Mount Cameroon Region Research Articles

Plume moths (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) of a recently discovered lepidopteran diversity hotspot in the Mount Cameroon area, with descriptions of four new species.

Moth diversity on Mount Cameroon, a critical biodiversity hotspot in the Afrotropics, remains understudied despite the region's rich and unique ecosystems. In this study, 34 species of plume moths (Pterophoridae) were recorded from the Mount Cameroon region, including four species new to science: Titanoptilusbigoti Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Titanoptilusmurkwe Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Hellinsiaekonjo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Hellinsiamapanja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. Images of the adult type specimen and male genitalia for Titanoptilusmelanodonta Hampson, 1905 are published for the first time. In addition, 25 species are reported as new records for the Cameroonian fauna, raising the number of known Pterophoridae species in the country from 19 to 48. The results significantly expand our understanding of plume moth diversity in the region and extend the known distribution range of several species. These findings emphasise the importance of Mount Cameroon as a biodiversity hotspot within the Afrotropics. Enhanced conservation efforts are essential to preserve the unique biodiversity of Mount Cameroon, especially considering threats such as ongoing habitat degradation in some parts of the region and climate change.

Indigenous Knowledge on Edible Wild Yams (Kumbu) in the Mount Cameroon Region: Towards Domestication for Enhanced Food Security

Indigenous Knowledge on Edible Wild Yams (Kumbu) in the Mount Cameroon Region: Towards Domestication for Enhanced Food Security

The Herbicidal Potential of Euphorbia Species for Managing Common Weeds in the Mount Cameroon Region

The utilization of botanicals in weed management is of great significance due to their biodegradability and eco-friendly nature. This research evaluates the herbicidal potentials of seven Euphorbia species (Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia prostrata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia trigona, and Euphorbia milii) in the Mount Cameroon Region.The assessment of the herbicidal potential of the most promising Euphorbia species was conducted using the Sandwich method along with germination bioassay techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening techniques were employed to investigate the herbicidal properties of E. heterophylla through the identification of classes of secondary metabolites. Additional analysis of Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Cameroon, P.O Box 63, Cameroon. The crude extracts from Euphorbia heterophylla regarding the germination and development of five weed species revealed inhibiting effects on all the weeds examined. The results showed that Euphorbia heterophylla exhibited inhibitory effects on Lactuca sativa seeds, with a maximum inhibition of 85.75% at higher concentrations, indicating dose-dependent trends. Bidens pilosa had the highest herbicidal suppression rate of 83.91%, while Mimosa invisa exhibited the least suppression at 61.10%. Thirteen (13) chromatographic fractions of Euphorbia heterophylla were tested for their influence on the germination and growth of Bidens pilosa seeds. The findings showed that fractions F4, F6, F7, and F13 demonstrated total inhibition of the weed (100% suppression). Phytochemical analysis of E. heterophylla identified the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Euphorbia heterophylla, had a strong allelopathic potential, making it viable candidate for the isolation and development of bioactive compounds. These compounds could be utilized as bioherbicides and thereby contributing to sustainable weed management in crop production.

Rhizospheric soil chemical properties and microbial response to a gradient of Chromolaena odorata(L) invasion in the Mount Cameroon Region.

Chromolaena odorata is a noxious alien invasive weed species with an enormous impact on the terrestrial ecosystem. The allelopathic potentials of this weed have had little attention, leading to changes in soil properties and microbial communities. This study investigates the impacts of Chromolaena odorata invasion gradients on rhizospheric soil chemical properties and microbial response in the Mount Cameroon Region. Forty-eight soil samples at four different degrees of invasion (uninvaded, low degree invasion, moderate degree invasion and high degree invasion) based on species coverage within subplots in four study areas were collected and rhizospheric soil chemical properties, microbial load, phosphatases activities and secondary metabolites were evaluated. At medium-degree invasion, rhizospheric soil concentrations of P, K and Fe increased with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization and phosphatases enzyme activities. Soil C, N and organic matter were significantly increased at high-degree invasion, supporting the use of the plant as a fallow crop. Acid phosphatase activity ranged from 0.69 to 0.90 mmol h-1 kg-1 and was significantly different at different degrees of invasion. AMF colonization ranged from 23.33 to 50.00%, with a strong positive correlation between AMF colonization and phosphatase activity. Soil bacterial load was high (46 × 105 CFU/g- 67 × 105 CFU/g), with mostly Staphylococcus having health concerns about its spread. The invasion situation had no significant effect on soil bacterial load, but high-degree invasion significantly increased fungal load. Low-degree invaded soils had high saponin (24.55±0.00 mg/g), flavonoid (47.7 mg/g) and tannin (28.68 mg/g) concentrations. The investigation reveals that Chromolaena odorata invasion altered rhizospheric soil properties and microbial communities significantly, thereby influencing ecosystem dynamics and soil nutrient availability. However, further studies elucidating kinds of secondary metabolites, identifying microbial communities, and monitoring soil changes influenced by C. odorata are essential for effective ecosystem management.

