Bean Production Research Articles

Effect of Optimization Use of Nutrient on Yield and Productivity of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of optimization use of nutrient on yield and productivity of mung bean, variety “SML-832‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of ten treatments. The data recorded maximum yield attributes such as number of pods per plant (13.35), number of seed per pod (8.52), grain yield (1170.55 kg/ha), stover yield (3260.47 kg/ha) and maximum net return (67329.45 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio (2.28) was recorded with T8-100% RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) + Vermicompost @ 1.0 t ha-1 + Rhizobium. The minimum yield and profitability obtained with control treatment. Therefore, conclude be application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.0 t ha-1 + Rhizobium are indigenous sources of nutrient to enhance yield and productivity of mung bean.

Analisis Aliran Rantai Pasok Produk Koffie Hiedeung CV Toean Koffie di Kabupaten Karawang

Increasing coffee consumption in Indonesia provides opportunities for the coffee processing industry. CV Toean Koffie is one of the companies in Karawang Regency engaged in coffee processing, which is involved in providing added value and brand branding, the product is known as Koffie Hideung. The supply of coffee beans for Koffie Hideung production is supplied by the farmer communities on the Sanggabuana Mountains in Karawang. The supply chain flow of Koffie Hideung products starts from the farmer level as a supplier to product marketing to consumers. The supply chain concept basically has interconnected aspects including the flow of goods, financial flow, and information flow which will determine the continuity of the supply chain performance mechanism properly. Good supply chain performance is determined by the role of the supply chain members involved. This study aims to analyze the supply chain conditions of Koffie Hideung products using the Food Supply Chain Network (FSCN) model. Based on the results of the analysis, the Food Supply Chain Network (FSCN) model includes 6 aspects consisting of, supply chain structure, supply chain objectives, resources involved, business processes in the supply chain, supply chain management, and supply chain performance. The supply chain structure of Koffie Hideung products involves a certain process from the production of coffee beans in farmers, the manufacturing process by CV Toean Koffie, distribution, to the final consumption by customers.

Kelimpahan Serangga akibat Beberapa Teknik Pengendalian pada Tanaman Kacang Panjang (Vigna sinensis L.)

The decline in the production of long beans in Indonesia is one of the causes of a pest attack. The majority of farmers in Indonesia, still use synthetic pesticides as a pest control effort. The aim of this research is to obtain a pest control technique that gives the lowest result against insect abundance in long bean crops. (Vigna sinensis L). The study used a single factor random group design (RAK) method with 6 repetitions and 4 treatments including: No Treatment/Control (K), Biointensive Control (PB), Combined Control (PK) and Synthetic Control. (PS). The sampling of insects is done using 3 traps: yellow traps, pitfall traps and insect net traps. Sampling is done 10 times, starting from 1 – 10 mst. The data analyzed using a scale fingerprint, on a different real result will be performed a further trial of the Minimum Real Difference with a degree of 5%. PS control shows the results of the analysis with the lowest average abundance on insect net trap (SNT) of (130.17) and pitfall trap (PFT) of (147.50) different real from other treatments, but no real difference on yellow board trap (YST) of size (104,50).

Value Chain Analysis of Haricot Bean in East Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The key objectives of the study were identifying haricot bean value chain actors, their functions and relationship among them, examining actor’s performance along the chain and analyzing factors affecting supply to the market and factors affecting market outlet choice in the study area. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. The primary data was collected through interviewing 180 sample household farmers and 40 traders using semi-structured questionnaires. STATA version 15 Software was used for data analyzing. As the descriptive result indicate that, on average farmers allocate 0.72ha of land for haricot bean production, from which 21.72qt/ha of output gained. In the value chain of haricot bean input suppliers, farmers, collectors, traders, transporters and consumers are the major value chain actors who perform various value chain. From the study result, six marketing channels of haricot bean are exhibited in the study areas. Estimates of the multiple linear regression models indicate that the level of haricot bean supplied to the market is determined by educational level of household, haricot bean farming experience, land allocated for haricot bean, market price of haricot bean, TLU, access to credit, and access to market information. Therefore, policy makers should focus more on the abovementioned variables in the future intervention to increase volume of haricot bean supplied to the market. As the multivariate probit model result indicated that the market outlet choice of rural assemblers was positively and significantly influenced by distance to the nearest market center, distance to all weather road, and educational level whereas it’s negatively and significantly influenced by output level where as selling direct to consumers outlet choice was negatively and significantly affected by sex of household, educational level, farm experience of household in haricot bean, and output level. Urban traders/wholesalers market outlet was positively and significantly affected by sex of household, educational level, haricot bean farm experience, access to credit, access to market information, membership of cooperative, and output level whereas it’s negatively influenced by distance to the nearest market center, distance to all weather road and extension service. Based on the findings of this study, some relevant implications can be drawn that can assist to design appropriate intervention mechanisms to improve market outlets choice of haricot bean farmers in the study area.

