Agronomic Potential Research Articles

Exploring the Genetic Potential for Multi-Resistance to Rust and Other Coffee Phytopathogens in Breeding Programs

The application of marker-assisted selection in coffee breeding programs accelerates the identification and concentration of target alleles, being essential for developing cultivars resistant to multiple diseases. In this study, a population was developed from artificial crossings between Timor Hybrid and Tupi Amarelo, with the aim of promoting the pyramiding of resistance genes to the main diseases and pests of Coffea arabica: coffee leaf rust (CLR), coffee berry disease (CBD), cercospora, and leaf miner. Resistance was confirmed by nine molecular markers at loci associated with CLR (genes SH3, CC-NBS-LRR, RLK, QTL-GL2, and GL5) and with CBD (gene Ck-1). The resistance to CLR, cercospora, and leaf miner was evaluated using phenotypic diagrammatic scales. Mixed models estimated population superiority in 16 morphoagronomic traits over four agricultural years. The introgression of resistance alleles to CLR and CBD was identified in 98.6% of the population, with 29% showing pyramiding of five resistance genes. These pyramiding genotypes showed 100% resistance to the leaf miner and 90% to cercospora. The traits were grouped into univariate, bivariate, and trivariate repeatability models, with 11 significant ones. These results are indicative of genetic variability to be explored in the development of cultivars with multiple resistances and high agronomic potential.

Characterization of Biological Sludge Waste From Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant For Soil Reuse Purposes

Objective: This study aimed to characterize biological sludge residue from an industrial effluent treatment plant to assess the legal framework for its application in soil. Theoretical Framework: Biological sludge generated during the industrial effluent treatment process constitutes one of the main residues of a refinery. When treated properly and in accordance with current standards, it has potential for use in agriculture and forestry, whether in its natural form, organic compost, blended with other residue or biochar. Method: The residue was sampled and analyzed according to the aspects recommended by CONAMA Resolution No. 498/2020, namely: agronomic potential, reduction of vector attractiveness; chemical substances and microbiological quality. Results and Discussion: The biological sludge did not meet the criteria for reducing vector attractiveness and barium concentration for the disposal of the residue in its natural form in soil. However, its agronomic potential and absence of organic chemical substances and pathogenic organisms allow investment in research aimed at its agricultural use in the form of organic compost, blended with other waste or even as biochar. Research Implications: For industries that use the activated sludge system to treat their effluents, the disposal of biological sludge is a major challenge and its use in agriculture or forestry has been growing in recent years throughout the world. Originality/Value: The disposal of biological sludge in natura is justified not only by taking advantage of the benefits of the components present in the sludge, but also because it is a low-cost alternative when compared to other forms of disposal.

Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] genetic diversity and population structure assessed through next‐generation sequencing technologies: Restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing

AbstractThe importance of underutilized crops in the diversification of diets for both humans and animals, among other uses, has been highlighted in literature in recent times. Underutilized crops are especially important because of their potential to provide nutrient‐packed, climate‐resilient, and sustainable farming practices. One such crop is Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc], whose genetic potential has not been afforded sufficient research attention. For most of the rural areas in Sub‐Saharan Africa, it is a great source of food and income and is most valued for its nutrient richness and ability to thrive in marginal land. However, farmers grapple with the lack of high agronomic quality seeds where production of the crop is concerned. The aim of this study was to establish an easy basis for selecting seeds that are of favorable agronomic potential by assessing whether a singular characteristic (seed coat color) was sufficient to group landraces. Restriction‐site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used for the first time to assess the genetic variations and/or similarities in 48 Bambara groundnut landraces. The findings revealed that there are two populations that are genetically variable among the chosen 48 landraces; however, these variations were not as a result of a singular morphological attribute. Therefore, farmers cannot use coat color alone to select for landraces that are of better agronomic quality.

