Now showing items 1621-1640 of 8126

    • Impacts on greenhouse gas balance and rural economy after agroecology development in Itasy Madagascar 

      Rakotovao, N.H.; Chevallier, T.; Chapuis-Lardy, L.; Deffontaines, S.; Mathé, S.; Ramarofidy, M.A.; Rakotoniamonjy, T.H.; Lepage, A.; Masso, C.; Albrecht, A.; Razafimbelo, T. M. (2020)
      Rural development projects to develop sustainable agriculture need to be assessed before engaging smallholder farmers at large scale. Data on agricultural systems to produce food, provide income for smallholders and reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions are scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Here, we assessed the potential of agroecological practices (AP) on economic benefits to farmers, GHG balance derived from agricultural activities, and efficiency of economic investments to mitigate GHG. ...
    • Genotype by environment cultivar evaluation for cassava brown streak disease resistance in Tanzania 

      Shirima, R.R.; Legg, J.; Maeda, D.G.; Tumwegamire, S.; Mkamilo, G.; Mtunda, K.; Kulembeka, H.; Ndyetabula, I.; Kimata, B.P.; Matondo, D.G.; Ceasar, G.; Mushi, E.; Sichalwe, K.; Kanju, E. (2020-09)
      Cassava brown steak disease (CBSD), caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV), is the most important biotic constraint to cassava production in East and Central Africa. Concerted efforts are required to prevent further spread into West Africa as well as to reduce losses in areas already affected. The study reported here was part of a five-country (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda) programme that aimed to identify superior cassava ...
    • The INI African regional nitrogen centre: challenges and opportunities in Africa 

      Masso, C.; Bekunda, M.; Mngube, F.M. (Springer, 2020)
      The International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) aims at optimizing nitrogen (N) use in food and energy production, while minimizing environmental risks. In Africa, nitrogen management must address the ‘too little’ and ‘too much’ paradox. Too little nitrogen is used in food production, which has led to chronic food insecurity and malnutrition. Conversely, too much nitrogen load in water bodies due mainly to excessive soil erosion, leaching, limited nitrogen recovery from wastewater, and from atmospheric ...
    • Multiple small-effect alleles of Indica origin enhance high iron-associated stress tolerance in rice under field conditions in west Africa 

      Melandri, G.; Sikirou, M.; Arbelaez, J.D.; Shittu, A.; Semwal, V.K.; Konaté, K.A.; Maji, A.T.; Ngaujah, S.A.; Akintayo, I.; Govinduraj, V.; Shi, Y.; Agosto-Perez, F.J.; Greenberg, A.J.; Atlin, G.; Ramaiah, V.; McCouch, S.R. (2020)
      Understanding the genetics of field-based tolerance to high iron-associated (HIA) stress in rice can accelerate the development of new varieties with enhanced yield performance in West African lowland ecosystems. To date, few field-based studies have been undertaken to rigorously evaluate rice yield performance under HIA stress conditions. In this study, two NERICA × O. sativa bi-parental rice populations and one O.sativa diversity panel consisting of 296 rice accessions were evaluated for grain ...
    • Enhancing farmers’ agency in the global crop commons through use of biocultural community protocols 

      Halewood, M.; Villanueva, A.B.; Rasolojaona, J.; Andriamahazo, M.; Rakotoniaina, N.; Bossou, B.; Mikpon, T.; Vodouhe, R.; Fey, L.; Drews, A.; Kumar, P.L.; Rasoanirina, B.; Rasoazafindrabe, T.; Aigbe, M.; Agbahounzo, B.; Otieno, G.; Garforth, K.; Kiene, T.; Nnadozie, K. (2021)
      Crop genetic resources constitute a ‘new’ global commons, characterized by multiple layers of activities of farmers, genebanks, public and private research and development organizations, and regulatory agencies operating from local to global levels. This paper presents sui generis biocultural community protocols that were developed by four communities in Benin and Madagascar to improve their ability to contribute to, and benefit from, the crop commons. The communities were motivated in part by the ...
    • Organic manure improves soybean response to rhizobia inoculant and p-fertilizer in northern Ghana 

      Ulzen, J.; Abaidoo, R.C.; Ewusi-Mensah, N.; Osei, O.; Masso, C.; Opoku, A. (2020-09)
      Inherently low concentrations of soil nutrients and erratic rainfall pattern in sub-Sahara Africa limit soybean response to rhizobia inoculant and P-fertilizer. The study was conducted to: (i) improve soybean response to rhizobia inoculation and P-fertilizer through the addition of organic manure; (ii) enhance rain water use efficiency and (iii) determine the economic viability of combined application of the three factors in soybean cropping systems in the Northern region of Ghana. A factorial ...
    • Carotenoid profile and functional properties of flour blends from biofortified maize and improved soybean varieties for product developments 

