Agro-ecological Areas Research Articles

Feeding habits and malaria parasite infection of Anopheles mosquitoes in selected agroecological areas of Northwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundSurveillance of the host–anopheline mosquitoes’ interaction is important for assessing malaria transmission risk and guiding vector control. We assume that changes in malaria vector species’ feeding habits, as well as the surrounding environment, have a substantial impact on varied malaria transmission. In this study, we determined the vertebrate host feeding patterns of anopheline mosquitoes to characterize entomologic risk factors for malaria in Jabi Tehnan, Northwestern Ethiopia.MethodsBlood-fed anophelines surveyed during malaria surveillance in Jabi Tehnan district of northwestern Ethiopia were utilized in this study. They were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps deployed in selected households per village, placed indoors and outdoors, spanning three agroecological settings (dry mountain, plateau, and semiarid highlands) between June 2020 and May 2021. The engorged mosquitoes were analyzed for host blood meal sources and Plasmodium infection via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or sequencing. Infection rates and bovine and human blood indices were calculated and compared for abundant species; between indoors and outdoors and between agroecology using a chi-squared test for equality of proportion in R package at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05.ResultsA total of 246 mosquitoes were successfully typed (indoor, 121; outdoor, 125), with greater relative abundance indoors in mountain and plateau highlands, and outdoors in semiarid areas. Despite ecological differences in blood-fed capture rates, cattle served as the most utilized blood meal source by 11 anopheline species with an overall bovine blood index (BBI) of 74.4%. This trend was dictated by Anopheles gambiae s.l. (198/246; BBI = 73.7%), which exhibited the most plastic feeding habits that included humans (human blood index = 15.7%) and other livestock and rodents. A total of five anopheline species (An. gambiae s.l., An. funestus s.l., An. coustani s.l., An. pretoriensis, and An. pharoensis) fed on humans, of which the first three were found infected with Plasmodium parasites. Most of the infected specimens were An. arabiensis (5.6%, 11/198) and had recently fed mainly on cattle (72.7%, 8/11); one each of infected An. funestus s.l. and An. coustani s.l. had fed on humans and cattle, respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate communal feeding on cattle by anophelines including primary and secondary malaria vectors. This study also indicates the importance of cattle-targeted interventions for sustainable control of malaria vectors in the study areas.Graphical abstract

Assessing sustainability in smallholder vegetable farms in Benin Republic: A matrix approach

This study aims to assess the level of sustainability in vegetable-based agrifood production systems in Benin and to propose actions to enhance sustainability, food safety, and year-round production in the vegetable production systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 200 vegetable farmers in contrasting agroecological areas (with areas of extensive production of staples and intensive production of vegetables), using the “Indicateur de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles” (IDEA) framework (an on-farm sustainability index). Most of the surveyed vegetable farmers produced a wide range of crops, including leafy vegetables (amaranth, African eggplant, and African basil) and peppers, grown by more than 50% of the farmers. The average scores achieved by the vegetable farms regarding three dimensions of sustainability—ecological, social, and economic—were 35, 41, and 63, respectively, out of a maximum score of 100. All three sustainability dimensions of the vegetable farms were, on average, at a low level and improvements were needed for them to reach an acceptable standard. The vegetable farms located in the south of Benin had, on average, a higher sustainability score than those in the north: around 50% of vegetable farms in the south had a medium score, while the sustainability level of almost 75% of vegetable farms in the north was low. Interventions seeking to improve the sustainability of vegetable farms in Benin should focus on the promotion and adoption of eco-responsible practices that improve on-farm biodiversity, water conservation, and the effective allocation and management of land and labor, to mitigate the environmental impacts of vegetable production.

Heat stress effect on fertility of two imported dairy cattle breeds from different Algerian agro-ecological areas.

