International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Study of Potassium Fertilization on Some Antinutritional Factors in Two Pineapple Varieties Cultivated in Côte D’ivoire during Postharvest Storage
No full textThis study evaluated the effect of potassium fertilization on the physical characteristics and certain antinutritional factors (oxalates, phytates, and tannins) of two pineapple varieties (Ananas comosus L. Merr.), MD2 and smooth cayenne, cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire and stored under conditions simulating export. A randomized block experimental design was established with four increasing doses of K₂O (20, 28, 34, and 40 g/plant). The parameters measured included fruit diameter, pulp core diameter, average weight, percentage of exportable fruits, as well as oxalate, phytate, and tannin contents. Results showed that an application of 34 g K₂O/plant optimized weight, size, and percentage of exportable fruits while reducing concentrations of antinutritional compounds, particularly tannins. The MD2 variety exhibited better physical performance and lower oxalate and phytate contents compared to smooth cayenne. Beyond the optimal dose, a slight decline in performance was observed, suggesting that excess potassium may induce nutritional imbalances. These findings confirm the importance of a rational management of potassium fertilization to reconcile yield, market quality, and nutritional value, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the Ivorian pineapple sector in export markets
Morphological Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Mycorrhization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Cultivars in the Peri-Urban Area of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
No full textIn Côte d’Ivoire, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plays a key role in market-gardening systems due to its nutritional and economic importance. However, the productivity of this crop remains limited by soil degradation and excessive use of chemical inputs. From a sustainable agriculture perspective, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represents a promising alternative. This study evaluated the morphological diversity of AMF communities and the mycorrhization abilities of seven okra cultivars to identify those showing the highest affinity for this beneficial symbiosis. The experiment was conducted on an experimental plot in the district of Abidjan. Soil samples were analyzed by wet-sieving and morphological observation to characterize AMF communities, while stained root samples from the different cultivars were examined to determine mycorrhizal colonization frequency and intensity. The results revealed an average density of 4.48 ± 0.24 spores/g of soill, with a predominance of spores measuring 90 µm (52.30%) and 45 µm (40.11%). Ten morphotypes were identified belonging to the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, and Scutellospora with a clear dominance of Glomus. Analysis of the roots showed high variability in mycorrhization depending on the cultivar. Colonization frequencies reached 100% in Noura F1 and Djonan F1, while the highest intensity (56.12%) was recorded in Noura F1, followed by Kopê F1. Conversely, the Divo cultivar had the lowest values. These results open up prospects for selecting more mycorrhizogenic cultivars and the promotion of AMF as a sustainable biotechnology for okra cultivation
Zinc Enrichment and Productivity Enhancement in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through Agronomic Biofortification Approaches
No full textIn India, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity has stagnated due to nutrient imbalance and intensive cropping systems. Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient for both plants and humans, plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological and metabolic functions. Agronomic biofortification is the tool for enhancing crop micronutrient content through nutrient management. Potato crop is a high Zn bioavailability and low content of Zn absorption inhibitors. A field experiment was conducted during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh), to assess the effect of Zn fertilization on yield, Zn enrichment and economic returns in potato. Foliar application of ZnSO₄ @ 2 g/L at 25 and 50 days after planting (DAP) significantly enhanced growth attributes—plant height (61.08 cm), number of shoots (9.20), and leaves per plant (127.20), the highest total tuber yield (33.42 t ha⁻¹) and tuber number (834.32 ×10³ ha⁻¹). The same treatment also resulted in the highest Zn concentration in tubers (1.5 mg kg⁻¹). Economic analysis revealed the maximum net return (₹2,32,941 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (2.30) under this treatment. These findings demonstrate that foliar application of ZnSO₄ @ 2 g/L at 25 and 50 DAP is a highly effective agronomic biofortification strategy for improving yield, Zn concentration, and profitability of potato cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh
Evaluation of Foliar Chemical Sprays for Improving Seed Quality of Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) under Terminal Heat Stress
No full textField pea is a significant pulse crop globally, with one-third of the global population relying on it as a staple food. Nonetheless, due to shifting climate conditions and the occurrence of elevated temperatures, heat stress has emerged as a significant factor restraining its productivity. Therefore, the current research was carried out with the aim of formulating an effective approach to address heat stress. The field trial took place during rabi 2023-24 and rabi 2024-25 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology at Chandra Sekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. 12 different Chemicals were used for the present study. Heat stress was found to have a significant influence on the seed quality parameters. Germination percentage and Vigour Index I (VG I), 100 seed weight, seedling length, seedling dry weight reduced significantly under late sown condition. Similar trend was observed for Vigour Index II. (VG II) Foliar sprays with different chemicals viz. Salicylic acid (400ppm), Thiourea (400ppm), Salicylic acid (800ppm), Thiourea (200ppm), Ascorbic acid (10ppm), KCL (1%) were carried out at vegetative (booting stage) and Anthesis stage. Seeds harvested from heat stressed environment showed a significant increase seed quality parameters when sprayed with various foliar sprays. The findings also indicated that spraying salicylic acid at 400ppm and Thiourea at 400ppm effectively enhances multiple seed quality attributes such as 100 seed weight, germination rate, and seedling height (cm). The germination of seeds and VG I and II also displayed upward trends. The use of thiourea notably increased soluble sugars and proline levels in leaves, likely preserving a longer duration of green area with elevated leaf chlorophyll, which ultimately improves seed quality traits and may enhance heat tolerance. Therefore, all foliar applications successfully alleviated heat stress effects; however, salicylic acid at 400ppm and Thiourea at 400ppm were identified as the most effective
