Journal and Journal Articles: Recent submissions

Now showing items 701-720 of 5266

    • Geographical distribution and genetic diversity of the banana fusarium wilt fungus in Laos and Vietnam 

      Chittarath, C.; Nguyen, C.H.; Bailey, W.C.; Zheng, S.J.; Mostert, D.; Viljoen, A.; Tazuba, A.; Ocimati, W.; Kearsley, E.; Chi, T.Y.; Tho, N.T.; Hung, N.T.; Dita, M.; Shah, T.; Karanja, M.; Mahuku, G.; Blomme, G. (2022)
      Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses a major threat to global banana production. The tropical race 4 (TR4) variant of Foc is a highly virulent form with a large host range, and severely affects Cavendish bananas. Foc TR4 was recently observed within the Greater Mekong Subregion, after Chinese private companies expanded Cavendish production to the region. In this study, extensive surveys conducted across Laos and Vietnam show that Foc TR4 is still mainly ...

    • Evaluation of banana germplasm and genetic analysis of an F 1 population for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 

      Arinaitwe, I.K.; Teo, C.H.; Kayat, F.; Tumuhimbise, R.; Uwimana, B.; Kubiriba, J.; Swennen, R.; Harikrishna, J.A.; Othman, R.Y (2019-10)
      Fusarium wilt of bananas (Musa spp.), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) causes up to 100% yield loss in bananas. Foc race 1 in particular is very devastating to dessert bananas in Uganda. One of the effective control strategies for the disease is the development of resistant cultivars through breeding. The objectives of this study were to identify suitable banana germplasm for generating a segregating population for resistance to Foc race 1 and understand the mode of inheritance ...

    • Transcriptomics of host-specific interactions in natural populations of the parasitic plant purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica) 

      Lopez, L.; Bellis, E.S.; Wafula, E.; Hearne, S.; Honaas, L.; Ralph, P.E.; Timko, M.P.; Unachukwu, N.; dePamphilis, C.W.; Lasky, J.R. (2019-07)
      Host-specific interactions can maintain genetic and phenotypic diversity in parasites that attack multiple host species. Host diversity, in turn, may promote parasite diversity by selection for genetic divergence or plastic responses to host type. The parasitic weed purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth.] causes devastating crop losses in sub-Saharan Africa and is capable of infesting a wide range of grass hosts. Despite some evidence for host adaptation and host-by-Striga genotype ...

    • Yam pectin and textural characteristics: a preliminary study 

      Effah-Manu, L.; Maziya-Dixon, B.; Wireko-Manu, F.D.; Agbenorhevi, J.K.; Oduro, I. (2022)
      The texture of yams is a key determinant in the selection of yams for boiled and pounded yams. This study was conducted to quantify pectin from local and newly developed yam varieties and to correlate pectin and its degree of esterification (DE) with instrumental textural profile parameters of boiled and pounded yam. Isolation of pectin from yam cell wall material (CWM) was achieved with citric acid and the degree of esterification (DE) was determined. The textural parameters were obtained using ...

    • Varietal response of cassava root yield components and root necrosis from cassava Brown streak disease to time of harvesting in Uganda 

      Kanju, E.; Uzokwe, V.N.E.; Ntawuruhunga, P.; Tumwegamire, S.; Yabeja, J.; Pariyo, A.; Kawuki, R. (2019-06)
      Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is the most important biotic constraint threatening cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production in eastern and southern Africa, and the food and income security of millions of rural farmers. With no tangible solution in view, farmers cope with the disease by harvesting the crop early, a practice that also leads to yield losses owing to small root size. This study evaluated CBSD root necrosis (RN), the total fresh root yield (TFRY), percentage marketable fresh ...

    • Transcriptional signatures of invasiveness in Meloidogyne incognita populations from sub-Saharan Africa 

      Cox, D.; Reilly, B.; Warnock, N.D.; Dyer, S.; Sturrock, M.; Cortada, L.; Coyne, D.; Maule, A.G.; Dalzell, J.J. (2019-10)
      Meloidogyne incognita is an economically important plant parasitic nematode. Here we demonstrate substantial variation in the invasiveness of four M. incognita populations relative to tomato. Infective (J2) stage transcriptomes reveal significant variation in the expression of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs between populations. We identify 33 gene expression markers that correlate with invasiveness, and which map to genes with predicted roles in host finding and invasion, including neuropeptides, ...