The present study investigates the susceptibility of two imported dairy cattle breeds to Algerian local climatic conditions, with a primary focus on heat stress (HS) and its repercussions on fertility traits. The dataset comprises 20,926 artificial insemination records involving 6,191 Prim'Holstein and 5,279 Montbéliarde cows. The animals originated from three distinct agro-ecological regions: littoral (L), semi-arid (SA), and arid (Ar), characterized by average annual Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) values of 75.2, 69.53, and 74.75, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to analyze the relationship between the THI on the AI day, season, and agro-ecological origin of the animals with the Conception Rate at 1st Artificial Insemination (CR 1stAI), Conception Risk (CR), Services per Conception (SPC), and reproductive period (RP). The results demonstrated a significant negative impact (P < 0.001) of THI > 72 compared to THI ≤ 72 on CR1st AI and CR for both cattle breeds (Prim'Holstein: -49.7% and - 17%, respectively; Montbéliarde: -20.7% and - 15%, respectively). Seasonal effects revealed a notably higher CR1stAI in winter and spring (≈ 25%) for Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows compared to summer (19.41%) and autumn (19.12%), respectively. Furthermore, a reduced likelihood of conception at 1stAI and subsequent AI was observed during summer (0.839) and autumn (0.818) compared to winter for the Montbéliarde cows. Taking into account the littoral region as a reference, the likelihood of 1stAI success increased for both breeds in the SA region and decreased for the Ar region (P < 0.001). SPC increased for both breeds in THI > 72 categories (Prim'Holstein: 6.3%, Montbéliarde: 7.1%, P < 0.01), in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 30.9%, Montbéliarde: 26%, P < 0.001), and in the SA region (4%, P < 0.05) compared to the L region No significant seasonal effect on SPC was observed for either breed (P > 0.05). The RP increased in the THI > 72 category (Prim'Holstein: 4.1%, Montbéliarde: 7.4%, P < 0.001) and in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 122%, Montbéliarde: 73.4%) for both breeds. RP decreased in autumn compared to winter (Prim'Holstein: 15.3%, Montbéliarde: 8.4%). This study underscores the adverse impact of mild to severe heat stress (HS) and related factors (season, region) on fertility of Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows under Algerian conditions, emphasizing the necessity for heat stress mitigation strategies, especially in adverse littoral humid and Saharan-arid environmental conditions.

Minerals and heavy metals profiling of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A comparative study across diverse agro-ecological areas

With growing consumer concern regarding food quality and composition. This study was performed to analyze the content of major inorganic nutrients, trace elements, potentially toxic elements and ash content in 48 saffron samples. These were collected from four distinct Moroccan regions: “Taliouine, Taznakht, Azilal, and Beni Mellal”. The analysis was done in accordance with the guidelines set by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC). The findings of this study reveal that essential nutrient elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and sodium were present in important amounts. The average content of these macro-elements was found in the following order: K > P > Mg > Ca > Na, with mean concentrations of 16500±1119 mg/kg, 3290±220 mg/kg, 1430±97 mg/kg, 960±65 mg/kg, and 75±5 mg/kg, respectively. Significant differences among sampling sites as revealed by ANOVA and principal component analysis in selected samples. Furthermore, the levels of potentially harmful elements, including nickel, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, were found below the harmful limits. These results provide valuable scientific information that supports the optimal utilization of saffron, enriching the medicinal plant database. This research sheds light on the compositional, nutritional, and safety aspects of saffron, laying the groundwork for future research in this field.

Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis of Morphological Quantitative Traits in Ethiopian Kale (Brassica Carinata A.)

The present study was conducted at Debre zeit Agricultural Research Center to determine the extent of association among yield and its related traits of 49 accessions and to assess the direct and indirect effects of yield component traits on leaf yield of Ethiopian Kale. The accession were studied for fourteen quantitative traits using 7 × 7 simple lattice design in 2018 cropping season. The accessions were collected from diverse agro ecological area. The research findings indicated that leaf yield per plant exhibited positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic association with all factors except for leaf width and leaf petiole thickness. The result revealed that days to first leaf picking, leaf fresh weight per plant, leaf dry matter content and number of leaves per plant were the most important yield components as they exerted positive direct effect on leaf yield as well as positive genotypic and phenotypic association with each other explaining the existence of significant association. This highlighting their importance in improving Ethiopian kale yield.

