Local Crop Research Articles

Sustainable Development Strategies and Good Agricultural Practices for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Insights and Applicability in Developing Contexts—The Case of Angola

In general, agricultural productivity in Angola is low due to the limited awareness among stakeholders regarding sustainable development strategies (DSs) and good agricultural practices (GAPs) that could be adjusted to local crops, soil types, and climatic conditions. A structured approach was followed to develop a systematic literature review (SLR) that can address this gap by examining how DSs and GAPs may be adapted for Angola’s context to encourage sustainable agricultural development. Key steps included the selection and exclusion of literature from primary scientific databases based on specific screening indicators such as the publication date, language, relevance to DSs and GAPs, and geographic focus on developing or developed nations with comparable agricultural challenges. The initial search resulted in 11,392 articles, of which 4257 met the primary selection criteria. After further screening for relevance and availability, 98 articles were shortlisted, and 15 studies were ultimately included for in-depth analysis. This strict screening process ensured the inclusion of studies most applicable to Angola’s agricultural context. The key research findings indicate that certain DSs and GAPs have high adaptability potential for Angola. The findings emphasise practices such as drip irrigation and inorganic fertilisation, which are widely implemented in both developed and developing countries due to their efficiency in resource-limited environments. Additional strategies, such as water management systems, organic composting, and agroforestry practices, demonstrate significant potential to enhance soil fertility, water efficiency, and crop resilience against climate variability. By identifying these practices and strategies, this study provides a basic framework for policymakers in Angola to develop targeted implementation guidelines, fostering sustainable agricultural growth and resilience in the face of climatic challenges. Thus, this review contributes to the scientific and practical understanding of sustainable agriculture in developing countries, offering critical insights that support Angola’s efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency and economic stability through sustainable agricultural practices.

Emergy-based evaluation of production efficiency and sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the Yangtze River Basin

Excessive agricultural investment brought about by increased multiple-cropping index may compromise environmental sustainability. There are few studies on the sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). Therefore, this study selected five representative locations in the YRB. According to the local climate characteristics and food demand, diversified multi-cropping systems were designed, and the main local winter crops were selected as the previous crops of the corn–soybean strip compound cropping system, with the local traditional double-cropping model as the control (CK). The emergy evaluation method was introduced to quantitatively compare the efficiency and sustainability of diversified multi-cropping systems in the YRB. The results showed that by incorporating soybean by intercropping with corn, compared with the CK, the total energy input, annual energy output, and annual economic output increased by 15.80%, 9.78%, and 33.12% on average, respectively. The unit emergy value (UEV) and unit non-renewable value (UNV) increased by 6.03% and 5.98%, respectively; the emergy yield ratio (EYR) and environmental loading ratio (ELR) decreased by 0.91% and 0.44%, respectively; the emergy sustainability index (ESI) was the same. In the third mature crop selection, compared with that of corn, the ELR of soybean decreased by 14.32%, and the ESI increased by 18.55%. In addition, the choice of winter crops plays a vital role in the system’s efficiency and sustainability. Compared with those of other winter crops, the annual economic outputs of potato (upper reaches of the YRB), potato or forage rape (middle reaches of the YRB), and wheat (lower reaches of the YRB) increased by 51.02%, 32.27%, and 0.94%, respectively; their ESI increased by 71.21%, 47.72%, and 12.07%, respectively. Potato–corn/soybean or potato/corn/soybean (upper reaches of the YRB), forage rape–corn/soybean or potato/corn/soybean (middle reaches of the YRB), and wheat–corn/soybean (lower reaches of the YRB) were chosen to facilitate the coexistence of high economic benefits and environmental sustainability. Additionally, promoting mechanization and reducing labor input were essential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of multi-cropping systems. This study would provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for the development of efficient and sustainable multiple-cropping systems in the dryland of the YRB.

