Browsing by Author "Tumuhairwe, John"

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Advancement and practical applications of rhizobacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa
(BioMed Central, 2021-12-13) Aloo, Becky; Mbega, Ernest; Tumuhairwe, John; Makumba, Billy
Agricultural intensification continues in Africa in attempts to meet the rising food demands of the equally rising population. However, most arable lands in the region are characterized by nutrient deficiency and over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers which consequently contributes to increased production costs, environmental pollution, and global warming. Decades of research on plant–rhizobacterial interactions have led to the formulation and commer- cialization of rhizobacterial biofertilizers globally for sustainable soil and crop health. Nevertheless, this promising technology has not received much attention in Africa and remains largely unexplored due to several constraints. This article discusses the practical applications of rhizobacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sub-Saha- ran Africa. The challenges of soil infertility and the use of conventional synthetic fertilizers in crop production in Africa are critically evaluated. An overview of the potential of rhizobacteria as biofertilizers and alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for soil fertility and crop productivity in the continent is also provided. The advantages that these biofertiliz- ers present over their synthetic counterparts and the status of their commercialization in the African region are also assessed. Finally, the constraints facing their formulation, commercialization, and utilization and the prospects of this promising technology in the region are deliberated upon. Such knowledge is valuable towards the full exploitation and adoption of this technology for sustainable agriculture for Africa’s food security.
Effects of agrochemicals on the beneficial plant rhizobacteria in agricultural systems
(Springer Nature, 2021-09-18) Aloo, Becky; Mbega, Ernest; Makumba, Billy; Tumuhairwe, John
Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers to control plant pests and diseases and improve production. Nevertheless, the intensive and prolonged use of agrochemicals may have undesirable consequences on the structure, diversity, and activities of soil microbiomes, including the beneficial plant rhizobacteria in agricultural systems. Although literature continues to mount regarding the effects of these chemicals on the beneficial plant rhizobacteria in agricultural systems, our understanding of them is still limited, and a proper account is required. With the renewed efforts and focus on agricultural and environmental sustainability, understanding the effects of different agrochemicals on the beneficial plant rhizobacteria in agricultural systems is both urgent and important to deduce practical solutions towards agricultural sustainability. This review critically evaluates the effects of various agrochemicals on the structure, diversity, and functions of the beneficial plant rhizobacteria in agricultural systems and propounds on the prospects and general solutions that can be considered to realize sustainable agricultural systems. This can be useful in understanding the anthropogenic effects of common and constantly applied agrochemicals on symbiotic systems in agricultural soils and shed light on the need for more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
Effects of Carrier Materials and Storage Temperatures on the Viability and Stability of Three Biofertilizer Inoculants Obtained from Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Rhizosphere
(MDPI, 2022-01-20) Aloo, Becky; Mbega, Ernest; Makumba, Billy; Tumuhairwe, John
Biofertilizer technology continues to be derailed by the short shelf life of inoculants. The present study investigated the suitability of wheat-bran (WB), rice-husks (RH), farmyard-manure (FYM), bagasse (BG), and sawdust (SD) in the formulation of potato-derived Klebsiella grimontii (MPUS7), Serratia marcescens (NGAS9), and Citrobacter freundii (LUTT5) under refrigerated (8 °C) and room (25 ± 2 °C) storage. The physicochemical properties of the materials were assessed before sterilization and introduction of the inoculants and assessment of their viability for 8 months. Most of the physicochemical properties of the materials varied significantly (p < 0.05). Bagasse supported the maximum growth of MPUS7 (5.331 log CFU g−1) under refrigeration and LUTT5 (4.094 log CFU g−1) under both conditions. Under room storage, the maximum growth of MPUS7 (3.721 log CFU g−1) occurred in WB. Formulations that remained viable under room storage can easily be integrated into existing agricultural distribution systems that lack refrigeration.
Life Inside Plants: Insights into the Lifestyle, Diversity, and Metabolites of Endophytic Bacteria Involved in Plant Defense Against Phytopathogens
(Springer Nature, 2022-05-05) Aloo, Becky; Mbega, Ernest; Makumba, Billy; Tumuhairwe, John
One of the pressing issues in agriculture today is low crop yields due to plant diseases and pathogens. Chemical pesticides have generously been applied as remedies to improve the situation, but continue to be shunned globally due to their long-term environmental impacts. Endophytes are microbes that live symbiotically in plant tissues and are continually being associated with the suppression of phytopathogens and plant health. Thus, they present an environmentally-friendly option in plant defense against phytopathogens. However, their diversity, lifestyle, and roles in plant defense against phytopathogens are still not well-understood. This chapter explores the lifestyle of endophytic bacteria and discusses their diversity and metabolites involved in plant defense against phosphagens. The chapter further examines the future prospects and evaluates the emerging gaps relative to their use in plant defense against phytopathogens. Such knowledge is critical in fully exploiting their potential in sustainable agriculture.
Rhizosphere Bacteria and Rhizobacterial Formulations: Small Weapons in the Big Battle of Plant Disease Management
(Springer Nature, 2022-05-05) Aloo, Becky; Mbega, Ernest; Makumba, Billy; Tumuhairwe, John
Global food security continues to be threatened by plant pests and diseases. While chemical pesticides are conventionally used to combat these pests and diseases, their overreliance is worrying in the context of environmental sustainability, and alternative pest control mechanisms are necessary. Rhizobacteria are largely recognized for their beneficial functions in plant rhizospheres that culminate into bio-protection, and their exploration and exploitation are rapidly escalating. However, their full potential is yet to be realized. This chapter revisits the mechanisms of rhizobacteria as critical weapons in the continued battle of plant disease management and identifies the advances concerning their formulation and commercialization on a global scale. The chapter further identifies the challenges and opportunities regarding the application of rhizobacteria in plant disease management. Such information can increase our knowledge of rhizobacteria and plant disease management and enhance their exploitation for agricultural sustainability.