Position: Lecturer Department: Microbiology P.O. Box 43844 00100 Nairobi Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. View Full CV Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3pYLYdUAAAAJ&hl=en ORCID ID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9104-808X

Publications

• Bolo, P., Kihara, J., Mucheru-Muna, M., Njeru E.M., Kinyua, M., Sommer, R. (2021). Application of residue, inorganic fertilizer and lime affect phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms and microbial biomass under different tillage and cropping systems in a Ferralsol, Geoderma 390, 114962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2021.114962
• Muindi, M.M., Muthini, M., Njeru E.M., Maingi J. (2021). Symbiotic efficiency and genetic characterization of rhizobia and non rhizobial endophytes associated with cowpea grown in semi-arid tropics of Kenya. Heliyon 7 (4) 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06867
• Koskey, G., Simon, M., Awino, R., Njeru, E. M. and Maingi, J. M. (2021). Potential use of beneficial microorganisms for soil amelioration, phytopathogen biocontrol, and sustainable crop production in smallholder agroecosystems. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 130. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.606308
• Mburu, S.W., Koskey, G., Njeru, E.M., Maingi J. (2021).  Revitalization of bacterial endophytes and rhizobacteria for nutrients bioavailability in degraded soils to promote crop production, AIMS Agriculture and Food Volume 6, 2: 496-524. doi: 3934/agrfood.2021029
• Mutai, M., Njeru, E., Ntabo, R. (2021). Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by the Marakwet Community in Cherangani Forest, Kenya. Journal of Medicinal and Chemical Sciences, 4(3), 289-300. doi:  26655/JMCHEMSCI.2021.3.9
• Njagi, A., Mang’erere M. N., Njeru, E. M. and Birgen J. K. (2021). Antibacterial Effect of Artemisia and Ginger Extracts in Controlling Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Roses. Journal of Floriculture and Landscaping, vol. 7, Apr. 2021, pp. 1-5, doi: https://doi.org/10.25081/jfcls.2021.v7.6386
• Omoke, D., Kipsum, M., Otieno, S., Esalimba, S., Sheth, M., Lenhart. A., Njeru E.M., Ochomo, E., Dada, N. (2021). Western Kenyan Anopheles gambiae showing intense permethrin resistance harbour distinct microbiota. Malaria Journal 20, 77 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03606-4
• Gitonga N.M., Njeru, E.M., Cheruiyot, R and Maingi J.M. (2021). Genetic and Morphological Diversity of Indigenous Bradyrhizobium Nodulating Soybean in Organic and Conventional Family Farming Systems. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 4:606618. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.606618
• Mang'erere, M., Njeru, E. M., and Muna, M. M. (2021). Tillage, mulching and nitrogen fertilization differentially affects soil microbial biomass, microbial populations and bacterial diversity in a maize cropping system. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.614527
• Gitonga N.M., Njeru E.M., Cheruiyot, R. and Maingi J.M. (2021). Dual inoculation of soybean with Rhizophagus irregularis and commercial Bradyrhizobium japonicum increases nitrogen fixation and growth in organic and conventional soils. AIMS Agriculture and Food Volume 6, 2: 478-495. doi: 3934/agrfood.2021028
• Wahome, C.N., Maingi, J.M., Ombori, O., Kimiti, J.M. and Njeru E.M. (2021). Banana Production Trends, Cultivar Diversity, and Tissue Culture Technologies Uptake in Kenya. International Journal of Agronomy, 6634046, https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6634046
• Gitonga N.M., Njeru E.M., Cheruiyot, R. and Maingi J.M. (2021). Bradyrhizobium inoculation has a greater effect on soybean growth, production and yield quality in organic than conventional farming systems, Cogent Food & Agriculture, 7:1,1935529, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2021.1935529
• Musyoka D.M., Njeru E.M., Nyamwange M.M., and Maingi J.M. (2020) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Bradyrhizobium co-inoculation enhances nitrogen fixation and growth of green grams (Vigna radiata) under water stress. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 43(7): 1036-1047. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2020.171194
• Avio, L., Njeru, E. M., Oehl F., Turrini A., Bocci, G., Barberi, P., Manuela, G. and Sbrana, C. (2020). Small-scale soil heterogeneity affects the distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species in a hot-spot field in a Mediterranean site. Applied Soil Ecology, Applied Soil Ecology 154, 103631 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2020.103631
• Jalloh, A.A. Njeru, E. M., Maingi J.M. (2020) Potential of native rhizobia isolates to improve production of legume crops in small holder farms. Bioscience Research, 17(2): 1498-1510. https://www.isisn.org/BR17(2)2020/1498-1510-17(2)2020BR20-103.pdf