Adaptation test of rainfed rice fields highland in Jambi Indonesia

Abstract Increasing national rice productivity can be achieved by optimizing existing resources, including rainfed rice fields in highlands areas. Rainfed rice fields in Indonesia are quite diverse in agroecosystem conditions, ranging from lowlands to highlands. Indonesia has the potential for highlands that can be planted with rice to support national rice production. The high variety of biophysical, edaphic, and biotic conditions of the main agroecological areas of rice cultivation makes it difficult to obtain varieties that can grow well in all types of agroecosystems. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential yield and adaptability of rice hope strains to anaerobic germination conditions in rainfed land and highland rainfed rice strains. Ten rice strains and two reference varieties from The Indonesian Centre for Rice Research Sukamandi in West Java were tested in 2021, with four repetitions. The area of each plot of 4 x 5 m was carried out on rainfed rice fields in Kerinci regency with an altitude of 788.5 meters above sea level and a Sungai Penuh regency of 795 meters above sea level. Observations were made of vegetative, generative parameters of plants, as well as temperature and humidity. Results showed that the strains with the highest production and medium harvest age had good observational agronomic parameters, namely in strains B15617E-4-MR-3, BP29337-2-CRB-0-SKI-0-7-PWK-1-SKI-3-3, and BP19980-JK-2-IND-2-SKI-0-PWK-1-SKI-5-1.

Herbage Yield and Nutritive Value of Selected Grasses in Subhumid Agroecological Environments in Ethiopia

The introduction of improved forage varieties could play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for livestock and livestock products in Ethiopia. However, different cultivars exhibit varied performance. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the performance of Brachiaria cultivars and other grass cultivars in two subhumid agroecological areas of Ethiopia. Four Brachiaria cultivars (B. brizantha (DZF-13379), B. humidicola (DZF-9222), B. decumbens (DZF-10871), and B. mutica (var. DZF-483), and two local grass cultivars, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana var. Massaba) and Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium var. Kindu Kosha), were evaluated in Bako and Bishoftu for three years during the rainy season. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized block design. Results indicated that both cultivars and years had significant (P&lt;0.001) effects on herbage dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) yield, and plant height, whereas location only affected DM yield. Significant cultivar × year interactions were observed for DM yield, CP yield, and plant height, while cultivar × location interactions had a significant effect on all parameters except for CP yield. Additionally, cultivars significantly (P&lt;0.001) impacted the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) as well as the nutritional content (CP, ash, acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Overall, all cultivars demonstrated potential as alternative ruminant feeds, with B. mutica, followed by B. brizantha, showing superior performance in the subhumid agroecological areas of Ethiopia.

Green Farming: Practice of Agroforestry as Response to Climate Variability and Strategy for Farm Income Diversification in Kafa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Agroforestry farming is a crucial agricultural practice that has been the indigenous economic activity of tropical areas since early times. In addition to its financial advantages, this economic activity plays a significant role in environmental conservation. The study&amp;apos;s objective was to evaluate the spread and content of agroforestry practices for raising farm income and climate adaptation in the Kafa Zone of southwest Ethiopia. To address the objective of this study, a survey design was used. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample. Approximately 375 sample households were surveyed. In addition, interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and observation were used during this study for the collection of data. As the study results showed, the hectares of land use under agroforestry were vary among the study kebeles. There was a significant difference among the study areas regarding land use size under agroforestry (F2 was 11.869, and sign was 0.03). In addition, the study revealed diversified agroforestry with crop species were found in home garden agroforestry. Similarly, the variability of the tree species per plot in agroforestry land use was significantly associated with the agroecology of the study area (p&amp;lt;0.05), which was greater varieties in the Dega agroecological area than in the Kola area. The main challenges to the practices of diversification of agroforestry in the study area were issues related with market accessibility, climate, wildlife, and agricultural policy. About 86.4% of the farmers surveyed indicated that there were limitations on support or government help for seedlings. To conclude, the agroforestry farm implementation in the study was related to indigenous knowledge-based practice, which was highly focus on coffee and gardens. To improve and implement sound agroforestry practices, the concerning body needs to strengthen a policy and plan that initiates diverse species in agroforestry practices.

Adaptation and growth performance of different bamboo species in Dryland areas of Northern Ethiopia

