Production Of Major Cereal Crops Research Articles

ZmGLK36 transcription factor bestows viral resistance in rice and wheat

Maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD) threatens the sustainable production of major cereal crops. Recently, Xu et al. reported a new resistance gene, ZmGLK36, which promotes MRDD resistance in maize by increasing jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated defence. This discovery provides opportunities to develop resistance to rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) in other cereal crops such as rice and wheat.

Rural household food security status and its determinants in Libokemkem woreda of the Amhara region, North Western Ethiopia

The study analyses the household food security situation in Libokemkem woreda of the Amhara region in Ethiopia using 285 randomly selected sample households. The Household Calorie Acquisition (HCA) is used to measure the diet quantity aspect of food insecurity, and 225 kg/year/AE is used as a food security threshold. The Household Diet Diversity Score (HHDDS) is used to measure the diet quality aspect of food insecurity, and consuming four food groups is used as a food security line. Approximately 83 per cent of the total households achieved minimum food security status in terms of diet quantity, and 64 per cent were food secure in terms of diet quality. Determinants of food security in terms of diet quantity and quality were analysed using Tobit and logit regression models, respectively. Sex, family size, farm size, number of oxen, expenditure on agricultural technology, agroecology zone and distance from market centre are statistically significant determinants of food security in terms of diet quantity. On the other hand, sex, education status, off-farming activities, livestock ownership and agroecology zone are statistically significant determinants of food security in terms of diet quality or diversity. The study suggested the urgency of human capital development, increasing the production and productivity of major cereal crops, and promoting labour-intensive rural employment opportunities to break the vicious circle of poverty and food insecurity. It also suggested the promotion of soil and water conservation, livestock rearing and the use of organic fertiliser in highland areas, while mechanised farming for major crops such as rice, onion, chickpea, tomato and garlic is recommended for midland areas.

Enhancing the resilience of food production systems for food and nutritional security under climate change in Nepal

BackgroundClimate change in Nepal has posed a considerable challenge to agricultural productivity and has threatened food and nutritional security at multiple levels. This study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on national food production and food and nutritional security as well as document issue-based prioritized adaptation options for a resilient food production system.MethodsThis study considers temperature, precipitation, and their anomalies as the key factors affecting food production in Nepal. Nationwide precipitation trends along with their association with the annual production of major cereal crops in Nepal were assessed using data from the last three decades (1990–2018). The annual productions of the major cereal crops were summed and normalized to calculate production index scores in the districts. Scores were plotted and visualized into maps using the R programming. In three ecological regions, the distribution of flood and extreme rainfall events and cases of malnutrition from 2005 to 2018 were plotted. The effects of climate change and highest priority adaptation options at the district level were documented through a review of national policies and literature studies and qualitative research based on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).ResultsBetween 1990 and 2018, the overall average production of major cereal crops in Nepal was increased by around 2,245 MT annually. In the district level index analysis, the highest production score was found for Jhapa and Morang while the lowest production score was found for Humla. Cases of malnutrition in some districts coincided with flood and heavy rainfall events, indicating that climate change and extreme climatic events have a role to play in food production and security. Growing drought-tolerant crops, changes in crop cycle, riverbed farming practices, and development of short-term strategies, such as contingency crop planning, changing plantation dates, plantation of short-duration varieties, and evacuation schemes. Similarly, long-term strategies, such as encouraging out-migration of population to safer locations, resettlement programs with transformative livelihood options, and sustainable agricultural practices were found to be key prioritized adaptation measures for a resilient food system.ConclusionIn Nepal, climate change and the increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme climatic events adversely affect the food production system, which has become a serious threat to food and nutritional security. The implementation of evidence-based practices to build a resilient food system specific to climate-vulnerable hotspots at the district and local levels is the nation's current need.

Growth models for forecasting the area, production and yield of major cereal crops in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Although accurate forecasting of the production of major cereal crops is important to make policy decisions related to their supply, demand and import/export, very little work has been done in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the best performing trend models for area, production, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], and maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia, and to provide forecasts for 2019 to 2023. For each crop, the best-performing model was selected among linear, quadratic, exponential growth, and S-curve trend models using five performance measures (mean absolute percent error [MAPE], mean absolute deviation [MAD], mean squared deviation [MSD], coefficient of efficiency [E], and index of agreement [d]). Quadratic trend model was the best for area of wheat and teff, production of wheat, teff, and maize, and wheat and maize yields. S-curve and Linear trend models were the best for area of maize and yield of teff, respectively. Forecasts for 2019 to 2023 using the best-performing model revealed that cultivated area for these three cereals will decrease by 3,581 ha in Ethiopia, but their combined total production will increase by 4,896,630 tons, and productivity of wheat, teff, and maize will increase by 20.3%, 13.2%, and 13.8%, respectively, which is slightly higher than the projected population growth (10.9%) during this time. Although these results indicate that Ethiopia is on track to meet the second SDG, government policymakers and other stakeholders can use these findings to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security in Ethiopia.

