International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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Characterization of adaptation mechanisms in sorghum using a multireference back-cross nested association mapping design and envirotyping
Get PDFIdentifying the genetic factors impacting the adaptation of crops to environmental conditions is of key interest for conservation and selection purposes. It can be achieved using population genomics, and evolutionary or quantitative genetics. Here we present a sorghum multireference back-cross nested association mapping population composed of 3,901 lines produced by crossing 24 diverse parents to 3 elite parents from West and Central Africa-back-cross nested association mapping. The population was phenotyped in environments characterized by differences in photoperiod, rainfall pattern, temperature levels, and soil fertility. To integrate the multiparental and multi-environmental dimension of our data we proposed a new approach for quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection and parental effect estimation. We extended our model to estimate QTL effect sensitivity to environmental covariates, which facilitated the integration of envirotyping data. Our models allowed spatial projections of the QTL effects in agro-ecologies of interest. We utilized this strategy to analyze the genetic architecture of flowering time and plant height, which represents key adaptation mechanisms in environments like West Africa. Our results allowed a better characterization of well-known genomic regions influencing flowering time concerning their response to photoperiod with Ma6 and Ma1 being photoperiod-sensitive and the region of possible candidate gene Elf3 being photoperiod-insensitive. We also accessed a better understanding of plant height genetic determinism with the combined effects of phenology-dependent (Ma6) and independent (qHT7.1 and Dw3) genomic regions. Therefore, we argue that the West and Central Africa-back-cross nested association mapping and the presented analytical approach constitute unique resources to better understand adaptation in sorghum with direct application to develop climate-smart varieties
Determinants of adoption of multiple natural resource management practices: a case study from semi-arid tropics of Central India
No full textNatural resource management is important for sustaining agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid rainfed areas, yet the adoption of NRM practices have been generally low in developing countries like India. The present study, using cross-sectional data collected from 400 household with 1031 plots, examines the drivers of the adoption as well as intensity of adoption of multiple NRM practices in the semi-arid tropics of central India. Multivariate probit and Ordered probit model was the empirical framework used in this study. The results show that farmers’ adoption of multiple NRM practices and their intensity of use depend significantly on factors such as education, household size, dependency ratio, income from off-farm sources, plot size, land ownership and access to training. The study reinforces Human Capital Theory by showing that both education and household attributes significantly influences the adoption of NRM practices within agriculture. It proposes that tailored interventions directed at educated households with substantial land holdings could expedite the uptake of NRM, particularly in resource-scarce semi-arid regions. This should be coupled with efforts to promote off-farm employment options and improve extension services
Variation in protein and amino acids in global collection of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) germplasm
Get PDFPearl millet is a major source of daily protein intake in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite considerable importance, the extent of variation in protein and amino acids in pearl millet global germplasm is unknown. The present study assessed 165 genotypes from within the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP), that includes breeding lines, landraces and improved cultivars randomly drawn from a core collection from 23 countries, for protein content and 18 amino acids. The results showed considerable variation for protein content (10.06 – 20.31 %) and amino acids in PMiGAP. Diverse patterns were observed across the geographical distribution and clustered the germplasm into 7 clusters, with one cluster (“2”) containing most of the superior properties. Most amino acid levels were positively correlated but these were negatively correlated with protein content. A set of twelve genotypes was identified having higher protein with better amino acid compositions. These superior genotypes could directly feed into global and regional pearl millet improvement programs to counter hidden hunger in developing countries. We propose that these findings can be combined with the starches, lipids, antioxidants, micronutrients, and other healthful traits for which the PMiGAP resource has been extensively studied
Studies on aflatoxin resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm
No full textChilli is rich in vital nutrients with numerous health benefits. Chilli fruits are commonly contaminated by