Effects of Protected Cultivation on Agronomic, Yield, and Quality Traits of Yard-Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv.-gr. sesquipedalis)

Protected cultivation is the sustainable approach to horticultural crop production under adverse climates. In this study, the performance of yard-long beans under three protected cultivations, including single-span polyhouse (SSP), five-span polyhouse (FSP), and insect-proof net house (IPN), is examined and compared to open field cultivation. The above protected cultivation can extend the harvest period of pods by 6–10 days, improve their quality, and increase yield by 15.6% to 25.1%, reducing the incidence and severity of thrips and Cercospora leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Among them, yard-long beans grown in SSP are longer and straighter in shape and have the lowest incidence and severity of pests and diseases and the highest levels of total polyphenols, total sugar, soluble protein, starch, and fiber. This indicates that protected cultivation has broad application in the production of yard-long beans. Through full subset regression analysis (FSRA), we report here that the yield and of yard-long bean occurrences of pests and diseases were highly impacted by climatic factors, especially UV radiation intensity and air temperature. These results have considerable implications for improving pod yield and quality and green prevention and control of pests and diseases through optimizing facility structure and fertilizer management.

Optimizing faba bean cultivation: assessing varietal performance in spring and fall

The need to identify specialty crops in Virginia has driven interest in faba beans (Vicia faba L.), which offer potential benefits for crop rotation systems. As a cool-season crop, faba beans can be planted in both fall and spring, providing flexibility in farming schedules. A field study was conducted at Randolph Farm, the Virginia State University Research and Extension Farm, using a completely randomized factorial block design. This study examines the performance of seven faba bean varieties—Ethiopia, NEB247, Aprovecho, EN3, EN47, Windsor and EN45—across three spring (late February, late March and mid April), and three fall (late September, early October and late October) planting dates. Our results demonstrate that both variety and planting date significantly influence the yield and yield components of faba beans. Among the varieties tested, Windsor and EN47 exhibited superior traits across multiple categories, making them preferable for achieving high yields. Conversely, varieties such as EN45, Aprovecho, and NEB247 showed poor performance. Fall planting dates generally resulted in superior growth, yield, and maturity characteristics, underscoring their importance for maximizing faba bean production. We observed that faba beans planted in the fall had 58% more branches, 100% more shoot dry matter, 34% higher 100-seed weight, double the grain yields, and 8% higher harvest index compared to those planted in the spring. To further enhance faba bean production, additional studies are suggested to clarify the physiological relationships between photosynthesis rates and the sink-source dynamics. Furthermore, investigating how planting dates impact the nutrient components of faba beans will provide deeper insights into optimizing their cultivation.