A precision compost strategy aligning composts and application methods with target crops and growth environments can increase global food production.

Compost represents an important input for sustainable agriculture, but the use of diverse compost types causes uncertain outcomes. Here we performed a global meta-analysis with over 2,000 observations to determine whether a precision compost strategy (PCS) that aligns suitable composts and application methods with target crops and growth environments can advance sustainable food production. Eleven key predictors of compost (carbon-to-nutrient ratios, pH and salt content electric conductivity), management (nitrogen N supply) and biophysical settings (crop type, soil texture, soil organic carbon, pH, temperature and rainfall) determined 80% of the effect on crop yield, soil organic carbon and nitrous oxide emissions. The benefits of a PCS are more pronounced in drier and warmer climates and soils with acidic pH and sandy or clay texture, achieving up to 40% higher crop yield than conventional practices. Using a data-driven approach, we estimate that a global PCS can increase the production of major cereal crops by 96.3 Tg annually, which is 4% of current production. A global PCS has the technological potential to restore 19.5 Pg carbon in cropland topsoil (0-20 cm), equivalent to 26.5% of current topsoil soil organic carbon stocks. Together, this points to a central role of PCS in current and emerging agriculture.

Major Cereal Crop Production in Kabhrepalanchok

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change impact. The main purpose of the study is to find the recent production of major cereal crops as rice, maize, and wheat per unit area in Banepa municipality, as a case study to the local trends and adaptation. The study was conducted among the household of ward No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in the Municipality. Field observation, in-depth interview, focus group discussion, Questionnaire survey methods were adopted for information collection, cross-validation with verification and using a secondary source of the information. Monthly precipitation and monthly minimum and maximum air temperatures data of Dhulikhel station were used to study their annual and seasonal trends.
 Time-series annual yield data in rice, maize, and wheat were collected from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Production was also accessed from the local level in a cross-sectional survey. Temperature and precipitation were collected from the Department of Hydrology and Metrology. The Survey indicated that yields have increased for major cereal crops and this led to an increase in the use of chemical fertilizer, chemical pesticides, improved seed, and improved management practices. The impacts of these changes have resulted in an increased attack of white grub in roots and maize smut in cobs, rice blast in panicle and stem, rust and blight disease and grain borer in wheat. The major issues for farmers were found to be a deficit of inorganic fertilizers, an insufficient supply of quality seeds and an unsystematic market. The coping mechanism for climate change in farming was not applied due to a lack of knowledge, facilities, and access to improved technologies. The farmers expected advanced technological know-how along with other facilities for climate-resilient farming.
 This study concludes that change in climate is affecting the agriculture in Banepa Municipality of Kabhrepalancchok. The existing local and institutional strategies are not sufficient and sustainable to cope with climatic vagaries. It is very important to address the problems in this region with institutional support and through a long-term policy perspective.

Trend and Pattern of Cereal Crops: Production, Productivity and Area Coverage in Nepal

This study conducted to examine growth trends and pattern in area, production and productivity of major cereal crops over the six fiscal years. Time series data of cereal crops coverage of annual yield were used for the study. This study was based on descriptive nature and used secondary sources of information on production, productivity and area coverage of major cereals (Paddy, Maize, Wheat, Millet, Buckwheat and Barley) covering the six fiscal years (2011/12-20116/17) data. Trends of crop's productivity were analyzed using graphical methods. Ratio and percentage were used to measure productivity (yield) growth rate of the selected crops of study. The yielding trend of cereal production is not satisfactory in Nepalese economy. Pattern of agricultural production in Nepal is affected by multiple factors including rugged topography, monsoon, insignificant investment in infrastructure, and research and development. Production and productivity would be helpful to develop the future plans and take the appropriate decisions to uphold the situation for the sustainability in food production.

