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This article, titled "Editorial: Crop modelling - underutilized crops for climate-smart agrifood systems," discusses the importance of underutilized crop species (NUS) in building climate-resilient food systems. The article highlights that the current reliance on a limited range of staple crops makes food systems vulnerable to climate hazards. NUS, which have untapped potential and important traits for resilience, can contribute to food security, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental benefits. The article emphasizes the need for research, development, value chain development, and market access to promote the integration of NUS into food systems. Additionally, the article suggests that simulation modeling and decision support tools can provide crop production options for food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change projections for southern Africa indicate low and erratic rainfall as well as increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall extremes such as drought. The 2015/16 drought devastated large parts of southern Africa and highlighted the need for drought tolerant crops. Bambara groundnut is an African indigenous crop, commonly cultivated in southern Africa, with a higher potential for drought tolerance compared to other staple legumes. AquaCrop model was used to evaluate the impacts of climate change on yield, water use ( ET ) and water productivity ( WP ) of bambara groundnut using climate change data representative of the past (1961–1991), present (1995–2025), mid-century (2030–2060) and late century (2065–2095) obtained from five global circulation models (GCMs). The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) file selected was for the A2 scenario. The model was run at a sub-catchment level. Model simulations showed that yield and WP of bambara groundnut will increase over time. The mean values of yield at the different time scales across the GCMs showed that yield of bambara groundnut increased by ∼9% from the past to the present, will increase by ∼15% from the present to mid-century and will increase by 6% from mid-to late-century. The simulated results of ET showed seasonal ranges of 703–796 mm. Of this, 45% was lost to soil evaporation, suggesting the need for developing bambara groundnut varieties with faster establishment and high canopy cover. Model simulations showed an increase in WP by ∼13% from the past to present and ∼15% from the present to mid-century and ∼11% from mid-century to late century. While the results of these simulations are preliminary, they confirm the view that bambara groundnut is a potential future crop suitable for cultivation in marginal agricultural production areas. Future research should focus on crop improvement to improve current yield of bambara groundnut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to parameterize and test the generic crop model AquaCrop for a local bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc] landrace. Such a model should be water driven and assist in the promotion of neglected and underutilized species as possible future crops under water-limited conditions. AquaCrop was parameterized for a South African bambara groundnut landrace using data from controlled field and rain shelter experiments conducted during two seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012) at Pretoria, South Africa. Observed weather, soil physical, and measured crop parameters from optimum experiments conducted during 2010/2011 were used to develop respective climate, soil, and crop files in AquaCrop and to parameterize the model. Model parameterization for bambara groundnut showed a very good fit for canopy cover (R² = 0.94, Willmott's d index of agreement = 0.99, RMSE = 3.37%) and biomass (R² = 0.96, d index = 0.99, RMSE = 1.29 Mg ha-1). The model also predicted final biomass (RMSE = 1.70 Mg ha-1) and yield (RMSE = 0.29 Mg ha-1) reasonably well. Model testing showed good fit for canopy cover under irrigated (R² = 0.86, d index = 0.96, RMSE = 9.72%) and rainfed field conditions (R² = 0.95, d index = 0.97, RMSE = 6.18%) compared with simulation of results from rain shelter experiments. The model simulated final biomass and yield of bambara groundnut very well under field conditions. The model's performance under rainfed conditions make it particularly suited for extrapolation to marginal areas of agricultural production in South Africa and the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is prevalent in South Africa, particularly among predominantly poor rural communities. Provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified crops could be used to address VAD; however, there are challenges of poor consumer acceptability. This study investigated the effect of replacing white maize and cream-fleshed sweet potato (CFSP) with PVA-biofortified maize and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), respectively, on consumer acceptability and perceptions of traditional dishes of rural communities in South Africa. Consumer acceptability of PVA-biofortified phutu (a crumbly maize porridge) served with either curried cabbage, chicken or bambara groundnut, separately, and boiled OFSP was evaluated by black South African adults (n = 120) using a five-point facial hedonic scale. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 56 subjects recruited from the consumer panel to assess consumer perceptions of the food samples. The majority of the participants rated the composite dishes containing PVA-biofortified phutu as "4 = good" and the acceptability of the composite dishes varied significantly (p < 0.05). Compared to other age groups, the 50–59-year age group showed higher preference for white phutu and chicken curry, whereas the 30–39-year age group showed higher preference for PVA-biofortified phutu and chicken curry. The acceptability of OFSP and CFSP was similar. The study participants showed positive perceptions of the OFSP, as well as PVA-biofortified phutu if served with either curried chicken or cabbage. The findings suggest that PVA-biofortified maize and OFSP can replace white maize and CFSP, respectively, in selected traditional dishes of the rural communities studied to alleviate VAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined the best management practices for improved yield (Y) and water productivity (WP ET) of groundnut and bambara groundnut under different environments. Three sites representing different agro-ecological zones of KwaZulu Natal were used (Umbumbulu, Ukulinga and Wartburg). Thirty-year historic climate data from the different sites was categorised into normal and dry seasons based on probability of exceedance. Thereafter, eight strategies included were assessed against a reference scenario that represented current practices by smallholder farmers. The eight strategies included (i) early planting, (ii) recommended planting date, (iii) late planting, (iv) mulching, (v) deficit irrigation, (vi) optimum irrigation, (vii) soil bunds, and (viii) tied ridges. The Y and WP ET responses (%) to different management practices relative to the reference scenario were analysed. Frequency analyses of crop failure for every management practice were conducted. Early and late planting decreased Y and WP ET of groundnut by 35% at Ukulinga. At Umbumbulu and Wartburg, late planting increased WP ET by 60% during normal seasons. Early planting increased Y and WP ET of bambara groundnut by 30–60% at all sites during normal seasons. Both crops responded positively to mulching, especially bambara groundnut — Y and WP ET increased by up to 60% during dry seasons. Optimum irrigation increased Y by 50%, but decreased WP ET by ≈ 15% for both crops. Tied ridges improved Y and WP ET by up to 30% for both crops. Irrigation and soil water conservation practices mitigated crop failure during dry seasons. Groundnut was more prone to crop failure during dry periods compared to bambara groundnut. • Late planting improved productivity of groundnut during dry seasons. • Early planting improved productivity of bambara groundnut. • Irrigation and soil water conservation practices improved productivity and mitigated crop failure. • Bambara groundnut was hardier than groundnut during dry periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]