Dual-purpose Crop Research Articles

Yam protein ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal immunosuppression by regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites

Yam is a dual-purpose crop used in both medicine and food that is commonly used as a dietary supplement in food processing. Since yam proteins are often lost during the production of yam starch, elucidating the functionally active value of yam proteins is an important guideline for fully utilizing yam in industrial production processes. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effect of yam protein (YP) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results showed that YP can reduce immune damage caused by CTX by reversing immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, etc.) in the intestines of mice. Moreover, YPs were found to prevent CTX-induced microbiota dysbiosis by enhancing the levels of beneficial bacteria within the microbiome, such as Lactobacillus, and lowering those of Desulfovibrio_R and Helicobacter_A. Metabolomics analyses showed that YP significantly altered differential metabolites (tryptophan, etc.) and metabolic pathways (ABC transporter protein, etc.) associated with immune responses in the gut. Furthermore, important connections were noted between particular microbiomes and metabolites, shedding light on the immunoprotective effects of YPs by regulating gut flora and metabolism. These findings deepen our understanding of the functional properties of YPs and lay a solid foundation for the utilization of yam.

Forage boost or grain blues? Legume choices shape Kernza intermediate wheatgrass dual-purpose crop performance

Context or problemKernza intermediate wheatgrass is a new perennial grain crop with the potential to produce high nutritive value forage when intercropped with legumes. Understanding the potential benefits of intercropping systems requires considering the interaction between different legume species intercropped, intermediate wheatgrass row spacing, and environments encompassing spatial and temporal variation. Objective or research questionWe aimed to evaluate the effect of these factors on the biomass allocation to harvestable (grain, intermediate wheatgrass forage, legume forage) and non-harvestable (weed biomass) outputs. MethodsIn four environments, given by the combination of two sites (Wisconsin, USA) and two establishment years, we sowed intermediate wheatgrass in two row spacings in eight cropping systems: three intermediate wheatgrass monocultures [control without N fertilization, intermediate wheatgrass fertilized with 45 or 90 kg N ha−1 as urea], and four intermediate wheatgrass-legume intercrops (intermediate wheatgrass with alfalfa, Berseem clover, Kura clover, or red clover). We evaluate grain yields, intermediate wheatgrass and legume forage, and weed biomass over three consecutive years. ResultsOur results suggest that intercropping legumes does not affect Kernza grain yield in the first grain production year, which is the year with the highest yield potential. In subsequent production years, grain yields were lower in red clover intercrops than in intermediate wheatgrass monoculture control or fertilized, depending on the environment. Among the legumes tested in our study, red clover and alfalfa were suitable for increasing total biomass production in most of the environments and red clover reduced weed biomass compared to intermediate wheatgrass monocultures. ConclusionsOur results encourage intercropping legumes with intermediate wheatgrass because of the increase in forage yield and quality. These benefits can compensate for lower Kernza grain yields commonly observed in the second and third production years. Implications or significanceOur study provides valuable insights into the intermediate wheatgrass potential as a dual-use crop for grain and forage production. Improving our understanding of the factors that influence grain yield and forage production such as post-harvest management, multiple forage harvests or grazing, may optimize the productivity and sustainability of these cropping systems.

Molecular mechanism for the influence of yam starch multiscale structure on the sensory texture of cooked yam

Yam is a dual-purpose crop as both medicine and food. However, the mechanism controlling the eating quality of yam remains to be elucidated. This study explored the influence of starch multiscale structure on the texture of yam. The results indicated that FS and RC yam have higher hardness and chewiness, while BZ, XM, and PL yam possess waxiness, Fineness, and Stickiness. Statistically, high amylose (AM) can increase hardness, chewiness, and compactness; and average molecular size (Rh) is positively correlated with stickiness, fineness, and waxiness. Specifically, medium- and long-chain amylose (1000 < X ≤ 10,000) and amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 100), particularly medium-chain amylose (1000 < X ≤ 5000) and long-chain amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 36), primarily affect sensory and rheological stickiness. The long chains of amylose form a straight chain interspersed in the crystalline and amorphous regions to support the entire lamellar structure. Higher proportion of amylose long chains, promoting the starch's structural rigidity, which in turn enhanced its hardness-related attributes. Moreover, a higher ratio of long chains within amylopectin results in tightly intertwined adjacent outer chains, forming double helix crystalline zones. This consequently augmenting the texture quality linked to stickiness-related attributes.

