Journal of Tropical Crop Science
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Adaptations to Climate Variability in Northern Uganda: Implications for Food Security
Full text linkThis study examined the relationship between climate variability adaptation strategies and household food security. Specifically, it investigated the adaptation practices employed by farmers and assessed their impact on food availability by comparing food security outcomes between adapting and non-adapting households. Data were collected from 375 randomly selected households in Agoro and Madi Opei sub-counties, known for their transitional climatic conditions. Employing questionnaires, field observations, and key informant interviews, the study found early planting (38.2%), new crop varieties (25.4%), drought-resistant crops (21.6%), and small-scale irrigation (7.8%) to be the primary on-farm adaptations, while motorcycling (50%), retail (25%), and construction-related activities (10%) dominated off-farm strategies. In the surveyed households, 1.2% experienced inadequate food availability, 95.7% exhibited moderate food security, and 3.1% demonstrated adequate food security. The study revealed a positive correlation between adaptation practices and food security, suggesting that various adaptation strategies can enhance household resilience to climate variability
Dynamics of Nutrient Concentrations, Endogenous Hormones, Photosynthetic Capacity, and Phenological Changes in Black Orchid (Coelogyne pandurata Lindl.) from the Vegetative to Generative Phase
Full text linkThe black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata Lindl.) is one of the native Indonesian orchids from Borneo island. This study analyzed the dynamics of pigments, photosynthetic capacity, endogenous hormones, nutrient concentrations, and phenology across the vegetative to generative stages of the black orchid. The plant materials are one-year-old plants after splitting from the mother plants. Endogenous hormones, nutrient and pigment concentrations, and leaf photosynthetic capacity were measured during vegetative and generative phases. Chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and carotenoids were analyzed using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, Nitrogen (N) was analyzed by the Kjeldahl method, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by the Bray 1 method and Flame Photometry, and organic carbon by the Walkley- Black method with titration. The hormone levels were analyzed using HPLC, and photosynthetic capacity was determined using a Li-Cor 6800 system. Phenological changes in leaves, bulbs, and flowers were recorded. Results showed total chlorophyll increased from 1.96 to 2.36 mg/g from the vegetative to the generative stage while carotene slightly declined. Leaf nitrogen rose from 1.54% to 1.70%, bulb nitrogen decreased from 0.67% to 0.45%, whereas the C/N ratio increased from 65.24 to 85.36 from the vegetative to the generative phase. Flower nitrogen was 1.50%, and phosphorus was 0.17%. IAA in leaves decreased from 25.12 to 21.37 ng.g⁻¹ dry weight post-flowering, while gibberellin in bulbs increased from 12.28 to 12.96 ng.g⁻¹ dry weight. Zeatin in bulbs declined from 10.52 to 8.81 ng g⁻¹ dry weight. Photosynthesis peaked at 2.73 μmol. m⁻².s⁻¹ in early generative stages and then declined. Photosynthetic photon flux density and stomatal conductance decreased, reducing water and CO₂ exchange efficiency, while net assimilation and transpiration rates showed no significant changes. These physiological adjustments, including increased chlorophyll levels, changes in nitrogen allocation, and fluctuations in hormone concentrations, reflect the plant’s adaptive strategies to meet higher energy demands during reproductive growth, ensuring efficient resource distribution for flowering
Exploring Post-Harvest Processing of Tropical Crops: Moringa oleifera and Zea mays as Alternative Ingredients for Gluten-Free Pasta Production
Full text linkThis study examines the potential of Moringa oleifera (moringa) and Zea mays (corn), two tropical crops, as alternative ingredients for gluten-free pasta, with a focus on their post-harvest processing to enhance their utility in gluten-free pasta production. Moringa leaves were carefully dried and ground into a fine powder, preserving their nutritional content, and incorporated into the dough. Corn kernels were milled into flour and blended with moringa powder, resulting in a smooth texture and mild flavor. These postharvest processing methods ensure that both crops maintain their nutritional value, offering significant potential as gluten substitutes and improving the overall quality of gluten-free products. Sensory assessments were also performed to evaluate the acceptability of the pasta. Raw and cooked pasta samples were presented to 100 respondents from five barangays in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Feedback was gathered on sensory characteristics, including taste, flavor, aroma, and appearance, providing valuable data on the market acceptability of these tropical crop-based, gluten-free pasta alternatives. The gluten-free pasta received high mean scores for all sensory attributes, indicating strong consumer acceptance. The product exhibits promising market potential in the gluten-free food sector, boasting exceptional ratings for taste, flavor, smell, color, and appearance, as well as a general acceptability score of 8.53. The findings highlight the importance of postharvest processing in maximizing the nutritional benefits of moringa and corn, showcasing their potential as sustainable, nutritious ingredients for gluten-free pasta. This recommendation is based on the exceptional nutritional value, safety, and ability to leverage the rich potential of tropical crops
