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Maize is a major staple food in Africa, its production and post-harvest generally occurs on smallholder farmers' properties, where significant food losses occur in the field during harvesting, processing and storage. Most smallholder farmers lack access to modern methods of harvesting, processing and storage. Generally, the storage structures used are ineffective against storage pests, leading to post-harvest losses due to insect pests that, in some cases, can reach about 40% of the total production. Pest control is generally scarce, and when adopted, it is based on local knowledge-based pest control alternatives or on the application of synthetic pesticides known to be harmful to the environment and human and animal health. So, alternative pest control methods commonly found include the use of inert dust as an integrated pest management approach, without residual effects and ideal for food safety. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of charcoal powder (CP) and rock dust (RD) alone or combined with diatomaceous earth (DE) in the control of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Maize grains were treated and infested by the addition of Sitophilus oryzae, on the day they were treated and, 30 and 60 days after treatment. Mortality was assessed at 10 and 20 days after each infestation. Emerged insects were counted 40 days after the second mortality assessment for each infestation period. At 90 days after treatment, the seed germination test was performed. The best treatments for Sitophilus oryzae control (mortality) and F1 emergence reduction were RD (0.5, 0.25 and 0.10 g/kg), RD+DE (0.5+0.05, 0.25+0.05 and 0.10+0.05 g/kg), and CP+DE (1.0+0.05, 0.50+0.05 and 0.25+0.05 g/kg). The RD and RD+DE remained efficient in maize treated and stored for 60 days. The treatments did not interfere with seed germination. Rock Dusts, RD+DE, and CP have the potential to be used as stored grain protectants, providing economically and environmentally friendly pest control alternatives, especially in small-scale agriculture. In developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, studies for optimization and introduction of inert dusts tested in this research, have the potential to reduce post-harvest losses, improving food security. Key words: Inert dust, stored maize, biological agriculture, storage pests, diatomaceous earths, INTRODUCTION In many countries especially on the African and South American continents, among smallholder farmers, cereals such as maize (Zea mays) are the staple food [1,2]. The availability of this [...]

The triple burden of malnutrition is a problem that is being fought against at global, continental, regional and national levels. When consumed in adequate quantities, healthy diets are important in reversing the menace of malnutrition. In Kenya, grains are an important source of energy and micronutrients. Even though they contribute most energy and micronutrients, a huge Recommended Daily Allowance deficit still exists. Incorporating ancient grains such as quinoa which are nutrient-rich and can survive in harsh climatic zones into the diets, can boost the efforts made towards the fight against malnutrition. Though quinoa adaptation trials have been conducted in Kenya, expanded data on the nutrient content are yet to be compiled. Between May 2022 and August 2022, four varieties of quinoa; Cherry Vanilla, Titicaca, Brilliant Bright Red and Biobio were grown at the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete campus field station. The harvests of the four varieties were separately analyzed to determine and compare the content levels of macronutrients (carbohydrates, crude protein, fats) and micro-nutrients (manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper and zinc). The four varieties were significantly different in all the analyzed elements except moisture content. Cherry vanilla had the highest level of crude protein (25.1[+ or -]0.3g/100g) and fat (11.46[+ or -]0.184g/100g) but the lowest level of carbohydrates (42.5[+ or -]0.4%). Titicaca had the highest amounts of; manganese (21.9[+ or -]0.06g/100g), potassium (511.9[+ or -]0.03mg/100g), iron (11.5[+ or -] 0.07mg/100g) and zinc (14.1[+ or -]0.0mg/100g). Biobio variety exhibited the highest amount of magnesium (73.9[+ or -]0.1mg/100g). In conclusion, the different varieties of quinoa significantly differ in their levels of macro and micronutrients. The Kenyan-grown quinoa has the potential to contribute to increased dietary intake of both macronutrients and micronutrients of children aged 2-6 years old. The Kenyan-grown quinoa contains levels of micronutrients in higher amounts compared to maize, rice and wheat - the commonly consumed cereals in Kenya. On this basis, the study recommends that the growing and consumption of quinoa should be promoted in Kenya and introduced into the diets of children aged 2-6 years of age in Kenya. Quinoa-based products for children aged 2-6 years should be developed. Climate zone-oriented agronomic trials on quinoa farming should be conducted. Key words: Quinoa, varieties, Cherry Vanilla, BBR, Titicaca, Biobio, micronutrients, macronutrients, INTRODUCTION Over the past three decades, significant effort has been made to battle the triple burden of malnutrition which encompasses undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. According to the Joint Child [...]

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is among the leading vegetables in Kenya that is mainly grown for export with the potential to increase household income. There are few programs in Kenya that focus on breeding new cultivars for increased production. The development of snap bean varieties that are resilient to the changing climate is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. To achieve this, knowledge of gene action, trait expression, and heritability is vital in effective breeding for quantitative traits like pod quality and yield. A study was conducted to investigate the inheritance of pod quality and yield traits in snap beans, which can inform the breeding of snap beans. A half diallel cross involving two indeterminate dry beans (G2333 and MCM 5001) and five determinate snap beans (Amy, Moonstone, Seagull, Serengeti and Vanilla) varieties was conducted. Data on pod traits (pod weight per plant, pod number per plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod wall fiber and pod suture string) were collected from 21 Fis and 7 parents grown in two locations (Embu and Kirinyaga Counties) in Kenya. The results showed significant genotypic and environmental effects (P < 0.001) for all traits, with significant genotype by environment (G x E) interactions for most traits. Additionally, general combining abilities (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) were significant for all traits evaluated. The significance of GCA and SCA indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in controlling the traits, although the additive gene effects were predominant. The study revealed that Vanilla and Serengeti had the highest GCA estimate for pod quality traits, while G2333 and MCM5001 had the highest GCA estimate for pod yield traits. Snap bean pod yield and quality are quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes and influenced by the environment. Therefore, the predominance of additive gene effects suggests that selection for these traits in segregating generations could yield satisfactory gains. The results of this study could impact the development of snap bean varieties that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Thus, improving the sustainability and productivity of the agriculture sector in Kenya. Key words: Snap bean, GCA, SCA, gene action, heritability, combining ability, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the cornerstone of most African economies, contributing as much as 55% to the continent's gross domestic product [1]. Agriculture serves as the foundation for food security in [...]

In many tropical households, the East African Highland Cooking Bananas (EAHCB) referred to as 'Matooke' in Uganda are a staple food. Despite its importance, the crop is faced with numerous challenges such as drought, soil fertility, pests, and diseases that threaten its production and productivity. To curb this, banana breeding was developed as one of the strategies to avert the depletion of these bananas through the development of not only pests and disease resistant cultivars but also drought tolerant and high yielding cultivars. The pressure to satisfy the growing global population is also mounting, hence the need to increase production for food security. Breeding has proven to be an approach by which food production is boosted through the development of high yielding and fast-growing varieties. Unfortunately, not so many cooking banana hybrids that have been developed and released are cultivated by farmers as most are rejected as a result of consumer perception of them. The hybrids sometimes possess culinary properties considered inferior. Consumer demands are pertinent in any product development. This review aimed to determine the key factors that influenced consumer perception and acceptability of improved cooking banana hybrids. The data sources used for this study were Google Scholar, PubMed, AgEcon, Sciencedirect.com, CABI Abstracts, and organizational websites (FAO, RTBFoods, and CGIAR). The keywords and search terms used were 'East African Highland cooking bananas', 'consumer acceptability', 'sensory attributes', 'culinary properties,' 'hybrid selection', and 'banana breeding'. This article presents a summary of banana production and its challenges, banana breeding and its successes, consumer perception, and acceptability of banana hybrids, and profiles the consumer traits responsible for the acceptance or rejection of new hybrids. Overall, the most important culinary properties for both preference and acceptance of new hybrids were the perceived deep yellow color of the cooked matooke, soft texture, smooth mouthfeel, 'matooke' aroma, and non-astringent taste, all summed up as 'tookeness'. Attributes for rejection included possession of mixed colors of the cooked matooke, absence of deep yellow color, lack of 'matooke' aroma, hard placentas, and hard texture. Knowledge of product attributes that lead to the acceptance of new products is vital for breeders and this information could guide them during the development and selection of hybrids for release. Key words: Consumer acceptability, improved traits, new varieties, perception, quality, sensory attributes, INTRODUCTION Bananas (Musa spp.) are considered one of the most important crops in the world [1]. Close to 145 million tonnes of plantains and bananas are harvested globally [2]. Bananas' [...]