Finger Millet as a Sustainable Nutritional Source: Health Benefits and Agronomic Potential

Finger Millet as a Sustainable Nutritional Source: Health Benefits and Agronomic Potential

Impact of Environments on Root Growth and Marker Compounds of Adenophora triphylla in Different Regions of South Korea

Adenophora triphylla, a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine, produces secondary metabolites like lupenone and β-sitosterol. Understanding how environmental factors influence the concentrations of these metabolites is crucial for optimizing their medicinal use and cultivation. This study examined the relationships between soil physicochemical properties, climatic variables, and the growth and metabolite content of A. triphylla roots across 17 cultivation sites in South Korea. Methods included UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for quantifying lupenone and β-sitosterol, alongside correlation analysis of growth traits and environmental factors. The results showed that higher soil pH and calcium/magnesium content were positively correlated with the fresh weight of the root, whereas lower temperatures increased biomass accumulation. Additionally, lupenone was significantly associated with the elongation of various root growth, whereas β-sitosterol showed a correlation only with the diameter of the taproot. These findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly soil pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, and temperature, play key roles in influencing both the growth and metabolite production of A. triphylla, providing valuable insights into improving its medicinal and agronomic potential.

Phenotypic Diversity of Morphological Traits of Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) and Its Agronomic Potential in the Amazonas Region, Peru

Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) is an economically significant cactus fruit in Peru, renowned for its rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties while exhibiting wide biological diversity. This study aimed to morphologically characterize seven pitahaya accessions using qualitative and quantitative descriptors related to the cladodes, flowers, and fruits. Univariate and multivariate (FAMD, PCA, MCA, and clustering) analyses were employed to identify and classify the accessions based on their morphological traits. The analyses revealed three distinct groups: one consisting solely of AC.07; another with AC.02, AC.04, and AC.06; and a third including AC.01, AC.03, and AC.05. The first group exhibited superior characteristics, particularly in fruit traits such as the stigma lobe count (23.3), number of bracts (26.5 mm), and length of apical bracts (15.75 mm). The second group recorded the highest spine count (3.21), bract length (16.95 mm), and awn thickness (5.12 mm). The third group had the highest bract count (37) and an average locule number (23.65). These findings highlight the significant morphological diversity among the accessions, indicating the potential for classification and selection in pitahaya cultivation. The potential of AC.07 stands out in terms of its agronomic qualities, such as its fruit weight (451.93 g) and pulp weight (292.5 g), surpassing the other accessions.

Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

The objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants.

Agronomic potential of four cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties grown on soils fertilized with cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost in Côte d’Ivoire

This study was conducted in the Lamto area to evaluate the effect of cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost on cassava agronomic variables. The main aim is to increase cassava production, which is in relative decline due to soil impoverishment through organic amendments. The evaluation led to the monitoring of plant development until harvest by measuring some agronomic variables of growth and yield of four varieties of cassava, Alleda agba, Bonoua, Six mois and Yacé each grown on soil fertilized with cocoa shell compost or chicken droppings compost. The experimental design used for this study was a complete randomized block design with 3 replicates. The results showed that the two fertilizers used, being rich in mineral elements, improved the agronomic variables of cassava, superior to the control. This was reflected in a high number of stems per cutting (3.62). However, the chicken droppings compost gave the best development in stem length for the Six mois variety (121.10 cm). The Bonoua variety gave the largest diameter stems (21.98 mm). This variety gave the highest number of leaves (59) and a wider span (109 cm) with wider (16.75 cm) and longer (17.96 cm) leaves. As for yields, the best was obtained with the Bonoua variety, respectively 27.13 t/ha and 35.26 t/ha with cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost compared with 12.77 t/ha for the control. Thus, compost and chicken droppings compost can be recommended to improve cassava productivity in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Effect of Biochar Particle Size on the Leaching of Organic Molecules and Macro- and Microelements

