Dr. Sophia Nyamusi Ochiki
Dr. Sophia Nyamusi Ochiki is a dedicated horticulturist with over 9 years of teaching and research experience and expertise in crop science, plant biotechnology, and postharvest physiology. Passionate about research, innovation, and improving horticultural practices for enhanced food security. Committed to continuous professional development and mentorship. She holds a Ph.D. in Crop Germplasm Resources from the Graduate school of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China where her research focused Sugar accumulation characteristics and related gene expression analysis during ripening and postharvest storage of citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco).
Throughout her career, Dr. Sophia Ochiki has been instrumental in curriculum development and has supervised numerous undergraduates. Her dedication to academic excellence has earned her recognition both locally and internationally.
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Tutorial Fellow
- +254 726515697
- snyamusi@kabianga.ac.ke
Papers in referred journals
Ochiki S N, Meng Z, Chen T, Zhou J, Gao Z, Birhanie, Z M, Deng Y. Luan M, …. CitFBA6 regulates soluble sugars and malate accumulation during fruit ripening in Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco). International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (Submitted)
Birhanie, Ziggiju Mesenbet; Yang, Dawei; Luan, Mingbao; Biswas, Ashok; Dey, Susmita; Ochiki, Sophia Nyamusi; Langlang, Pan; Xiao, Aiping; Liu, Liangliang; Zhang, Chao; Masangano, Mayamiko; Deng, Yong; Li, Defang…. Deciphering exogenous calcium-mediated salt stress mitigation in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) through physiological and transcriptomic analysis. Industrial Crops and Products (Submitted).
Ochiki S N, Chen T, Meng Z, Zhou J, Gao Z, Deng Y. Luan M, 2024. Characterization of ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase genes during ripening and their modulation by phytohormones during postharvest storage of citrus fruits (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) Plant Physiol. Biochem. DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109235.
Ochiki, S, Gesimba, M. R, Wolukau, J N, 2015. Effects of Aloe vera gel coatings and storage temperature on quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits. Annals of Biological Research, 2015, 6 (5):1-6.
Ochiki, S, Gesimba, M R, Wolukau, J N, 2014. Effect of Aloe vera gel coating on postharvest quality and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica l.) fruits. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 7(1), 1-7.
Ochiki, S, Wolukau, J N, Gesimba, M R, 2014. Effect of various concentrations of Aloe vera coating on postharvest quality and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits Var. Ngowe’. African Journal of Biotechnology, 13(36), 3724-3729.
Conferences & Invited Presentations
Ochiki, S N. 2024. Ecofriendly innovations in enhancing citrus fruit quality and sustainability during ripening and postharvest storage. 12th December 2024, Annual International Green Environment and Health Seminar, Institute of Bast Fiber Crop, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China.
Ochiki, S N. 2023. Phytohormones: Environmentally friendly compounds for Postharvest Storage of Citrus Fruits (Citrus reticulata Blanco). 15th December 2023, Annual International Green Environment and Health Seminar, Institute of Bast Fiber Crop, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China.
Ochiki, S. (2014). Effect of various concentrations of Aloe vera coating on postharvest quality and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits Var. ‘Ngowe’.8th Egerton University International Conference, 26th to 28th March 2014, Faculty of Education Complex, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya
Ph.D. in Crop Germplasm Resources, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2024.
M.Sc. in Horticulture, Egerton University, 2015
B.Sc. in Horticulture, Egerton University, 2010
Teaching Interest
Fruit production and management
Molecular biology
Postharvest physiology and technology
Urban and peri-urban horticulture
Perennial crop production and management
Research Interests
Crop germplasm innovation and utilization
Applications of plant biotechnology to enhance crop productivity
Postharvest physiology and fruit quality management
Molecular biology of fruit ripening, quality, and senescence
Research Projects
Project Title: Sugar accumulation characteristics and related gene expression analysis during ripening and postharvest storage of citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco)"
Funding Agency: Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GSCAAS)
Duration: 2022-2024
Role: Principal Investigator
Project Title: Effect of Aloe (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract Coating on Quality and Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Fruits at Two Controlled Temperature Levels.
Funding Agency: National Research Fund (NRF)
Duration: 2012-2014
Role: Principal Investigator
Member, Horticultural Association of Kenya