Climate-smart Crop Research Articles

Early exposure to phosphorus starvation induces genetically determined responses in Sorghum bicolor roots

Key message We identified novel physiological and genetic responses to phosphorus starvation in sorghum diversity lines that augment current knowledge of breeding for climate-smart crops in Europe.Phosphorus (P) deficiency and finite P reserves for fertilizer production pose a threat to future global crop production. Understanding root system architecture (RSA) plasticity is central to breeding for P-efficient crops. Sorghum is regarded as a P-efficient and climate-smart crop with strong adaptability to different climatic regions of the world. Here we investigated early genetic responses of sorghum RSA to P deficiency in order to identified genotypes with interesting root phenotypes and responses under low P. A diverse set of sorghum lines (n = 285) was genotyped using DarTSeq generating 12,472 quality genome wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Root phenotyping was conducted in a paper-based hydroponic rhizotron system under controlled greenhouse conditions with low and optimal P nutrition, using 16 RSA traits to describe genetic and phenotypic variability at two time points. Genotypic and phenotypic P-response variations were observed for multiple root traits at 21 and 42 days after germination with high broad sense heritability (0.38–0.76). The classification of traits revealed four distinct sorghum RSA types, with genotypes clustering separately under both low and optimal P conditions, suggesting genetic control of root responses to P availability. Association studies identified quantitative trait loci in chromosomes Sb02, Sb03, Sb04, Sb06 and Sb09 linked with genes potentially involved in P transport and stress responses. The genetic dissection of key factors underlying RSA responses to P deficiency could enable early identification of P-efficient sorghum genotypes. Genotypes with interesting RSA traits for low P environments will be incorporated into current sorghum breeding programs for later growth stages and field-based evaluations.

Management and Use of Genetic Resources for Climate Smart Crop Improvement: Overview of the Tailor-Made Training (TMT) Course

Management and Use of Genetic Resources for Climate Smart Crop Improvement: Overview of the Tailor-Made Training (TMT) Course

Minor Millets: Miracle Grain of South India

Minor millets are important traditional food crops for dry land farmers in India. India has the third largest area under minor millets cultivation in the world. Minor millets such as finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, kodo millet, little millet and barnyard millet are considered as a climate-smart crop. Since these crops are widely divergent for thermo and photoperiods and hence these are known for their climatic resilience and are relatively less prone to biotic stress factors. Added these crops are rich in protein, fat, crude fiber, iron and other minerals and vitamins with low glycemic index in comparison to cereals like wheat and rice. Hence they are labelled as nutri- cereals and act as the source of food, feed and fodder. Minor millets have curative and nutrient - rich properties in the form of antioxidants which prevent weakening of human health such as lowering blood pressure, risk of heart disease, obesity, prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes etc. Owing to its health benefits, the minor millets output has increased recently due to the availability of high-yielding varieties, pest and disease - resistant varieties, and improved cultivation techniques, rising by 1.05 percent annually. This review aims to document the production status, demand, varietal diversity, current consumption pattern, processing, nutrient composition and therapeutic potential of minor millets for further research on various aspects.

Leafy chenopods: a nutritional powerhouse

Leafy chenopods, a group of nutrient-dense, underutilized plant species, have emerged as a promising nutritional powerhouse with immense potential to combat micronutrient malnutrition globally. These resilient, drought-tolerant plants, including quinoa, amaranth, and huauzontle, have been cultivated for centuries by indigenous communities in the Americas and are now gaining recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile. Leafy chenopods are rich sources of protein, dietary fibre, and essential amino acids, making them valuable additions to plant-based diets. Moreover, they are abundant in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, addressing common deficiencies in many populations. Their high antioxidant content, derived from compounds like betalains and polyphenols, may confer protective effects against chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties hold promise for therapeutic applications. These resilient crops can thrive in marginal lands and harsh climatic conditions, making them well-suited for cultivation in areas affected by climate change and water scarcity. Their tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses further enhances their potential as sustainable and climate-smart crops. Leveraging these underutilized crops could be a significant step towards achieving food and nutrition security in the face of climate change and population growth.

Evaluation of sugar content and bioethanol production of Ethiopian local varieties “Nech Tinkish” and “Hawaye” sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.))

