Tittle/Qualifications:  PhD
Department: Agricultural Science and Technology
Mailing address: Official: P.O. Box 43844 Postcode 00100 Nairobi
Mailing address: Private: P.O. Box 724 Postcode 00232 Ruiru
E-mail: (private) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; (office) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ;
Telephone: +254710860550
Position: Associate Professor and Director, Innovations Incubation and University Industry Linkages.
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION: Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Crop Protection,
RESEARCH INTERESTS: Bacterial Crop Pathogens, Horticulture, Seed Systems, IPM
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bcWe8CoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4136-8963

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Research Publications

Refereed Journal Papers

• Joseph Mulema  · Roger Day  · Winnie Nunda · Komivi Senyo Akutse  · Anani Y. Bruce  · Sospeter Gachamba  · Solveig Haukeland · Ruth Kahuthia‑Gathu · Staline Kibet  · Asenath Koech · Thomas Kosiom  · Douglas Watuku Miano  · George Momanyi · Lucy Kananu Murungi  · James Wanjohi Muthomi · Julianna Mwangi · Maina Mwangi · Nicholas Mwendo · John Huria Nderitu · Johnson Nyasani · Miriam Otipa · Sarah Wambugu · Eric Were  · Fernadis Makale  · Laura Doughty  · Steve Edgington  · Ivan Rwomushana  · Marc Kenis, 2022. Prioritization of invasive alien species with the potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Kenya through horizon scanning. Biol Invasions, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02824-4
• Andrew M. Nuwamanya, Steven Runo, Maina Mwangi, 2022. In-vitro sensitivity of Alternaria solani isolates to azoxystrobin and difenoconazole fungicides in Kenya and detection of Cyt b mutations associated with azoxystrobin resistance. Crop Protection 158 (2022) 106010.
• Nyang’au, Douglas, Atandi, Janet, Cortada, Laura, Nchore, Shem, Maina, Mwangi and Coyne, Danny, 2021. Abundance and distribution of plant parasitic nematodes on bananas (musa ) in Kenya, in relation to altitude and with a focus on the pathogenicity of Pratylenchus goodeyi. Nematology Journal. https://brill.com/view/journals/nemy/24/2/article-p137_2.xml
• Nuwamanya Andrew, Maina Mwangi, Steve Runo, 2022. Farmers’ perceptions on tomato early blight, fungicide use factors and awareness on fungicide resistance: Insights from a field survey in Kenya. PLOSONE. Paper Number PONE-D-22-01550R1.
• Matheri et al., 2022. Composition, structure, and functional shifts of prokaryotic communities in response to co-composting of various nitrogenous green feedstocks. Accepted for publication in BMC Microbiology.
• N. Kariuki, J.W. Waceke and M. Mwangi, 2021. Efficacy of Selected Local Fungal Isolates in the Management of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Kenya. Plant Pathology Journal 20: 41 – 53. DOI: 10.3923/ppj.2021.41.53
• Mwasame E. N., Maina. M., Taracha C. and Karanja J., 2021. Incidence Of Potentially Toxigenic Fungi And Aflatoxin In Maize (Zea mays) Infected By Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease In Bomet, Narok And Nakuru Counties Of Kenya. Researchjournali’s Journal of Agriculture Vol. 8, No. 2 February , 2021
• Kanyua Stella, Mwangi Maina and Mbaka Jesca, 2020. Identification ofRalstonia solanacearum resistant rootstocks for tomato grafting. Journal of Animal and Plants Sciences Volume 43 (Issue 3): 7452-7457. March 2020. .https://doi.org/10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v43-3.1.
• Kanyua Stella, Mwangi Maina and Mbaka Jesca, 2020.Compatibility and performance of susceptible tomato cultivars grafted onto bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) resistant rootstock. Journal of Applied Biosciences 147: 15100 – 15107. https://doi.org/10.35759/JABs.v147.3
• Ndalo Victor, Ruth Gathu and Maina Mwangi. Prevalence of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Chemical Management in Loitoktok, Kajiado County, Kenya. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.9, No.22, 2019.
• Ndalo Victor Gathu R. K Maina M, 2019. Population Growth of Tomato Leaf Miner Moth (Tuta Absoluta) within Loitokitok Kajiado County-Kenya. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.9, No.22, 2019.
