Section 1: Other academic experiences
Section 2: Organization and moderation of international training courses experience on biological control
Under the technical supervision of Plant Protection Service (AGPP) of Food and Agriclure Orgnazation of United nation (FAO) and in close collaboration with ICARDA, I have been selected as an international expert to conduct an international training course on biological control of parasitic weed Orobanche within the framework of the FAO regional project TCP/INT/3004, held in Rabat, Morocco, September 2005. I acted as moderator and facilitator of the course responsible for organizing, planning and preparing the content and the program for the training course, giving lectures and practical work, and presenting a technical report at the end of the mission. The project TCP/INT/3004 was designed and based on Training of Trainers (TOT) and Farmer Field Schools or similar experimenting farmers groups (FFS) established for an effective implementation of Integrated Orobanche Management Practices. A total of 16 participants (reserachers and high level extension staff at least MSc level) from 7 countries belonging mainly to North and East Africa but also few to West Asia were trained. The participants were shortly introduced to biology and ecology of parasitic weed Orobanche, and trained mainly in the biological control methods including: i) Inoculative and inundative approach with insects, biology and natural efficacy of Phytomyza orobanchias a successful example, its limiting factors, its mass rearing and storage techniques, procedure and practical aspects of inundative release of P. orobanchia; ii) biological control of Orobanche with pathogens, mycoherbicidal approach, protocol for use of pathogens as Orobanche biocontrol agents, formulation and delivery of mycoherbicides: the case of Fusarium isolates; iii) seed treatment as anovel delivery system for Orobanche mycoherbicides: demonstration of the protocol; and iv) biological control research methodologies for enhancing the comprehension of scientific information presented, and participatory technology development. The output of this training course is developing and strengthening capacity building and innovative learning program in knowledge dissemination and implementation.
Section 3: Research experience
In this section, I briefly describe my research experience:
a. Recent research activities: Biological control of aflatoxins, Pathology unit/Aflasafe projects, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Headquarters, Ibadan, Nigeria
i. Providing stewardship and technical backstopping for AgResults Aflasafe™ Project in Nigeria including: supervising and monitoring with the team, proper sample collection, handling and processing of aflasafe-treated maize grains from different regions and aggregations (implementers) where aflasafe product is applied; supervising aflatoxin analysis (aflatoxion extraction and quantification) and microbial analysis (strain isolation, mutant development, complementation, aflasafe strain recovery) of collected maize grain samples; training and sensitizing the AgResults implementers on the use of Aflasafe products,; and monitoring the training and follow-up of the know-how messages delivery to farmers by implementers on the use of Aflasafe technology.
ii. Providing stewardship and technical backstopping for aflatoxin biocontrol projects in Ghana (co-funded by Feed the Future Africa RISING USAID project, and Meridian/PACA/BMGF). These project activities are carried by a PhD student (Daniel Agbetiameh) as part of his PhD research. My responsibilities include, preparing with the team the workplan including deliverables and budget for the activities of biological control of aflatoxins in maize and groundnut with Aflasafe GH01 and GH02 in Northern regions of Ghana under Africa Rising project; contributing in supervising and guiding the PhD student to develop and prepare all standardprotocols for establishment of field efficacy and carry-over trials and implement standard protocols for lab analyses [microbiology (strain isolation, mutant development, complementation) and chemical (aflatoxin extraction and quantification)]; supervising and monitoring production of Aflasafe products (Aflasafe GH01 and GH02) including quality control assurance, by IITA Aflasafe Manufacturing Plant, in Ibadan, for the large-scale field efficacy validation and scaling-up with complementary projects (GIZ and SPRING/Ghana) in Ghana.
iii. Increasing awareness and promoting the potential benefit of flatoxin biocontrol technology with different stakeholders in the maize and groundnut value chains in Nigeria (AgResults) and Ghana including regulators, researchers, extension agencies, farmers, farmer organizations, policy makers, seed companies and input suppliers through organization of training and sensitizination workshops on the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in crops; its health and economic importance to the citizenry; management and the use of Aflasafe as a mitigation strategy and possible market linkages for these crops.
iv. Registration of aflasafe biocontrol technology in Ghana and Burkina Faso: Building strategic partnership with regulatory authorities such as the EPA, PPRSD (Ghana) and INERA (Burkina Faso), and guiding the inspection of Aflasafe efficacy trials in farmer’s fields and strengthening national advocacy coalitions for supporting the process of aflasafe products registration in Ghana and Burkina Faso.
