The encounter between Meloidogyne species and tomato is many centuries old. Meloidogyne species are known to cause high levels of economic loss worldwide in a multitude of agricultural crops, including tomato. This review was initiated to provide an overview of the damage potential of Meloidogyne spp. on cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and to compile the different studies done on the management of Meloidogyne spp. on tomato with particular emphasis on the Mi resistance gene. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the damage potential of root-knot nematode on various tomato cultivars; its yield loss potential ranges from 25 to 100%. A range of management options from using synthetic nematicides to soilless cultures have been tried and are available for managing Meloidogyne spp. Resistant commercial cultivars and rootstocks carrying the Mi gene have been used successfully to manage Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria. However, virulent populations have been detected. Relying on a single root-knot nematode management strategy is an outdated concept and different management options should be used in an integrated management context by considering the whole system of disease management. In future management of Meloidogyne species, care must be taken in directly extrapolating the tolerance limit determined elsewhere, since it is affected by many factors such as the type of initial inoculum and physiological races of Meloidogyne spp., environmental conditions, types of cultivars and experimental approaches used.

BackgroundDespite the large-scale investment in access to contraceptives, high population growth and unintended pregnancies are posing pressures in Ethiopia where the economy is incapable of holding overpopulation. The aim of this study was to assess and explore socioeconomic and religious differentials in contraceptive uptake.MethodsA mixed-methods phenomenological study was conducted in western Ethiopia, Oromia region. Data were collected through survey with 1352 mothers of reproductive age, interviews with 37 key informants, and 13 focus group discussions with family planning service providers, college instructors and mothers of reproductive age. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with contraceptives uptake and thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data.ResultsOf mothers included, 68% lived in rural settings and 50% were unable to read and write. Religiously, 42% were Protestant Christian, 30% Orthodox Christian and 25% Muslim. Modern-contraceptives were available at healthcare facilities; however, all mothers have been influenced by religion not to use contraceptives. Muslims were 65% less likely to utilize modern-contraceptives as compared to Orthodox (aOR, .35, 95% CI, .21–.60). All mothers were well informed of any one of modern-contraceptive methods and knew a place to get the service, while their knowledge about contraceptive was limited and their contraceptive uptake was low.ConclusionThough the Ethiopian government has so far improved access to contraceptives, utilization is lagging, mainly due to religious influences, limited contraceptives knowledge in the community, and low home-based contraceptive coverage. Societal attitudes and norms of the community towards modern-contraceptives need to be modified through innovative and culturally appropriate interventions. In countries like Ethiopia, where people’s religious devotion remains reasonably high, knowledge on natural-contraceptive methods is equally important to help religious people make an informed decision about family planning in accordance with their faith.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0580-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Phytoinhibitory effect of Prosopis juliflora aqueous extracts on tropical crops were tested under laboratory conditions. Maize, Cotton, and forage grasses (Rodus and Panicum) were used as test plants. Litter fall and under canopy soils were tested for checking allelopathic effects under natural conditions. All the extracts showed significantly negative effects on both germination and seedling growth of test crops. The effect of leaf extract was the highest, followed by litter fall, root extracts and soils respectively. However, at low concentration litter fall and root extracts showed unbalanced root growth stimulation on Zea mays, but hampered shoot growths. Since radicle growth alone cannot increase recruitment, unbalanced growth is eventually harmful to crops. Thus, we conclude that P. juliflora contains water-soluble allelochemicals capable of inhibiting tropical crops and not good for agroforestry.

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