Bio

Dr. Peter Muturi Wachira

I am currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, teaching Microbiology and specifically in Mycology. I have published on soil fungi as biological control organisms, mycorrhiza and other related topics as well as supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate students.
My research interests are:
i. Laboratory biosafety and biosecurity
ii. Soil biodiversity monitoring and evaluation
iii. Sustainable use of soil biodiversity for crop productivity
iv. Mushroom production
v. Microbial characterization of soil inoculants (bio-fertilizers)

PDF Upload: 
application/pdf iconcurriculum_vitae_dr._wachira.pdf

(Last updated: January 10, 2018)

Publications

2021

N, NC, M WP, N MJ, Okoth S, P M.  2021.  Characterization and pathogenicity of symbiotic bacteria associated with entomopathogenic nematode: Steinernema species KALRO. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation. 2 (4):1-13.
N, NC, M WP, N MJ, Okoth S, P M.  2021.  Characterization and pathogenicity of symbiotic bacteria associated with entomopathogenic nematode: Steinernema species KALRO. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation. 2 (4):1-13.
Ngugi, CN, Wachira PM, Mbaka JN, Okoth S, Haukeland S, Thuranira EG.  2021.  Characterization and Pathogenicity Test of Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema Species-Kalro . Journal of Agricultural Science. 13(3):93-101.
Wakhungu, CN, Okoth S, Wachira P, N.A O.  2021.  Mycotoxins contaminating herbs and spices in Africa: A review. African Journal of Biological Sciences. 3(3):10-28..

2019

Ngugi, CN, Haukeland S, Wachira PM, Mbaka JN, Okoth.S.  2019.  Morphometrics and morphological characterization of entomopathogenic nematode isolate TK1 from Kenya. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch. 4(2):80-90.
Ngugi, CN, Haukeland S, Wachira PM, Mbaka JN, Okoth.S.  2019.  Morphometrics and morphological characterization of entomopathogenic nematode isolate TK1 from Kenya. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch. 4(2):80-90.

2018

Ngugi, CN, Mbaka, JN., Wachira PM, Okoth S.  2018.  Laboratory screening for infectivity of selected indigenous Entomopathogenic nematode isolates on Tuta absoluta in Kenya. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch. 3 (6 ):10-25.
Njuguini, SK, Muchane MN, Wachira P, Okoth S, Muchane M, Saado H.  2018.  . Effect of land use on the diversity of macrofungi in Kereita forest Kikuyu escarpment, Kenya. Current Research in Environmental & Applied Mycology. Volume 8 (2 ):254–281.

2017

Ng’ang’a, TM, Wachira PM, Wango TJL, Ndung’u JM, Ndungo MN.  2017.  Geospatial Digital Rights Management: Challenge to Global Spatial Data Infrastructure. Volunteered Geographic Information and the Future of Geospatial Data. , London: IGI Global.
Mwathi, ZM, Muiru WM, Kimenju JW, Wachira P.  2017.  Evaluation of bio-wastes for multiplication of Paecilomyces lilacinus. International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research. 10 (6):1-5.
Njoki, LM, Okoth SA, Wachira PM.  2017.  Effects of Medicinal Plant Extracts and Photosensitization on Aflatoxin Producing Aspergillus flavus (Raper and Fennell). International Journal of Microbiology. :Pages9doi:10.1155/2017/5273893.
Boaz, N, Wachira P, Kagot V, Okoth S.  2017.  Susceptibility of locally cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) varieties to aflatoxin accumulation in Homa Bay County, Kenya. African Journal of Microbiology Research. Vol. 11(33 ):1329-1337.

2016

Maina, PK, Wachira PM, Okoth SA, Kimenju JW.  2016.  Cultural, Morphological and Pathogenic Variability among Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli Causing Wilt in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
Maina, PK, P. M. Wachira, Okoth SA, Kimenju JW, Mwangi JM.  2016.  Co-occurrence and Diversity of Soil Trichoderma and Fusarium species from Different Land Use Intensities in Machakos County, Kenya. ACRI. 4(1):1-13.
Njunge, LW, Wachira PM, Okoth SA.  2016.  Enhancement of Colonisation of Soybean Roots by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Using Vermicompost and Biochar. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 5(3):71-78.

2015

Maina, PK, Wachira PM, Okoth SA, Kimenju JW.  2015.  Distribution and Diversity of Indigenous Trichoderma species in Machakos County, Kenya. British Microbiology Research Journal. 9(4):1-15.
Wachira, PM, Muindi JN, Okoth SA.  2015.  Survey of Nematode Destroying Fungi from Selected Vegetable Growing Areas in Kenya.. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.. 4(4):159-164.
Karanja, LW, Wachira PM, Muthomi JW, Phiri NA, Mutegi CK, Kanampiu F, J.M.Wagacha, Nzioka HS, Gikaru AK, Mahuku G, Karanja DK, Otieno W.  2015.  Influence of weather on the incidence of aflatoxigenic fungi at pre-harvest stage of maize value chain in Makueni, Kenya, 27th May. African Symposium on Mycotoxicology. , Livingstone , Zambia
Wachira, PM, Kimenju JW, Otipa M.  2015.  Change in Diversity and Abundance of Nematode Destroying Fungi in Land Use under Irrigation in Selected Small Scale Irrigation Schemes in Kenya. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. . 4(1 ):7-13..
Maina, PK, Wachira PM, Okoth SA, Kimenju JW, Otipa M, Kiarie JW.  2015.  . Effects of Land-Use Intensification on Distribution and Diversity of Fusarium Species in Machakos County, Kenya. . Journal of Agricultural Science. 7(4):48-60.