Exploring the genetic variability in yield, nutritional and digestibility traits in oat grains through ruminant nutrition

Oat is a dual-purpose crop used for both food and feed for animals. The objective of this work is to characterize oat varieties for their genetic diversity in yield, physical traits, and nutritional composition, aiming to identify potential parent varieties for breeding programs to develop new oat varieties for improved livestock feed and diverse industrial applications. To conduct, chemical analysis for protein and carbohydare fractions, energy and digestible nutrient estimated, stastical analyses performed to assess genetic variations for traits among vaieties. Significant genetic variation (p < 0.05) for grain yield, grain density, sieving percentage, crude protein, ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber, cellulose, lignin, neutral and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen were observed in grains of eight oat varieties. All protein fractions exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05). Total carbohydrate content ranged significantly (p < 0.05) from 73 % to 79 %. The grains contained higher levels of intermediately degradable starch and pectin (54.12–60.16 %) compared to the slowly degradable cell wall (26–33 %), lignin bounded cell wall (6–10 %), and rapidly degradable sugars (2–8%). Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed in terms of gross energy, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, net energy for maintenance and lactation about (2 Mcal/kg dry matter), gain (1.6–1.8 Mcal/kg dry matter), total digestible nutrients, digestible dry matter, rumen degradable protein, and total digestible nutrients related to crude protein, fatty acid, neutral detergent fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrate. Organic matter and ether extract were positively associated (p < 0.01) with total digestible nutrients, digestible and metabolizable energy, dry matter digestible and truly digestible non fibrous cabohydrates, while neutral and acid detergent fiber and cellulose showed negative correlation. The research shows that oat varieties vary widely in their yield, physical features, and nutritional content, offering potential for breeding better varieties for both animal feed and industrial uses.

Unlocking the potential of Kodo millet: reviving an indigenous super grain for tomorrow's nutrition.

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilized crop that encompasses nutritional benefits and climate resilience, making it a viable option for future crop development with nutraceutical properties. The cultivation of this crop has ancient roots, where it was revered for its ability to thrive in times of famine and was a vital companion crop to rice. Dishes made with Kodo millet are highly palatable and can be easily integrated into mainstream rice-based dishes. Among all cereals, Kodo millet is distinguished by its gluten-free composition, high phosphorus content, and significant antioxidant potential, which contributes to a diet that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Often grown in rainfed zones by marginal farmers, Kodo millet is valued for its grain and fodder. This less demanding crop can tolerate both biotic and abiotic stress, allowing it to thrive in soils with low organic matter and with minimal inputs, making it an ideal dual-purpose crop for rainfed areas. Despite its nutritional and agricultural benefits, Kodo millet's popularity is hindered by challenges such as low yield, market demand, lodging at harvest, and poor dehulling recovery, which necessitate the development of high-yielding varieties through the latest breeding advancements. Systematic investment and concerted breeding efforts are essential to harness the full potential of this nutrient-dense crop. The absence of whole genome sequence for Kodo millet poses a barrier to uncovering novel genetic traits. Consequently, there is an imperative to establish a millet-based value chain that elevates these underutilized crops, shaping smart cropping patterns and enhancing nutritional profiles for sustainable diets. Accordingly, this review highlights the significance of Kodo millet and the impact of breeding to establish it as a smart food choice for the future.

Effectiveness of biofertilizers foliar application on yield and quality traits of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is considered to be one of the most significant dual-purpose crops for oil and fiber production in Egypt and worldwide. Biofertilizers have a substantial impact on various metabolic processes, including increased photosynthesis, endogenous hormone levels, ion absorption, nucleic acid synthesis, and protein synthesis. These factors collectively contribute to the growth and development of plants. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how three biofertilizers (Algae extract, CMS as a by-product of yeast, and Metalosate multi minerals as amino acids) can enhance both the quantity and quality of flax seed yield under sandy soil conditions. Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria District, Behira Governorate, Egypt during two seasons (2021/2022) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed significant differences among all tested biofertilizers in terms of various characteristics studied in flax. Foliar application of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L resulted in an increase in seed yield (ton/ha) by 26.69% & 19.89%, straw yield (ton/ha) by 8.08% & 17.12%, and oil yield (kg/ha) by 47.72% & 33.69% compared to the control group during both seasons respectively. Foliar applications of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L along with CMS at a rate of 5 ​mL/L and amino acids at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L demonstrated significantly higher macronutrient contents (N, P, K), micronutrient contents (Fe, Zn, Mn), seed oil content, and protein content in flax seeds during both seasons. The highest values for seed oil content and protein content % were obtained through foliar application of amino acids at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L. It can be concluded that foliar sprays with these biofertilizers effectively improved flax performance by increasing seed straw and oil yields, nutrients oil, protein and fatty acids seeds contents.