      Alamu, E.O.; Olatunde, G.O.; Adegunwa, M.O.; Adebanjo, L.A.; Awoyinfa, O.C.; Soyoye, J.B. (2021)
      Biofortified maize has received increased attention from a nutraceutical perspective because of its bioactive phytochemical components, including carotenoids. However, biofortified maize is limiting in some amino acids which are present in soybeans; hence both crops are used as blends in food products. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the carotenoids and functional properties of maize-soybean flour blends as influenced by biofortified maize variety. Flour blends were prepared from each maize ...
    • Simple sequence repeat-based mini-core collection for white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) germplasm 

      Pachakkil, B.; Yamanaka, S.; Girma Tessema, G.; Matsumoto, R.; Tamiru-Oli, M.; Bhattacharjee, R.; Abberton, M.; Muranaka, S.; Asiedu, R.; Terauchi, R.; Takagi, H. (2021)
      A core subset with a small number of accessions representing the genetic diversity of the base collection plays a vital role in facilitating efficient utilization of plant genetic resources. This is particularly relevant for vegetatively propagated large plant size tuber crops with a long growing period, such as white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.). For the efficient utilization of D. rotundata genetic resources, this study was aimed at developing a mini‐core collection from a core collection ...
    • Genotype by environment interaction on resistance to cassava green mite associated traits and effects on yield performance of cassava genotypes in Nigeria 

      Jiwuba, L.; Danquah, A.; Asante, I.; Blay, E.; Onyeka, J.; Danquah, E.; Egesi, C. (2020-09-04)
      Cassava is the main source of carbohydrate for over 70% of the people in Nigeria, the world’s largest producer and consumer of the crop. The yields of cassava are, however, relatively low in Nigeria largely due to pests and disease infections that significantly lead to inconsistencies in productivity of cassava genotypes in various environments. Fifty-eight F1 hybrid cassava genotypes plus their two parents which served as check varieties were evaluated in three locations for two years (that is ...
    • Harvesting time and roasting effects on colour properties, xanthophylls, phytates, tannins and vitamin C contents of orange maize hybrid 

      Alamu, E.O.; Maziya-Dixon, B.; Menkir, A.; Ogunlade, A.O.; Olaofe, O. (2020)
      Biofortified maize varieties form an essential part of a nutritious diet; available evidence suggests that different processing methods may affect the final food products. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of processing (roasting) and harvesting time on the bioactive components (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, phytate, tannin and vitamin C) and colour properties (L*, a*, b*), of biofortified orange maize. The orange maize hybrids used for the study were obtained from the International ...
    • Quantitative assessment of trace and macro element compositions of cassava (Manihot esculenta) storage roots enriched with B-Carotene as influenced by genotypes and growing locations 

      Alamu, E.O.; Maziya-Dixon, B.; Dixon, A.G. (2020)
      Cassava’s important mineral contents depends on some factors, including genetic and growing locational factors. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of genotype and growing locations on the mineral concentrations in yellow-fleshed cassava root genotypes. Twenty-five pipeline yellow-fleshed cassava genotypes and three white-fleshed varieties (check samples) were planted at five different experimental fields for two seasons, each representing the major agroecological zones in Nigeria. Standard ...
    • Taxonomic revision of the Afrotropical hover fly genus Senaspis Macquart (Diptera, Syrphidae) 

      De Meyer, M.; Goergen, G.; Jordaens, K. (2020)
      The representatives of the Afrotropical hover fly genus Senaspis Macquart (Diptera) are revised. In total, ten species are recognized. Senaspis apophysata (Bezzi) is herewith placed as junior synonym of S. flaviceps Macquart, S. livida (Bezzi) is herewith placed as junior synonym of S. dentipes (Macquart) and S. griseifacies (Bezzi) is herewith placed as junior synonym of S. haemorrhoa (Gerstaecker). All species are redescribed and an identification key is provided. DNA barcoding analysis (7 ...
    • Low-cost technology for recycling agro-industrial waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer using black soldier fly 

      Beesigamukama, D.; Mochoge, B.; Korir, N.K.; Fiaboe, K.K.; Nakimbugwe, D.; Khamis, F.M.; Subramanian, S.; Wangu, M.M.; Dubois, T.; Ekesi, S.; Tanga, C.M. (2021-01)
      Efforts to recycle organic waste using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae into high-quality alternative protein ingredients in animal feeds and organic fertilizers have gained momentum worldwide. However, there is limited information on waste manipulation to increase nutrient retention for enhanced larval performance and frass fertilizer quality. In the present study, brewer’s spent grain with a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 11 (control) was amended with sawdust to obtain substrates with C/N ratios ...
    • Challenges for ex Situ conservation of wild bananas: seeds collected in Papua New Guinea have variable levels of desiccation tolerance 

