International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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Identification of sources of resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Get PDFThe experiment was conducted to screen a set of 100 genotypes of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) for resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease during 2021-2022 using root dip technique and the leaf stapling method, respectively. Based on percent disease incidence of Fusarium, seven genotypes were classified as resistant. Seventeen genotypes showed resistant reaction against sterility mosaic disease. Combined resistance for both diseases was recorded in six genotypes namely, ICPL 15023, ICPL 15063, ICPL 19467, ICPL 19482, ICPL 19489, and ICPL 19499. These resistant lines can be utilized directly as useful donor source in pigeonpea hybridization programs to improve resistance
A step towards inter-operable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) based phenotyping; A case study demonstrating a rapid, quantitative approach to standardize image acquisition and check quality of acquired images
Get PDFThe Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - based imaging is being intensively explored for precise crop evaluation. Various optical sensors, such as RGB, multi-spectral, and hyper-spectral cameras, can be used for this purpose. Consistent image quality is crucial for accurate plant trait prediction (i.e., phenotyping). However, achieving consistent image quality can pose a challenge as image qualities can be affected by i) UAV and camera technical settings, ii) environment, and iii) crop and field characters which are not always under the direct control of the UAV operator. Therefore, capturing the images requires the establishment of robust protocols to acquire images of suitable quality, and there is a lack of systematic studies on this topic in the public domain. Therefore, in this case study, we present an approach (protocols, tools, and analytics) that addressed this particular gap in our specific context. In our case, we had the drone (DJI Inspire 1 Raw) available, equipped with RGB camera (DJI Zenmuse x5), which needed to be standardized for phenotyping of the annual crops’ canopy cover (CC). To achieve this, we have taken 69 flights in Hyderabad, India, on 5 different cereal and legume crops (
genotypes) in different vegetative growth stages with different combinations of technical setups of UAV and camera and across the environmental conditions typical for that region. For each crop-genotype combination, the ground truth (for CC) was rapidly estimated using an automated phenomic platform (LeasyScan phenomics platform, ICRISAT). This data-set enabled us to 1) quantify the sensitivity of image acquisition to the main technical, environmental and crop-related factors and this analysis was then used to develop the image acquisition protocols specific to our UAV-camera system. This process was significantly eased by automated ground-truth collection. We also 2) identified the important image quality indicators that integrated the effects of 1) and these indicators were used to develop the quality control protocols for inspecting the images post accquisition. To ease 2), we present a web-based application available at (https://github.com/GattuPriyanka/Framework-for-UAV-image-quality.git) which automatically calculates these key image quality indicators.
Overall, we present a methodology for establishing the image acquisition protocol and quality check for obtained images, enabling a high accuracy of plant trait inference. This methodology was demonstrated on a particular UAV-camera set-up and focused on a specific crop trait (CC) at the ICRISAT research station (Hyderabad, India). We envision that, in the future, a similar image quality control system could facilitate the interoperability of data from various UAV-imaging set-ups
Water hyacinth biomass valorization: fostering biodiversity and sustainable development in the bioeconomy
No full textA shift towards using sustainable energy resources in the form of bioenergy, generated using biomass, has been currently the main focus of developing economies around the globe. Biomass is the main resource of the bioeconomy, yet the current biomass supply chain for different green initiatives is frequently unsustainable, not economically viable in the long run, or simply unavailable and non-diverse. An ideal component of bioeconomy should be present all across the globe all year round to facilitate a viable supply-demand cycle with high biodiversity and availability. One such resource is a unique floating invasive aquatic weed, Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). It is one of the most invasive aquatic weeds having a global presence due to its high proliferation rate and high adaptability to different environmental conditions across the globe. Water hyacinth biomass is nutrient-rich and can be a great source of lignocellulosic biomass to be used as feed material for biofuel and/or bioenergy production, as a major component of bioeconomy, among other applications. The problem, at present, is there is a lack of sustainable use options for the water hyacinth biomass, and it is often seen as an infestation more than a potential solution, frequently dumped near the infested water bodies after extraction or controlled using chemical methods. The rapid release of ammonia and other foul-smelling substances from this rotting biomass causes local nuisance. This rich source of biomass is thus presently highly under-utilized and under-managed. Biochemical, thermochemical, and physio-chemical conversion of water hyacinth biomass could solve multi-dimensional problems of current bioeconomic challenges. Encompassing the biodiversity and availability of such a resource is critically important through successful collection, treatment, and sustainable utilization. Water hyacinths can provide answers to the growing biomass demand for bioenergy production. Such waste-to-wealth initiatives foster a green bioeconomy and substantially contribute to sustainable development goals
Identification and application of a candidate gene AhAftr1 for aflatoxin production resistance in peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Get PDFIntroduction
Peanut is susceptible to infection of Aspergillus fungi and conducive to aflatoxin contamination, hence developing aflatoxin-resistant variety is highly meaningful. Identifying functional genes or loci conferring aflatoxin resistance and molecular diagnostic marker are crucial for peanut breeding.
