International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
ICRISAT Open Access RepositoryNot a member yet
12134 research outputs found
Sort by
Adoption of fertilizer technology for rice cultivation in Kalahandi District, Odisha
Get PDFThe management of nutrients presents a significant challenge for farmers and is a matter of concern for environmentalists. The key issue doesn’t lie in innovation but in the diffusion of technology among agricultural practitioners. Developed by international fertilizer development corporations, Urea Deep Placement (UDP) technology represents an innovative approach to rice cultivation. Its primary objective is to address the issue of nitrogen loss and enhance the utilization efficiency of urea. UDP modifies the method and placement of urea to optimize its effectiveness and minimize environmental impacts. This study employs a two-stage treatment effect model to investigate the following questions: which are the aspects that influence the adoption of UDP technology in rice cultivation? and how does the implementation of this technology impact rice yield? Critical factors influencing adoption include land tenure, gender, extension services, non-agricultural income, affiliation with farming groups and participation in training, guaranteed risk mitigation, and access to irrigation. Furthermore, farm size and the adoption of UDP significantly affect rice production. Beyond the economic advantages of adopting this technology, it also generates job opportunities in the manufacture of urea briquettes and their application. The use of urea briquettes curtails chemical runoff and water pollution. The embrace of UDP technology has concurrently spurred farmers to adopt mechanization and improve water management and distribution in rice fields
Conservation agriculture layered with subsurface drip fertigation influences weed dynamics, weed indices and productivity of rice-wheat system
No full textA three-year field study was conducted to explore the use of Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a cost-effective alternative to conventional tillage (CT) in rice-wheat (RW) systems. Therefore, to minimize the weed menace while sustaining the system productivity, a three-year field study was undertaken with different CA-based practices layered with flooded (FI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). In rice, weed density (WD) in Sc8 {Zero tillage direct seeded rice with residue (+R) and SDI} recorded 72.9% lowered then Sc1 (CT-Puddled transplanted rice) after three years. However, maximum WD (162 m−2) and dry matter (WDM; 772.8 g m−2) were recorded in ZTDSR without residue (-R) with FI (Sc3) during third year which reduced rice yield by ∼37%. In wheat, the WD and WDM of Phalaris minor, Coronopus didymus, Melilotus indica and other species lowered in CA with SDI system (Sc5-Sc8) than CTRW system (Sc1 and Sc2). Lowest weed index (WI) observed with Sc8 during third year, while diversity indices (H’, R, E) increased by 10, 57 and 10% under SDI system than CTW-R scenario (Sc1). CA-system improved productivity by 7.40–37.11% over CTRW systems in weed free (WF) conditions, regardless of residue and irrigation management. Under weedy check (WC), Sc8 was top yielder with yield of 8.32 Mg ha−1. Moreover, sustainable intensification (Sc7-Sc8) improved productivity by 35.2 and ∼52% than CTRW systems in WF and WC plots, respectively. In conclusion, CA+SDI scenarios may be recommended for RW system owing to their system yield enhancement, resource savings and weed reduction advantages
Genome-wide association mapping reveals novel genes and genomic regions controlling root-lesion nematode resistance in chickpea mini core collection
Get PDFRoot-lesion nematodes (RLN) pose a significant threat to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by damaging the root system and causing up to 25% economic losses due to reduced yield. Worldwide commercially grown chickpea varieties lack significant genetic resistance to RLN, necessitating the identification of genetic variants contributing to natural resistance. This study identifies genomic loci responsible for resistance to the RLN, Pratylenchus thornei Sher & Allen, in chickpea by utilizing high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms from whole-genome sequencing data of 202 chickpea accessions. Phenotypic evaluations of the genetically diverse set of chickpea accessions in India and Australia revealed a wide range of responses from resistant to susceptible. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) employing Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) and Bayesian-Information and Linkage-Disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) models identified 44 marker-trait associations distributed across all chromosomes except Ca1. Crucially, genomic regions on Ca2 and Ca5 consistently display significant associations across locations. Of 25 candidate genes identified, five genes were putatively involved in RLN resistance response (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, heat shock proteins, MYB-like DNA-binding protein, zinc finger FYVE protein and pathogenesis-related thaumatin-like protein). One notably identified gene (Ca_10016) presents four haplotypes, where haplotypes 1–3 confer moderate susceptibility, and haplotype 4 contributes to high susceptibility to RLN. This information provides potential targets for marker development to enhance breeding for RLN resistance in chickpea. Additionally, five potential resistant genotypes (ICC3512, ICC8855, ICC5337, ICC8950, and ICC6537) to P. thornei were identified based on their performance at a specific location. The study's significance lies in its comprehensive approach, integrating multiple-location phenotypic evaluations, advanced GWAS models, and functional genomics to unravel the genetic basis of P. thornei resistance. The identified genomic regions, candidate genes, and haplotypes offer valuable insights for breeding strategies, paving the way for developing chickpea varieties resilient to P. thornei attack