v. Evaluation of the potential use of the agricultural by-product cassava peel pellets as a delivery-carrier for aflasafe™ to replace sorghumgrains, and the use of Arabic Gum (AG) as coating material (binder) for the commercial delivery of the biopesticide aflasafe™. The main focus of this investigation are i) development and optimization of seed coating protocols for coating cassava peel pellets with atoxgenic starins of A. flavus, through screening for suitable seed coating materials and fungal inoculums dose that support excellent colonization increase the sporulation rates and spore yield of atoxgenic starins of A. flavus; and ii) preparation of bocontrol formulations using cassava peel pellets and laboratory-scale procedures of aflasafeTM production. The goal is to use an agricultural by-product that is available in Nigeria and other African countries as a potential carrier of the biopesticide aflasafe™ to replace sorghum grains. This will i) allow utilization of an agricultural waste, ii) avoid competing with both food and feed chains of sorghum, and iii) ensure sustainable production of aflasafe™ at the lowest possible cost. These activities are carried with strong support of aflasafe team from lab and manufacturing plant as joint effort, and I am providing technical guidance for the team.
vi. Scaling out of Aflasafe technology (products and know-how) in partnership with the complementary development organisations and project: Scaling out of Aflasafe technology (products and know-how) in partnership with the GIC [Green Innovation Centre: a Ghanaian-German program assisted by the Deutsche Geselischaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)] project in maize value chain and SPRING/Ghana (a USAID funded nutrition project) in groundnut in Ghana. This activity is the result of the established linkages that led by aflasafe team leader, Dr. Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, and common interest between IITA and GIZ and SPRING Ghana to promote the use of Aflasafe Ghana products to reduce aflatoxin contamination in the maize and groundnut value chains in GIZ and SPRING project areas.
b. Research activities: Biocontrol technology of Striga of ISMA project, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), HQ, Ibadan, Nigeria
i. Assessing biosafety of Striga biocontrol agents (including their host-specificity to the genus Striga, impact on cereal hosts or any other associated crops and plants, production of mycotoxicin) in collaboration with the Nigerian regulatory authorities, national (IAR-ABU) and international partners (Univ. Stellenbosch), and increasing awareness and confidence of regulatory authorities and stakeholders (researchers, extension agencies, farmers, input suppliers, etc) that this technology do not cause disease on any plant other than Striga and does not produce any known mycotoxic compounds that threaten humans, crops or the environment., and thus safe to use.
ii. Validating the field efficacy and potential of biocontrol technology for the control of the root parasitic weeds Striga in Sub-Saharan Africa, and evaluating the benefit and additive value of integrating biocontrol with resistant varieties in crop rotation with legumes or imazapyr resistant (IR) maize varieties combined with seed treatment with imazapayr and other crop management practices, on Striga suppression and yield increase.
iii. Studding the compatibility of Striga- biocontrol (BC) agents Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (Foxy 2 & PSM197) with commonly used pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, containing a wide-range of active ingredients) in the farming system of Nigeria, to ensure that the seed-treatment herbicides (imazapyr & metsulfuron methyl, MSM) and fungicides can be co-treated with BC agents onto maize seeds without adverse effects on BC agents and vice versa, for integrated Striga control. This study is aiming at providing a triple action seed coating package for direct control of Striga and fungal diseases of maize in Sub-Saharan Africa, and hence to contribute in improving food security and income generation.
iv. Increasing awareness and promoting the safety and potential benefit of biocontrol technology with different stakeholders including regulators, researchers, extension agencies, farmers, farmer organizations, policy makers,seed companies and input suppliers through organization of framer field days, field visits to experimental sites, media interviews and production of publicity documents, including press and radio broadcasts etc.
v. Undertaking of socio-economic and cost benefit analysis of biocontrol technology in collaboration with our socio-economist partners (IITA, IAR-ABU). Our roles as biocontrol team are to provide socio-economist with the relevant data and information from all biocontrol trials in Nigeria including field data [field trials material (cost of maize seeds); supplies and operational costs (land preapartion, planting, weeding, fertilizers, fertilizers application, harvesting, threshing, bagging, transportation etc.); yield data, cost of biocontrol productd; and on surveys and interviews with farmers, and on current market information], to determine the cost-benefit and profitibility of BC technology and understanding farmer’s preferences and perceptions on the Striga biocontrol.
vi. Developing, promoting and scaling-up of Integrated control package containing biocontrol technology and other complementary control technologies, delivered using the same input pathway and transaction and application costs, for effective and sustainable Striga control with active participation of researchers, farmers, community based organizations and extension agents.
vii. Establishment of biocontrol inoculum production and seed coating technology unit at IITA HQ in Ibadan, and optimization of cost effective mass production methods and seed coating protocols, to transfer and domesticate these technologies in Nigeria, to facilitate and strengthen Striga biocontrol and other relevant research, and to build capacity in this innovative technology. Our strategy for scaling-up the developed Striga biocontrol innovations is based on using technology appropriate to Africa in order to ensure the feasibility of sustained production of the mycoherbicide at a cost affordable to African small-scale farmers. The Striga-bioherbicide F. oxysporum f. sp. strigae is being delivered as a film-coat on maize seeds using seed treatment technology and Arabic gum as adhesive The advantage of using seed treatment technology is that it requires significantly less inoculum, establishes the antagonist at the infection sites of Striga, which are host roots, and provides a simple, economic and easy delivery system for subsistence farmers in SSA.
