Food Crops Research Articles

Increased food crop diversification and gathering of wild plants associated with women's dietary diversity in Chad.

Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to low-quality diets due to their higher micronutrients needs. The minimum dietary diversity for women (MDDW) is a proxy for micronutrient adequacy in this group of women. Its relationship with other aspects that lead to malnutrition is not fully elucidated and depends on the context. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of MDDW among women of a rural area in Chad and its association with socioeconomical, agricultural, dietary and food security data. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Following a multistage cluster sampling, 984 women of reproductive age were randomly selected and interviewed in March 2019. We obtained food consumption data through unquantified 24 h recalls and computed MDDW as consuming at least five out of 10 predefined food groups. We constructed a Food Production Diversity Score (FPDS) with crop and livestock information. We obtained multivariable logistic regression models including different covariates. MDDW was achieved by only 33% of women in the sample. In our final model, we identified a significant association of MDDW with the FPDS and gathering ofwild plants. Women in households with the highest FPDS had 70% more chances of achieving MDDW than those with the lowest FPDS. Gathering wild plants doubled these chances. Areas of cultivated land,Water, Sanitation and Hygiene resources, and a high level of food security, measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale,were also significantly related to the achievement of MDDW. This illustrates the importance of nutrition-sensitive policies, also considering biodiversity and food production diversification.

Establishment of near-infrared rapid prediction model and comprehensive evaluation model for foxtail millet quality

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the earliest cereal crops in the world and is still an important food crop in Asia, Europe and Africa. However, there are few reports on rapid and comprehensive evaluations of foxtail millet quality. In this study, color, nutrient content, cooking quality and sensory quality of 45 varieties of foxtail millet from the main production areas of the country were determined. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was developed for rapid and nondestructive detection of foxtail millet quality, where NIRS models for ash, amylopectin, protein, and VB1 and VB2 were desirable. In addition, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used for comprehensive evaluation of millet quality. The results showed that foxtail millet with low ash, protein, fat and fiber content and high amylopectin and carotenoid content has good cooking quality and was more preferred. This research will contribute to the quality evaluation and further processing of foxtail millet.

Regulation of maize root growth by local phosphorus availability, sucrose metabolism, and partitioning.

Understanding how maize roots proliferate in phosphorus (P)-rich soil patches is critical for improving nutrient acquisition and crop productivity. This study explores the mechanisms of root adaptation to heterogeneous P availability, focusing on sucrose metabolism and the role of local P signals. A split-root system with chambers of differing Pi concentrations (0 and 500 μM) was used to examine maize root responses. Various physiological and biochemical parameters, including root growth, sucrose partitioning, enzyme activities, and gene expression, were measured to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Root proliferation, particularly of second-order lateral roots, was markedly enhanced in P-rich patches. Sucrose was preferentially allocated to the Pi-supplied side, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Sucrose content in these roots decreased, indicating active metabolism. Higher activities of cell-wall invertase and sucrose synthase were observed in the Pi-supplied roots, supporting enhanced carbohydrate utilization. Local P availability triggers significant adjustments in sucrose metabolism and allocation, enhancing the sink capacity of maize roots in P-rich patches. These changes facilitate efficient lateral root proliferation and Pi utilization, highlighting the critical role of local P signals in nutrient acquisition strategies. This research provides deeper insights into the adaptive responses of maize to heterogeneous P environments, offering potential strategies for improving crop nutrient efficiency.

Potentially harmful elements contamination, risk assessment, and their bioaccumulation in food crops

Determining the potentially harmful elements (PHE) in agricultural soil and plants is crucial, as PHE tends to affect soils and crop plants adversely and poses health risks to humans. For this purpose, soil (n = 31) and food crop (n = 31) specimens were picked from agricultural fields and analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Soil showed the highest mean values of 39200 ± 480 mg/kg for iron (Fe) and the lowest of 1.00 ± 0.10 mg/kg cadmium (Cd). Among food crops, the maximum mean concentration of 346 ± 17.2 mg/kg was noted for Fe in the Brassica campestris, while the minimum chromium for (Cr) in Praecitrullus fistulosus was 0.63 ± 0.27 mg/kg. PHE concentrations in food crops were found within limits established by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) for human intake, except for lead (Pb) and Cd. Transfer factor (TF) estimations suggested that the highest value of >1 for Cd was found in the roots of all plants, except Allium cepa and Allium sativum. Similarly, for shoots, TF > 1 was observed in Allium cepa, Coriandrum sativum, Solanum tuberosum, and Solanum lycopersicum. Fe showed the highest chronic daily intake values for children and adults. Furthermore, it is evident from the results that only Cd exhibited a high hazard quotient (HQ > 1) compared to other PHEs, indicating a potential health risk by consuming these crops for children and adults.

