Name: Dr. George Ochieng’ Asudi
Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology
Designation: Lecturer
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Area of Specialization: Molecular Biology
Research Interests: Molecular Plant pathogen (phytoplasma, virus), host plant and insect interactions, Chemical Ecology, Use of biocontrols such as parasitoids and intercropping systems to control insect pests,Genetic diversity studies and breeding, Biopesticides/ Bioinnoculants, Artificial intelligence
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8078-3791 0000-0002-8078-3791

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PUBLICATIONS

  • Kosgei JC, Asudi GO, Ombwara FK, Kariuki LW, Rimberia FK. 2025. Evaluation of growth and yield of new papaya (Carica papaya L.) hybrid lines and their performance against Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus-causing disease. Biological Diversity. 2025;1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/bod2.12028
  • Nishimwe, G., Dahlin, A. S., Niyitanga, F., Asudi GO., & Augustino S. (2025). Pre-sowing treatments for a better germination of Myrianthus holstii seeds. Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2024.2419103
  • Kanyora GM, Kegode TM, Kurgat J, Kibogo H, Asudi G, Tanga CM, Ayalew W,Sevgan S, Ndungu N. (2024). Evaluating antibacterial and antioxidant properties of sericin recovered from cocoons of Bombyx mori, Gonometa postica and Samia ricini in Kenya. PLOS One 19(12): e0316259. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316259
  • Adan IH, Asudi GO, Niassy S, Jalloh AA, Mutua JM, Chidawanyika F, Khamis F, Khan Z, Subramanian S, Dubois T, Mutyambai DM. (2024). Comparative microbiome diversity in root-nodules of three Desmodium species used in push-pull cropping system. Frontiers in Microbiology. 15:1395811. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1395811
  • Odeny BA, Asudi GO, Omwenga G, Oduor RO, Karau GM. (2024). Analysis of antibiotics in milk from smallholder farmers from Kenya shows traces above the recommended maximum residue limits. International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology. 9(2): 27-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20240902.12
  • Chepchumba B, Asudi GO, Katana J, Ngayo MO, Khayeli JA. (2024). Isolation of phages against Streptococcus species in the oral cavity for potential control of dental diseases and associated systemic complications. Archives of Microbiology. 206: 175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-024-03897-6
  • Opisa S, Makale F, Nyasani JO, Muvea A, Kabole M, Chacha D, Agboyi LK, Asudi GO, Rehman A; Luke B; Rwomushana I. (2024). Prospects of classical biological control of papaya mealybug in Kenya: Performance of its exotic parasitoid, Acerophagus papayae, under laboratory and field conditions. Crop Protection. 175: 106476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106476
  • Wekesa C, Kiprotich K, Okoth P, Asudi GO, Muoma JO, Furch ACU, Oelmüller R. (2023). Molecular characterization of indigenous rhizobia from Kenyan soils nodulating with common beans. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24, 9509. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119509
  • Mumo NN, Ateka EM, Mamati GE, Rimberia FK, Asudi GO. (2023). Occurrence and distribution of viruses associated with papaya ringspot disease in Kenya. African Journal of Plant Science. 17(10), 100–107.
  • Mutua JM, Mutyambai DM, Asudi GO, Khamis F, Niassy S, Jalloh AA, Salifu D, Magara HJO, Calatayud PA, Subramanian S. (2022). Competitive plant mediated and intraguild predation interactions of the invasive Spodoptera frugiperda and resident stemborers Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus in maize cropping systems in Kenya. Insects. 13(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090790
  • Wekesa C, Asudi GO, Okoth P, Reichelt M, Muoma JO, Furch ACU, Oelmüller R. (2022). Rhizobia contribute to salinity tolerance in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Cells. 11(22), 3628; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11223628
  • Wekesa C, Muoma JO, Reichelt M, Asudi GO, Furch ACU, Oelmüller R. (2022). The cell membrane of a novel Rhizobium phaseoli Strain is the crucial target for aluminium toxicity and tolerance. Cells. 11(5):873. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11050873