A Comprehensive Molecular, Biochemical, Histochemical, and Spectroscopic Characterization of Early and Medium Duration Rice Genotypes Investigating Dry Matter Accumulation Efficiencies.

Investigation on accumulation of cell wall components over critical growth stages will surely provide a new insight into dry matter accumulation studies in rice. An elevated biomass production provides an alternative strategy of yield improvement, which in turn maneuvers the species concerned as potential dual-purpose crop. On that note, present study was carried on 33 early and 39 medium duration rice genotypes. The average cellulose accumulation was 6.51% and 8.17% in early and medium duration genotypes, respectively, at flowering stage, which later on dipped to 1.43% and 3.46%, respectively, at physiological maturity. The gene specific marker MDgsp-5.a exhibited highest estimate of polymorphic information content (PIC), i.e., 0.685, closely followed by MDgsp-6.a with polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.683. The control genotypes, i.e., Pratap and Mandakini, are grouped under the same cluster, i.e., Cluster-I.A, indicating their inherent genetic divergence from that of potential accumulators pertaining to cellulose accumulation. Pratap and Mandakini failed to produce peaks of conspicuous form at 3342cm-1 and 1635cm-1, bearing out by their low performance pertaining to cellulose and lignin accumulation at the later stages of development, respectively. From histochemistry studies, it was observed that the cell walls of sclerenchyma, peripheral vascular bundles, and parenchyma of the culm transections in control genotypes stained lightly than that of prolific accumulator cell walls, thus corroborating the findings of compositional analysis. The variation in cell wall thickening is primarily accounted due to altered carbohydrate accumulation across the growth stages as explored under scanning electron micrograph.

SoybeanTracer: An In-Field scene property-based framework for high-throughput soybean canopy coverage extraction and evaluation

Soybean is a crucial plant-based protein and vegetable oil source for the global population and a significant cereal-oil dual-purpose crop. Extracting soybean canopy coverage, subsequently implementing evaluation in a low-cost, high-throughput and accurate manner, is highly valuable for soybean breeding and yield increase. Although the utilization of RGB remote sensing images for soybean analysis offers distinct advantages in terms of its cost effectiveness, there are still issues to be addressed. Specifically, the in-field scene properties of soybean canopy data have rarely been developed and there is a gap in automatic evaluation of soybean canopy coverage. For purpose of tackling these pending issues, this study proposed SoybeanTracer, a novel framework designed to achieve accurate soybean canopy coverage extraction and enable specialized evaluation with low cost and high throughput. The proposed framework comprised two components: Soybean Canopy Segmentation Network (SCSNet) and an agronomic soybean coverage evaluation system. Specifically, SCSNet employed a feature extraction network integrating the homogeneity within plot regions and soybean distribution characteristics. To further address the segmentation challenge of soybean plants with sparse growth posed by genotypes, a soybean multiscale feature fusion module was designed. As a result, SCSNet achieved a mean intersection over union (mIoU) and mean pixel accuracy (mPA) of 89.39% and 94.42%, respectively, on soybean canopy segmentation. Therefore, accurate and low-cost extraction of soybean canopy coverage was achieved through the use of RGB remote sensing data. Furthermore, the soybean canopy coverage evaluation system proposed in this study encompassed five levels, characterized by wider spacing at the two ends and narrower spacing in the middle. This agronomic evaluation system had been effectively implemented on 196 plots. The variance in the pairwise levels of the coverage evaluation results demonstrated the robustness of the evaluation system. SoybeanTracer could indeed help to extract soybean canopy coverage and provide valuable reference for implementing soybean genotype selection, laying a useful foundation for other crops in similar scientific tasks. The source code and trained models were available at https://github.com/KLoAS-Research/SCSNet-SoybeanTracer.

