This study was undertaken to find out the Catla catlafresh water fish biochemical changes in the ... more This study was undertaken to find out the Catla catlafresh water fish biochemical changes in the fish muscles, liver, and kidney. Toxicity were calculated probit analysis, The total carbohydrate contented was estimated by the technique of Roe , Protein was estimated by Lowry method and total lipids were estimated by the method of floch methods. The results shown on total carbohydrate level in muscle 6.43 mg/g after treatment 2.70 mg/g, liver carbohydrate control 17.55mg/g after treatment 16.10 mg/g changes accrued 7.41 %and kidney carbohydrate control 1.44mg/g after treatment 0.53mg/g was gradually decreased. Then total protein in muscles23.20 mg/g after sublethal concentration at 96 hours treated 17.80mg/g decreased and liver protein 23.12mg/g treated fish 19.40 mg/g changes accrued 13.58% kidney protein level 9.60 mg/g after treatment in sublethal concentration in 96 hours 6.24 mg /g were decreased and Total lipid level are in muscles 1.78mg/g after 96 hours 0.89mg/g liver lipid 7.10 mg/g after treatment 4.35mg/g then kidney 2.09mg/g 0.92 mg/g simultaneous gradually decreased muscles, liver and kidney. The Monocrotophos affects not only fishes but also organisms in the food chain through the procedure of expenditure of one by the other those human begins affected various genetic disorders absolutely insecticides.
The study evaluated the forage species of Impala sanctuary-Kisumu over a six month period that co... more The study evaluated the forage species of Impala sanctuary-Kisumu over a six month period that corresponded to two seasons (wet and dry). The study identified the grasses in the sanctuary with the help of a hand book on Primer on grass identification and uses in Kenya. Further identification was done with assistance of grass manuals and family taxonomic keys of Poaceae (graminae) which provide food for the impalas of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was divided into three ecosystems that is grassland, marshes and shrubland. Quadrats of 1m x 1m were used to sample grassland and marshes while those of 5m x 5m used to sample shrubland in a completely randomized design. The plant species diversity in the three ecosystems was calculated using the Shannon wiener diversity index. The results revealed that grassland had the highest species richness of 37 grass species. Shrubland had 13 grass species while 9 grass species were recorded in marshes. In terms of diversity, grassland had a diversity...
Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostat... more Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostate cancer. However, the wild collection is no-longer sustainable due to overharvesting. In order to conserve the species, there is need to determine the status of the local community knowledge on uses and conservation measures to develop protocols for sustainable utilization and avert extinction of the species. Stratified random sampling was used to interview and administer questionnaires to 188 households and herbalists within a buffer zone of 1 km in South Nandi Forest. The study found that 99% of the locals were aware of the P. africana tree. Majority (82%) agreed that P. africana population was decreasing both in the forests and farmlands. Almost all parts of the P. africana were utilized for different purposes. Majority of the locals (66%) acquire P. africana products from the forest. Closer proximity to the forest and uncontrolled harvesting provides easier accessibility to P. afric...
Forest roads play an important role in the management of forests. There is a high dependency on n... more Forest roads play an important role in the management of forests. There is a high dependency on natural forests and its products by the forest adjacent communities (FACs) in the tropics. Protection is a key element in controlling the illegal activities in these forests and road networks within and around them play an important role. Arabuko Sokoke forest (ASF) in the Coast of Kenya has been under threat from the illegal activities. A study was carried out to assess the influence of forest roads, distance from the boundary, and relative location of sites on the illegal activities of the Arabuko Sokoke forest. Four (4) Road classes (20c, 40c, 50c, and 75c.-with 20c being the poorest in that order), 3 distances from the boundary (DFB -1km, 2km and 3km) and 10 sites (Dida, Jilore, Kaembeni, Malanga, Matsangoni, Mida /Arabuko, Mwambani Nature Reserve, Pahalipeupe and Sokoke) were the main factors assessed relative to the number of stumps, traps, herbs collection, paths, stacks and debarking incidences. DFB, road class and site interactions were highly significant (p Kaembeni> Mwambani sites had the most illegal incidences compared to the others. In several areas, DFB of 3km and 20c and 40c road-classes were interactions were found to be highly significant (p<0.05). The study showed that poorer roads classes in the Arabuko Sokoke forest is encouraging the illegal activities. The poorer the road classes the higher the occurrence of the illegal activities. There is a need to reassess the road network with a view of increasing efficiency of patrol. The number of patrolmen and vehicles need to be increased. The vehicles should be equipped with a geographic positioning system (GPS) tools to increase monitoring of the activities and enhance the planning of patrol programmes. Surrounding populations and historical factors were found to be important in those three areas.
