International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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Effectiveness of climate information services: an evaluation of the accuracy and socio-economic benefits for smallholder farmers in Niger and Mali
Get PDFClimate information services are foundational means of building the farmer’s resilience. However, studies are scarce about the accuracy of climate information services in dryland regions such as the West Africa Sahel, like in Mali and Niger. Thus, this study examined the accuracy of climate forecasts and their socio-economic benefits in these two countries. For rainfall forecasts and alerts, we collected the 2022 data from the ‘SMS Sandji’ platform in Mali (Nara) and the national meteorological agency alert database in Niger (Zinder). The socio-economic benefits of climate information were determined using a sample of 900 individuals in Niger and 227 in Mali. The results indicate that both seasonal and daily climate forecasts have high to moderate accuracy from 0.7 to 0.58 for CSI and 0.11 to 0.43 for BS index in Niger, and 0.94 to 0.91 for CSI, and 0.06 to 0.25 for BS in Mali. The results of field survey show that, in general, 87 to 100% of the respondents in Niger and 100% in Mali received the seasonal forecasts. ANOVA also reveals with high significance (p value = 0.0001) that the utilization of climate information plays a crucial role in improving farmers’ average financial incomes with FCFA 24,943 per hectare at season onset to FCFA 15,355 per hectare during the cropping season, and FCFA 6204 per hectare at the end of the season, and time-saving of 36 h per hectare to 8 h per hectare, depending on the period when the information was used. Globally, this work underscores the importance of climate information services and highlights their positive socio-economic impacts to the livelihood of farmers
The first intron of ARF7 is required for expression in root tips
Get PDFAuxin regulates plant growth and development through the transcription factors of the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) gene family. ARF7 is one of five activators that bind DNA and elicit downstream transcriptional responses. In roots, ARF7 regulates growth, gravitropism and redundantly with
ARF19, lateral root organogenesis. In this study we analyzed ARF7 cis-regulation, using different non-coding sequences of the ARF7 locus to drive GFP. We show that constructs containing the first intron led to increased signal in the root tip. Although bioinformatics analyses predicted several transcription factor binding sites in the first intron, we were unable to significantly alter expression of GFP in the root by mutating these.We instead observed the intronic sequences needed to be present within the transcribed
sequences to drive expression in the root meristem. These data support a mechanism by which intronmediated enhancement regulates the tissue specific expression of ARF7 in the root meristem
Variation in wheat yield and soil properties at different landscape positions, nutrient sources, and rates in the tropical cereal-based cropping systems of Ethiopia
No full textContext
There is limited information on how catena features can be used to refine fertiliser recommendations in the undulating landscapes of the east African highlands.
Aims
(1) Determine the effects of landscape positions and soil types on crop-nutrient responses, and rainwater productivity (RWP); and (2) identify wheat yield-limiting nutrients across landscape positions.
Methods
Two sets of on-farm nutrient management experiments with wheat were conducted on foot slope, mid-slope, and hillslope positions over 71 sites in 2016 and 2019. The first experiment were on Vertisols, Nitisols, Regosols, and Cambisols with different levels of N/P2O5, K2O, and SO4. The second experiment were on Vertisols, Nitisols, and Cambisols with different levels of N/P2O5 and Zn.
Key results
NP increased yield across landscape positions. NP × K and NP × S interactions increased total biomass by 5–76%. Zinc × soil type interaction increased total biomass on Vertisols (6%) and Cambisols (9%), but increasing Zn did not improve yield on Nitisols. Zinc × landscape position interaction increased total biomass at foot slope (2%) and mid-slope (13%) positions. Zinc × NP interaction increased biomass yield on Cambisols, Nitisols, and Vertisols. N138P69 significantly increased RWP at foot slope, mid-slope, and hillslope positions. Soil nutrient and water contents decreased with increasing slope regardless of nutrient source and application rate.
Conclusions
Landscape position may be an indicator for targeting site-specific fertiliser recommendations. Farms on hillslopes could be better ameliorated by applying organic amendments with sustainable land management practices.