Breaking ground: transformative partnerships for inclusive bean breeding in Zimbabwe

Common bean is often considered a woman’s crop because they play important roles from production to marketing. However, breeding programs often focus on farmers without adequate attention to the interconnectedness between gender and other socioeconomic variables and how they influence varietal and trait preferences of other value chain actors. This study analyzed gendered differences in bean production and trade, implications of socioeconomic conditions on bean production and marketing, and the role of partnerships in closing gender gaps in the bean value chain in Zimbabwe. The results obtained from the analysis of survey data collected from 131 farmers and 18 trades revealed beans as a dual-purpose crop for male and female farmers and traders. Varietal and trait preferences were the same for both male and female farmers and traders but were prioritized differently. While female farmers prioritized cooking time, men farmers prioritized biofortification and market traits. Whereas male traders equally preferred price, color, and appearance, female traders prioritized price over color and appearance. Poverty and marital statuses of respondents influenced the number of varieties preferred by male and female farmers. We found that the effectiveness of partnerships in closing gender gaps in marketing is variety specific. While having partners closed the gender gaps in the marketing of the NUA45 variety, such partnerships did not have the same effect on closing gender gaps in the marketing of Cherry, Gloria, and other varieties. The results show that considering socioeconomic characteristics of actors and partnerships can reduce gender disparities in the bean value chain. Therefore, breeding programs should recognize the interconnectedness between socioeconomic variables and gender when developing breeding products.

Temporary growth cessation of wheat roots following defoliation

Background and aimsDefoliation triggers the remobilisation of root reserves to generate new leaves which can affect root growth until the shoot resumes net assimilation. However, the duration of root growth cessation and its impact on resource uptake potential is uncertain.MethodsWinter wheat was established in a 4 m high outdoor rhizobox facility equipped with imaging panels, sensors, and access points for tracer-labelling. The wheat was defoliated in autumn at early tillering and roots were imaged at a high-time resolution and analyzed by deep learning segmentation. The water and nitrogen (N) uptake were measured using time-domain reflectometer (TDR) sensors and 2H and 15N isotopes.ResultsRoot penetration of wheat paused for 269 °C days (20 days) following defoliation after which it resumed at a similar rate to un-defoliated plants (1.8 mm °C days−1). This caused a substantial decrease in root density with an associated reduction in water and N uptake at maturity, especially from deeper soil layers (>2 m).ConclusionsOur results have significant implications for managing the grazing of dual-purpose crops to balance the interplay between canopy removal and the capacity of deep roots to provide water and N for yield recovery.

Dual-purpose crops productivity and small-scale dairy farmers’ food security efforts toward climate variability and change in Benin

Dual-purpose cropping (sowing crops with the intention of both grazing them during vegetative growth and harvesting grain thereafter for household consumption) is certainly a promising way to address challenges face by small-scale dairy farmers in Benin due to climate variability and change. This study evaluated the impact of climate variability and change on dual-purpose crops productivity performances and nutritional values in Benin’s climatic regions. Four dual-purpose crops were studied. They are maize fodder, sorghum fodder, peanut fodder and cowpea fodder. The grain yield across various climate regions and years were assessed. Also fodders samples were analysed according to official methods of AOAC. The results showed that dual purposes crops yield were significantly affected particularly in some years in many regions of Benin by climate parameters variation. The variation of humidity had a negative effect on cereals dual-purpose crops production in Guinean region while the impacts of temperature and rainfall on dual purpose crops were higher in Sudanian region. The model for predicting the resistance of dual-purpose crops to climate variability and change revealed that The Annual Yield of Sorghum Grain was significantly influenced by humidity (P=0.0111), Rainfall (P=0.0374) and Weather station/Region (P=0.0493), as well as by the interaction between temperature and Grain Yield per Hectare (P=0.0423). The annual quantity of maize produced varied significantly with temperature (P=0.00154), humidity, Rainfall (P=0. 00792), Weather station/ Region (P=0.00362). The Annual Yield of Cowpea Grain production varied significantly with Temperature and Humidity (0.0205). Furthermore, temperature, humidity, year and Grain Yield per Hectare significantly affected the Annual Yield of Peanut Grain Produced. Nutritional values of the four studies dual-purpose crops were assessed. The energy values were 0.60 and 0.50 UFL/kg of Dry Matter respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder, the contents of digestible nitrogenous materials (MAD) were 1 and 0 g/kg of DM respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder. If the energy values were quite good for cereals fodder, the nitrogen values were very low. This study highlighted the nutritional advantage of leguminous fodders over cereal fodders.

