Bitaisha Shukuru

@spbstu.ru

The Industrial Ecology Laboratory, The Higher School of Hydrotechnical and Power Engineering
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU)

Bitaisha Shukuru
Bitaisha Shukuru is PhD Research Scholar & Founder at Agrícolas-Green Lethal Weapon

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (Ongoing)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Ecology, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Agricultural and Biological Sciences

FUTURE PROJECTS

Development and Implementation of an Integrated Method for Combating the Bloom- forming Blue-Green Algae of Water Bodies


Applications Invited

Rice husk ash for the treatment of groundwater and recycling of saturated solid waste


Applications Invited
16

Scopus Publications

87

Scholar Citations

6

Scholar h-index

3

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Mechanistic Understanding and Novel Synergistic Approaches Combining Barley Straw Extract and Fatty Acids for Blue-Green Algae Bloom Control
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Natalia Anatolievna Politaeva
    Environmental Quality Management, 2025
    Cyanobacterial, or blue‐green algae (BGA), blooms represent a significant global environmental challenge, driven by factors such as stagnant water, elevated temperatures, and excessive nutrient loads, notably nitrogen and phosphorus. Current bloom control strategies often prove insufficient. Barley straw (BS) has historically been employed for algal control, with its decomposition releasing natural compounds that inhibit algal growth. This review aims to consolidate the mechanistic understanding of anti‐algal properties of BS and explore the potential for enhanced efficacy through synergistic combinations with fatty acids (FAs). The study analyzes the active metabolites in barley straw extract (BSE), particularly phenolic compounds (PCs), and the mechanisms by which FAs disrupt algal cells and influence aquatic microbial and nutrient dynamics. A key finding is that the integration of FAs with BSE holds promise for augmenting anti‐cyanobacterial activity. Advances in extraction technologies now facilitate the production of potent liquid BSEs. Despite these advancements, knowledge gaps persist regarding the precise synergistic interactions between BS‐derived compounds and FAs, and their optimal application for large‐scale field use. Future research should focus on deciphering these complex chemical interactions and developing robust, environmentally sound methods for broad deployment.
  • Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates
    Alain Matazi Kangela, Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Serge Mugisho Mukotanyi, Gerard Imani, Yannick Mugumaarhama, et al.
    Environmental Challenges, 2025
  • Corrigendum to “Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates” (Environmental Challenges (2025) 21, (S2667010025002227), (10.1016/j.envc.2025.101303))
    Alain Matazi Kangela, Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Serge Mugisho Mukotanyi, Gerard Imani, Yannick Mugumaarhahama, et al.
    Environmental Challenges, 2025
  • Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Natalia Anatolievna Politaeva, Yulia Smyatskaya
    Food and Humanity, 2025
  • Mitigating CH4 and N2O emissions from domestic and industrial wastewater
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Natalia Anatolievna Politaeva
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025
  • A Comprehensive Review of Biological Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, T. S. Archana
    Biological Control for Plant Protection Recent Advances in Research and Sustainability, 2025
    Recent scientific interest in the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) has surged due to successful control attempts and the harmful effects of chemical nematicides. Chemical-based plant protectants, while effective, pose risks to both environmental and human health. By contrast, biological control offers a natural alternative that avoids introducing artificial substances and significantly minimizes the chance of resistance development in nematodes against their biological antagonists. Biological control involves using various living organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, predatory nematodes, micro-arthropods, annelids, protozoa, and other generalist predators, as biocontrol agents to manage PPN populations. These agents work to both suppress nematode populations and prevent disease, fostering healthier plant growth and development. Biological control not only prevents the development of a disease, but it also suppresses the population of plant-parasitic nematodes and thus has a beneficial impact on plant growth. Over time, as more biological control agents are developed and their application becomes more effective, they can potentially replace chemical nematicides entirely. The present chapter explores the various biocontrol agents that target plant-parasitic nematodes, detailing their mechanisms of action, such as infection, predation, and competition. Additionally, it addresses the potential of integrating these biocontrol agents into sustainable agricultural practices, providing a holistic approach to managing PPNs in diverse cropping systems. Through these efforts, biological control can help reduce the dependency on synthetic chemicals, offering a safer and environment-friendly solution for enhancing agricultural productivity. The present chapter, therefore, besides highlighting the economic importance of nematode infestation in crop plants and their various characteristics, also highlights the importance of using biological control in the management of plant parasitic nematodes, thereby reducing the population of plant-parasitic nematodes. This novel strategy of using different groups of living organisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, predatory nematodes, micro-arthropods, annelids, protozoa, and generalist predators as the biocontrol agents, has been discussed in detail for the management of plant parasitic nematodes in an environmentally sustainable manner. In addition, the mechanisms of action of these biocontrol agents have also been discussed in detail.
  • Weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural systems: Media influence, impacts and trends for a better systematic control against alternate and collateral hosts of crop pests
    A A Kasonta, S S Thakur, Shaifali, B Shukuru
    Plant Science Today, 2025
