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DONATHA TIBUHWA

Professor

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Biography

Prof. Donatha Damian Tibuhwa (PhD) is a Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), where she also serves as the Director of Quality Assurance. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a PhD in Molecular Biology specializing in Microbiology, obtained through a sandwich program between the University of Dar es Salaam and Uppsala University, Sweden.

 

Prof. Tibuhwa is a renowned mycologist whose research has made significant contributions to the understanding of fungal diversity, taxonomy, and biotechnology applications of fungi in East Africa and beyond. Her work integrates molecular techniques with classical taxonomy to enhance the documentation, conservation, beneficial uses, and sustainable utilization of fungal biodiversity.

Research Interest

Prof. Donatha D. Tibuhwa's research interests are centered on fungal biology and biotechnology, with particular emphasis on fungal biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology, conservation, and the sustainable utilization of fungi for human well-being. Her work focuses on ethnomycology, mushroom cultivation and domestication, endophytic fungi, mycorrhizal associations, fungal biotechnology, and the application of beneficial fungi in agriculture, environmental management, and food security. She is also actively engaged in molecular characterization of fungi using modern genomic tools, the discovery of bioactive fungal compounds, and the development of fungi-based solutions for biocontrol, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. In addition, her research extends to higher education quality assurance, research management, innovation systems, and capacity building in science and technology, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable development through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Contacts

Email:

Projects

  1. Investigations of cashew wilt disease an emerging threat caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania” Funded by Cashew nut Board of Tanzania (CBT) - CoNAS-MBB18092
  2. Capacity Building in Interdisciplinary Molecular Biosciences Funded by Sida-2025 – 2030; PROJECT NO 2221 (IMB)
  3. Beneficial utilization of natural Biopesticides for controlling of diseases for some indigenous crops in the southern African Region Funded by COSTECH; - CoNAS -MBB19011
  4. Screening for novel molecular markers of antimicrobial resistance from the microbiome of broiler chicken in Tanzania. Funded by UDSM- CoNAS-MBB20124
  5. Production of Tomato Powder Proto-type from Local none transgenic Tomatoes and Investigation of the Powder Shelf-life stability and Consumer Market Values. DUCE-CHE20062

Publications

Patent:

1. Tibuhwa DD and Hussein JM (2023). Method for production of Oxalis corniculata

extract for the treatment of Acrochordons. Application Number: TZ/P/2023/000083. 

Tanzania Industrial Property Journal. BRELA.IP.IPJ.100.1. 15th August 2023 No. 

08.

 

Books:

1. Tibuhwa DD., 2023. MUSHROOMS OF THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK: A Field guide and Technical Manual of Mushroom Cultivation in Communities Surrounding the Serengeti National Park as Alternative Crop to Solve Human Wildlife Conflicts 201 pp. Dar es Salaam University Press (DUP). ISBN: 978-9976-60-602-7.

 

2. Muchane Muchai, Alfeo Nikundiwe, Bernard Ngoru, Mary Nyawira Muchane, Nelson Wawire, Agnes Mwakaje, Charles Warui, Donatha Tibuhwa, Charles Musyoki, David Ongare, PeterHongo, Charles Warui, Rehema Kaitila, Bruno Nyundo, George Amutete, Geoffrey Mwangi, Ayub Macharia, Emmanuel Manyasa, Chacha Werema, Cosmas Mligo, Sospeter Kiambi, James Wakibara, Charles Mugoya, Clet Wandui Masiga (2013). Integrating Agro-diversity with Conservation to Improve Livelihood in Savannah Ecosystem. Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) region. 131pp.

 

 

Journal Papers: 

65. H., Myovela, Hawa, Tibuhwa, Donatha Damian, J.M., Hussein, Juma Mahmud., 2025. Endophytic Phyllosticta diversity in mangroves and its antimicrobial 

potential: Dominance of P. capitalensis. The Microbe 10 (2026) 100688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microb.2026.100688

 

 

64. S.A., Lilai, J.M., Hussein, F.A., Kapinga, S.G., Temu, D.D., Wilson A. Nene and D.D Tibuhwa, 2025.  Cashew Fusarium wilt: Status and management J. Crop Prot. 2025, 14 (4): 345-361.