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s physical properties (texture, particle size) and corresponding leaching and availability of organic molecules (e.g., the polycyclic and heterocyclic organic compounds) and inorganic mineral salts (based on micro- and macroelements) is still inconsistent. Multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to assess the information on the contents and availability of macro- and microelements in studied commercial biochar samples. The results showed a statistically significant indirect relation between an increase in the size fraction of biochar and the content of aqueous-extractable K and Na and the direct relation with the aqueous-extractable Ca, Mg, and P. Compared to the macroelements, the detected contents of aqueous-extractable microelements were almost three orders lower, and the dependence on fraction size was not consistent or statistically significant. In addition, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was further used to reveal the concentrations of available polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds in biochar samples. The detected concentrations of these types of organic compounds were far below the certified limits, and a statistically significant indirect correlation with particle size was also observed for all the studied biochar samples. The proposed methodological concept could provide the necessary insights into the description of biochar mineral content and its connection to biochar texture, the physicochemical properties, and the potential of biochar to release nutrients into the soil. These findings could help in the further assessment of biochar as a soil conditioner in modern agriculture.

Agronomic potential of Hermetia illucens frass in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soils

Abstract Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.

Agronomic and Starch Content Studies of Local Adlay Accessions (Coix lacrima jobi - L.) from West Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia has a high potential for diverse local food resources, one of which is the plant of adlay. Exploration activities aimed at collecting genetic resources of adlay have been successfully carried out in the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in the collection of six local genotypes. The purpose of this research is to obtain information about the agronomic potential and starch content of several local adlay accessions. The study was conducted from April to September 2023 in Limau Manis, Padang City, West Sumatra. The six adlay accessions used in the study are PTA-1, KKD-3, PH-4, BTA-2, GT-2, and TJR-2. The experimental design employed was a completely randomized design with three replications. Based on the research findings, significant differences were observed in both agronomic aspects and starch content among the tested accessions. Adlay with the accession code PH-4 exhibited advantages in terms of harvest maturity and production. The starch content of adlay ranged from 56.64% to 61.26%, with the PH-4 accession having the highest amylopectin content (96.60%), while the highest amylose content was found in the GT-2, TJR-2, and KKD-3 accession (19.90%, 20.03%, and 20.48%). Accession PH-4 can be proposed as a candidate for Adlay variety assembly. Keywords: agronomic, starch content, adlay accessions, Coix lacrima jobi

Analysis of a global wheat panel reveals a highly diverse introgression landscape and provides evidence for inter-homoeologue chromosomal recombination

Key messageThis study highlights the agronomic potential of rare introgressions, as demonstrated by a major QTL for powdery mildew resistance on chromosome 7D. It further shows evidence for inter-homoeologue recombination in wheat.Agriculturally important genes are often introgressed into crops from closely related donor species or landraces. The gene pool of hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is known to contain numerous such “alien” introgressions. Recently established high-quality reference genome sequences allow prediction of the size, frequency and identity of introgressed chromosome regions. Here, we characterise chromosomal introgressions in bread wheat using exome capture data from the WHEALBI collection. We identified 24,981 putative introgression segments of at least 2 Mb across 434 wheat accessions. Detailed study of the most frequent introgressions identified T. timopheevii or its close relatives as a frequent donor species. Importantly, 118 introgressions of at least 10 Mb were exclusive to single wheat accessions, revealing that large populations need to be studied to assess the total diversity of the wheat pangenome. In one case, a 14 Mb introgression in chromosome 7D, exclusive to cultivar Pamukale, was shown by QTL mapping to harbour a recessive powdery mildew resistance gene. We identified multiple events where distal chromosomal segments of one subgenome were duplicated in the genome and replaced the homoeologous segment in another subgenome. We propose that these examples are the results of inter-homoeologue recombination. Our study produced an extensive catalogue of the wheat introgression landscape, providing a resource for wheat breeding. Of note, the finding that the wheat gene pool contains numerous rare, but potentially important introgressions and chromosomal rearrangements has implications for future breeding.