• Olivier Dayou, Maina Mwangi, Andrew Ogolla Egesa, Peter Munyao Muteti and Careen Ihazano Chumba, 2018. Application of molecular and biotechnological techniques in plant disease management: A review. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 17(31), pp. 938-948, 1 August, 2018 DOI: 10.5897/AJB2018.16532 Article Number: 16CFC7C58035.
• Fiona Mwaniki, Charity Gichuki, Maina Mwangi, Pamela Mburia, Benson O. Wandago, 2017. Addressing challenges in communicating adaptation practices to smallholder farmers in Kenya through a radio intervention. Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development - JAEID 2017, 111 (2): 279 – 322. DOI: 10.12895/jaeid.20172.58.
• Mwangi, A. Egesa and F. Matheri, 2017. Strategies to increase strawberry competitiveness among fruit growers, marketers and consumers in Kenya. Acta Hortic. 1156: 921 - 927. ISHS 2017. DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1156.136.
• Grace J. Chirchir, Maina Mwangi, Desterio O. Nyamongo and Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango, 2017. Effects of genotype and agro-ecological conditions on storability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed. Tropical Plant Research 4(1) 126 – 133. DOI: 10.22271/tpr.2017.v4.i1.019
• Grace Chirchir, Maina Mwangi, D.O. Nyamongo, Joseph Gweyi, 2016. Soybean: An Assessment of Varieties Grown, Seed Sources and Farmsaved Seed Management Practices in Meru South Sub-County, Kenya. Elixir Agriculture 98: 42471 – 42475.
• Grace Chirchir, Maina Mwangi, D.O. Nyamongo, Joseph Gweyi, 2016. Soybean farm-saved seed viability and vigor as Influenced by agroecological conditions of Meru South Sub-county, Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences 101: 9634 – 9642. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v101i1.7
• Peter Mwirigi, Maina Mwangi, and Joseph Gweyi-Onyango, 2016. Agronomic Management of Yellow Passion Fruit Among Farmers In Mbeere Sub-County, Kenya. African Journal of Horticultural Sciences 10: 1 – 13.
• A. C., Maina M. Nyairo N. M., Ramaswamy B., 2016. Assessment of profit efficiency among sweet yellow passion fruit farmers in Mbeere south Embu county, Kenya. Journal of Plant and Animal sciences 27(3): 4305 – 4314.
• Egesa Ogolla, Njau, P. Mwirigi, C. Muui, Korir Kibet,, M. Mwangi, 2016. Climate change effects on rainfall patterns and its implications on sorghum and millet production in Kenya: A review. International Journal of Science and Technoledge 4(8): 44-52.
• James K. Mutura, Newton Nyairo, Maina Mwangi and Stephen K. Wambugu, 2016. Analysis of Determinants of Vertical and Horizontal Integration among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya. International Journal of Agricultural and Food Research [IJAFR] ISSN 1929-0969 Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 1-13. (2016)
• James K. Mutura, Newton Nyairo, Maina Mwangi and Stephen K. Wambugu, 2016. Analysis of Integration among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya. International Journal of Business and Management 4(2): 57 – 64.
• N. Marigi, J.O. Masanga, T.L.Munga, L.S. Karanja, M.P. Ngugi, W.M. Thagana, D. Kirubi, M. Mwangi, C.M. Githunguri, W.M. Muiru, D.W. Miano and  R.O. Oduor, 2016. Optimisation of  a  somatic  embryogenesis  and  transformation protocol  for  farmer-preferred  cassava  cultivars  in Kenya. African Crop Science Journal 24: 35 – 44. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v24i1.4S
• Matheri F, Mwangi M, Runo S, Ngugi M, Kirubi DT, Fred Teya, Mawia AM, Kioko FW, and Kamau DN., 2016. Phenotypic Characterization of Selected Kenyan Purple and Yellow Passion Fruit Genotypes Based on Morpho-Agronomic Descriptors. Advances in Crop Science and technology 4 (4): 1000226. 5 pp. DOI: 10.4172/2329-8863.1000226. 