 

63. Myovela, H., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mahmud J.M., 2025. Exploring the rich diversity and ecological roles of fungal communities in a small yet vibrant mangrove ecosystem. Biologia. Biologia 80(1) DOI:10.1007/s11756-025-01924-5

 

62. S.A., Lilai, J.M., Hussein, F.A., Kapinga, S.G., Temu, D.D., Tibuhwa, 2025.  Role of Cover Crops in Amendment of Soil Physio-Chemical Properties for Suppression. Journal of Phytopathology 173 (1), e70035. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.70035

 

61. H., Myovela, Hawa, Tibuhwa, Donatha Damian, J.M., Hussein, Juma Mahmud., 2025. Exploring the rich diversity and ecological roles of fungal communities in a small yet vibrant mangrove ecosystem. Biologia (Poland).1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-025-01924-5.

 

60. Stanslaus A. Lilai,  Juma M. Hussein,  Fortunus A. Kapinga, Wilson A. Nene, Stela G. Temu,  Donatha D. Tibuhwa., 2025. Screening of organic substrates for the development of effective biofungicides to manage cashew Fusarium wilt disease. Journal of Biological Methods  Volume X , Issue X 

 

59. Stanslaus A. Lilai,  Juma M. Hussein,  Fortunus A. Kapinga, Wilson A. Nene, Stela G. Temu,  Donatha D. Tibuhwa., 2025. Efficacy of Organic- Based Substrate Formulation of Bacillus Strains and Trichoderma asperellum Against Fusarium Wilt 

     of Cashew. Journal of Phytopathology. 173:e70035. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.70035

 

 58. Stela G. Temu & Donatha D. Tibuhwa., 2024. Advancing the understanding of Tanzania’s lichen flora: a comprehensive review. Plant and Fungal Systematics 69(2): 218–251. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35535/pfsyst-2024-0020

 

57. Myovela, H., Hussein, J., and Tibuhwa, DD. 2024. Treasures in our backyard: unleashing the biotechnological potentials of endophytic fungi from Tanzanian mangroves. Natural Product Research, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2395492

 

56. William V. Mbasa1, Wilson A. Nene, Fortunus A. Kapinga, Stella G. Temu and Donatha D. Tibuhwa., 2024. Linking landscape habitats with prevalence of fusarium wilt disease of cashew crop in Tanzania. BMC Ecology and Evolution https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-024-02284-5

 

55.  Stella G. Temu, Sanja Tibell, Donatha D. Tibuhwa and Leif Tibell. 2024. Coniocybe Ach. Revisited Journal of Fungi. 10, 363. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050363

 

54. Hussein, JM and Tibuhwa, DD., 2024. Assessing the pathogenicity of Piptoperellus baudonii the plant pathogen in cashew and Eucalyptus from the Southern regions, Tanzania. Indian Phytopathology. 77:377–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42360-024-00719-z

 

53.  Hussein, JM., Myovela, H., Tibuhwa, DD., 2024. Diversity of Endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Oxalis latifolia and their antimicrobial potential against selected human pathogens, Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 31: 1-8 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103958

 

52. Nteziryayo, V., Mshandete AM., Tibuhwa D.D., 2024. Successful domestication of Neonothopanus hygrophanus (Mont.) De Kesel & Degreef and Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., two indigenous saprophytic edible mushrooms collected from Kibira National Park. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience 5:7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-023-00212-z

 

51. Myovela, H, Hussein, J., Tibuhwa DD., 2024. The hidden diversity of mangrove endophytic fungi from Tanzania: insights from a preliminary study. Biologia.1-5 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-023-01587-0

 

50. Myovela H, Hussein JM, Tibuhwa DD., 2023. Mangrove fungi: A glimpse into Africa, its diversity and biotechnological potential. Asian Journal of Mycology. y 6(1): 58–76 Doi. 10.5943/ajom/6/1/6

 

49. Ibrahim J., Jan-Eric E., Ortiz R., Mulatu G., Tibuhwa D.D., Carlsson A.S., Nyomora A., Fatih M., Persson H., 2023. Hovmalm 1Polyphenolic Content and Radical Scavenging Activities of the Peel, Pulp and Seed of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Grown in Tanzania”. Tanzania Journal of Science 49(1) 230-239. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v49i1.20

 

48. Sileshi G.W., Tibuhwa D.D., and Milambo A., 2023. Underutilized wild edible fungi and their undervalued ecosystem services in Africa. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience 4(3). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-023-00145-7