Objectives
This work aims to (1) identify candidate gene for aflatoxin production resistance, (2) reveal the related resistance mechanism, and (3) develop diagnostic marker for resistance breeding program.
Methods
Resistance to aflatoxin production in a recombined inbred line (RIL) population derived from a high-yielding variety Xuhua13 crossed with an aflatoxin-resistant genotype Zhonghua 6 was evaluated under artificial inoculation for three consecutive years. Both genetic linkage analysis and QTL-seq were conducted for QTL mapping. The candidate gene was further fine-mapped using a secondary segregation mapping population and validated by transgenic experiments. RNA-Seq analysis among resistant and susceptible RILs was used to reveal the resistance pathway for the candidate genes.
Results
The major effect QTL qAFTRA07.1 for aflatoxin production resistance was mapped to a 1.98 Mbp interval. A gene, AhAftr1 (Arachis hypogaea Aflatoxin resistance 1), was detected structure variation (SV) in leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain of its production, and involved in disease resistance response through the effector-triggered immunity (ETI) pathway. Transgenic plants with overexpression of AhAftr1(ZH6) exhibited 57.3% aflatoxin reduction compared to that of AhAftr1(XH13). A molecular diagnostic marker AFTR.Del.A07 was developed based on the SV. Thirty-six lines, with aflatoxin content decrease by over 77.67% compared to the susceptible control Zhonghua12 (ZH12), were identified from a panel of peanut germplasm accessions and breeding lines through using AFTR.Del.A07.
Conclusion
Our findings would provide insights of aflatoxin production resistance mechanisms and laid meaningful foundation for further breeding programs
Stunting and undernutrition among adolescent girls of indigenous communities in Telangana, India: A cross-sectional study
Get PDFDespite economic progress in recent decades, the indigenous population in India remain at risk of malnutrition due to major dependence on traditional agricultural practices, poverty, illiteracy and low personal and environmental hygiene. This study investigates the incidence, causes and socioeconomiccultural determinants of three indicators of chronic malnutrition—stunting, thinness and undernutrition— among adolescent girls from indigenous communities from selected sites in Telangana, India. The data on demographic and nutritional indicators using a mixed-methods approach was collected in 2017 from 695 adolescent girls out of 2,542 households. These adolescents were grouped into two categories—early adolescents (11–14 years ) and late adolescents (15– 18 years). The analysis showed that, overall, 13% of adolescent girls in the sample were of normal nutritional status and 87% were either stunted/underweight/ thin or a combination of two or three indicators. Girls in early adolescence showed a higher prevalence of being underweight (24.4%) whereas stunting was higher in late adolescent category (30%). The logistic regressions supported these findings and identified key factors influencing this result. Education of head of the household and the adolescent girl, and availability of toilet infrastructure by households played a significant role in reduction of malnutrition, especially in stunting and underweight categories. The sociocultural norms around food that starchy staples are the most important in the diet and early age of marriage were also found to be influencing the nutritional status. The study concludes the need for concerted policies, programs, nutrition education sessions and behavior change campaigns aimed at adolescent girls’ nutrition among the indigenous communities
Designing sustainable smallholder farming systems in global south: Integrating multidimensional and whole farm perspective using systems tool box
Get PDFThe absence of comprehensive and user friendly tools for assessing multiple dimensions of farming and livelihood systems often lead to poor targeting of development policies and interventions.