Biochar Derived from Sewage Sludge: The Impact of Pyrolysis Temperature on Chemical Properties and Agronomic Potential

The rising volume of sewage sludge from urbanization poses substantial environmental and public health concerns, underscoring the urgency for the implementation of effective waste management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pyrolysis temperature on the chemical composition and agronomic potential of biochar derived from sewage sludge. The pyrolysis process was conducted at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 800 °C, and the resulting biochar was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, metal content, and carbon fractions. Additionally, phytotoxicity tests were conducted to assess the impact of the biochar on plant germination. The findings indicated that elevated pyrolysis temperatures resulted in an elevated alkalinity, electrical conductivity, and concentration of alkali metals in the biochar. Conversely, these processes resulted in a reduction in total organic carbon content and an increase in heavy metal content, which may limit the potential for biochar to be used in agricultural applications. The phytotoxicity tests indicated that the biochar produced at lower temperatures (400 °C) exhibited positive effects on plant growth when administered at doses of 5 and 10 t·ha−1. Conversely, the biochar produced at higher temperatures (800 °C) demonstrated significant toxicity. The findings indicate that the pyrolysis temperature is a critical factor in determining the suitability of biochar for agricultural applications. The production of biochar at lower temperatures may offer agronomic benefits, whereas the use of higher temperatures increases stability but is associated with the risk of higher heavy metal concentrations.

Agronomic potential of maize stover biochar under cowpea–maize sequential cropping in Northern Uganda

Biochar is a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture but its potential adoption in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still minimal. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic potential of maize stover biochar in cowpea-maize sequential cropping in Uganda under field conditions. The treatments included; the common farmer practice of no inorganic fertilizer and no biochar (CTR), inorganic fertilizer (F), 10 t ha−1 biochar (B10), 40 t ha−1 biochar (B40), 10 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB10), and 40 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB40), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that cowpea seed yield was not significantly affected by biochar and fertilizer application but the haulm yield was significantly improved only in FB40 treatment. Maize grain and stover yield was significantly improved only in the FB40 treatment but biochar showed a high potential to also improve yield even without inorganic fertilizer. The potential for biochar to improve maize yield either in the presence or absence of fertilizers could be attributed to the residual soil fertility from cowpeas. In both seasons, biochar significantly improved soil pH, EC, SOC, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Ca, irrespective of fertilizer application. However, exchangeable Mg did not significantly vary among the treatments. This study further revealed that in cowpea-maize rotation, optimum yield could also be possible with sole biochar application. Therefore, instead of burning the maize stovers after harvest, farmers should convert the residues into biochar and return it to the soil so as to achieve sustainable food systems.Graphical

Agronomic potential of different fermented organic composts based on agro-industrial plant waste.

Organic composts such as "bokashi", obtained from the fermentation of bran mixtures and inoculated with microorganisms, improve soil characteristics. In Brazil, the most widely used formulation for the production of this compost is obtained from a mixture of wheat and castor bean bran, but both have a high monetary cost. Replacing these components with regionally available sources represents the possibility of reducing costs and making more sustainable use of this waste. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical characteristics and determine the availability of nitrogen for the plants. The study was divided into two stages, consisting of an incubation test in the laboratory and a bioassay in the greenhouse using forage sorghum as an indicator species. In the laboratory trial, the treatments consisted of two raw material sources with a low C/N ratio (castor bean bran-CAB and cottonseed bran-COB), corresponding to 40% of the mixture; three sources with a high C/N ratio (wheat bran-WHB or rice bran-RIB), gradually replaced by passion fruit peel bran-PFPB), corresponding to 60% of the mixture. The materials were mixed, moistened, inoculated with microorganisms (Embiotic®) and kept in sealed containers with a capacity of 620 cm3 for 21days. In the greenhouse, in addition to the aforementioned treatments, seven controls were included: no addition of organic and synthetic N sources; ammonium nitrate; CAB; COB; WHB; RIB and PFPB. In the second stage, dry mass production and N content in sorghum plant tissues were determined, and the rates of N availability were estimated. It was found that the pH of the standard compost was 4.75, and in the other formulations it ranged from 4.62 to 5.3, the highest values being observed when WHB was fully replaced by RIB There was a significant difference in the EC values, but all were well below the value considered adequate. Replacing CAB with COB and WHB with RIB and PFPB resulted in a reduction in N content and an increase in the C:N ratio. Replacing WHB with PFPB led to an increase in K content and a reduction in P and Mg content. In the bioassay, the highest biomass production was in the treatments with the fermented composts, and the highest biological recovery of N was obtained in the ammonium nitrate treatment, followed by the CAB, COB and WHB treatments.