Pesticide residues and associated health effects in marketed fruits in Saudi Arabia

AimThis study evaluated the pesticide residues in some fruits collected from different markets in Saudi Arabia (SA) and determined potential health risks associated with them. MethodsConcentrations of pesticide residues in 12 types of fruits from local markets in SA from 2020 to 2022 were collected and evaluated. Multiple residue extraction method QuEChERS followed by LC-MS/MS and GC–MS/MS, were used to analyze 161 samples. ResultsOnly 10 out of 161 samples (6.2 %) were free of pesticides. A total of 132 (87.4 %) pesticide residues were below MRLs, with 19 (12 %) of samples exceeding MRLs. Detected pesticide residues belonged to different chemical classes of pesticides including organophosphates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, neonicotinoids and fungicides. Risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via the intake of the fruit types was performed. Hazard index (HI) for most fruit types were found to be less than 1. Oranges, grapes and pomegranates were the most consumed fruit types (31.6 g/day,15.8 g/day,10.8 g/day) and were contaminated with pesticide residues. Fluopyram, imazalil, chlorpyrifos, finamiphos and indoxacarb had HIs (1.32, 2.76,3.6,3.6,1.5) showed high risk index suggesting risk for systemic toxicity in consumers dependent on the amount of consumption. ConclusionIn summary, high detection rate of pesticide residues was found in different fruits sold in local markets in SA. Regular biomonitoring programs for food crops in SA markets should be enforced, particularly in identified crops with His >1 to increase food safety within the SA community.

Is Cocoa Production a Main Driver of Children’s Work in Ghana?

Child labour in cocoa production remains a major concern. Yet, an overall assessment of the role of cocoa production in child labour, comparing with other household livelihood activities, as well as a more nuanced view on the work that is done by children, is lacking. Using data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey 2017, we model the probability of children’s work based on cocoa production and a set of other variables at child, parental, household and community level. We specify children’s work in different ways to better interpret employment conditions, compare effects across gender and age of the child, and address potential bias by controlling for measurement error and using an instrumental variable estimation and a coefficient stability approach. We find that cocoa production increases the probability of working on the own farm but not exceeding allowable work time or in harmful conditions. The effects are similar for boys and girls but are much larger for older children. Other farm-household activities, especially food crop production and livestock ownership, are much more strongly associated with children’s work, often under more harmful conditions. This implies that solely targeting the cocoa sector might run the risk to transpose child labour to other activities.

Empirical Analysis of Paddy Value Chains in Nepal: Evidence from Logistic Regression Modeling

Background: In the South Asian region, rice is one of the most significant staple food crops. The value chain provides a lot of support for a seamless operation from growth to reaching clients' hands. It not only aids farmers, but it also creates opportunities at every stage. As a result, the goal of this research is to determine the value chain analysis of paddy products in Nepal. Objective: The objectives of the study were to analyse value chain analysis of paddy product, and to identify the constraints and opportunities of rice value chain in Parsa, Siraha and Saptari districts of Nepal. Method: The thesis followed the design of explanatory research and collected data using structured questionnaires. Binary logistic Model was used for inferential analysis. Siraha, Saptari and Birgunj (Parsa) districts are chosen purposely. 260 respondents were conveniently sampled from farmers and traders. Result: The study shows the cooperatives play role in accessing credit, accessing inputs, and training with the help of government and non-government organization. The study tells us the fact that paddy value chain functions in a traditional way, there is no innovative way of integrating the chain actors. The cooperatives are involved in both input supply and credit service. Ages, off-farm income, access to information, access to input are the factors that add value in paddy value chain. Conclusion: This research is based on value chain analysis of paddy product in Parsa, Siraha and Saptari districts. Generally, the price of rice/paddy goes down in the post-harvest period due to heavy arrivals in the market and later shoots up, which results in unstable price. Providing better access to credit to farmers to reduce dependence on money lenders can solve the existing problem. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Value Chain Analysis, Framers, Traders, Value addition, Logistic Model, Kobo toolbox. JEL Classification: N55, C8, Q18, Q24, Q25