Aspergillus species, which produces aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins. Identification of aflatoxin contamination-resistant sources of chillies is highly preferred to breed new genotypes for cultivation. Hence, 35 chilli genotypes were evaluated at the Mycotoxicology Laboratory of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru during 2019-20 to estimate their resistance to aflatoxin production. Chilli fruits were artificially inoculated and aflatoxin content was estimated by ELISA technique. A significant amount of genetic variability concerning aflatoxin among the tested genotypes was noticed. Results revealed that the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 to the extent of 40655.55 μg/kg. Estimates of average aflatoxin from 35 genotypes indicated a high quantity of
aflatoxin of 11754.68 μg/kg. The genotype IC-334383 showed less aflatoxin content (125.25 μg/kg), which indicates resistance to aflatoxin production, while the genotype EC-402113 showed very high aflatoxin content, i.e., 40655.55 μg/kg, which indicates susceptibility to aflatoxin production. The A. flavus resistant germplasm identified in this investigation has the potential for chilli aflatoxin resistance breeding programs
Restoring degraded landscapes and sustaining livelihoods: sustainability assessment (cum-review) of integrated landscape management in sub-Saharan Africa
Get PDFIntroduction: Land degradation is a significant environmental challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. In recent decades, efforts have been undertaken, with varying successes, to rehabilitate degraded rural landscapes. However, there needs to be more evidence on the outcomes regarding enhanced productivity, environmental management, and socio-economic benefits.
Methods: This study uses a case study approach, using contrasting sites from Ethiopia and Mali to appraise restoration innovations implemented through various programs. Two distinct sites were chosen from each of the study cases, and an extensive literature search was conducted to document the evidence, focusing on the sustainability gains derived from integrated landscape management (ILM). For this, the sustainable intensification assessment framework (SIAF) was used, encompassing five domains, namely productivity, economic, environmental, social, and human condition, and featuring scales from plot to landscape, all facilitated by simplified yet robust indicators such as yield, soil loss, net income, land access, and food availability.
Results: Results highlighted a higher productivity gain (35% to 55%) and an improved socio-economic benefit (>20%). The ILM in the Ethiopian highlands enabled a significant improvement in wheat and barley yield (p < 0.01). Introducing new crop varieties integrated with the in-situ and ex-situ practices enabled diversifying crops across the landscape and significantly reduced runoff and soil loss (p < 0.05). By increasing the cultivable land by 44%, household income was increased by selling potatoes and agroforestry products. In Mali, ILM practices reduced soil loss to 4.97t/ha from 12.1t/ha. In addition to the improvements in the yield of sorghum and maize (33% and 63%, respectively), rehabilitating the once marginal and abandoned landscape in Mali enabled landless and female-headed households to work together, improving the social cohesion among the groups. The introduction of irrigation facilities enabled widowed women to increase household vegetable consumption by 55% and increase their income by 24%.
Discussion: The study showed positive evidence from ILM practices in the two contrasting landscapes. However, there is a need to address challenges related to the absence of timely data monitoring and documentation of successful practices. For this, the generation of evidence-based data and the use of advanced geo-spatial tools such as Remote Sensing and GPS-installed drones are recommended
Population structure and SNP detection for phytic acid, Fe and Zn in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)
No full textMineral malnutrition is a major challenge worldwide, particularly in developing countries where approximately 50% of children are reported to have deficiency in several micronutrients, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), unlike other crops, biofortification is still limited by the presence of many anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid (PA). This study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity and population structure as well as identify important genetic loci associated with PA, Fe and Zn in sorghum. The PA content ranged from 0.02 to 8.61 (g/100 mL) with a mean of 1.39. The mean Fe and Zn contents of the accessions were 67.42 and 17.40 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe content ranged from 18 to 201 mg/kg while the Zn content ranged from 1 to 40 mg/kg. The cluster and principal coordinate analyses grouped the accessions into two stratifications, a grouping that was also evident from the population structure analysis, which divided the 282 accessions into two distinct groups. The marker-trait association (MTA) revealed significant SNP markers associated with PA, Fe and Zn. Four SNP markers had significant loci associated with PA. The loci had allelic effects ranging from 0.53 to 0.96. For Zn and Fe, six (5 for SNP and 2for DArT markers) and 22 (6 for SNP and 16 for DArT markers) significant MTAs were identified, respectively. This study provides information on some important genetic loci for phytic acid in sorghum toward improving Fe and Zn bioavailability