Aims: This study sought to determine the effects of P. juliflora on the abundance and relative di... more Aims: This study sought to determine the effects of P. juliflora on the abundance and relative diversity of other forage species in Turkana County. Study Design: Ecological data collection entailed cross-sectional surveys across riverine and non-riverine ecosystems. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken in three sub-counties within Turkana County namely Turkana Central, Turkana West and Turkana South between 15th January to 17th May, 2020. Methodology: Sampling plots were used to collect plant abundance data from the various parts of the study area. The plots were of three types; main plots of 30 m× 40 m (1200 m2), sub-plots of 5 m × 2 m (10 m2) and square quadrats of 1 m×1 m (1 m2). The sub-plots and quadrats were nested within the main plots which were in turn laid down along transect belts. The transects of width 40 m and 400m in length were laid down in two main habitats (riverine and non-riverine) of the three sub-counties. Control plots were also laid in non P...
Mosquitocidal activity of Pisonia alba leaf extracts was tested against Anopheles stephensi, Cule... more Mosquitocidal activity of Pisonia alba leaf extracts was tested against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti. Totally Twenty five early fourth instars larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti) were exposed to various concentrations (50-250 ×106) and the 24 hrs LC50 values of the Pisonia alba extracts was determined by probit analysis and ovicidal activity, determined against A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti to various concentrations ranging from 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/cm2 ppm under laboratory conditions. The eggs hatchability was assessed 48 hrs post treatment. The LC50 and LC90 values of Pisonia alba petroleum ether extract against A. stephensi were 100.62 and 117.80×106, respectively; C. quinquefasciatus were 98.52 and 112.75 ×106, respectively; For, A. aegypti were 111.29 and 141.16 ×106, respectively. The ovicidal activity of Pisonia alba exerted 100% mortality at ...
Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostat... more Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostate cancer. However, the wild collection is no-longer sustainable due to overharvesting. In order to conserve the species, there is need to determine the status of the local community knowledge on uses and conservation measures to develop protocols for sustainable utilization and avert extinction of the species. Stratified random sampling was used to interview and administer questionnaires to 188 households and herbalists within a buffer zone of 1 km in South Nandi Forest. The study found that 99% of the locals were aware of the P. africana tree. Majority (82%) agreed that P. africana population was decreasing both in the forests and farmlands. Almost all parts of the P. africana were utilized for different purposes. Majority of the locals (66%) acquire P. africana products from the forest. Closer proximity to the forest and uncontrolled harvesting provides easier accessibility to P. afric...