viii. Registration of biocontrol technology in Nigeria: Promote benefit of biocontrol technology with regulators (Nigerian Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC) towards registration in Nigeria, including i) preparing and sharing the BC field efficacy trials protocol with NAFDAC; ii) guiding and demonstrating the inspection of the efficacy of biocontrol technology in farmers field trials by NAFDAC; iii) preparing and submitting to NAFDAC field validation and biosafety data and reports; and iv) preparing and submitting to NAFDAC registration dossiers with complete toxicology data and all required documents, to facilitate the the registration process of BC in Nigeria.
ix. Monitoring the survival and persistence of biocontrol agent (F. oxysporum f. sp. strigae; Foxy2) in rhizosphere soil of treated maize in Nigeria: collaborating with our German project partner university of Hohenheim who developed molecular detection and monitoring tools that shown high specificity to Striga biocontrol agent Foxy2, to use the developed detection tools to monitor survival and proliferation of the biocontrol agent Foxy2 in the soil of Northern Nigeria, by providing rhizosphere soil samples from different treatments of field efficacy trials of Foxy2 and different agroecological zones (AEZ) as well as all necessary information (maize variety, biocontol product used, GPS data, AEZ, collection date, location) of each individual sample. The developed molecular detection tools is also utmost important to certify inoculum quality, and validate environmental biosafety of BC agents by allowing its unequivocal differentiation from other crop-pathogenic and mycotoxin-producing F. oxysporum formae speciales.
x. Evaluation of the pathogenicity and virulence of the newly isolated indigenous F. oxysporum f.sp. strigae strains collected from Striga plants and different Agro-ecological zones in Nigeria, against Striga. The main objective of this pathogenicity study is to screen for more promising, highly virulent and aggressive Fos strains for their future promotion as bioherbicides for Striga control.
xi. Evaluating the influence of the coating material and herbicide dose on the efficacy of metsulfuron methyl (MSM) and imazapyr herbicides – treated seeds of the IR-Maize Hybrids in controlling S. hermonthica, and improving of maize performance.
xii. Understanding the genetic diversity in Striga hermonthica and the physiobiochemical relationship with host-parasite specificity for developing maize cultivars with durable resistance and adapted to different agro-ecologies where Striga is a major problem in Nigeria and Kenya. I am sharing my experience in Striga biology and actively working with Dr. Gedil (Bioscience) and Dr. Menkir (Maize unit) to achieve these research objectives.
c. Research activities: Department of Botany and Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan
My research activities focus mainly on ecological weed management, that include:-
i. Conducting intensive surveys in crop and vegetable production areas in Khartoum Staste for microorganisms pathogenic to noxious weeds mesquite (Prosopis spp.), siddig “nut grass” (Cyperus rotundus), Striga spp. and Orobanche spp. for the purpose of their isolation, identification and exploration of their potential as biological control agents: Purification, identification and classification of the isolated pathogens, maintenance of their culture collections and inoculum mass production were done. Pathogenicity tests (laboratory and greenhouse experiments) to screen for promising fungal pathogens were carried out.
ii. Scaling-up and promoting of mycoherbicide innovations (biopesticide) for the control of the Parasitic Weed, Striga hermonthica, in East Africa: an Industrial approach for transferring, and scaling-up of innovative technologies (bioherbicides products) into practical field application for research optimization and commercialization in collaboration with relevant international industry and companies in the field of bio-pesticides in Kenya (Real IMP) to adapat the innovative technologies for Striga control in Africa.
d. Postdoctoral research activities: Institute of Plant Production and Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Germany
My postdoctortal research, which focued mainly on ecological weed management, delt with the development of easy, effective and inexpensive formulations and delivery systems of biocontrol agents for Striga for large-scale application in Africa. In addition, extensive basic relevant research aiming at facilitating and enhancing the field application of the developed Striga-mycoherbicides products (F. oxysporum f.sp. strigae) were carried out as well. My research activities during my employment period at Hohenheim University and my stay as an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) Research Fellow (Postdoc), can be summarized as follows:-
I Enhancing and optimizing the efficacy of Striga mycoherbicides: Virulence of a mycoherbicidal fungus is related to the rate of germination, penetration and extracellular degrading enzyme production, degradation of induced and pre-formed plant defences, and/or toxin production. Understanding the mechansims involved in these processes should facilitate more effective ways and means as additive and/or synergy for improving virulence and efficacy of Striga mycoherbicides. Therefore, for optimising the conditions that increase the efficacy of both seed treatment and Pesta formulation, the following options were studied: i) Synergy between Striga-mycoherbicides and nitrogen fertilizer (urea); ii) Synergy and compatibility between Striga-mycoherbicides and Resistant Cultivars and iii) Effect of different seed coating material.