Diversifying the use of climate-smart crops such as sweet sorghum has the potential to solve integrated food, bioenergy, feed, and land management problems. The study’s purpose is to quantify the sugar content of Nech Tinkish (v1) and Hawaye (v2) Ethiopian sweet sorghum varieties and investigate the interaction effect of fermentation parameters to determine their capacity for ethanol production. Sweet sorghum varieties were analyzed to determine their difference in °Brix content by extracting their juices. The juice was clarified using milk lime. Its total soluble sugars, total carbohydrates, and reducing sugars were determined using a digital refractometer, phenol sulfuric acid, and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid, respectively. A completely randomized factorial was employed to evaluate ethanol production capacity, and the ethanol content was estimated using a potassium dichromate solution. The °Brix results revealed that v2 had a higher sugar concentration than v1. Additionally, the estimated carbohydrate content of the juice ranged from 37.402 to 157.641 g/L. The estimated reducing sugar also varied from 4.644 to 33.412 g/L. Therefore, the estimated reducing sugar showed the hydrolysis of sweet sorghum juice by invertase and sulfuric acid produced more fermentable sugars. Fermentation at 30 °C with pH 4.5 incubated for 4 days yields the highest ethanol, and v2 yields higher (15.31%) ethanol, compared to v1 produced 14.85%. This study showed a basis for the existence of two sugar-rich climate smart sweet sorghum varieties with an extraordinary amount of sugar used as a source of biofuel and food simultaneously in a single plot of land.

Kachri melon (a non-dessert form of Cucumis melo) diversity, germplasm utilization and varietal development under hot arid climate: Approaches and realization

The native crop plants genetic resource is very essential for nature’s resilient, region and season-specific varietal development and is also used in breeding programmes for resistance towards abiotic and biotic factors. Kachri and mat-kaachr or kachri melon (a non–dessert form of Cucumis melo var. callosus and agrestis) is an un-tapped arid zone cucurbit vegetable. Their vine plants are annual and short-duration in growth habit, and bearing 10.2–220.5 g weight fruits which are edible at maturity and unique in taste with ripening stages. It is wild and weedy types or semi-domesticated land-races and pre-dominantly grown mixed with the traditional farming in the north-western part of India. Intensive explorations and surveys were conducted in the state of Rajasthan from the year 1994 to 2001, and about 625 accessions were collected and studied over the period (1994 to 2012), and out of them, 68 germplasm lines were maintained for the conservation of regional diversity. The germplasm is evaluated repeatedly and characterized and categorized based on the plant morphology, maturity, utility of fruits and size, shape and skin colour of the mature fruits. On the basis of horticultural traits, fruit size, quality and yield components under the heat-stressed arid environment, the genotypes AHK-5, AHK-13, AHK-26, AHK-40, AHK-43, AHK-99, AHK-109, AHK-119, AHK-155, AHK-200, AHK-202, AHK-356, AHK-411, AHK-564 and AHK-572 were found the most promising and utilized in breeding programme. Unique quality, better fruit yielding, early harvesting and multiple stresses tolerating varieties, namely AHK-119 and AHK-200, developed for commercial cultivation. The development and recommendations of kachri melon production technology by ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner resulted in uniform and higher fruit yield (95–110 q/ha) as rainy and summer season harvest and now, its cultivation become much profit-making among the growers as a climate-smart crop. With the HBCPSMA concept, khejri and kachri technology exhibited high productivity of resources and family employment, and also returns @ Rs. 75,000–2,25,000 in comparison to the conventional cropping systems (Rs. 23,000–42,000) per ha/year under rainfed farming.

Phenotypic Characterization of Citron Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) Genotypes for Bioenergy Production

Citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is an important climate smart crop, characterized by high oil content in the seeds and it is a popular fruit in southern Africa. To determine best performing genotypes eight phenotypic traits were assessed to identify cultivars with potential for biodiesel production. A field experiment was conducted at Sebele Agricultural Research Station, in Southern Botswana, during 2019 to 2020 cropping season. Four (4) melon genotypes were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times and eight (8) characters were assessed. Except seed oil content (26.6%) there was significant (P < 0.05) difference among all the traits, an indication of higher genetic diversity in the selected citron watermelon. SC1-Sesoswane, exhibited highest seed yield (1540 kg/ha) and oil yield (435.03 kg/ha) while MMB-280-Lerotse recorded lowest seed yield and oil yield of 548.1 kg/ha and 144 kg/ha respectively. There was a significant correlation of (0.9) between oil yield (kg/ha), number of fruits produced, and seed yield (kg/ha), an indication that increasing the seed yield will positively increase the amount of oil produced. This study revealed the potential bioenergy production of the four cultivars. However, SC1-Sesoswane appears a more promising alternative cultivar for feedstock for biodiesel production.