Influence of Grazing on Canola Grain, Canola Forage Yield, and Beef Cattle Performance

Interest is increasing in grazing winter canola (Brassica napus) as an alternative crop in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotations in the Southern High Plains (SHP) of the USA and similar environments. In this stidy, winter cereal rye (Secale cereale) and winter canola pastures (forage) were compared for two winter growing seasons at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM, USA, to determine the relative effect of pasture type on late-gestation beef cows and growing yearling cattle, along with the effect of grazing on canola grain production. Canola grain yields were reduced by 25% when canola was grazed until removal approximately one month after grazing was initiated, but before the onset of rapid regrowth after winter (641 vs. 486 kg grain ha−1 for never grazed or grazed canola, respectively, p &lt; 0.0256). No differences existed for forage mass, nutritive value, or animal performance, although forage mineral composition of canola could be a concern. Grazing winter canola as a dual-purpose crop in the SHP and similar environments is feasible when proper grazing management is applied; producers should anticipate a 20–25% reduction in grain yield, but expect animal gains to offset that loss.

The potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to manage insect pests and diseases

The saprophytic white muscardine fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin is a potential biocontrol agent against varied insect pests, is a commercially available mycopesticide in many countries, and is extensively used for insect pest management. It produces several metabolites, such as antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, and insecticidal compounds that protect against insect pests and plant pathogens, with dual-purpose crop protection, a new concept in plant disease management. This insect pathogen is also beneficial to plant endophytes that are antagonistic to plant diseases and promote rhizosphere colonizers and plant growth, inducing systemic resistance. The induced systemic responses of fungal endophytes enhance genes that are expressed in pathogenesis and increase the production of pathogenesis-related proteins and defense enzymes. The fungus infects the insects by degrading mechanically and chemically their cuticles. It promotes plant growth, provides systemic protection against pests and pathogens in sustainable agricultural crop production, and reduces the usage of chemical pesticides.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers] intercropping improves grain yield, fodder biomass, and nutritive value

Burkina Faso livestock feeding is characterized by a hot dry season fodder deficit, which affects animal performance and causes economic losses. To overcome this challenge, improving quality fodder production through the use of dual-purpose crops is a potential alternative. Hence, this study aimed at testing dual-purpose cultivars of sorghum and cowpea under monoculture and intercropping in the North Sudan zone in Burkina Faso. To do this, a “Mother and Baby trials” approach was adopted. The mother trial was designed as a randomized complete block with eight treatments (combinations of monoculture and intercropping systems for two cowpeas and two sorghum cultivars) and four replications during two cropping seasons (2019 and 2020) at the INERA research station in Saria. The on-farm “baby” trials involved 30 farmers during two cropping seasons (2019 and 2020) in four communes: Koudougou, Poa, Nandiala, and Kokologo. Data were collected on weed biomass and density, fodder biomass and grain yield, intercropping efficiency, and fodder nutritive value. The results of the mother trial showed that intercropping significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced weed density and weed biomass. Sorghum cultivar Ponta Negra had the highest fodder biomass yield (10.05 kg DM/ha) while sorghum Sariaso16 had the highest grain yield (4.42 kg/ha). Cowpea cultivar KVx745-11P had greater fodder biomass (4.72 kg DM/ha) than Tiligré (3.28 kg DM/ha) with similar grain yield (2.17 and 2.17 kg/ha). Intercropping was the most efficient land-use cropping system for fodder biomass and grain yield improvement both in mother and baby trials. For fodder nutritive value, cultivars Sariaso16 and Ponta Negra had similar crude protein concentrations (ranging from 4.1 to 5.4%), and cowpea cultivar KVx745-11P haulms had greater crude protein (ranging from 16.9 to 20.3%). The use of Ponta Negra and KVx745-11P and Sariaso16 and KVx745-11P under intercropping is likely to optimize grain and quality fodder production for crop-livestock farmers in the North Sudan zone.

