Major Constraint Research Articles

Benefits Availed and Constraints Faced by Beneficiaries of Jalasamrudhi, Project, Thiruvananthapuram

The study analysed the benefits availed and constraints faced by beneficiaries of Jalasamrudhi Project, Thiruvananthapuram. A systematic sampling technique was adopted for the data collection and information was collected from 80 beneficiaries of the project, thus making the total sample size 80. The farmers responded to the benefits availed and the constraints were ranked using Garrett ranking technique. The respondents benefitted from increase in ground water table level, market and non- market benefits. The major constraints faced by the beneficiaries were crop loss due to high speed wind, pests and climate change, followed by non-availability of inputs and non- availability of subsidy on time, lack of technical guidance. The primary suggestion from beneficiary farmers was to ensure continuity and follow-up, increase the project period from 5 to 10 years and ensure better infrastructure facilities to improve the effectiveness of the project.

Consumers’ Attitudes and Constraints towards Food Safety and Hygiene Practices in Ludhiana City

The study attempted to analyse the consumers’ attitudes towards food safety and hygiene practices. Further, an effort was made to analyse the constraints towards food safety and hygiene practices. A total of 200 consumers were randomly selected. The results of the study revealed that street food is not good for health (2.96), followed by food poisoning may occur after consumption of street food (2.28), it is important to follow hygiene practices (1.60) and contamination may occur due to poor hygiene practices (1.60) to maintain food safety and hygiene practices. Four factors came out from the study that confines consumers toward food safety and hygiene practices i.e. food safety knowledge and training, food poisoning, hygiene practices and food contamination. Lack of knowledge, adulterated food and poor hygiene practices were major constraints faced by consumers. The study also recommended that education and training programs on food safety and hygiene practices help create awareness among consumers.

Influence of Nitrogen Content in Food Waste on Biogas Production

AbstractHigh carbon content and high‐level biodegradability are major constraints of the anaerobic digestion of food waste. In the present study, anaerobic digestion of model food waste was carried out in a fed batch digester. Nitrogen content in model food waste was adjusted by the addition of ammonium chloride at the desired C/N ratio. Biogas production at ammonium chloride percentages of 0, 0.8, 1.5, 2.14, and 3.2 % (weight basis) were carried out under mesophilic conditions in a pilot plant scale floating drum digester. At an ammonium chloride percentage of 1.5 % that balances C/N ratio 25, highest biogas production of 0.42 m3 kg−1 of VS was attained while biogas production from food waste without ammonium chloride of 0.06 m3 kg−1 of VS was obtained. The highest methane yield of 0.323 m3 kg−1 of VS was found at ammonium chloride of 1.5 % while methane yield of 0.042 m3 kg−1 of VS was achieved from food waste without ammonium chloride. The highest percent increase CH4 yield of 669 % was obtained at an ammonium chloride percentage of 1.5 %. Biogas productivity obtained at ammonium chloride percentage of 1.5 % was 0.6 L L−1 d−1. Hence, the optimum ammonium chloride percentage obtained was 1.5 % which balances the C/N ratio at 25.

Can geomorphic flood descriptors coupled with machine learning models enhance in quantifying flood risks over data-scarce catchments? Development of a hybrid framework for Ganga basin (India).

Quantifying flood risks through a cascade of hydraulic-cum-hydrodynamic modelling is data-intensive and computationally demanding- a major constraint for economically struggling and data-scarce low and middle-income nations. Under such circumstances, geomorphic flood descriptors (GFDs), that encompass the hidden characteristics of flood propensity may assist in developing a nuanced understanding of flood risk management. In line with this, the present study proposes a novel framework for estimating flood hazard and population exposure by leveraging GFDs and Machine Learning (ML) models over severely flood-prone Ganga basin. The study incorporates SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values in flood hazard modeling to justify the degree of influence of each GFD on the simulated floodplain maps. A set of 15 relevant GFDs derived from high-resolution CartoDEM are forced to five state-of-the-art ML models; AdaBoost, Random Forest, GBDT, XGBoost, and CatBoost, for predicting flood extents and depths. To enumerate the performance of ML models, a set of twelve statistical metrics are considered. Our result indicates a superior performance of XGBoost (κ = 0.72 and KGE = 82%) over other ML models in flood extent and flood depth prediction, resulting in about 47% of the population exposure to high-flood risks. The SHAP summary plots reveal a pre-dominance of Height Above Nearest Drainage during flood depth prediction. The study contributes significantly in comprehending our understanding of catchment characteristics and its influence in the process of sustainable disaster risk reduction. The results obtained from the study provide valuable recommendations for efficient flood management and mitigation strategies, especially over global data-scarce flood-prone basins.

Identification of novel genes associated with herbicide tolerance in Lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris Medik.)

Weeds pose a major constraint in lentil cultivation, leading to decrease farmers’ revenues by reducing the yield and increasing the management costs. The development of herbicide tolerant cultivars is essential to increase lentil yield. Even though herbicide tolerant lines have been identified in lentils, breeding efforts are still limited and lack proper validation. Marker assisted selection (MAS) can increase selection accuracy at early generations. Total 292 lentil accessions were evaluated under different dosages of two herbicides, metribuzin and imazethapyr, during two seasons at Marchouch, Morocco and Terbol, Lebanon. Highly significant differences among accessions were observed for days to flowering (DF) and maturity (DM), plant height (PH), biological yield (BY), seed yield (SY), number of pods per plant (NP), as well as the reduction indices (RI) for PH, BY, SY and NP. A total of 10,271 SNPs markers uniformly distributed along the lentil genome were assayed using Multispecies Pulse SNP chip developed at Agriculture Victoria, Melbourne. Meta-GWAS analysis was used to detect marker-trait associations, which detected 125 SNPs markers associated with different traits and clustered in 85 unique quantitative trait loci. These findings provide valuable insights for initiating MAS programs aiming to enhance herbicide tolerance in lentil crop.

A review of the emerging approaches for developing multi‐scale filler‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced impact performance

AbstractFiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are utilized for myriad applications owing to their exceptional characteristics like high specific strength and stiffness. However, the low‐to‐moderate impact strength of these materials is a major constraint restricting their usage in fields requiring high‐impact performance. To ensure the reliable performance of FRPCs throughout the intended life span, a combination of good static mechanical properties and high impact resistance is crucial. Recent advancements in this field have yielded a breakthrough by developing novel materials that overcome this limitation. This groundbreaking achievement was realized by processing epoxy‐based GFRPs containing a synergistic blend of surface‐modified nano‐clay and compatibilized polymeric fiber micro‐reinforcement. This review provides an overview of advancements in the development of FRPCs, starting from the single‐filler to multi‐scale filler‐reinforced materials. The review elaborates on the effect of reinforcement of various thermoplastic fibers (polyethylene, para‐aramid, and spandex) on the mechanical performance of FRPCs. The necessity of filler compatibilization to enhance interfacial bonding constituents is also discussed. It can be concluded that the choice of surface treatment for a given thermoplastic fiber is governed by its chemical composition, the functional groups to be added on its surface through a specific compatibilization treatment, and the chemical nature of other constituents of the composite system with which the treated fiber surface interacts. Further, the greater the elasticity and ductility of the reinforced thermoplastic fiber, the higher the impact strength of the resulting epoxy‐based GFRPs. Finally, the review brings forth the potential opportunities for future research in this area.Highlights Discussed recent advancements in epoxy‐based GFRPs with multi‐scale filler reinforcement. Multi‐scale filler‐reinforced epoxy‐based GFRPs have myriad applications in aviation, automobile, marine, sports, etc. Nano‐/micro‐fillers in their pristine state degrade the mechanical performance of epoxy‐based GFRPs. Filler compatibilization is essential for achieving superior mechanical performance in epoxy‐based GFRPs. Reinforcing compatibilized soft/ductile thermoplastic fibers resulted in a notable increase in impact strength while maintaining tensile properties.

Managing Aflatoxin Contamination Threats in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Production in Ghana: The role of adoption of management strategies

Efforts to raise knowledge and awareness of smallholder groundnut farmers about aflatoxin contaminations and its management continue to pose a threat to consumers health along the food value chain. This paper examines smallholder farmers’ awareness and adoption of aflatoxin management strategies using a multistage sampling technique to sample 318 groundnut farmers in Ghana. A 5-point Likert scale and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to examine the perception about aflatoxin contaminations and constraints faced in managing aflatoxins in groundnut production, respectively. A multivariate probit model was further employed to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of aflatoxin management strategies. The results revealed that 92% of the farmers were aware of aflatoxin contaminations, however, only 20.7% of the farmers had received aflatoxins training. The results also showed that farmers are in agreement about aflatoxin contaminations in groundnut production. The most commonly adopted aflatoxin management strategies by farmers were timely harvesting, crop rotation, sorting, and storage in aerated and covered environment. Furthermore, the empirical results showed that education, credit access, membership in farmer based organizations, distance to farm, off-farm activity and location had a significant influence on farmers’ adoption of all aflatoxin management strategies. Pest and disease incidence, and rainfall variability were identified as major constraints faced by smallholder groundnut farmers in Ghana. There is the need for periodic public sensitizations and technical capacity building of smallholder farmers to adopt aflatoxins management strategies which could improve groundnut productivity and ensure food security in Ghana.

Transcriptional and physio-chemical responses of Tectona grandis L. triggered by teak defoliator

Tectona grandis (L) is a popular timber species cultivated in the Indian sub-continent and other countries because of its economic significance. However, the lack of quality planting material with special reference to defoliator herbivory is a major constraint because it negatively influences the establishment of thriving plantations. To address this, the so-called pest response in teak seedlings was investigated at the biochemical and molecular levels. The stress was levied by allowing defoliator infestation on 1-year-old seedlings for nine days at 3-day intervals, whereas control plants were maintained as uninfected. A considerable difference was observed for the considered traits among the infested plants at different intervals compared with the control. Total soluble protein, soluble sugars, tannin, and lignin accumulation increased with increasing stress intensity. Furthermore, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenol content increased after defoliator feeding, whereas peroxidase activity decreased compared with control plants. In addition, six herbivory stress-responsive genes revealed the molecular response of teak. Among them, four genes viz. zinc finger protein (ZFP2), ethylene-responsive factor (ERF-1), catalase-1 (Cat1) and peroxidase super family protein (Psfp) were highly expressed in the infected plants as compared with the control plants. In contrast, the MYB-DNA binding domain gene was downregulated in infected plants compared to uninfected plants. Cytochrome P450 was up-regulated in T1 and T2 plants, while it was down-regulated in T3. Genes were highly expressed as the stress frequency increased. This study offers an improved understanding of biochemical and transcriptional defense responses against the teak defoliator, which could further support teak improvement for quality planting material production.

Physiological responses, ion accumulation and yield performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to salt stress

Wheat is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which reduces the growth and yield drastically. High salinity is a major constraint for wheat productivity in many countries, including Bangladesh. With this view, here, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in physiological, ion accumulation, agro-morphological and yield performance of wheat against different levels of salinity. Experimental variables consisted of five salt tolerant genotypes (G 20–2–2, G 20–1–2, G 13–2, G 22–2, G 9–2), one susceptible genotype (G 24–2) and one standard check variety (BARI ghom 25), which assigned to four levels of salinity with electrical conductivities control (0.3), 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1. Irrespective of genotypes, salinity stress significantly decreased the yield and yield attributes. Results of analyses based on salt tolerance indices of plant growth related and yield contributing parameters, ionic balance (Na+, K+ and Na+ /K+ ratio), and stress indicators such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) revealed genotypes G 20–2–2, G 13–2 and G 20–1–2 as salt tolerant, genotype G 9–2 as moderately salt-tolerant and G 24–2 and G 22–2 as salt-sensitive genotypes. Additionally, lower accumulations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes in the salt-tolerant genotypes G 20–2–2 and G 13–2 than in the salt-sensitive genotype G 24–2 indicated reduced oxidative damage in genotypes G 20–2–2 and G 13–2 relative to that in genotype G 24–2. Collectively, our findings suggest that the optimum growth and yield of salt tolerant genotypes are associated with decreased Na+/K+ ratio, increased antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced oxidative stress.

Farmer's climate smart livestock production adoption and determinant factors in Hidebu Abote District, Central Ethiopia.

This study aimed to identify the status, determining factors, and challenges in adopting climate smart livestock production practices by farmers. Three-staged sampling techniques were used to select the research sites and 233 sample farmer household respondents. Data were collected mainly using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted to complement the household survey data. Descriptive statistics and an ordered logistic regression model were applied to analyze the quantitative data. The result revealed that the most adopted practices were composting (85.41%) and manure management (70.39%) while the least adopted technologies were biogas generation (3.86%) and rotation grazing (22.32%). The adoption status of the sampled farmers was also categorized into low (19.74%), medium (67.81%), and high adopter (12.45%). The high cost of improved breed, use of manure for fuel, free grazing, lack of information and awareness were the major constraints to adopting the climate smart livestock production technologies. The result also revealed that education, grazing land, total livestock holding, and extension agent contact contributed significantly and positively to the adoption of smart livestock production technology, while the distance from the water source had an insignificant and negative effect on the adoption status of climate smart livestock production practices. The study suggests the relevance of the cooperation of stakeholders and strengthening extension services for the maximum benefits of climate smart livestock production.

Characterization and Identification of Major Constraints and Potentials of Kiltu Sorsa Watershed, in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country seriously affected by different natural resource degradation that included soil, vegetation, biodiversity and water degradation and climate deterioration. The study was conducted at Adola Rede District of Guji Zone, in Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to document baseline information on socioeconomic aspects and to document major biophysical and socio-economic constraints and potentials of the study watershed. The survey data were collected using key informant interview, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and guided field observations. A total of 60 respondents were selected for semi-structured interviews by means of simple random sampling methods. The majority (65%) of the respondent households were practiced physical and biological soil and water conservation activities. However, about 35% of the sampled households were not practiced soil and water conservation activities due to lack of awareness, lack of materials and labor. In the study watershed five major constraints such as land and soil related constraints, production related constraints, institutional and infrastructure related constraints, livestock related constraints and socio-economic related constraints were identified. However, suitable agro-ecology, availability of labor force, youth and women associations and informal institutions were the major identified potentials in the study watershed. Therefore, by using the potentials/opportunities of the study watershed and through providing quality extension services and training on soil and water conservation practices it is possible to enhance farmers participation and technical limitations. Moreover, for sustainable watershed management of the study area different soil and water conservation structures are very significant in various land use system of the study watershed through active participation of the local communities.

Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum, Causal Agent of Bacterial Wilt in Tomatoes in Cameroon and Screening of Virulent Strains

Ralstonia solanacearum is a major constraint in tomato production. The aim of this work was to identify the different biovars and races of R. solanacearum which infect tomato plants in Cameroon and determine the most virulent in a gnotobiotic environment. Thirty (30) samples were collected in the field of 03 different agro-ecological zones considered as major tomato production area in Cameroon. The bacteria were isolated on modified Kelman solid medium, and identified based on morphological and biochemical characterization. The pathogenicity test was performed in a gnotobiotic environment by root inoculation. Twenty-nine (29) isolates showed colonies characteristic of virulent strains. Water, motility, catalase, KOH, Kovac oxidase, glucose reduction, and sucrose tests were positive. However, gram staining, spore production, arginine test and sulfate reduction were negative. The biovar tests carried out revealed the presence16.66% biovar 2 (bv 2) and 76.66% biovar 3(bv 3). The tobacco hypersensitivity tests carried out revealed the presence of two (02) races: race 1 and race 3 (majority). A predominance of race3 biovar 3 was observed in Cameroon. Results from pathogenicity test revealed that two (02) strains, FM6 (race 3 bv2) and BFo (race 3 bv 3) were high virulent, causing up to 100% loss of seedlings on the sixth day post-inoculation.

Sustainability concern in Indian agriculture: needs science-led innovation and structural reforms

Agriculture in India is facing several challenges which together are manifested into the sustainability issues. The broad contours of the agricultural production system in the country have been defined by the need to achieve food security which calls for close attention to rice–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system of the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP) whose sustainability is under threat. Degradation of natural resources, severe biotic and abi otic stresses specially drought, floods, pest infestations with accompanying impacts on biodiversity and agricultural productivity are the major constraints to agricultural development. Further, climate change has gained significant global attention over the past decade due to concerns of deleterious long-term impacts on agriculture, water sup ply, human welfare, regional and political stability. All the related issues need to be addressed on priority, with par ticular emphasis on soil-carbon through a holistic approach. As the strategy brings focus on income of farmers, the agricultural technology needs to move from “Production oriented-Green Revolution” to “Farmer’s Income oriented Revolution” and environmentally sustainable farming. Therefore, for long-term sustainability in agriculture, 4 pil lars/ components (good agricultural practices, climate-change mitigation and adaptation, diversification of high value crops and biodiversity management) needs to be addressed properly, more importantly good agricultural practices (GAP). The GAPs are based on the principles of risk prevention, risk analysis, sustainable agriculture, and integrated crop management (ICM), which are of utmost importance in present time. The GAPs for agricultural sustainability are reduced tillage, conservation agriculture, resource-conservation technologies (RCTs), erosion control measures, diversified cropping system, micro-irrigation, balanced fertilization, manuring, watershed man agement, organic farming, and integrated farming systems etc. Now that the vision is to impart income security to the farmers of the country, diversification of the system across all the sub-sectors of agriculture assumes impor tance which is, indeed a de-risking mechanism capable of negotiating both endogenous and exogenous risks as sociated with the system. The effective and efficient management of agro-biodiversity is also essential through management of genebanks, science-led innovations; livelihood, food and nutrition security though crop diversifica tion, use of lesser-known crops and wild relatives in crop improvement; dealing appropriately with quarantine, bio safety and bio-security.

Genetic Characterization of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) and Production Constraints of Yam in Pwani Region and Unguja Island, Tanzania

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a tuber crop cultivated in over 30% of all regions in Tanzania, contributing to the carbohydrate needs of many households. The morphological and genetic diversity of water yam (D. alata L.) local cultivars collected from Pwani region and Unguja Island were evaluated using 26 agro-morphological characters and 10 Short Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Cluster analysis using morphological characters classified nine water yam local cultivars into two main clusters with three subclusters. Tuber flesh and leaf colour were the main descriptors for clustering. The genetic diversity of 128 water yam genotypes using ten polymorphic SSR markers generated a total of 40 alleles that ranged from 2 to 7 per SSR marker. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.3 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.56. Cluster analysis separated 128 yam genotypes into two main clusters with five subclusters. The findings revealed relatively high genetic diversity of D. alata in the study areas. A structured questionnaire revealed drought (29.3%) and lack of planting materials (23.3%) as the major constraints to yam production in the study areas. Information reported in this study is useful in improving, reviving and promoting yam through breeding and conservation programs.

Stalk rot species diversity and molecular phylogeny associated with diseased maize in India.

Stalk rot disease is a major constraint in maize production and till date reported to be caused by two to three species of phytopathogenic fungi but, in our present study, we disclose the first report of stalk rot is caused by complex species of phytopathogens, which belongs to five different genera. Therefore, to substantiate these findings, a total of 105 diseased samples of maize were collected from 21 different locations in six different geographical locations of India from which 48 isolates were used for the research study. Morphological features such as pigmentation, colony color, type of mycelium and pattern of mycelium was examined using macro and microscopic methods. A total of 11 different spp. of pathogens belonging to the five different genera: Fusarium verticillioides (56.25%), F. equiseti (14.5%), F. andiyazi (6.25%), F. solani (2.08%), F. proliferatum (2.08%), F. incarnatum (2.08%), Lasidioplodia theobrame (6.25%), Exserohilum rostrtum (4.16%), Nigrospora spp. (4.16%). and Schizophyllum commune (2.08%) were identified by different housekeeping genes (ITS, TEF-1α, RPB2 and Actin). Fusarium verticillioides, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi were major pathogens involved in stalk rot. This is the first report on F. proliferatum, F. solani, F. incarnatum, Lasidioplodia theobrame, Exserohilum rostrtum, Nigrospora spp. and Schizophyllum commune causing stalk rot of maize and their distribution in the different states of India. Studies on population dynamics of PFSR will enhance the understanding of pathogen behavior, virulence, or its association with different pathogens across India, which will facilitate the development of resistant maize genotypes against the PFSR.

Assessment of fungal and bacterial bioagents against Bipolaris sorokiniana inciting spot blotch on barley (Hordeum vulgare)

In India, spot blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the major constraints in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. The present study was carried out during 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi to identify promising biocontrol agents, which can act as eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals against Bipolaris sorokiniana inciting spot blotch on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In this study, 18 isolates of Trichoderma asperellum, 15 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum and 5 bacterial species were tested against B. sorokiniana under in vitro and in planta conditions. In the dual culture assays, Trichoderma asperellum 8686 and Trichoderma asperellum 8687 showed significantly highest per cent disease inhibition of 71.73% and 71.37% respectively. Among bacterial strains, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed significantly good per cent disease inhibition of 64.09% and 57.09% respectively. B. subtilis and Pantoea spp. did not show any pathogen inhibition. In addition, the superior bioagents were also screened out. In the studies on in planta assays, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (per cent disease control-55.19%) was found most effective for seed treatment against B. sorokiniana. Post-inoculation with biocontrol agents revealed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was at par with Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens against B. sorokiniana. Additionally, a combination of seed treatment, pre and post-inoculation treatment of biocontrol agents revealed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma asperellum 8686 were at par with Trichoderma harzianum (Pusa Th3) against B. sorokiniana. Overall, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was more effective and consistent to manage spot blotch disease.

Maximizing Marketing Efficiency: A Deep Dive Analysis into Castor crop in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India

Castor is a vital industrial oilseed crop with a range of uses that have increased its global economic importance. The research study was conducted using primary data collected through personal interview using well-structured and pre-tested interview schedules with 125 castor farmers and 50 intermediaries were selected purposively random sampling method. The study revealed that marketing of castor, small farmers often sell to local traders due to transportation costs, while larger farmers transport directly to market for higher prices. Main markets for castor are Namakkal, Tiruchengode and Paramathi. The most efficient marketing channel for castor was found to be Producer, Village Trader and Processor i.e. Channel I followed by Producer, Wholesaler and Processor i.e. Channel II and subsequently, Producer and Processor i.e. Channel III. Major constraints identified include pests, labour shortages, monsoons failure, high input & labour costs and lack of market information. Fruitful suggestions to improve the marketing efficiency of agricultural commodities like castor, it is important to consider the benefits of value addition reaching farmers and customers. Dealing with insect pests is crucial, so farmers need access to resistant cultivars and pest management methods. Weather-based crop insurance can protect against production risks. The castor industry is hindered by a lack of infrastructure, so improvements in processing, value addition, grading, packaging, storage, and market infrastructure are necessary. Encouraging farmers to add value to castor could be a profitable strategy.

THE EFFECT OF POST-HARVEST HANDLING PRACTICES ON THE QUALITY AND MARKETABILITY OF HARVESTED ONIONS IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the effects of post-harvest handling practices on the quality and marketability of onion in Jere Local Government Area. A total of 40 respondents who are into onion storage were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling approach. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for the primary data was used while secondary data were also obtained. The analysis of the socio-economic characteristics revealed that; majority of the respondents (57.5%) fall within the age group of 36 - 45 years, emphasizing the predominance of economically active traders with an average age of 36.4 years. About 95% of respondents are males, reflecting a significant gender disparity in the onion storage sector. While education levels vary, a significant portion of respondents possess some formal education with majority 47.5% of respondents had non-formal education, this diversity highlights the potential influence of education on storage strategies and income diversification. The study reveals that most respondents (57.5%) have been involved in onion storage for 1 - 5 years, with an average of 6 years, indicating relatively low levels of experience. Challenges such as limited resources, traditional practices, and cultural factors contribute to this lack of experience. Traditional storage structures are the predominant choice, with 90% of respondents utilizing them, accompanied by a strong preference for woven sacks as packaging materials for onion storage due to their protective attributes. Various methods are employed to preserve onion freshness during storage, including floor spreading, enhanced ventilation, utilization of local stores, and other techniques. Statistical analysis reveals that onion size, proper storage, colour and firmness are found to positively influence quality of onion. Stocking size, price, packaging materials, experience and duration are found to positively influence marketability of onion. Moreover, the study underscores overwhelming support with majority 95% of respondents that support the adoption of improved post-harvest handling practices to reduce spoilage and elevate onion quality. The study concludes that the onion marketers practice on a small scale by storing onions in smaller quantity in traditional structures, using woven sacks for packaging. Size of onion, color, firmness significantly influences onion quality. Stocking size, quantity, duration significantly influence onion marketability. While the major constraints include poor handling, inadequate storage facilities and pest infestation.Key words: Post-harvest handling practices, onion, quality, marketability, Jere LGA, Borno.