Seasonal and environmental dynamics of intra-urban freshwater habitats and their influence on the abundance of Bulinus snail host of Schistosoma haematobium in the Tiko endemic focus, Mount Cameroon region.

Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in the South West Region of Cameroon. An understanding of the abundance and distribution of the Bulinus snail, intermediate host can inform strategic snail control programmes at a local scale. This study investigated seasonal dynamics and environmental factors influencing occurrence and abundance of freshwater snail intermediate hosts in Tiko, a semi-urban endemic focus in the Mount Cameroon area. A longitudinal malacological field survey was conducted between December 2019 and December 2020 in the Tiko municipality. Snails were collected for one year monthly at 12 different human water contact sites along a stretch of the Ndongo stream using a standardized sampling technique. Freshwater snails were identified using shell morphological features. In addition, water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solutes, salinity, water depth, width and flow velocity were measured, and vegetation cover as well as substrate type were determined. Bayesian regression models were used to identify the main environmental factors affecting the occurrence and abundance of Bulinus intermediate host. In total, 2129 fresh water snails were collected during the study period. Physa (51.4%) was the most abundant genus followed by Melanoides (28.6%) then, Bulinus (15.5%), Lymnaea (4.2%), Indoplanorbis (0.2%) and Potadoma (0.1%). Seasonality in abundance was significant in Bulinus sp as well as other genera, with greater numbers in the dry season (peaks between December and February). Water temperature, a rocky or sandy substrate type associated positively with Bulinus sp, meanwhile a higher water flow rate and medium vegetation negatively influenced the snail intermediate host population. These findings underscore the importance of timing behavioural and snail control interventions against schistosomiasis as well as increase vigilance of other trematode diseases in the study area. The continuous spread of planorbid snail hosts is a major concern.

Association between malaria and undernutrition among pregnant women at presentation for antenatal care in health facilities in the Mount Cameroon region.

In resource limited settings, malaria and undernutrition are major public health problems in pregnancy. Therefore, this study assessed the association between malaria infection and undernutrition among pregnant women in the Mount Cameroon area. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,014 pregnant women consecutively over a year. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and clinical data. Maternal nutrition was assessed using dietary diversity (DD). Peripheral blood samples collected were used for the diagnosis of malaria parasitaemia by microscopy whereas haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined using an Hb meter. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with malaria and dietary diversity. The prevalence of malaria infection and undernutrition was 17.8% and 89.6% respectively. In addition, of those infected with malaria, geometric mean parasite density was 301/μL of blood (range: 40-9280) while mean DD score was 3.57±0.82 (range: 1-7). The odds of being infected with malaria parasitaemia was highest among women enrolled in the rainy season (OR = 1.58, P = 0.043), who were farmers (OR = 2.3, P = 0.030), had a household size of < 4 individuals (OR = 1.48, P = 0.026) and who were febrile (OR = 1.87, P < 0.001). Also, attending clinic visits in Mutengene Medical Centre (OR = 2.0, P = 0.012) or Buea Integrated Health Centre (OR = 2.9, P = < 0.001), being < 25 years (OR = 2.4, P = 0.002) and a farmer (OR = 10.6, P = 0.024) as well as < 4 clinic visits (OR = 1.62, P = 0.039) were identified as predictors of undernutrition. Furthermore, the association between malaria and DD was statistically significant (P = 0.015). In this study, undernutrition was highly frequent than malaria infection. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve maternal awareness through nutritional counselling and health campaigns on the benefits of consuming at least five food groups. Besides, improved maternal dietary nutrient intake is likely to have impact on the burden of malaria parasite infection.