Effect of Defoliation Time on Rye Yield and Its Quality under Dual-Purpose Cultivation for Roughage and Concentrate Production

A dual-purpose cultivation system allows cereals to produce both roughage and concentrate during one growing season. To establish a cultivation system for rye, the appropriate time for foliage mowing was determined to ensure a yield of nutrient-rich roughage from the first crop and abundant grain from the second crop. This is because the stage of growth at defoliation affects the yield and quality of both crops. The experimental rye line ‘4R-504’ was grown in two successive cropping seasons; 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Foliage was mowed at three different growth stages: the booting stage (BT), the early-heading stage (EH), and the fully heading stage (FH). Along with the growth stage, the plants grew taller, and the highest dry matter yield in the first crop was observed in FH (757 g m−2), which was 1.5 times higher than that in BT (480 g m−2). Although the nutritional value was higher in plants harvested at an earlier growth stage, the EH and FH plants showed a higher dry matter yield, resulting in a higher production of metabolizable energy per area. Plants that had been mowed earlier regrew vigorously and produced an abundant amount of grains in the second crop. BT showed the highest grain yield of 239 g m−2, which corresponds to 60% of the yield from the unmowed control. FH produced grains of only 76 g m−2, which barely met the requirement of the dual-purpose cropping system. To enhance the nutritional yield of roughage, it is recommended to harvest the first crop at the early heading stage. Conversely, to achieve a higher grain yield, defoliation should be carried out during the booting stage.

Therapeutic and nutritive uses of &lt;i&gt;Macrotyloma uniflorum&lt;/i&gt; (Lam.) Verdc. (Horsegram), a somewhat neglected plant of the family Fabaceae

Underutilized legumes are a significant group of crops that have particular importance in subsistence farming and the nutritional security of resource-poor communities in developing countries. Horsegram [&lt;i&gt;Macrotyloma uniflorum&lt;/i&gt; (Lam.) Verdc.], a lesser-known neglected legume, is one such crop that is mainly cultivated in Asian and African countries as a dual-purpose crop. This climate-resilient legume is well-known for its drought hardiness and favorable agronomic features that make it suitable for cultivating dry lands under poor soil fertility conditions. It has a nutritional value comparable to other commonly consumed pulses and serves as a cheap source of nutrition for unprivileged rural communities residing in inaccessible areas. In addition, horsegram has excellent therapeutic properties and is traditionally used to cure various conditions such as kidney stones, asthma, bronchitis, leukoderma, urinary discharges, heart diseases, and piles. Furthermore, it possesses anti-diabetic and anti-ulcer activity and can help in the dietary management of obesity due to the presence of beneficial bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, medicinal properties, and the potential for horsegram to be exploited as functional/medicinal food for health benefits.

Assessment of the Nutritional Value of Stems and Leaves of Australian Adzuki Bean.

Adzuki bean has recently been proposed as a viable dual-purpose (grain-and-graze) crop for the Northern regions of Australia because of its successful use in semi-arid regions and its nitrogen fixation capacity to improve soil fertility and animal nutrition. However, there are very few studies on the phytochemical composition and nutritional value of the non-seed material. This study investigated the phenolic composition of the parts grown in the vegetative phase (leaves and stems) of nine Australian adzuki bean varieties for the first time. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the stem material (157-406 mg GAE/100 g) was 23-217% higher than that of commercial livestock feed, while the TPC of the leaf material (1158-1420 mg GAE/100 g) was 9-11 times higher. Using tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the major phenolic compounds identified were rutin, luteolin, salicylic acid, and quercetin-3-glucoside. The leaf and stem materials showed high levels of apparent in vitro dry matter digestibility, with no significant difference in total gas or methane production compared to lucerne hay. The results suggest that adzuki bean vegetative materials could be a high-value livestock fodder and support pursuing further in-depth studies into their nutritional value for livestock.

Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Tinopiro (Thinopyrum intermedium) as a dual-purpose perennial crop in the Southern Cone: Doctoral thesis abstract

Agriculture based on annual crops requires intensive input management, which has been associated with significant degradation of natural resources. The development of perennial grain crops such as intermediate wheatgrass - (Thinopyrum intermedium) may greatly contribute to reduce this problem, however, previous research has been carried out in high latitude environments and there is no information on this crop for temperate regions with mild winters. The aims of this thesis were a) to determine the cold requirements of intermediate wheatgrass, b) to evaluate the agronomic performance of intermediate wheatgrass managed as a dual-purpose crop in Uruguay, c) to understand the genetic architecture of grain and forage yield components in intermediate wheatgrass under dual-purpose management. Three experiments were carried out, the first one in growth chambers and the other two in the field during two years in Paysandú, Uruguay. Flowering percentage and most grain yield components increased as the length of the cold incubation period at 5°C and 10 h photoperiod increased from 3 to 7 weeks. High intra-population phenotypic diversity was estimated. The effects of two populations produced under contrasting environments and the effects of three doses of nitrogen on grain and forage yield under dual-purpose management were evaluated in the second experiment. The first year, both populations had similar flowering percentages of about 48%, which resulted in an average grain yield of 316 kg ha -1. The average forage yield for the first year was 14695 kg ha -1 and decreased to 4037 kg ha -1 the second year. Fertilization with 160 kg ha -1 nitrogen increased grain yield by 63% and forage yield by 28%. In the third experiment, grain yield components, forage and phenological traits were evaluated in 30 half-sib families. Most of the traits evaluated showed no genotype x age interaction. Indirect selection for spikes per plant and/or yield per spike could have a greater response to selection than direct selection for yield per plant. No trade-off was detected between grain yield components and aboveground biomass production. These results suggest that expansion of this species as a dual-purpose crop to temperate regions with mild winters is feasible after some cycles of selection.

Current agricultural diversification strategies are already agroecological

Modern agriculture, especially monocultures, is increasingly blamed by proponents of agroecology for loss of biodiversity in agroecosystems through loss of natural vegetation and crop genetic diversity. However, loss of natural vegetation to agriculture has slowed in recent years, and the claim for 75% loss of crop genetic diversity due to the widespread use of improved crop varieties lacks evidence. The main objective of this perspective paper is to identify and analyze the kinds of diversity already developed by agricultural research in the context of their function, need and relevance to particular agroecological elements and principles related to biodiversity. The paper shows that biodiversity is already incorporated into agroecosystems in a multitude of ways such as improved crop varieties with functional traits; crop mixtures and dual-purpose crops in monocultures; inter-crops, strip crops or relay crops; cover crops; crop rotations; field margins; landscape diversification; crop-livestock systems; and agroforestry. Emphasis is also given to crop-associated biodiversity above ground and soil biodiversity. The paper highlights that more research is needed to (a) breed crops for multi-cropping systems; (b) improve understanding of how components of diversity interact within or across systems and scales; (c) understand the role of soil biodiversity in soil function; and (d) successfully use crop-associated biodiversity to manage pests and beneficial organisms. In the future, the promotion of agroecological principles should incorporate inputs from crop breeders, agronomists, ecologists and crop protectionists for the benefit of farmers, or such principles will remain aspirational.

Applying circular economy principles to intensification of livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the context of sustainable agricultural development, much has been made of the need to apply agroecology or regenerative principles to improve rural livelihoods and to align the sector with critical planetary health boundaries. This movement is a reaction to the perceived private and social costs arising from both production and consumption associated with industrialised agriculture, mostly in upper-income countries, with several default assumptions being apparent about applicability elsewhere. The notion of circularity, or the circular economy, is frequently conflated with agro ecological rhetoric, often overlooking a longer tradition of circular resource use efficiency in traditional mixed crop–livestock farming in low-income settings. This paper examines the concept and origins of circularity and reviews some examples of historic circular economy research within the international agricultural research system as applied to smallholder agriculture. These include (i) studies focusing on the impact of crop residue retention, (ii) work on residue incorporation and/or mulching and their effects on crop yields and soil fertility, (iii) research on the effects of manure use on crop yields and soil fertility and (iv) work on the feeding of crop residues to livestock. We consider some promising innovations or practices adhering to circular economy principles. Candidate innovations focus on the improvement of livestock feeding practices including the breeding of dual-purpose crops to enhance livestock nutrition, conversion of cereal straw residues to high-quality feed, use of cassava waste as livestock feed and use of insects as livestock feed. We conclude by considering how circular bio-economy principles might be maintained in the future evolution of food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.