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    About Dr. Edith Esther Arunga

    Dr. Edith Esther Arunga

    Current position: Senior Lecturer & Director, Academic Quality Assurance

    Office E-mail: arunga.esther@embuni.ac.ke

    Research Interests: My research interest is on development of improved cultivars for enhanced food security. Specific interest on using genomic tools for germplasm characterization and breeding. I have experience on evaluation of germplasm, germplasm selection, multilocation testing of improved cultivars/lines, and biometrical analyses of quantitative traits. I have researched on common bean (dry and French bean), groundnuts (peanut) and tomatoes among other crops.

    Teaching Interest: Plant breeding, Plant biotechnology, Plant genetics, Plant pathology, Crop production

    Previous Position Held and Accomplishment:

    2013-2020: Lecturer, University of Embu, Kenya.

    Achievements

    • Teaching undergraduate and post-graduate courses

    • Won one research grant at the University of Embu, equipped a research lab and established one greenhouse and a plant disease screening house

    • Organized a two-week workshop for plant breeding students

    • Organized several workshops and training on higher education teaching and learning

    • Developed French bean breeding lines that are resistant to multiple diseases

    • Supervised to completion 4 Masters students and one 1 PhD

    • Externally and internally examined more than ten graduate theses

    • Attended various workshops and conferences on higher education teaching and learning

    • Attended various scientific workshops and conferences

    • Trained as an auditor for the Information Security Management System

    2010-2013: Assistant Lecturer, Chepkoilel University College, Kenya.

    Achievements

    • Won two grants in Chepkoilel University College and collaborated in one grant with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation

    • Conducted multi-location testing of improved French bean lines

    • Taught undergraduate courses

    September 2005-August 2006: Pack house supervisor, Mayflower K. Limited, Naivasha, Kenya.

    Achievements

    Supervised the production, packaging and dispatch of ornamental propagation material.

    May-August 2005: Greenhouse Supervisor, Lake Flowers K. Limited, Naivasha, Kenya.

    Achievements

    Supervised propagation of roses, pest and disease scouting, harvesting and transportation.

  • Publications

    Latest Publications

    Dr. Edith Esther Arunga Publications

    1. Parker, T.A., Cetz, J., de Sousa, L.L., Kuzay, S., Lo, S., Floriani, T.d.O., Njau, S., Arunga, E.E., Duitama, J., Jernstedt, J., Myers, J.R., Llaca, V., Herrera-Estrella, A. and Gepts, P. (2022). Loss of pod strings in common bean is associated with gene duplication, retrotransposon insertion and overexpression of PvIND. New Phytol. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18319

    2. Kamiri, A.K., Arunga, E.E., Rotich, F. & Otsyula, R. (2021). Response of French bean genotypes to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and evaluation of their resistance using SCAR markers. African Journal of Biotechnology, 20(2): 51-65.

    3. Wasonga, M. A., Arunga, E.E., Neondo, J. O., Muli, J. K., Kamau, P. K., & Budambula, N. L. (2020). A hybridization technique for orphan legumes: development of an artificial interspecific pollination protocol for Crotalaria Spp. Journal of Crop Improvement, 35(2), 264-275.

    4. Nderitu, P.W., Jonsson, M., Arunga, E.E., Otieno, M., Jamleck Muturi, J., & Wafula, G. O. (2020). Combining Host Plant Resistance, Selective Insecticides, and Biological Control Agents for Integrated Management of Tuta absoluta. Advances in Agriculture, https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6239491.

    5. Arunga, E.E., & Odikara, O. S. (2020). Characterization of Kenyan French Bean genotypes into gene pool affiliations using allele specific markers. African Journal of Biotechnology, 19(9), 653-660.

    6. Ndwiga, B. W., Arunga, E.E. & Ng’etich, F.K. (2019). Economic Assessment of Napier Grass Production Using Different Fertilizer Combinations under Smallholder Farming Conditions in the Central Highlands of Kenya. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 29(5), 1-6.

    7. Kiptoo, G. J., Arunga, E.E., & Kimno, S. K. (2018). Evaluation of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties for Resistance to Anthracnose. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 27(4), 1-7.

    8. Nderitu, P.W., Muturi, J. J., Otieno, M., Arunga, E.E., & Mattias, J. (2018). Tomato Leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) prevalence and farmer management practices in Kirinyanga County, Kenya. Journal of Entomology and Nematology, 10(6), 43-49.

    9. Miller, T., Gepts, P., Kimno, S., Arunga, E.E., Chilagane, A.L., Nchimbi-Msolla, S., Namusoke, A., Namayanja, A., Rezene, T.Y. (2018). Alternative markers linked to the Phg-2 angular leaf spot resistance locus in common bean using the Phaseolus genes marker database. African Journal of Biotechnology 17(26):818-828.

    10. Rezene Y., Tesfaye, K., Mukankusi, C. Arunga, E.E. & Gepts, P. (2018). Simple and rapid detached leaf technique for screening common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in vitro against angular leaf spot (Pseudocercospora griseola) disease. African Journal of Biotechnology 17(35):1076-1081.

    11. Mogita, G.W., Ochuodho, J.O., Gohole, L.S., Arunga, E.E.& Makumba, B. (2017). Incidence of bean anthracnose in Western Kenya and its management using aqueous extract of Aloe vera. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology 3: 6-12.

    12. Kimno, S.K., Kiplagat, O.K., Arunga, E.E., and Chepkoech, E. (2016). Evaluation of Selected French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Angular Leaf Spot (Pseudocercospora griseola) in Western Kenya. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture 13(4): 1-6.

