International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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Optimal Plot Size is Key to Reducing Variability Associated with Aflatoxin Contamination while Designing Field Screening Experiments
No full textAflatoxin contamination in peanuts can occur at pre-, post-harvest, and in storage. Breeding for aflatoxin resistance is a priority trait and an important component of integrated aflatoxin management. However, the progress is limited due to sampling and field screening protocols which often don’t produce reproducible results. To identify good resistance sources, a reliable screening protocol and a sampling strategy are critical. In this study, we attempted to determine an optimal plot size to reduce the field variability associated with measuring aflatoxin in peanuts sampled from small field plots. A total of 9 peanut genotypes, including six MAGIC population lines, one released variety, and two standard checks were sown in a field during post-rainy 2023-24. The standard checks consist of a known resistant variety (J11) and a known susceptible variety (JL 24). Each genotype was sown in a single row with a length of 70 m (with 0.5m spacing for every 6m) in a sick field at ICRISAT and each plot is divided into 40 subplots of 1.5 m length. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The plots were inoculated with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus
strain three times during the crop growth period starting from 35 days after sowing with a 15-day interval. After harvest, pods from each of 40 subplots were collected separately for aflatoxin quantification through indirect competitive ELISA. Results indicate significant genotype differences (p=0.0001) but no significant difference (p=0.9029) among replications. The ideal plot size for minimizing standard error was 9m. Further experimentation and validation are required to see whether these results are reproducible
Biochar Application: A Sustainable Approach for Managing Stem Rot Disease in Peanut Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.
No full textSoilborne pathogens are often difficult to manage due to a wide host-range and long-term survival of pathogens. Inorganic and organic soil amendments are considered as one of the key management strategies. Biochar, produced through biomass pyrolysis under oxygen-limited conditions, has gained attention for enhancing soil structure, sequestering carbon, improving water retention, and boosting fertility. Beyond its role in soil enhancement, biochar shows potential in managing soilborne diseases. This study explores the multifaceted impact of biochar in managing stem rot disease in peanut, as well as its influence on soil properties and
microbial communities. The effects of different biochar concentrations such as 0% (no biochar + S. rolfsii), 1%, 3% and 5% on Sclerotium rolfsii-induced stem rot were thoroughly assessed. Under laboratory conditions, biochar did not exhibit inhibitory effects on S. rolfsii at any
concentration; however, it significantly reduced sclerotia formation, indicating a concentrationdependent suppression of pathogen resting structures. Moreover, biochar treatments effectively delayed disease onset and slowed disease progression in peanut plants, with notable variation
observed among genotypes and biochar concentrations. Interactions involving genotypes ICGV 171002 and ICGV 181035 with BC2 + Sr (3% biochar + S. rolfsii) and BC3 + Sr (5%
biochar + S. rolfsii) demonstrated superior disease suppression under controlled conditions. Field evaluations further validated these findings, revealing genotype-specific responses to biochar applications. However, no significant difference was observed between BC2 + Sr (3%)
and BC3 + Sr (5%) in their ability to manage stem rot disease compared to controls. In addition to disease management, biochar improved soil fertility by increasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels while enhancing soil organic matter, electrical conductivity and pH. These
findings highlight biochar’s potential as a sustainable soil amendment, contributing to disease suppression and soil health improvement. Further research is needed to optimize biochar
application strategies across diverse agricultural settings
Revealing Peanut Blanchability: Genomic Insights for Identifying Markers and Candidate Genes to Improve Quality and Boost Industry Impact
No full textBlanching is the process of removing the seed coat (testa) from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), and a genotype's ability to shed the testa is known as blanchability. This trait is of significant economic value in peanut-based food production, yet limited research has focused on it within breeding programs. Blanchability is highly heritable and genetically regulated, suggesting that breeding and selection for this trait should be effective. The aim of this study was to identify high-blanchability genotypes from the ICRISAT minicore collection (184 genotypes) and identify the genomic regions responsible for the trait. Over two seasons, phenotypic data from these genotypes were combined with high-quality SNP data to perform Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Using the 58K ‘Axiom_Arachis’ array and whole-genome resequencing (WGRS), 58 and 26 marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified, respectively. These 9 MTAs (from 58K Axiom_Arachis) and 6 MTAs (WGRS) were
distributed, across 6 chromosomes, with four Chromosomes (Ah01, Ah05, Ah06, Ah17) being common. The MTAs identified on chromosome B07 (from 58K Axiom_Arachis) and Ah17 (from WGRS) had highest phenotypic variation of 35.28% and 54.03%; respectively. Of the several candidate genes linked to blanchability were identified in the study, three genes in