Assessment and characterization of postharvest handling techniques in the value chain of Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense [L.] Merr. & L.M. Perry) in the Mount Cameroon region

Assessment and characterization of postharvest handling techniques in the value chain of Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense [L.] Merr. & L.M. Perry) in the Mount Cameroon region

Sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia, dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) resistance mutations to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, transmission intensity and risk of malaria infection in pregnancy in Mount Cameroon Region

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum resistance to intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) continues to spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the occurrence of microscopic and sub-microscopic P. falciparum parasitaemia, dihydropteroate synthase mutations associated with resistance to SP and maternal anaemia in the Mount Cameroon area.MethodsConsenting pregnant women living in semi-rural and semi-urban/urbanized settings were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, antenatal and clinical data were documented. Microscopic and sub-microscopic parasitaemia were diagnosed using peripheral blood microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. The dhps mutations were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The presence of A437G, K540E, and A581G was considered a marker for high-level resistance. Haemoglobin levels and anaemia status were determined.ResultsAmong the women, the prevalence of microscopic and sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection were 7.7% (67/874) and 18.6% (93/500) respectively. Predictors of microscopic infection were younger age (< 21 years) (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.29–6.46) and semi-rural settings (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.31–3.96). Determinants of sub-microscopic infection were the rainy season (AOR, 3.01; 95% CI 1.77–5.13), primigravidity (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.94) and regular ITN usage (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.27–0.90). Of the145 P. falciparum isolates genotyped, 66.9% (97) carried mutations associated with resistance to SP; 33.8% (49), 0%, 52.4% (76) and 19.3% (28) for A437G, K540E, A581G and A437G + A581G respectively. The A581G mutation was associated with ≥ 3 SP doses evident only among sub-microscopic parasitaemia (P = 0.027) and multigravidae (P = 0.009). Women with microscopic infection were more likely from semi-rural settings (AOR = 7.09; 95% CI 2.59–19.42), to report history of fever (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.07–6.31), to harbour parasites with double resistant mutations (AOR = 6.65; 95% CI 1.85–23.96) and were less likely to have received 2 SP doses (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI 1.07–6.31). Microscopic infection decreased Hb levels more than sub-microscopic infection.ConclusionThe occurrence of sub-microscopic P. falciparum parasites resistant to SP and intense malaria transmission poses persistent risk of malaria infection during pregnancy in the area. ITN usage and monitoring spread of resistance are critical.

Occurrence and nutrient retention of aquatic macrophytes in roadside streams in the Mount Cameroon region

Roadside streams in the Mount Cameroon region are predisposed to nutrient enrichment from different anthropogenic activities carried out around catchment areas. The composition and diversity of aquatic macrophytes in three roadside streams in the MCR, the biomass, and nutrient accumulation of the most abundant aquatic macrophytes in one of the streams were assessed in order to better understand and quantify the benefits accruing from these macrophytes. Vegetation sampling was carried out along the transects at 50 m intervals, within which plots were laid. Quadrats of 1m by 1m were sub-sampled within each plot and all plants were identified and enumerated. Water, sediment, and plant samples were collected and analysed for nutrients using standard procedures (nitrogen and phosphorus). The results show that the aquatic vegetation of the roadside streams is limited to emergent (&gt; 98%) and floating-leaved life forms. A total of 47 aquatic macrophytes from 18 plant families were identified from the 3 studied wetlands in the Mount Cameroon region. Plant taxa with many representative species included Poaceae (8 species), Araceae (6), Acanthaceae (5), and Asteraceae (4). A high Shannon-Wiener diversity was recorded across study sites (H ≥ 2.9) with the highest in Ombe and the least in Bota. P. purpureum showed significantly higher biomass (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the other macrophytes. It had the highest fresh weight and dry weights (FW: 12.8±1.45 kg/m2 and DW: 0.81± 0.11kg/m2) relative to C. benghalensis and I. aquatica.TN content was highest in C. benghalensis (12.92 ± 0.67 g/kg). P. pupureum and I. aquatica didn’t differ significantly in their nitrogen content (P≤ 0.05) while all three species contained high phosphorus concentrations in their above-ground tissues. TP storage was in the order C. benghalensis &gt;P. purpureum&gt;I. aquatica. This suggests that aquatic macrophytes play vital roles in retaining phosphorus and nitrogen hence affecting water quality and nutrient dynamics of these streams. These nutrient-rich plants can be removed from the aquatic system by harvesting and used as fodder to prevent nutrient release into the water column through decomposition after plant dieback.