Studies have previously attributed P. guajava invasiveness to its aggressive regeneration and pro... more Studies have previously attributed P. guajava invasiveness to its aggressive regeneration and profuse seeding. This study, however verified that its allellopathic influence on native plant species also plays an important role in its invasiveness. Extracts from green fresh and brown dry leaves were concentrated to 20%, 10% and 5% with distilled water used as control. Seeds from Markhamia lutea, Diospyros mespiliformis, Cordia africana and Croton megalocarpus; common native species in Kakamega forest, were treated with these extracts in a completely randomised design to determine the extracts impact on their germination, shoot and root elongation. Experiments were replicated 3 times. The two extracts significantly inhibited seed germination, shoot and root length elongation in C. megalocarpus and in C. africana, while in M. lutea and D. mespiliformis the differences were not significant. The study indicated that the inhibitory effect was concentration dependant and was more pronounced at a higher concentration. P. guajava has allellochemicals inherent in it which inhibits germination and growth of some native species. Its invasion of the forest can be mitigated partly by planting resistant trees species like M. lutea and D. mespiliformis, which exhibited resistance to its allelopathic suppression.This study is significant as it will help reduce spread of P. guajava within Kakamega Forest, and can also be replicated in other similar forests in the world with problems of invasion.
Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) is a scheme introduced after e... more Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) is a scheme introduced after enactment of the Forest Act, 2005. It is a governance scheme by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to help increase forest cover and restore degraded forests in the country. Forest adjacent communities (FAC) benefit from the scheme where they allocated plots upon which they plant seedlings, take care of them till the area form a closed canopy while they practise agriculture on the farms. This research sought to determine the extent to which PELIS has helped increase forest cover through plantations and decreased forest dependency. Both quantitative and qualitative data was used. It also sought to determine how the programme has helped improve community livelihoods.Cloud-free satellite images of 2001 to 2016 were selected for the study. The spectral bands 1–5 and 7 were chosen for Landsat 7 while bands 2–7 were used for Landsat 8. These were used to analyse forest cover and forest cover change for the period 2001 to 2016. The 2001 satellite image was used to analyse forest cover before PELIS and the 2016 image was utilized to analyse forest cover during the PELIS programme. Open and closed ended questionnaires, interviews and discussions were used to determine benefits of PELIS and how it has helped improve their livelihoods. It was found that forest cover experienced a positive increase from 366.9 ha in 2001 to 481.4 ha in 2016, an increase of 114ha (51%). This was occasioned by increased areas under plantations under the PELIS programme. The respondents admitted that they get food produce for their families like maize, beans, and potatoes. They also sell some of the produce and realize income of between Kshs.5, 000-15,000 annually from the parcel of land they are allocated. 90% of the respondents did agree that the programme has helped decrease forest dependency as most used to go to the forest to get timber and firewood to sell to get some cash. The success of this programme in Malava could be emulated in other forests in the country that will lead to an increase in forest cover and help improve their livelihoods.
Weeds have been termed plant pests because of the damage they haveimposed on plants. The use of s... more Weeds have been termed plant pests because of the damage they haveimposed on plants. The use of synthetic chemicals to control weeds has elicited doubts amongst various stakeholders because of environmental pollution and increased weeds resistance to them. Allelopathy, an interaction in which one plant causes suffering to another, has been considered environmental friendly method to control weeds and enhance crop production. Green fresh and brown dry Psidium guajava leaf extracts were used to investigateP. guajava allelopathic potential against seeds germination and growth of Cassia occidentalis. The leaves were concentrated at 20%, 10% and 5% for each category with distilled water being used as control.The experiment was replicated four times in a germination chamber. The green fresh and brown dry leaf extract both exhibited significant inhibition on seed germination (F(3,12)=44 p=0.001) and (F(3,12)=50.9 p=0.02), shoot length F(3,12)=52 p=0.002) and (F(3.12)=120 p=0.002) and root length elongation (F(3,12)=129 p=0.001) and (F(3.12)=209.1 p=0.002) respectively on C.occidentalis. A Post Hoc analysis reveal that inhibition was more pronounced at higher concentrations, 10% and 20% concentration, and the effect increased with an increase in concentration. A comparision between the two leaf extracts revealed that the brown dry leaf extract had more inhibition than green fresh extract at 20% concentration. Therefore, P. guajava leaves have a strong phytotoxic effect against C. occidentalis. The allelochemicals in itcan be used as lead molecules to synthesis bioherbicides for weed control.