Suppression of Thielaviopsis ethacetica wilt and root rot, the emerging pathogen on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), and plant growth promotion properties by the safety indigenous Streptomyces SBcT04

Thielaviopsis ethacetica is an emerging pathogen responsible for wilt and root rot in bell peppers, significantly impacting crop yield. Biological control of the fungal pathogen provides significant advantages as a safe and efficient alternative to excessive chemical fungicides for managing plant diseases. Studying the screened and selected potential actinomycete strain from the indigenous collection is a quick and efficient measure to protect the yield of local bell pepper crops. The research assessed the indigenous actinomycete's ability to inhibit plant pathogens and promote plant growth both in vitro and in vivo. The Streptomyces SBcT04 was the most effective against T. ethacetica TROC-2 pathogen in vitro. The inhibition percentage reached 89.15 ± 0.46%. SBcT04 also effectively promoted plant growth properties in vitro. This strain fixed nitrogen and produced substantial amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and enzymes. Furthermore, the safety characteristics of SBcT04 for both the host plant (in vivo) and animals (in vitro) were confirmed. Streptomyces SBcT04 significantly processed pathogens, resulting in a reduction of approximately 40% in disease severity. Additionally, SBcT04 significantly promoted the host plant's growth, even in the presence of T. ethacetica TROC-2 infection. The indigenous Streptomyces SBcT04 efficiently inhibited T. ethacetica and significantly enhanced bell pepper plant growth. These advantageous characteristics of SBcT04 indicate its potential to foster secure and sustainable local bell pepper agricultural output.

Carbon Sequestration in a Changing Climate: Management Techniques and Strategic Solutions

Carbon sequestration in agriculture plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in soil and biomass. This process involves various strategies and management practices aimed at enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) levels while maintaining or improving agricultural productivity. Key strategies include no-tillage or reduced tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance and promotes residue retention, thus slowing down decomposition and enhancing carbon storage. Crop rotation and the use of cover crops further contribute to carbon sequestration by diversifying root structures and improving soil health. Organic farming practices, such as applying farmyard manure and compost, provide essential organic matter that enriches soil quality and increases carbon retention. Additionally, the incorporation of deep-rooted plants and biochar enhances carbon storage in deeper soil layers, making them more resilient to climate variability. The integration of these practices not only sequesters carbon but also improves soil fertility, water retention, and overall ecosystem health. Effective management of carbon sequestration in agricultural systems requires a holistic approach that considers local conditions, crop diversity, and sustainable land use practices. By adopting these strategies, agriculture can become a significant carbon sink, contributing to global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.

Change in the Agikuyu Women’s Local Trade on Indigenous Food Crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the change in the Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980 This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources .The research employed a historical research design based on qualitative procedures. The design enabled the researcher to explain, describe and give a historical analysis of the findings. This being a historical study, non-probability sampling procedures were used such as purposive and snowball sampling techniques to gather relevant information. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed the main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure reliability and validity of the information. Interpretation was done within the framework of Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. The study established that the women’s local food crops trade system has not been static the colonial capitalist economic practices brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric in Nyeri County and significantly undermined the women’s local trade. This resulted to both positive and negative influence to the dimensions of food security in the study area. It was established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and its substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the ministry of trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger

Promising Strategies to Enhance the Sustainability of Community Seed Banks

Community seed banks are farmer-managed organizations that conserve and sustainably manage local crop and tree diversity. They are found in many countries of the Global South and increasingly in the Global North. Altogether, they maintain hundreds of crop and tree species and thousands of mostly local varieties and distribute tons of quality seed per year. Through their activities, they share and safeguard the world’s agrobiodiversity, contribute to seed security, and allow farming households in local communities to produce and consume more affordable, secure, diverse, and nutritious foods. However, community seed banks are knowledge-, resource-, and time-intensive organizations that operate through their members’ voluntary contributions. The purpose of this article is to analyze the sustainability challenge of community seed banks and identify strategies that address it. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used, complemented by secondary data analysis of research reports and other deliverables, resulting in five case study countries in Africa and Asia. Five promising sustainability strategies can support viable community seed bank development: value addition; nature-positive agriculture; enabling environment and national genebank partnership; networking and digitalization; and modern, low-cost seed quality technologies. Sustainable community seed banks can make important contributions to national seed sector development but they need stronger policy and legal support to maintain their sustainability.

