New research on the microbiome of Dacus vertebratus

Jenipher Tairo, a former AGROVEG project student at Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), has co-authored a recently published paper on the microbiome of the fruit fly Dacus vertebratus, a widespread pest of cucurbits in East Africa. Published in the Journal of Applied Entomology, this research provides the first comprehensive analysis of the bacterial communities associated with this pest. Field experiments were supported through the AGROVEG project, while molecular analyses were conducted with support from the ISeBAF project. This work highlights the lasting impact of these synergetic projects in advancing sustainable agriculture and pest management in the region.