Assessment of Agro-morphological Parameters of Two Accessions of Undergrowth Yam (Dioscorea sp.) Cultivated in the Inter-rows of Mature Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis) in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

The valorization of mature rubber tree inter-rows by food crops could solve the problem of food insecurity in rubber tree-growing areas. This study aims to assess the agro-morphological parameters of understory yams sown under mature rubber trees. To this end, a trial was carried out in Daloa on a mature rubber tree plantation and a control plot of sole yam. Two accessions of undergrowth yams, “Bacoué” and “Soupkataloa”, were grown in the rubber tree inter-rows and monoculture. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with 15 repetitions. The parameters measured on the yams were emergence rate, specific leaf area (SLA), number of days to emergence, number of days to first leaf, stem height (Ht), crown diameter (CD) and production. The results showed that the accessions tested under rubber trees emerged relatively well, with 66.67% and 70.83% rates for Bacoué and Soupkataloa, respectively. These combined accessions also showed the largest SLAs of 343 cm2/g for Bacoué and 328.5 cm2/g for Soupkataloa during the dry season. However, emergence was late under the rubber trees compared with the yam monoculture. Bacoué emerged 179.19 d after sowing and had its first leaves 42.88 d later, whereas these values were 58.18 d and 11.71 d respectively for Soupkataloa. However, although Bacoué performed better, with an Ht of 825 cm in 70 days and a large CD (11.18 mm), its production was identical to that of Soupkataloa. These results show that undergrowth yams can be combined with mature rubber trees to guarantee food security.

Status of Groundnut Production in Africa: A Review From 2012 to 2022

Food safety, and security remains a major concern in developing nations. Groundnuts rank the second globally in oil seed production after soya beans and the 11th most important crop for human intake. Limited productivity against the potential of existing crops due to biotic, abiotic, market, and policy factors causes the poor food production trends. This work uses a systematic review approach to determine the productivity of groundnut as a major food crop in Africa for the last 10 years based on the trend of declining yields of groundnut in this duration, and the role of influencing factors. The extracted data is summarized creating a feasible proposal on how the productivity, and quality of the crop could be improved to meet the food security need. Among the top 11 producers of groundnuts in Africa, West Africa accounts for 55% with regions like Nigeria, and Senegal having the highest productivity of 3.3 t, and 1.1 t respectively over the last ten years. In East Africa, Sudan has the highest production of 2.04 t over the 10 years. Despite being the second continent in the size of area under production of groundnut, Africa has the lowest average yields per hectare (1 t/ha), compared to America (3 t/ha), and Asia (1.8 t/ha). Regions that used improved varieties had higher yield than those using local varieties, and less technologies. High disease infestation shows a direct correlation with declining yields of groundnut. Therefore, the low productivity of groundnuts could be associated with social, cultural, and economic factors that create disparities in accessing improved technologies, farming, production and marketing resources. Development of improved varieties and policies in the region that support improved agronomic inputs are feasible practices for attaining cultivars that resist the yield, and quality limiting parameters.

Occurrence and Distribution of Major Cassava Pests and Diseases in Cultivated Cassava Varieties in Western Kenya.

Cassava is an important food crop in western Kenya, yet its production is challenged by pests and diseases that require routine monitoring to guide development and deployment of control strategies. Field surveys were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to determine the prevalence, incidence and severity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), whitefly numbers and incidence of cassava green mite (CGM) in six counties of western Kenya. Details of the encountered cassava varieties were carefully recorded to determine the adoption of improved varieties. A total of 29 varieties were recorded, out of which 13 were improved, although the improved varieties were predominant in 60% of fields and the most widely grown variety was MM96/4271. The CMD incidence was higher in 2022 (26.4%) compared to 2023 (10.1%), although the proportion of CMD attributable to whitefly infection was greater (50.6%) in 2023 than in 2022 (18.0%). The CBSD incidence in 2022 was 6.4%, while in 2023 it was 4.1%. The CMD incidence was significantly lower (5.9%) for the improved varieties than it was for the local varieties (35.9%), although the CBSD incidence did not differ significantly between the improved (2.3%) and local varieties (9.7%). Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) were both detected. Most infections were single CBSV infections (82.9%), followed by single UCBSV (34.3%) and coinfection with both viruses (16.7%). Whiteflies were more abundant in 2023, in which 28% of the fields had super-abundant populations of >100/plant, compared to 5% in 2022. KASP SNP genotyping designated 92.8% of the specimens as SSA-ECA for 2022, while it was 94.4% for 2023. The cassava green mite incidence was 65.4% in 2022 compared to 79.9% in 2023. This study demonstrates that cassava viruses, whiteflies and cassava green mites continue to be important constraints to cassava production in western Kenya, although the widespread cultivation of improved varieties is reducing the impact of cassava viruses. The more widespread application of high-quality seed delivery mechanisms could further enhance the management of these pests/diseases, coupled with wider application of IPM measures for whiteflies and mites.