    • Farmers' perceptions on the causes of cassava root bitterness: a case of konzo-affected Mtwara region, Tanzania 

      Imakumbili, M.L.; Semu, E.; Semoka, J.M.; Abass, A.; Mkamilo, G. (2019-04-18)
      In areas where konzo (a cassava cyanide related paralytic disorder) persists, the agronomic factors causing increased cyanogenic glucoside levels in cassava, during periods without water stress, are hardly known. However, through their assessment of cassava root toxicity, using its bitter taste, farmers may have noticed factors unrelated to water stress that additionally influence the cyanogenic glucoside content of cassava cultivated in these areas. Increased cassava root bitterness is often ...

    • PROTOCOL: Gender transformative approaches in agriculture for women's empowerment: a systematic review 

      Singh, S.; Mohan, A.; Saran, A.; Puskur, R.; Mishra, A.; Etale, L.; Cole, S.M.; Masset, E.; Waddington, H.S.; MacDonald, H.; White, H. (2022-09)
      This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of interventions with gender transformative approach (GTA) components in improving women's empowerment in low- and middle-income countries, and to curate evidence on the mechanisms through which GTA works to improve women's empowerment in agriculture.

    • Proximate composition and in vitro protein digestibility of extruded aquafeeds containing Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens fractions 

      Irungu, F.G.; Mutungi, C.M.; Faraj, A.K.; Affognon, H.; Ekesi, S.; Nakimbugwe, D.; Fiaboe, K.K.M. (2018-11-08)
      Major protein sources for feed manufacture have become costly, and this has led to increased cost of products such as aquafeeds. This has dampening effect on fish production especially in developing countries, and has necessitated a search for alternative protein sources in processed feeds. The effects of extrusion on aquafeed blends containing fractions of adult cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal (ACM) or black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) pre-pupae meal (BSFM) on proximate composition and in ...

    • Multi-stakeholder process strengthens agricultural innovations and sustainable livelihoods of farmers in southern Nigeria 

      Bisseleua, D.H.B.; Idrissou, L.; Olurotimi, P.; Ogunniyi, A.; Mignouna, D.; Bamire, S.A. (2018)
      Purpose: In this paper, we explore the strategic role of Multi-stakeholder processes (MSP) in agricultural innovations and how it has impacted livelihood assets’ (LAs) capital dynamics of stakeholders in platforms in West Africa. Design/Methodology/Approach: We demonstrate how LA capitals and socio-economic dynamics induced by MSP can enhance cassava production efficiency but also create opportunities and challenges that influence platform dynamics and impacts. We use a multistage sampling ...

    • The atoxigenic biocontrol product Aflasafe SN01 is a valuable tool to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of both maize and groundnut cultivated in Senegal 

      Senghor, L.A.; Ortega-Beltran, A.; Atehnkeng, J.; Callicott, K.A.; Cotty, P.J.; Bandyopadhyay, R. (2020-02)
      Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize infected by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi is common throughout Senegal. The use of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains to reduce crop aflatoxin content has been successful in several regions, but no such products are available in Senegal. The biocontrol product Aflasafe SN01 was developed for use in Senegal. The four active ingredients of Aflasafe SN01 are atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native to Senegal and distinct ...

    • Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake 

      Sanya, L.N.; Sseguya, H.; Kyazze, F.B.; Baguma, Y.; Kibwika, P. (2018)
      Purpose: We examine the nature of networks through which new hybrid banana varieties (HBVs) in Uganda are developed, and how different actors engage in the technology development process. Design/methodology/approach: We collected the data through 20 key informant interviews and 5 focus group discussions with actors involved in the process. We analysed the data with NVivo and Social Network Analysis software. Findings: The process of developing HBVs involves many actors with a diversity ...

    • Do voluntary certification standards improve yields and wellbeing? Evidence from oil palm and cocoa smallholders in Ghana 

      Brako, D.E.; Asare, R.; Alexandros, G. (2020-08-22)
      Cocoa and oil palm production are major agricultural activities in Ghana, contributing substantially to the national economy and rural livelihoods. Even though smallholders produce practically all cocoa and a large fraction of oil palm in Ghana, their production is currently characterized by low yields and negative environmental and socioeconomic outcomes. Different certification standards have been promoted to enhance oil palm and cocoa sustainability in Ghana. This paper assesses the impact of ...

