Conditions In Botswana Research Articles

Laboratory evaluation of chlorfenapyr for control of carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus on tomato in Botswana

The efficacy of chlorfenapyr was studied in the laboratory against the carmine spider mite on tomato. The acaricide was applied at five concentrations, including the label rate, separated on a log 10 scale. Each treatment was replicated three times. LC50 and LC90 values were determined by probit analysis during different periods after application and were used to determine the efficacy of the acaricide. LC90 values were 0.52, 0.50, 0.44 and 0.38 ml/L when treatments were evaluated at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after treatment. This indicated that chlorfenapyr was highly effective against T. cinnabarinus adults. Probit line slopes were 8.15, 6.96, 5.50 and 2.96 at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after application. This indicates a fast change in spider mite mortality with increasing in acaricide concentrations. This study found that chlorfenapyr can be used to effectively control T. cinnabarinus under Botswana conditions, especially in combination with other control methods in integrated pest management programs.

Efficacy of Abamectin against adult spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychidae) on tomato in Botswana

The efficacy of abamectin against the carmine spider mite (CSM) on tomato was studied in the laboratory at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana. The acaricide was applied at five dosages including the recommended label rate. Each treatment was replicated three times. The results were analysed using probit analysis where LD50 and LD90 values found with the acaricide were estimated at different assessment periods (24, 48, 72 and 96 hours) following application and used to determine effectiveness of the acaricide. When the treatments were assessed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, LD90 values against spider mites were 0.82, 0.71, 0.69 and 0.64. This indicated that abamectin was highly effective against spider mites. The slopes of the probit lines assessed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after application were 6.68, 6.97, 6.62 and 4.46. This indicates a rapid change in mortality with increase in acaricide dosage. The study shows that abamectin can be a valuable component of integrated spider mite control programme under Botswana conditions. Further research and field testing is necessary to confirm these laboratory findings.

English

The carmine spider mite (CSM; Tetranychus cinnabarinus Bois.) is one of the most destructive pests of vegetables, especially tomatoes. Its management in Botswana has, for years, relied on the use of pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of abamectin, methomyl and chlorfenapyr against CSM eggs under laboratory conditions in Botswana. Each treatment was replicated three times. The toxic effect was evaluated in the laboratory bioassay after 24, 48 and 72 h of application of pesticides. This study revealed that chlorfenapyr was relatively more effective since it had lower LD50 values than those for abamectin and methomyl. It was further revealed that at recommended rates, 90% mortalities occurred 48 h after application of methomyl and chlorfenapyr, while abamectin did not achieve 90% mortality throughout the study period. This implies that abamectin requires extra dosages to achieve mortalities comparable to those of the other two pesticides. The study has found that chlorfenapyr was the most effective insecticide followed by methomyl and then abamectin when applied on CSM eggs. Further research and field testing is necessary to confirm these laboratory findings. Key words: Abamectin, methomyl, chlorfenapyr, effectiveness, carmine spider mite, tomato.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems created by woman entrepreneurs in Botswana

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore how woman entrepreneurs in a developing country context such as Botswana create their own entrepreneurial ecosystems that support their business-venturing activities. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative research collected data via in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of 11 women who owned established enterprises in Gaborone, Botswana. Findings/results: Firstly, woman entrepreneurs in Botswana displayed entrepreneurial behaviours, skills and characteristics, an ability to overcome marginalisation and a positive attitude towards failure. Secondly, the entrepreneurial ecosystems created by women included social capital ties, human capital development, alternative funding mechanisms, access to local and international markets and inclusion of digital technology as part of the ecosystem. The woman entrepreneurs were influenced by the entrepreneurial institutional conditions in Botswana. Lastly, the findings showed the significance of changes to each component of the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Practical implications: In a context of limited entrepreneurial resources, woman entrepreneurs should build their own ecosystem by leveraging the existing social networks and collaborating with local and international stakeholders. Government should design tailor-made entrepreneurial programmes and foster public and private partnerships to support the advancement of woman entrepreneurs. Lastly, ecosystem players including private institutions should collaborate to support women-owned entrepreneurial ventures. Originality/value: This study adopted an alternative view that woman entrepreneurs can be the key drivers of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This system must be built up from the level of the women entrepreneurs to better understand their specific stance and also the context in which they operate.