    Weeds significantly impact agricultural productivity and environmental health by competing with crops for resources and acting as alternate hosts for pests. This study uniquely combines an ecological inventory with quantitative assessments to address weeds’ role in various ecosystems, including agricultural and non-agricultural areas such as roadsides and industrial sites. Methods included field surveys, species identification, and indices like informant consensus factor (ICF) and use value (UV) to measure weed prevalence, competition and adaptability. Results highlight that species like Cyperus rotundus and Echinochloa spp. pose substantial threats, causing up to 70% yield loss in specific regions, particularly in tropical irrigated crops. Additionally, weeds cause water loss, soil depletion, and habitat disruption in non-agricultural zones. This study emphasizes the need for integrated control strategies, combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical approaches. Media influence is also discussed, stressing its role in public perception and policy development for sustainable weed management. This work provides novel insights for enhancing agricultural resilience and environmental sustainability through improved weed control.
  • Bioagents and Beyond: Harnessing the Diversity of Nematophagous Microorganisms and Predators for Sustainable Management of Plant–Parasitic Nematodes
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Natalia Anatolievna Politaeva, Neeta Raj Sharma, Nahid Akhtar, Archana TS, et al.
    Journal of Phytopathology, 2024
    The scientific interest in using natural methods to control plant diseases and pests is significantly growing. Microorganisms and predators that feed on plant–parasitic nematodes are important in controlling these pests. Many studies show promising results in using these natural enemies to manage nematode populations. Our review identifies the most promising natural enemies for different types of nematodes. We highlight fungi such as Purpureocillium lilacinum, Metacordyceps chlamydosporia, Hirsutella rhossiliensis, Orbilia oligospora and Arthrobotrys spp., and bacteria such as Pasteuria penetrans, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens. These species show strong potential against specific nematode genera such as Meloidogyne, Heterodera, Pratylenchus and Globodera. Despite their effectiveness, several challenges hinder their widespread use. These include a lack of awareness among farmers, difficulties in mass‐producing and applying bioagents and limited research on their effectiveness in various environmental conditions. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges. This includes improving the production and application of bioagents, educating farmers and conducting more field studies to confirm their effectiveness. By addressing these concerns, biological control can become a reliable and sustainable method for managing nematode pests in agriculture.
  • Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, T. S. Archana, Alain Matazi Kangela
    Journal of Phytopathology, 2023
    Bipolaris is one of the most important phytopathogenic fungal genera to cause disease in cereal crops. Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is a pandemic and widespread disease; it's found everywhere corn is grown, causing a noticeable reduction in crop yield. Most cultivated varieties of maize do not resist SCLB disease where it is reported. Nevertheless, previous researchers have reported some resistant varieties of maize. In this study, we tested inbred and hybrid lines collected from ICAR‐IIMR based in Ludhiana against the disease. The field experiment was setup using a Randomized Block Design with three replications in natural conditions. Here we evaluated lines by quantifying disease pressure, yield, and their attributes. Moreover, model‐based clustering allowed the identification of five groups. For the SCLB disease confirmation, infected maize leaves were collected and used for pathogen isolation, and a pure culture was maintained. Both disease assessment and data analysis focused more specifically on characters that showed significant differences between means, especially leaf area, percentage of leaf infection, disease incidence, disease severity, disease index by plot basis, number of grain rows formed per ear, weight of maize kernels per ear, each corn ear weight, shelling percentage, and grain yield. The two best clusters identified, namely Group 1 and Group 2, together comprise 11002, 11009, 11026, 11030, 11069, 11149, 11153, 11185, 11328, 11333, 11337, 11347, 11370, 11385, 11074, 11351, 11356, 11357, 11608, and Karav‐8523 lines. As per disease reaction, CM‐500 is individually one of the best lines in terms of SCLB resistance. Specific symptoms were clearly found on leaves, and pseudo‐septate conidia were observed under the microscope. Thus, several lines exhibited highly resistant reactions against SCLB, especially 11002, 11009, 11026, 11069, 11074, 11337, 11347, 11385, and CM‐500, and can still be recommended for farmers and in breeding programmes, for future usefulness as industries are complaining of maize shortages, and they present a great commercial potential.
  • Root-Knot Disease Complex: An Interactive Perspective with Microorganisms
    T. S. Archana, Devendra Kumar, Vipul Kumar, Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru
    Root Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants, 2023
  • Phyllosphere endophytic bacteria: diversity and biotechnological potential
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, Archana T. S., Devendra Kumar, Shivam Singh, Gagan Kumar
    Plant Endophytes and Secondary Metabolites, 2023
  • Rhizospheric microbiome: organization and bioinformatics studies
    Archana T. S., Devendra Kumar, Vipul Kumar, Shivam Singh, Nakishuka Bitaisha Shukuru, et al.
    Rhizobiome Ecology Management and Application, 2023
  • Breeding for Resistance in Vegetables Against Meloidogyne Species Causing Root Gall Disease
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, T. S. Archana, Pritha Ghosh, Adesh Kumar, Devendra Kumar, et al.
    Root Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants, 2023
  • Screening of cultivars against cassava brown streak disease and molecular identification of the phytopathogenic infection-associated viruses
    Bitaisha Nakishuka Shukuru, T. S. Archana, Espoir Basengere Bisimwa, Damas Rutega Birindwa, Sakshi Sharma, et al.
    Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 2022
  • Mass Multiplication of Trichoderma Species, Important Biocontrol Agents for Sustainable Plant Disease Management: A Review
    Biopesticides International, 2022
  • Phage Cocktail Therapy: A Future Solution for Plant Bacterial Disease Management
    Biopesticides International, 2022