II Inoculum mass production: Optimising the fermentation conditions that enhance the mass-production of the fungal inoculum using agricultural by-products as liquid and/or solid substrates and industrialized fermenter for economical large scale application such as effect of various substrates, synergistic effect of the fungal isolates combination etc.
III Optimization of storage conditions for long-term viability (shelf-life) of Striga-mycoherbicidal products: i) Studying the effect of the fungal inoculum, concentration of urea, vacuum-packaging system and storage temperature on viability and shelf life of the formulated Striga-mycoherbicides into Pesta granules during storage; and ii) Determining the combined effect of fungal inoculum, concentration of fungicides, vacuum-packaging system, storage temperature and coating material on the survival (shelf-life) of Striga-mycoherbicides on film-coated sorghum seeds during storage.
IV Histological/Anotomical studies using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy: Are essential for in-depth understanding of the pattern of infection and penetration process of fungal isolates into the tissue of its target weed, Striga. This may provide basis and clues for enhancing the efficacy of the formulated mycoherbicides by adding some additives that facilitate the penetration processes and/or minimizing any future resistance that might occur. Also the histological studies are important for better understanding of the interaction and association between the fungal isolates and the roots of sorghum and maize when delivered as seed treatments. A large number of samples collected from different experiments (in vitro, root chamber and pot trial) was prepared for microscopic examinations including fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, mounting coverslips and sputtering. Thereafter, the following investigations were carried out: i) Studying the ability of Foxy 2 hyphae to penetrate and survive in the sorghum root tissues using light-microscopical methods, scanning and transmission electron microscopy; ii) Following the infection and penetration process of Foxy 2 into the tissue of its target weed, S. hermonthica; and iii) Describing the pattern of sorghum root penetration “colonization” by Foxy 2 as non-pathogenic strain in comparison with its pattern of infection as a host-specific pathogenic strain on S. hermonthica tissues.
V Molecular characterization of Striga-mycoherbicides: Characterizing of Striga-mycoherbicides “fungal pathogens” using molecular biology tools such as (DNA extraction, purification, fingerprinting and phylogentic trees) and their application and usage for facilitating biological control research especially for scanning for the persistence of the bioagents in the soil as well as for determining of their concentration on coated seeds and per gram of granular formulation (quality control). The regulatory approvals required for each strain is the primary reasons for the underemployment of pest and plant disease biocontrol. Therefore, molecular markers can also verify the environmental biosafety of the mycoherbicdes and that will facilitate the acceptance and introduction of Striga-mycoherbicides a cross-countries for practical field testing and application by regulatory authorities and farmers.
VI Compatibility between Striga-mycoherbicides and fungicides delivered using seed treatment technology for controlling Striga and some cereals fungal diseases: With the aim of improving sorghum and maize performance
and yield, an investigation on the possibility of delivering both Striga-mycoherbicides and some selected fungicides using seed treatment technology to control simultaneously Striga and some sorghum and maize fungal diseases was made for the first time. The fungicides were chosen according to their target organisms, their seed treatment delivery system, and their frequency in application on fields where biocontrol with F. oxysporum is applied. Hene, the following investigations were carried out: i) Determing the effect of fungicides on mycelial growth and sporulation of Foxy2 and PSM197 applied as seed treatment; ii) The effect of fungicides on sorghum seed germination and seedling vigour; iii) Studing the efficay of different seed treatments made with fungal mycoherbicides Foxy 2 and PSM197 in combination with different concentration of fungicides in controlling Striga in pot trials.
VI Integration with other technologies “Striga control methods” under filed conditions: Integrating Striga mycoherbicidal formulations (Pesta & seed treatment) with existing Striga control measures such as sorghum and maize resistant varieties as well as with some selected fungicides using seed treatment technology to control simultaneously Striga and sorghum and maize fungal diseases under field conditions of West Africa was undertaken in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
VII Scaling-up and commercialization of mycoherbicide innovations for the Parasitic Weed, Striga hermonthica, to enhance food security in Sub-Saharan Africa: an Industrial approach for transferring, and scaling-up of innovative technologies (bioherbicides products) into practical field application for research optimization and commercialization in collaboration with relevant bio-pesticides companies (SUET, Prophyta) in Germany and other countries to adapat the innovative technologies for Striga control in Africa.
e. Research period at the Danish Governmental Institute of Seed pathology for Developing Countries (DGISP), Copenhagen, Denmark, and thereafter at the University of Hohenheim, Germany: Seed treatment technology
Investigation on the possibility of using seed treatment technology as a novel approach for delivering F. oxysporum “Foxy2” to control Striga was carried out. By coating the sorghum seeds with F. oxysporum Foxy2 the fungal pathogen could be introduced to the infection sites of Striga. In this way, the pathogen has an opportunity of being the first colonizer of the host roots, and protecting the germinated seedlings from Striga attack. Therefore, the research investigated the following i) development and optimization of seed coating protocols for Foxy2 through screening for suitable seed coating materials (adhesives) and fungal inoculum; ii) importance of inoculum type on the survival of Foxy2 during seed coating process as well as during storage of coated seeds as affected by the storage temperature; (iii) ability of Foxy2 to colonize the root system of the host plant; and (iv) the efficacy of coated sorghum seed with Foxy 2 for the reduction of S. hermonthica infestation in pot and root chamber trails.