 

47. Nteziryayo, V., Tibuhwa D.D., and Mshandete AM., 2022. Indigenous knowledge and utilization of wild Mushrooms in communities around Kibira and Bururi mountain forests in Burundi. Asian Journal of Mycology 5 (2): 202–219.  Doi 10.5943/ajom/5/2/9

 

46. Temu, S.G., Clerc. P., Nadel M.R.A., Tibell L., Tibuhwa D.D., and Tibell S., 2022. Molecular, morphological and chemical variation of the Usnea pectinata aggregate from Tanzania, São Tomé and Príncipe. The Lichenologist 54, 291–298. doi:10.1017/S0024282922000251

 

45. Lilai, A.S., Kapinga, F., Wilson A. Nene, A.W., William V. Mbasa, V.W., and Tibuhwa D.D., 2022. The efficacy of biofungicides on cashew wilt disease caused

      by Fusarium oxysporum. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 163, 453–465 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-022-02489-8

 

44.  Amir, A., and Tibuhwa D.D., 2021. Antimicrobial Activities of Endophytic Fungal Crude Extracts Isolated from Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) Tanzania Journal of Science. 47 (3) 1102-113. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v47i3.20

 

43. Lilai, A.S., Kapinga, F., Wilson A. Nene, A.W., William V. Mbasa, V.W., and Tibuhwa D.D., 2020. Ecological Factors Influencing Severity of Cashew Fusarium Wilt Disease in Tanzania Research in Plant Disease. 27(2): 49-60 (2021). https://doi.org/10.5423/RPD.2021.27.2.49

 

42. Tibuhwa, D.D., Juma, M.H., Sijaona, M.E.R., Ryvaden, L., and Tibell, S., 2020. Revisiting Taxonomy of Laetiporus baudonii (Polyporales, Basidiomycota): Re-evaluation and resolving its phylogenetic position using four gene datasets Mycologia. DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2020.1801303

 

41. Mbasa, W.V., Nene, W.A., Kapinga, F.A., Lilai, S.A. and Tibuhwa, D.D., 2021. Characterization and chemical management of Cashew Fusarium Wilt Disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania. Crop Protection, 139, p.105379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105379

 

40. Reva, O.N., Larisa, S.A., Mwakilili, A.D., Tibuhwa, D.D., Lyantagaye, S., Chan, W.Y., Lutz, S., Ahrens, C.H., Vater, J. and Borriss, R., 2020. Complete genome sequence and epigenetic profile of Bacillus velezensis UCMB5140 used for plant and crop protection in comparison with other plant-associated Bacillus strains. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 104(17), pp.7643-7656. 104:7643–7656. https:doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-10767-w

 

39. Juma, H. and Tibuhwa, D.D., 2020. Edible mushrooms in Tanzania: enlightening human health and improved livelihood. International Research Journal of Biological Sciences. 9(1), pp.1-8. http://www.isca.in/IJBS/Archive/v9/i1/7.ISCA-IRJBS-2019-099.php

 

38.  Mwanga, Z., Mvungi, E. and Tibuhwa, D.D., 2019. Antimicrobial Activities of Endophytic Fungi Secondary Metabolites from Moringa oleifera (Lam). Tanzania Journal of Science, 45(3), pp.463-476. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjs/article/view/191880

 

37. Reva, O.N., Swanevelder, D.Z., Mwita, L.A., Mwakilili, A.D., Muzondiwa, D., Joubert, M., Chan, W.Y., Lutz, S., Ahrens, C.H., Avdeeva, L.V., Kharkhota, M.A., Kharkhota, M.A., Tibuhwa, D.D., Lyantagaye, S., Vater, J., Borriss, R. Johan Meijer J., 2019. Genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic diversity of four Bacillus velezensis strains used for plant protection or as probiotics. Frontiers in microbiology, 10, p.2610. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02610.

 

36. Nteziryayo, V., Tibuhwa, D.D., Kiyuku, P., Muvunyi, R. and Masharabu, T., 2019. Characterization and Domestication of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Selected Indigenous Forests in Burundi. Tanzania Journal of Science, 45(3), pp.417-430. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjs/article/view/191719

35. Temu, S.G., Tibell, S., Tibuhwa, D.D. and Tibell, L., 2019. Crustose Calicioid Lichens and Fungi in Mountain Cloud Forests of Tanzania. Microorganisms, 7(11), p.491. doi:10.3390/microorganisms7110491.