Ethnobotanical Studies, Conservation, Uses of Plant Species and its Impact on Vegetation, A Case Study of Agadez Locality, Niger
No full textClimate change, combined with over exploitation of plant resources, impacts plant density and diversity in arid environments. To collect data, an individual ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 90 people in the Agadez locality, including 30 people per village of both sexes, to identify the various activities that impact vegetation, the different management methods, the most important species to the local population, and the contribution of income from plant resources to the promotion of socio-economic activities. This study shows that wood cutting is the activity that has the greatest impact on vegetation. A survey of people confirmed that 98% reported a decrease in vegetation cover, and 18 species have been recorded as extinct. The five extinct species with accounts for more than 1/3 of the frequency are Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel., Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne., Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst. Among the practices learned by the population for plant conservation, assisted natural regeneration (ANR) is the most widely taught and the most widely practiced for conservation and improvement of tree density. Fifteen plant species are used for human consumption, 15 plant species are used as fodder, and 32 species are used in pharmacopoeia. Income from plant resources contributes to improving the people’s livelihood
Impacts and Mitigation Strategies of Terminal Heat Stress in Wheat: A Systematic Review
No full textHeat stress is a major abiotic limitation in semi-arid and subtropical climates. It causes significant production losses for wheat, a major grain crop, of about 6% for every °C that temperatures rise. Terminal heat stress is a major cause of decreased productivity when the grain-filling phase averages over 31°C. Low wheat yields are caused by excessive temperatures at this important development stage. In recent seasons, typical March and April temperatures were 2-3°C higher than normal, worsening terminal heat stress. Wheat yields dropped two to three quintals per acre. These years\u27 rapid spike in North-West India\u27s maximum and minimum temperatures reduced crop productivity by 8–10%. This review summarised the issue\u27s impact and solution. Wheat matured faster in higher temperatures, resulting in early harvests. Both years, maximum temperatures reached 40°C on March 15 and stayed there or higher throughout the harvest season. This review can help researchers understand terminal heat stress and its boundaries. It demonstrates how conservation agriculture, climate-adaptive cropping, heat-tolerant cultivars, and planting window optimization can all lessen terminal heat stress
Sensitivity to Lippia alba (Mill.) NE Br Essential Oil of two Aspergillus flavus Strains Isolated from Peanut Seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.) Collected from Two Agroecological Zones in Senegal
No full textAspergillus flavus is most often associated with acute or chronic aflatoxicosis due to its ability to produce aflatoxin. These recent years, many studies have been conducted to identify biopesticides able to mitigate the aflatoxinogenic strains in soils and crops. Then, essential oils naturally contain various bioactive molecules whose antifungal properties offer promising prospects for mitigating the dangers posed by aflatoxins. This study aims to determine the chemical composition of Lippia alba essential oil and to assess its effectiveness on 2 strains of A. flavus isolated from peanut seeds in Senegal. Chemical analysis by GC-MS of the essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba revealed more oxygenated monoterpenes (84.3%) than hydrocarbons (8.4%) and oxygenated (2.4%) sesquiterpenes. Neral (34.6%) and geranial (46.6%) were also identified as major and distinctive biochemical components present in the essential oil extracted from Lippia alba plants in Senegal. Furthermore, the biological activity of this EO, at three different doses (100, 500, and 1000 ppm), was more effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the two isolates of Aspergillus flavus (TN and V), compared to Azoxystrobin (Positive control). The inhibition rates recorded with the highest dose (1000 ppm) reached 91.4% on the TN isolate (Peanut Basin isolate) and 84.6% on the V isolate (Casamance isolate). In contrast, after 11 days of incubation, Azoxystrobin at 1000 ppm produced 34.3% and 66.9% inhibition rates, respectively, on the TN and V isolates. Due to their chemical composition, essential oils are positioned as an alternative to synthetic pesticides and in the fight against crop pests and mycotoxins. However, for the practical use of this EO as a fungicide, future research would need to include searching for a suitable carrier appropriate inert material, allowing the development of a biopesticide formula directly applicable to peanut seeds without any negative impact on their physico-chemical, functional, and organoleptic properties
Nanotechnology Applications in Rice Pest and Disease Management: A Comprehensive Review
No full textBackground: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a critical staple crop supporting global food security, yet production is severely constrained by pests and diseases causing yield losses up to 80%. Conventional chemical control strategies have led to resistance development, environmental contamination, and non-target toxicity.