Clinical and Virological Outcomes of TB/HIV Coinfected Patients Treated With Dolutegravir-Based HIV Antiretroviral Regimens: Programmatic Experience From Botswana.

Dolutegravir (DTG) has recently been recommended as a preferred first-line regimen for the treatment of new and treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients. However, potential drug interactions between DTG and rifampicin remain a clinical and public health concern. We analyzed HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes of HIV-infected patients concomitantly receiving rifampicin- and DTG-based regimens under programmatic conditions in Botswana. The outcomes of interest were successful TB treatment and viral load suppression. We used multivariable logistic models to determine predictors for each outcome of interest. A total of 1225 patients were included in the analysis to evaluate predictors of successful TB outcome. Among patients on DTG and non-DTG regimens, 90.9% and 88.3% achieved favorable TB treatment outcomes, respectively. Of those who received DTG-based regimen; 44% received once-daily dosing and 53% twice-daily dosing. We found that DTG was associated with favorable TB treatment outcome (adjusted odds ratio = 1.56; 95% confidence interval = 1.06 to 2.31), after adjusting for age, gender, and CD4 cell counts. High rates of viral load suppression were found across all antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen categories (>92% for all). We did not find an independent association between DTG and viral suppression after adjustment of other covariates. The use of DTG-based ART regimens in patients coinfected with TB and HIV lead to favorable TB and HIV treatment outcomes, comparable to those achieved with alternative ART regimens. Our results provide reassurance to TB and HIV programs about the overall programmatic concomitant use of these first-line treatment regimens for the management of HIV and TB coinfected patients.

Effectiveness of Spinosad Against Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) Eggs and Larvae on Cabbage Under Botswana Conditions

ABSTR ACT: The efficacy of spinosad against the diamondback moth (DBM) on cabbage was studied at Botswana College of Agriculture, Gaborone, Botswana in 2011. Using five concentrations of spinosad: 0.12, 0.36, 0.60, 0.84 and 1.08 g/L, bioassays were conducted against DBM eggs and second instar larvae at 30°C ± 5°C. Each treatment was replicated three times. Probit analysis was used to determine LD 50 and LD 90 values for the treatments against eggs and larvae. When the treatments were assessed at 72 and 96 hours, LD 90 values against larvae were 0.74 and 0.59 g/L, whereas they were 0.35 and 0.32 g/L against eggs. This indicated that spinosad was more effective against eggs than against larvae. The slopes of the probit lines for larvae assessed at 48, 72 and 96 hours after application were 3.519, 3.810 and 3.427, while those against eggs were 1.725, 1.316 and 1.086. This indicates that there was a more rapid change in larval mortality with increase in pesticide dosage than in egg mortality. The study shows that spinosad can achieve effective control of DBM eggs and larvae under Botswana conditions.

Evaluation of Onion Varieties for Productivity Performance in Botswana

Onion varieties were evaluated for adaptability to the climatic conditions in Botswana. Six varieties of onion were planted under a complete randomized block design experiment with four replications at farmers’ field in Botswana (Southern Africa). The quantitative data on yield of onion varieties and, farmers perception on the varieties were collected. All the varieties were harvested at their maturity (80% tops down) and then graded and weighed into six categories of bulbs: small weight, double weight, thin weight, bolters weight, marketable weight and total weight. Inferential and descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis where by two ways analysis of variance and ranking scales were applied. It was concluded that all the six varieties namely; Arad, Galil, Hanna, Shahar, Texas Grano 502 P.R.R. and Red Creole contributed differently to the total yield, marketable yield and percentage marketable yield. Onion variety Hanna followed by Shahar produced the highest marketable yield whereas Galil variety gave the lowest marketable yield. Despite the fact that Texas Grano variety produced the highest total yield and has been a common and popular onion variety in Botswana, it was recommended that farmers should not grown Texas Grano variety as it produced the lowest percentage (60%) of marketable yield. Based on the yield performance and the farmer’s perception, Hanna followed by Shahar varieties were found to be the best performing onion variety and therefore, government should promote these onion varieties for cultivation in Botswana. Government can import to ensure the availability of Hanna and Shahar varieties so that farmers can be motivated for adoption of these varieties for commercial production. The effects of different planting dates on the yield of onion varieties can be considered for future research.

