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The roles of plant proteases and protease inhibitors in drought response: a review
No full textUpon exposure to drought, plants undergo complex signal transduction events with concomitant changes in the expression of genes, proteins and metabolites. For example, proteomics studies continue to identify multitudes of drought-responsive proteins with diverse roles in drought adaptation. Among these are protein degradation processes that activate enzymes and signalling peptides, recycle nitrogen sources, and maintain protein turnover and homeostasis under stressful environments. Here, we review the differential expression and functional activities of plant protease and protease inhibitor proteins under drought stress, mainly focusing on comparative studies involving genotypes of contrasting drought phenotypes. We further explore studies of transgenic plants either overexpressing or repressing proteases or their inhibitors under drought conditions and discuss the potential roles of these transgenes in drought response. Overall, the review highlights the integral role of protein degradation during plant survival under water deficits, irrespective of the genotypes’ level of drought resilience. However, drought-sensitive genotypes exhibit higher proteolytic activities, while drought-tolerant genotypes tend to protect proteins from degradation by expressing more protease inhibitors. In addition, transgenic plant biology studies implicate proteases and protease inhibitors in various other physiological functions under drought stress. These include the regulation of stomatal closure, maintenance of relative water content, phytohormonal signalling systems including abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, and the induction of ABA-related stress genes, all of which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis under water deficits. Therefore, more validation studies are required to explore the various functions of proteases and their inhibitors under water limitation and their contributions towards drought adaptation.Publisher's versio
An intersectional analysis of the systemic discrimination confronting LGBTQ+ individuals in the Middle East: the cases of Iran, Turkey, and Egypt
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Political Studies and Governance))--University of the Free State, 2023The road to equality is not straight, and for LGBTQ+ individuals the road holds various intersections of discrimination. Aspects such as identity and gender have directly impacted the level to which individuals are shunned by their families, communities, and social nexus. Although discrimination against LGBTI people undermines the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, discrimination and violence against people in the LGBTI community are all too common. Homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic attitudes remain deeply embedded in many cultures around the world. A significant amount of research on intersectionality concentrates primarily on African American women and other women of colour, and it seems that the research on intersectionality has not sufficiently addressed the lives of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ individuals. Often, LGBTQ+ individuals are misrepresented by selected states from the region at international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and Human Right Council. Using claims based on religious and cultural values, selected states undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and Arab-speaking and Muslim majority states seem to form a homogenous entity with a uniform view on LGBTQ people.