Advancements in bionanotechnological applications for climate-smart agriculture and food production

Due to the significant challenges of growing global population and climate change, the agriculture and food industries are facing a continued demand for improving productivity. The integration of nanotechnology in food and agriculture has been envisioned to supply abundant alternative avenues for the crop improvement and food security. To meet these challenges, nanotechnology has made remarkable advancements in agricultural sciences, resulting in numerous beneficial impacts on crop yield and productivity. The key areas of nano-based agriculture aim to enhance food quality, optimized fertilizer doses, reduced agricultural inputs, and improved nutrient uptake by plants from the soil. Additionally, employing minimal hazardous agrochemicals, lowering fertilizer losses, solidification of soil and water quality, and managing nutrient supply efficiently are attributed to the advantages of nanomaterials. In future, the continued efforts and convergence of agriculture and nanotechnology offers promising benefits such as equipping plants with cutting-edge nanotools to combat abiotic (drought, salt, and temperature) and biotic (insects and diseases) stresses, precise and rapid diagnostics, and maximizing utilization of available resources. The ultimate goal in agricultural sciences is to achieve sustainable food production, which forms the backdrop for harnessing the properties of nanomaterials to enhance crop productivity and address widening growing climate challenges. In summary, the extensive applications of nanotechnology in agriculture are anticipated to support climate-smart crop cultivation.

Nutritional optimization through linear programming of climate-smart and gluten free pasta

Designing food formulations is an important approach to meet a set of nutritional needs and to address malnutrition issues. Linear programming is an appropriate tool for designing novel nutritionally optimized formulations based on a combination of gluten-free climate-smart crops. Four nutritionally optimized cowpea-based pasta formulations in association or not with teff and/or amaranth leaves (AL) were designed to meet a woman's protein requirements in terms of quantity and quality, fibers, ω6/ω3, iron, zinc and B9 vitamin, while limiting antinutritional factors such as phytates. To predict the processability of the flours into pasta and the visual acceptance of future pasta by consumers, the antioxidant and oxidant capacities of flours were measured and their color compared with the color of durum wheat semolina (DWS). The formulation combining cowpea and AL had the highest nutritional composition and lowest impact of phytates. The formulation with cowpea, teff and AL seems to be the easiest to process thanks to its lower lipoxygenase activity and the higher antioxidant capacity, followed by the teff-cowpea formulation. The color of the formulation that only contained cowpea was closest to DWS.

In Vitro Evaluation of Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Kamadhenu Ark extracts of Climate Smart Crop Millets

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by abnormal Metabolism of glucose. The maintenance of glucose levels in blood without any side effects is still challenging in the medication of this disease. Various medical approaches like Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani etc are striving a lot for success in this field of medication. Present study is aimed to evaluate the Antidiabetic activity of Millets in combination with Kamadhenu Ark as solvent for the probable alpha Amylase and alpha Glucosidase inhibitory activities to reduce hyperglycemia. The Millets namely Paspalum scrobiculatum, Panicum miliaceum, Panicum sumatrense were selected for the study. The Kamadhenu Ark Extracts were prepared by Maceration method. The extracts were used for the estimation of alpha amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. Extract of Panicum miliaceum exhibited highest α amylase and α glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 0.239 and 1.526 mg/ml, respectively, which was comparable with acarbose (0.258 and 1.985 mg/ml). Extracts of Paspalum scrobiculatum and Panicum sumatrense have shown low activity. Present study paves a new path revealing the effective inhibition of α amylase and α glucosidase by Kamadhenu Ark extract of Panicum miliaceum (Proso Millet KPM).

Host genotype, soil composition, and geo-climatic factors shape the fonio seed microbiome

BackgroundFonio (Digitaria exilis), an orphan millet crop, is the oldest indigenous crop in West Africa. Although the yield is low due to pre-domestication characteristics, the quick maturation time, drought tolerance, and the ability to thrive on poor soils make fonio a climate-smart crop. Being holobionts, plants evolve in close interaction with microbial partners, which is crucial for plant phenology and fitness. As seeds are the bottleneck of vertically transmitting plant microbiota, we proposed to unravel the seed microbiome of the under-domesticated and resilient crop fonio. Our study investigated the bacterial seed endophyte diversity across 126 sequenced fonio accessions from distinct locations in West Africa. We conducted a correlation study of the structures and functions of the seed-associated microbiomes with the native geo-climate and soil structure data. We also performed Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic loci associated with seed endophyte diversity.ResultWe report that fonio millet has diverse heritable seed endophytic taxa. We analyzed the seed microbiomes of 126 fonio accessions and showed that despite the diversity of microbiomes from distinct geographical locations, all fonio genetic groups share a core microbiome. In addition, we observed that native soil composition, geo-climatic factors, and host genotype correlate with the seed microbiomes. GWAS analysis of genetic loci associated with endophyte seed bacterial diversity identified fonio SNPs associated with genes functioning in embryo development and stress/defense response.ConclusionAnalysis of the seed endophyte of the climate-smart crop fonio indicated that despite possessing a heritable core microbiome, native conditions may shape the overall fonio seed microbiomes in different populations. These distinct microbiomes could play important roles in the adaptation of fonio to different environmental conditions. Our study identified the seed microbiome as a potential target for enhancing crop resilience to climate stress in a sustainable way.2rD2XEnkfTqrY_JSYv-2oiVideo