 

34. Temu, S.G., Clerc, P., Tibell, L., Tibuhwa, D.D. and Tibell, S., 2019. Phylogeny of the subgenus Eumitria in Tanzania. Mycology, 10(4), pp.250-260. DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2019.1635217

 

33. De Lange, R., De Crop, E., Delgat, L., Tibuhwa, D., Baribwegure, D. and Verbeken, A., 2018. Lactifluus kigomaensis and L. subkigomaensis: two look-alikes in Tanzania. Mycoscience, 59(5), pp.371-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.myc.2018.02.004

 

32. Hussein, J.M., Tibuhwa, D.D. and Tibell, S., 2018. Phylogenetic position and taxonomy of Kusaghiporia usambarensis gen. et sp. nov. (Polyporales). Mycology, 9(2), pp.136-144. DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2018.1461142

 

31. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2018. Edible and medicinal mushrooms sold at traditional markets in Tanzania. Res J For, 12, pp.1-14. DOI: 10.3923/rjf.2018.

 

30. Tibuhwa D.D., 2018. Inventory of the genus Craterellus from Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Science vol 44 (1): 24-36, 2018. ISSN 0856-1761, e-ISSN 2507-7961

      

29. Tibuhwa, D., 2017. Cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Boletus bicolor, A basidiomycetes mushroom indigenous to Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Science, 43(1), pp.151-163. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjs/article/view/170911.

 

28. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2017. Antioxidant potentialities and antiradical activities of Oxalis Corniculata Linn from Tanzania. J. Appl. Biosci, 116, pp.11590-11600. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v116i1.7

 

27. Hussein, J.M., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mshandete, A.M. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2016. Successful domestication of Lentinus sajor-caju from an indigenous forest in Tanzania. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 108, pp.10507-10518.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v108i1.4

 

26. Juma, I., Mshandete, A., Tibuhwa, D.D. and Kivaisi, A., 2016. Identification of Tanzanian saprophytic edible mushrooms by amplification and sequencing of ITS/LSU regions of ribosomal RNA operon. Tanzania Journal of Science, 42(1), pp.107-119. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjs/article/view/152662

 

25. Tibuhwa, D.D. and Shomari, S., 2016. Fusarium wilt disease: an emerging threat to cashew nut crop production in Tanzania. Asian Journal of Plant Pathology, 10, pp.36-48. DOI: 10.3923/ajppaj.2016.

 

24. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2016. Oxalis corniculata L. in Tanzania: traditional use, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 105, pp.10055-10063. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v105i1.2

 

23. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2018. Moulds Menaces in Flood-Ravaged Homes: A Case Study of Dar Es Salaam City Tanzania. Editorial Team, p.110. Doi: 10.5296/jbls.v7il.7815

 

22. Juma, I., Mshandete, A.M., Tibuhwa, D.D. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2016. Assessment of antioxidant potentials of the wild and domesticated saprophytic edible mushrooms from Tanzania. Current Research in Environmental & Applied Mycology, Doi 10.5943/cream/6/1/1

 

21. Hussein, J.M., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mshandete, A.M. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2015. Antioxidant properties of seven wild edible mushrooms from Tanzania. African Journal of Food Science, 9(9), pp.471-479.DOI: 10.5897/AJFS2015.1328

 

20. Juma, I., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mshandete, A.M. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2015. Domestication of Seven Tanzanian Indigenous Saprophytic Edible Mushrooms. 4(12), 1-8.  www.isca.in, www.isca.me

 

19. Hussein, J.M., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mshandete, A.M. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2014. Molecular phylogeny of saprophytic wild edible mushroom species from Tanzania based on ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences. Curr. Res. Environ. Appl. Mycol, 4(2), pp.250-260.Doi 10.5943/cream/4/2/12.

 

18. Mwanga, Z. and Tibuhwa, D.D., 2014. Morphology and molecular taxonomy of Hymenagaricus mlimaniensis species nov: A new basidiomycota mushroom from Mlimani main campus, Tanzania. Journal of Yeast and Fungal Research, 5(8), pp.96-102. DOI: 10.5897/JYFR2014.0144

 

17. Tibuhwa, D.D. and Mwanga, Z., 2014. Detailed study of the Agaricus like mushrooms at Mwalimu JK Nyerere Mlimani Campus.  http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JBAH/article/view/15978/16656

 

16. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2014. A comparative study of antioxidant activities between fresh and dry mushrooms in the genera Cantharellus and Afrocantharellus from Tanzania. Food and nutrition sciences, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/fns.2013.52026.