Genetic Identification and Characterisation of Crop Agronomic Traits and Stress Resistance
Get PDFEnhancing crops’ agronomic traits and resilience to stress is crucial for promoting food security and sustainable agriculture, particularly during climate change and for the
growing global population. Genetic identification and characterisation are pivotal for comprehending the mechanisms underlying these traits and crops’ responses to stress. Various genetic tools and methodologies, such as quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, genomewide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and functional genomics techniques, like transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have facilitated the recognition of crucial genomic regions associated with significant agronomic traits, like yield, quality, and resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Hence, identifying leads for new genetic gains for crop breeding programs includes developing improved cultivars with heightened yield potential, enhanced nutritional quality, and resilience to stresses from pests and environmental factors. Leveraging genetic diversity through germplasm resources and molecular breeding strategies may be used to address these challenges
Phenotypic profiling of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) accessions enabled identification of promising lines for use in breeding for high yield, early flowering and desirable traits
Get PDFIn the face of climate change, developing resilient crops is crucial for global food security in the 21st century to feed a growing population. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) plays a vital role in ensuring global food and nutritional security. Traits like early flowering enable the crop to
mature faster, thereby shortening the growing window and reducing yield losses caused by moisture and heat stresses during the reproductive phase. However, issues like limited genetic diversity in this trait remain unaddressed. To address this gap, our study aims to comprehensively assess genetic variability and trait associations in 158 lentil accessions. In the present study, we observed significant variations for days to 50% flowering (67–90 days), days to
maturity (109–122 days) and 100 seed weight (1.69–2.68 g) throughout a period of two consecutive years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). The observed variability in these traits offers a valuable avenue for the improvement of lentil yield through targeted selection and hybridization. Additionally, correlation analysis showed negative correlation between days to 50% flowering and grain yield per plant, while plant height had a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation with all traits except yield per plant. Furthermore, we identified specific germplasm with exceptional traits that hold significant potential for future breeding programmes.
The genotypes EC 223197-A and EC 267696 were identified for early flowering with high yield, and other genotypes that were identified for various traits would serve as breeding
material for the introgression of these traits into elite cultivars
Sterility Mosaic Disease of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth): Current Status, Disease Management Strategies, and Future Prospects
Get PDFPigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is one of the important grain legume crops cultivated in the semi-arid tropics, playing a crucial role in the economic well-being of subsistence farmers. India is the major producer of pigeonpea, accounting for over 75 per cent of the world's production. Sterility mosaic disease (SMD), caused by Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV) and transmitted by the eriophyid mite (Aceria cajani), is a major constraint to pigeonpea cultivation in the Indian subcontinent, leading to potential yield losses of up to 100 per cent. The recent characterization of another Emaravirus associated with SMD has further complicated the etiology of this challenging viral disease. This review focuses on critical areas, including the current status of the disease, transmission and host-range, rapid phenotyping techniques, as well as available disease management strategies. The review concludes with insights into the future prospects, offering an overview and direction for further research and management strategies
Accelerating cropping intensity to feed ever-growing population in India
No full textTo ensure the food and nutritional security of the rapidly growing population in India, the advancement of
cropping system productivity needs to be prioritized, as there is no option for horizontal growth of food production. Accelerating cropping intensity is visualized as the most viable option to enhance the crop’s total system
productivity. With fast-maturing crop varieties, suitable crop husbandry and cropping systems, better soil and
water management, farm mechanization and farmer-friendly policy support, cropping intensity can be increased
substantially in both irrigated and rainfed ecologies of India