• Felix Matheri, Fred Teya, Festus Kioko, Amos Musyoki Mawia, Maina Mwangi, Duncan T Kirubi, Mathew Ngugi and Steven Runo, 2016. Genotyping of Kenyan Passiflora Edulis Flavicarpa Hybrid Accessions and their Parents using SSR Markers. Vegetos –An International Journal of Plant Research 29(4). doi:4172/2229-4473.1000181, 4pp.
• Matheri F, Nyamai D, Ngugi MP, Runo S, Njuguna JK, Mwangi M and Kirubi DT., 2016. Phenotyping of Selected Kenyan Passiflora edulis Varieties and Their Hybrids Based on Quantitative Morpho-agronomic Traits. Journal of Horticulture 3(3): 1-4. DOI: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000181
• Njau, M. Mwangi, R. Kahuthia-Gathu, R. Muasya and J.N. Mbaka, 2015. Macropropagation technique for producing cost-effective healthy banana seedlings in Eastern and Central Kenya. In Agricultural innovations for sustainable development, - contributions from the third Africa wide Women and young professionals in science competitions. Volume 4: Issue 3. pp. 130 – 137.
• James K. Mutura, Newton Nyairo, Maina Mwangi and Stephen K. Wambugu, Analysis of Determinants of Market Channel Choice among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development 4(10): 264 – 270.
• James K. Mutura, Newton Nyairo, Maina Mwangi and Stephen K. Wambugu, 2015.Vertical and Horizontal Integration as Determinants of Market Channel Choice among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya. Asian Journal of Economic and Empirical Research 2(2): 83-90.
• Mugambi, David Kimenchu, Maina Mwangi, Wambugu, Stephen Kairu, Gitunu Antony, 2015. Assessment of performance of smallholder dairy farms in Kenya: an econometric approach. Journal of Applied Biosciences 85: 7891– 7899.
• Mugambi David Kimenchu, Maina Mwangi, Wambugu Stephen Kairu, Gitunu Antony Macharia, 2014. Characterization and Profitability Assessment of Dairy Farms in Central Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development Vol. 3 issue 9: 82 – 90. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online).  ijird.com
• Mugambi David Kimenchu, Maina Mwangi, Wambugu Stephen Kairu, Gitunu Antony Macharia, 2014. Estimation of Cost Efficiency of Dairy Farms in Kenya’s Eastern Central Highlands. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development Vol. 3 issue 8: 34 - 39. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online).  ijird.com
• Mugambi David Kimenchu, Maina Mwangi, Wambugu Stephen Kairu, Gitunu Antony Macharia, 2014. Evaluation of Technical Efficiency of Dairy Farms in Embu County, Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development Vol. 3 issue 8: 49 – 54. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online).  ijird.com
• Mugambi David Kimenchu, Maina Mwangi, Wambugu Stephen Kairu, Gitunu Antony Macharia, 2014. Evaluation of Technical Efficiency of Dairy Farms in Eastern Central Highlands, Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development Vol. 3 issue 4: 482 – 487. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online).  ijird.com
• Carolyne W. Wangungu, Maina Mwangi, Ruth Gathu, and Reuben Muasya. (2014). Good Orchard Maintenance and Agronomic Practices as Working Components in Management of Dieback Disease on Passion Fruit (Passiflora ) in Kenya. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 4(9): 1397-1405, 2014.
• Riziki Mwadalu and Maina Mwangi, 2013. The potential role of sorghum in enhancing food security in semi-arid eastern Kenya: A review. Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) 71: 5786 – 5799.
• Karani Gichimu, I. Macharia, M. Mwangi, 2013. Assessment of Input-Output Transformation in purple passion fruit production in Central-Eastern and North Rift, Kenya. Current Research Journal of Economic Theory 5(2): 32-37, 2013. ISSN 2042-4841; e-ISSN 2042-485X.
• Charles Karani Gichimu, Maina Mwangi and Ibrahim Macharia, 2013. Assessment of passion fruit orchard management and farmers technical efficiency in Central-eastern and North-Rift Highlands, Kenya. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, Vol 4, 183 – 190. ISSN 2222-1700 (paper), ISSN 2222-2855 (online).
• Kwame Okinyi Ogero, Gitonga Nkanata Mburugu, Maina Mwangi, Michael Mugambi Ngugi and Omwoyo Ombori, 2012. Low Cost Tissue Culture Technology in the regeneration of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam). Research Journal of Biology (2012), Vol. 02, Issue 02, pp. 71-78.