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • A Comprehensive Review of Biological Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana
    Biological Control for Plant Protection: Recent Advances in Research and … , 2025
    2025
  • Corrigendum to “Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates” [Environmental Challenges Volume 21 …
    AM Kangela, BN Shukuru, SM Mukotanyi, G Imani, Y Mugumaarhama, ...
    Environmental Challenges, 101321 , 2025
    2025
  • Mechanistic Understanding and Novel Synergistic Approaches Combining Barley Straw Extract and Fatty Acids for Blue-Green Algae Bloom Control
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva
    Environmental Quality Management 35 (2), e70201 , 2025
    2025
  • Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates
    AM Kangela, BN Shukuru, SM Mukotanyi, G Imani, Y Mugumaarhama, ...
    Environmental Challenges, 101303 , 2025
    2025
  • Mitigating CH4 and N2O emissions from domestic and industrial wastewater
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 210 (2025), 115203 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 18
  • Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva, Y Smyatskaya
    Food and Humanity, 100510 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural systems: Media influence, impacts and trends for a better systematic control against alternate and collateral hosts of crop pests
    AA Kasonta, SS Thakur, B Shukuru
    PLANT SCIENCE , 2025
    2025
  • Bioagents and beyond: harnessing the diversity of nematophagous microorganisms and predators for sustainable management of plant–parasitic nematodes
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva, NR Sharma, N Akhtar, A Ts, M Rana
    Journal of Phytopathology 172 (6), e70005 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Phyllosphere endophytic bacteria: diversity and biotechnological potential
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, D Kumar, S Singh, G Kumar
    Plant endophytes and secondary metabolites, 269-294 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 11
  • Breeding for Resistance in Vegetables Against Meloidogyne Species Causing Root Gall Disease
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, P Ghosh, A Kumar, D Kumar, V Kumar
    Root-Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants, 253-271 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Root-knot disease complex: an interactive perspective with microorganisms
    TS Archana, D Kumar, V Kumar, BN Shukuru
    Root-galling disease of vegetable plants, 237-251 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 8
  • Breeding for Resistance in Vegetables Against Meloidogyne Species Causing Root
    A Kumar, D Kumar, V Kumar
    Root-Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants 253 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Root-galling disease of vegetable plants
    F Ahmad, GN Blázquez
    Springer Nature , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 7
  • Plant Endophytes and Secondary Metabolites
    D Egamberdieva, JA Parray, K Davranov
    Elsevier , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 10
  • Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, AM Kangela
    Journal of Phytopathology 171 (9), 452-469 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 4
  • Rhizobiome: Ecology, Management and Application
    JA Parray, N Shameem, D Egamberdieva, R Sayyed
    Elsevier , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Rhizospheric microbiome: organization and bioinformatics studies
    TS Archana, D Kumar, V Kumar, S Singh, BN Shukuru, G Kumar
    Rhizobiome, 127-141 , 2023
    2023
  • Screening of cultivars against cassava brown streak disease and molecular identification of the phytopathogenic infection-associated viruses
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, EB Bisimwa, DR Birindwa, S Sharma, ...
    Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 55 (16), 1899-1929 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 9
  • Analysis of profitability and the level of agronomic and economic efficiencies among small-scale producers of rice in Ruzizi plain, eastern DR Congo
    BN Shukuru
    Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences 7 (1), 185-195 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 3
  • Current Trends in Rice Production and Consumption: Rice Cultivation and Traits, and Analysis of Agronomic and Economic Efficiencies for Sustainable Rural Development
    BN Shukuru
    Lambert Academic Publisher , 2022
    2022

