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Genome-wide association study of common resistance to rust species in tetraploid wheat
No full textRusts of the genus Puccinia are wheat pathogens. Stem (black; Sr), leaf (brown; Lr), and stripe (yellow; Yr) rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), Puccinia triticina (Pt), and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), can occur singularly or in mixed infections and pose a threat to wheat production globally in terms of the wide dispersal of their urediniospores. The development of durable resistant cultivars is the most sustainable method for controlling them. Many resistance genes have been identified, characterized, genetically mapped, and cloned; several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance have also been described. However, few studies have considered resistance to all three rust pathogens in a given germplasm. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to identify loci associated with resistance to the three rusts in a collection of 230 inbred lines of tetraploid wheat (128 of which were Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) genotyped with SNPs. The wheat panel was phenotyped in the field and subjected to growth chamber experiments across different countries (USA, Mexico, Morocco, Italy, and Spain); then, a mixed linear model (MLM) GWAS was performed. In total, 9, 34, and 5 QTLs were identified in the A and B genomes for resistance to Pgt, Pt, and Pst, respectively, at both the seedling and adult plant stages. Only one QTL on chromosome 4A was found to be effective against all three rusts at the seedling stage. Six QTLs conferring resistance to two rust species at the adult plant stage were mapped: three on chromosome 1B and one each on 5B, 7A, and 7B. Fifteen QTLs conferring seedling resistance to two rusts were mapped: five on chromosome 2B, three on 7B, two each on 5B and 6A, and one each on 1B, 2A, and 7A. Most of the QTLs identified were specific for a single rust species or race of a species. Candidate genes were identified within the confidence intervals of a QTL conferring resistance against at least two rust species by using the annotations of the durum (cv. ‘Svevo’) and wild emmer wheat (‘Zavitan’) reference genomes. The 22 identified loci conferring resistance to two or three rust species may be useful for breeding new and potentially durable resistant wheat cultivars
Research agenda for holistically assessing agricultural strategies for human micronutrient deficiencies in east and Southern Africa
No full textContext: Human micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa are connected through complex pathways to soils and how soils are managed. Interventions aiming directly at nutrient consumption, such as supplements and food fortification, have direct impacts but are often limited in their reach and require continuous support. In contrast, less direct changes, such as agricultural diversification and agronomic biofortification, are complicated by a wide array of factors that can limit progress toward nutritional outcomes. However, changes in agriculture and dietary patterns, if successfully linked to deficiencies, provide a more systemic transformation with the potential to achieve wide-reaching and self-perpetuating attainment of nutritional goals. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to advance theoretical frameworks and research methods for holistic analysis of agriculture-based interventions for micronutrient deficiencies. Methods: We synthesize lessons from the literature and from the Africa RISING project in Malawi and Tanzania about the connections between soil nutrients and human micronutrient deficiencies from the perspective of the five domains of sustainable intensification (productivity, economic, environmental, human condition and social). Results and conclusions: We present a menu of indicators for future research on the soil-plant-food-nutrition pathway related to micronutrient deficiency and smallholder farming that need to be considered to effectively assess how agricultural interventions may or may not result in the desired nutritional outcomes. Ultimately, addressing micronutrient deficiencies through agricultural interventions requires a holistic approach that considers all five domains. Research on soil-nutrition linkages should consider the feedback loops across the five domains of sustainable intensification. Significance: Interdisciplinary and participatory research to effectively link soils to human health supports sustainable development
AgroTutor: Localised generative AI infrastructure for agri advisories
No full textGenerative AI (GenAI) technologies offer transformative potential in agriculture, enabling precise and timely advisories tailored to regional needs. The AgroTutor platform developed by CIMMYT pioneers a scalable approach to leveraging localised GenAI to deliver actionable agronomic insights to smallholder farmers across the global south. By employing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), low-cost language models, and multi-modal data integration, AgroTutor addresses critical challenges such as context localisation, resource optimisation, and quick deployment of RAG. This white paper outlines the process, methodology, pilot outcomes, and the way forward of AgroTutor for agriculture advisories. AgroTutor is an open-source application designed to enable local organisations to provide farmers with cutting-edge, AI-powered advisory services, particularly in the Global South. The system leverages a generative AI framework to mitigate critical knowledge gaps within the agricultural sector. Designed with localised contexts in mind, the system integrates RAG frameworks with multi-modal datasets to enhance advisory relevance and accuracy. Pilots conducted in India, Mexico, and Kenya demonstrate its potential for scalability and ease of deployment, addressing challenges such as crop management, pest control, and climate adaptation.16 page
CIMMYT and USA
No full textThe US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a leading funder of CIMMYT’s work for decades, supporting impactful research to benefit maize and wheat farmers and consumers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In addition to USDA, over 100 U.S. universities and other public and private organizations help CIMMYT with funding and invaluable research collaboration. The map illustrates the use of seed of maize and wheat genetic resources and breeding lines by U.S. institutions.4 page
Assessment of maize-legume intercropping as a way for sustainable intensification in mixed farming systems for smallholder farmers in Jimma, Ethiopia
No full text16 page
Guía para la mecanización agrícola sostenible: Maquinaria a la medida y climáticamente inteligente
No full textxii, 389 page
Empowering youth and women seed producers: a business-centric approach to Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) success
No full text3 page