A genotype–phenotype approach to discriminate Central European spelt landraces from modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context

Marketed as a healthier alternative to bread wheat, spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is in increasing demand from consumers and bakers in Switzerland. The Swiss spelt landscape is currently dominated by two varieties—Ostro and Oberkulmer Rotkorn—considered as references for Swiss “typical” spelt. However, these two varieties are rather old and deliver low yields; the market therefore needs improved spelt varieties with higher agronomic potential while keeping the essential attributes of typical spelt. As spelt and winter wheat can be interbred, modern spelt varieties often result from crosses between the two. It has therefore become increasingly difficult to distinguish between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses. This project aims to clarify the phenotypic distinction between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context. To do this, we performed field trials with 50 spelt varieties, including typical and modern cultivars from Switzerland and Central Europe. We measured agronomic, rheological and nutritional parameters of each variety. In addition, these cultivars were genotyped using a 25 K Illumina Wheat SNP array. This allowed us to identify which phenotypic parameters were associated with genetic proximity to typical spelt. Swiss typical spelt varieties were characterized by highly extensible doughs, later phenology, low harvest index, high thousand kernel weights, and lower Zeleny/protein ratio. By linking phenotypic characteristics, easily measurable in fields, to the underlying genetic information of each variety, these results will help to better classify spelt varieties in Switzerland and pave the way for more clarity and transparency on the Swiss spelt market.

Traditional compost and BSF-biodigested compost in the organic fertilization of ryegrass

The present study is a contribution to evaluate the agronomic potential of two different organic products (cattle effluents, either composted or digested by Black Soldier Fly larvae) as organic fertilizers, through the measurement of production and the photosynthetic activity of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), growing in a sandy soil, treated with different doses of those products. Within this aim, an experiment was conducted in a semi-controlled greenhouse with ryegrass plants cultivated in pots, with ten treatments: four different treatments of traditionally composted material, four different treatments of biodigested material, a mineral control (using the recommended rate of mineral fertilizer for ryegrass), and a zero control (without any type of fertilization). Under the experimental conditions, the results showed a significant effect of both organic composts over mineral fertilization, with a better performance of the biodigested by black soldier fly larvae. As for the informative capacity of photosynthetic activity data, in assessing the vegetative development of crops, "net assimilation rate" and "water use efficiency" proved to be the most suitable parameters.

Positive influences of the application of inoculated lignocellulosic waste compost on the agronomic potential of a sandy loam soil

Positive influences of the application of inoculated lignocellulosic waste compost on the agronomic potential of a sandy loam soil

Is the World Running Out of Fresh Water?

The quantity of water within Earth and its atmosphere is fixed over time, but water available for human consumption evolves dynamically. We use globally comprehensive geospatial data to establish stylized facts about recent changes in global water resources and potential implications for human welfare. We show that the net change in water volume on arable lands—which account for 90 percent of human water consumption—is almost exactly zero. Rapid water loss is concentrated in regions with large populations, low existing water resources, and low agronomic potential. Incorporating trade data shows that water-scarce regions are net importers of water-intensive goods.

Inoculants associated with fertilizers: agronomic increases in bean, soybean and lettuce crops

The objective of the study was to prove the efficiency of inoculation associated with synthetic fertilizers in the agronomic potential of bean, soybean and lettuce. Experiments were carried out in a randomized block design to evaluate the efficiency of inoculation associated with synthetic fertilizers in bean, soybean and lettuce crops. The experimental design used was randomized blocks organized in a factorial scheme, with six replications. In beans, ten treatments were evaluated in four environments. In soybean cultivation, 13 treatments were evaluated in four environments. While in lettuce, six treatments were evaluated in five environments. In each crop, the agronomic and nutritional characteristics were evaluated. Inoculation associated with fertilizers enhances the agronomic and nutritional performance of beans, soybeans and lettuce. Rhodopseudomonas palustris combined with phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization improves bean grain yield. Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Azospirillum brasiliense and Pseudomonas fluorescensare crucial for soybean. Addition of the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris maximized the lettuce biomass.