Detection and assessment of heavy metals concentration in wheat leaves collected from the vicinity of Sahiwal coal power plant, Pakistan, employing a modern data analysis approach

ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution in food crops has become a global issue, especially in staple crops like wheat and rice. Electricity production utilising coal, ignites this issue in crops grown in the surrounding areas of coal power plants. Keeping this view in mind, the concentration of six heavy metals (HMs) Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb) and Magnesium (Mg) in wheat leaves have been assessed in this study. Fifty samples of wheat leaves have been collected from the surrounding areas of the coal power plant in Sahiwal. The samples were prepared using the wet digestion method (WDM). Finally, these samples have been sent for analysis via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of Quantification (LOQ) of AAS were calculated with the help of blank samples. The concentration of Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb and Mg in wheat leaves were 1.0187 ± 0.549 mg/kg, 0.00484 ± 0.00403 mg/kg 00,416 ± 0.00334 mg/kg, 0.0534 ± 0.0351 mg/kg, 0.035 ± 0.018 mg/kg, 0.464 ± 0.200 mg/kg respectively. The concentration of all understudy metals was below the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (WHO/FAO) standards except for Co, in one sample. However, the concentration of heavy metals may increase, which may have profound repercussions. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken in this regard. The neutrosophic approach has been utilised to examine the variation of the heavy metals content in wheat leaves. This study provides a solid scientific foundation for future appropriate actions and management of heavy metals contamination in food crops near coal-fired power stations.

Screening nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria that can alleviate cadmium toxicity to rice and reduce cadmium accumulation in brown rice

Among food crops, rice is the most serious food crop contaminated with cadmium (Cd). It is critical to reduce Cd bioavailability in the soil and prevent its accumulation in brown rice. The use of microorganisms to lessen Cd toxicity in rice has been the subject of numerous studies carried out in recent years. The nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium (NFC) is a potent biofertilizer and heavy metal biosorbent. However, there is a dearth of research on the impact of NFC supplementation on rice's susceptibility to Cd poisoning. This study screened for Cd-tolerant NFCs and assessed how well they might promote growth and lower the amount of Cd in rice. Four NFCs with tolerance to 1 mg L−1 Cd were selected from ten NFCs. The results of seedling experiment showed that SCAU-10 treatment increased plant height and biomass while reducing Cd levels in seedlings by 62.0 %. The pot experiment also demonstrated that SCAU-10 was effective in lowering Cd content in brown rice by 85.3 %. Reducing the bioavailability of soil Cd, shielding rice roots, preventing Cd transfer from below to above ground, generating phytohormones, and enhancing the photochemical electron quantum yield of rice leaves are a few possible action mechanisms of the NFC. It indicates that Trichormus sp. SCAU-10 has a great deal of promise for use as a biofertilizer in the safe management of Cd-contaminated rice fields. This is the first report on using Trichormus sp. biofertilizer for relieving the toxicity of Cd to rice and reducing Cd accumulation in brown rice.

Incorporation of nitrogen in antinutritional Solanum alkaloid biosynthesis.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are specialized metabolites produced by hundreds of Solanum species including food crops, such as tomato, potato and eggplant. Unlike true alkaloids, nitrogen is introduced at a late stage of SGA biosynthesis through an unknown transamination reaction. Here, we reveal the mechanism by which GLYCOALKALOID METABOLISM12 (GAME12) directs the biosynthesis of nitrogen-containing steroidal alkaloid aglycone in Solanum. We report that GAME12, a neofunctionalized γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase, undergoes changes in both active site specificity and subcellular localization to switch from its renown and generic activity in core metabolism to function in a specialized metabolic pathway. Moreover, overexpression of GAME12 alone in engineered S. nigrum leaves is sufficient for de novo production of nitrogen-containing SGAs. Our results highlight how hijacking a core metabolism GABA shunt enzyme is crucial in numerous Solanum species for incorporating a nitrogen to a steroidal-specialized metabolite backbone and form defensive alkaloids.