• Kwame O. Ogero, Gitonga N. Mburugu, Maina Mwangi, Omwoyo Ombori and Michael Ngugi, 2012. In vitro Micropropagation of Cassava Through Low Cost Tissue Culture. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 4(3): 205-209.
• Wangungu,, Maina, M. and Mbaka, J., 2012. Proposed assessment scale for dieback disease severity on passion fruit. J. Animal and Plant Sciences [ISSN 2071 - 7024] 12(2): 1560 -1572.
• 42.               Njeri Njau, Maina Mwangi, Ruth Gathu, Jesca Mbaka, Reuben Muasya, 2011. Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) reduces availability of corms for seedling production through macropropagation technology. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences [ISSN 2071 - 7024] Volume 12(1): 1537 -1542.
• Supervisor to winning paper of the international TEEAL competition by Ogero Kwame Okinyi -- Kenyatta University, PAPER TITLE: "In vitro micropropagation of cassava through low cost tissue culture. http://teeal.org/about/news/winners-announced-teeal-graduate-student-research-paper-competition-2011
• 44.               H. Bouwmeester, S. Abele, V.M. Manyong, C. Legg, M. Mwangi, V. Nakato, D. Coyne and K. Sonder, 2010.  The Potential Benefits of GIS Techniques in Disease and Pest Control: an Example Based on a Regional Project in Central Africa. In ISHS Acta Horticulturae 879: International Conference on Banana and Plantain in Africa: Harnessing International Partnerships to Increase Research Impact . . Pp 333 – 340. Editors; T. Dubois, S. Hauser, C. Staver, D. Coyne. 25 November 2010. ISBN   978-90-66055-93-3; ISSN 0567-7572
• Maina Mwangi (editor), 2010. Contribution of Agricultural Sciences towards achieving the Millenium Development Goals. Edited proceedings of the 3^rd International e-Conference on Agricultural Biosciences. ISBN: 978 9966 7415 2 6. 162 pp. http://www.m.elewa.org/IeCAB2010e-book.pdf
• Maina Mwangi and Wangungu Carol (editors), 2010. Developing agricultural extension capacity in Kenya: Experiences of Kenyatta University Interns in the Farmer Voice Radio Project. Group 1: July – August, 2010. ISBN 978-9966-7415-3-4. FaCT Publishing, Kenya. 82 pp. http://www.m.elewa.org/uris-ku-group1.pdf
• Maina Mwangi and Mukiri Githendu (editors), 2010. University radio Interns training and field practice handbook. Kenyatta University, 2010. 62pp. ISBN 978 9966 7415 1 8.
• Leena Tripathi, Maina Mwangi, Steffen Abele, Valentine Aritua, Wilberforce Kateera Tushemereirwe and Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, 2009. Xanthomonas Wilt – A threat to banana production in East and Central Africa. Fruit Strategies International. http://www.fruit-strategy.com/Articles.aspx
• Mwangi and V. Nakato, 2009. Key Factors Responsible for the Xanthomonas Wilt Epidemic on Banana in East and Central Africa. Proc. IS on Banana Crop Prot., Sust. Prod. & Impr. Livelihoods. Eds.: D. Jones and I. Van den Bergh Acta Hort. 828, ISHS 2009. Pp 395 – 404.
• Karamura, F. Turyagyenda, W. Tinzaara, J. Muhangi, G. Blomme and F. Maina-Mwangi, 2009. Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation of Management Strategies to Control Xanthomonas Wilt of Banana in East and Central Africa. Proc. IS on Banana Crop Prot., Sust. Prod. & Impr. Livelihoods. Eds.: D. Jones and I. Van den Bergh Acta Hort. 828, ISHS 2009. Pp 405 - 410.
• Maina Mwangi, 2009. Knowledge for crop disease management: the case of banana Xanthomonas wilt. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences 2(1): 67 - 72.
• Mwangi, M., and Sarah, M. (2009). Challenges in strawberry seedling production in Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 23: 1403 – 1405.
• Tripathi L., Mwangi M., Abele S., Aritua V., Tushemereirwe W., Bandyopadhayay R., 2009. Xanthomonas wilt: A threat to banana production in East and Central Africa. Plant Disease 93(5): 440 - 451.