 

15. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2013. Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthy food resource and income generator: experience from Tanzania rural areas. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 9(1), pp.1-14.doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-9-49.

 

14. Twahir, S. and Tibuhwa, D.D., 2013. Vescular arbuscular mycorrhiza diversity and morphotypes, from different land use of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Journal of Environment and Ecology, 4(1), pp.52-67.doi:10.5296/jee.v4i1.3078.

 

13. Mwang’onde, B.J., Tibuhwa, D.D., Kweka, E.J. and Namkinga, L.A., 2013. Characterization of Salmonella species from water bodies in Dar-Es-Salaam city, Tanzania. Doi:10.12662.

 

12. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2012. Folk taxonomy and use of mushrooms in communities around Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 8(1), pp.1-9. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-8-36.

 

11. De Crop, E., Tibuhwa, D., Baribwegure, D. and Verbeken, A., 2012. Lactifluus kigomaensis sp. nov. from Kigoma province, Tanzania. Cryptogamie, Mycologie, 33(4), pp.421-426. http://dx.doi.org/10.7872/crym.v33.iss4.2012.421

 

10. Tibuhwa, D.D., Savić, S., Tibell, L. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2012. Afrocantharellus gen. stat. nov. is part of a rich diversity of African Cantharellaceae. IMA fungus, 3(1), pp.25-38. doi:10.5598/imafungus.2012.03.01.04:

 

9. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2012. Termitomyces species from Tanzania, their cultural properties and unequalled basidiospores. Journal of Biology and Life Science, 3(1), pp.140-159.doi:10.5296/jbls.v3i1.1723:

 

8. Tibuhwa, D.D., Lyantagaye, S.L. and Mshandete, A.M., 2012. Effect of different post-harvest treatments on nutritive and antioxidant activities of wild edible Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff.) S. Gray from Tanzania. Int J Res Biol Sci, 2, pp.150-156. http://urpjournals.com/tocjnls/27_12v2i4_4.pdf

 

7. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2012. Antiradical and antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of indigenous termitarian mushroom from Tanzania. Food Science and Quality Management, 7, pp.13-23. ISSN 2224-6088

 

6. Tibuhwa, D.D., Muchane, M.N., Masiga, C.W., Mugoya, C. and Muchai, M., 2011. An inventory of macro-fungi and their diversity in the Serengeti-masai Mara ecosystem, Tanzania and Kenya. Journal of Biological Sciences, 11(6), pp.399-410. doi=jbs.2011.399.410.

 

5. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2011. Substrate specificity and phenology of macrofungi community at the University of Dar es Salaam Main Campus, Tanzania. http://www.m.elewa.org/JABS/2011/46/7.pdf

 

4.Tibuhwa, D.D., 2011. Diversity of macrofungi at the University of Dar es Salaam Mlimani main campus in Tanzania. International journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 3(11), pp.540-50. http://www.academicjournals.org/ijbc/PDF/pdf%202011/19Oct/Tibuhwa.pdf

 

3. Tibuhwa, D.D., 2011. Morphology and taxonomy of Sarcoscypha ololosokwaniensis sp. nov.: A new Ascomycota species from Serengeti National Park-Tanzania. Journal of Yeast and Fungal Research, 2(1), pp.1-6. http://www.academicjournals.org/JYFR/pdf2011/Jan/Tibuhwa%20pdf.pdf

 

2. Hussein, J.M., Tibuhwa, D.D., Mshandete, A.M. and Kivaisi, A.K., 2014. Molecular phylogeny of saprophytic wild edible mushroom species from Tanzania based on ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences. Curr. Res. Environ. Appl. Mycol, 4(2), pp.250-260.       http://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjs/article/viewFile/73538/62452.

 

1. Tibuhwa, D., Buyck, B., Kivaisi, A. and Tibell, L., 2008. Cantharellus fistulosus sp. nov. from Tanzania. Cryptogamie-Mycologie, 29(2), pp.129-136.http://www.cryptogamie.com/pagint_en/recherche/affich_art.php?cid=246