Farmers’ preferences for rice bean production traits in western Kenya

Rice bean (Vigna umbellata) is an important legume for food and nutritional security. However, the level of its cultivation in western Kenya, where there is a serious malnutrition challenge, is still low due to a lack of insights into its attributes. Hence, to bridge this knowledge gap, this study analyzed smallholder farmers' preferences for production traits. We collected data from 204 farmers through a choice experiment (CE) approach in upper and lower midland agro-ecological zones. Subsequently, we used the random parameter logit (RPL) model to analyze the data. Results showed that farmers preferred all attribute levels presented except 61% or more pest resistance. The lower midland farmers preferred compensation of Kenya shillings (Ksh) 34.93 for yields of 9 or more bags per acre; Ksh 52.22 for 61 to 79 maturity days and; Ksh 20.24 for 40% to 60% pest resistance level. In comparison, upper midland farmers preferred compensation of Ksh 66.44 for 6 to 8 bags per acre; Ksh 53.82 for 9 or more bags per acre; no compensation for 50 to 60 maturity days; and Ksh 132.98 for 40% to 60% pest resistance. However, farmers preferred no compensation for intact pods. The observed differences in farmers’ preferences for rice bean attributes are explained by heterogeneity in the agroecological conditions, farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, and risk perceptions. The findings should inform targeted extension and breeding programs that fit farmers’ diverse environments and resource endowments.

Risk Management of Green Bean Farming Production in Gluranploso Village, Gresik District

Green beans are the most important food crop in Indonesia and production continues to increase to meet domestic demand. However, production is still insufficient due to several risks faced by farmers. This research analyzes the risk management of green bean production in Gluranploso Village using the Coefficient of Variation (KV) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methods. The results showed that yield variation was relatively low with a KV value of 17%, indicating good yield stability. The FMEA analysis identified four main sources of risk affecting production: seed aspect with an RPN value of 5.808, weather with an RPN value of 7.04, pests and diseases with an RPN value of 12.936, and technical aspects with an RPN value of 47.88, particularly delays in pest and disease control spraying. In addition, the market aspect is also a source of risk with the largest value in the increase in production input prices at 12.288. These sources require special attention in risk management. The study concludes that the implementation of appropriate risk management strategies, focusing on the identified key risk sources, can help farmers improve yield stability and farm profitability. These strategies include improving seed quality, mitigating weather risks, controlling pests and diseases, and improving technical procedures in cultivation and market risks. Thus, effective risk management can be key in increasing the productivity and sustainability of green bean farming in Gluranploso village.

In-Furrow Application of Biologicals for Control of Rhizoctonia Diseases in Snap Bean

Florida ranks first in the production of fresh-market snap bean in the United States. Rhizoctonia diseases, including damping-off and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, are important diseases in snap bean, particularly if there is heavy rainfall during the first month after seeding. Growers usually use seeds treated with fungicides to control soilborne pathogens including R. solani. However, there are concerns about resistance development in R. solani and the impacts of chemicals on the environment. In this study, three biological products (Howler, Theia, and Double Nickel LC) applied as an in-furrow spray at seeding and/or foliar sprays after emergence were evaluated in the field for their efficacy in controlling R. solani on snap bean. When nontreated seeds were used, Howler at 5 lb./acre and Double Nickel LC at 16 fl. oz./acre each applied as an in-furrow spray at seeding significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced disease incidence compared with the untreated control. However, weekly foliar sprays after emergence showed effectiveness in disease reduction only at a high inoculum level. The highest disease reduction of 95.4% was observed in the treatment with Howler at 5 lb./acre in the 2022 trial, and 32.8% for Double Nickel LC was observed at 16 fl. oz./acre in 2023. Both biologicals also significantly increased the pod yield, by 85.6% with Howler in 2022 and doubled by Double Nickel LC in 2023 when compared with the untreated control. Results from these field trials reveal the potential of these biologicals in the control of Rhizoctonia root rot in snap bean production.

Optimizing yield and water productivity in summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) through crop residue management and irrigation strategies