Green nanotechnology has significant potential for use in agriculture particularly due to their antifungal properties, ability to control fungal diseases and reduce the reliance on chemical fungicides. Biotic stresses in agriculture have caused widespread damage worldwide, and green NPs provided eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical treatments, which are frequently toxic and harmful to the ecosystem. Green NPs could become an important tool in modern agricultural practices and environmental remediation if appropriate research is conducted to identify cost-effective production methods as well as safe and sustainable applications. In order to understand the potential of green NPs for sustainable agriculture and identify potential risks, research is ongoing into the effectiveness in agriculture sectors. Research update on green NPs is presented in this paper using data published on science direct over the last 15 to 20 years to clarify and understand the antifungal mechanisms of green metallic NPs, carbon and graphene nanotubes, nanocomposites as well as other type of nanomaterials. These green NPs are found to be more effective against pathogens on crops and humans than conventional fungicide approaches. They are very effective against fungi that affect cereal crops, including Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Candida species, etc. The green NPs developed using green synthesis methods are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, research is also required to identify the best methods for applying green NPs for crop production and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, research should be undertaken to establish the most cost-effective methods of making and deploying green nanoparticles at a large field size study where there is fungal attack that diminishes agricultural output and affects global crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high rice prices of 2023 have highlighted the need for increasing rice productivity. But improving productivity, especially in low‐performing rice‐producing regions, should also improve incomes for the numerous smallholder cultivators. This article examines what we can learn from the experience of high‐performing rice‐growing regions, which have both high rice yields and incomes. We focus on two best‐performing villages from Kerala, southern India and Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Using a detailed case study approach combining farm budget analysis, counterfactual simulations using agricultural household models, and qualitative insights, our analysis shows the contribution of price support, irrigation, and agricultural research in these two regions to the current situation. While price support was the prominent factor in Keralaʼs village, irrigation and extending the cropping intensity was important for farm incomes in the Mekong Delta village. This comparative analysis demonstrates the need for an ongoing evaluation of price and non‐price factors and supplementing farm incomes through specific interventions for developing low‐performing rice‐producing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defossilisation of the agricultural sector is driven by intense worldwide academic research on non-fossil, renewable and energy-efficient agriculture, and the acknowledgment of the need for sustainable farming practices. For this purpose, not only technical transformations but also socio-technical system changes towards sustainability need to take place in a co-evolutionary manner. This paper investigates structural and qualitative characteristics of the knowledge produced by research on fossil-energy-free agriculture. We provide evidence on the worldwide research directions, as well as investigate whether academic research and publicly funded research projects foster knowledge creation for the desired transformation. Bibliographic maps are constructed using a query-based methodology as social networks to investigate the efficiency of the EU-funded research to achieve the goals set for the 2050 EU Green Deal. The H2020-funded papers are further analysed with dictionary-based text analysis to quantify the relative emphasis of different types of knowledge in the text. This approach is eventually used to relate transformational capacity to project profiles in the European Union, to evaluate past funding schemes and to improve the shape of future research programs on renewable and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Accuracy verification of large-scale remote sensing fractional vegetation cover products; precision agriculture; ecological research. When recording the vegetation distribution with a camera, shadows can form due to factors like camera angle and direct sunlight. These shadows result in the loss of pixel information and texture details, significantly reducing the accuracy of fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) extraction. To address this issue, this study proposes an efficient double-exposure algorithm. The method reconstructs the pixel information in shadow areas by fusing normal-exposure and overexposed images. This approach overcomes the limitations of the camera's dynamic range in capturing pixel information in shadowed regions. The study evaluates images with five levels of overexposure combined with five vegetation extraction indices. The aim is to determine the best-performing double-exposure combination under shadow conditions and the most suitable vegetation index. Experimental results reveal that the R² value between the best vegetation index and the FVC calculated from the fused double-exposure images and the ground truth FVC increases from 0.750 to 0.969. The root mean square error (RMSE) reduces from 0.146 to 0.046, and the intersection over union (IOU) increases from 0.856 to 0.943. These results demonstrate the excellent vegetation extraction capability of the double-exposure algorithm under shadow conditions, offering a straightforward and effective solution to low accuracy of FVC in shadowed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecological testing of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection was carried out during 2020-2022 on the experimental field Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS, which is located in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The subject of research was domestic soybean varieties (Diadema Podillia, Tytan, Kobuko, Monada, Triada (Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS); Vorskla, Lehenda (National Research Center "Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences") and foreign (Merlin, Kardiff, Kent, Padua (SAATBAU LINZ eGen); Kioto, Kordoba, Briunensis (Semences Prograin Ink.); Senator, Alihator (Euralis Semences); Sultana (RAGT Semences) selection. All soybean varieties studied during 2020-2022 were entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine. The maximum seed yield in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine was recorded in the following varieties: Triada (3.41 t/ha), Kioto (3.29 t/ha), Alihator (3.25 t/ha), Kobuko (3.19 t/ha), Monada (3.15 t/ha), Kardiff (3.06 t/ha) and Tytan (3.05 t/ha). According to the results of the analysis of the mass of 1000 seeds, its highest indicators were noted in soybean varieties: Tytan - 194 g, Alihator - 192 g, Kent-193 g, Sultana - 200 g. According to the results of the biochemical analysis of soybean seeds, it was found that most of the studied varieties provided the content crude protein is more than 40%, while the Merlin, Alihator, Triada, Cardiff and Kent varieties had a crude protein content of 37.1-39.1%. The obtained results of the content of amino acids in soybean seeds show more noticeable indicators in the Tytan soybean variety. Thus, on the basis of a comprehensive approach to soybean productivity indicators, such varieties of domestic selection as Tytan and Kobuko, as well as foreign selection of Kioto, are recommended for agricultural production in the areas of seed production, animal feed and raw material in the selection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study extensively explores the agricultural innovation landscape of Indian public agricultural research organizations, emphasizing technological focus from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The findings reveal diverse concentrations of patents in agricultural engineering, chemical processes and formulations, biotechnology and food categories. The prominent themes that emerged from the patent landscape include livestock health management, animal feed, chemical formulations, agricultural machinery and aquaculture practices. However, the temporal shifts indicate an increased focus from biotechnology to food, chemical and engineering during the last three decades. Patent statistics indicate variations in technology scope, claims, inventor size and renewal term. SAUs had comparatively broader technology scope, shorter grant lag and a higher number of claims than the ICAR patents. On the other hand, inventor size and renewal term were significantly higher in the ICAR patents. Survival functions demonstrate more longevity for the ICAR patents, with evolving dynamics in patent value over different periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbita moschata varieties grown in Africa have very low yield. They have been neglected, and totally ignored in agricultural research programs. However, interest in their fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves is growing nowadays due to their nutritional and medicinal potentials. That growing interest has prompted plant breeders and agronomists to develop research programs for their improvement. A complete diallel cross analysis of four parental lines, Long, Zouan-H, Oval, and Soubre and their twelve F1 hybrids, was carried out in a farming environment at the University Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The four parental lines and the F1 hybrids were evaluated for their general performances, combining abilities, potency ratio and heterosis effects. The investigated traits included plant height, and eleven fruit- and seed-related characters. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all traits studied. In addition, the diallel model yielded highly significant gca effects of the female parents. The gca effects of the male parents were significant for all traits except plant height, length of the fruit, width of the fruit and length of the seed. Highly significant sca effects were observed in the crosses for all the traits. Strong maternal effects were observed for the weight and diameter of the fruit, weight of the pulp, number of seeds per fruit, weight of the fresh seeds and 100-seed weight. The general predictive ratio approached the value 1 for all the traits except weight of the fresh seed and width of the dry seed. Most of the characters under this study are predominantly determined by the effects of additive genes. But, weight of the fresh seed and width of the dry seed may be controlled by non-additive genes. Mid-parent heterosis was significant for all measured traits in the crosses, except the length of the fruit. And better-parent heterosis was significant for all traits except plant height, number of fruits per plant and length of the fruit. Gene expression is described by a super-dominance for many traits, and partial dominance for some other traits in all twelve F1 hybrids. Classification of the parental lines based on the effects of their general combining ability grouped the Soubre lines as promising contributors to fruit yield. The parental lines Long and Oval formed another group likely on the basis of the small size of their fruits, the small pulps, the smaller number of fruits per plant and the large number of seeds per fruit. However, Long would be a candidate parent for the development of cultivars with longer vegetative growth. The parental line Zouan-H formed the third group and it was mostly characterized by its large number of seeds per fruit and relatively large fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem rust significantly threatens durum wheat production, often resulting in substantial yield losses. To better understand resistance mechanisms and the stability of durum lines in stem rust-prone environments, this study evaluated 49 durum genotypes over three seasons at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization in Njoro. Utilizing 7 × 7 alpha lattice design, we assessed adult-plant resistance, monitored disease progression through final disease score (FDS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and evaluated agronomic performance. Statistical analyses revealed significant seasonal and genotypic effects on FDS, AUDPC, spike length, and grain yield (p=0.01; p=0.001), with important genotype-by-season interactions (p=0.05; p=0.001). Broadsense heritability for AUDPC was high at 0.91 and moderate at 0.35 for kernels per spike, underscoring the genetic basis of these traits. Notably, we observed negative correlations between disease parameters and agronomic traits, suggesting potential trade-offs. GGE biplot analysis singled out the first season (main season of 2019) as crucial for evaluating stem rust resistance and identified several durum lines, such as G45 and G48, as consistently resistant across all conditions. Furthermore, this analysis highlighted G45, G48, G176 and G189 as the highest yielding and most stable lines. The discovery of these resistant and high-performing genotypes is critical for enhancing durum breeding programs, helping to mitigate the impact of stem rust and improve yield stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV). The transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by the need to respond to climate change, competition for land use, and the scarcity of fossil fuels, has led to the consideration of new ways to optimise land use while producing clean energy. AV systems not only generate energy but also allow agricultural and livestock yields to be maintained or even increased under PV structures, offering a sustainable production strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. This review assesses the technical feasibility of AV systems, the environmental, economic and social benefits, as well as the challenges faced and the legal framework regulating their implementation. It is highlighted that despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food and energy production, there are important challenges related to the initial investment required, the need for technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, or the effects of shading on production. This paper underlines the importance of further research and development of these systems to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximise their potential benefits. It is concluded that although they present significant challenges, AV management offers promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to several sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Chill and heat requirements are ranging from 336 to 522 CH, 645 to 1,046 CU, 37.5 to 55.93 CP and 6,618 to 9,673 GDH. The Santa Rosa cultivars, INRA-PR38 and INRA-PR40 could be considered the least sensitive to cold. The Stanley, Prune d'Ente, Monglobe and Fortune cultivars seem to be the most sensitive to cold. Correlations have been revealed between chill requirements, heat requirements and flowering dates. The date of endodormancy release and chill requirements of twenty-eight plum cultivars (Prunus domestica L. and Prunus salicina Lindl) growing in a collection at the experimental station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Meknes (Morocco) were determined according to three models namely the Chilling Hours model (in Chilling Hours, CH), the Utah model (in Chill Units, CU) and the Dynamic model (in Chill Portions, CP). In this regard, the forcing tests were conducted out on floral buds of all plum cultivars in order to follow the weight of buds in field and under controlled climate conditions. The heat requirements calculation was based on counting the Growing Hours Degree between the endodormancy release date determined by forcing tests and the flowering dates observed in field for each cultivar. Significant differences were revealed in chill and heat requirements between the plum cultivars studied, ranging from 336 to 522 CH, 645 to 1,046 CU, 37.5 to 55.93 CP and 6,618 to 9,673 GDH according to Chilling Hours, Utah, Dynamic and GDH models, respectively. In addition, the results showed great variability between cultivars according to their dormancy levels, ranging from low chill and heat cultivars (INRA-PR38, INRA-PR40 and Santa Rosa) to highest ones (Stanley, Prune d'Ente, Monglobe and Fortune), which generated differences in the dates of endodormancy release and flowering process. Correlations between chill requirements, heat requirements and flowering dates have been established since cultivars with low chill requirements (also low heat requirements) have earlier endodormancy release and flowering dates in comparison to those showed high chill requirements. The results obtained in this investigation constitute a basis to improve knowledge of the plum species cultivated under Moroccan climate conditions and make it possible to determine the most appropriate cultivation areas for these cultivars, given the current and future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US dairy industry has made great strides in improving animal health over many decades, which has driven substantial improvements in economic, social, and environmental sustainability. As consumer and corporate focus on climate continues to grow, the continued need to research and improve animal health and understand its connection with the environment is integral to the success of the dairy industry. Research to address these areas can be supported by national research programs and collaboration between them. The USDA and Dairy Management Inc established a collaborative research agreement in 2007; to date, this collaboration has not explicitly focused on animal health or its intersection with the environment. It is integral to the success of animal agriculture in an ever-changing sustainability landscape that animal health is addressed as a key piece of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. An academic-industry stakeholder committee reached a consensus that supported this idea and identified that it is equally important to communicate these research findings with consumers in a way that resonates. The purpose of this Viewpoint article is to highlight that national research programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center and Dairy Management Inc can and should play an important role in supporting and facilitating research at the intersection of animal health and sustainability broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rising cost of feed is a major challenge in Nigeria's poultry industry. It impacts production costs and threatens the industry's sustainability and food security. Implementing effective coping strategies for rising feed costs is crucial for poultry enterprises. This study examines poverty level, food insecurity status, and poultry farmers' coping strategies to high feed costs in South-West, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for this study. Three states (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo) were purposively selected from the six states in the South-West of Nigeria. In the second stage, 575 poultry farmers from all Poultry Association of Nigeria zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data on the production activities of poultry farms were collected from the farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean per capita household expenditure, household food insecurity access scale, double log regression, multinomial logistic regression, and stochastic frontier production models at p< 0.05. The results of data analysis showed that 48% of the poultry farmers adopted mixed farming to cope with the rising feed cost while 24.7%, 16.1% and 6.2% adopted the use of finished feed, downsizing their flock size and at the verge of exiting the venture, respectively, while 5.2% did not change strategy. At a poverty line of [??]48,500/year, 70.7% of the poultry farmers were poor. The results also indicated that 25.8% of the poultry farmers were food secure, 1.6%, 27.2% and 45.4% were mildly, moderately and severely food insecure, respectively. The multinomial logit analysis results showed that sex (p Key words: Adopted strategies, Food security, Poverty level, Poultry farmers, Feed costs, INTRODUCTION Livestock plays a crucial role in the global economy and food security. The livestock industry supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the world's population and contributes to [...]