Boosting Soybean Growth: The Role of Soil Moisture Conservation Technique and Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkLow soil fertility and moisture stress are the primary factors affecting soybean productivity. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and soil moisture conservation techniques on the performance of a promiscuous soybean variety during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. Two levels of soil moisture conservation techniques (flat and closed ridges) and two levels of VAM (0 and 100 kg.ha-1) were arranged in a split-plot design within a completely randomized block design with four replications. The data collected include growth, physiological, grain yield, and yield attributes of the promiscuous soybean variety. Sole application of soil moisture conservation techniques (SMCT) and VAM showed no significant influence (p>0.05) on the number of leaves, plant height, andnumber of branches of the promiscuous soybean variety. Soil moisture conservation techniques showed significant differences (p<0.05) in pod length. The interaction effect between soil moisture conservation techniques and the application of VAM had a significant impact on plant vigor (0.75), while non-significant variations were observed in the number of branches (5.31), plant height, and the number of leaves (20.81). The interaction effect of soil moisture conservation techniques and VAM was significant (p<0.05) on shelling percentage, while a non-significant difference was observed in grain yield (1382.7 kg.ha-1). Flat planting and nonVAM application had a higher shelling percentage (40.53%). The study demonstrated that flat planting, in combination with VAM, improved plant vigor under moisture-limited conditions. Flat planting can be recommended for soybean production at Syferkuil farm in Limpopo province
Enhancing Postharvest Quality of Cavendish Bananas (Musa acuminata) with Lactobacillus sp.
Full text linkCavendish bananas are among the most widely cultivated and consumed varieties worldwide, valued for their sweetness, texture, and versatility. However, postharvest diseases, particularly crown rot caused by Fusarium and Colletotrichum spp., present significant challenges, resulting in substantial losses in both quality and yield. Traditional management relies on synthetic chemicals, such as prochloraz and calcium hypochlorite; however, concerns over pesticide residues, environmental impact, and consumer preference for low-chemical produce have driven the search for safer alternatives. Lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus sp., have shown promise in agriculture due to their ability to produce organic acids, such as lactic acid, which suppress pathogens and enhance fruit quality. This study investigated the efficacy of Lactobacillus sp. as a postharvest treatment for Cavendish bananas, comparing it with conventional chemical treatments. The main objectives were to evaluate fruit quality, crown rot incidence, sensory attributes, and economic viability. Results demonstrated that bananas treated with Lactobacillus sp. (10 ml.L-1 water) achieved a high select quality (SQ) rating of 94.25%, closely comparable to 94.65% observed in synthetic chemical-treated fruits. Untreated bananas and those treated with calcium hypochlorite exhibited lower quality and a higher incidence of crown rot. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in odor, aroma, flavor, texture, or overall acceptability across treatments, indicating that Lactobacillus sp. does not compromise sensory qualities. Economic analysis further highlighted the benefits of this biological treatment, with Lactobacillus sp. yielding the highest return on investment (61.7%), outperforming synthetic chemicals at 37.5% ROI. These findings highlight Lactobacillus sp. as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional fungicides, offering comparable fruit quality and profitability while reducing chemical reliance. This approach aligns with consumer demand for low-chemical produce, particularly in markets such as Japan, and supports environmentally sustainable postharvest disease management
Seasonal Activity of the Pomegranate Fruit Moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller and its Possible Integrated Control in Ain al-Tamr, Karbala Governorate, Iraq
Full text linkThe pomegranate fruit moth, E. ceratoniae Zeller, is a significant pest of pomegranate worldwide. Seasonal monitoring and integrated control trials were carried out in pomegranate orchards of Ain al-Tamr, Karbala Governorate (Iraq) during the 2024 growing season (15 May–15 September 2024). Regular adult male f light began in early May and continued until mid September, peaking in mid-August (35.15 male moth per trap) at a mean ambient temperature of 35.85°C and a relative humidity of 20.47%. Field trials evaluated botanical oils (thyme and juniper, 7% v/v), the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (commercial formulation), their combinations, and the insecticide imidacloprid (Imidor 200 SL) under a randomized complete block design. Treatments and monitoring (pheromone traps) were repeated following two sprays (7 June and 7 July 2025). Combined B. bassiana + 7% thyme oil provided control comparable to Imidor, reducing fruit infection to 3.3% and trap captures to 1 male per trap, whereas B. bassiana alone reduced infection to ~10% and trap captures to five males per trap. Overall, treated plots averaged 13.31% infection, compared to 55% in controls, after the second spray. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, post hoc tests) confirmed significant treatment effects. These findings indicate that integrating B. bassiana with botanical oils can effectively reduce E. ceratoniae infestation and may serve as a sustainable alternative to routine chemical control in Ain al-Tamr pomegranate orchards