Impact of heat stress on physiological characteristics and expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Get PDFThe current climate change has a profound impact on agricultural production. Despite the unanimous efforts of several nations to prevent further increase in global temperatures, developing adaptive strategies by imparting heat tolerance in crop plants is essential to ensure global food security. This study demonstrates the impact of heat stress on the morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of different groundnut genotypes derived from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (JL 24 × 55–437). The plants were grown in controlled conditions and a high-temperature stress of 45 °C was gradually imposed by placing the plants in an environmental chamber during peak reproductive stage [25 days after sowing (DAS) to 60 DAS]. Heat tolerant genotypes had better biochemical machinery to withstand the heat stress-induced oxidative burst with higher activity of catalase and peroxidase. Also, the tolerant genotypes had lesser membrane damage as indicated by lower malondialdehyde levels. Greater expression of heat shock proteins (HSP17) transcripts alongside elevated levels of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity was observed when exposed to high temperature, indicating their potential association with heat stress tolerance in groundnut
Modern Crop Management Practices for Pearl Millet Cultivation in Semi-Arid Africa
No full textPearl millet is the most important cereal crop in the semi-arid and arid regions of West Africa, supplying a large proportion of the dietary energy for the human population, nutritious fodder for livestock, and stalk for cooking fuel. This review focuses on modern agronomic practices for increasing millet productivity in semi-arid Africa. We showed that potential opportunities exist to improve millet productivity and nutritional quality while reducing adverse climate effects on millet production in the semi-arid areas of Africa. Millet-legume intercropping, agroforestry, crop rotation systems, fertilizer micro-dosing, and water harvesting techniques, along with improved millet varieties with resilience to various adverse climate change effects, have been identified as key interventions usually promoted for enhancing pearl millet productivity in semi-arid Africa. The benefits and their associated limitations have been discussed, and potential options for improvement have been suggested for sustainable pearl millet productivity intensification in the semi-arid area of Africa
Evaluation of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) Genetic Variability for High-Temperature Tolerance in Controlled and Field Conditions
Get PDFHigh-temperature stress poses a serious threat to groundnut production in semi-arid tropical regions due to climate change and global warming. It is important to develop tolerant cultivars that can adapt and produce higher yields. Thirty-six groundnut genotypes were evaluated for tolerance to high temperatures at the seedling stage using the Temperature Induction Response technique, followed by comparing seedling responses to yield performance under field conditions. This aids in understanding genotype responses to high-temperature stress at various growth stages and the possibility of early selection to accelerate breeding for high-temperature tolerance. In the TIR experiment, variability in seedling survival and growth reduction was observed, and the induced genotypes exhibited higher seedling survival and lower growth reduction compared to the non-induced genotypes. Field screening revealed significant genotype, environment, and genotype×environment differences for pod yield and associated traits under high-temperature stress. Heat-tolerant genotypes recorded higher pod yield and associated traits than sensitive genotypes. However, genotypes with seedling tolerance did not exhibit superior pod yields under high-temperature stress, which implies distinct mechanisms governing high-temperature tolerance at different growth stages. This recommends comprehensive screening of genotypes under high-temperature stress for future research and genetic improvement of groundnut high-temperature tolerance
Increasing sorghum yields for smallholder farmers in Mali_ the evolution towards a context-driven, on-farm, gender-responsive sorghum breeding program
Get PDFThis case study explores a decades long evolution towards a gender-responsive sorghum breeding program in Mali. With known disparities in men and women’s access to the resources that improve agricultural productivity and evidence that gender roles and responsibilities shape knowledge and preferences about varieties, there is need for methods that support gender-responsive processes in plant breeding programs. Gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches in plant breeding may increase varietal options available to diverse end-users, increase adoption, and limit negative impacts on vulnerable populations. We assess a participatory plant breeding program in Mali to identify determinants of gender-responsive breeding programs. The analysis uses a case study methodology that draws upon project reports, theses, articles, and experiential knowledge to understand how the sorghum breeding program transitioned over time. This case study details (a) more than a decade of sorghum breeding activities and research that led to (b) the inclusion of women in participatory plant breeding, culinary tests, and large-scale participatory selection in on-farm trials, reaching hundreds of women each year and (c) iterative co-learning processes to develop preferred sorghum varieties and increase sorghum yields on men and women’s fields. Analyses indicated that collaborations among many institutions on-farm with community actors, research across various disciplines such as agronomy and social sciences, context-specific breeding, and long-term funding were essential to increasing gender sensitivity and responsive in the breeding efforts
Effect of vapor pressure deficit on growth and yield of pearl millet germplasm originating from semi-arid, semi-humid and humid regions
No full textIntroduction: The increase in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is among the expected change in futur climate, and understanding its effect on crop growth is of much significance for breeeding programs. Three groups (G1,G2 and G3) of pearl millet germplasm, originating from regions with different rainfall intensities, were grown in the field during period of high and low VPDs. The groups G1,G2 and G3 were respectively from Guinean (rainfall above 1000 mm), Soudanian (rainfall between 600 mm and 900 mm), and Sahelian zones (rainfall between 600 and 300 mm) of Africa. The objective was to assess if there was any growth response difference among the germplasm groups.