A framework was developed and validated to assess multi
dimensional sustainability of farming system that fills a critical gap by providing a comprehensive and user friendly tool for R&D stakeholders
The tool has also been t ransformed into an automated dashboard to promote its wider use
C onsiders five major sustainability domains: environmental,
economic, productivity, social, and human well being
Each domain is divided into different themes, sub themes, and indicators
Enables stakeholders to design holistic solutions and track impact of potential interventions on the well being of smallholders and the sustainability of farming system
The Groundnut Rosette Disease at a Glance: Basics, Management and the Future
Get PDFGroundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is an allotetraploid derived from hybridization of the ancestors Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis), followed by spontaneous chromosome doubling. The crop is predominately grown under low-input production system with an average yield ranging between 700 to 900 Kgha-1. Yields are low, and several biotic and abiotic factors, constraint the production. The groundnut rosette disease, caused by synergistic interaction of three viral components, is considered to be the most devastating where it is grown in Africa. The disease is spread by aphid in a persistent manner. The use of aphid and virus resistant cultivars is the most economical means to control the disease. Few reports on DNA markers linked to GRD resistance are available and effort is needed to identify more DNA markers to assist future breeding programmes. Understanding the host-vector-disease interaction at the molecular level would form a stronger basis to breed for resistance while adapting modern technologies. Efforts to identify resistant sources, development of resistant cultivars and identification of DNA marker linked to resistance has been underway and substantial progress made though not fully. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to contribute towards understanding the dynamics of the disease in different countries within SSA so as to resolve the underlying causes of the epidemic
ICRISAT and WFP: India Working Paper Effect of Climate Change on Food Stability in the Context of Food Security in India
Get PDFClimate change is a global threat adversely impacting all sectors of the economy and livelihoods (Nema et al., 2012). Global climate change is a change in the long-term weather patterns that characterize the regions of the world. Scientists state unequivocally that the earth is warming. Natural climate variability alone cannot explain this trend. Human activities, especially the burning of coal and oil, are considered to have warmed the earth by dramatically increasing the concentrations of heattrapping gases in the atmosphere (Vijayavenkataraman et al. 2012). However, the human activity in all the sectors of the economy is contributing to global warming, after the fossil fuels, food system is the next big contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG ) emission- a third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions (Crippa et al, 2021). The global warming and climate change resulting in extreme weather events and increased climatic variability and have enormous adverse impacts on multiple sectors including agricultural and food production, food and
nutrition security and the livelihoods especially in the
less developed regions and countries. It is becoming a major global challenge that has far-reaching multifaceted impacts on all aspects of human life, including food security (Sanober, 2023). India, which is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, is highly vulnerable to changing climate especially its food production systems. Several studies have assessed and established a relationship between gradual climate change and crop yields (e.g., Aggarwal, 2008; Praveen & Sharma, 2020; Guiteras, 2009; Kumar et al., 2011; Kumar et al., 2004; Mall et al., 2006). Therefore, for the country, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people, ensuring food security for its growing population under the changing climate is a major challenge and a daunting talk for the policy makers. Food security refers to the availability of food and people’s access to it, with the assurance that this access will not diminish in
the future. In other words, food security is a physical,
environmental, economic, and social issue. Food security
exists when all people, at all times, have physical and
economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (Shaw, 2007). Sufficient food refers to both the quantity and quality required for good health. In general, the food security is the combinations of four dimensions named as physical availability of food (availability), economic and physical access to food (accessibility), food utilization (utilization) and Stability of the other three dimensions over time and food security objectives to be achieved when all four dimensions must be fulfilled simultaneously at all levels from national to regional to household level. The impacts of climate change on stability of food production in India are likely to have significant and far-reaching consequences. The country, which is already facing high level of malnutrition, is now being threatened by the adverse effects of climate change on its food production systems, in terms of reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. These impacts are likely to cause significant challenges to food production stability, leading to food scarcity, increased food prices, and further food insecurity, particularly for the most vulnerable populations
(Godde et al., 2021). In addition to rising temperatures,
changes in precipitation patterns have significant impact
on food production in India. Unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and floods are all affecting the availability of
water for irrigation and crops. Droughts are particularly
damaging to food production in India, as they cause crop
failures and reduce yields, leading to food scarcity and
food insecurity (Arora 2019; Datta et al., 2022). On the
other hand, floods can also have a major impact causing
damage to crop, disrupt transportation and food supply chains, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases, all
of which can further exacerbate the challenges faced by
farm and food systems in India. The stability dimension
of food security is a critical aspect of food security policy of the country. A higher risk of instability of production due climate change may result in high price volatility not only due to short supply but also the changing market perception. Considering the significance of all these aspects, the present research concentrates on the effect of climate change and variability on the fourth
dimension of food security, i.e., stability. Food stability
is when a population, household, or individual has access
to food at all times and does not risk losing access as a
consequence of cyclical events, such as the dry season.
