Mr Edward Onkendi

MSc Student
Bacteria Genomics and Plant Pathogen Interactions

Research Interests

Onkendi Edward M.

I graduated from Moi University, Kenya (2009) with a BSc in Microbiology before joining the
International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI where I trained and worked briefly (2010).

My research interests include the use of various molecular techniques such as Sequence
Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers and Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) to characterize
different species of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne genus) that are highly damaging
pathogens to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in South Africa.

Am also focused in integrating various concepts to profile the diversity of all nematode genera
present in the soil and potato tubers from various agro-ecological zones, find out if there are
races within the various Meloidogyne species occurring in South Africa and also establish
cultivar resistance/susceptibility levels to these pathogens.