A multi-season research trial entitled ‘crop residue management effects on yield and water productivity of summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under different irrigation regimes in Indian Punjab’ was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station (RRS), Bathinda, during rabi 2020 and 2021. The field experiment was conducted in a split-plot layout with nine treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1 (no wheat residue along with tillage), T2 (leftover wheat residue with zero tillage), and T3 (incorporated wheat residue along with tillage) in main plots and irrigation regimes viz., I1 (vegetative growth and flowering stage), I2 (vegetative growth, flowering, and pod filling stage) and I3 (vegetative growth, flowering, pod formation and pod filling stage) in sub-plots, respectively. The growth and yield attributing characters were significantly higher under T3 than T1 but statistically at par with T2 during both years. An increase of 24.1% and 19.0% in grain yield was found in residue incorporation (T3) and residue retention (T2) over residue removal (T1), respectively. Maximum crop and irrigation water productivity was observed under T3 due to reduced water use and increased yield. Among the irrigation regimes, the I3 recorded significantly higher grain yield (0.70 and 0.79 t ha− 1) than I1. It was at par with I2 during both years due to higher irrigation frequency at the pod formation and pod filling stage. Crop water productivity (CWP) was higher under I3, whereas irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher under I1 during both years. Additional irrigation at the pod-filling stage increased the grain yield by 36.5%, and two additional irrigations at the pod-formation and pod-filling stage further increased yield by 46.2% compared to only two irrigations at the vegetative and flowering stages. The treatment combinations of T2I2 and T3I2 outperformed T1I3 in terms of growth and yield attributing characters viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), pods plant− 1, seeds pod− 1, and 1000-seed weight, which resulted in higher grain yield in these treatment combinations over T1I3. Applying crop residue can help minimize water use and increase crop water productivity. So, retaining crop residue in summer mung bean resulted in saving irrigation water due to lesser evapotranspiration from the soil surface.

Cost-effective and optimal control analysis for mitigation strategy to chocolate spot disease of faba bean

Faba bean is one of the most important grown plants worldwide for human and animal. Despite its various importance, the productivity of faba bean has been constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors. Many faba bean pathogens have been reported so far, of which the most important yield limiting disease is Chocolate Spot Disease (Botrytis fabae). The dynamics of disease transmission and decision-making processes for intervention programs for disease control are now better understood through the use of mathematical modeling. In this paper a deterministic mathematical model for Chocolate Spot disease (CSD) on faba bean plant with an optimal control model was developed and analyzed to examine the best strategy in controlling CSD. The optimal control model is developed with three control interventions, namely prevention (u1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{1}$$\\end{document}), quarantine (u2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{2}$$\\end{document}) and chemical control (u3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{3}$$\\end{document}). The Pontryagin’€™s maximum principle isused to derive the Hamiltonian, the adjoint variables, the characterization of the controls and the optimality system. A cost-effective approach is chosen from a set of possible integrated strategies using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The forward-backward sweep iterative approach is used to run numerical simulations. We obtained the Hamiltonian, the adjoint variables, the characterization of the controls and the optimality system. The numerical results demonstrate that each integrated strategy can reduce the diseases within the specified period. However due to limited resources, an integrated strategy prevention and uprooting was found to be a best cost-effective strategy to combat CSD. Therefore, attention should be given for the integrated cost-effective and environmentally eco-friendly strategy by stake holders and policy makers to control CSD and disseminate the integrated intervention to the farmers in order to fight the spread of CSD in the Faba bean population and produce the expected yield from the field.

The Response of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] in the Village Chikkenahalli of Challakere Taluk, Chitraduraga District

Cluster bean is one of the significant yet underutilized leguminous vegetables belonging to family fabaceae. It is known by various names across the country such as gaur, chavli kaayi, gori kaayi, khutt, govar, and kothavare. A field experiment on cluster bean was carried out during the summer season of the year 2024 at the farm of P. L. Dodda Rangegowda in Chikkenahalli of Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The primary objectives of the study are to examine the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the productivity and growth characteristics of cluster bean; to identify the advantages and disadvantages of these fertilizers in relation to productivity, soil fertility, and environment and further to review the effects of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and soil fertility. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications and five treatments which comprised of 100 percent organic (FYM and chicken manure), 100 percent inorganic (NPK), 50 percent organic + 50 percent inorganic, 100 percent organic + jeevamruta and control. The results revealed that, treatment T3 outperformed the others, showing the highest values for plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to first vegetable harvest, pod length, pod width, yield per plant, yield per plot, and yield per hectare, while the control recorded the lowest values. Soil properties such as pH, EC, SOC and NPK levels improved when combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied together. Based on these results, it can be concluded that, the application of organic manures, along with chemical fertilizers, positively enhanced the vegetative growth, reproductive growth, yield, quality of cluster bean and soil parameters.