Occurrence and nutrient retention of aquatic macrophytes in roadside streams in the Mount Cameroon region

Occurrence and nutrient retention of aquatic macrophytes in roadside streams in the Mount Cameroon region

Growth, Yield and Yield Characteristics of Three Pepper Cultivars to Fertilizers Application in the Mount Cameroon Region

This study determined the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of three pepper cultivars in the Mount Cameroon Region. Pepper seedlings were treated with six treatments (T1 = no fertilizers (control), T2 = 250 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T3 = 350 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T4 = 450 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T5 = 20 Mg/ha poultry manure (PM), T6 = 30 Mg/ha PM). The effects of fertilizers had a significant effect on vegetative growth and yield of Capsicum chinense cv. “Big Sun” plants had the maximum plant height (39.09 cm) and mean collar diameter (6.02 mm) in plots treated with poultry manure at 20 Mg/ha (T5) and 30 Mg/ha (T6) respectively. The highest yield (33.63 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum chinense cv. Safi plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure (T6) and the lowest yield (10.44 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum frutescens in control plots (T1). The highest fruit diameter (11.08 mm) and longest fruits (18.39 mm) were observed in Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure. Capsicum frutescens fruits had the highest concentration of N (2.39%), P (0.42%) and K (3.06%). Essential oils analysis shows that there were 179 essential oils from pepper fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Safi, with major essential oil been 3,4-dimethyl-benzaldehyde and main essential oils were alpha Terpinene and alpha Pinene based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun had two-hundred and eight essential oils with major essential oil been 1,3,5-Trimethyl-1-H-pyrazol-4-amine and main essential oils were Caryophyllene oxide and Cymene, based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum frutescens had one-hundred and eighty-one essential oils with major essential oil been Limonene, and main essential oils were Carvacrol and D-limonene with respect to abundance. Results show that 20 Mg/ha poultry manure was the most cost effective in the production of pepper in Buea Cameroon.

Effects of Contrasting Areas of Land Occupation and Housing Types on Malaria Incidence and Severity in Children under Five Years in Bolifamba, Buea

Purpose: Studies relating vector breeding sites, biting cycle and vector competence to malaria incidence in the most vulnerable population of endemic areas of the Mount Cameroon region are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of malaria in children under 5 years in contrasting areas of land occupation in Bolifamba.&#x0D; Methodology: A cohort study design was used. In phase 1, Bolifamba South West Region was stratified in to three zones namely; zone I (Non-swampy/moderately populated), zone II (permanently swampy/highly populated) and zone III (temporally swampy/sparsely populated). Parents filled informed consent forms. A structured questionnaire was used to enroll 752 children under five years. In phase 2, entomological survey, DNA extraction and PCR for molecular form of parasite and infection were employed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Malaria incidence was determined using Poisson regression. Kruskal-wallis test was used to compare malaria incidence and EIR. A Stratified sampling technique was used. A sample size of 752 was determine using a confidence level of 95%, ± 3% margin of error, 50% degree of variability, 95% response rate.&#x0D; Findings: The incidence of malaria in children under five years in Bolifamba was 11.2%. Malaria incidence per zone was: zone I (13.7%), zone II (14.7%) and zone III (5.2%). One thousand and seventy mosquitoes were collected. Anopheles gambiae complex (588) was the only malaria vector found in all Zones. P. falciparum and P. malariae were found in the three zones. The EIR; zone I (2.4), zone II (4.8) and zone III (3.6).&#x0D; Conclusion: Malaria incidence in children under five in contrasting areas differs and plank houses increase malaria incidence. The peak biting period was 1- 2am. Contrasting areas of the same town or village have different parous, infective and entomological inoculation rates.&#x0D; Recommendations: Mass distribution of insecticide treated bed nets to children under five years in Bolifamba by the government. Encourage the population to build block houses with ceilings. Monthly community clean up campaigns organized by each quarter head to drain stagnant water around houses in Bolifamba. Provision of better malaria control measures in order to eradicate malaria in Bolifamba.

Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 gene deletion in the Mount Cameroon region

Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 gene deletion in the Mount Cameroon region

Effect of Altitudinal Gradient and Selected Land-use Systems on the Physicochemical Properties of Soils in the Eastern Flank of Mount Cameroon

The physicochemical properties of soils within the Mount Cameroon region are constantly changing due to their altitudinal gradient and diverse land-use systems. This modification poses a threat to the inhabitants of this area as their livelihood depends on these soils. Information about an impact of altitude and land-use systems on soil physicochemical properties in the eastern flank of Mount Cameroon is scanty and needs investigation. Soil samples, collected from different land-use systems along altitudinal gradients within the Buea zone (older lava flow) and Ekona zone (20th century lava flow), were analysed for their physicochemical properties using standard methods. The relationships among soil properties; altitude and land-use systems were established using correlation analysis and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Sand and clay varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) with altitude. Soils under mixed cropping with legumes had the highest pH values while those under mixed cropping without legumes had the lowest pH values. Calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) dominated the exchange complex. Total nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (OC) ranged from 0.18 % and 1.50 %, respectively in soils under mixed cropping without legumes to 0.81 % and 6.55 %, respectively in soils under fallow land. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) positive correlations between pH and Ca2+, pH and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), pH and moisture content (MC), and Ca2+ and MC. Soils from the Ekona zone located at the leeward side of the mountain and receiving more essential nutrients from the weathering of the young lava flow had a better-quality potential compared to soils from the Buea zone located at the foot of an older lava flow. The Ekona zone could be harnessed for extensive agricultural activities. Management practices should therefore take into account all cultural practices, which enrich soils for sustainable crop production and soil maintenance.

Asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study on altitudinal influence, haematological parameters and risk factors

BackgroundThe Mount Cameroon area has experienced a 57.2% decline in confirmed malaria cases between 2006 and 2013 with the implementation of different control measures but, the disease is still of public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection, altitudinal influence on it, their effect on haematological parameters as well as identify the risk factors of infection.MethodologyA cross-sectional community-based survey involving 1319 children of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy, sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection by 18S mRNA using nested PCR and full blood count analysis was done using an auto haematology analyser.ResultsMalaria parasite, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection and anaemia were prevalent in 36.4%, 34.0%, 43.8% and 62.3% of the children, respectively. The risk of having sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection was highest in children 5‒9 (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and 10‒14 years of age (OR = 8.18, P < 0.001), non-insecticide treated net users (OR = 1.69, P < 0.04) and those anaemic (OR = 9.01, P < 0.001). Children with sub-microscopic infection had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.86 ± 1.7 g/dL, P < 0.001), red blood cell counts (4.48 ± 1.1 × 1012/L, P < 0.001), haematocrit (31.92%, P < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (313.25 ± 47.36, P = 0.035) and platelet counts (280.83 ± 112.62, P < 0.001) than their negative counterparts. Children < 5 years old (73.8%), having asymptomatic (69.8%) and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection (78.3%) as well as resident in the middle belt (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of anaemia than their peers.ConclusionThe meaningful individual-level heterogeneity in the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in addition to its corollary on haematological variables among children in the different attitudinal sites of the Mount Cameroon Region accentuate the need for strategic context specific planning of malaria control and preventative measures.

Boosting fish production in Cameroon: Incorporated fish-rice farming versus earthen pond fish culture in Buea, Mount Cameroon region

Wetland incorporated fish-rice farming (FRF) is a possible solution to the problem of high costs of fish feeds in aquaculture in Cameroon. For 12 weeks, at the University of the Buea (UB) the growth of the fish, Clarias gariepinus in concurrent culture with rice (Oryza sativa, L.) in two rice plots (rice plot 1 and rice plot 2stocking sites) in the University of Buea wetland and in two earthen ponds (fish pond 1 and fish pond 2stocking sites) fed compounded diet at 5% body weight was investigated. Physico-chemical water quality parameters of all the fish culture sites were monitored. Mean fish weight gain was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) in the wetland rice plots (329.21±44.35g) than in the two earthen ponds (30.01±2.84g). Apart from low mean dissolved oxygen values in the rice plot 1 (3.14±1.19 mg/L) and rice plot 2 (2.18±0.23 mg/L), mean values for physico-chemical water quality parameters were within recommended ranges for C. gariepinus growth in all the four culture sites. This FRF experiment proved a better practice in fish growth than the conventional earthen pond culture in Buea, Cameroon. Its adoption by local fish farmers is recommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Wetland integrated fish-rice farming, C gariepinus, earthen pond culture, and fishpond.