All LGBTQ+ members are assumed to be faced with the same systemic discrimination and to have the same human rights needs and experiences. For this reason, intersections of multiple systems of oppression are not recognised and the interests of some are privileged while the experiences of others are marginalised. To address this gap, this study uses an intersectional framework which notes that the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East is not a singular entity, and even though conditions differ based on country, gender, and from individual to individual, as a whole, the LGBTQ community in the region has not been granted the “freedoms” linked to Western ideals of homosexual progress, such as open displays of romantic affection, gay marriage, and other superficial indications of acceptance in society. This study analyses differences of experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within three separate case studies, namely Iran, Turkey, and Egypt. It does so by applying an intersectional lens to recognise the ways in which different social identities produce intersecting systems of privilege or oppression, and how these systems create different lived experiences, and/or common experiences within a social context. This dissertation is a qualitative study which utilises case study methodology to analyse the existing literature related to the topics. Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals directly undermine the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The fact that so many instances of such violation continue to go unchallenged is testimony to the deep cultural roots of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
___________________________________________________________________Die pad na gelykheid is nie reguit nie, en vir LGBTQ+ lede hou die lewe verskillende kruisings van diskriminasie in. Aspekte soos identiteit en geslag beïnvloed die mate waartoe individue verwerp word deur hul gesinne, gemeenskappe, en sosiale nexus direk. Diskriminasie teen LGBTI+ lede ondermyn die menseregtebeginsels soos uiteengesit in die Universele Verklaring van Menseregte. Tog kom diskriminasie en geweld teen mense in die LGBTQ+ gemeenskap gereeld voor. Homofobiese, bifobiese en transfobiese houdings bly diep ingebed in baie kulture regoor die wêreld. 'n Beduidende hoeveelheid navorsing oor interseksionele of kruispuntbesonderhede konsentreer hoofsaaklik op Afro-Amerikaanse vroue en ander vroue van kleur, en dit wil voorkom asof die navorsing oor interseksionaliteit nog nie die lewens van Midde-Oosterse LGBTQ+ individue voldoende aangespreek het nie. Dikwels word LGBTQ + individue deur geselekteerde state uit die streek verkeerd voorgestel op internasionale forums soos die Verenigde Nasies se Algemene Vergadering en die Raad vir Menseregte. Deur gebruik te maak van eise gebaseer op godsdienstige en kulturele waardes, ondermyn geselekteerde state die regte van LGBTQ + individue, en Arabiessprekende en Moslem-meerderheid vorm skynbaar 'n homogene entiteit met 'n eenvormige siening oor LGBTQ-mense. Daar word aanvaar dat alle LGBTQ+ lede dieselfde sistemiese diskriminasie ondervind en dieselfde menseregte behoeftes en ervarings het. Om hierdie rede word kruisings van veelvuldige stelsels van onderdrukking nie erken nie en word die belange van sommige bevoorreg terwyl die ervarings van ander gemarginaliseer word.
Om hierdie leemte aan te spreek, gebruik hierdie studie 'n kruisingsraamwerk wat daarop dui dat die LGBTQ + -gemeenskap in die Midde-Ooste nie 'n enkelvoudige entiteit is nie, en selfs al verskil toestande op grond van land, geslag, en van individu tot individu, word daar aan die LGBTQ-gemeenskap as geheel in die streek nie die “ vryhede ” toegeken wat aan Westerse ideale van homoseksuele vooruitgang gekoppel word nie, soos openlike betoning van romantiese toegeneentheid, gay huwelike en ander oppervlakkige aanduidings van aanvaarding in die samelewing. Hierdie studie ontleed verskille in ervarings van LGBTQ + individue in drie afsonderlike gevallestudies, naamlik Iran, Turkye en Egipte. 'n Interseksionele lens word toegepas om to recognise the ways in which different social identities produce intersecting systems of privilege or oppression die maniere waarop verskillende sosiale identiteite kruispunt-stelsels van voorreg of onderdrukking produseer, raak te sien, asook hoe hierdie stelsels verskillende ervarings skep en/of lei tot algemene ervarings binne 'n sosiale konteks. Hierdie proefskrif is 'n kwalitatiewe studie wat gebruik maak van gevallestudiemetodologie om die bestaande literatuur wat met die onderwerpe verband hou, te ontleed. Diskriminasie en geweld teen LGBTQ + individue ondermyn direk die menseregte-beginsels soos uiteengesit in die Universele Verklaring van Menseregte. Die feit dat soveel voorvalle van geweld steeds onverhindered voorkom, bevestig dat homofobie, bifobie, en transfobie diep in die kultuur gewortel is.