Bamboos are among the large perennial grasses that are renowned for their remarkable vigor and quick development. However, the amount of bamboo available in natural settings is decreasing as a result of shifting agriculture, overexploitation, and forest fires. Furthermore, there is little genetic diversity in our country because just two species are found in a small number of agroecological zones. This makes it difficult to guarantee a steady supply of bamboo, despite its benefits to the environment and economy. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and growth performance of four bamboo species: Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A.Rich.) Munro, Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J Houz, Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl, and B-ambusa bambos (L) Voss'. The study was carried out at the Mekelle Agricultural Research Center compound for four years, from 2020 to 2023. Three replications of a strict RCBD design were used in the experiment. There were four plants each plot, for a total of 48 plants, and there was a three-meter gap between each plant and plot. A range of growth indicators, including new shoot emergence, culm diameter, internode length, culm height, and survival rate, were measured at three-month intervals in order to monitor changes among the species. B. bambos, B. vulgaris, and O. abyssinica showed no problems with survival or adaptation in the research locations, with the exception of small growth variances. Significant changes (p≤ 0.05) in the treatment parameters were shown by the statistical analysis. O. abyssinica displayed a noticeably greater quantity of freshly emerging bamboo shoots in comparison to other bamboo species. Conversely, P. edulis showed the lowest growth metrics in terms of internode length, culm height, culm diameter, and survival rate. P. edulis, B. vulgaris, O. abyssinica, and B. bambos had survival rates of 16.67 percent, 66.67 percent, 75 percent, and 91.67 percent, respectively. It is noteworthy that seasonal differences have a substantial impact on the height of culms and the growth of newly emergent shoots. B. vulgaris, B. bambos, and O. abyssinica all showed good growth and survival rates. As a result, it is advised to highlight and promote these species in related agroecological areas, as this can benefit multiple stakeholders’ livelihoods and economies.

Evaluation of different fertilizer sources for sustainable carrot production in Tehuledere district, northern Ethiopia

The demand for organic agriculture has been growing due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of chemical-intensive farming. The study aimed to investigate the effects organic fertilizers on carrot (Nantes) growth and yield in Tehuledere district. The experiment was conducted at two sites (Gobeya and Libannos) using four fertilizer types (vermicompost, conventional compost, mixture of the two, and inorganic fertilizer) and a control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications, and data were analyzed using R-software. The study analyzed various growth (emergence percentage, plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and dry weight of leaves), and yield (root length, root diameter, fresh weight of roots, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield) parameters. Generally, fertilizer application improved (p < 0.001) growth and yield compared to the control. Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (NPSB) showed similar results (p > 0.001) but the highest values (p < 0.001) for most of the parameters (marketable yield was 41.7 t/ha±0.76 for vermicompost and 42.5 t/ha±1.14 for NPSB). However, NPSB could pose negative environmental impact that could not result in sustainability if used in excess and inappropriate (method and time) in particular. Therefore, carrot production using vermicompost is recommended for farmers of Tehuledere district and similar agroecological areas to enhance productivity while contributing to sustainable agriculture. The results have implications for policy makers, researchers, and farmers interested in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable carrot production.

Growth and Fruit morphometric characteristics of local avocado germplasm (Persea americana Mill.) grown in northern Tanzania

Tanzania has a diverse agroecological area suitable for growing tropical fruits, including avocados. In Northern Tanzania, avocados have been growing under variable soil and altitudinal characteristics for over 100 years, allowing the naturalisation of this crop in this region. However, the region's avocado germplasm is uncharacterised, thus impeding the selection of elite genotypes for increased value and breeding programmes. This study examined the growth and fruit morphometric characteristics of avocado populations grown under variable soil pH and altitude in six districts in the Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. Variations in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson product-moment correlations (r) were used to evaluate the relationship between studied growth and fruit morphometric traits. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was used to assess the influence of the soil pH, altitude, tree height, canopy diameter, and trunk diameter on fruit length, fruit diameter, pulp thickness, and seed diameter. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to depict the extent of the racial admixtures in the avocado germplasm in the Northern regions of Tanzania. The results revealed a significant variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). The Korogwe population had the highest tree height, while the Karatu had the lowest. Tree height was positively correlated with the trunk diameter (r = 0.63, p < 0.001. There was a positive correlation between fruit length and pulp thickness (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), fruit diameter and pulp thickness (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and fruit length and fruit diameter (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The fruit diameter was positively correlated with the seed diameter (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). There was a significant but weak association between fruit length and trunk diameter (−0.01), fruit length and canopy diameter (0.15), and between seed diameter and tree height (2.95e-2). These findings highlight the influence of individual tree genetic makeup on the variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics. The morphometric trait correlations may prove valuable in field measurements, especially when resources are limited. The study further indicates the presence of all avocado races within the local germplasm, highlighting its high diversity. Remarkably, the observed admixture of variant races implies gene flow among studied avocado populations, possibly facilitated by sharing seedlings among farmers or seed disposal through avocado fruit trading. Further study is needed, particularly in quantifying the above-ground biomass of local avocados in northern Tanzania, potentially contributing to carbon credit initiatives for fruit crops..