Composting as a Cleaner Production Strategy for the Soil Resource of Potato Crops in Choconta, Colombia

Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil and, therefore, the quality of the final product. Compost (organic waste with specific characteristics and made from waste generated in Choconta) was studied as a sustainable production strategy to increase soil quality and thereby the quality of the local potato crop. For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experiment design was implemented with three treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% compost) and two variables (young potato and mature potato) in duplicate for 4 months. In this experiment, the use of compost led to an improved final product, which went from a floury texture to a dense and creamy texture. The use of compost also reduced the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, with a higher removal in treatment 3 (50% composting). The estimated direct cost of the composting process was USD 280.85, slightly lower than that of the application of fertilizers at USD 294.48. The use of fertilizers has a higher environmental impact due to the use of chemical products that have environmental and health implications. Using compost did not influence tuber harvest time but had a positive impact on tuber texture quality and on soil resources through the reduction in heavy metals, especially lead (16.40–18.03 ppm for treatment 1, 17.96–18.49 ppm for treatment 2, and 15.67–17.88 ppm for treatment 3). Using compost could be environmentally and economically beneficial for local farmers, and it promotes the circular economy and sustainable communities.

Effects of spatial and temporal crop changes on bird diversity in peri‑urban agricultural lands

Numerous studies have investigated bird diversity-environment relationships in agricultural landscapes. While many studies have emphasized the importance of natural/semi-natural elements and their diversity within or surrounding farmlands, it remains unclear how crop diversity impacts birds. There is also a significant gap in our knowledge regarding the effects of temporal changes in crop composition on bird diversity. Using small farmlands in a sub-tropical city of China, we examined how spatial and temporal variation of crops and other local farmland features was linked to species diversity of birds and their traits. In small peri‑urban agricultural areas of Guangzhou, we collected bird and crop/non-crop data approximately bimonthly from December 2021 to October 2022. Overall crop diversity and seasonal crop changes were indexed by alpha diversity (Shannon-Wiener index) and beta diversity, respectively. Both alpha and beta crop diversities were positively associated with Shannon-Wiener diversity of birds. Alpha crop diversity also tended to have a positive impact on species richness. Percent cover of woody vegetation showed a positive effect on all three bird diversity indices, i.e., species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, and evenness. Percent cover of rice affected species richness positively and evenness negatively, whereas the effects of percent cover of corn were the opposite. In a fourth-corner analysis, the abundance of plant/seed-eating birds was negatively associated with alpha crop diversity, whereas the abundance of ground-foraging birds was positively associated with beta crop diversity. These patterns indicate that seasonally dynamic crop changes as well as local crop diversity can influence bird diversity and traits in small farmlands. They also suggest that natural/semi-natural woody vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, play a critical role in enhancing species diversity of birds in farmlands dominated by herbaceous edible crops.

Life cycle assessment of organic and conventional egg production: A case study in northern Italy

According to FAO projections, meat and fish production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the needs of the growing global population and its protein requirements. The poultry sector has been one of the most responsive industries to the growing demand for protein, with a significant increase in egg and chicken meat production. Although eggs are important foods in the human diet, environmental impacts and ethical aspects could also affect dietary choices. This study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of egg production, by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). More specifically, the study compared two different farming systems of conventional and organic egg production, with reference to two case studies in northern Italy. The results obtainedgenerally showed the conventional system to be more efficient compared to the organic system. For example, as regards the impact category of Fine particulate matter formation, the conventional system had a 28.6% lower impact than the organic system. Another major difference was in the Land use category, where the conventional system had an impact of 48.5% less than the organic system. The Organic Scenario showed some critical aspects, e.g. the need for a large agricultural area, low feed conversion rates and low crop yields. The two production scenarios showed that in terms of environmental impact, the main difference between organic and conventional egg production resides in feed production. I It is, therefore, essential to work on a low input formula, to substitutethe diet components with the greatest impact and adopt strategies to obtain an increase in yields and/or a reduction in resource consumption during the cultivation phase. The complete substitution of soybean with other local crops could reduce several impacts, including the one linked to transport. The further reduction of maize could also limit the expected impact.