This study was undertaken to find out the Catla catlafresh water fish biochemical changes in the ... more This study was undertaken to find out the Catla catlafresh water fish biochemical changes in the fish muscles, liver, and kidney. Toxicity were calculated probit analysis, The total carbohydrate contented was estimated by the technique of Roe , Protein was estimated by Lowry method and total lipids were estimated by the method of floch methods. The results shown on total carbohydrate level in muscle 6.43 mg/g after treatment 2.70 mg/g, liver carbohydrate control 17.55mg/g after treatment 16.10 mg/g changes accrued 7.41 %and kidney carbohydrate control 1.44mg/g after treatment 0.53mg/g was gradually decreased. Then total protein in muscles23.20 mg/g after sublethal concentration at 96 hours treated 17.80mg/g decreased and liver protein 23.12mg/g treated fish 19.40 mg/g changes accrued 13.58% kidney protein level 9.60 mg/g after treatment in sublethal concentration in 96 hours 6.24 mg /g were decreased and Total lipid level are in muscles 1.78mg/g after 96 hours 0.89mg/g liver lipid 7.10 mg/g after treatment 4.35mg/g then kidney 2.09mg/g 0.92 mg/g simultaneous gradually decreased muscles, liver and kidney. The Monocrotophos affects not only fishes but also organisms in the food chain through the procedure of expenditure of one by the other those human begins affected various genetic disorders absolutely insecticides.
The study evaluated the forage species of Impala sanctuary-Kisumu over a six month period that co... more The study evaluated the forage species of Impala sanctuary-Kisumu over a six month period that corresponded to two seasons (wet and dry). The study identified the grasses in the sanctuary with the help of a hand book on Primer on grass identification and uses in Kenya. Further identification was done with assistance of grass manuals and family taxonomic keys of Poaceae (graminae) which provide food for the impalas of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was divided into three ecosystems that is grassland, marshes and shrubland. Quadrats of 1m x 1m were used to sample grassland and marshes while those of 5m x 5m used to sample shrubland in a completely randomized design. The plant species diversity in the three ecosystems was calculated using the Shannon wiener diversity index. The results revealed that grassland had the highest species richness of 37 grass species. Shrubland had 13 grass species while 9 grass species were recorded in marshes. In terms of diversity, grassland had a diversity...
Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostat... more Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostate cancer. However, the wild collection is no-longer sustainable due to overharvesting. In order to conserve the species, there is need to determine the status of the local community knowledge on uses and conservation measures to develop protocols for sustainable utilization and avert extinction of the species. Stratified random sampling was used to interview and administer questionnaires to 188 households and herbalists within a buffer zone of 1 km in South Nandi Forest. The study found that 99% of the locals were aware of the P. africana tree. Majority (82%) agreed that P. africana population was decreasing both in the forests and farmlands. Almost all parts of the P. africana were utilized for different purposes. Majority of the locals (66%) acquire P. africana products from the forest. Closer proximity to the forest and uncontrolled harvesting provides easier accessibility to P. afric...
Forest roads play an important role in the management of forests. There is a high dependency on n... more Forest roads play an important role in the management of forests. There is a high dependency on natural forests and its products by the forest adjacent communities (FACs) in the tropics. Protection is a key element in controlling the illegal activities in these forests and road networks within and around them play an important role. Arabuko Sokoke forest (ASF) in the Coast of Kenya has been under threat from the illegal activities. A study was carried out to assess the influence of forest roads, distance from the boundary, and relative location of sites on the illegal activities of the Arabuko Sokoke forest. Four (4) Road classes (20c, 40c, 50c, and 75c.-with 20c being the poorest in that order), 3 distances from the boundary (DFB -1km, 2km and 3km) and 10 sites (Dida, Jilore, Kaembeni, Malanga, Matsangoni, Mida /Arabuko, Mwambani Nature Reserve, Pahalipeupe and Sokoke) were the main factors assessed relative to the number of stumps, traps, herbs collection, paths, stacks and debarking incidences. DFB, road class and site interactions were highly significant (p Kaembeni> Mwambani sites had the most illegal incidences compared to the others. In several areas, DFB of 3km and 20c and 40c road-classes were interactions were found to be highly significant (p<0.05). The study showed that poorer roads classes in the Arabuko Sokoke forest is encouraging the illegal activities. The poorer the road classes the higher the occurrence of the illegal activities. There is a need to reassess the road network with a view of increasing efficiency of patrol. The number of patrolmen and vehicles need to be increased. The vehicles should be equipped with a geographic positioning system (GPS) tools to increase monitoring of the activities and enhance the planning of patrol programmes. Surrounding populations and historical factors were found to be important in those three areas.