These investigations resulted in the selection of appropriate seed coating materials and a suitable type and form of fungal inoculum. In addition the technique provides an optimized coating protocol for liquid application of dry and fresh microbial preparation (inoculum) of F. oxysporum Foxy2 to sorghum seeds. This technique includes several steps starting by formation of the microbial inoculum, coating the seeds with a mixture of the microbial inoculum and adhesives effective for enhancing survival of the microorganisms and drying the coated seeds. The fungal antagonist F. oxysporum Foxy2, was used as the microbial agent, the coating materials tested were gum arabic, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC1%, 2%) and pectin (LS 440, LM-5 CS 1%), while the fungal inoculum included fresh and dried chlamydospores produced using different substrates (agricultural byproducts: maize straw and wheat-based stillage) and microconidia. Coated seeds made according to this process maintained a high rate of germination, fungal survival and shelf life and high ability for colonizing all roots even root tips and hairs of the host (sorghum), thereby meeting the criteria of being a promising candidate for controlling Striga when applied as a seed treatment. This efficient delivery system will contribute to a more practical application of various antagonistic microorganisms (bacteria & fungi) to control different root parasitic weeds, seed- and soil-borne diseases and nematodes within an integrated control approach adoptable and acceptable to subsistence farmers.
f. PhD research: Institute of Plant Production and Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Germany
Developing a formulation for microbial weed control agents is very essential for their storage, application and protection against environmental constraints. My PhD research focused on the development of an effective, economically feasible and environmentally friendly bioherbicidal formulation for the control of the parasitic weed Striga. During this research period, numerous laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted. As a prerequisite, an attempt was made to assess the host specificity of the potential biocontrol agent, Fusarium oxysporum “Foxy2” by quantifying its ability to attack non-target species, i.e. other closely related species to the target weed S. hermonthica, some selected Poaceous crops, crop species reported to be highly susceptible to Fusarium diseases in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as economically important cultivated crops. Since a critical requirement for the development of a mycoherbicide is inoculum mass production, different substrates (agricultural by-products and synthetic) and the conditions that influence the production of spores, especially chlamydospores, of Foxy2 were investigated and optimized. The substrates tested were maize straw; cotton seed cake, wheat and triticale stillage as well as Czapek (Cz) broth. The efficacy of different granular formulations of Foxy2 including sodium alginate pellets; vermiculite; and ‘‘Pesta’’ granules in comparison to the fungal inoculum propagated on wheat grains, on S. hermonthica was intensively investigated also. Furthermore, the effect of the propagule type, inoculum concentration and application dose on the efficacy of wheat flour-kaolin ‘‘Pesta’’ granules for the control of S. hermonthica was studied. The propagules tested included dried and freshly prepared chlamydospore-rich biomass, microconidia and a mixture of mycelia and microconidia. Maximizing the shelf-life of the “Pesta” products containing Foxy2 is very essential for commercialization, therefore, the effect of inoculum type and concentration, temperature, granule size and water activity on the viability of Foxy2 encapsulated in “Pesta” granules during storage was investigated as well.
g. MSc research: Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia and Hohenheim University, Germany within the research program of the Supra-regional -GTZ- project
My MSc research entitled “An investigation on the possibilities of biological control of Orobanche spp. in Ethiopia” was conducted in Ethiopia (field survey) and in Germany, University of Hohenheim, (lab. and greenhouse experiments). In the course of my study, intensive surveys were conducted in tomato production areas for microorganisms pathogenic to Orobanche spp. for the purpose of their isolation, identification and exploration of their potential as biological control agents. Thereafter, isolation, purification, identification and classification of the pathogens associated with diseased Orobanche plants were carried out. Maintenance of their culture collections was done, single spore isolates and inoculum mass production were also prepared. Pathogenicity tests (laboratory and greenhouse experiments) were performed to screen for promising fungal pathogens.
Section 4: Most significant contributions to research and development
Most of my research findings were published in well recognized international scientific journals and/or presented in international conferences (see publication list). Here I describe in brief some of the most significant contribution to research and development.
1. Elzein, A.E.M. (2003). Development of a granular mycoherbicidal formulation of Fusarium oxysporum “Foxy 2” for the biological control of Striga hermonthica. In “Tropical Agriculture 12 – Advances in Crop Research (2)” (J Kroschel, ed.). Margraf Verlag, Weikersheim, Germany. 190 pp., ISBN 3-8236-1405-3.