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A Sr-isotopic investigation of bifurcating chromitite layers of the UG1 at the Impala Platinum Mine, Rustenburg
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geology))--University of the Free State, 2023Chromitite bifurcations hosted within, but not limited to, the Upper Group 1 (UG1) chromitite layer in the Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex are one of the most enigmatic geological features encountered. Several researchers have attempted to develop models explaining how these bifurcations could have been formed. Most of these studies were heavily based on field observation with little to no geochemical data to support their findings. In this study, samples of an exposure of chromitite bifurcations from the UG1 chromitite at Shaft No.11 of Impala Platinum Limited in the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex were utilised to perform petrographic and geochemical work including Sr-isotopic determinations on plagioclase. The geochemical data collected, along with field observations, were used to develop a conceptual model explaining the development of the bifurcations. Four sample cuts (D, C, B, and A) across the anorthositic footwall of the UG1 chromitite, each with a width of 10 cm and varying lengths were sampled from the study area using a diamond saw. The sample cuts represent vertical transects across a set of bifurcating chromitite layers, taken approximately 1 m apart, on the northern side of the approximately 40 m section. Thirty-four polished thin sections were made representing all the sample cuts. The polished thin sections were studied petrographically with an Olympus BX51 microscope. Electron microprobe analyses were carried out to obtain the compositions of chromite and plagioclase crystals from the samples, and Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry was used to obtain in-situ isotopic compositions of the plagioclase crystals. Plagioclase in the anorthosite layers exhibits very little variation in An% with average values of 75.10 ± 3.27, 74.26 ± 1.93, 75.10 ± 3.27 and 73.85 ± 1.89 for sample cut D to A, respectively. Plagioclase in the chromitite layers reveals much more significant variation in An% with average values of 70.69 ± 14.15, 78.16 ± 15.26, 56.49 ± 33.13 and 55.50 ± 36.68 for sample cuts D to A, respectively. The in-situ plagioclase isotopic composition reveals that the initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of plagioclase in anorthosite show very little variation both vertically and laterally through sample cuts A to D, with an average value of 0.7062 and individual layers that are generally within error compared to adjacent layers. Most chromitite layers also display ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios that are comparable to those observed in the anorthosite, although some of the thicker layers returned values that are more radiogenic, e.g., the bottom thick layer in sample cut A, which returned values on the order of 0.709 – 0.710. Taking into account the field relations along with the petrography and geochemistry of the study area, it is envisaged that the chromitite bifurcations in the study area were formed in the following stages:
(1) Development of an irregular floor through the thermo-chemical erosion of the underlying anorthosite footwall.
(2) The intrusion of chromite-rich slurry (mass balance requirement) as a basal flow resulted in thick chromitite layer deposition on an uneven surface.
(3) Development of cyclic anorthosite and chromitite forming bifurcations. Pressure fluctuations (magma influxes, roof rupturing events, shock waves) permitted rapid transitions between the system's chromitite and plagioclase stability fields. A large reservoir of melt likely buffered compositional and isotopic changes.
(4) The intrusion of a chromite-rich slurry led to renewed erosion and formation of the thick upper chromitite layer, with the thin chromitite layers now appearing as offshoots from the base of this layer.
(5) Downward intrusion of slurry into rheologically weak zones led to the development of additional bifurcations
Exploring the multisectoral strategies to support the academic performance of Deaf Learners in inclusive schools Lesotho
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Education))--University of the Free State, 2023Increasing the academic performance of learners with disabilities in inclusive schools is currently a global concern. Lesotho is therefore not an exception. Numerous contemporary research studies have contributed to support service initiatives, and engagement of various teaching approaches, including universal design for learning, launching inclusive policies, and the involvement parents. These series of commitments, nationally and internationally, stress the issue of equality and equity in education for all learners, including Deaf learners. Nevertheless, the academic performance of Deaf Learners is still a major challenge. There is a dearth of literature on the multisectoral strategies that strengthen partnership among stakeholders, such as the school personnel, parents, and the learners. The researcher believes that the learners’ voice, particularly the voice of the Deaf Learners as the major stakeholder in this case, is essentially missing. This negates the view of the Ministry of Education in Lesotho that learners form the third leg in the metaphorical legged pot. Thus, in order to address these underlying challenges, the following objectives were espoused in this study: (1) To determine the multisectoral strategies and practices that can support the academic performances of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools. (2) To identify the challenges of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools that affect their academic performance. (3) To explore the factors that enable multisectoral strategies to support the academic performance of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools.
This study adopted a qualitative approach to describe and analyse the quality of human experiences within a transformative paradigm. The paradigm acknowledges the roles of privilege, power, inclusion, and culture in working with Deaf learners to overcome challenges in their academic performance. It employed participatory design to enable openness and equity in sharing knowledge and experiences and close collaboration among stakeholders. The data were generated through focus group discussions and a collage with 34 participants that allowed the exploration of how multisectoral strategies involving multiple stakeholders contribute to the academic performance of Deaf Learners. The participants comprised twelve hearing learners, twelve Deaf Learners and teachers (two heads of department, three interpreters, and five teachers), who were purposefully selected. The data were analysed through thematic analysis, a highly flexible method that can be modified and generates rich, detailed, and complex information.