Morpho-biochemical and molecular characterization of new mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] landraces for Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) disease resistance

Mung bean production is significantly lowered by Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) in various parts of the globe. The most effective way to increase mung bean resilience to this stress is to identify new CLS resistance sources. Therefore, a panel population of 13 landraces along with 2 susceptible check cultivar, and 11 SSR markers were taken for the present experiment. Correlation analysis suggested significant relationships between the quantitative traits, retained resistance (Banapur local, and Kalampur local), and moderately resistance (Dikhitapada local, and Fakirpur local 1) to CLS. However, total chlorophyll content (TCL) showed strong positive correlations with phenolic content (PHE) (0.984), peroxidase activity (POX) (0.931), and polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) (0.969). Moreover, PHE (−0.769) and POX (−0.867) were also found negatively correlated with CLS disease reaction. The eigenvalues from the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the first three principal components collectively explained 84.88 % of the total variance. Molecular analysis of the panel population suggested a PIC value range from 0.30 to 0.88, with an average 0.696, and markers such as cp01713 (0.84), cp02181 (0.87), and CEDG147 (0.88) had higher PIC values. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) suggested capturing of 69.06 % of the total variance by the first three axes, and the landraces were categorizing into three clusters (cluster A, B and C). The genetic distances among the landraces ranged from 0 to 0.608, and phylogenetic tree differentiated them into three major clusters at respective Jaccard's similarity coefficient i.e., Cluster I (0.68), II (0.75) and III (0.83). Meanwhile, the resistance and moderately resistance landraces were observed in cluster A and cluster B, and in cluster II and cluster III respectively. The resistance landraces obtained from the present study could be used as potential donor for breeding process towards CLS resistance in mung bean.

Efficacy evaluation of food enzyme addition in fermented adzuki bean paste production

Efficacy evaluation of food enzyme addition in fermented adzuki bean paste production

Faba bean-wheat intercropping controls the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt by improving the microecological environment of rhizosphere soil

BackgroundFusarium wilt is a severe soil-borne disease that affects faba bean production. Faba bean-wheat intercropping is often used to control the occurrence of Fusarium wilt in faba bean. AimsTo evaluate the effects of faba bean-wheat intercropping on the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt and soil microecology. MethodsWe established two planting patterns, faba bean monocropping (M) and faba bean-wheat intercropping (I), to investigate Fusarium wilt occurrence and plant dry weight and assess changes in soil enzyme activities, microbial diversity, and community composition during different stages of disease onset. ResultsIntercropping effectively controlled faba bean Fusarium wilt at the three disease stages and increased the dry weight of faba bean plants. Intercropping promoted the activities of catalase (CAT), urease, sucrase, and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere soil of faba bean at three disease stages. Bacterial and fungal diversity decreased with disease progression, and intercropping mitigated this trend. Compared with monocropping, intercropping increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Gemmatimonas, Conexibacter, and Sphingomonas, while reducing the abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. Intercropping also increased the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhiza, soil saprophytes, and undefined saprophytes while decreasing the abundance of plant pathogens. ConclusionFaba bean-wheat intercropping enhanced soil enzyme activities, effective nutrient content, and alpha diversity indices of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere soil of faba bean, while promoting the abundance of beneficial bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as well as both soil and undefined humus. Simultaneously, intercropping reduced the abundance of plant pathogens, facilitated nutrient cycling in the soil, provided sufficient nutrients for crop uptake, and mitigated the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on cells. Ultimately, this resulted in a reduced occurrence of Fusarium wilt.

CÁLCULO DE LA HUELLA VIRTUAL DEL AGUA EN EL PROCESO PRODUCTIVO Y BENEFICIADO DE CAFÉ (Coffea arabica L.) EN HUATUSCO, MÉXICO, UTILIZANDO EL SOFTWARE CROPWAT 8.0