Importance: This book presents a strategy of developing inoculum mass production techniques using inexpensive locally available agricultural by-products and a simple concept and technology for a biodegradable granular formulation of Fusarium oxysporum “Foxy2”. Foxy2 is a fungal antagonist of Striga hermonthica, a root parasite of cereal crops that constitutes a major biotic constraint to food production in the Sahelian and the Savannah zones of Africa, where the livelihood of 300 millions of people is adversely affected. By adopting “Pesta” formulation technology for the first time for parasitic weeds, a dramatic reduction in the required end-use dosage of fungal inoculum could be achieved, offering a significant economical practical possibility for large scale application. Storage conditions for long shelf-life of Foxy2 “Pesta” products were optimized as well. Valuable suggestions are also made for research to further enhance the efficacy of the products, as well as to improve the delivery of the mycoherbicide using seed treatment technology. The book intends to contribute to a more practical application of Foxy2 as potential mycoherbicide against Striga within an integrated control approach adoptable and acceptable by subsistence farmers.
Role in research: My original Ph.D. research project.
Contribution to writing of the book: Author
2. Elzein, A., J. Kroschel and V. Leth (2006): Seed treatment technology: an attractive delivery system for controlling root parasitic weed Striga with mycoherbicide. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 16 (1) 3-26.
Importance: Coating sorghum/maize seeds with bioherbicidal antagonists for the control of the root parasitic weed Striga, appears to be an attractive option for minimizing the inoculum amount, establishing the biocontrol agent in the potential infection zone of the host plants, and offering a simple, easy and economical delivery system. This paper represents the first detailed investigations dealing with the possibility of delivering antagonistic agents for root parasitic weeds using seed treatment technology, which resulted in the selection of appropriate seed coating materials and a suitable type and form of fungal inoculum. Since appropriate formulations and delivery system are the key elements in performance of mycoherbicides in the field, this delivery system intends to contribute to a more practical field application, a key obstacle, for the use of mycoherbicidal antagonist for biocontrol. This innovation of delivering bioherbicides by seed technologies has many advantages: non-toxic; relatively cost effective; can be produced on a large scale; convenient to store; and simple to use. In addition, the pre-coated seeds are more appropriate to be sown using the existing agricultural machinaries, and can be easily integrated with existing control methods e.g. cultural, mechanical and use of resistant varieties. With the help of this innovation an integrated control approach adoptable and acceptable to subsistence farmers could be realized, and it is hoped, it will be the key to successful use of antagonistic microorganisms (bacteria & fungi) to control different root parasitic weeds, seed- and soil-borne diseases, and nematodes.
Role in research: all experimental work were carried out by first author.
Contribution to writing of the manuscript: First author. The constructive criticims and fruitful discussion of the 2nd and 3rd authors improved the paper significantly.
3. Elzein, A.EM. and J. Kroschel (2006). Host range studies of Fusarium oxysporum “Foxy 2”: an evidence for a new forma specialis and its implications for Striga control. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection 20, 875-887.
Importance: The acceptance and implementation of inundative biological control by regulatory authorities are based on the safety issues which include avoidance of any non-target adverse effects associated with the use of biological control agents. Therefore, in this paper, we attempted to assess the host specificity of F. oxysporum “Foxy2” by quantifying its ability to attack non-target species including two Striga species. The ability of Foxy2 to control more than one Striga species (S. hermonthica and S. asiatica, the latter was reported to be susceptible for the first time) together with the non-susceptibility of a wide range of non-target test plant species to the fungus, which was also proved, provides an opportunity to control both parasites simultaneously in those regions where they are co-existing. This advantage may encourage the regulatory authorities to accept and introduce the antagonist for field testing.
Role in research: all experimental work were carried out by first author.
Contribution to writing of the maunscript: First author. The constructive criticims and corrections of the 2nd author improved the paper quality significantly.
4. Elzein, A.E.M and J. Kroschel (2003). Progress On Management Of Parasitic Weeds. In: Addendum To Weed Management For Developing Countries. FAO Publication, pp. 109-144.
Importance: Parasitic weeds of the genus Orobanche and Striga are considered among the most serious agricultural pests of economic importance in many parts of the world. Over the last decade and with help of innovative technologies, basic and applied research have generated a wealth of scientific knowledge for better understanding and improving sustainable integrated parasitic weed management. The significant progresses achieved in the various individual parasitic weed control measures was summarized and discussed in this contribution, and may be of high relevance to contribute to the success of any proposed and/or applied integrated control approach through the accommodation of newly adaptive and applicable components. Accordinglly, valuable suggestions and strategies about how to utilize these progresses to formulate successful integrated control methods economically accessible and acceptable to the subsistence farmer’s cropping systems, local needs and preferences, were proposed.
Role in research: review manuscript.
Contribution to writing of the book chapter: As a first author, I prepared appoximately 80% of the manuscript. The addition and corrections of the 2nd author compled the quality chapter.