Beside staple crops, the fruits and vegetables subsector contribute significantly to domestic and export markets. Yet, this subsector faces a number of challenges that limits its full growth potential. Through 383 randomly selected farmers' interviews in selected districts, the study revealed profound information on the vegetable value chain. Findings show that, there is fair participation of men (58%) and women (42%) in vegetable production. Majority of farmers were between 19 and 49 years old (70%), attained primary education (80%) and had more than 5 years in commercial vegetable production (71.8%). Further, 79.4% of farmers had less than 1 ha of vegetable farmland. Farmers cultivate a wide range of nutritious and commercially valued vegetables including broccoli (50.7%), cauliflower (37.3%), white cabbage (34.7%), crisphead lettuce (24.5%), Chinese cabbage (20.6%), zucchini (20.1%), carrot (18.5%), tomato (14.4%), purple cabbage (10.2%), beetroot (9.4%), African nightshade (8.4%), leaf lettuce (7.6%), green/snap bean (6.8%), snow/sugar-snap pea (5%), leeks (5%), spinach (4.2%), green pepper (4.2%), herbs (parsley, fennel and dill) (4.2%) and celery (2.9%). However, sustainable marketing of fresh vegetables is a challenge leading to most farmers opting to wholesale their produce at the farm gate (70.5%) instead of the marketplace, with the price often being set by the wholesale buyers (78.1%). With the exception of gender, household size, and farming experience; a farmer's location and primary education level had a slightly statistically significant (p = 0.044) influence on opting to use farmgate as the point of sales. The unpredictable market (100%), costly and low-quality inputs (36.4%), pests and diseases (35.2%), and shortage of cold storage facilities (22.9%) were claimed to hamper vegetable production and the producers. In general, vegetables subsector can grow significantly in Tanzania due to the availability of irrigated nutrient-rich land, favorable climate and productive workforce. Thus, good farming practices, marketing and cold chain facilities have the potential to reduce postharvest losses and help realize national sustainable development goals. Key words: Fresh vegetables, postharvest practices, marketing, constraints, cold chains, INTRODUCTION The agricultural sector contributes significantly to the national economy of Tanzania. The sector contributed 26.9% of the National GDP during the year 2020, whereby 15.4% of GDP contribution was [...]

