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A two-dimensional Darcy–Forchheimer mathematical model for bioconvection flow with microbial exoprotein activity
(The Academy of Science of South Africa, 2026-01-29) Mpofu, M. A; Dhlamini, M; Ndlovu, A; Chirwa, N. A
Microbes play a pivotal role in heat and mass transfer in boundary layer flow. These microbes are added to nanofluids to promote efficiency and the desired fluid properties. Some microbes excrete exoproteins into the solution, which significantly affect chemical reactions, heat and mass transfer. Based on an extensive literature review, we found no models that consider the existence of exoprotein dynamics when modelling boundary layer flow. In our model, we developed a system of partial differential equations and included exoprotein dynamics. The system of partial differential equations was transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations and then solved numerically using the spectral quasilinearisation method to a high degree of accuracy. Our results show that thermophoresis and the Brownian motion parameters increase the exoprotein concentration. The increase in growth rate, carrying capacity, and exoprotein production rate causes a significant increase in exoprotein production, and eventually, the product increases. The degradation of the exoprotein decreases the product concentration. The increase in the growth rate and the thermophoresis parameters also causes the Nusselt number to increase.
Efficacy of Lippia Javanica Leaf Powder and Combretum Imberbe Wood Ash Against the Larger Grain Borer (Prostephanus Truncatus) in Stored Maize
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-06-26) Chihumbiri, Lorraine Yeukai; Musabayana, Zivanayi; Zhou, Mandhlenkosi; Mathema, Ndabanye; Tembo, Lenon; Zanamwe, Pesanai
Prostephanus truncatus is a major storage pest responsible for substantial maize grain losses. This study evaluated the efficacy of Lippia javanica leaf powder and Combretum imberbe wood ash in controlling P. truncatus in stored maize. The study consisted of two separate trials, each with six treatments, replicated thrice and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments for the first trial consisted of four dosages of L. javanica (2, 4, 6, 8 g) applied to 200 g of maize grain, the untreated control and Actellic Gold Dust. The second trial treatments consisted of four dosages of C. imberbe (2, 4, 6, 8 g) applied to 200 g of maize grain, an untreated control and Actellic Gold Dust. Each experimental unit was infested with 10 adult Prostephanus truncatus, and assessments were conducted at 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. The efficacy of L. javanica leaf powder and C. imberbe in the control of P. truncatus was assessed by determining insect mortality, insect reproduction, mean grain weight loss, and mean grain damage. Both biopesticides significantly (p < 0.05) increased adult insect mortality and suppressed reproduction compared to the untreated control. The highest mortality (90%) was observed at 8 g for both botanicals and reproduction was reduced by 5–85% relative to the control for L. javanica and 10–92% for C. imberbe, depending on dosage. The findings demonstrate that L. javanica and C. imberbe are promising bioinsecticides for maize protection against P. truncatusa especially for smallholder farmers.
Growth and Yield Yesponse of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Var.Capitata ‘Star 3011’) to Different Liquid Organic Manure Types and Their Combinations
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-04-26) Zhou, Mandhlenkosi; Musabayana, Zivanayi; Tembo, Lenon; Mathema, Ndabanye; Zanamwe, Pesanai
The application of organic liquid manures is deemed a viable alternative to the application of inorganic fertilisers in vegetable production. this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different types of liquid manure and their combinations on the growth and yield of cabbage, cultivar Star 3301. the study was conducted during the2020–2021 and 2021–2022 seasons at the Tshaka Maoko Organic Nutrition Garden in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. the experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with nine liquid manure treatments, namely, cattle, poultry, green groundnut, combinations of cattle-poultry, cattle-green groundnut, poultry-green groundnut, cattle-poultry-green groundnut, a negative control and a positive control. liquid manure types and their combinations significantly affected cabbage growth and yield attributes, including days to heading, days to horticultural maturity, head diameter and head weight. the negative control showed the lowest values in all the attributes measured. The combination of cattle-poultry-green groundnut liquid manure showed the best performance and was comparable to the positive control and the poultry-green groundnut liquid manure. Crops treated with these treatments took a short time to form heads and to reach maturity and had heavy and large heads. The single liquid manure treatments showed intermediate performance. Among the single liquid manures, cattle liquid manure was the least effective. It was concluded that combining organic liquid manure, such as a combination of extracts from cattle, poultry and green groundnut, could be used as an alternative to inorganic fertilisers in cabbage production.