Section 5: Academic and teaching activities at different Universities in Sudan and Germany
Since graduation, I worked at different universities in the Sudan as teaching assistant, and thereafter as lecturer, assistant and associate professor. I have also worked at the University of Hohenheim, Germany as a scientist. This working experience can be summarized as follows: i) Conception, updating and teaching biological control, agricultural biotechnology, crop protection and botany courses, plant ecology, weed science, weed control, ii) conducting research, supervising graduate students and organizing other activities e.g. seminars, workshops and field days etc., iii) prepar ation and writing up of research projects, scientific manuscripts including papers, poster and oral presentations, and iv) preparing and demonstrating laboratory and greenhouse materials for practical courses. I have also contributed to the teaching activities of the Department of Agronomy of the Institute of Plant Production and Agrarecology in the Tropics und Subtropics (380) for three successive academic years (2005/2006/2007/2008). I taught the part dealing with pest and weed biological control of the Module 5104 “Advanced Crop Production Methods”. Module 5104 is one of the compulsory modules of the international English M.Sc. Program entitled “Agricultural Sciences, Food Security and Natural Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics” offered by the Centre for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (790), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germnay.
Section 6: Capacity building (training of postgraduates)
I am sharing my technical experience in the field of biological control and Striga research to contribute in enhancing capacity development of a number of postgraduate students through supervision and co-supervision of PhD, MSc & BSc research projects:
1. PhD research: Agbetiameh Daniel (2014 – present).Topic: Development and evaluation of a biocontrol product (the Ghanaian aflasafe GH01) for the mitigation of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts in Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science & Technology (KNUST–Kumasi), Ghana. Supervisors Dr. R Bandyopadhyay, Prof. RT Awuah.
2. PhD research: Unachukwu, Nnanna (01/02/2013 – 31/01/2017). Topic: Assessment of genetic diversity in striga hermonthica and the physiobiochemical relationship between observed ecotypes in Nigeria and Kenya and resistant maize lines. University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Supervisors Dr. M. Gedil, Dr. A. Menkir & Dr. A. Elzein.
3. MSc thesis: Azeez, Moriam Iyabo (01/07/2014 – 31/12/2015). Topic: Influence of seed coating material on the efficacy of methyl sulphuron methyl and imazaphyr herbicides in controlling Striga in IR maize, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Supervisors Dr. A. Elzein & Dr. A. Menkir (IITA).
4. PhD research: Ndambi, B. (2008-2011). Topic: Investigating the mode of action of the mycoherbicide Fusarium oxysporum f.sp strigae on Striga parasitizing sorghum and its implication for Striga control in Africa. The student was co-supervised by Prof. G. Cadisch, Prof. O. Spring, Dr. A. Heller and Dr. A. Elzein. University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. The PhD thesis link is: http://opus.ub.uni-hohenheim.de/volltexte/2011/665/pdf/NdambiBeni_ PhD_Thesis_Final_2.pdf
5. MSc thesis: Ndambi, B. (2007): Topic: An anatomical study on the colonization of Fusarium oxysporumm f.s. strigae (Foxy 2) on Sorghum root and its penetration into the shoot of Striga hermonthica using seed treatment technology. The student was co-supervised by Dr. A. Elzein, Dr. A. Heller and Prof. G. Cadisch, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
6. BSc dissertations: Supervised the following BSc dissertations: i) Evaluation of local sorghum varieties for resistance to Striga, by Awad Ali & Issa Omar. Department of Botany and Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan. July 2009: ii), Isolation and exploration of potential antagonists as biological control agents for Striga in Sudan, by Safa A. Department of Botany and Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Sudan. 2009-2010.
I am sharing my technical experience, protocols, data, etc. in the field of Striga biocontrol technology to contribute to the training/capacity building of the following trainees:
7. PhD research: Bello Hassan (2012 – present). Topic: undertaking of socio-economic analysis, to understand farmer’s preferences and perceptions on the Striga control technologies being disseminated including biocontrol technology. University of Natal, South Africa.
8. MSc thesis. Madelein du Plessis (Dec 2012 – Feb 2015). Topic: Studying the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of indegious Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (Fos) strains collected from diseased striga plants from Nigeria and Kenya. Stellenbosch University, South Africa: The student is supervised by Prof. Altus Viljoen, Department of Plant Pathology.
9. Azeez, Moriam (Feb 2012 -Feb. 2013). Trained in mechanism (s) of resistance in maize to Striga at IITA HQ in Ibadan, Nigeria, within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Co-supervised with Dr. Menkir.
10. Kellechi, Ugwu (Feb 2012 -Feb. 2013).Trained in Striga biocontrol technology and field efficacy evaluation in Nigeria at IITA Kano, within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Co-supervised with Dr. Oluoch.
Examiner:
1. Internal examiner for MSc thesis: Evaluation of the efficacy of four products of Pendimithalin herbicide on weed control on transplanted Onion, by Iman Mohammed Abdo Elrahim Mohammed. Graduate College, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan. 25 Janouary 2010.
