and number of lateral root branches per cultivar and treatment were assessed and recorded. Fresh root and shoot biomass were also measured and recorded. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were compared at significant level of P≤ 0.05 and separation of means was done using Tukey’s test. All the nine (9) cowpea cultivars progressively increased the pH of the solution culture. The growth of cowpea cultivars at 0 µM Al induced a higher change in pH compared to when grown in 185 µM Al concentration. UOE-COWPEA-4 caused the highest increase in pH from 4.3 to 5.13 while K-80 cultivar induced the least change in pH from 4.21 to 4.58 at 0 µM Al. UOE-COWPEA-5 induced the highest increase in pH when compared to others from 4.03 to 5.06 while K-80 cultivar induced the least increase in pH change from 4.32 to 4.53 when grown in solution culture supplied with 185 µM Al. UOE-COWPEA-4, KVU 27-1, KEN-KUNDE-1 and UOECOWPEA-2 had higher relative net root length. UOE-COWPEA-3 produced significantly higher number of lateral root branches in low pH without Al compared to the other cultivars. UOE-COWPEA-3 produced a significantly higher number of lateral branches at 185 µM Al. The findings of this study show that cowpea exhibits genotypic variation in tolerance to acidity and aluminium stress. Furthermore differences in modification of pH varied among the tested cowpea cultivars. It was concluded that acidity and aluminum tolerance were associated with alteration of pH of the solution, suggesting that cowpea adapts to acidity and Al stress by raising the solution pH. 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z