Implications
Taking into account landscape position can help better manage fertiliser use on undulating land in the east African highlands
Assessment of Ecosystem Service Value Variation Over Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics in the Beles River Basin, Ethiopia
No full textThe Beles River Basin is branded as a potential national economic growth corridor. As a result, tremendous developments took place in the basin. However, the effects of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) on ecosystem service values (ESV) have not been properly assessed. This study aimed to assess the ESV status in the Beles River Basin to provide relevant information to stakeholders and policymakers from 1986 to 2019. Satellite imagery and participatory assessments of community perceptions were used to evaluate changes in LULC over the years. All images were classified using the maximum likelihood algorithm (MLA), a supervised classification technique. The LULC types were classified with an overall accuracy ranging from 89.3 to 92.1%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.87 to 0.90. The results indicated a reduction in forests (71.0%), woodlands (11.2%), and grazing lands (1.8%), while there was an increase in croplands (3568.0%), water bodies (178.1%), and built-up areas (9.4%) over the past 33 years. The total ESV in the basin were estimated to be US909.4 million in 2002, and US249.3 million) over the past three decades. The observed changes in LULC also affected individual ecosystem services. The decline in ESV highlights the effects of environmental degradation in the basin. Thus, sustainable land management is indispensable to ensure the sustainability of ecosystem services in the basin
Sustainable weed management and soil enrichment with water hyacinth composting and mineral fertilizer integration
Get PDFComposting water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) presents a promising approach for managing the weed and the aquatic environment while increasing agricultural production and soil fertility. However, limited research reported on the impact of water hyacinth compost on soil properties and crop production under field conditions. This study aimed to evaluate impact of water hyacinth compost and its combined application with mineral fertilizer on soil properties and crop production. Before field experiments, the compost's phytotoxicity was assessed through bioassays, confirming it was safe for agricultural use with a seed germination index exceeding 80 %. Field trials were conducted using a factorial design with four application rates of water hyacinth compost (0, 8, 16, and 24 t ha-1) and three rates of the recommended mineral fertilizer for teff production (0/0, 40/23, and 80/46 kg N/P2O5 ha-1). The results indicated that compared to the control group, applying water hyacinth compost increased soil pH by up to 0.69 units and reduced bulk density by 10.3 %. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable potassium increased by 24.3 %, 28.6 %, 80.2 %, 26.2 %, and 112.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, exchangeable acidity and aluminum were reduced by 72.5 % and 78.6 %, respectively. The maximum grain yield (1826 kg ha-1) and total biomass (8020 kg ha-1) of teff were achieved by applying 24 t ha-1 of water hyacinth compost coupled with the full rate of mineral fertilizer. However, compared to adding only full fertilizer, the grain yield that resulted from applying water hyacinth compost at 16 and 24 t ha-1 along with half of the suggested mineral fertilizer was superior. This implies that water hyacinth compost could substitute 50 % of the mineral fertilizer required. In conclusion, composting water hyacinth offers a dual benefit of weed management and soil enrichment. This could be a sustainable strategy to mitigate weed proliferation while improving soil quality and crop production
Interactive Effect of Residue Quality and Agroecologies Modulate Soil C- and N-Cycling Enzyme Activities, Microbial Gene Abundance, and Metabolic Quotient
Get PDFUnderstanding interactive effect of agroecology explained by rainfall, temperature, elevation, and biochemical composition of residues on soil microbial abundance and functions is crucial for unraveling soil ecological processes. This study aimed to investigate how agroecology and residue quality influence enzymatic activities, gene abundance, and metabolic quotient (qCO2). A field experiment was conducted using Leucaena leucocephala (LL) (high-quality residue) and Acacia decurrens (AD) (low-quality residue) in soils of highland and midland agroecologies. These residues differed in decomposability, characterized by a ratio of (lignin + polyphenol)/N of 5.0 for high-quality residue versus 21.0 for low-quality residue. Two experimental setups were employed: soil with litter mixture in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes and residues buried in the surface soil using litterbags. Soil samples were collected after 30, 120, and 270 days of incubation and analyzed for biochemical properties, enzyme activities, and the abundance of nitrifying and total archaea and bacteria. Soil respiration was also measured at different intervals in the field. qCO2 was calculated using microbial biomass (MBC) and daily respiration (DCO2). Linear mixed model (P < 0.05) revealed that combined factors of agroecologies and residue qualities affected enzymatic activities, microbial abundance, soil properties, and qCO2. Agroecological differences exerted a greater influence than residue qualities. Positive and negative significant correlations (P < 0.05, r = 0.27 to 0.67) were found between different C and N pools as well as enzymatic activities. Positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the abundance of total bacteria, total archaea, and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria versus leucine-aminopeptidases. qCO2 was influenced more by β-xylosidase, leucine-aminopeptidases, and thermolysin-like neutral metalloproteases (TLP) than by β-D-glucosidase and β-D-cellobiohydrolase. Leucine-aminopeptidases and TLP were identified as rate-limiting factors for protein and peptide decomposition, while β-xylosidase controlled hemicellulose degradation. In summary, this study provides insights into the intricate relationships between agroecology, residue quality, enzymatic activities, and microbial communities, shedding light on key processes governing soil ecological functions