Aims: This review synthesizes current knowledge on nanotechnology-based solutions for rice pest and disease management, evaluating efficacy, mechanisms, environmental safety, and adoption challenges.
Methodology: Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed articles (2014–2025) covering nanopesticides, nanofungicides, and RNA interference delivery systems for rice protection.
Results: Nano-enabled technologies demonstrate superior efficacy at 30–60% lower active ingredient concentrations compared to conventional formulations. Metal oxide nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation and membrane disruption.
Conclusion: RNA interference delivered via nanocarriers offers species-specific gene silencing for resistance-proof pest management. Nanotechnology represents a transformative approach for sustainable rice protection, though critical challenges remain regarding long-term environmental fate assessment, comprehensive toxicological evaluation, regulatory framework development, production cost reduction, and farmer acceptance. Future research must prioritize mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle-biological interactions, lifecycle assessment, and integration with sustainable agriculture systems.
 
Multivariate Selection of High-Performing Green Gram Accessions Based on Yield and Component Traits
No full text
The present study was undertaken to evaluate eleven green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) accessions to identify superior genotypes based on yield and key yield-associated traits. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Field of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala (10°32’11’’N and 76°16’43’’E and 97m above mean sea level) during June to August, 2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant genotypic correlations were observed between yield per plant and number of pods per plant, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, and pod length. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of pods per plant and pod length exerted strong positive and direct effects on yield indicating their values as primary selection criteria. Superior accessions were identified by integrating yield performance with favourable trait expression. Results obtained from the two approaches were almost comparable. Among the different multivariate approaches examined for constructing a selection index, the PCA biplot proved particularly effective for visualizing trait relationships and discriminating high-performing accessions. The findings provide a practical framework for trait-based selection in green gram improvement programs
Assessing the Impact of Urban Land Use Change on Soil Water Driven Erosion Risk: A Case Study of the Gourou Watershed, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
No full textVegetation cover is a crucial factor in the evolution of soil erosion, as its presence can slow it down or its absence can exacerbate it. Combating erosion risk requires knowledge of land cover types in a given region to best target erosion control measures. With this in mind, the general objective of this study is to demonstrate the impact of vegetation cover dynamics on the risk of soil erosion caused by water, using the Gourou watershed in southern Côte d\u27Ivoire as a case study. Landsat satellite images of the Gourou watershed were processed, and the Revised Universal Soil Equation (RUSLE) was used to spatially map soil loss within the study area. The results show a dominance of buildings and bare soils which occupy 70% of the landscape of the Gourou watershed in 2020. This spatial analysis allowed us to determine the extent of water erosion in the study area, with a distribution showing an average ranging from 556.77 t/ha/year to 633.46 t/ha/year and a percentage of highly vulnerable areas ranging from 38.95% in 2002 to 50.03% in 2020. The entire surface of the watershed would therefore be highly affected by the phenomenon of water erosion. A more advanced or more severe degradation of the vegetation cover would be detrimental to this region which already suffers from disasters such as flooding by accumulation of runoff water caused by the inability of soils to infiltrate and the silting up of drainage canals caused by soil loss and the drainage of solid waste by water towards the canals