  • Mumo NN, Ateka EM, Mamati GE, Rimberia FK, Asudi GO, Machuka EM, Njuguna JN, Stomeo F, Pelle R. (2022). Occurrence of a novel strain of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus infecting pumpkins in Kenya. Plant Disease. 106, 39–45 https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-21-0359-RE
  • Mumo NN, Mamati GE, Ateka EM, Rimberia FK, Asudi GO, Boykin LM, Machuka EM, Njuguna JN, Pelle R, Stomeo F (2021). Occurrence of a different strain of Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus infecting pumpkins intercropped with MWMV infected papaya. Plant Disease. PDIS-02-21-0359-RE. Accepted
  • Asudi GO, Omenge KM, Paulmann MK, Reichelt M, Grabe V, Mithöfer A, Oelmüller R, Furch ACU. 2020. The physiological and biochemical effects on Napier grass plants following Napier grass stunt phytoplasma infection. Phytpathology.  https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-08-20-0357-R
  • Mumo NN, Mamati GE, Ateka EM, Rimberia FK, Asudi GO, Boykin LM, Machuka EM, Njuguna JN, Pelle R, Stomeo F (2020). Metagenomic analysis of plant viruses associated with papaya ringspot disease in Carica papaya L. in Kenya. Front. Microbiol.11:205. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.00205    
  • Shikorire TJ, Asudi GO, Ng’ang’a MM, Kirubi G, Hassanali A (2019). Analysis of emission profiles from charcoal produced from different tree species by different pyrolysis methods.  Int. J. Environ. Sci. Tech. DOI: 10.1007/s13762-019-02220-x
  • Nishimwe G, Kosgei JC, Okoth EM, Asudi GO, Rimberia FK (2019). Evaluation of the morphological and quality characteristics of new papaya hybrid lines in Kenya. Afri. J. Biotechnol. 18(2), pp. 58 – 67. DOI: 10.5897/AJB2018.16697
  • Asudi G.O, 2018. The dynamics of Napier grass stunt phytoplasma in East Africa. Endocytobiosis Cell Res. Minireview 29:13–17.
  • Wamalwa NIE, Midega CAO, Ajanga S, Omukunda NE, Ochieno MWD, Muyekho FN, Asudi G.O,  Mulaa M, Khan ZR, 2017. Screening Napier grass accessions for resistance to Napier Stunt Disease using the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification of DNA. Crop Prot. 98: 61–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2017.02.005
  • Asudi GO, Van den Berg J, Midega CAO, Schneider B, Seemüller E, Pickett JA, Khan ZR.  2016. Detection, identification and significance of phytoplasmas in wild grasses in East  Africa. Plant Dis. 100(1), 108-115. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-14-1173-RE
  • Asudi GO, Midega CAO, Van den Berg J, Pickett JA, Khan ZR. 2016. The significance of Napier grass stunt phytoplasma and its transmission to cereals and sugarcane. J. Phytopathol. 164, 378–385. doi: 10.1111/jph.12465
  • Asudi GO, Van den Berg J, Midega CAO, Pittchar J, Pickett JA, Khan ZR, 2015. Napier grass stunt disease in East Africa: farmers’ perspectives on disease management. Crop Prot. 71, 116-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2015.02.008
  • Ombwara FK, Asudi GO, Rimberia FK, Ateka EM, Wamocho LS, 2014. The distribution and prevalence of papaya ring spot virus in Kenyan papaya. Acta Hort (ISHS). 1022, 119-124.
  • Asudi GO, Ombwara FK, Rimberia FK, Nyende AB, Ateka EM, Wamocho LS, 2013. Evaluating diversity among Kenyan papaya germplasm using simple sequence repeat markers. AJFAND. 13, 7307-7324.
  • Asudi GO, Ombwara FK, Rimberia FK, Nyende AB, Ateka EM, Wamocho LS, Shitanda D, Onyango A, 2010. Morphological diversity of Kenyan papaya germplasm. Afri. J. Biotechnol. 9, 8754-8762

 Book chapter

  1. Asudi G.O., Muyekho F.N., Midega C.A.O., Khan Z.R. (2019) Integrated Management of Napier Grass Stunt Disease in East Africa. In: Olivier C., Dumonceaux T., Pérez-López E. (eds) Sustainable Management of Phytoplasma Diseases in Crops Grown in the Tropical Belt. Sustainability in Plant and Crop Protection, vol 12. Springer, Cham https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-29650-6_5

Articles in conference proceedings

  • Asudi GO, Ombwara FK, Rimberia FK, Nyende AB, Ateka EM, Wamocho LS, Shitanda D, Onyango A, 2010. Morphological characterization of Kenyan papaya germplasm (Carica papaya L.). Acta Hort. (ISHS) 911:383-390.
  • Asudi GO, Ombwara FK, Rimberia FK, Nyende AB, Wamocho LS and Ateka EM. Collection and documentation of Papaya germplasm in Kenya Second RUFORUM Biennial Meeting 20 - 24 September 2010, Entebbe, Uganda