Effectiveness of Spinosad against Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) Eggs and Larvae on Cabbage under Botswana Conditions.

The efficacy of spinosad against the diamondback moth (DBM) on cabbage was studied at Botswana College of Agriculture, Gaborone, Botswana in 2011. Using five concentrations of spinosad: 0.12, 0.36, 0.60, 0.84 and 1.08 g/L, bioassays were conducted against DBM eggs and second instar larvae at 30°C ± 5°C. Each treatment was replicated three times. Probit analysis was used to determine LD50 and LD90 values for the treatments against eggs and larvae. When the treatments were assessed at 72 and 96 hours, LD90 values against larvae were 0.74 and 0.59 g/L, whereas they were 0.35 and 0.32 g/L against eggs. This indicated that spinosad was more effective against eggs than against larvae. The slopes of the probit lines for larvae assessed at 48, 72 and 96 hours after application were 3.519, 3.810 and 3.427, while those against eggs were 1.725, 1.316 and 1.086. This indicates that there was a more rapid change in larval mortality with increase in pesticide dosage than in egg mortality. The study shows that spinosad can achieve effective control of DBM eggs and larvae under Botswana conditions.

HIV Treatment, Preexposure Prophylaxis, and Drug Resistance: Reconciling Conflicting Predictions From Mathematical Models

HIV Treatment, Preexposure Prophylaxis, and Drug Resistance: Reconciling Conflicting Predictions From Mathematical Models

Bush encroachment in relation to rangeland management systems and environmental conditions in Kalahari ecosystem of Botswana

Bush encroachment is an environmental problem in savanna ecosystems, but it is not yet clear whether it is more prevalent in communal or ranching grazing lands. This study investigates bush encroachment dynamics in relation to two rangeland management systems under different environmental conditions in Botswana. Woody vegetation cover (WC) was measured in 10 × 10 m quadrants at 100, 200 and 300 m along 23 transect located in both communal and ranching lands. Woody plant cover and diversity were not strongly influenced by rangeland management systems (P>0.05), but were highly dependent on site effects. The encroached rangelands (WC>40%) particularly, at Matlolakgang site and also had high woody species diversity. Woody cover and diversity increased with decreasing soil clay content, but not in a linear way. The lack of variability of bush encroachment between management systems has implications for rangeland management policy in Botswana and other sandveld regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: Communal grazing, diversity, ranching, rangeland degradation, soil clay, savanna ecosystems.

HIV-positive patients in Botswana state that mobile teledermatology is an acceptable method for receiving dermatology care

HIV-positive patients in Botswana state that mobile teledermatology is an acceptable method for receiving dermatology care

