“Investigating Eco-friendly biopesticides to reduce postharvest diseases in tomatoes”
University
Egerton University
Area of Focus
Plant Pathology
Education
Ruth Mwangi is a PhD student in Plant Pathology at Egerton University, Kenya. She holds both a BSc in Botany and an MSc in Plant Pathology also from Egerton University. Ruth has been involved in various international conferences, and has published four papers in peer-reviewed journals, including the East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare. Ruth has been teaching at Egerton University on a part time basis and has been actively involved in organizing academic trips and seminars for the undergraduate students for the last five years.
Research & Work
Ruth’s research investigates eco-friendly biopesticides that can help reduce postharvest degradation in tomatoes. Through her findings, she hopes to reduce the overreliance and indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides known to cause harm to human health and the environment. Her research will increase knowledge on diagnosing and resolving postharvest diseases on tomatoes and strengthen epiphytotic field evaluations and skills, which are correct diagnosis of field diseases including the asymptomatic cases, which contribute to postharvest diseases. Ruth’s research will also contribute to the development of safer biopesticides with low toxicity on humans and the environment.