Optimizing water-fertilizer integration with drip irrigation management to improve crop yield, water, and nitrogen use efficiency: A meta-analysis study

So far, many studies have examined the effects of drip irrigation and water-fertilizer integration on crop yield indices, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). However, they are carried out under different conditions. Due to the scattered research results and the lack of general conclusions from published results, it is necessary to use meta-analysis as a structured method to draw a conclusion. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the effects of water–fertilizer integration with drip irrigation (WFIDI) on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency (WUE), and crop yield to explore the most suitable application strategy of WFIDI, further discussion of its impact mechanism. A total of 352 studies in the Chinese region were included, of which 84 studies met the entry criteria for the meta-analysis, and 779 pairs of data were finally obtained. The meta-analysis results showed that WFIDI improved NUE (31.3 %), WUE (34.5 %) and crop yield (12.5 %) by changing soil physical and chemical properties (SOC increased by 36.4 %, TN increased by 9.3 %, and ETC decreased by 11.5 %). In order to screen the key influencing factors and determine the applicable conditions, PCA and win-win analysis were carried out. The results showed that WFIDI was suitable for food crops and fruit trees in medium-textured soils. It is recommended to use subsurface drip irrigation with a lower flow rate (≤1Lh−1) and nitrogen fertilizer (10–25 % lower than the traditional nitrogen application rate of farmers). This study provides inspiration for efficient and economical agricultural water management.

The transcription factor ZmbHLH105 confers cadmium tolerance by promoting abscisic acid biosynthesis in maize

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, profoundly impacts crop productivity. The bHLH-type transcription factors regulate plant stress responses, yet their involvement in maize's Cd stress response remains unclear. Here, we studied ZmbHLH105, a maize bHLH gene induced by Cd exposure. Overexpression of ZmbHLH105 in maize seedlings, which were treated with 1.0 mM CdCl2 for 7 days, increased endogenous ABA levels, decreased Cd accumulation, and enhanced Cd stress tolerance. ZmbHLH105 directly bound to promoter regions of two key ABA biosynthesis genes ZmNCED1/2, activating their transcription, thus boosting ABA levels and Cd tolerance. ZmbHLH105-overexpression promoted lignin synthesis, while ZmbHLH105-RNAi attenuated this effect. Exogenous ABA supplementation increased lignin content in Cd-stressed maize roots, suggesting ZmbHLH105-mediated Cd tolerance involves ABA-induced lignin deposition and cell wall thickening. Moreover, Cd transport-related gene expression was suppressed in ZmbHLH105 overexpression lines. Our findings demonstrate that ZmbHLH105 decreases Cd accumulation, improving Cd tolerance by enhancing ABA biosynthesis, increasing lignin deposition, thickening cell walls, and inhibiting Cd absorption in maize roots. This study unveils ZmbHLH105's mechanisms in Cd tolerance, highlighting its potential in breeding low Cd-accumulating crops for food and environment safety.

Finger Millet (<i>Eleusine Coracana</i> (L.) Gaertn) Production Status, Challenges, and Seed Source in Ethiopia; A Review

Similar to other cereal crops finger millet is being produced in a large volume in Ethiopia, as they are the principal staple food crop. Finger millet is considered as underutilized cereal crop which is commonly grown in the northern, west-northern, and western parts of the country and it is considered as a crop which is important to overcome malnutrition. Regions including Tigray, Amhara, Oromiya, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nation and Nationalities Peoples (SNNP) and Gambela are considered as the potential regions for the production of finger millet in Ethiopia. Relatively, it is considered as drought tolerant as compared to other major cereals such as rice, wheat, and barley. In addition to this finger millet is considered as a highly resilient crop which can grow in different weather conditions, including drought, floods, and marginal soils. In Ethiopia it is commonly grown for the preparation of local foods like ‘injera’ and porridge and local drink such as ‘areki’ or ‘tella’. About 26 varieties of finger millet are cultivated in main season in the country. In Ethiopia, there are a limited source of cereal crop seeds which includes, farmer’s own saved seeds and government seed distributing companies. In this review the status of production, seed source and nutritional importance of finger millet in Ethiopia is presented.