Establishing telepathology in Africa: Lessons from Botswana

To the Editor: Few reports of telepathology in Africa exist in the medical literature. With the strong need for improvement in health care infrastructure and personnel training in many African nations, telepathology provides a rapid and versatile tool to improve clinical care and foster educational and research opportunities. We describe the challenges faced in establishing robotic telepathology (RT) services at a government referral center in Botswana and reflect on conditions under which such initiatives may be most likely to succeed in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the developing world. The Africa Teledermatology Project (http://africa.telederm.org) has been providing dermatology support to local providers throughout Africa using store-and-forward teledermatology/teledermatopathology since 2007. While the outcomes have been very positive, and similar telemedicine platforms are well accepted,1Brauchli K. Oberli H. Hurwitz N. Kunze K.D. Haroske G. Jundt G. et al.Diagnostic telepathology: Long-term experience of a single institution.Virchows Arch. 2004; 444: 403-409Crossref PubMed Scopus (38) Google Scholar, 2Geissbuhler A. Bagayoko C.O. Ly O. The RAFT network: 5 years of distance continuing medical education and tele-consultations over the Internet in French-speaking Africa.Int J Med Info. 2007; 76: 351-353Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (93) Google Scholar this method is limited by the number and quality of images available to the consultant (Fig 1) and by reliance on the referring provider, who may lack dermatopathology training,3Weinstein R.S. Static image telepathology in perspective.Hum Pathol. 1996; 27: 99-101Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar to produce representative photomicrographs. In response to these problems, we installed a Zeiss Mirax Live RT system (Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, Jena, Germany) at the National Health Laboratory in Gaborone, Botswana in 2009. With up to 4 slides placed on the motorized microscope, the consultant controls stage position, focus, and magnification remotely (Fig 2). Certain factors facilitate the achievement of a functioning telepathology service:1.Availability of reliable histologic processing sets a ready stage for implementing telepathology. Telepathology systems must also be robust enough to handle significant heterogeneity in slide quality, focal planes, and specimen types/sizes.2.Adequate Internet connectivity and a stable power source are crucial. We installed a dedicated wireless broadband connection. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) device was necessary to protect the equipment, which was configured to operate at local voltage.3.Demand for specialized pathology services is driven by concomitant availability of specialized clinical services (eg, dermatopathology in areas with practicing dermatologists). Given the professional isolation in this region, telepathology can enable solo pathologists to meet such demands, as well as to participate in continuing education and collaborative research.4.Governmental support is critical in logistical matters such as waiving of customs fees. Applying for a rebate certificate with the assistance of local partnerships circumvented this.5.Personnel with sufficient technical expertise to install and maintain the equipment are necessary when there are no in-country vendor representatives. For RT, identify individuals familiar with computer hardware, software, and light microscopy. Remote technical support is possible via screen-sharing, Internet telephony, and e-mail. Overstock wearable components such as microscope bulbs, which may need frequent replacement. In conclusion, telepathology is feasible in resource-limited settings, and its routine use can improve clinical care and education. The generalizability of our experience is limited by differing socioeconomic and health conditions in Botswana compared with other African nations; thus similar initiatives must be adapted to local settings. On-site technical prerequisites include tissue processing capacity, high-speed Internet, power stability, and personnel to install and maintain the equipment. Select a system that accommodates the types and sizes of specimens requiring consultation, differences in slide quality, and international bandwidth limitations. Local health professionals and government must support the initiative to fuel demand for such services and ensure ongoing utilization. Further research will need to evaluate changes in service utilization over time, effects on development of local expertise, and cost-to-benefit analysis of telepathology in these settings.

Preliminary assessment of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces for temperature and water stress tolerance under field conditions in Botswana

Field experiments were conducted in 2006/07 and 2007/08 in Botswana to study the response of bambara groundnut to heat stress (2006/07 season) and to heat stress and soil moisture deficit stress (2007/08 season). In both seasons selected bambara groundnut landraces were grown at different sowing dates to provide a range of field environmental conditions. While the effects of water stress were mitigated by irrigation throughout the growing season in the 2006/07 season, in the 2007/08 season plants were grown under two irrigation regimes: a control that was irrigated throughout and a rain-fed treatment, with irrigation withheld at 30 days after sowing (DAS). Owing to significant and above average rainfall in the 2007/08 season no significant (p=0.05) differences in soil moisture content were obtained between the irrigated and rain-fed treatments. The highest average maximum temperatures of 34.1 and 29.2°C achieved in the December sowings in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 cropping seasons, respectively, did not impact any of the parameters measured, including leaf tissue electrolyte leakage, light adapted chlorophyll fluorescence, crop growth and yield. However, there was a highly significant (p<0.001) decline in crop performance with decline in temperature associated with delay in sowing after December. The results obtained suggest a sensitivity of bambara groundnut landraces to both low temperatures and photope-riod under field conditions in a semi-arid environment.