Formulation of nutritious and functional meal-based biscuits from mixture of soybean, papaya fruit pulp, and baobab fruit pulp flours

Background and objectiveThe current trend in the formulation of convenience foods like biscuits is directed towards using local ingredients endowed with health benefits effects. The present study aimed at valorizing local crops and fruits as substitutes for wheat flour (WF) and sugar in the formulation of healthy, nutritious and functional meal-based biscuits. MethodsSoybean (Glycine max L.), papaya fruit pulp (Carica papaya L.) and baobab fruit pulp (Adansonia digitata L.) flours were produced, characterized, and used to formulate biscuits following a simplex centroid mixing design. The physicochemical, microbiological, sensory and antioxidant properties of the biscuits were assessed. ResultsThe results showed that protein and lipid contents of the biscuits increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the proportion of soybean flour (SF) in the formulation. The significant increase (p < 0.05) in the mineral content of the biscuits was proportional to the incorporation of papaya fruit pulp (PFPF) and baobab fruit pulp (BFPF) flours in the formulation. The energetic value of the formulated biscuits was higher than those made with 100 % WF. The incorporation of SF and BFPF contributed to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the crude fibres’ content of biscuits. Biscuits made with SF, PFPF and BFPF were safe for human consumption. They were accepted by the panelists; rich in bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoids), and displayed high antioxidant activities. The optimization procedure revealed that the optimum formulation (with the highest desirability of 0.81) was WF 25 g, SF 51.86 g, PFPF 8.06 g and BFPF 15.06 g ConclusionThis study indicates that baobab fruit pulp, papaya fruit pulp and soybean flours can be used as a substitute for WF in the formulation of functional biscuits. Significance of the researchThis study suggests that the formulated meal-based biscuits might have the potential to be used to fight/prevent malnutrition and cardiometabolic diseases, and to boost the immune system while reducing the dependence on wheat.

Evaluation of Quality Attributes and Rheological Behavior of Tahini with Addition of Natural Sweetener and Cocoa Liquor

Tahini is a globally recognized creamy paste made from sesame seeds, whose seeds are widely produced in Colombia but little used in the production of products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality attributes through proximal, microbiological, and sensory analysis, and the rheological behavior of tahini with the addition of natural sweetener, honey, and cocoa liquor as sensory additives, using local crops. A 2X2X2 factorial design with sesame paste, honey concentration, and cocoa liquor as factors were used to prepare tahini. Proximal, microbiological, and sensory analyses were carried out to determine the bromatology, microbiological suitability, and sensory acceptability, respectively. The rheological behavior was studied by shear rate sweep, controlling the deformation 1x10-² s-1 to 1x10-² s-1 with a fit to the Ostwald de Waele model. The rheological characterization of the formulations showed that all of them exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior, with F4 standing out as having a higher apparent viscosity. Finally, formulation F4 showed the best bromatological, rheological, and sensory characteristics, demonstrating that the incorporation of new ingredients can modify traditional tahini to promote its consumption.

“Planeterranean” diet: the new proposal for the Mediterranean-based food pyramid for Asia

Background and objectivesThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been recognized for its benefits for human health and sustainability for the planet, but it has considered not easy to reproduce in other populations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development is fostering a research project (Planeterranea), aiming to identify a healthy dietary pattern based on local foods with the same MD features. The aim of our study is to develop a MD-based food pyramid for Asian populations.MethodsAsia was stratified into six areas according to pedo-climatic conditions. For each region a comprehensive scoping review of local crops and typical foods was conducted on several databases such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s database, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website, and PubMed, focusing on both plant-based and animal-based foods. Narrative review was then conducted on the identified foods to determine their nutritional composition and planetary health impact. Finally, the collected information was used to build up the Asian food pyramid with details for each respective region.ResultsWe proposed a food pyramid for Asian countries, guaranteeing the same nutritional intake and health benefits as MD, by considering dietary habits and typical foods of this population. From the bottom to the top, Asian fruits and vegetables present similar nutritional profile as those in MD. Whole grains (barley) may represent valid alternative to white rice. Sesame oil represents a source of unsaturated fats and an alternative to olive oil. Legumes (soybean), edible insects, mushrooms and algae, guarantee an adequate intake of plant-based proteins with a complete amino-acid profile and a low environmental impact with respect to animal-based ones.ConclusionsThis work is a new insight of healthy and sustainable local food system based on MD principles for the Asian population.