The theoretical framework of Kretzmann and McKnight informed the study. The theory acknowledges gifts, abilities and capabilities, and that people live and thrive using their skills. The center of this asset-based theory is mobilising and harnessing local assets, skills, and insights to solve the existing problem.
The research findings have revealed that strengthening partnership and listening to the voices of the various stakeholders, including the voice of Deaf Learners , is critical in improving academic performance. The research findings have also revealed that multisectoral strategies are support structures constructed collectively, which enhance networking of personal and rational assets within and outside the inclusive school. The findings certainly demonstrated the possibility of sharing information with concerned stakeholders, including the voice of Deaf Learners, as a factor that enhances multisectoral strategies. Hence, each exercises their potential, shares their experiences and challenges, and decides on appropriate measures for assistance. The findings have also indicated that the power of interaction among stakeholders develops a sense of networking and relationship, thus enabling multisectoral strategies to support Deaf Learners academically.
The study opines that the current support provided to Deaf Learners is subjective and is, therefore, generated abstractly without identifying and using the learners’ experiences and strengths. Thus, through multisectoral strategies, the learners’ voice, ideas, and expertise are all essential in addressing their academic issues
Black spaces: the Group Areas Act, the material boundaries of life and grievability
No full textThesis (LL.D. (Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law))--University of the Free State, 2023My aim in this thesis is to unpack the ways in which the Group Areas Act of 1950 and apartheid spatial planning more broadly was not only concerned with who had access to socio-economic rights but also with deciding which lives were valuable and thus grievable. The spatial expression of (post)apartheid South African life is undoubtedly racialised, gendered and classed.
The central theme of this research project is to critically engage apartheid geography through the lens of Judith Butler’s notion of “grievability” as put forward in : : ? as well as Giorgio Agamben’s “bare life” as put forward in : to explore an understanding of spatial injustice that is informed by the (re)production of exclusionary conceptions of a normative human those falling outside of which cannot be mourned publicly. One of the main arguments in this project is that spatial justice extends beyond the geographic arrangements of the material realm into the recognition and restoration of humanity and dignity.
This thesis examines how social markers impact the ways in which certain people can navigate space and the results of not belonging in certain spaces. As a research project grounded in critical race theory, feminist theory, queer theory, class analysis and disability rights, this thesis pushes me to think about space and how we inhabit space as marginalised people in (post)apartheid South Africa. I turn to black feminist geographic thought for a grounded exploration of pathways to achieving spatial justice and conducting a critical race spatial analysis of the endurance of apartheid geography.
___________________________________________________________________My doel in hierdie tesis is om maniere te ontleed waarop die Groepsgebiedewet van 1950 en apartheid se ruimtelike beplanning in die breë sin nie net gemoeid was met wie toegang tot sosio-ekonomiese regte gehad het nie, maar ook met die besluit oor watter lewens waardevol was, wat dus betreurenswaardig is. Die ruimtelike uitdrukking van (post)apartheid se Suid-Afrikaanse lewe is ongetwyfeld volgens ras, geslag en klas verdeeld.
Die sentrale tema van hierdie navorsingsprojek is om apartheid se geografie krities te benader deur die lens van Judith Butler se idee van “grievability” (betreurenswaardigheid), soos voorgehou in : : ? sowel as Giorgio Agamben se “bare life” soos voorgehou in : , om ʼn begrip van ruimtelike ongeregtigheid te ondersoek wat ingelig word deur die (re)produksie van uitsluitingsbegrippe van ʼn normatiewe mens, diegene wat buite dit val of uitgesluit word, kan nie in die openbaar betreur word nie. Een van die hoofargumente in hierdie projek is dat ruimtelike geregtigheid verder strek as die geografiese rangskikkings van die materiële wêreld en sluit die erkenning en herstel van menslikheid en waardigheid in.