Section 7: Communication skills and experinces:
During the last 16 years I had the opportunities to participate and present research results in international conferences and symposia on biological control of weeds, phytopathology, weed science and relevant disciplines in many countries including USA, Australia, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands, South Africa, etc. I attanded and participated in 38 international conferences and symposia and presented 38 conference papers. My contributions to these conferences were oral presentations, posters and active participation in the disscusion groups. At these conferences, I gained a lot of new information and ideas from the excellent presentations and fruitful discussions with the experts in the field of weed science, biological control, plant pathology, mycoherbicide development and integrated pest management. I had the opportunities to meet and to start a strong linkage with many international professional agriculturists, that enabled me to collaborate with many international institutions. My activities in the scientific arena are not limited to journal and conferences. I am a member of 8 scientific societies. Through their newsletters and electronic discussion boards, I communicate and exchange ideas, research news and findings, discussion etc. with all groups.
Additional communication experiences include: i) organization of a number of framer field days, field visits; ii) hosting professional visitors (Directors, Scientists, EAs, etc.) and guiding of field tours; iii) contributing to a series of media interviews including press and radio broadcasts etc.; and iv) participating and hosting meetings with scientists, regulatory
authorities, seed and biopesticide companies, donors to share progress, discuss challenges, initiate and strengthen collaboration for promotion of the of Striga biocontrol technology. I have also worked with the IITA Communication Office in developing a Communication Advisory Brief, introducing the new Striga biocontrol product, to name a brand and trademark for the Striga biocontrol product for its registration by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria, to facilitate full registration.
Section 8: Resource mobilization: I have contributed to different proposal/concept notes development.
Section 9: Relevant Activities
Chairing Committees: Acting Coordinator of WG2 (Parasitic plant-pathogen and pest interaction working group) on behalf of Prof. Dr. J. Kroschel during the 1st Executive Board Meeting of the COST Action 849 “Parasitic Plant Management in Sustainable Agriculture” which was held in Nantes, France, on 8-9 June 2001. The agenda of the meeting was the presentation and approval of the tentative programs of all working groups. The project is a European cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical research (COST) projects. COST Action 849 is divided into four working groups (WG): WG1: Biology and ecology of parasitic plants, WG2: Parasitic plant-pathogen and pest interaction, WG3: Genetic resistance, and WG4: Integrated control. The main objective of this COST Action is to increase the understanding of the interactions between plants/hosts in order to implement sustainable means of control.
Meetings: I participated in the biological control working group (WG2) meeting entitled “Synergistic use of biocontrol agents for parasitic plant management“ which was held in Rome (Italy), 27-29 February 2004. WG2 is one of the working groups of COST 849 action “Parasitic plant management in sustainable agriculture”. The aim of the working group meeting was to: discuss about the synergistic use of different biological agents; plan the exchange of biocontrol material; and set up common protocols to evaluate their efficacy to also achieve a synergy among the workers by starting collaborations.
Seminars: I participated in the SAFE Consortium “European Excellence in Food Safety” Seminar Series 5 entitled “Contaminants and influence of agricultural practices – mycotoxins; chemical contaminants; microorganisms” which was held in Brussels, Belguim, 18-19 March 2004. The seminar aimed at evaluating the effects of changes in agricultural practices on the occurrence and accumulation of natural contaminants such as mycotoxins (pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms), organic pollutants, pesticides residues, GMOs and GMO products in foods and feeds, as well as evaluating the risks of their presence. The principle objective of SAFE (Science for Safe Food in Europe) Consortium are ensuring safe food; anticipation and prevention of risk- from food poisoning bacteria, from chemical contaminants or from new technologies.
Invited lectures:
1. I have been invited by FAO as a key-note speaker to participate in FAO regional technical meeting for West African Countries (Atelier sous-régional sur la gestion intégrée durable en agriculture des espèces du genre Striga) on Striga control by given lecture on biological control of Striga and moderating a session on biological control. The meeting was held in Cotonou “Le Chant d’Oiseau”, Benin, 25-27 April 2006, within FAO Striga regional project TCP/RAF/3008. My lecture entitled “Biological control of Striga: progress and implication for practical field appication in Africa).
2. I have been invited by the Institute of Plant Breeding Seed Science and Population Genetics (350), University of Hohenheim, as key-note speaker to give a lecture entitled (Progress in Striga-Mycoherbicides Research and Development: Implications and Future Prospective for Africa) in the closing workshop of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)-funded project “Arresting the Scourge of Striga on Sorghum in Africa by Combining the Strengths of Marker-Assisted Backcrossing and Farmer-Participatory Selection”. The meeting was held in Stuttgart, Germany, July 21st-25th 2008.
Section 10: Personal skills
My wide range of activities and expertise at universities, or in collaboration with research centers and development organizations, enabled me to acquirea good experience on:
