http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/51 2026-06-17T12:25:42Z 2026-06-17T12:25:42Z Zekeya, Never http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2236 2026-06-14T10:53:40Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

The potential of entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus oryzae in controlling subterranean termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Tanzania Zekeya, Never Subterranean termites pose significant economic and food loss during production requiring intensive use of pesticides that affect crop quality and market hence necessitating effective and sustainable biocontrol strategies for management. This study evaluated the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus oryzae Isolate; VB – MG938648 in controlling subterranean termites on crops. A field trial was conducted from April to June 2024 in different zones of Tanzania. All treatments were applied once using a 20 L knapsack pump fitted with fan spray nozzle which is ideal narrow calibrated to distribute liquid in all parts including flat surface of plant and undersides of the leaf. Application of all treatments was done once a week from 1730 h m. The results showed significant termite mortality rate ranging from 71.2 % to 87.6 % across different treatments and locations. The efficacy of Aspergillus oryzae as a biopesticide against subterranean termites in cocoa, macadamia, and coffee trees was significant high compared to control. The mortality rate was dose dependent where the highest concentration achieved high mortality rate compared to low concentration and control. The study demonstrates the efficacy of Aspergillus oryzae in attracting beneficial insect especially pollinators including; Andrena vicina, Apis mellifera, cruciscispidia chandleri, Hypotrigona gribodoi, Osmia lignaria, Pseudapis usambarae suggesting its potential as a termite biocontrol and increase yield through pollination in coffee plantations, a crop with high economic value in Tanzania. This study suggests the application of biopesticide for control of subterranean termites to reduce crop loss and the impact of chemical pesticides on biodiversity. journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/envc Received 8 March 2026; Received in revised form 7 May 2026; Accepted 10 May 2026 Available online 11 May 2026 2667-0100/© 2026 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by- nc-nd/4.0/ ).

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Zekeya, Never http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2235 2026-06-14T10:53:10Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Efficacy of Aspergillus oryzae strains in reducing Thaumatotibia leucotreta damage and improving postharvest quality of avocado fruits Zekeya, Never Avocado productivity is strongly constrained by insect-mediated fruit damage, because feeding injury reduces marketable yield and can also compromise postharvest quality. Field trial was purposively conducted in 3 districts growing Hass avocado namely Siha, Moshi and Hai. The minimum farm size was 2800 m 2 which was enough to provide a minimum of 30 plants to carter for one set for the treatment which was replicated thrice. A randomized complete block design was used with six treatments namely; Aspergillus oryzae- JF20, JF21, JF22, JF23, JF24 at concentration of 4. 0 × 10 8 conidia/mL in 4 mls/Litre and 6-negative control, whereby only water was applied without addition of any form of insecticide. In the present study, the unsprayed control consistently showed the greatest fruit damage across all three sites, reaching 2.95 ± 0.069 in Siha, 3.88 ± 0.067 in Moshi, and 3.35 ± 0.186 in Hai, which establishes a clear baseline of vulnerability under untreated conditions. This pattern indicates that, avocado orchards without protection remained highly exposed to damage associated with False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta. The magnitude of control damage also underscores the agronomic importance of interventions that can suppress pest injury while maintaining orchard productivity. Fruit damage is not only a direct loss of harvestable produce but also a pathway to reduced economic value through lower grades and shortened shelf-life. This framing is important for interpreting the treatment effects in a production system where pest suppression, yield formation, and quality preservation are functionally linked increasing export value for avocado. Received 4 February 2026; Received in revised form 21 May 2026; Accepted 7 June 2026 Available online 8 June 2026 2773-0786/© 2026 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Mashenene, Robert G. Macha, Joyce G. Donge, Leo. http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2225 2026-06-05T07:14:33Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Socio-Cultural Determinants of Entrepreneurial Capabilities among the Chagga and Sukuma Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania Mashenene, Robert G.; Macha, Joyce G.; Donge, Leo. This paper examines socio-cultural determinants (SCDs) linked to entrepreneurial capabilities (EC) among the Chagga and Sukuma Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. A survey of 254 owner-managers was conducted in Kilimanjaro and Mwanza regions in order to collect quantitative data and case studies for qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression Model analysis were employed in estimating the effect of SCDs on EC. Results show that values, social factors, beliefs, norms and perceptions demonstrate positive effects while attitudes show a negative effect on EC among the Chagga and Sukuma. However, results show variation on the effect of SCD on EC between the Chagga and Sukuma in which the effect is stronger among the Chagga than Sukuma. This study concludes that SCDs have effect on EC and its implication is that individuals exposed to such SCDs are likely to have a sounding EC. The study recommends that policy makers should consider the role of SCDs in entrepreneurial undertaking. This is Research Article

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z Ally, Tariq A. Kumar, Ramesh. Verma, Raj K. Verma, Rohit K. Bhargava, Riya. http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2223 2026-06-05T07:13:23Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Role and Empowerment of Women in Wildlife Conservation: Ally, Tariq A.; Kumar, Ramesh.; Verma, Raj K.; Verma, Rohit K.; Bhargava, Riya. This research explores the critical role of women in wildlife conservation and examines how gender equality laws intersect with biodiversity protection efforts. As conservation challenges intensify, the involvement of diverse communities, particularly women, becomes increasingly essential. Women often lead community-based conservation efforts, especially in rural and indigenous communities where traditional ecological knowledge is integral to biodiversity protection. However, gender-based barriers such as limited access to education, resources, and leadership roles restrict their potential contributions. This study analyzes the impact of legal frameworks that support gender equality, including international human rights laws, on conservation outcomes. Drawing from case studies, it highlights successful initiatives where empowering women in conservation has directly benefited endangered species and habitat restoration efforts. The findings suggest that enforcing gender equality within conservation policies not only strengthens human rights but also enhances ecological resilience, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable biodiversity protection. This research advocates for policies that prioritize women’s participation in conservation, proposing a model for integrated approaches that leverage gender equality as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. This is Research Article

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