Hierdie tesis ondersoek hoe sosiale merkers ʼn impak het op die maniere waarop sekere mense ruimte kan navigeer en die gevolge daarvan om nie in sekere ruimtes te behoort nie. As ʼn navorsingsprojek wat gegrond is op kritiese rasseteorie, feministiese teorie, queer-teorie, klasanalise en gestremdheidsregte, dwing hierdie tesis my om te dink oor ruimte en hoe ons ruimte as gemarginaliseerde mense in (post)apartheid Suid-Afrika bewoon. Ek wend my tot swart feministiese geografiese denke vir ʼn gegronde verkenning van maniere om ruimtelike geregtigheid te behaal en ʼn kritiese ras-ruimtelike ontleding van die voortbestaan van apartheid se geografie uit te voer.
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Dialectical behaviour therapy as it informs occupational therapy in mental health in South Africa: a descriptive study
No full textDissertation(M.OccTh.(Occupational Therapy)--University of the Free State, 2023South African occupational therapists show a growing interest in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). However, there are currently minimal publications on the use of DBT internationally and no publications nationally. This gap supports the need to further investigate this incorporation of a traditional psychology theory with occupational therapy theory.
The main research question was how the DBT approach is used to inform occupational therapy in mental health in South Africa. Two different methodologies were incorporated to answer this question. The first was a scoping review, and the second was a qualitative, descriptive design. The objectives were twofold and formed two phases of the research. The first objective was to review the literature on the use of the DBT approach by occupational therapists working in the mental health field. The second objective was to describe the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of South African occupational therapists working in mental health regarding the DBT approach as an intervention approach for MHCUs.
The results of this were captured in two academic articles. The first study followed a non-empirical approach for a theoretical article, with the scoping review as the chosen method. This review emphasized the need for more evidence and guidelines integrating DBT and occupational therapy. The second article used a qualitative descriptive design and the data from 17 online one-on-one interviews with South African occupational therapists to answer the research question. A non-probability snowball sampling technique was used. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured. The knowledge, attitude, and practices of occupational therapists using DBT to inform their practice were presented. The following themes emerged from the study: (a) Potential challenges identified by occupational therapists using DBT, (b) The benefits/motivators of DBT-informed occupational therapy for the therapist and user, and (c) Variation in how DBT is being used by occupational therapists in practice.
Recommendations for further research and implications of the study were described in both articles. Areas of future research are identified to advance the profession's body of knowledge and provide guidance with potential future research in the field of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-informed occupational therapy
An assessment approach for competency-based nursing education in a low-income country
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Nursing))--University of the Free State, 2023: Nursing education institutions in Lesotho were directed by the government to adopt a competency-based curriculum, which required a paradigm shift in assessment methods from traditional to programmatic assessment. However, the implementation of the new assessment approach faced several challenges. Firstly, most nurse educators were unfamiliar with programmatic assessment since it was not included in their formal nursing training. Secondly, during the preparatory stages of programmatic assessment implementation, nursing training institutions could financially afford the initial training opportunity for nurse educators by the assessment experts, which, unfortunately had no follow up trainings. Lastly, unclear programmatic assessment implementation guidelines and a lack of support posed challenges to most of the institutions.
: The study sought to develop a contextually relevant assessment approach for competency-based nursing education in a low-income country.
: The development of the assessment approach was guided by multiple methods, which were informed by the Design Science Research methodology. The approach was developed through a multi-phased process. In the first phase, a mapping review was conducted to synthesise literature on the various assessment approaches that have been used in health professions education since the year 2000. The second phase involved engaging with nurse educators to describe the contexts of the nursing education institutions in Lesotho where programmatic assessment was implemented. In the final phase, the findings from the first two phases were used to develop a contextually relevant assessment approach, which was then validated by a panel of assessment experts.
: The outcome of this study was a contextually relevant assessment approach for competency-based nursing education in a low-resource countries.
: To successfully implement educational innovations, it is important to have a clear understanding of the context of nursing education institutions. This enables the development of relevant implementation strategies that take into account the specific needs and challenges of the institution. Moreover, the development of educational innovations should be based on scientific methodology and should incorporate strategies that have been proven to work. Nursing education institutions in low-income countries need to take an active role in developing contextually relevant educational innovations, rather than relying solely on innovations developed in high-income countries
Management of implementation of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement for English first additional language
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2023The main goal of the Free State Department of Education is to provide improved quality education but in different ways from school to school and to each learner. The School Management Team has the mandate to manage and implement curriculum policy statement for English First Additional Language in schools. There is significant evidence that has emerged that primary schools underperform in the delivery of their mandatory core duties and responsibilities to manage and implement curriculum policy for English First Additional Language. In this context, educational management must focus on the efforts of teachers, learners, and stakeholders to guarantee quality education throughout the education system.