particular-xyloglucan endotransglucosylase, glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase 8, and galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase-like protein-seem to play key role in controlling blanchability. These genes play a role in the dynamic processes of cell wall construction, modification, and maintenance and have a direct impact on the development of seed coats, the integrity of cell walls, and plant adhesion. We have validated 6 markers which can be used for
selecting progenies and genotypes with high blanchability
Rapid Generation Advancement in Pulse Breeding: Opportunities, Constraints, and Prospects
No full textPulses form a vital element of the nutri-diet for the mankind. The present-day concerns worldwide involve attaining food and nutritional security while tackling the issues of climate change and population inflation on the other end. At this juncture, as researchers are laser-focused on enhancing output per unit area and resources, rapid generation advancement (RGA) techniques stand-alone as the attractive and feasible solution. This technique opened a new niche in the pulse breeding with their interventions currently applicable in pigeon pea, chickpea, soybean, pea, clover, common bean, narrow-leaved lupin, and faba bean. The technique proved to enhance the generations while positively reducing the seasonal preferences, cost, and resources utilized for field trials with a regulated tweak in the photoperiod, temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity, and management factors. Thus, this chapter forms a comprehensive understanding of the prospects of rapid generation advancement, its opportunities, and challenges in breeding of pulse crops
Evaluation of phytoremediation potential of Canna indica and Ageratum conyzoides in field-scale hybrid wetlands treating greywater
No full textConstructed wetlands (CWs) offer an eco-friendly wastewater treatment technology which can provide a low-cost alternative to “raw wastewater discharge” which although is increasingly becoming unsustainable, remains the most common practice for urban housing colonies in India. This study demonstrates that despite being a semi-engineered system CWs can provide consistent removal efficiency while treating “grey water”, which constitutes the major fraction of the total wastewater generated in an urban housing colony. The lack of field-scale performance data for CWs has kept builders, practicing engineers, and policy makers thus far unconvinced about their true potential beyond scientific publications. The work presented here provides comparative assessment of phytoremediation potential of two macrophytes Canna indica and Ageratum conyzoides while treating grey water emanating from a nearby urban housing colony. How the relative positioning of these macrophytes, upstream or downstream of each other, can influence the wastewater treatment efficiency was also evaluated. Higher removal efficiencies were observed for inorganic nitrogen (43.4%) and phosphate (45.68%) for CWs vegetated with Canna indica while higher sulfate removal efficiency (63.5%) was observed for CWs vegetated with Ageratum conyzoides. For chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSSs), removal efficiencies remained consistently above 65% and 80%, respectively.
Novelty statement
Such detailed assessment of phytoremediation potential of Canna indica and Ageratum conyzoides in a field-scale constructed wetland using real wastewater has not been reported earlier in Indian conditions.
Highlights
Performance of four field scale constructed wetlands was evaluated using real wastewater.
Phytoremediation potential of Canna indica and Ageratum conyzoides was evaluated.
Revenue and valorization potential of the biomass harvested from CWs were estimated
Inclusive seed systems for better nutrition and sustainable food systems in Mali
Full text linkWomen are central to agricultural production in Mali, yet systemic barriers limit their participation in inclusive seed systems and resilient food systems. In seed systems, restricted access to high-quality seeds, financial constraints, and limited technical training hinder women’s engagement in formal seed production and distribution. Within food systems, weak market integration, inadequate mechanization, and insufficient processing infrastructure constrain their ability to transform biofortified crops into value-added food products. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic, gender-responsive approach that strengthens women’s roles across the seed-to-nutrition pathway. This perspective article synthesizes insights from two key initiatives: The Networking for Seed Project-Phase II, which enhances community seed systems by promoting women’s participation in seed production and dissemination, and a pilot initiative by the World Food Program, which facilitates the processing, commercialization, and market integration of biofortified crops. These initiatives highlight the importance of linking seed systems with food processing and market access to create economic opportunities for women while improving household and community nutrition. By enhancing financial inclusion, utilizing technological tools, and strengthening institutional support, these approaches help women shift from being passive recipients of agricultural inputs to becoming active and empowered entrepreneurs. Integrating women more effectively into both seed and food systems contributes to more sustainable and equitable agricultural value chains, strengthening food security, nutrition outcomes, and climate resilience in Mali
Rhizobacterial-Plant Interactions: Conferring to Plant Growth Under Drought and Salinity Stress