Molecular identification of endophytic fungi associated with orchids from Mount Cameroon region

The orchidaceae (orchid family) is the second largest family of flowering plants after the Asteraceae. Orchids are important in herbal medicine, the food industry, perfumery industry and as ornamentals. They rely on mycorrhizal fungi to provide the carbon sources for seed germination and seedling establishment. The Mount Cameroon Region has a rich diversity of orchids which is under threats from land use patterns. This study was aimed at (i) identifying fungi associated with orchid mycorrhiza; and (ii) identifying non-mycorrhizal endophytic fungi. Nine species of orchids were selected for this study, three each from the different life forms. Selection criteria were based on vulnerability, scarcity and abundance. Mycorrhizal and non-myccorrhizal endophytic fungi were isolated from dissected single pelotons and from non-peloton root tissues respectively. Identification of fungi was based on morphological and sequencebased molecular methods. A total of 18 fungi species belonging to 12 genera were identified with Penicillium being the most abundant. The inferred phylogenetic tree grouped all endophytes into 9 major clusters belonging to 2 phyla. Clustering was independent of whether endophytes were mycorrhizal or non-mycorrhizal. The results of this study could contribute to orchid conservation and for the discovery of bioactive compounds.

The bat meat chain and perceptions of the risk of contracting Ebola in the Mount Cameroon region

BackgroundLocal people’s interaction with bats render them vulnerable to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). This paper examines perceptions of risk involved in the hunting, handling, processing and consumption of bat meat in the Mount Cameroon region of Southwest Cameroon. It focuses on the myriad cultural beliefs, gendered patterns of activity and institutional arrangements in which the bat meat production chain is embedded.MethodsWe conducted 30 ethnographic interviews with a sample of purposively selected men and women involved in the bat meat trade. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and inductive analysis was performed on the data.FindingsThe findings suggests that more urban men than villagers and hunters consume bat meat. Different practices and behaviours expose the mostly uneducated, young, single men and women to the risk of Ebola infection depending on their differential level of intervention in the human-bat interaction and value chain linking hunters, sellers and customers. The killing of bats with the mouth during hunting expose hunters (young men) while the preparation of bat carcasses for consumption also put women, (mostly young and unmarried) at risk.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the complexity and nuances of gender, poverty and Ebola outcomes predispose some marginal groups to the risk of infection with zoonotic diseases. There is the need to improve public health intervention and health education among the rural masses in the Mount Cameroon region.

Crustal structure beneath the Mount Cameroon region derived from recent gravity measurements

Crustal structure beneath the Mount Cameroon region derived from recent gravity measurements

Market trends and ethnobotany of orchids of Mount Cameroon

BackgroundThe Orchidaceae are noted for their floral diversity. In the Mount Cameroon Region (MCR), the genus Bulbophyllum is the most represented genus of the entire flora of this region. Despite the large number of different species in Orchidaceae, very little is known and documented about the orchids in Cameroon at large, in the MCR in particular. Orchids are widely used in flower gardens and trade. The aim of this study was to assess the floristic value of the orchids compared with those of other parts of the world and equally assess species which are used in herbal medicines.MethodsThis research was carried out in the MCR and the main flower market in Cameroon. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to vendors, buyers, and cultivators at a ratio of 1:1:1, as well as to herbalists and cultural use indices computed. A total of 107 flower gardens in all gardening localities (07) of the region were sampled.ResultsA total of 66 out of 107 gardens had at least one orchid species. Five orchids which are hybrids cultivated by vegetative propagation are traded as ornamental plants in the MCR. A total of 23 species were used for herbal treatment of certain ailments. The ethnobotanical richness of orchids was scored at 6.86. Ansellia africana had the highest cultural importance index (CI), relative importance index (RI), and the relative use index (RNU) while tradactyle tridactylites had the lowest. It was also found that most orchids were used for clairvoyance that is highly associated with myths or folklore and also for external application.ConclusionThe level of awareness on uses of orchids in the MCR is low. Many people consume orchids mixed with different species of plants for herbal treatment. Orchid trade is used as a part of subsistence by orchid cultivators and vendors.