      Kallow, S.; Longin, K.; Sleziak, N.F.; Janssens, S.B.; Vandelook, F.; Dickie, J.; Swennen, R.; Paofa, J.; Carpentier, S.C.; Panis, B. (2020)
      Ex situ seed conservation of banana crop wild relatives (Musa spp. L.), is constrained by critical knowledge gaps in their storage and germination behaviour. Additionally, challenges in collecting seeds from wild populations impact the quality of seed collections. It is, therefore, crucial to evaluate the viability of seeds from such collecting missions in order to improve the value of future seed collections. We evaluate the seed viability of 37 accessions of seven Musa species, collected from ...
    • Insights into microbially induced salt tolerance and endurance mechanisms (stem) in plants 

      Kaushal, M. (2020)
      Salt stress threatens the achievement of sustainable global food security goals by inducing secondary stresses, such as osmotic, ionic, and oxidative stress, that are detrimental to plant growth and productivity. Various studies have reported the beneficial roles of microbes in ameliorating salt stress in plants. This review emphasizes salt tolerance and endurance mechanisms (STEM) in microbially inoculated (MI) plants that ensure plant growth and survival. Well-established STEM have been documented ...
    • Effectiveness of yellow maize testers with varying resistance reactions to Striga hermonthica for evaluating the combining ability of maize inbred lines 

      Zebire, D.; Menkir, A.; Adetimirin, V.; Mengesha Abera, W.; Meseka, S.; Gedil, M. (2020)
      The choice of an appropriate tester is important for success in resistance hybrid breeding programs. Limited information is available on the most suitable testers that allow the selection of yellow endosperm maize inbred lines with good combining ability for resistance to witchweed (Striga hermonthica) and superior agronomic performance in hybrids targeted to areas infested with the parasite. Testcrosses of 30 Striga-resistant yellow endosperm maize inbred lines with three testers having varying ...
    • Ten year progression of Musa breeding from 1987 to 1997: 1. Pollination success and seed production (Fecundity) patterns among multiple ploidy crosses 

      Wilson, V.; Tenkouano, A.; Wilson, G.F.; Swennen, R.; Vuylsteke, D.; Ortiz, R.; Crouch, J.H.; Crouch, H.K.; Gauhl, F.; Pasberg-Gauhl, C.; Austin, P.D. (2020)
      Aims: To create genetic variability, produce seeds and ultimately develop disease resistant and agronomically desirable hybrids with good organoleptic quality bunches. Study Design: Multiple hand pollinations/ crosses in possible combinations of 2x, 3x and 4x as maternal/ seed and paternal/ pollen parents. Place and Duration of Study: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture High Rainfall Station (IITA), Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria. 1987 to 1997. Methodology: Utilizing over 320 landraces, ...
    • Biochar and gypsum amendment of agroindustrial waste for enhanced black soldier fly larval biomass and quality frass fertilizer 

      Beesigamukama, D.; Mochoge, B.; Korir, N.K.; Fiaboe, K.K.; Nakimbugwe, D.; Khamis, F.M.; Dubois, T.; Subramanian, S.; Wangu, M.M.; Ekesi, S.; Tanga, C.M. (2021)
      Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens L.) is one of the most efficient bio-waste recyclers. Although, waste substrate amendments with biochar or gypsum during composting process are known to enhance nutrient retention, their impact on agro-industrial waste have not been documented. Hence, this study focuses on a comparative effect of agro-industrial waste amended with biochar and gypsum on BSF larval performance, waste degradation, and nitrogen (N) and potassium retention in frass fertilizer. ...
    • Soil: the great connector of our lives now and beyond COVID-19 

      Poch, R.M.; dos Anjos, L.H.C.; Attia, F.; Balks, M.; Benavides-Mendoza, A.; Bolanos-Benavides, M.M.; Calzolari, C.; Chabala, L.M.; de Ruiter, P.C.; Francke-Campana, S.; Prechac, F.G.; Graber, E.R.; Halavatau, S.; Hassan, K.M.; Hien, E.; Jin, K.; Khan, M.; Konvushkova, M.; Lobb, D.A.; Moshia, M.E.; Murase, J.; Nziguheba, G.; Patra, A.K.; Pierzynski, G.; Eugenio, N.R.; Rojas, R.V. (2020-11-05)
      Humanity depends on the existence of healthy soils, both for the production of food and for ensuring a healthy, biodiverse environment, among other functions. COVID-19 is threatening food availability in many places of the world due to the disruption of food chains, lack of workforce, closed borders and national lockdowns. As a consequence, more emphasis is being placed on local food production, which may lead to more intensive cultivation of vulnerable areas and to soil degradation. In order to ...
    • A gender perspective on pest and disease management from the cases of roots, tubers and bananas in Asia 

      Kawarazuka, N.; Damtew, E.; Mayanja, S.; Okonya, J.S.; Rietveld, A.; Slavchevska, V.; Teeken, B. (2020)
      Considering gender in research on pests and diseases is increasingly important as it facilitates development of more efficient approaches to increasing the adoption of crop protection technologies and practices by women and men farmers according to their roles, knowledge, and capacities. However, this task is often assigned to social scientists in isolation from agronomists. Meanwhile, agronomists often struggle to understand how taking a gender perspective could enrich their research. Drawing on ...