Postharvest loss reduction, which will contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDGs) including SDG 1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13, is an important strategy for food and nutrition security. It requires interventions designed based on timely and reliable statistical data. However, lack of produce-specific loss data and associated factors along the postharvest value chain stages remains a challenge to implement appropriate interventions. Therefore, a survey was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics, postharvest practices, extent and causes of losses, and factors influencing postharvest loss of potato crops in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 209 smallholder potato farming household heads through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Quantitative data collection was carried out online using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) by programming a semi-structured questionnaire in KoboCollect software for tablets. Descriptive statistics and ordinal probit regression model were used to analyze the collected data and determinant factors influencing postharvest loss of potatoes at various farm-level stages, respectively. An aggregate of 15-46% loss exists between harvesting and marketing. Losses during harvesting, sorting, cleaning, packaging, field-to-storage transport, storage, and storage-to-market transport were 58.9%, 6.2%, 2.9%, 2.4%, 3.8%, 20.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Elevated loss during harvesting and storage in the area is likely to reflect poor handling and storage practices. The primary causes of losses were poor harvesting and handling techniques, poor storage facility, and insects and worms. Moreover, regression model estimations of categorical losses, as perceived by farmers, reveal that socio-demographic variables and postharvest factors influenced potato loss. During the harvest stage, working family members significantly (p Key words: CAPI, Ethiopia, ordinal probit regression, postharvest practices, potato loss determinants, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the most important sector in Ethiopia; it accounts for 46% of GDP, 80% of export value, and about 73% of employment [1]. Vegetable production is becoming an [...]

The global expansion in farmland and the increase in the world population has compounded the need for more efficient water use. The spiral water wheel pump can be a valuable and low-cost option for pumping water for surface and subsurface irrigation for farmland near flowing water bodies. This low-cost water-lifting device, which uses the kinetic energy of a flowing stream/river to lift water to homes and farmlands, can help smallholder farmers expand the growing season into the dry season. It is more cost-effective than conventional energy sources. It can be used in areas with limited access to electricity or fossil fuels because the energy of pumping is derived from the kinetic energy of flowing water. Its simplicity, adaptability, and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable tool for communities seeking water security and improved livelihoods. The main objective of this study was to develop performance curves for a version of the pump fabricated from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood, materials that are readily accessible to smallholder farmers in Africa, to optimize its performance for different field conditions. Laboratory and field tests were performed in Illinois, United States of America, and Sierra Leone, West Africa, with pumps with several pipe diameters/pipe configurations and wheel diameters. During the laboratory tests, a 0.6m diameter single-layer pump with a 2.5cm pipe diameter (18 coils) lifted water to a maximum height of 3.4m. When a 3.8cm pipe diameter (10 coils) was used, the maximum height was reduced to 2.7m. Field tests at an experimental site in Fulton County, Illinois, generated a maximum height of 3.4m and 3.1m when 2.5cm pipe diameters were used on 1.22m and 0.6m diameter wheels, respectively. In Sierra Leone, the maximum height generated was 16m and 8.5m for the 1.22m and 0.6m diameter wheels, respectively, with a 1.9cm pipe diameter. In all the field tests, the pumps only worked when the water velocity exceeded 0.6 [ms.sup.-1], smaller streams with a velocity less than 0.6 [ms.sup.-1] can be channeled if necessary. These results indicate that this pump can improve dry season productivity for farmland near the flowing water bodies in developing countries like Sierra Leone. Key words: Wheel diameter, pipe diameters, pipe configuration, discharge rate, stream velocity, INTRODUCTION Water, an essential natural resource, provides numerous vital services for human existence and development Fu et al. [1]. It is becoming more difficult to supply enough water due to [...]

Hog raisers of today consider feeds to be the most expensive component in hog enterprise. Thus, the study of the Comparative Effects of low-cost indigenous Feeds and Commercial Feeds on the Growth and Profitability of Native Pigs. Effects of indigenous feeds and commercial feeds on the growth and profitability of native pigs. This study was carried out to determine the effect of indigenous feeds and commercial feeds on the growth and profitability of native pigs. A total of 12 heads of piglets were distributed into 4 treatments with 3 replications. Results revealed that feeding native pigs with different mixtures of indigenous and commercial feeds has a significant effect on the initial weight; however, based on the results, it was [T.sub.4](100% commercial feeds) that showed a numerically heavier initial weight among all treatments fed with a different mixture of indigenous feeds, while in terms of weight gain, results showed that [T.sub.1] was given 50% taro and 50% leftovers compared quantitatively to [T.sub.4] fed 100% commercial feeds. Comparable differences were observed from [T.sub.1]-[T.sub.3], where an average of 2,253.08 kg of feed per head was consumed. In other words, pigs consumed the maximum amount of feed given with a minimal feed leftover up to an average of 1.43 kg. Results revealed that feeds consumed by native pigs were numerically higher in [T.sub.1]- taro (50%) kitchen leftover (50%) followed by [T.sub.3], [T.sub.2] (80% Taro & 20% Kitchen leftover), while [T.sub.4] with commercial feeds consumed 1,258.80 kg. In [T.sub.3], 80% taro and 20% kitchen leftover, gave an average number of 8 piglets, followed by [T.sub.2] with 7 piglets, [T.sub.1] with 6 piglets, and [T.sub.4] with 5 piglets, while in average weight, [T.sub.4] has 0.8400 kg, [T.sub.2] with 0.8267 kg, [T.sub.3] with 0.6700 kg and [T.sub.1] with 0.5667 kg, respectively. [T.sub.3] have the highest profit of 11,707.60 pesos with Return on Investment (ROI) of 95.24%, followed by [T.sub.2] with profit of 7,351.60 pesos and 53.86% ROI, [T.sub.1] with 5,710.60 pesos and 46.47% ROI, and [T.sub.4] with -43,180.40 pesos and ROI of -25.78%. Key words: commercial feeds, indigenous feeds, kitchen Leftover, native pigs, piglet size, profitability, taro, INTRODUCTION The demand for concentrated feed resources is rising globally, particularly in the tropics where many nations are net food importers. Although using forage plants as feed for pigs is [...]