    • Incidence and farmers' knowledge of aflatoxin contamination and control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo 

      Udomkun, P.; Assfaw Wossen, T.; Nabahungu, N.L.; Mutegi, C.; Vanlauwe, B.; Bandyopadhyay, R. (2018-09)
      Despite efforts to reduce aflatoxin contamination and associated mycotoxin poisoning, the phenomenon continues to pose a public health threat in food and feed commodity chains. In this study, 300 samples of cassava, maize, and groundnut were collected from farmers’ households in Eastern DRC and analyzed for incidence of aflatoxins. In addition, the farmers’ level of knowledge of the causes and consequences of contamination and the measures for prevention were also examined by administering ...

    • Identification of QTLs controlling resistance/tolerance to Striga hermonthica in an extra-early maturing yellow maize population 

      Badu-Apraku, B.; Adewale, S.A.; Agre, A.P.; Gedil, M.; Asiedu, R. (2020-08-10)
      Striga hermonthica parasitism is a major constraint to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa with yield losses reaching 100% under severe infestation. The application of marker-assisted selection is highly promising for accelerating breeding for Striga resistance/tolerance in maize but requires the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to Striga resistance/tolerance traits. In the present study, 194 F2:3 families of TZEEI 79 × TZdEEI 11 were screened at two Striga-endemic locations ...

    • Assessing inbred-hybrid relationships for developing drought tolerant provitamin A - quality protein maize hybrids 

      Obeng-Bio, E.; Badu-Apraku, B.; Ifie, B.E.; Danquah, A.; Blay, E.; Dadzie, A.M. (2020-09-10)
      Drought tolerant early maturing maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines with high levels of provitamin A and quality protein (PVA‐QPM) are urgently needed for development of superior hybrids to mitigate malnutrition and intensify maize production and productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was designed to (1) identify early maturing inbred lines with combined tolerance to drought, elevated tryptophan and PVA contents, (2) examine inbred‐hybrid relationships for tryptophan and PVA accumulation, ...

    • Genetic diversity among early provitamin A quality protein maize inbred lines and the performance of derived hybrids under contrasting nitrogen environments 

      Obeng-Bio, E.; Badu-Apraku, B.; Ifie, B.E.; Danquah, A.; Blay, E.T.; Dadzie, M.A.; Noudifoulè, G.T.; Talabi, A.O. (2020-07-18)
      Information on population structure and genetic diversity of germplasm in a breeding programme is useful because it enhances judicious utilisation of genetic resources to achieve breeding objectives. Seventy early maturing provitamin A (PVA) quality protein maize (QPM) inbreds developed by the IITA- maize improvement programme were genotyped using 8171 DArTseq markers. Furthermore, 96 hybrids derived from 24 selected inbreds plus four checks were evaluated under low-N and optimal environments in ...

    • Transitioning European protein-rich food consumption and production towards more sustainable patterns-strategies and policy suggestions 

      Manners, R.; Blanco-Gutiérrez, I.; Varela-Ortega, C.; Tarquis, A.M. (2020-03-04)
      Global and European diets have shifted towards greater consumption of animal proteins. Recent studies urge reversals of these trends and call for a rapid transition towards adoption of more plant-based diets. This paper explored mechanisms to increase the production and consumption of plant-proteins in Europe by 2030, using participatory backcasting. We identified pathways to the future (strategies), as well as interim milestones, barriers, opportunities and actions, with key European stakeholders ...

    • The nexus between cocoa production and deforestation 

      Asare, R. (2019)
      In Ghana, cocoa contributes substantially to the agricultural foreign earnings and plays a major role in providing income for millions of farmers and households. But its production has environmental impacts, like deforestation. Creating a policy environment that supports sustainable practices in agriculture to leverage the cocoa forests for biodiversity conservation is essential.

    • The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, profoundly affects the production of popular biofortified cassava cultivars 

      Akinsanya, A.K.; Afolami, S.O.; Kulakow, P.; Coyne, D. (2020-07-14)
      Despite being the single largest cassava-producing country, yields in Nigeria remain consistently poor and among the lowest. Regionally, yields are also particularly low across Africa. Pests and pathogens, including plant-parasitic nematodes, play an important role in this current yield deficit. African countries are not only faced with the problem of food security but also that of nutritional deficiency, due to limited micronutrients in the diet. In this study, six biofortified cultivars were ...