    13. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J.O., Kinyua, M.G., Owuoche, J.O. and Chepkoech, E. (2015). Genetic diversity of determinate French beans grown in Kenya based on morpho-agronomic and simple sequence repeat variation. Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science. 7(8):240-250.

    14. Chepkoech E., Kinyua M., Kiplagat O., Arunga, E.E. and Kimno S. (2015). Genetic Diversity of Cassava Mutants, Hybrids and Landraces using Simple Sequ ence Repeat Markers. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture. 5(4): 287-294.

    15. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J.O., Kinyua, M.G, Chepkoech and Karanja, D.K. (2013). Screening for bean rust resistance in French bean grown in Kenya. International Journal of Agribusiness, Innovations and Rural development 1:15-26.

    16. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J.O., Kinyua, M.G. and Owuoche, J.O. (2012). Characterization of Uromyces appendiculatus isolates collected from snap bean growing areas in Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research 7: 5685-5691.

    17. Arunga, E.E., Van Rheenen H.A and Owuoche J. O. (2010). Diallel analysis of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties for important traits. African Journal of Agricultural Research 5(15):1951-1957.

  • Conferences

    Conferences and Workshop presentation

    Conferences and Workshop presentations

    1. Nderitu W. P., Wafula, G.O., Otieno, M., Muturi, J.J. & Arunga E. (2019). Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta Absoluta) Incidence and Severity in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. In: Muange, E., Wekesa, D. and Mbithe, D.S. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on Supporting Green Growth and Knowledge Economy through Research, Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development (pp 73–82). Machakos University, Machakos, Kenya.

    2. Odikara, S. and Arunga, E.E. (2019). Characterization of French Beans Based on Phaseolin Protein and Indel Spanning Molecular Markers. Paper presentation in the 13th Multidisciplinary International Conference held on 19th–21st June 2019, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya. Conference Theme: “Transformational Leadership, Innovation and Technology Transfer for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries”.

    3. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J., Woyengo, V.W. & Owuoche, J. (2018). Incidence and Prevalence of Groundnut Diseases in Western Kenya. Presentation at the 3rd Kibabii University International Conference, 12th – 14th June.

    4. Arunga, E.E., Eleba, W., Danso, K. and Obare, J.I. (2014). Sensitivity of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) to Gamma Irradiation and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate. Presentation on the 2nd Technical University of Kenya- Science Technology Innovation Research Conference: Nairobi, 24th to 27th June.

    5. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J.O., Kinyua, M.G. and Owuoche, J.O. (2012). Characterization of Uromyces appendiculatus isolates collected from snap bean growing areas in Kenya. Poster presentation at IV international Conference on Legume Genetics and Genomics Conference, Hyderabad, India. 2nd – 7th October.

    6. Arunga, E.E., Ochuodho, J.O., Kinyua, M.G, Chepkoech and Karanja, D.K. (2012). Screening for bean rust resistance in French bean grown in Kenya. Paper presented at the Mount Kenya University First Annual Academic Conference and Agricultural Field Day, Kitale Kenya. 26th – 28th September.

    7. Arunga, E.E., Kinyua, G. M. and Ochuodho, O. J. (2010). Application of Scar Markers for Breeding against Bean Rust in French bean. Paper presented at the Moi University 6th Annual International Conference, Eldoret, Kenya. 7th – 11th September.

    8. Arunga, E.E., Rao, B.S., Omega, B. and Rheenen, H.A. van (2008). Multilocational Trials of Advanced French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Breeding Material. Proceedings of 4th Annual International Conference, Moi University pp 21-27.

    9. Arunga, E.E., Angima, R. and Rheenen, H.A. van (2008). The Effect of Location on Seed Quality of French bean (phaseolus vulgaris). Paper presented at the Moi University 4th Annual International Conference, Eldoret, Kenya. 29th – 1st July.

    Workshop presentation

    1. Gepts, P., Rezene, Y., Otsyula, R., Nchimbi-Msolla, S., Namayanja, A., Mukankusi, C., Kabeja, A. & Arunga, E. (2015). Integration of marker-assisted selection for multiple disease resistance into East African bean breeding programs. Presentation in the Common Bean Disease Workshop on Angular Leaf Spot and Root Rots, Skukuza, South Africa - 20th – 24th July 2015.

    2. Arunga, E.E and Stephen, K.K. (2015). Introgression of angular leaf spot resistance to French beans adapted to Kenyan environment using molecular markers. Poster presentation at the Common Bean Disease Workshop on Angular Leafspot and Root Rot, Skukuza, South Africa, 20th -23rd July.

    Speaking engagements

    Arunga, E.E.(2015). Snap bean Breeding in Kenya. Invited presentation in the workshop on Identification of Broad Resistance sources to anthracnose and rust in common bean and resistance gene tagging using SNP markers, Kampala, Uganda, 23-27th March 2015.

  • Grants/ongoing projects

    Grants/ongoing projects

    Grants/Ongoing projects:

    2013 – 2021: Research Grant Title: Marker-Assisted Breeding for Multiple Disease Resistance in Market-Class French Beans in Kenya. Funding Organization: Kirkhouse Trust.

    2012-2015: Research Grant Title: Identification of broad resistance sources to anthracnose and rust in common bean and resistance gene tagging using SNP markers. Funding Organization: Africa-Brazil Agricultural Innovation Marketplace.

    2012-2015: Research Grant Title: Groundnut innovations and groundnut rosette disease to improve livelihoods of Kenyan farmers. Funding Organization: National Commission for Science, technology and innovation, Women innovations.

  • Accounts

    Accounts

    ORCiD number

    Google Scholar profile

    Affiliate organization - WARM

    Affiliate organization - KIRK HOUSE TRUST

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