New technological approaches harness the potential of endophytic fungi as growth promoters, utilizing their bioactive compounds to protect against herbivores, insects, and various unfavourable abiotic stresses, including temperature, salinity, drought, and heavy metals. Zea mays (L.) is considered as a staple food source in many countries including South Africa. Endophytic fungi are natural growth promoters without causing any disease or symptoms of diseases. In the current study, nine endophytic fungi were examined for abiotic stress tolerance and were inoculated in the maize seeds prior to plantation. The construction of the phylogenetic tree was based on consensus sequences (ITS) using endophytic fungi produced three clades with four subgroups. Among the 9 endophytic fungi, only 3 fungal isolates (END 15, MHE 55, RNK 4) grew on 3% and 6% salinity PDA. Boeremia exigua was the only isolate that could withstand 6%. Fusarium solani (MHE 55) survived at low pH. Furthermore, Neurospora sp. (GG 9) and Fusarium solani (MHE 55) grew at 37 [degrees]C. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to establish the growth promoting properties. The highest plant height was observed in the treatment which was inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum (GG 8) followed by Fusarium solani (MHE 55), reaching 46 cm and 44 cm respectively. The significant enhancement in plant height, root weight, fresh weight and leaf size, demonstrate the potential use of the selected isolate as a growth promoter for maize. In contrast Chaetomium (PG 9) and Alternaria (MHE 68) displayed none to limited growth promoting properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential use of F. solani isolated from South African geranium as a growth promoter. As the world is aiming at a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the use of such endophytes will contribute to better crop production and protection, hence more food availability. Key words: Fusarium solani, Endophytes, Growth promotion, Maize, Stress tolerance, Boeremia exigua, Chaetomium, Alternaria, INTRODUCTION Fusarium solani is a well-known emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen in plants and immunocompromised patients. It is naturally occurring in the environment, commonly found in air, water and soil [1,2]. [...]

Malnutrition, a significant global health concern, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance food nutritional profiles sustainably. This study focused on augmenting the nutrient content of traditional cereal flours, specifically corn (Ma) and millet (Mi), by incorporating edible insects, Macrotermes subhyalinus (MS) and Cirina butyrospermi (CB) known for their high protein, vitamin and mineral levels. The research aimed to create fortified flour formulations by adding these insects at various proportions (20%, 22.5% and 25%), thus addressing nutritional deficiencies common in staple diets. The study employed a comprehensive methodological approach incorporating biochemical analyses to measure protein, lipid content, pH and vitamin C levels in 16 distinct flour blends. These measures provided a basis for evaluating the nutritional enhancement achieved through insect incorporation. Additionally, nutrient density calculations and statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were conducted to assess the overall nutritional value and identify significant differences among formulations. Results demonstrated a marked improvement in the nutritional quality of cereal flours with insect addition. Formulations MiMS25 (75% Millet + 25% MS) and MiCB25 (75% Millet + 25% CB) exhibited the highest mineral content, with ash values of 3.69 [+ or -] 1.00% and 2.60 [+ or -] 0.28%, respectively. Protein levels were significantly increased in MaCB22.5 (77.5% Corn + 22.5% CB) and MiCB25 showing concentrations of 18.78 [+ or -] 0.20% and 18.66 [+ or -] 0.10%. Furthermore, the inclusion of MS notably enhanced lipid content, particularly in MiMS25 which displayed an energy value of 451.19 kcal. Among the tested blends, MaCB22.5 was identified as the most nutritionally promising with a nutrient density score of 0.255 indicating a balanced and improved nutritional profile. This study underscores the potential of integrating edible insects into cereal flours as a sustainable strategy to combat malnutrition. It highlights the need for further research into optimizing these formulations for consumer acceptance, taste, and shelf-life aiming to incorporate them into mainstream diets to achieve global nutritional well-being. Key words: Edible insects, Nutrient Density, Malnutrition, Sprouted cereals, Biochemical analyses, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Cirina butyrospermi, INTRODUCTION Malnutrition remains a critical and urgent global public health issue, affecting an estimated 9.2% or 735 million people worldwide [1]. This complex problem is particularly acute in African nations, [...]

The study examined the role of agricultural cooperatives in strengthening the resilience and social fabric of rural communities in the Kita and Yanfolila regions of Mali. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected from 149 participants, including cooperative members and non-members, through structured surveys and focus group discussions. It explored the challenges faced by farmers, the benefits of cooperative membership, the dynamics of social cohesion within these cooperatives, the nuances of inclusion, and conducted a comparative analysis between cooperative members and non-members. The communities in Kita and Yanfolila faced multiple adversities that significantly affected their resilience, livelihoods and overall well-being. Drought emerged as the most serious problem, affecting the entire population and underscoring its profound impact on agriculture and welfare. Flooding was also a significant threat, exacerbating food insecurity. While terrorist activities and COVID-19 seemed less pressing due to their limited occurrence or awareness at the time, vigilance and awareness remained key. The study highlighted the myriad benefits of cooperative membership and how it empowered members through agricultural training, access to resources and financial stability. In particular, cooperatives have been instrumental in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable access through initiatives such as boreholes and pumping equipment, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and food security. The study also highlighted the key role of cooperatives in fostering social cohesion, promoting conflict resolution and serving as networking platforms. Members praised cooperatives for providing emotional and material support in times of need, disseminating conflict management techniques and promoting transparent, collective decision-making processes. However, there was a noticeable gap in perceptions between cooperative members and non-members regarding the role of cooperatives in conflict resolution. Non-members were less confident, possibly due to a lack of exposure or understanding of cooperative mechanisms. Inclusivity emerged as a key issue, with discussions highlighting the challenge of extending benefits to nonmembers, which could lead to feelings of exclusion. Income disparities between members and non-members further exacerbated issues of social cohesion. The study also highlighted the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing disrupted supply chains, reduced incomes, increased unemployment and heightened food insecurity in rural communities. Despite this, agricultural cooperatives stepped up by disseminating information, distributing essential supplies and promoting hygiene practices. Key words: Agricultural cooperative, resilience, peacebuilding, social cohesion, COVID-19, Mali, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is undoubtedly of central importance to the economy of Mali, as it is the cornerstone of this landlocked West African country. It contributes around 30% of gross domestic [...]

