June 2025

Production of amylase by Aspergillus species isolated from potato peels and soil in Lagos, Nigeria

Thirteen fungal isolates were obtained from potato peels and soil in Lagos State Nigeria and were tested for amylase production by starch hydrolysis test. Production of amylase was indicated by zone of clearance around the microbial growth. On the basis of the clearance, five out of the thirteen isolates with zone of clearance of diameter above 20mm were characterized, identified and selected for further studies on...

Author(s): A. J. Grillo, T. O. Oyetade, O. M. Ukhureigbe and S. O. Kareem

June 2025

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of marine seaweeds: A comprehensive review of bioactive compounds and their applications

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance has heightened the quest for new and efficient antimicrobial agents. Marine seaweed is a rich source of several amino acids, fatty acids, and dietary fibers, as well as polysaccharides, polyphenols, pigments, and other active substances, which play crucial roles in various biological processes such as antioxidant activity, immunoregulation, and anti-inflammatory response....

Author(s): Mariam Hussein Ibrahim, Gasper Shirima and Ivy Matoju

June 2025

Antibacterial activity and host range of phage filtrates from soil and banana plant pseudostems targeting Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum

The phytopathogen Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum causes Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), affecting banana yield and productivity. This threatens food security and livelihoods of populations reliant on bananas. Various agricultural practices aim to manage BXW, yet the disease persists, reducing banana yield and productivity. Bacteriophages are natural enemies of bacteria and offer a potential biocontrol solution. This...

Author(s): Ritah Nakayinga, Roy Ofoyrwoth and Isaac Isabirye

June 2025

Microbial genes associated with methane metabolism in smallholder dairy cattle

Methane gas is known for its negative environmental impact. To reduce negative methane gas released from dairy cattle, genes responsible for its production should be known and identified. A study with an aim of identifying the microbial genes responsible for methane gas release was undertaken. Samples of cattle’s stool on-farms (Lushoto and Rungwe districts of Tanzania) and a station-based (Kanyariri of Kenya)...

Author(s): Denis K. Ngetich, Rawlynce C. Bett, Charles K. Gachuiri and Felix M. Kibegwa