Analysis of Pollen in Stingless bee (Meliponula ferruginae [ Moure]) Honey, an Indicator of Deforestation Levels at University of Ilorin and its Environs

Pollen analysis of the honey of stingless bees was conducted to ascertain the levels of deforestation in the campus of the University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Thirteen honey samples from the nests of Meliponula ferruginae in four different localities, with varied deforestation levels, in the University of Ilorin Agro-Ecological areas were analysed. Pollen grains were identified and counted under high power light microscope. Species diversity assessed using Shannon diversity index, species richness and dominance of the floral origin of the pollen were calculated using PAST Software. A total of 43 pollen types belonging to 26 families, and a fungal spore, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, were recovered. Twenty-four pollen types were recovered from samples from Bolounduro and Oyun, both slightly disturbed agro-ecological areas; 14 pollen types were from the Senior Staff Quarters, a slightly disturbed agro-ecological area bordered with date palm plantation and twenty-six pollen types were from Jalala, a highly disturbed agro-ecological area. The most dominant pollen types namely Hymenocardia acida, Lannea sp., Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea sp., Vitellaria paradoxa, Entada abyssinica and Parkia biglobosa indicated that the study area was Guinea savanna. The honey samples from the slightly disturbed localities yielded pollen of open/secondary forest while those from the highly disturbed locality yielded an array of the pollen of economic plants and herbs characteristic of anthropogenic disturbance. The honey samples from all the sites showed high diversity of pollen types. Polyflora honey with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index and monoflora with low Shannon-Weiner Diversity index were observed in all the sites except at Bolounduro where monoflora with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index was observed.

Designing Gender-Specific Toilet and Urinal Needs Calculation Templates for Rural and Urban Schools: Lessons from the Republic of Benin

Gender equity, quality education, and sanitation in rural and urban areas are widely considered development imperatives. Therefore, many developed countries have scientifically and technically developed norms for the calculation and the design of toilet and urinal needs of their students, which is not yet the case in most developing countries, including the Republic of Benin, that lack socio-culturally adapted gender-specific toilets and urinal needs calculation and design norms. This paper fills this scientific and gender-specific norms gap, by discussing the process and the results of the design of school toilet and urinal needs calculation templates and norms in the Republic of Benin. The study that led to this design took place between June 2013 and October 2015 and consisted mainly of observing and recording defecation and urination needs satisfaction in toilets and open spaces by 8,160 female and 13,263 male students of 13 schools purposively selected in four agroecological and sociocultural areas of Benin. The main data recorded related, among other data, to the start and end times of the use of the toilets and open spaces; the needs satisfied; the peak times and durations of breaks and of toilet needs satisfaction; the numbers of female and male students and non-students who use and who can potentially use the toilets and urinals. These raw data were processed to infer and calculate eight parameters used in each template. This process led to the design of eight area-, gender-, and disability-specific templates and norms in use since 2016, in the target areas. Further studies will assess and report on the performance of these templates and norms.

Factors Influencing Participation Decision of Smallholder Farmers on Cluster Farming: The Case of Wheat Technologies in Dawoo District, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an ever-increasing demand. It plays a fundamental role in food security, and a major challenge is to meet the additional requirements with new cultivars and improved cropping technologies. This research evaluated the determinant factors influencing participation decisions of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming at Dawo District South-West Shewa Zone Oromia region. Dawo District was purposefully selected from the South-West Shewa Zone due to its wheat potential agro-ecological area and implemented wheat cluster farming. Based on the proportion of PAs that undertake cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs stratified into two strata: These are Wheat cluster farming and wheat non-cluster farming participants. In total, 138 (participants 92 and non-participants 46) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. The binary logistic regression results revealed that the education level of the household head, wheat farming experience of the household head, landholding size, distance to extension services, membership to cooperative, and access to credit services were the variables that significantly affected participation decision of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the research results recommend the need for continued and broad public and private awareness creation in agricultural innovations participation to address vital development challenges and the need for policy support for improving extension efforts and access to the full package for cluster implementation among smallholder farmers that stimulate participation decision on cluster farming of improved agricultural technologies.