Diagnostic Trials on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for Developing Site-specific Nutrient Management Practices in the Lowlands of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Full text linkSoil fertility heterogeneity significantly influences crop productivity and the effectiveness of nutrient management strategies. In Ethiopia, various types and sources of inorganic fertilizers are distributed to enhance crop production. Therefore, selecting appropriate fertilizers based on specific soil nutrient deficiencies is essential. A field experiment was conducted in Kobo using sorghum as the test crop to identify yield-limiting nutrients through crop response. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with farmers’ fields serving as replications. Biological yield data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). When significant differences among treatments were detected, means were separated using the LSD test at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that omitting nutrients from inorganic fertilizers, either individually or in combination, significantly reduced grain yield. The highest grain yield was achieved with the combined application of NPS (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur) fertilizer and farmyard manure (FYM). In contrast, the lowest yield occurred in the control treatment, where all nutrients were omitted. Biomass yield did not differ significantly between treatments across both years. The study indicates that applying farmyard manure in combination with inorganic fertilizers, such as NPS, NPSK (NPS + potassium), and NPSKZn (NPSK + Zinc), effectively meets the nutrient requirements of sorghum. Grain yield under nutrient omission treatments ranked as follows: NPS + FYM > NPS > NPSK > NPSKZn > NP > NS > PS > N > S > P. Among the nutrients tested, farmyard manure had the greatest impact on yield, followed by nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus fertilizers
Mycorrhizae and Biofertilizers Applications Stimulate Pineapple Growth in Acidic Soil
Full text linkPineapple is a leading commodity worldwide and can grow in a variety of mineral and organic soils. Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers has a detrimental impact on soil and crop health. Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that can enhance soil fertility, improve soil health, and promote sustainable crop production. This study aimed to investigate the crucial role of biofertilizers and mycorrhizae in promoting the vegetative growth of pineapple in acidic soils. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with nine treatment levels and five replications. The results showed that the mycorrhizae applied at 5 g per plant, combined with full doses of chemical fertilizer (0.5 g ZA, 2 g DAP, and 2 g KCl per plant), produced the highest mycorrhizal colonization in treatment P4. Meanwhile, Provibio® biofertilizer at 5 mL per plant (diluted in 0.5 L water), mycorrhizae at 2.5 g per plant, and half doses of chemical fertilizer (0.25 g ZA, 1 g DAP, and 1 g KCl per plant (P8), improved vegetative growth and soil properties (pH, organic C, and total N) and supported the highest microbial population in the rhizosphere (26.05 × 10⁴ CFU.g-1 soil). This study demonstrated that the combined application of biofertilizers and mycorrhizae in moderate doses is more effective than full single-dose applications, leading to healthier soils and stronger vegetative growth of pineapple in acidic soils
Efficacy of Seed Treatment Insecticides against Major Early Season Sucking Pests on Cotton in the Middle Awash, Afar Region, Ethiopia
Full text linkThe sucking pest (whiteflies, aphids, cotton jassids, thrips, and cotton mealy bug) complex is a serious pest of cotton that causes a 22% decrease in yield. This research was carried out at Werer Agricultural Research Center in the Middle Awash of the Afar Region during the 2021 and 2022 cotton growing seasons to evaluate the efficacy of seed-dressing insecticides against an early-season sucking pest complex. Five treatments, including imidacloprid 70%, thiamethoxam 20% + metalaxyl - 20% + difenoconazole 2%, thiamethoxam 35% FS, thiamethoxam 25% WG, and untreated control, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The results showed that the use of seed-dressing pesticides had a significant (P<0.05) influence on the populations of aphids, whiteflies, cotton jassids, and mealybugs. The thiamethoxam 25% WG was the most effective insecticide, with the highest pest reduction percentage and the lowest pest population resulting in significantly higher yield. This finding implies that thiamethoxam 25% WG can control early season sucking pests in cotton from emergence to six weeks in irrigated areas. Therefore, the use of thiamethoxam 25% WG as a seed dresser can be recommended as an option for controlling early season sucking pest complexes of cotton to prevent yield loss
Growth Promotion of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with Slow-Release Fertilizer Application
Full text linkOil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a major source of vegetable oil and an important plantation commodity in the Indonesian economy. This study aims to determine the effect of slow-release fertilizer on the growth of oil palm seedlings in the primary nursery and to determine the nutrient status through laboratory analysis and spectroradiometer. The study was conducted at the IPB experimental station in Cikabayan, Dramaga, Bogor. Analysis of soil and leaf samples at the AGH Test Laboratory of the IPB University Department from December 2023 to July 2024. This study used a complete randomized block design with one factor, a nine-level fertilizer dose, and was repeated four times. Each experimental unit has 10 plants, so the total plant population is 360. Slow-release fertilizer can supply nutrients for a period of weeks. This study tested if it would benefit the growth of oil palm seedlings in the primary nursery. A slow-release fertilizer dose of 75% provides the best increase in oil palm seedling growth, whereas, at 50 and 150% doses, it did not increase compared to the control. The agronomic effectiveness value is above 95%