• Muchoka, J. P., Mugendi, D. N., Njiruh, P. N., Onyari, C. N., Mbugua, P. K., & Njeru, E. M. (2020). Mycorrhiza co-association with Aspilia pruliseta and phosphorus uptake effects on growth of gadam sorghum in the semi-arid lower Eastern Kenya. Journal of Dryland Agriculture, 6(5), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.5897/JODA2020.0048
• Mburu, S.W., Koskey, G., Njeru, E.M., Ombori M., Maingi J., Kimiti, J. (2020).  Differential Response of Promiscuous Soybean to Local Diversity of Indigenous and Commercial BradyrhizobiumInoculation Under Contrasting Agroclimatic Zones. International Journal of Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-020-00117- 
• Nyaga J.W. and Njeru E.M. (2020). Potential of Native Rhizobia to Improve Cowpea Growth and Production in Semiarid Regions of Kenya. Frontiers in Agronomy 2:606293. doi: 10.3389/fagro.2020.606293 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2020.606293/full
• Muchoka, J. P., Mugendi, D. N., Njiruh, P. N., Onyari, C. N., Mbugua, P. K. and Njeru, E. M. (2020. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization in the Rhizosphere of Aspilia pruliseta Schweif. ext Schweif in the Semiarid Eastern Kenya. Air, Soil and Water Research. doi:1177/1178622120969190
• Karanja, A.W., Maingi, J.M. and Njeru, E.M., (2019 Evaluation of maturity levels and heavy metal content in composts made from rice straw. Advances in Agricultural Science. Volume 7 (2019), Issue 03, 17-30. http://aaasjournal.org/submission/index.php/aaas/article/view/137
• Karanja, A.W., Njeru, E.M., and Maingi, J.M. (2019) Assessment of physicochemical changes during composting rice straw with chicken and donkey manure. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 8:65–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40093-019-0270-x
• Musonye H.A., Njeru E.M., Hassanali A., Langata L.M., Mijele D., Kaitho T., King'ori E., Nonoh J. (2019) 16S rRNA gene profiling of bacterial communities mediating production of tsetse attractive phenols in mammalian urine. The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 86:1-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6676987/
• Njeru, E.M. (2018) Exploiting diversity to promote arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and crop productivity in organic farming systems, AIMS Agriculture and Food 3 (3): 280–294. https://www.aimspress.com/fileOther/PDF/agriculture/agrfood-03-03-280%281%29.pdf
• Koskey G, Mburu S.W., Kimiti J.M., Ombori M., Maingi J. and Njeru E.M. (2018) Genetic characterization and diversity of Rhizobium isolated from root nodules of mid-altitude climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties. Frontiers in Microbiology 9:968, 1–12 https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.00968
• Also selected and published as a book chapter Rouphael Y., Colla G. (2020) Biostimulants in Agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science 11. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00040.  https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/6502/biostimulants-in-agriculture
• Nyamwange M.M, Njeru, E.M., Mucheru-Muna, M. and Ngetich, F. (2018) Soil management practices affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules, root colonization and growth of rainfed maize. AIMS Agriculture and Food 3 (2): 120–134. https://www.aimspress.com/article/10.3934/agrfood.2018.2.120
• Motaroki E.M., Njeru, E.M., Koskey G. and Maingi J. (2018). Rhizobial inoculation methods affect the nodulation and plant growth traits of host plant genotypes: A case study of Common bean Phaseolus vulgaris germplasms cultivated by smallholder farmers in Eastern Kenya. Advances in Agricultural Science 6(3):77-94 https://aaasjournal.org/submission/index.php/aaas/article/view/83
• Oruru, M.B., Njeru, E.M., Pasquet, R. & Runo, S. (2018) Response of a wild-type and modern cowpea cultivars to arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation in sterilized and non-sterilized soil, Journal of Plant Nutrition, 41:1, 90-101, https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2017.1381728
• Ndivo F.M., Njeru, E.M.and Birgen, J. (2018) Efficacy of neem, garlic and aloe extracts in the management of postharvest potato soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora. Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science 1(2): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.9734/AJRCS/2018/40255
• Njeru, E.M, Bocci, G., Avio, L., Sbrana, C., Turrini, A., Giovannetti, M. and Bàrberi, P. (2017) Functional identity has a stronger effect than diversity on mycorrhizal symbiosis and productivity of field grown organic tomato. European Journal of Agronomy 86(2017) 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2017.02.007
• Mburu S.W., Koskey G, Kimiti J.M., Ombori M., Maingi J. and Njeru E.M. (2016), Agrobiodiversity conservation enhances food security in subsistence-based farming systems of Eastern Kenya; Agriculture and Food Security Journal 5 (19): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-016-0068-2