Honey has great benefits to humans, both as medicine and food. It contains glucose, fructose and water in addition to small quantities of proteins, minerals, organic acids, and vitamins. Vacuum cooling is a rapid cooling technique based on the principle of evaporation, which lowers the boiling point of water based on the vacuum pressure inside a cooler room. A prototype vacuum-cooling jet water system was used to process the honey. Raw honey obtained from the forests of Riau was used in the present study. This study aimed to determine the effect of jet water vacuum cooling with variations in volume (V/V), capacity (12.5%, 25%, and 50%) on the quality of honey (Apis dorsata Fabricus) to accelerate the cooling process and preserve product quality. The cooling mechanical analysis parameters reviewed included the processing time and the lowest maximum pressure. The parameters of the quality of honey observed included moisture content, viscosity, density and total dissolved solids. As a result, the vacuum cooling process can suppress damage to the quality of honey owing to the heating process. At the cooling time and lowest maximum pressure value, the mechanical aspects of the water jet system vacuum cooling process showed the maximum results. The water contents of 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 13.69%, 12.89%, and 14.25%, respectively. The viscosities at 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 2.604 Pa.s, 2.355 Pa.s, and 1.644 Pa.s, respectively. Density with 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 1.52 g/cm3,1.53 g/cm3 and 1.50 g/cm3, respectively. Total dissolved solid values of honey with 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V), and 50% (V/V) fillings were 78.16%, 78.16% and 77.66%, respectively. Water jet vacuum cooling with a 25% chamber volume capacity accelerates honey with the best total dissolved solids, density and moisture content. Vacuum cooling can be used to improve product quality, shorten handling time, extend product shelf life and improve security. Key words: honey, pressure, vacuum cooling, density, moisture content, viscosity, INTRODUCTION The giant honeybee Apis (Megapis) dorsata Fabricus is widespread in Indonesia [1]. Honey is a great benefit to human beings both as medicine and food. It contains glucose, fructose, [...]

Sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex Poir) has a high production volume in Bangladesh and holds third rank next to eggplant and radish. Salinity affects almost all growth and physiological aspects of the plant development and eventually reduces yield. Identifying salt tolerance among genetic resources and breeding populations is a valuable study for solving salinity problems. This research aimed to find sweet gourd hybrids tolerant to salinity. Sixteen sweet gourd hybrids (F1) were used for testing salt stress tolerance levels. Salinity stress was induced in pot soil by adding NaCl solutions (4, 8, 12, 16, and control 0.35 dS m-1). The experiment was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The research was conducted at the Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur. The measurements included changes in gas exchange parameters against photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and relative water content (RWC). Results showed that the gas exchange traits and RWC in all hybrids decreased under stress compared to the control. Photosynthetic parameters in sweet gourd hybrids responded susceptibly to salt stress, thus suppressing overall growth under salinity stress. The reduction of gaseous exchange traits and RWC were minimal in P11 × P12 and P6 × P14. The highest Fv/Fm and RWC occurred in P11 × P12 at 8 dS m-1 salinity stress. The highest Fv/Fm and RWC appeared in P6 × P14 and P11 × P12 hybrids at 12 and 16 dS m-1 salinity stress, so the hybrid P11 × P12 appeared salt tolerant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation in agriculture plays a fundamental role in the transition of said production towards more sustainable schemes, hence the importance of its study, especially in relation to production processes. The literature shows that although several studies have been carried out that examine the variables that intervene in the innovation processes in the agricultural sector, there is a lack of studies that examine the innovation processes in Colombia. This is why the fundamental objective of this research is to develop a model that explains the main factors that are related to process innovation in the agricultural sector, using concepts derived from organizational innovation process models developed in the literature. The factors identification methodology used a sample of 1,190 Agricultural Production Units (UPA) collected in the National Agricultural Survey, incorporating only producers from the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. With this sample, and using for the analysis the variables that are developed in the literature, a principal components factorial analysis was carried out, as well as a second-order confirmatory factorial analysis. The factor analysis shows three latent factors, among them “Innovation in Raw Materials”, “Innovation in crops” and “Innovation in management of External Factors”, which, being the most significant for the process innovation process, should be considered as fundamental part of the government's public policies to facilitate its adoption in Colombian agriculture in the future.