Comprehensive review of rock dust for soil remineralization in sustainable agriculture and preliminary assessment of nutrient values in micronized porous basalt rock from Nghe-An province, Vietnam

This review delves into the utilization of rock powder as a mineral-derived fertilizer to support soil remineralization in the context of sustainable agriculture. Soil remineralization has emerged as a key strategy for ensuring long-term soil fertility and reducing the dependency on synthetic fertilizers. This review critically assesses the methodological approaches applied in various studies, taking into account factors such as local rock mineralogy, soil conditions, crop types, and nutrient uptake by plants. The review covers a range of methods, including nutrient value analysis, assessment of nutrient release rates, crop cultivation experiments in both laboratory and field settings, and the resulting implications for soil remineralization. Additionally, we present findings from a preliminary study focusing on the nutrient content of basalt rock from Nghe-An Province, Vietnam. This experimental investigation is centered on the assessment of nutrient values in a specific porous basalt material, which has been processed into micro-nanometer particles using a high-energy ball mill, thereby enhancing nutrient release efficiency. The study employs a range of analytical techniques, including XRD, XRF, SEM/EDS, and ICP-MS, to quantify macro- and micro-nutrient compositions. While the basalt rock samples may exhibit limitations in providing macronutrients (such as K) compared to commercial azomite rock, they offer distinct advantages in furnishing secondary macronutrients (like Ca). This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the potential use of micronized basalt rock for soil remineralization.

Cropping systems and production assessment in southern Myanmar: Informing strategic interventions

Abstract Cropland expansion into natural forests in the Kyunsu Township, southern Myanmar, has diminished the sustainability of natural resources in this area. Analyzing local cropping systems can help explore options for improving land productivity on the existing croplands. To achieve this, a study was conducted between June 2020 and June 2021, involving 301 farmers’ households within the township. The study focused on socioeconomic status, crop production characteristics, key soil properties, and production constraints. Hierarchical clustering on principal components was applied to identify the existing cropping systems. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of variables between identified cropping systems was performed. The findings revealed that in the plantation zone, the median gross value added (GVA) reached US$ 1,276 ha−1 year−1 for perennial monocropping and US$ 1,715 ha−1 year−1 for perennial-multiple cropping. These values were higher than the median GVAs of perennial monocropping (US$ 460 ha−1 year−1) and perennial-multiple cropping (US$ 474 ha−1 year−1) in the sea zone. In the lowland and sea zones, annual monocropping of rice had low median GVAs of 206 and US$ 165 ha−1 year−1, respectively. The combination of rice and perennial species in the lowland zone resulted in a higher median GVA (US$ 383 ha−1 year−1) compared to rice sole cropping in both the lowland and sea zones. Coupled with favorable soil properties, cropping systems that integrated perennial species, particularly multiple cropping with strategic input use, demonstrated enhanced land productivity. However, to optimize land productivity in these cropping systems, it is crucial to address major constraints, such as high input prices, poor soil quality, and scarcity of freshwater.

Earth Observation based multi-scale analysis of crop diversity in the European Union: First insights for agro-environmental policies

