About NIESA
The Nematode Initiative in Eastern and Southern Africa (NIESA) aims to fulfil the demand for a network of well trained nematologists who are equipped to carry out scientific research that will have practical benefits for local communities. The network will provide much needed training in nematology and provide support for other nematologists in the region.
The mission of NIESA is to build capacity in nematology in Eastern and Southern Africa and develop sustainable management systems for root knot nematodes in the region
The specific objectives of the initiative are to:
- Initiate collaborative research aimed at developing scientifically sound and practical options for nematode management.
- Raise awareness of the need to manage nematodes among farmers, scientists involved in crop protection research and extension, and industry. This will be achieved through holding awareness workshops and through presentations at annual research review meetings for government research institutes, growers meetings and similar forums.
- Facilitate the pooling of existing information and technical skills in nematology within the region.
- Ensure transfer of research findings to end users.
NIESA currently consists of 12 core members, listed below, who are based in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. By selecting a name from the list you may view information about them and their contact details.
NIESA Scientists achieve recent grant successes
Two recent grants have been won my members of NIESA to extend the range of research collaboration and knowledge transfer conducted by the group.
1. Nutrient regulation of the saprotroph to parasite transition in Pochonia chlamydosporia, a soil microbial inoculant for nematode control.
John Kimenju, University of Nairobi and Brian Kerry, Rothamsted Research have been awarded the above 3-year grant from the joint UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council – Department For International Development initiative on Sustainable Agriculture for International Development. This grant will build on an existing collaboration between the two groups working on the nematophagous fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia, which is a facultative parasite that has been developed as a biocontrol agent against root-knot nematodes in tropical soils.
Egg of a root knot nematode destroyed by the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia
The abundance of this fungus in soil is not necessarily related to its effectiveness as a biological control agent and its parasitic activity against nematode eggs is related to its nutrition and physiological state. However, to enhance the establishment of microbes applied to soil they should often be added with a nutrient source to overcome competition from the resident soil microflora. This proposal will test this general hypothesis by developing an understanding of the role of nutrition in the switch from the saprotrophic to the parasitic phase of P. chlamydosporia.
Hypotheses tested:
1. The availability of readily accessible nutrients maintains P. chlamydosporia in the saprophytic phase and prevents transition to the parasitic phase, which results in decreased biological control efficacy.
2. Expression of the VCP1 gene for a key serine protease in the infection of nematodes is regulated by changes in nutrient availability and the enzyme is a useful indicator of the switch in trophic states.
3. Egg-laying female root-knot nematodes alter root exudation which triggers P. chlamydosporia to switch trophic phases in the rhizosphere and induces parasitism of nematode eggs.
4. Soil amendments used to improve organic matter levels and increase nematode control in Kenyan soils may reduce the efficacy of P. chlamydosporia as a biological control agent.
Such information will be used to improve the performance of the fungus in a range of soil conditions.
2. Tanzania - UK Science Networking Scheme
Drs Brian Kerry, Rothamsted Research and Alliy Mbwana, Selian Agricultural Research Institute submitted the successful proposal to the above scheme launched by the Royal Society in the UK. The project will help extend the NIESA network and initiate knowledge transfer activities in Tanzania.
Roots heavily infected with root-knot nematodes that are common pests in Tanzania
The principal aim of this proposal is to raise awareness of nematode pest problems in Tanzania and to identify the research workers and members of industry that are concerned with nematodes in that country. Mr Cornel Massawe, Ilonga Agricultural Research Institute, Kilosa and Ms Nessie Luambano, Sugarcane Research Institute, Kibaha are being trained in the NIESA project and will return to their Institutes in 2009 after completing their PhDs in Harare and Nairobi, respectively. This proposal will help them link to a network of contacts to exploit their skills and training and help enable them to develop research programmes relevant to local needs in plant nematology.
The networking activity has three principal objectives: a) to identify those scientists in academia, research institutes and in industry in Tanzania that could be linked with the NIESA project for support in nematological research b) to hold a one-day workshop to raise awareness of nematode problems in the horticultural industry and of the role of NIESA, and c) identify the potential for the development of collaborative research projects. Drs Zibusiso Sibanda, NIESA Regional Coordinator and Brian Kerry will join Nessie and Cornell visiting nematologists in Dar es Salaam and with Dr Alliy Mbwana, organise and participate in the workshop to be held in April, 2008 in Arusha.
Core Members
Simon Gowen
David Hunt
Steven Kakaire
David Kamangira
Brian Kerry
John Kimenju
Nessie Luambano
Cornel Massawe
Pyani Joshua Mudingotto
Busi Sibanda
Herbert Talwana
Waceke Wanjohi