Role of Genome Sequences of Major and Minor Millets in Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security for Future Generations
Get PDFMillets are small-seeded cereals belonging to the family Poaceae. They are considered to be climate-resilient and future nutritional food cereals for humans. Millets are resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors compared to other major cereals and thrive in low-quality soils with little maintenance and less rainfall. The importance of millets is still not well known to many people due to the lack of popularity and cultivation in semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) to promote millet cultivation and popularize their health benefits globally. A few years ago, the application of molecular biology was in its infancy in millets due to the unavailability of genome sequences. Genome sequences are available for most of the millets on NCBI and Phytozome databases. In this review, we discuss the details of genome sequences for millets, candidate genes identified from the native genome of millets. The current status of quantitative trait loci and genome-wide association studies in millets are also discussed. The utilization of millet genome sequences in functional genomics research and translating the information for crop improvement will help millet and non-millet cereals survive harsh environments in the future. Such efforts will help strengthen food security and reduce malnutrition worldwide in 2050
Overexpression of a pearl millet WRKY transcription factor gene, PgWRKY74, in Arabidopsis retards shoot growth under dehydration and salinity-stressed conditions
Get PDFPearl millet (Cenchrus americanus) is a cereal crop that can tolerate high temperatures, drought, and low-fertility conditions where other crops lose productivity. However, genes regulating this ability are largely unknown. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate transcription of their target genes, regulate downstream biological processes, and thus are candidates for regulators of such tolerance of pearl millet. PgWRKY74 encodes a group IIc WRKY TF in pearl millet and is downregulated by drought. PgWRKY74 may have a role in drought tolerance. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the physiological and biochemical functions of PgWRKY74. Yeast one-hybrid and gel shift assays were performed to examine transcriptional activation potential and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding ability, respectively. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing PgWRKY74-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion gene were generated and tested for growth and stress-responsive gene expression under mannitol and NaCl-stressed conditions. A construct with PgWRKY74 enabled yeast reporter cells to survive on test media in the yeast one-hybrid assays. The electrophoretic mobility of DNA with putative WRKY TF-binding motifs was lower in the presence of a recombinant PgWRKY74 protein than its absence. The PgWRKY74-GFP-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited smaller rosette areas than did wild-type plants under mannitol-stressed and NaCl-stressed conditions, and exhibited weaker expression of RD29B, which is induced by the stress-related phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), under the mannitol-stressed condition.
PgWRKY74 have transcriptional activation potential and DNA-binding ability, and can negatively regulate plant responses to mannitol and NaCl stresses, possibly by decreasing ABA levels or ABA sensitivity
Research on Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Africa
Get PDFWhile Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems
Status of Sorghum Breeding in Asia
No full textThis chapter offers a thorough examination of sorghum breeding in Asia, covering its history, distribution, and domestication. It addresses challenges in breeding, particularly cytoplasmic male sterility, and extensively explores the application of omics approaches such as transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. Emphasis is placed on climate resilience, utilizing genomics to develop sorghum varieties adapted to biotic and abiotic stresses. We summarized biotic and abiotic stresses, along with biotechnological interventions to enhance important agronomic traits. This chapter also delves into modifying flowering, plant height, and the brown midrib structure’s implications for animal feed. Throughout, the significance of these tools and techniques in understanding sorghum genetics and aiding breeding programs is highlighted. In conclusion, we discussed addressing current challenges in sorghum breeding in Asia and advocating ongoing research and collaboration to ensure regional food security and sustainable agriculture. Overall, it provides a comprehensive, up-to-date account of sorghum breeding, showcasing genomics and biotechnology’s pivotal role in enhancing resilience and productivity