Characterizing and quantifying crop diversity (“effective number of crops”) across scales is needed to understand a wide range of issues related to resilience of farms and the agricultural sector, the provision of ecosystem services, and ultimately to provide a scientific basis for effective agro-environmental policies. We use a novel European Union (EU) wide satellite-derived product at 10 m spatial resolution to produce datasets of crop diversity across spatial (1–100 km) and administrative scales for the year 2018. We focus on the 27 EU countries and the United Kingdom. We define local crop diversity (α-diversity) at the 1 km scale corresponding to large farms or clusters of small-to-medium sized farms. Across countries, the α crop diversity ranges from 2.3 to 4.4 with the highest levels achieved by systems dominated by a high number of small farms (less than 10 ha on average). Computed at grid level aggregation, γ-diversity (the number and area of crops that are grown independently from the precise location, for landscape region, and country levels) increases rapidly from 2.85 at 1 km to 3.86 at 10 km and levels off 4.27 at 100 km. Such diversity levels are higher than that reported for the U.S.A., likely related to differences in farm structure and practices. β-diversity, the ratio of γ and α diversity, provides a measure of the diversity between agroecosystems and ranges from 1.2 to 2.3 across EU countries. Based on the magnitude and change of γ-diversity across scales, we classify countries’ diversity in four groups with possible consequences for regional to national agro-environmental policy recommendations, in particular the monitoring activities and indicator development of interventions for the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU. Forthcoming annual high-resolution continental Copernicus crop type maps will facilitate temporal comparisons. Various ecosystem co-variates are to be explored for deeper understanding of the link of crop diversity to agro-ecosystem services.

Algorithm for Corn Crop Row Recognition during Different Growth Stages Based on ST-YOLOv8s Network

Corn crop row recognition during different growth stages is a major difficulty faced by the current development of visual navigation technology for agricultural robots. In order to solve this problem, an algorithm for recognizing corn crop rows during different growth stages is presented based on the ST-YOLOv8s network. Firstly, a dataset of corn crop rows during different growth stages, including the seedling stage and mid-growth stage, is constructed in this paper; secondly, an improved YOLOv8s network, in which the backbone network is replaced by the swin transformer (ST), is proposed in this paper for detecting corn crop row segments; after that, an improved supergreen method is introduced in this paper, and the segmentation of crop rows and background within the detection frame is achieved utilizing the enhanced method; finally, the corn crop row lines are identified using the proposed local–global detection method, which detects the local crop rows first, and then detects the global crop rows. The corn crop row segment detection experiments show that the mean average precision (MAP) of the ST-YOLOv8s network during different growth stages increases by 7.34%, 11.92%, and 4.03% on average compared to the MAP of YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, and YOLOv8s networks, respectively, indicating that the ST-YOLOv8s network has a better crop row segment detection effect compared to the comparison networks. Corn crop row line detection experiments show that the accuracy of the local–global detection method proposed in this paper is improved by 17.38%, 10.47%, and 5.99%, respectively, compared with the accuracy of the comparison method; the average angle error is reduced by 3.78°, 1.61°, and 0.7°, respectively, compared with the average angle error of the comparison method; and the average fitting time is reduced by 5.30 ms, 18 ms, and 33.77 ms, respectively, compared with the average fitting time of the comparison method, indicating that the local–global detection method has a better crop row line detection effect compared to the comparison method. In summary, the corn crop row recognition algorithm proposed in this paper can well accomplish the task of corn crop row recognition during different growth stages and contribute to the development of crop row detection technology.

The association between crop diversity and children’s dietary diversity: multi-scalar and cross-national comparisons

Food insecurity is rising across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where undernourishment continues to affect a large portion of the population, particularly young children. Studies examining the associations between crop diversity and childhood nutrition have recently proliferated but are characterized by inconsistent results and two key limitations. First, many studies focus only on the household level, overlooking the prospect that more diverse crops at village and regional levels may contribute to household food security. Second, many studies pool data from multiple countries, which may obscure important context-specific aspects of nutrition outcomes. Drawing on Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 10 SSA countries, in combination with agricultural production estimates for 112 crop species, this study explores the associations between crop diversity at multiple scales (10-, 25-, and 50-kilometer radii) and children’s dietary diversity (HDDS). In addition to producing overall estimates across our sample, we measure country-specific associations to account for spatial heterogeneity. Results of the overall model show a negative association between crop diversity and dietary diversity. However, the country-specific analyses uncover extensive variability in these associations: in some cases, diversity is highly positively correlated with HDDS, while in others the estimated effect is negative or nonexistent. Our findings suggest that country-level analyses provide important nuance that may be masked in pooled analyses. Moreover, these findings foreground the importance of looking beyond household-level analyses to understand the dynamic role that local crop diversity, and its exchange across space, can play in supporting children’s dietary diversity.