The Aembu access to land and labour systems on food crop production and food security up to 1906

This study sought to analyse how the pre-colonial Aembu organised their land and labour systems in food crop production for guaranteed household food security up to 1906. The pre-colonial African societies had either matrilineal or patrilineal systems of land ownership, while labour was gender specific. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Embu East, Embu West and Embu North sub-counties of the larger Embu County. Purposive sampling with a snowballing technique was applied to get 50 respondents who were interviewed from a target population of 16,144. The study corroborated data from oral, archival records and secondary sources. The findings were that the pre-colonial Aembu food crop producers had elaborate systems of land rights and land use under clan heads. The land access system accommodated practices like shifting cultivation and intercropping; the pre-colonial division of labour in food crop production combined all household members and those other forms of labour like communal, paid and corporate were sourced from outside the household. The study concluded that the pre-colonial Aembu were food secure in spite of occasional rainfall failure, locust invasion and warfare, while the articulation of pre-colonial and capitalist land and labour systems exposed the society members to food insecurity. The study contributed to the pre-colonial social, political and economic historiography of the Aembu people. The study recommends that the post-colonial government should employ strategies that can be effectively used to mitigate food crop production insecurity by focusing on the adoption of various traditional methods of land and labour access.

Colonial transformation of the Aembu land access and labour division systems in food crop production from 1906-1963

This study examined the colonial transformation of the Aembu access to land and labour division in food crop production from 1906-1963. Colonial practices and policies undermined the Aembu land and labour systems in food crop production. Methodologically, the study used descriptive research design and Articulation of Modes of Production Theory. The study was conducted in Embu East, Embu West and Embu North sub-counties of Embu. The study targeted a population of 16,144 people based on the 2019 census. Corroborated data was obtained from oral, archival and secondary sources to establish the reliability and validity of the research. The study’s findings were that the creation of African reserves to pave way for white settlement and labour supply from Africans led to the abandonment of crop farms since they were far away; the reserves had limited land sizes with poor soils for the production of enough food while most of the food storage facilities were destroyed in the process of migration and that during the political crisis of World Wars and Mau Mau, labour in food crop production was reduced. It concluded that colonialism transformed the Aembu land and labour systems while the co-existence of pre-colonial and colonial access to land and labour systems on the production of food crops exposed the community to famines. The study recommends that policymakers should come up with strategies for promoting traditional forms of access to land and labour to ensure adequate food crop production.

Non-specific Phospholipase C4 Improves Phosphorus Remobilization From Old to Young Leaves in Camelina.

Camelina sativa is regarded as a low-input oilseed crop for versatile food, biofuels and industrial applications with potential production on marginal lands, whereas phosphate (Pi) deficiency greatly reduces camelina seed production. To improve camelina resilience to low P conditions, here we overexpressed the Pi deficiency-induced non-specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4) to test its effect on camelina seed production under different levels of Pi availability. NPC4-overexpressing (OE) plants displayed increased seed yield and oil production, with a greater magnitude of increases under Pi-deficient than Pi-sufficient conditions. NPC4-OE camelina had a higher level of total P and free Pi in young leaves but a lower level in old leaves than in wild-type plants. More Pi was moved from old leaves to young leaves in NPC4-OE than in wild-type plants. NPC4-OE increased the expression of Pi transporter genes, and the increase was greater in old leaves and under Pi-deficient conditions. These data indicate that NPC4 improves camelina growth by promoting Pi remobilization from old to young tissues, revealing a mechanism by which NPC4 mediates plant response to Pi deficiency.

Mechanism of Rice Resistance to Bacterial Leaf Blight via Phytohormones.

Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world, and its yield restricts global food security. However, various diseases and pests of rice pose a great threat to food security. Among them, bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most serious bacterial diseases affecting rice globally, creating an increasingly urgent need for research in breeding resistant varieties. Phytohormones are widely involved in disease resistance, such as auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA). In recent years, breakthroughs have been made in the analysis of their regulatory mechanism in BLB resistance in rice. In this review, a series of achievements of phytohormones in rice BLB resistance in recent years were summarized, the genes involved and their signaling pathways were reviewed, and a breeding strategy combining the phytohormones regulation network with modern breeding techniques was proposed, with the intention of applying this strategy to molecular breeding work and playing a reference role for how to further improve rice resistance.