Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Midega CAO

Publications

• Research Article
  Molecular Determination and Characterization of Phytoplasma 16S rRNA Gene in Selected Wild Grasses from Western Kenya
  Author(s): Adam OJ, Midega CAO, Runo S and Khan ZR Adam OJ, Midega CAO, Runo S and Khan ZR
  
  Napier grass (Pennisetum purpuruem) production for zero grazing systems has been reduced to rates of up to 90% in many smallholder fields by the Napier stunt (Ns) disease caused by phytoplasma sub-group 16SrXI in western Kenya. It is hypothesized that several other wild grasses in Kenya could be infected by phytoplasmas that would otherwise pose a significant threat to Napier, other important feeds and food crops. This study therefore sought to detect and identify phytoplasma strains infecting wild grasses in western Kenya using 16S ribosomal RNA (ribonucleic acid) gene as well as identify wild grass species hosting phytoplasmas in 646 wild grass samples that were collected in October 2011 and January 2012 during a random crossectional survey conducted in Bungoma and Busia counties of western Kenya. DNA was extracted and nested polymerase reaction (nPCR) used to detec.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2157-7471.1000274

  Abstract PDF