Aims: This study sought to determine the effects of P. juliflora on the abundance and relative di... more Aims: This study sought to determine the effects of P. juliflora on the abundance and relative diversity of other forage species in Turkana County. Study Design: Ecological data collection entailed cross-sectional surveys across riverine and non-riverine ecosystems. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken in three sub-counties within Turkana County namely Turkana Central, Turkana West and Turkana South between 15th January to 17th May, 2020. Methodology: Sampling plots were used to collect plant abundance data from the various parts of the study area. The plots were of three types; main plots of 30 m× 40 m (1200 m2), sub-plots of 5 m × 2 m (10 m2) and square quadrats of 1 m×1 m (1 m2). The sub-plots and quadrats were nested within the main plots which were in turn laid down along transect belts. The transects of width 40 m and 400m in length were laid down in two main habitats (riverine and non-riverine) of the three sub-counties. Control plots were also laid in non P...
Mosquitocidal activity of Pisonia alba leaf extracts was tested against Anopheles stephensi, Cule... more Mosquitocidal activity of Pisonia alba leaf extracts was tested against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti. Totally Twenty five early fourth instars larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti) were exposed to various concentrations (50-250 ×106) and the 24 hrs LC50 values of the Pisonia alba extracts was determined by probit analysis and ovicidal activity, determined against A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti to various concentrations ranging from 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/cm2 ppm under laboratory conditions. The eggs hatchability was assessed 48 hrs post treatment. The LC50 and LC90 values of Pisonia alba petroleum ether extract against A. stephensi were 100.62 and 117.80×106, respectively; C. quinquefasciatus were 98.52 and 112.75 ×106, respectively; For, A. aegypti were 111.29 and 141.16 ×106, respectively. The ovicidal activity of Pisonia alba exerted 100% mortality at ...
Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostat... more Prunus africana is a multipurpose medicinal tree of worldwide fame in treatment of benign prostate cancer. However, the wild collection is no-longer sustainable due to overharvesting. In order to conserve the species, there is need to determine the status of the local community knowledge on uses and conservation measures to develop protocols for sustainable utilization and avert extinction of the species. Stratified random sampling was used to interview and administer questionnaires to 188 households and herbalists within a buffer zone of 1 km in South Nandi Forest. The study found that 99% of the locals were aware of the P. africana tree. Majority (82%) agreed that P. africana population was decreasing both in the forests and farmlands. Almost all parts of the P. africana were utilized for different purposes. Majority of the locals (66%) acquire P. africana products from the forest. Closer proximity to the forest and uncontrolled harvesting provides easier accessibility to P. afric...