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Mitigating CH4 and N2O emissions from domestic and industrial wastewater
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 210 (2025), 115203 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 18
  • Phyllosphere endophytic bacteria: diversity and biotechnological potential
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, D Kumar, S Singh, G Kumar
    Plant endophytes and secondary metabolites, 269-294 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 11
  • Plant Endophytes and Secondary Metabolites
    D Egamberdieva, JA Parray, K Davranov
    Elsevier , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 10
  • Screening of cultivars against cassava brown streak disease and molecular identification of the phytopathogenic infection-associated viruses
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, EB Bisimwa, DR Birindwa, S Sharma, ...
    Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 55 (16), 1899-1929 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 9
  • Root-knot disease complex: an interactive perspective with microorganisms
    TS Archana, D Kumar, V Kumar, BN Shukuru
    Root-galling disease of vegetable plants, 237-251 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 8
  • Root-galling disease of vegetable plants
    F Ahmad, GN Blázquez
    Springer Nature , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 7
  • Effectiveness of transplant date and sowing density related to tillering capacity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana
    Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology 12 (4), 31-42 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 5
  • Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, AM Kangela
    Journal of Phytopathology 171 (9), 452-469 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 4
  • Characterization of the 31 genotypes cultivated under the threat of cassava brown streak disease
    B Shukuru, S Sharma, JC Birindwa
    IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) 14 (12), 45-53 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 4
  • Breeding for Resistance in Vegetables Against Meloidogyne Species Causing Root Gall Disease
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana, P Ghosh, A Kumar, D Kumar, V Kumar
    Root-Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants, 253-271 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Analysis of profitability and the level of agronomic and economic efficiencies among small-scale producers of rice in Ruzizi plain, eastern DR Congo
    BN Shukuru
    Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences 7 (1), 185-195 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 3
  • Bioagents and beyond: harnessing the diversity of nematophagous microorganisms and predators for sustainable management of plant–parasitic nematodes
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva, NR Sharma, N Akhtar, A Ts, M Rana
    Journal of Phytopathology 172 (6), e70005 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva, Y Smyatskaya
    Food and Humanity, 100510 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Breeding for Resistance in Vegetables Against Meloidogyne Species Causing Root
    A Kumar, D Kumar, V Kumar
    Root-Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants 253 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Rhizobiome: Ecology, Management and Application
    JA Parray, N Shameem, D Egamberdieva, R Sayyed
    Elsevier , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • A Comprehensive Review of Biological Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes
    BN Shukuru, TS Archana
    Biological Control for Plant Protection: Recent Advances in Research and … , 2025
    2025
  • Corrigendum to “Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates” [Environmental Challenges Volume 21 …
    AM Kangela, BN Shukuru, SM Mukotanyi, G Imani, Y Mugumaarhama, ...
    Environmental Challenges, 101321 , 2025
    2025
  • Mechanistic Understanding and Novel Synergistic Approaches Combining Barley Straw Extract and Fatty Acids for Blue-Green Algae Bloom Control
    BN Shukuru, NA Politaeva
    Environmental Quality Management 35 (2), e70201 , 2025
    2025
  • Bayesian spatial prediction of soil organic carbon stocks in eastern DRC using INLA-SPDE and environmental covariates
    AM Kangela, BN Shukuru, SM Mukotanyi, G Imani, Y Mugumaarhama, ...
    Environmental Challenges, 101303 , 2025
    2025
  • Weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural systems: Media influence, impacts and trends for a better systematic control against alternate and collateral hosts of crop pests
    AA Kasonta, SS Thakur, B Shukuru
    PLANT SCIENCE , 2025
    2025