No full textThe interaction between plants and rhizobacteria plays a critical role in enhancing plant resilience and growth under abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Rhizobacteria, particularly plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), possess multiple mechanisms that aid plants in coping with stress conditions. These microorganisms enhance plant growth by producing phytohormones, solubilizing essential nutrients, and synthesizing stress-related compounds, such as osmolytes and exopolysaccharides, which improve root-soil adhesion and soil structure. PGPR also modulate plant stress responses by triggering induced systemic tolerance (IST) and enhancing antioxidant defence mechanisms, thus reducing oxidative damage in plants. Additionally, some rhizobacteria facilitate water uptake and nutrient acquisition by improving root morphology and enhancing soil nutrient bioavailability through nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of siderophores. These interactions collectively enhance plant survival, growth, and productivity in arid and saline environments. Understanding the mechanisms underlying rhizobacterial-plant interactions under stress conditions can pave the way for developing sustainable agricultural practices, especially in drought-prone and saline-affected regions. This chapter highlights the rhizobacterial strategies for alleviating drought and salinity stress and discusses the potential of harnessing these interactions to improve crop resilience under adverse environmental conditions
Pests and diseases guide of sorghum, pearl millet and sesame
No full textThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) technically supports the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and Saudi REEF in the implementation of the project “Strengthening MEWA's capacity to implement its Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRAD) Programme” (2019–2025). This strategic initiative aims to enhance institutional capacities, boost agricultural productivity, strengthen rural institutions, generate employment, and empower youth and women-led enterprises – all while promoting the sustainable management of land, water, and other vital natural resources. As part of these efforts, FAO, in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), MEWA, and Saudi REEF, has placed special emphasis on promoting rainfed cereal cultivation in southwestern Saudi Arabia. This region, rich in agricultural heritage, faces unique challenges, particularly in managing pests and diseases that affect crop yields. This publication, “Pests and diseases guide of sorghum, pearl millet and sesame”, has been developed under the SRAD project to provide practical, field-oriented knowledge for farmers, extension workers, and researchers. It aims to address biotic constraints in crop production and support informed decision-making in pest and disease management. The guide documents experiences, shares lessons learned and presents preliminary findings. It serves as a valuable reference to raise awareness and strengthen resilience in rainfed farming systems
Decoding plant resistance mechanism in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) against major insect pests: Decade of efforts and emerging directions
Full text linkPigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is an important food and nutritional security crop, widely cultivated in the semi-arid regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, its productivity is hindered by various abiotic and biotic stress factors, including numerous insect pests that infest and damage the crop at all stages of development, both in the field and during post-maturity stage/ storage conditions. Host plant resistance (HPR) has emerged as a critical tool in the sustainable management of insect pests in pigeonpea as a vital legume crop. This review synthesizes key breakthroughs in understanding and applying HPR. It focuses on decades of development and recent advances in identifying resistant/tolerant pigeonpea genotypes and the mechanisms underlying their plant defense for major insect pests. Moreover, emphasis is placed on biochemical, morphological, and genetic traits conferring resistance to significant pests of pigeonpea. In addition, innovations in molecular breeding, genomics, and phenotyping are accelerating the development of pest-resistant genotypes, offering alternatives to chemical control and enhancing crop resilience. In this review, we explored emerging research directions, including multi-omics approaches, gene-editing techniques, and novel breeding techniques, thereby expanding our understanding of host-insect interactions and facilitating precision breeding research. This comprehensive review and opinion underscore the potential of HPR in integrated pest management (IPM) for pigeonpea and highlight future pathways for improving insect pest resistance and ensuring food security in pigeonpea-producing regions across the globe
Performance of multi-trait and single-trait genomic selection for grain Fe and Zn concentrations in sorghum under different breeding constraints
Full text linkSorghum biofortification is a cost-effective approach to solving the issue of micronutrient deficiencies in human diets. Research programs face challenges, e.g., phenotyping time, cost, and accuracy in evaluating breeding populations across years and environments, which can be addressed through genomic selection (GS). The present GS work on sorghum grain Fe and Zn contents revealed that the multi-trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model (MT-GBLUP) consistently outperformed single-trait GBLUP (ST-GBLUP) in terms of prediction accuracy (PA) under different breeding resource-constrained scenarios. The PA gain by MT-GBLUP for Fe (0.274) and Zn (0.183) was greater when information was borrowed from auxiliary agronomic traits evaluated in a few locations than when only highly correlated target traits (Fe and Zn) were evaluated in more years and locations (PA gain ≤ 0.005). These results suggest that easily scorable non-target traits can inform and improve MT-GBLUP prediction accuracy for the genomic estimated breeding values of the target traits, thereby significantly saving multi-environment testing resources and potentially boosting genetic gain per unit time and cost