Studies have previously attributed P. guajava invasiveness to its aggressive regeneration and pro... more Studies have previously attributed P. guajava invasiveness to its aggressive regeneration and profuse seeding. This study, however verified that its allellopathic influence on native plant species also plays an important role in its invasiveness. Extracts from green fresh and brown dry leaves were concentrated to 20%, 10% and 5% with distilled water used as control. Seeds from Markhamia lutea, Diospyros mespiliformis, Cordia africana and Croton megalocarpus; common native species in Kakamega forest, were treated with these extracts in a completely randomised design to determine the extracts impact on their germination, shoot and root elongation. Experiments were replicated 3 times. The two extracts significantly inhibited seed germination, shoot and root length elongation in C. megalocarpus and in C. africana, while in M. lutea and D. mespiliformis the differences were not significant. The study indicated that the inhibitory effect was concentration dependant and was more pronounced at a higher concentration. P. guajava has allellochemicals inherent in it which inhibits germination and growth of some native species. Its invasion of the forest can be mitigated partly by planting resistant trees species like M. lutea and D. mespiliformis, which exhibited resistance to its allelopathic suppression.This study is significant as it will help reduce spread of P. guajava within Kakamega Forest, and can also be replicated in other similar forests in the world with problems of invasion.
Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) is a scheme introduced after e... more Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) is a scheme introduced after enactment of the Forest Act, 2005. It is a governance scheme by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to help increase forest cover and restore degraded forests in the country. Forest adjacent communities (FAC) benefit from the scheme where they allocated plots upon which they plant seedlings, take care of them till the area form a closed canopy while they practise agriculture on the farms. This research sought to determine the extent to which PELIS has helped increase forest cover through plantations and decreased forest dependency. Both quantitative and qualitative data was used. It also sought to determine how the programme has helped improve community livelihoods.Cloud-free satellite images of 2001 to 2016 were selected for the study. The spectral bands 1–5 and 7 were chosen for Landsat 7 while bands 2–7 were used for Landsat 8. These were used to analyse forest cover and forest cover change for the period 2001 to 2016. The 2001 satellite image was used to analyse forest cover before PELIS and the 2016 image was utilized to analyse forest cover during the PELIS programme. Open and closed ended questionnaires, interviews and discussions were used to determine benefits of PELIS and how it has helped improve their livelihoods. It was found that forest cover experienced a positive increase from 366.9 ha in 2001 to 481.4 ha in 2016, an increase of 114ha (51%). This was occasioned by increased areas under plantations under the PELIS programme. The respondents admitted that they get food produce for their families like maize, beans, and potatoes. They also sell some of the produce and realize income of between Kshs.5, 000-15,000 annually from the parcel of land they are allocated. 90% of the respondents did agree that the programme has helped decrease forest dependency as most used to go to the forest to get timber and firewood to sell to get some cash. The success of this programme in Malava could be emulated in other forests in the country that will lead to an increase in forest cover and help improve their livelihoods.
Weeds have been termed plant pests because of the damage they haveimposed on plants. The use of s... more Weeds have been termed plant pests because of the damage they haveimposed on plants. The use of synthetic chemicals to control weeds has elicited doubts amongst various stakeholders because of environmental pollution and increased weeds resistance to them. Allelopathy, an interaction in which one plant causes suffering to another, has been considered environmental friendly method to control weeds and enhance crop production. Green fresh and brown dry Psidium guajava leaf extracts were used to investigateP. guajava allelopathic potential against seeds germination and growth of Cassia occidentalis. The leaves were concentrated at 20%, 10% and 5% for each category with distilled water being used as control.The experiment was replicated four times in a germination chamber. The green fresh and brown dry leaf extract both exhibited significant inhibition on seed germination (F(3,12)=44 p=0.001) and (F(3,12)=50.9 p=0.02), shoot length F(3,12)=52 p=0.002) and (F(3.12)=120 p=0.002) and root length elongation (F(3,12)=129 p=0.001) and (F(3.12)=209.1 p=0.002) respectively on C.occidentalis. A Post Hoc analysis reveal that inhibition was more pronounced at higher concentrations, 10% and 20% concentration, and the effect increased with an increase in concentration. A comparision between the two leaf extracts revealed that the brown dry leaf extract had more inhibition than green fresh extract at 20% concentration. Therefore, P. guajava leaves have a strong phytotoxic effect against C. occidentalis. The allelochemicals in itcan be used as lead molecules to synthesis bioherbicides for weed control.
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