Dr. Grace Kinyanjui
Dr. Grace Kinyanjui holds a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Embu, Kenya. Her doctoral research has significantly contributed to understanding the bio-ecology of Tuta absoluta, an invasive insect pest affecting tomato crops in Kenya. Her research covered aspects such as the interactions between predators and pests, the effectiveness of parasitoids, the range of host plants, and the relationships between plants and pests. She employed molecular techniques for identifying insect species and investigating the genetic variability of insect populations. Based on her research findings, an integrated pest management (IPM) package has been developed for pest control.
She is a part-time Lecturer and Research Officer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Embu. Collaborating with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), she actively develops and promotes ecologically sustainable IPM systems. These systems aim to address both native and invasive insect pests that affect vegetables and fruits in Kenya.
Grace's work during her Short Research Stay
Agriculture is what many households depend on in Africa. However, pest challenges keep hindering agricultural productivity and food security. Consequently, there is a pressing need to adopt sustainable farming practices and environmentally friendly strategies for controlling crop pests.
During her time in Belgium, Grace was affiliated with the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (Ghent University), under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Godelieve Gheysen. She worked on the interactions between root-knot nematodes and finger millet and the defense priming mechanism to promote natural resistance. With the knowledge and skills acquired, Grace will develop a tailored defense priming strategy on tomato against T. absoluta.
Selected Publications
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Kenya, E., Kinyanjui, G., Kipnyargis, A., Kinyua, F., Mwangi, M., Khamis, F.M., & Mwirichia, R. (2022). Amplicon-based assessment of bacterial diversity and community structure in three tropical forest soils in Kenya. Heliyon, 8, e11577. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11577
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Kinyanjui, G., Khamis, F. M., Ombura, F. L. O., Kenya, E. U., Ekesi, S., & Mohamed, S. A. (2021). Distribution, abundance and natural enemies of the invasive tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Kenya. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 111, 658-673. doi:10.1017/S0007485321000304
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Kinyanjui, G., Khamis, F. M., Ombura, F. L. O., Kenya, E. U., Ekesi, S., & Mohamed, S. A. (2019). Infestation levels and molecular identification based on mitochondrial COI barcode region of five invasive Gelechiidae species in Kenya. Journal of Economic Entomology, 112, 872-882. doi:10.1093/jee/toy357
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Kinyanjui, G., Khamis, F. M., Mohamed, S., Ombura, L. O., Warigia, M., & Ekesi, S. (2016). Identification of aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species of economic importance in Kenya using DNA barcodes and PCR-RFLP-based approach. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 106, 63-72. doi:10.1017/S0007485315000796