Effects of changes in climatic means, variability, and agro-technologies on future wheat and maize yields at 10 sites across the globe

To address the rising global food demand in a changing climate, yield gaps (YG), the difference between potential yields under irrigated (YP) or rainfed conditions (YWL) and actual farmers’ yields (Ya), must be significantly narrowed whilst raising potential yields. Here, we examined the likely impacts of climate change (including changes in climatic variability) and improvements in agricultural technologies on crop yields and yield gaps. Eight rigorously tested crop simulation models were calibrated for wheat and maize and run at 10 different sites around the world. Simulations were performed to estimate YP, YWL and yields achievable under three locally defined technology packages: TP0 represents average farmer's practice, while TP1 and TP2 are increasingly advanced technologies. Simulations were run for the baseline (1981–2010) and twelve future climate scenarios for 2050, representing changes in the means of climate variables and in the variability of daily temperature and dry/wet spell durations. Our basic hypotheses were that (H1) mean climate changes combined with increased weather variability lead to more negative yield impacts than mean climate changes alone, and (H2) advanced technologies would serve as effective adaptations under future climatic conditions. We found that crop responses were dependent on site characteristics, climate scenarios and adopted technologies. Our findings did not support H1. As for H2, the improved technology packages increased wheat and maize yields at all sites, but yield gap reduction varied substantially among sites. Future studies should consider a broader range of climate scenarios and methods for analysing potential shifts in climate variability. Moreover, it is recommended to co-create and evaluate climate zone-specific climate-smart crop production technologies in interaction with a wide range of local stakeholders.

Physical, chemical, and rheological properties of flour from accessions of Frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius)

Frafra Potato (FP) is a climate-smart crop facing extinction in the tropical regions of Africa due to inadequate information about its properties. This study determined the physicochemical, functional, and rheological characteristics of flours from ten FP accessions to gauge their suitability for culinary purposes. The flour yield from FP tubers ranged from 59.3 % (E134) to 69.3 % (E111). While FP flours (FPF) exhibited consistent colour across accessions, variations in paste clarity were noted, ranging from 5.2 % (E145 and Maa-Lana) to 8.6 % (WAAPP). The least gelation concentration varied from 8 % (WAAPP) to 12 % (E 82, 111, 132, 134, 145). Released accessions showed higher protein and ash content than unreleased ones. Mineral composition differed significantly among accessions, including iron, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus, each with varying bioavailability percentages. Vitamin A content also varied across accessions. Proteins common in tuber crops, such as lipoxygenase, patatin, sporamin, tarin, and protease inhibitors (Bowman-Birk PIs), were identified in FPF. Amino acid analysis revealed nineteen amino acids, including seven essentials. FPF characteristics included a bulk density of 0.9 g/ml, oil and water binding capacities of 3 g/g and 1.3 g/g respectively, a pH of 6.4, and titratable acidity of 0.5. All FP flours displayed standard non-Newtonian behaviour, exhibiting pseudoplastic properties. They also showed a type II sigmoidal sorption curve, indicating increased equilibrium moisture content with higher water activity. Moisture sorption studies predicted a safe storage maximum allowable moisture content. These findings have practical implications for flour packaging and storage. The study underscores the culinary potential of Frafra potato and its role in addressing food and nutrition security in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Climate smart Kalahari melon (Citrullus lanatus): understanding its seeds hydration kinetics

With elevated temperatures on the rise due to climate change, can lessons be learnt from Kalahari melon seeds (KMS) that grow and contribute to the food security of communities in the arid Kalahari desert? Specifically, what are the hydration kinetics of climate-smart KMS that naturally grow in an arid environment? This study investigated, for the first time, the water hydration kinetics of differently (grey, black, white) coloured KMS at 25, 35 and 45°C. No lag behaviour was observed. The Peleg model fit suitably (R 2 > 0.99) to the empirical water uptake data, characterised by a time-linear water absorption, and then a slower rate occurred after the initial 15 min of hydration. The K 1 Peleg constants were statistically the same for the grey and black KMS. Besides being useful in process design, these data can be used as baseline information for the identification of candidate nutrient-rich future climate-smart crops that can thrive in elevated temperature situations to mitigate the effects of climate change on food security.