Effects of Salt Stress on Physiological and Agronomic Traits of Rice Genotypes with Contrasting Salt Tolerance.

Salinity is one of the major constraints to crop production. Rice is a main staple food and is highly sensitive to salinity. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of salt stress on physiological and agronomic traits of rice genotypes with contrasting salt tolerance. Six contrasting rice genotypes (DJWJ, JFX, NSIC, HKN, XD2H and HHZ), including three salt-tolerant and three salt-sensitive rice genotypes, were grown under two different salt concentrations (0 and 100 mmol L-1 NaCl solution). The results showed that growth, physiological and yield-related traits of both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice were significantly affected by salt stress. In general, plant height, tiller number, dry weight and relative growth rate showed 15.7%, 11.2%, 25.2% and 24.6% more reduction in salt-sensitive rice than in salt-tolerant rice, respectively. On the contrary, antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase), osmotic adjustment substances (proline, soluble protein, malondialdehyde (MDA)) and Na+ content were significantly increased under salt stress, and the increase was far higher in salt-tolerant rice except for MDA. Furthermore, grain yield and yield components significantly decreased under salt stress. Overall, the salt-sensitive rice genotypes showed a 15.3% greater reduction in grain yield, 5.1% reduction in spikelets per panicle, 7.4% reduction in grain-filling percentage and 6.1% reduction in grain weight compared to salt-tolerant genotypes under salt stress. However, a modest gap showed a decline in panicles (22.2% vs. 22.8%) and total spikelets (45.4% vs. 42.1%) between salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice under salinity conditions. This study revealed that the yield advantage of salt-tolerant rice was partially caused by more biomass accumulation, growth rate, strong antioxidant capacity and osmotic adjustment ability under salt stress, which contributed to more spikelets per panicle, high grain-filling percentage and grain weight. The results of this study could be helpful in understanding the physiological mechanism of contrasting rice genotypes' responses to salt stress and to the breeding of salt-tolerant rice.

APSIM-based modeling approach to understand sorghum production environments in Mali

Sorghum production system in the semi-arid region of Africa is characterized by low yields which are generally attributed to high rainfall variability, poor soil fertility, and biotic factors. Production constraints must be well understood and quantified to design effective sorghum-system improvements. This study uses the state-of-the-art in silico methods and focuses on characterizing the sorghum production regions in Mali for drought occurrence and its effects on sorghum productivity. For this purpose, we adapted the APSIM-sorghum module to reproduce two cultivated photoperiod-sensitive sorghum types across a latitude of major sorghum production regions in Western Africa. We used the simulation outputs to characterize drought stress scenarios. We identified three main drought scenarios: (i) no-stress; (ii) early pre-flowering drought stress; and (iii) drought stress onset around flowering. The frequency of drought stress scenarios experienced by the two sorghum types across rainfall zones and soil types differed. As expected, the early pre-flowering and flowering drought stress occurred more frequently in isohyets < 600 mm, for the photoperiod-sensitive, late-flowering sorghum type. In isohyets above 600 mm, the frequency of drought stress was very low for both cultivars. We quantified the consequences of these drought scenarios on grain and biomass productivity. The yields of the highly-photoperiod-sensitive sorghum type were quite stable across the higher rainfall zones > 600 mm, but was affected by the drought stress in the lower rainfall zones < 600 mm. Comparatively, the less photoperiod-sensitive cultivar had notable yield gain in the driest regions < 600 mm. The results suggest that, at least for the tested crop types, drought stress might not be the major constraint to sorghum production in isohyets > 600 mm. The findings from this study provide the entry point for further quantitative testing of the Genotype × Environment × Management options required to optimize sorghum production in Mali.