Modelling cheetah relocation success in southern Africa using an Iterative Bayesian Network Development Cycle

Relocation is one of the strategies used by conservationists to deal with problem cheetahs in southern Africa. The success of a relocation event and the factors that influence it within the broader context of long-term viability of wild cheetah metapopulations was the focus of a Bayesian Network (BN) modelling workshop in South Africa. Using a new heuristics, Iterative Bayesian Network Development Cycle (IBNDC), described in this paper, several networks were formulated to distinguish between the unique relocation experiences and conditions in Botswana and South Africa. There were many common underlying factors, despite the disparate relocation strategies and sites in the two countries. The benefit of relocation BNs goes beyond the identification and quantification of the factors influencing the success of relocations and population viability. They equip conservationists with a powerful communication tool in their negotiations with land and livestock owners, which is key to the long-term survival of cheetahs in southern Africa. Importantly, the IBNDC provides the ecological modeller with a methodological process that combines several BN design frameworks to facilitate the development of a BN in a multi-expert and multi-field domain.

Evaluation of South African bred cultivars of sweetpotato under Botswana conditions

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is widely produced and consumed in Botswana. Identifying cultivars adaptable to the local climatic conditions may stimulate production and give producers and consumers a variety of tuber quality attributes to choose from. Since the country has no capacity to breed its own cultivars, a trial involving fifteen South Africa bred cultivars was conducted at Sebele to assess their adaptability. The experimental mean yield of 11.9 t ha-1 was lower than in South Africa but compared favourably with the yield achieved in previous trials using other cultivars. Cultivar ‘A59' gave the highest yield of 24.5 t ha-1, while ‘Astrid' recorded the lowest (5.5 t ha-1). An increase in tuber number per plant was accompanied by a general decline in tuber weight with ‘1989-17-1' producing the largest tubers weighing 443g while ‘Blesbok' was the most prolific cultivar with each plant producing on average 6 tuberous roots. The bulk of the produce was of acceptable quality with ‘Astrid', recording the lowest yield was one of the cultivars with the highest marketable portion. Key Words: Ipomea batatas, South Africa, weevils, yellow-orange fleshed RÉSUMÉ La patate douce (Ipomea batatas) est largement produite et consommée au Botwana. L'identification des variétés adaptées aux conditions climatiques locales peut stimuler la production et donner aux producteurs et aux consommateurs une un choix dans une gamme des qualités des tubercules. Comme le pays n'a pas de capacité de produire ses propres variétés, un essai impliquant quinze variété Sud-Africaine était conduite à Sebele pour évaluer leur adaptabilité. Un rendement expérimental moyen obtenu de 11.9 t ha-1 était faible comparé au rendement en Afrique du sud mais était comparable au rendement obtenu des essais précédents avec d'autres variétés. La variété A59 donna le rendement le plus élévé de 24.5t ha-1, alors que Astrid enregistra le plus faible rendement de 5.5 t ha-1. Une augmentation du nombre des tubercules par plante était généralement accompagnée du déclin en poids des tubercules avec 1989-17-1 produisant le plus grand poids en tubercule de 443 g alors que Blesbok était la vaiété la plus prolifique avec une production moyenne de 6 tubercules par plante. The bulk de la production était de qualité acceptable avec Astrid même si son rendement était le plus faible, elle était la variété la plus vendable. Mots clés: Ipomea batatas, Afrique du sud, charançons, jaune orange graissé African Crop Science Journal Vol.12(3) 2004: 201-204