Spatiotemporal co-optimization of agricultural management practices towards climate-smart crop production.

Co-optimization of multiple management practices may facilitate climate-smart agriculture, but is challenged by complex climate-crop-soil management interconnections across space and over time. Here we develop a hybrid approach combining agricultural system modelling, machine learning and life cycle assessment to spatiotemporally co-optimize fertilizer application, irrigation and residue management to achieve yield potential of wheat and maize and minimize greenhouse gas emissions in the North China Plain. We found that the optimal fertilizer application rate and irrigation for the historical period (1995-2014) are lower than local farmers' practices as well as trial-derived recommendations. With the optimized practices, the projected annual requirement of fertilizer, irrigation water and residue inputs across the North China Plain in the period 2051-2070 is reduced by 16% (14-21%) (mean with 95% confidence interval), 19% (7-32%) and 20% (16-26%), respectively, compared with the current supposed optimal management in the historical reference period, with substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions. We demonstrate the potential of spatiotemporal co-optimization of multiple management practices and present digital mapping of management practices as a benchmark for site-specific management across the region.

Impacts of Strategic Climate-Smart Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds on Improved Food Security of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya’s Coast Counties <br>

Impacts of Strategic Climate-Smart Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds on Improved Food Security of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya’s Coast Counties <br>

Impacts of Strategic Climate-smart Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds on Improved Food Security of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya's Coast Counties  <br>

Impacts of Strategic Climate-smart Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds on Improved Food Security of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya's Coast Counties  <br>

Determining the drivers and deterrents of Climate-smart crop adoption: The case of cassava in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Determining the drivers and deterrents of Climate-smart crop adoption: The case of cassava in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Priority areas for the development of field fodder production in view of the climate crisis

This article covers the topical issue of the general impact of climate change on Ukrainian agriculture and on the field fodder production industry specifically, as well as the problems of adapting agriculture to modern environmental conditions. The authors set out to substantiate promising ways of developing modern field fodder production considering climate change. For this, the study employed the abstract-logical method, system analysis, methods of systematisation and classification, and a range of economic and statistical research methods (comparison, series of dynamics, method of structural groupings). Both negative and positive manifestations of the climate crisis in crop production were highlighted, and possible measures to counteract risks and ways to use potential opportunities to develop field fodder production given the impact of climate change were systematised. Particular attention was paid to the global practices of agriculture in the face of climate change, namely, the components of a climate-smart crop production system. The study also described the main promising measures of adaptation of field fodder production to climate change: irrigation of agricultural land, arrangement of snow retention systems in the fields, rainwater harvesting, selection and introduction of new varieties of fodder crops, effective crop rotation, increase in sowing of drought-resistant fodder crops, optimisation of agricultural technologies to reduce losses of fodder crops at the stages of harvesting and storage, application of organic farming, the latest soil fertilisation technologies and the use of nanotechnology in soil cultivation. The findings of this study can be used by managers of specific agricultural enterprises, as well as by advisory services and government agencies in the field of agricultural policy implementation.

Molecular switches in plant stress adaptation.

Climate change poses a significant threat to the global ecosystem, prompting plants to use various adaptive mechanisms via molecular switches to combat biotic and abiotic stress factors. These switches activate stress-induced pathways by altering their configuration between stable states. In this review, we investigated the regulation of molecular switches in different plant species in response to stress, including the stress-regulated response of multiple switches in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also discussed techniques for developing stress-resilient crops using molecular switches through advanced biotechnological tools. The literature search, conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, utilized keywords such as molecular switch, plant adaptation, biotic and abiotic stresses, transcription factors, Arabidopsis thaliana, and crop improvement. Recent studies have shown that a single molecular switch can regulate multiple stress networks, and multiple switches can regulate a single stress condition. This multifactorial understanding provides clarity to the switch regulatory network and highlights the interrelationships of different molecular switches. Advanced breeding techniques, along with genomic and biotechnological tools, have paved the way for further research on molecular switches in crop improvement. The use of synthetic biology in molecular switches will lead to a better understanding of plant stress biology and potentially bring forth a new era of stress-resilient, climate-smart crops worldwide.