• Ouma E.A., Asango A.M., Maingi J. and Njeru, E.M. (2016). Elucidating the potential of native rhizobial isolates to improve biological nitrogen fixation and growth of common bean and soybean in smallholder farming systems of Kenya. International Journal of Agronomy 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4569241
• Turrini A., Sbrana C., Avio L., Njeru E. M., Bocci G., Barberi, P. and Giovannetti, M. (2016) Changes in the composition of native root arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities during a short-term cover crop-maize succession. Biology and Fertility of Soils 52(5) 543-553. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-016-1106-8
• Oruru, M. B. and Njeru, E. M. (2016). Upscaling Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Related Agroecosystems Services in Smallholder Farming Systems. BioMed Research International 2016: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4376240
• Njeru E.M., Avio L., Sbrana C., Turrini A., Bocci G., Giovannetti M., Bàrberi P. and OehlF. (2015). Contrasting effects of cover crops on 'hot spot' arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in organic tomato. Biology and Fertility of Soils 51(2), 151-166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-014-0958-z
•  Ogada A. R., Njeru E.M, Omari, A, Birgen, J.K (2021). New evaluation of Alternaria brassicicola isolates against Striga hermonthica seeds emergence on maize in Kenya, Journal of Weed Research Science 4(2), 218-225. https://dx.doi.org/10.26655/JRWEEDSCI.2021.2.8
• Njeru, E.M, Avio, L., Sbrana, C., Turrini, A., Bocci, G., Bàrberi, P., Giovannetti, M. (2014). First evidence for a major cover crop effect on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and organic maize growth. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 34, 841-848. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-013-0197-y
• Njeru E.M., Avio L., Sbrana C., Turrini A., Bocci G., Bàrberi P., Giovannetti M. (2013) First evidence for a major cover crop effect on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and organic maize growth. Agronomy for Sustainable Development: 1-8. DOI: 10.1007/s13593-013-0197-y.
• Njeru E.M. (2014). Exploiting diversity to promote mycorrhizal symbiosis and crop productivity in organic systems. PhD thesis, Sant’ Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
• Njeru, E.M., Maingi, J.M., Cheruiyot, R. and Gitonga, N.M. (2013) Managing soybean for enhanced food production and soil bio-fertility in smallholder systems through maximized fertilizer use efficiency. International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 3(5):191-197 http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijaf.20130305.01.html
•  Njeru, E.M. (2013) Crop diversification: a potential strategy to mitigate food insecurity by smallholders in sub Saharan Africa. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development http://dx.doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2013.034.006 pp. 1–7 ISSN: 2152-0801 online
• Njeru E.M., Avio L., Sbrana C., Turrini A., Bocci G., Bàrberi P., Giovannetti M. (2013) Enhancing mycorrhizal symbiosis and productivity of field grown organic tomato through crop and management diversification (Oral presentation). International Conference on Organic Agriculture Sciences (ICOAS) conference proceedings. ‘Targeting Global Sustainability – Food Security, Biodiversity and Climate Change’9-13 October 2013, Budapest and Eger, Hungary.
• Luziatelli, G., Blanco, S. M., Mugendi, E., and Wright, H. (2012) Is the post-production phase of the food value chain even more affected by climate change than the production phase? an example of aflatoxin in stored maize in Kenya. Food Security-How can Science and Policy Contribute; PSC- ETNA Summer School 2011 Brochure, Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center.
• Njeru, E.M., Avio, L., Sbrana, C., Bocci, G., Giovannetti, M. and Bàrberi, P. (2012) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal symbioses in organic systems: the role of crop breeding and management diversity (poster) In SOLIBAM Ist stakeholder congress April 19-20th 2012, Rome, Italy
• Mugendi, E., Giovannetti, M and Avio, L. (2011) Unraveling soil fertility dilemma by smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa: do arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have a role to play? (Invited speaker)- International conference proceedings on ‘Increasing Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Africa’ 1 -3 November 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Main organizer-International Food Research Policy Institute (IFPRI).
• Mugendi, E., Gitonga, N. Cheruiyot, R. and Maingi, J. (2010) Biological Nitrogen Fixation by Promiscuous Soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) in the Central Highlands of Kenya: Response to Inorganic Fertilizer Soil Amendments, World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 6(4): 381-387 ISSN 1817-3047.
• Njeru, E.M., Gitonga, N.M., Cheruiyot, R. and Maingi, J.M. (2010) Response of promiscuous soybean varieties to phosphorus, potassium and sulphur applications in Eastern Kenya (Book chapter - manuscript reviewed and accepted).