A Survey of Small-scale Layer Production Systems in Botswana

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to investigate small-scale layer production systems in Botswana. The survey covered layer farms in the districts of Francistown and Letlhakane in the eastern part of Botswana, and examined aspects of productivity parameters, housing, management and diseases. The average hen day production in small-scale layer farms was 71.7% and the average daily feed intake was 108.1 g per hen. An average of 1 740 g feed was required to produce one dozen eggs. Hens were culled after 52 weeks in production (around 78 weeks of age). During this period, a hen produced an average of 245 eggs. These productivity levels were well below the standards indicated by the breeding companies. The average mortality from 18 weeks of age to culling was 8.46%. Diseases or conditions reportedly associated with these deaths included Newcastle Disease, prolapse of the uterus and enteritis. Factors responsible for the poor layer performance under small farm conditions in Botswana are clearly complex, but poor managerial skills, irregular feed supply and, poor quality of feed and pullets are major contributing reasons. The lower production levels, however, suggest that there is considerable potential for improvement. survey, small-scale poultry operations are defined as Although the Government has actively supported the those valued up to P75 000 (P1.00 = US$0.179) in terms expansion of the poultry industry under the auspices of of fixed assets and flock sizes of less than 2 000 hens. Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) for the past two Small-scale projects were selected because these decades, the commercial production systems have comprise about 80% of the total poultry projects and never been characterized. Over the years, the Ministry of have a significant employment and income generation Agriculture has used several production indices for the role for the rural-based population of Botswana. No budgeting of small-scale layer projects. The average reliable data is available on the exact number of small- hen-day production is considered to be 75%, and it i s scale layer projects in Botswana, but it is thought around assumed that each bird consumes 120 g of layer feed 80 projects are currently in operation. Of which about 30 per day with a hen-housed production of 300 eggs (MOA, 1999). How closely these assumed standards compare with actual farm productivity levels is not known. The present study was initiated with the objective of obtaining baseline information on specific aspects of productio n systems and productivity in small-scale commercial poultry operations in Botswana.

Constitutive traits and selective indices of Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc) landraces for drought tolerance under Botswana conditions

Constitutive traits of 12 landraces of Bamabra groundnut ( Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc) were studied during the 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 at the Botswana College of Agriculture, for traits which relate to the crop’s adaptation to drought. The objective was to estimate the degree of phenotypic and genotypic variation of traits whose selection would lead to earliness in maturity and drought tolerance through drought escape. The landraces showed significant diversity. Low environmental variability was recorded for days to maturity, root:shoot ratio, canopy spread, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and shelling percentage. Genotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient of number of pods per plant and seed size on yield were significantly high. The results of this experiment indicate that, canopy spread, root:shoot ratio, 100-seed weight and number of seeds per pod are among parameters that could be used for indirect selection for drought tolerance in Bambara groundnut in Botswana and other areas where drought is a common occurrence.

Goat-sheep hybrid born under natural conditions in Botswana

In Botswana it is common practice to rear goats (Capara hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) together in one kraal. Under such conditions it is also not uncommon to see the...

Response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) varieties to leaf harvesting in Botswana.

In Botswana, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) is not only grown for grain but also the leaves are harvested and used as vegetable. The effect of leaf harvesting on grain yield under Botswana conditions is not known. This study was, therefore, undertaken to assess the response of four cowpea varieties namely Tswana, Blackeye, ER 7 and TVx 3236 to leaf harvesting. Under field experiments carried out over two growing seasons, effects of four levels of leaf harvesting (0, 25, 50 and 75%) on growth and grain yield were determined. While harvesting of up to 50% of leaves increased grain yields of Tswana and Blackeye, these were depressed when up to 75% of leaves were harvested. Also, all leaf harvesting treatments had significant negative impact on ER 7 and TVX 3236 grain yields. The results suggest that Tswana and Blackeye cowpeas could be developed for the dual purpose of leaf and grain production in Botswana and other areas where cowpea leaves are relished as a vegetable.UNISWA Jnl of Agric Vol 8 1999: pp 5-11

The Effects of Population Density, Row Spacing and Intercropping on the Interception and Utilization of Solar Radiation by Sorghum bicolor and Vigna unguiculata in Semi-Arid Conditions in Botswana

The Effects of Population Density, Row Spacing and Intercropping on the Interception and Utilization of Solar Radiation by Sorghum bicolor and Vigna unguiculata in Semi-Arid Conditions in Botswana