Peach brown rot, attributed to Monilinia fructicola, presents a significant threat to postharvest peach cultivation, causing losses of up to 80%. With an increasing number of countries, spearheaded by the European Union, imposing bans on chemical agents in fruit production, there is a growing interest in mining highly active antibacterial compounds from biological control strains for postharvest disease management. In this study, we highlight the unique ability of Streptomyces lincolnensis strain JCP1‐7 to inhibit M. fructicola sporulation, despite its limited antimicrobial efficacy. Through GC–MS analysis, eucalyptol was identified as the key compound. Fumigation of diseased fruits with eucalyptol at a concentration of 0.0335 μg cm−3 demonstrated an in vivo inhibition rate against M. fructicola of 93.13%, completely suppressing spore formation. Transcriptome analysis revealed the impact of eucalyptol on multiple pathogenesis‐related pathways, particularly through the inhibition of catalase 2 (Cat2) expression. Experiments with a MfCat2 knockout strain (ΔMfCat2) showed reduced pathogenicity and sensitivity to JCP1‐7 and eucalyptol, suggesting MfCat2 as a potential target of JCP1‐7 and eucalyptol against M. fructicola. Our findings elucidate that eucalyptol produced by S. lincolnensis JCP1‐7 inhibits M. fructicola sporulation by regulating MfCat2, thereby effectively reducing postharvest peach brown rot occurrence. The use of fumigation of eucalyptol offers insights into peach brown rot management on a large scale, thus making a significant contribution to agricultural research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and enhances soil quality in two experiments at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute. Post-harvest soil N (mg kg−1), P2O5 (mg kg−1), K, Ca and Mg (cmolc kg−1), pH (1:5), electrical conductivity (EC; dSm−1) and organic matter (OM; g kg−1) were measured to assess soil quality. Added net returns (ANR) of treatments were evaluated. Recommended N rate (238 kg ha−1) for KC production was the basis for treatment applications. Treatments included no fertilizer control ('nf'), full N recommendation SRF (SF1), ½ N recommendation SRF (SF0.5), double N recommendation SRF (SF2) and full N recommendation conventional fast fertilizer (FF). Results showed that SF0.5, SF1 and SF2 influenced the highest KC marketable yield in both experiments (66–74 and 42–66 Mg ha−1, respectively). SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 times the N recommendation produced the highest possible linear increases in marketable yield; and the most economical, with ANR > KRW 83 million ha−1 in the first experiment and > KRW 22 million ha−1 in the second. Crop N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were highest among the three SRF rates in both experiments. SF0.5 influenced the highest (91%) NUE in the first experiment; however, it left 8 mg kg−1 N by the end of this experiment compared to the start-up 27.2 mg kg−1 N. Thus, nutrient mining occurred. Soil N increased between 23 and 135 mg kg−1 by SF 1 and 2 in both experiments. Soil EC spiked to 0.6 dSm−1 from the initial level of 0.2 dSm−1 by SF2 in the first experiment. Soil pH, P2O5, K, Ca and Mg levels post-harvest were comparable among treatments in both experiments. SF0.5, 1 and 2 increased soil OM by 7–16% above pre-experimental levels in the second experiment. In conclusion, SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 for KC produced the maximum corresponding KC yield and were the most economical. SRF rates ≤ 0.5 pose risks of nutrient mining, which could jeopardise native soil fertility. SF1 and 2 improved some soil quality indices (N and OM). However, SF2 potentiates risks of soil salinity and large P losses, and it is less economical. Therefore, for holistic sustainability of the cropping system, the optimum SRF rate should lie between 0.5 and 1 N recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing diversity in crops. This study was carried out at Lovely Professional University's agricultural research farm in Punjab, India, during the year 2023. The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment aimed to assess the effect of three chemical mutagens, sodium azide (SA), ethyl methyl sulphonates (EMSs), and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), at three different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%), in SL958 and SL744 soybean varieties to select the mutant exhibiting the highest yield. The data were collected and analysed using a two-way ANOVA test through SPSS software (version 22), and the means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance. Between the two varieties, the highest seed germination percentage (76.0% seedlings/plot) was recorded in SL958 (0.4% SA), while the lowest (30.33% seedlings/plot) was observed in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (53% and 76% in SL744 and SL958 at 10 days after sowing, respectively). Several weeks after sowing, the average plant height was observed to be higher (37.84 ± 1.32 cm) in SL958 (0.4% SA) and lower (20.58 ± 0.30 cm) in SL744 (0.6% SA), as compared to the controls (SL958: 26.09 ± 0.62 cm and SL744: 27.48 ± 0.74 cm). The average leaf count was the highest (234.33 ± 3.09 tetrafoliate leaves/plant) in SL958 (0.4% SA) while it was the lowest (87 leaves/plant) in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (SL744 180.00 ± 1.63 and SL958 160.73 ± 1.05). The highest total leaf areas recorded in the SL958 and SL744 M1plants were 3625.8 ± 1.43 cm2 and 2311.03 ± 3.65 cm2, respectively. Seeds of the SL958 variety treated with 0.4% SA resulted in the development of tetrafoliate leaves with a broad leaf base and the maximum yield (277.55 ± 1.37 pods/plant) compared to the narrow pentafoliate leaves obtained through the treatment with EMS. Meanwhile, in the SL744 variety, the same treatment led to tetrafoliate leaves with a comparatively lower yield of 206.54 ± 23.47 pods/plant as compared to the control (SL744 164.33 ± 8.58 and SL958 229.86 ± 0.96). The highest protein content (47.04 ± 0.87% TSP) was recorded in the SL958 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds followed by a content of 46.14 ± 0.64% TSP in the SL744 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds, whereas the lowest content (38.13 ± 0.81% TSP) was found in SL958 (0.6% MMS). Similar observations were recorded for the lipid and fibre content. The 0.4% SA treatment in SL958 proved to be efficient in generating the highest leaf area (tetrafoliate leaves) and a reasonable yield of M1 (the first generation after mutation) plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor soil fertility management and inappropriate plant and row spacing are the main factors constraining onion production in Khost. Therefore, it was felt necessary to develop a package to recommend nitrogen (N) levels and plant and row spacing in the study area. Hence, this study was initiated to assess the effect of plant and row spacing and N levels on the growth, yield and economics of onion at the Agricultural Research Farm of Shaikh Zayed University (SZU), Khost. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used to set up the experiment, which was a factorial combination of three plant and row spacings (10×10, 15×10, and 20×15 cm) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N/ha). The analysis's findings showed that the growth and yield attributes of onion were significantly influenced by the main and interaction effects of N levels and spacing. Higher growth and yield components were recorded with higher N levels and wider spacing, but significantly higher bulb yield and net returns over the control were obtained with the application of 150 kg N/ha combined with narrow plant and row spacing (10×10 cm). The control group with no nitrogen produced the lowest growth and yield attributes across all spacing treatments. Therefore, 10×10 cm plant and row spacing combined with 150 kg N/ha is recommended for optimum bulb yield and economically attractive benefits in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Economics & Social Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This qualitative study explores agriculture research faculty's challenges with participating in Science Communication. To explore the challenges shared by faculty, we utilized the proposed Faculty Science Communication Engagement Framework, which identifies three dimensions that may cause challenges for faculty Science Communication work: personal, professional, and institutional. During interviews with 11 research faculty, we identified Science Communication challenges within these dimensions. Participant challenges within the personal dimension include allocation of time, the learning curve, audience familiarity, and mass-media concern. Professional dimension challenges were "it's not my job" and disciplinary norms, while challenges within the institutional dimension included a lack of support and resources. Across these dimensions, faculty challenges revolved around the time required to invest in Science Communication activities, the needed resources (personnel, technology, and financial), the value placed on efforts by their academic institution, and the lack of knowledge regarding Science Communication techniques and audience. These findings are described through rich data, and practical recommendations are provided for fostering future Science Communication engagement and interest among faculty. These include Science Communication training focused on specific content areas, hands-on training and support with Science Communication technologies, including Extension and non-Extension faculty in training sessions, creating structured and strategically implemented shared Science Communication resources at the institutional level, including Science Communication efforts in university strategic planning, and awarding and recognizing faculty who utilize Science Communication successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new plant growth regulators is a cornerstone of agricultural research; however, laboratory studies rarely go on to be evaluated in the field. This is because greater production is required, as well as longer studies. Particularly, brassinosteroids present these difficulties, and although they have been evaluated in crops with good results, their high production cost gives rise to the search for new alternatives. 22-Oxocholestanes such as SPGP4, previously used in silico and in vitro studies, have shown great potential, so their evaluation in crops grown from native seeds from the study region becomes of interest. Based on these data, SPGP4 was evaluated under crop conditions in three agricultural plots located on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca, México. The seeds were treated with a 0.5 mg/L aqueous solution of the 22-Oxocholestane compound SPGP4 by imbibition one night before sown. Later, 45 days after sowing, a solution of 0.5 mg/L at a rate of 200 L per hectare was applied. At the production level, the bean harvest showed an increase in the range of 21.0–38.1%, and the corn harvest increased between 22 and 32%. In addition, the latter also demonstrated an increase in biomass production, given the increase in diameter and height observed in the corn plant. This indicates that SPGP4 functions as a regulator of plant growth at the crop level to increase both seed and biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to identify the reality of extension works in the Directorate of Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Researches in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and the study area included all governorates of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Germian, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). The research community included all workers in agricultural extension, agricultural research, and agricultural directorates in all governorates, there were 215 respondents. The sample of the respondents includes (71) representing 33% of the population, taken by a simple random sampling method. The data were collected through personal interviews; questionnaire was prepared for this purpose. To confirm the validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. In general, the reality of extension work was described by the