GGE biplot analysis of genotype × environment interaction and forage yield stability in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) genotypes

In crop breeding programs, biplot analysis is a well-known statistical method. This study aimed to survey the genotype ? environment interaction (GEI) on grass pea genotypes in Iran. The experiment was conducted in twelve environments (four separate sites: Gachsaran, Kuhdasht, Mehran, and Shirvanchardavol) over three sequential years (2017, 2018, and 2019) with sixteen grass pea genotypes. The purpose of this research was to utilize the GGE biplot as a tool to identify the superior genotypes of grass peas. The results for the combined analysis of variance, genotypes, and the GEI revealed a significant impact (p &lt; 0.001) on forage yield. Moreover, genotype ? environment interaction responded differently under various climatic conditions. The interaction components evaluated by the biplots revealed the genotypes' predominant effect and the significant genotype ? environment interactions (GEI). The first two principal components (PCs) interpreted up to 93.11% of the total variation in the GGE model (PC1 = 53.30%, PC2 = 37.80%). GGE biplot analysis categorized the studied environments into two mega-groups for forage yield. Genotype G11 (Russia) was superior in terms of mean forage yield (5.362 t/ha). The genotypes that performed best in each environment, were genotypes G11 (Russia) and G8 (Bangladesh-I). Among these genotypes, G11 (Russia) was the highest-yielding genotype in the field. The Kohdasht site was the most discerning and representative test environment for crop yield. The selected genotypes are recommended for breeding programs aimed to improve forage yield in the tested sites or similar agroecological areas.

Bradyrhizobium Inoculation Improved Agrosymbiotic Performances of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] Varieties at Two Sites in Ethiopia

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] is an important crop that protects soil fertility, supplements protein deficiency, and provides food security in the face of climate change. However, its productivity in the study area is low due to a lack of high‐yielding varieties, high cost of mineral fertilizer, insufficient information on effective inoculum, and inadequate management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the agrosymbiotic response of inoculated cowpea varieties at Dale and Hawassa sites in Ethiopia. A factorial combination of four cowpea varieties (Bole, TVU, Keti, and White Wonderer Trailing) and two inoculation levels (uninoculated and strain CP‐24 inoculated) were evaluated in two experimental sites using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that phenology, nodulation, growth, yield, and yield components differed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) among the tested cowpea varieties. Among the varieties, the White Wonder Trailing produced the highest grain yield of 2.98 t ha−1. The influence of Bradyrhizobium strain CP‐24 was apparent in most of the studied parameters, except for days to emergence and harvest index. It increased cowpea grain yield by 28.47% compared to the control. The interaction of variety and Bradyrhizobium inoculation revealed a significant effect on nodule number, effective nodules, leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), root dry weight, root length, pod length, aboveground biomass yield, and straw yield. Grain yield was strongly and markedly related to all parameters except for the harvest index. The partial budget analysis revealed that the White Wonder Trailing with inoculation provided the highest net benefit of 67171.3 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) ha−1, with a marginal rate return of 1386.7%. Therefore, using Bradyrhizobium strain CP‐24 in combination with the White Wonder Trailing variety is highly recommended to increase cowpea yield and generate higher economic returns in the research sites and similar agroecological areas.

SCREENING RICE HYBRID GENOTYPES FOR BLAST AND BROWN SPOT DISEASES RESISTANCE AND YIELD PERFORMANCE

Rice occupies a prominent place among the cereals produced in Burkina Faso. However, its production faces constraints that impact the performance of the varieties developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate new hybrid rice varieties with regard to their resistance to blast and brown spot diseasesand their agronomic performances. The plant material consisted of 9 rice varieties, including 04 local controls. Trials were set up in a Fisher block design with 03 replicates at Bama, Banfora and Sindou sites over a two-year study period. Data were collected on the severity and incidence of blast and brown spot disease, as well as on agronomic parameters. The study showed that hybrids were the most resistant to blast and brown spot disease. In addition, maturity was later at the Sindou site than at the other two sites. The WDR1517, WDR73 and WDR737 hybrids were the latest to reach semi-maturity, with cycles ranging from 120 to 132 days. However, hybrids WDR3015 and WDR306 performed better agronomically, with yields of over 9,000 kg/ha on all sites. Yield stability analysis showed that hybrid WDR73 was the most stable of the varieties, with an average yield of 8310 kg/ha. The three-dimensional analysis also proved that these varieties would adapt to our countrys 03 agro-ecological areas.