Book chapters

• Njeru E.M., Koskey G. (2021) Using Beneficial Microorganisms to Promote Sustainable Crop Production and Resilience of Smallholder Agroecosystems to Changing Climate. In: Hebsale Mallappa V.K., Shirur M. (eds) Climate Change and Resilient Food Systems. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4538-6_11
• Njeru E.M., Muthini M., Muindi M.M., Ombori O., Nchore S.B., Runo S., Maingi J.M. (2020) Exploiting Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Rhizobia-Legume Symbiosis to Increase Smallholder Farmers’ Crop Production and Resilience Under a Changing Climate, in: B. R. Singh, et al. (Eds.), Climate Impacts on Agricultural and Natural Resource Sustainability in Africa, Springer International Publishing, Cham. pp. 471-488. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-37537-9_27
• Muthini M., Awino R., Kirui K.C., Koech K., Jalloh A.A., Njeru E.M. (2020) Optimizing Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis in Smallholder Agroecosystems. In: Guleria P., Kumar V., Lichtfouse E. (eds) Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 45. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews, vol 45. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53017-4_8
• Macharia, M.W., Njeru E.M., Maingi J (2018) Acid tolerance of native and commercial bradyrhizobia: the effect of liming acid soils on growth and the nodulation of soybean. In; Gorawala, P and Mandhatri, S. eds (2018) Agricultural Research Updates Vol 24, Nova Science Publishers, New York.
• Koskey G, Mburu S.W., Njeru E.M., Kimiti J.M., Ombori M., Maingi J., (2017). Potential of Native Rhizobia in Enhancing Nitrogen Fixation and Yields of Climbing Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Contrasting Environments of Eastern Kenya. In; Tsiafouli, M A., Drakou, E G., Orgiazzi, A., Hedlund, K., Ritz, K., eds. (2017). Optimizing the Delivery of Multiple Ecosystem Goods and Services in Agricultural Systems. Lausanne: Frontiers Media. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88945-296-5  

Conference/Workshops/Seminar Papers

Conference Papers

• Wahome, C.N., Maingi, J.M., Ombori, O. and Njeru, E.M (2019). Cultivar diversity, smallholder banana production practices and awareness of tissue cultured technologies in Kisii, Nyamira and Embu Counties, Kenya (2019). Kenyatta University, Biennial Research and Innovation Conference, 23^rd-25^th October, 2019, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Muthini, M., Muindi, M.M, Njeru, E.M., Runo, S. and Maingi. J. (2019). Biodiversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in lower Eastern Kenya. Kenyatta University, Biennial Research and Innovation Conference, 23^rd-25^th October, 2019, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Karanja, A.W., Maingi, J.M. and Njeru, E.M. (2019). Using lignocellulolytic bacteria to bioconvert organic residue to bioorganic fertilizer for sustainable crop productivity. Kenyatta University, Biennial Research and Innovation Conference, 23^rd-25^th October, 2019, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Gitonga, M.N., Njeru, E.M. and Maingi, J (2019). Optimizing the use of Bradyrhizobium inoculants to promote soybean production in organic and conventional farming systems. Kenyatta University, Biennial Research and Innovation Conference, 23^rd-25^th October, 2019, Nairobi, Kenya
• Njeru, E.M, Muthini, M., Muindi,M.M, and Maingi, J. (2018). Exploiting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-rhizobia-legume tripartite symbiosis to increase crop production and resilience in semi-arid tropics of Kenya. Sustainable Agricultural and Natural Resource Management Under Changing Climate in Sub-Saharan Africa (SANCCSSA-MALAWI) Conference. BICC, Lilongwe Malawi, 16^th to 18^th October, 2018.
• Motaroki E.M., Njeru, E.M., Koskey G. and Maingi J. (2018). Does Rhizobial Inoculation Functionality Vary With Host Plant Genotype? A Case Study of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L). Germplasms Grown by Smallholder Farmers In Eastern Kenya. Proceeding of the 1st Annual International Conference held on 17th-19th April 2018, Machakos University, Kenya.
• Avio, L., Njeru, E.M, Oehl, F., Turrini, A. , Giovannetti, M. Sbrana, C. (2017). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are spatially structured in a hot spot field site In; Calasso, M, Cocolin, L., Eds. (2017). Drivers of Microbial Diversity, SIMTREA, Firenze, Italy. 24-26th October 2017.
• Sbrana, C, Njeru, E.M, Turrini, A., Giovannetti, M.. Avio, L. (2017). Spatial    Distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores in a hot spot field, In ICOM 9, 9^TH International Conference on Mycorrhiza, Book of Abstracts, Prague, Czech Republic. 30th July – 4th August 2017.