Method: Four trials were conducted, two in the dry season of 2019 (Ds19) and 2020 (Ds20) with avarage VPDs of 3.62 kPa and 2.92 kPa, respectively, and two in the rainy season of 2019 (Rs19) and 2020 (Rs20) with avaerage VPDs of 1.14 kPa and 0.61 kPa, respectively.
Results: In order to avoid possible confounding effects of radiation on millet growth and yield, data were normalized by the quantity of light received during each season. After this normalization, leaf area and grain yield decreased in the highest-VPD seasons whereas tiller number decreased only in Ds19 (one high VPD season). The comparison of the three germplasm groups indicates that G3 the germplasm group from Sahelian regions showed greater tolerance to high VPD than G1 and G2.
Discussion: Germplasm from the G3 group could be a good material for developing tolerant germplasm to future climate that is bound to have high VPD
Carotenoid Extraction from Plant Tissues
No full textCarotenoids are the natural pigments available in nature and exhibit different colors such as yellow, red, and orange. These are a class of phytonutrients that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune-modulatory, and anti-aging properties. These were used in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. They are divided into two classes: carotenes and xanthophylls. The carotenes are non-oxygenated derivatives and xanthophylls are oxygenated derivatives. The major source of carotenoids are vegetables, fruits, and tissues. Carotenoids also perform the roles of photoprotection and photosynthesis. In addition to the roles mentioned above, they are also involved and act as precursor molecules for the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as strigolactone and abscisic acid. This chapter briefly introduces carotenoids and their extraction method from plant tissue. Proposed protocol describes the extraction of carotenoid using solvents chloroform and dichloromethane. Reverse-phase HPLC can be performed with C30 columns using gradient elution. The column C30 is preferred to the C18 column because the C30 column has salient features, which include selective nature in the separation of structural isomers and hydrophobic, long-chain compounds, and shows the best compatibility with highly aqueous mobile phases. A complete pipeline for the extraction of carotenoids from plant tissue is given in the present protocol
QTL mapping for yield contributing traits in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) using a RIL population
Get PDFMungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the most important yet genomically under-researched leguminous food crop. Its productivity is low due to the complex nature of yield realization, which is regulated by various yield-contributing traits. Thus, understanding the genetic basis of these traits is essential for developing an ideal genotype with high yield. In this study, mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) was conducted for six yield-contributing traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (166 number), developed by crossing two contrasting genotypes (Pusa Baisakhi × PMR-1). The genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of RILs was used to construct the genetic map using 1347 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). The QTL mapping using multiple interval mapping (MIM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) has identified 17 yield contributing QTLs of which, 4 for number of leaves/plant (NL), 3 for plant height (PH), 2 for SPAD value, 3 for 100 seed weight (SW), 2 for number of pods/plant (NP), and 3 for total grain yield (GY). The Logarithm of Odds (LOD) scores for these QTLs ranged from ~ 3–9, while phenotypic variance explained (PVE) ranged from ~ 9–24%. Several candidate genes with mRNA expression and protein-altering mutations were identified as having a direct role in key processes like growth (LOC106756212, LOC106776425, LOC106777991), flowering (LOC106777903, LOC106768860), metabolism (LOC106757749, LOC106758189), etc. The candidate genes are validated through digital gene expression analysis. In addition, Insertion-Deletion (InDel) markers were also developed for the identified QTLs which hold broad applications for the improvement of yield-related traits in mungbean