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The use and expenditure of water within agriculture is of vital importance, especially in coffee farming, therefore it is very important to know that the virtual water in the production of coffee beans, as well as in the process of wet processing (transformation of cherry coffee to dry parchment coffee), so far there is no data on the use of virtual water in coffee production in the study region. <strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the virtual water (green and gray) calculation of the virtual footprint by means of the FAO program CROPWAT 8.0 and the calculation of water expenditure in coffee mills in the region of Huatusco, Veracruz. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The program CROPWAT 8.0 was obtained, and normal climatological data were reviewed to obtain the data and to be able to make the calculations to obtain the virtual footprint, subsequently the water expenditure was measured in five wet coffee mills, for this purpose the mills were visited during the harvest season and the measurements could be made. <strong>Results:</strong> A total green and gray virtual footprint of 977.61 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of coffee produced in the field production process was estimated. In relation to the virtual water expenditure in the wet coffee mills where water expenditure was measured: two of the five mills analyzed had the following data: The third mill reached an expense of 566 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of processed cherry coffee and the five mill had an amount of 162 m3/kg of processed cherry coffee and an average of 155.13 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of processed coffee. In total, the virtual footprint obtained: green, gray and water consumption in the processing process was 1132.73 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of parchment coffee. The blue virtual footprint was considered zero since irrigation is not used in the region for coffee production. <strong>Implications:</strong> The data found are the pioneers in the calculation of the virtual footprint of the species <em>(Coffea arabica</em> L.) more studies on this subject are needed in the region which will raise awareness about the virtual footprint generated in the coffee production and processing process, as well as proposed alternatives for a more sustainable use. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The virtual footprint obtained was high in the study region and like studies carried out in other countries, which indicates that there is an awareness of how much water is used in the production and processing of coffee, as well as its impact in the short, medium and long term.</p>

CRISPR/Cas9 editing of two adenine phosphoribosyl transferase coding genes reveals the functional specialization of adenine salvage proteins in common bean.

Adenine metabolism is important for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) productivity since this legume uses ureides derived from the oxidation of purine nucleotides, as their primary nitrogen storage molecules. Purine nucleotides are produced from de novo synthesis or through salvage pathways. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) is the enzyme dedicated to adenine nucleobase salvage for nucleotide synthesis, but it also acts on the inactivation of cytokinin bases. In common bean, the APRT enzyme is encoded by four genes. Gene expression analysis, biochemical properties and subcellular location suggest functional differences among the common bean APRT isoforms. CRISPR/Cas9 targeted downregulation of two of the four PvAPRTs followed by metabolomics and physiological analyses of targeted hairy roots reveals that, although the two proteins have redundant functions, PvAPRT1 mostly participates in the salvage of adenine, whereas PvAPRT5 is the predominant form in the regulation of cytokinin homeostasis and stress responses with a high impact in root and nodule growth.

‘Kikatiti’ to Expand Pinto Bean Production and Consumption in East Africa

‘Kikatiti’ to Expand Pinto Bean Production and Consumption in East Africa

The Collaborative Role of Non-Synthetic Fertilizers on Production of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Ethiopia's Central Highlands, Ejere District

This study sought to determine how non-synthetic fertilizers collaborated to produce faba bean in the 2019–20 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons in agricultural settings in the Ethiopian district of Ejere. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance by SAS statistical platform version 9.3. Means were compared with the Least Significance Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. To compute the economic advantage of the intervention, farm get prices of inputs and outputs were considered and marginal rate of return (% MRR) was work out for each treatment, and values ≥100 was set as profitable in absolute terms. The mean outcome of the two years’ worth of data analysis showed that there was substantial (p ≤ 0.05) difference in all parameters among the treatments at Ejere. At Ejere, the treatments (FB-17 + 0.76 ton ha-1 VC), (FB-17+ 0.57 ton ha-1 VC), (0.76 ton ha-1 VC) and (FB-17+ 0.38 ton ha-1 VC) yielded the highest mean GYs (3582kg ha-1), (3535kg ha-1), (3430 kg ha-1) and (3234 kg ha-1), respectively. However, the results of the partial budget analysis showed that the treatments (FB-17) and (FB-17 + 0.57 ton ha-1 VC) had the greater marginal rates of return 7218% and 1148%, respectively. These treatments are thought to be very good candidates for more testing in farmers' fields across various aggro-ecologies in order to determine which ones are the best substitute non-synthetic fertilizers for faba bean production in Ethiopia's Nitisol zones.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.