• N. Mbaka,M. Mwangi and M.N. Mwangi, 2008. Turning Farming to Business: the Role of Tissue Culture Propagated Bananas in Kenya. J. Appl. Biosc. 9(1): 354 - 361.
• Mbaka J.N., Maina, M., Nakato, V.G. and Auma, J., 2008. An outbreak of banana xanthomonas wilt in banana orchards in Western Kenya. Afr. J. Hort. Sci. (2008) 1:9-18.
• Ngoko Z, Daoudou, Imele H, Kamga PT, Mendi S, Mwangi M, Bandyopadhyay R. and Marasas WFO, 2008.  Fungi and mycotoxins associated with food commodities in Cameroon. J. Appl. Biosc. 6: 164 – 168.
• Okechukwu, R.U., A.G.O. Dixon, M. Akoroda, M. Mwangi, and R. Bandyopadyay, 2009. Root rot resistance in new cassava varieties introduced to farmers in Nigeria. Experimental Agriculture 45: 15 – 24. doi:10.1017/S0014479708006777
• Mwangi M. & Muthoni S. 2008. Survival of Xanthomonas vasicola pv musacearum on metallic tools. J. Appl. Biosc. 3: 91 – 93.
• Ndungo V., Komi F. and Mwangi M., 2008. Banana Xanthomonas wilt: spread and management in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Appl. Biosci. 1(1): 1 - 7.
• Maina Mwangi, 2007. Responding to Banana Xanthomonas wilt amidst multiple pathogens. A Crop Crisis Control project Brief. 9pp. http://c3project.iita.org/Doc/A2BriefRespondingtoBXW.pdf
• Vigheri Ndungo, Maina Mwangi, Nakato V., 2007. Brief report of C3P-BXW surveillance and partner visit to DR Congo Feb- March 2007. 7pp. http://c3project.iita.org/Doc/A12-BXWSurveyDRC.pdf
• Mwangi, M. Mwebaze, R. Bandyopadhyay, V. Aritua, S. Eden-Green, W. Tushemereirwe and J. Smith. 2007. Development of a semi-selective medium for isolating Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum from insect vectors, infected plant material and soil. Plant Pathology 56: 383-390.
• Mwangi, M., Bandyopadhyay, R., Ragama, P. and W.K. Tushemereirwe, 2007. Assessment of banana planting practices and cultivar tolerance in relation to management of soilborne Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum. Crop Protection 26(8): 1203 -1208.
• Moses Biruma, Michael Pillay, Leena Tripathi, Guy Blomme, Steffen Abele, Maina Mwangi, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Perez Muchunguzi, Sadik Kassim, Moses Nyine Laban Turyagyenda and Simon Eden-Green. 2007. Banana Xanthomonas wilt: a review of the disease, management strategies and future research directions. African Journal of Biotechnology 6(8): 953-962.
• Mwangi Maina and Valentine Nakato. 2007. Key drivers of the Banana Xanthomonas Wilt pandemic in East and Central Africa. Submitted to Acta Horticulturae.
• Bandyopadhyay R., Mwangi M., Aigbe, S.O. and Leslie J. F. 2006. Fusarium species from the cassava root rot complex in West Africa. Phytopathology 96: 673 -676.
• Mwebaze MJ, Tusiime G, Tushemereirwe WK, Kubiriba J, Maina M. 2006. Development of diagnostic media for Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum. African Crop Science Journal 14(2): 129-135.
• Mwangi, M., Bandyopadhyay, R. and Tenkouano, A. Faturoti, T. 2005. Outbreak of basal end rot on banana and plantain in Nigeria. African Crop Science Proc. 7: 293-295.
• Kotchoni O. S., Gachomo W. E. and Mwangi, M. 2005. Commercial production of genetically modified crops: a prognosis towards acceptance. International J. of Agriculture and Biology 7 (4): 681-688.
• Mwangi, M., Bandyopadhyay and Asiedu, R. 2005. Evaluating use of minitubers in screening yam genotypes for tolerance to fungal rot pathogens. African Crop Science Proc. 7: 273-276.
• Mwangi, M., R. Sikora and R. Hauschild. 2004. The role of bacteria emmitted cyanogenic metabolites in biocontrol. African Crop Science Proc. 7(1): 305-308.