This study focused on the implementation of Curriculum Policy Statement (CAPS) for English FAL. The study drew from the collaborative leadership theory in exploring the accurate picture of collaborative leadership tactics in the discourse. Interpretivist paradigm research was also used in this study. Data was collected through the interviews, and used inductive thematic analysis technique to derive categories and patterns from the data.
Four SMT participants from three different schools were interviewed to determine perceptions of EFAL CAPS curriculum implementation for English FAL in primary schools. The results of this study also indicated that most of the SMTs in primary schools are not conversant about their roles and responsibilities in curriculum management. Some were unclear about what they should do in managing curriculum implementation. This study recommends that collaborative leadership management capacitates and develops individuals with the necessary attributes to manage curriculum implementation to achieve a common goal.
The study presented appropriate approaches to a school governance strategy that can be adopted by underperforming primary schools. This strategy helps increase parental influence over learning outcomes. The study is significant because learners from different socioeconomic levels are still underperforming. Creating an effective teaching and learning environment is critical to educational leadership
Fiscal space, governance quality and inclusive growth: evidence from Africa
No full textThis study aims to examine the impact of fiscal space and governance quality on inclusive growth in African countries.
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In total, 28 African countries were analyzed from 2000 to 2020 using the generalized method of moment regression method. An inclusive growth index was developed using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The PCA-derived index incorporates factors such as poverty, income inequality, economic participation and per capita income.
The main findings suggest that fiscal space availability (de facto fiscal space and fiscal balance) promotes inclusive growth. The study also showed that lagged inclusive growth, digitalization and governance indicators positively influence inclusive growth. The study concludes that fiscal space availability fosters inclusive growth, but this effect is mediated by governance quality in Africa.
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Several studies examined the role of fiscal policy on inclusive growth. However, it is crucial to assess the fiscal space, that is, the financial capacity of the government to implement its fiscal policy without harming its financial stability. This paper, therefore, contributes to the existing literature by using de facto fiscal space indicator to comprehend fiscal dynamics contributing to inclusive growth. In addition, the paper uniquely constructs an inclusive growth index by including poverty severity, which considers both the incidence and depth of poverty and inequality in society.Publisher's versio
Heterosis and combining ability of iron, zinc and their bioavailability in maize inbred lines under low nitrogen and optimal environments
No full textIron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) nutrient enrichment of staple crops through biofortification can contribute to alleviating micronutrient deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. A line × tester mating design was used to determine the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and heterosis for grain yield, iron, Zn and phytic concentration of six lines crossed with three testers. Lines and testers were selected for high, intermediate and low mineral content. The F1 hybrids and parental lines were evaluated under low nitrogen (N) and optimum conditions across four environments over two seasons. Under low N conditions, Fe and Zn concentration in grain, and grain yield of genotypes were reduced by 9%, 9%, and 59%, respectively. However, phytic acid concentration in grain was increased by 10% under low N conditions. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in controlling Fe, Zn and phytic acid concentration in grain and grain yield of maize under both N conditions. The preponderance of GCA effects indicates the importance of additive gene effects in the inheritance of grain yield. Line GCA effects were more sensitive to N conditions across the environments than the tester GCA. High and significant positive SCA effects for grain yield, Fe and Zn content under low N conditions, would be a good indicator of possible heterosis in these traits. Hybrid CBY101 LM-1600 × CBY358 LM-1857 had high and significant positive SCA for grain yield under low N conditions and is a promising candidate for production in low N environments. CBY358 LM-1857 (tester) and CBY102 LM-1601 (line) are a good general combiners for Fe, Zn and GY can be used as parents in future maize hybrid breeding programs to develop high-yielding maize genotypes with high Fe and Zn content.Publisher's versio