When some lacks food stability, they are likely to have
malnutrition, a lack of essential nutrients. There have
been a wide range of studies worldwide to find out the impacts of climate change on food security and its various dimensions. Several of them conclude that the impacts are different for different dimensions of food security. An exhaustive review on the impacts of climate change on food security and its various dimensions by Radin Firdaus et al., 2019- a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from several countries provides an overview of how these changes have affected each dimension, such as availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Climatic changes have negative impacts on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN), particularly in poorer populations in situations of social inequality. The main impacts of climate changes on FSN are related to access, production, nutritional quality, and volatility of food prices (Alpino et al., 2022). However, there is hardly any evidence available on the impact of climate change and variability on food stability at the country level, which is critical for designing suitable food security policies. Therefore, we attempt to fill this evidence gap by undertaking a study to evaluate the impact of climate change on food stability status at districts level in India for various major food crops
Standardization of detached leaf assay to screen chickpeas for resistance to beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808)
Get PDFThe beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808) is an important pest of several economically important crops, and recently emerged as a serious pest of chickpea in South Central India. We standardized a detached leaf assay
technique to evaluate chickpea germplasm and segregating
populations for resistance to this pest under laboratory conditions. Two chickpea genotypes ICCL 86111 and ICC 3137
grown under field and greenhouse conditions were used for the detached leaf assay at the vegetative and flowering stages. The terminal branches were infested with 5, 10, 15, and 20 neonate larvae of S. exigua. The test genotypes were also infested with 2, 4, 6 and 8 third-instar larvae at the podding stage. At the vegetative stage, ICCL 86111 suffered less damage than ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The differences in larval survival between the genotypes were significant, and larval survival was lower on ICCL 86111 than on ICC 3137 across infestation levels. The results suggested that infesting the chickpea terminal branches with 10–15 neonate larvae per branch at the vegetative stage or six third-instar larvae at the podding stage can be used to evaluate chickpea genotypes for resistance to S. exigua
Stability and suitability of genotypes and environment to Ascochyta blight of chickpea
Get PDFAscochyta blight (AB) is a major biotic constraint to chickpea production internationally. The disease caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Ascochyta rabiei is highly favored by prolonged spells of low temperature and high humidity. The disease scenario is expected to aggravate in the near future as a result of rapidly changing climatic conditions and the emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogen strains. Tapping into host–plant resistance is the most logical way to preempt such a crisis. Presently, high levels of stable resistance against AB are yet to be identified from the chickpea gene pool. The present study was aimed at
facilitating this process through multi-environment testing of chickpea genotypes. Using the GGE biplot analysis method, we could identify three genotypes, viz., ICCV 16508, ICCV 16513, and ICCV 16516, from the International Ascochyta Blight Nursery, which showed consistent moderate resistance reactions across all the tested environments. Moreover, we were able to evaluate the test locations for their suitability to support AB screening trials. Ludhiana and Palampur locations were identified as the most ideal for
continual screening in the future. Controlled environment screening at the ICRISAT location offered to reduce large plant populations to small meaningful sizes through initial screening under controlled environment conditions. This
study will further improve the scope of phenotyping and sources of stable resistance to be utilized in future AB resistance breeding programs