Performance evaluation and multivariate analysis of maize accessions against drought stress in Lamjung district, Nepal

The selection of drought-tolerant genotypes from the existing gene pool is a preliminary step for breeding for drought tolerance. Research efforts aimed at exploring the ability of crops to withstand drought stress have not yet touched the realm of reproductive drought performance of local genotypes. To examine how local crop accessions demonstrate varying reproductive performance under drought conditions, twenty accessions of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for six quantitative traits in a two-factor factorial completely randomized design with two replications between February to June of 2023. All the traits under study showed significant differences among the genotypes (p < 0.05). Owing to their grain yield, ear weight, and hundred grain weight, accessions NGRC05592, NGRC05582, NGRC05564, NGRC05565, NGRC05571, and NGRC05569 performed better under drought condition than other tested accessions. Accession NGRC05592 showed the highest yield under drought condition, whereas, NGRC05573 and NGRC05576 showed poor performance. GGE Biplot analysis for grain yield revealed that NGRC05571 and NGRC05592 had the highest mean yield, with the accession NGRC05592 standing out as the stable variety under changing soil moisture levels and performing best among all the tested accessions under drought condition. The possibility of accession NGRC05592 being used as a potential genetic resource for drought breeding programs has been observed, but further studies aiming at its stability under field conditions in diverse agro-climatic regions across different years are encouraged to assure its prospect for developing cultivars suited to drought-affected regions.

Dari Petani Subsisten Ke Ekonomi Pasar

Independent oil palm plantations in the region are extensive compared to other local crop production. Oil palm has become an important plantation product for local communities. Oil palm plantations significantly change the socio-economic and environmental conditions of local communities. Oil palm plantations in the sub-district contribute significantly more to plantation production than other small-scale crops. The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the transition of small-scale agriculture to a market economy and to determine the factors driving this change. This research was conducted in Parindu sub-district, considering that oil palm plantations account for 61.33% of the area. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method. Sampling was done using target sampling. Data collection techniques were conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The triangulation technique was used to check the validity of the data. The data analysis method used the Miles and Hubermen analysis model (data reduction, presentation, and review). The informants in this study were independent oil palm farmers. The research found that before the introduction of market-oriented commercial farming systems, the Parindu community practiced subsistence farming, shifting cultivation and rubber plantations, and the results were sufficient to meet the needs of their families. They did not cultivate rubber as their main job, but as a side job in between their work as farmers. The desire to fulfill family needs became a strong foundation for the transformation of the agricultural economy from subsistence farming to the field of product marketing through the market economy. This change affected farmers' lifestyles, which were reflected in their possessions and assets. Property and wealth clearly increase honor and dignity as well as social status.

Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promote Plukenetia volubilis Growth and Decrease the Infection Levels of Meloidogyne incognita.

The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offers promising benefits to agriculture in the Amazon regions, where soils are characteristically acidic and nutrient-poor. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effects of two recently described species of AMF (Nanoglomus plukenetiae and Rhizoglomus variabile) native to the Peruvian Amazon for improving the plant growth of Plukenetia volubilis (inka nut or sacha inchi) and protecting the roots against soil pathogens. Two assays were simultaneously conducted under greenhouse conditions in Peru. The first focused on evaluating the biofertilizer effect of AMF inoculation, while the second examined the bioprotective effect against the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Overall, the results showed that AMF inoculation of P. volubilis seedlings positively improved their development, particularly their biomass, height, and the leaf nutrient contents. When seedlings were exposed to M. incognita, plant growth was also noticeably higher for AMF-inoculated plants than those without AMF inoculation. Nematode reproduction was significantly suppressed by the presence of AMF, in particular R. variabile, and especially when inoculated prior to nematode exposure. The dual AMF inoculation did not necessarily lead to improved crop growth but notably improved P and K leaf contents. The findings provide strong justification for the development of products based on AMF as agro-inputs to catalyze nutrient use and uptake and protect crops against pests and diseases, especially those that are locally adapted to local crops and cropping conditions.