Fruit production in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) crops is enhanced by the behaviour of wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

AbstractChanges in floral visitors' diversity and community composition have been reported to affect coffee production, which optimal growing conditions are cool to warm tropical climates found in the coffee belt. However, few studies have focused on understanding how insects' foraging behaviour (e.g., contact with floral reproductive organs) relates with coffee production. Thus, it is important to consider floral visitors' foraging behaviour, as this can influence the transfer of conspecific pollen required for plant fertilisation, the efficiency of floral visitors and improve the pollination service provided. Here, we assessed how foraging behaviour of honeybees and stingless bees affects coffee fruit set and fruit weight in conventional and agroecological managed crops. We quantified local floral resources and recorded diversity, abundance and behaviour of floral visitors at eight pairs of sites with agroecological and conventional management systems to assess how foraging behaviour of honeybees and stingless bees affects coffee fruit set and fruit weight in both types of managed crops. We found that the managed honeybee Apis mellifera and three wild bees Tetragonisca angustula, Scaptotrigona mexicana and Partamona bilineata are the principal floral visitors of coffee crops in Guatemala, whose total abundance but not richness was higher in agroecological areas. Regarding their behaviours, we observed that the average number of flowers visited by P. bilineata and its behaviour of touching the nectaries of coffee flowers were positively related to fruit set, while only the percentage of A. mellifera carrying pollen was positively related with fruit weight, suggesting that although A. mellifera is found in large quantities, wild bees are also efficient pollinators of coffee in the region. Our findings also suggest that in other tropical regions where coffee is grown and honeybees have been observed as a primary pollinator, wild bees may play an important role when considering their behaviour. In the same way, coffee farms in Guatemala are a representation of the diversity of agroecosystems found worldwide, and thus, the study of foraging behaviour of managed and wild bees and the conservation of wild bee species in different coffee agroecosystems should be emphasised to improve the production of coffee and other cash crops.

Performance of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bioformulation on Germination and Expression of Bioprotective Molecules against Cercosporiosis in Abelmoschus esculentus in the Field

The present study aimed at assessing the performance of the formulation combining Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on germination and induction of the synthesis of bioprotective molecules against pathogens in Abelmoschus esculentus causing cercosporiosis. A significant difference (p = 0.05) was revealed between the formulation (T1) and the control (T0) in the field on the seed germination rate of okra varieties Clemson spineless (V1) (83.3 vs 94.4%; 88.8 vs 100%; 77.7 vs 88.8%) and Hire (V2) (77.7 vs 94.4%; 88.8 vs 100%; 83.3 vs 88.8%) in agroecological areas V, III and IV respectively. The same effect observed on plant health with bioformulation was significant compared with the control in terms of protection against cercosporiosis pathogens. The protection ranges according to treatment and control for the two okra varieties in agroecological areas V, III and IV were 79.24 vs. 86.48%; 100 vs. 100%; 77.76 vs. 91.82% for variety V1 and 88.88 vs. 94.44%; 94.44 vs. 100%; 83.33 vs. 94.44% for variety V2. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry revealed an overproduction of bioactive molecules in the hydro-methanolic extracts of okra leaves treated with the formulation, which are responsible for its bioprotection in the three agroecological areas. In conclusion, the use of the Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens formulation on okra crops significantly induced germination and systemic resistance of Abelmoschus esculentus plants against cercosporiosis agents.

Food security beyond global warming: economic and policy perspectives from Uganda

Climate change has severe and pervasive impacts on natural systems and affects many aspects of human life. Increasing temperatures and alterations in the regimes of precipitations are adding pressure to global agricultural systems, which are already struggling to respond to expanding global demand for food. This directly translates into additional risks for poor people living in developing countries who already face precarious food security conditions. Focusing on the case of Uganda and using household data from the National Panel Survey merged with climatic data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this paper explores the link between climate change and households’ food insecurity. By applying a generalized ordered logit model, this work provides quantitative evidence about the impact of climate variability on food and nutrition security of clustered food consumption groups of smallholder farmers. Among the different socio-economic and environmental variables affecting the households’ food security conditions, time and cross-sectional variations in the regime of precipitations play a crucial role. The results highlight that adaptation programmes aimed to reduce climate-induced food insecurity and improve coping abilities of rural communities should be site-specific and involve local communities with the aim of considering the specific risk exposure of the different agro-ecological areas.