2014

Ng’ang’a, TM, Wachira PM, Kimenju JW, Wango TJ, Matheri JN.  2014.  Solid Waste Dumping Site Selection Using GIS and Remote Sensing for Kajiado County, Kenya. . Journal of Earth Science and Engineering. 4(2014):693-702.
Nyaga, P. N., Jefwa, J., Muthuri, C, Okoth, S.A, Matiru, V, Wachira P.  2014.  Influence of soil fertility amendment practices on ex-situ utilisation of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and performance of maize and common bean in Kenyan highlands. Tropical and Subtropical Agro ecosystems . 17:129–141.
Wachira, PM, Kimenju JW, Okoth SA, Kiarie JW.  2014.  Conservation and Sustainable Management of Soil Biodiversity for Agricultural Productivity . Sustainable Living with Environmental Risks. , Japan: Springer
Wachira, PM, and J. W. Kimenju, Okoth SA, Wangu JW, Ng’ang’a TM.  2014.  Effect of land use on abundance and diversity of nematode destroying fungi and soil nematodes in Embu County, Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Science. 6(5):132–141.
Kimenju, JW, Maundu JN, Muiru WM, Wachira PM, Gichuru EK.  2014.  Reaction of Selected Coffee Germplasm to Root-Knot Nematodes in Kenya. Journal of Natural Sciences Research. 4(3):68–75.
Maundu, JN, Kimenju JW, Muiru WM, Wachira PM, Gichuru EK.  2014.  Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated With Coffee in Kenya and Factors Influencing their Occurrence, Abundance and Diversity. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare. 4(3):120–129.
Kimenju, JW, Wachira PM, Lang'at JK, Otieno W, Mutua GK.  2014.  Evaluation of selected methods in the control of plant parasitic nematodes infecting carnation.. Journal of Agricultural Science. 6(3 ):31-38.

2013

Wachira, P.M, Kimenju, J.W, Mwaniki, S.W, Gathaara, V. N, Ndiritu, M. M.  2013.  Incidence of Pests and Diseases Affecting Banana in a Commercial Banana Production Setting in Kenya, 3 - 6th Dec.2013. 13th Workshop on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics. , Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), Meru
Karanja, N.K, Wachira, P.M, Muthomi, J.W, Phiri, I.K., Mutegi, C.K, Nzioki, H.S, Gikaru, A.K, Kanampiu F, Wagacha, J.M.  2013.  Use of geographical information system to determine incidence of Aspergillus section flavi in different soils in Kaiti, Kenya. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal.
Wachira, P.M, Kimenju, J.W, Okoth, S.A, Kiarie J.W.  2013.  Diversity of nematodes and nematode destroying fungi as influenced by land use in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Science. Journal of Agricultural Science . 5(12):154-161.
Wachira, P.M, Kimenju, J.W, Kiarie J.W, Kihurani, A.W, Mwaniki SW.  2013.  Occurrence and diversity of nematode destroying fungi in banana production zones in Maragua. Journal of Agricultural Science . 5(12):180–186..

2012

Wachira, P.M, Okoth, S.A, Kimenju, J.W, Mibey, R. K, Kiarie, J.W.  2012.  Restoration of natural regulatory mechanisms of plant parasitic nematodes in agricultural systems, 22 - 26 Oct. International Conference ‘Integrated Fertility Management in Africa: From Microbes to Markets. , Safari Park Hotel, Naiorbi
Karanja, N.K, Wachira, P.M, Muthomi, J.W, Phiri, I.K., Mutegi, C.K, Nzioki, H.S, Gikaru, A.K, Kanampiu.  2012.  Use of geographical information system to determine incidence of Aspergillus section flavi in different soils in Kaiti, Kenya, 22 - 26 Oct. 13th ARI Conference: Agricultural innovation system for improved productivity and competitiveness in pursuit of vision 2030”. , KARI HQs
Wachira P.M, Kimenju J, Kiarie J, Mwaniki S.  2012.  Diversity of nematode destroying fungi in banana-based farming systems in Maragua, Kenya, 5th Dec. 2012. 12th Workshop on sustainable horticultural productions in the tropics. , Bondo University College, Bondo - Kenya
Jefwa J.M, Okoth S, Wachira P.M, Karanja N.K, Kahindi J.K, Njuguini S. K, Ichami S, Mung'atu J, Okoth P, Huising J.  2012.  Impact of land use types and farming practices on occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Taita-Taveta district in Kenya.. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Enviroment. 157:32-39.
Ayuke F.A, Karanja N.K, J.J O, Wachira P.M, Mutua G.K, Lelei D. K, Gachene K.K.  2012.  Agrobiodiversity and potential use for enhancing soil health . Tropical Soils of Africa. , London: Soils and Food Security

2011

Wachira, P.M, Okoth, S.A.  2011.  Effect of Soil fertility management practices on nematode edstroying fungi in Taita, Kenya. Tropical and Subtropical Agro ecosystems. 13(1):51-57.
Wepukhulu M, Kimenju J, Anyango B, Wachira P.M, G.K K.  2011.  Effect of soil fertility manangement practices and Bacillus subtilis on plant parasitic nematodes associated with common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris.. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystem. 13(1):27-34.

2009

Kimenju, J.W, Karanja, N.K, Mutua, G.K, Mugambi, R, Wachira, P.M.  2009.  Nematode community Structure as influenced by land use and intensity of cultivation. Tropical and Subtropical Agro ecosystems. 11(2):353-360.
Wachira, P.M, Mibey, R. K, Okoth, S.A, Kimenju, J.W, Kiarie, J.W.  2009.  Diversity of nematode destroying fungi in Taita Taveta, Kenya.. Fungal Ecology. 2(2):60-65.

UoN Websites Search