respondents (extension workers and agricultural engineers working in the Agricultural Research and Extension Directorate) as weak. Conducting training courses for agricultural extension workers regarding methods and methods of communication to work with farmers, emphasizing the importance and necessity of linking and coordinating between agricultural extension and education (universities) to graduate a qualified agricultural guide. Cooperation with other research agencies that work on producing and generating agricultural scientific information and practices approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Pilicode and College of Agriculture Padannakkad from January 2022 to December 2022. The objectives were to study phenological stages regarding flowering, fruit setting and fruit development in peanut butter fruit. The flower bud initiation was started by the end of March. From flower bud initiation to anthesis it took about 28 days. The period of flowering and fruiting was observed from April to September, flowering peaks in three months viz., April, May and June. Whereas fruiting peaks in the months of May, June and July. Yellow-coloured flowers are borne on racemose inflorescence. From fruit set to fruit ripening, it took about 50 days. Fruits are found in clusters. Green-coloured fruits produced during the fruit set gradually change their colour to greenish yellow then orange and red at maturity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to build a theoretical mechanism of agricultural socialization services for the eco-efficiency of agricultural land use from two paths, namely the agricultural division of labor and technological progress, and empirically calibrate the Tobit model based on the data of the China Family Tracking Survey (CFPS) for 4453 farming households in 23 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across China. The results of the study show the following: (1) Agricultural socialization services can significantly improve the eco-efficiency of agricultural land use. (2) Hired labor services are more likely to promote eco-efficiency in agricultural land use than farm machinery leasing, especially in major food-producing areas; however, in non-major food-producing areas, the effectiveness of farm machinery leasing services is limited or affected by regional policy differences. (3) In the analysis of the mechanism of agricultural socialization services on the eco-efficiency of agricultural land use, the division of labor in agriculture plays an intermediary role, and the intermediary effect accounts for about 11.4%; however, there is a masking effect of technological progress. This means that China should further develop the role of agricultural socialized services in promoting the ecological efficiency of agricultural land use by developing agricultural socialized service organizations, accelerating the integration of farmers into the modern agricultural division of labor, and promoting the application of green agricultural machinery, among other measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A field experiment was conducted in 2016-17 and 2017-18 during Rabi season at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool District of Telangana State, India. The treatments consisted of 7 sowing dates with 15-day intervals (T1- October 10th, T2- October 25th, T3- November 10th, T4- November 25th, T5- December 10th, T6- December 25th and T7- January 10th). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and was replicated three times. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the optimum sowing time for quinoa in Telangana state, India. A greater seed yield was detected for the crops sown between October 10th (2174 kg/ha) and November 25th (1931 kg/ha); on further delay in sowing after November 25th,i.e., December 10th (1026 kg/ha), December 25th (600 kg/ha) and January 10th(590 kg/ha), the seed yields were drastically reduced due to the higher temperature at the reproductive stage of the crop. Hence, from this study, it can be noted that the optimum sowing date for quinoa in Telangana was from October 10th to November 25th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory arthropods play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of insect pests. However, the use of broad-spectrum insecticides in pest management methods can pose a threat to predator populations. In response to the need for safer and more selective insecticides that spare natural enemies, an effort was made to know the diversity of predatory fauna and effect of seed dressers and foliar spraying insecticides on coccinellids and spiders at the Main Agricultural Research Station in Dharwad, Karnataka, during the summer 2021 and 2022. The treatments included four seed treatments, four seed treatments in combination with foliar spray, two foliar sprays alone, and an untreated control. Predator numbers were recorded at 45 and 65 days after sowing (DAS), selecting 20 plants randomly in all treatments. The results demonstrated that during the summer 2021 and 2022, seed treatment with chlorpyriphos 20EC was identified as safe, exhibiting the highest number of coccinellids (0.55 and 1.33 per plant) and spiders (0.54 and 1.62 per plant), respectively. These results were statistically comparable to other treatments like, seed treatment with imidacloprid 60 FS (0.49 and 1.00 coccinellids per plant) (0.48 and 1.38 spiders per plant), thiamethoxam 30 FS (0.45 and 0.95 coccinellids per plant) (0.44 and 1.22 spiders per plant) during 2021 and 2022 summer, respectively, ranking just below the untreated control. A significant difference in the population of coccinellids and spiders was observed among all the treatments, with seedtreated plants recording the highest predatory populations compared to foliarsprayed plants. Consequently, the study concludes that seed treatment chemicals prove to be safer for predators while still effectively providing necessary pest control. This highlights the potential of integrating such seed treatment methods into pest management strategies to enhance overall efficacy while minimizing adverse effects on beneficial predator populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that has a significant impact on chickpeas worldwide. This study examined the response of 58 chickpea genotypes to Fusarium wilt. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons at the Sararoud and Maragheh research stations at the Drylands Agricultural Research Institute of Iran. Genotype resistance was screened through wilt incidence records and nonparametric stability statistic evaluation. The identified resistant genotypes were then evaluated in the greenhouse for their response to four isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (races 1/BC, 2, 4, and 6). Out of 58 genotypes, 32 exhibited moderate resistance, while 24 showed strong resistance abilities. Under warmer conditions, disease severity was higher, with scores at the Sararoud location being higher than those at the Maragheh location. Of the total genotypes across all locations and years, 41.4% were resistant, 55.17% were moderately resistant, 1.72% were susceptible, and 1.72% were highly susceptible. The nonparametric stability measures S(1), S(2), and S(3) identified FLIP 05-42C and FLIP 05-43C as stable and resistant genotypes. The study found that Azad/Hashem K3 was stable based on the non-parametric stability measure S(6). Other resistant genotypes were identified using stability parameters NP(1), NP(3), and NP(4), while FLIP 05-104C was identified by NP(2). The genotypes selected by nonparametric stability parameters showed resistance against at least two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris races. The screening method and nonparametric stability statistics used in this study were effective in identifying sources of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is an important crop in many parts of the tropical environment providing energy source for poultry and staple food supply for human as well as for industrial uses because of its diverse utilization potential. Nigeria is characterized with diverse accessions such as land, cultivars, and farmers' selected lines from many years of cropping maize for improved yield and adaptation through informal breeding programmes. The objectives of this study therefore were to evaluate white and yellow maize accessions for yield performance, disease reactions and agronomic attributes, and to further characterize them for use in planned maize breeding programmes. One hundred and sixty-five maize accessions (85 white) and (80 yellow) were used for performance evaluation and reactions to prevailing diseases of hot tropical environment, under natural field infection. The results from analysis of variance of the white and yellow maize accessions showed significant differences for plant height (3144.75 cm and 1901.54 cm), ear height (1462.98 cm and 982.76 cm), ear harvest (12.64 and 8.74), husk cover (0.83 and 0.67) and grain yield (4743.49 kg/ha and 3851.67 kg/ha) and disease syndrome ratings. This study revealed the variability in agronomic traits which will in no doubt expand the gene pool of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training of Obafemi Awolowo University for breeders developing early, medium and late maturing white and yellow maize populations for improved agronomic potential, yield, disease resistance and adaptation to hot humid ecologies of the tropical ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the importance of transformative agricultural research and development systems in addressing climate change and ensuring food security. The authors emphasize the need for game-changing innovations that are climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable. They argue for a shift in research approaches, with a focus on transdisciplinary partnerships and the co-creation of knowledge. The article also highlights the underrepresentation of social science in climate change research and calls for the inclusion of diverse social science disciplines in agricultural research organizations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding gender and social norms in agricultural development and the need for more generalists who can support integration. The text emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary thinking and the need for transdisciplinary partnerships to address global environmental challenges. It also highlights the importance of building trustful partnerships, addressing power asymmetries, and embracing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The article suggests that agricultural research organizations should employ more researchers who can combine science and humanism to address urgent concerns like climate change. The document provides a list of references to various articles and publications related to interdisciplinary research, climate change, agriculture, and sustainability, offering a diverse range of perspectives for library patrons conducting research on these topics. [Extracted from the article]

The fruit with the most commercial significance in the Caricaceae family is the papaya (Carica papaya L.). The fruits are very valuable in terms of nutrition, economy, and medicine. One of the things restricting its production and productivity in Ethiopia is the lack of improved cultivars. In order to determine the optimum high yielding, pest and disease tolerant, variety/ies for the target area, this study was carried out to evaluate the performance of improved papaya varieties. Three newly released papaya varieties were brought to Teppi agricultural research center from Melkassa agricultural research center for evaluation over the cropping seasons of 2019/20 to 2020/21. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The mean yield was ranged from 34.24 to 90.08 t/ha for Braz-HS1 and Meki-HL1 varieties respectively. The findings of the study revealed that, based on the recorded parameters Meki-HL1 variety performed better followed by Koka-HM1 variety and these two varieties will be recommended for the surrounding farmers for wider production. Further study should be carried out with improved varieties to improve papaya production and nutritional security as well, especially in southwestern Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)