Socio-Ecological Vulnerabilities and Major Cereal Crops Production in Bangladesh

Socio-Ecological Vulnerabilities and Major Cereal Crops Production in Bangladesh

Effect of Climate Change on the Yield of Cereal Crops: A Review

By the end of this century, the average global temperature is predicted to rise due to the increasing release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. This change in climate can reduce agricultural yields, resulting in food insecurity. However, agricultural activities are one of the major contributors of GHGs and lower yields can trigger increased activity to meet the demand for food, resulting in higher quantities of GHGs released into the atmosphere. In this paper, we discuss the growth requirements and greenhouse gas release potential of staple cereal crops and assess the impact of climate change on their yields. Potential solutions for minimizing the influence of climate change on crop productivity are discussed. These include breeding to obtain cereals that are more tolerant to conditions caused by climate change, increased production of these new cultivars, improved irrigation, and more effective use of fertilizers. Furthermore, different predictive models inferred that climate change would reduce production of major cereal crops, except for millets due to their ability to grow in variable climatic conditions, and in dry areas due to a strong root system. Moreover, millets are not resource-intensive crops and release fewer greenhouse gases compared to other cereals. Therefore, in addition to addressing food security, millets have an enormous potential use for reducing the impact of agriculture on global warming and should be grown on a global scale as an alternative to major cereals and grains.

Carbon and water footprints of major cereal crops production in China

Abstract Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and freshwater scarcity are central environmental concerns in China. They are closely linked to crop production. Based on a national-scale survey and statistics, we estimated the carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) of rice, wheat, and corn in China in 2011. The GHG emissions were 9.9, 3.9, and 3.7 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per hectare (t CO2e ha−1) for rice, wheat, and corn, respectively. Carbon sequestration due to straw return mitigated 202–478 kg CO2e ha−1. Therefore, the farm CFs were 9.7, 3.5, and 3.4 t CO2e ha−1 for rice, wheat, and corn; while the product CFs were 1.4, 0.7, and 0.6 kg CO2e kg−1 respectively. The product WFs were 1.5, 1.1, and 1 m3 kg−1 for rice, wheat, and corn, respectively. Blue water made a greater contribution to WF in the north and northwest than to the other regions, and gray water occupied 27% of the total WF. Our results indicated that cereal production in China depended more on fertilization and irrigation than global average production requirements. The significantly positive relationships between the CF and WF indicated the possibility for simultaneous mitigation. Based on our results and other studies, we recommended potential practices, especially optimized fertilization and irrigation, and straw returns, to mitigate GHG emissions and water use to achieve environmentally sustainable agriculture in China.

Effect of Liberalization on Growth and Instability in Area Production and Yield of Major Cereal Crops in Maharashtra

The growth in agricultural production along with low instability is highly desirable. The objective of this study was to investigate effect of liberalization on growth and instability in area, production and yield of major cereal crops in Maharashtra. The finding of the study revealed positive and encouraging trends for maize and paddy among the cereals for area and production. The yield trend for all cereals except paddy was positive and significant. In Maharashtra, the area, production, and productivity of major cereals crops indicated that relatively lower instability in Post-WTO period than Pre-WTO period. The instability indices were higher for production due to area instability.

Effect of Climate Variables on Major Cereal Crops Production in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Effect of Climate Variables on Major Cereal Crops Production in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Recent trends and perspectives of molecular markers against fungal diseases in wheat.

Wheat accounts for 19% of the total production of major cereal crops in the world. In view of ever increasing population and demand for global food production, there is an imperative need of 40–60% increase in wheat production to meet the requirement of developing world in coming 40 years. However, both biotic and abiotic stresses are major hurdles for attaining the goal. Among the most important diseases in wheat, fungal diseases pose serious threat for widening the gap between actual and attainable yield. Fungal disease management, mainly, depends on the pathogen detection, genetic and pathological variability in population, development of resistant cultivars and deployment of effective resistant genes in different epidemiological regions. Wheat protection and breeding of resistant cultivars using conventional methods are time-consuming, intricate and slow processes. Molecular markers offer an excellent alternative in development of improved disease resistant cultivars that would lead to increase in crop yield. They are employed for tagging the important disease resistance genes and provide valuable assistance in increasing selection efficiency for valuable traits via marker assisted selection (MAS). Plant breeding strategies with known molecular markers for resistance and functional genomics enable a breeder for developing resistant cultivars of wheat against different fungal diseases.

Striga hermonthica Seed Inoculum Rate Effects on Maize Hybrid Tolerance and Susceptibility Expression

A parasitic plant, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth., infests millions of hectares of arable land in sub‐Saharan Africa, and it threatens production of major cereal crops including maize (Zea mays L.). Erratic natural infestation is considered a major constraint to assess host plant resistance to the parasite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different S. hermonthica seed inoculum rates on a tolerant and a susceptible maize genotype. Individual maize plants of the tolerant (8322‐13) and the susceptible maize hybrid (8338‐1) were inoculated with six rates of germinable Striga seeds: 750, 1500, 2250, 3000, 3750, and 4500. Uninfested plots served as the control. The experiment was conducted at two locations, Mokwa (two seasons) and Abuja (one season), in Nigeria. Increasing Striga inoculum level increased Striga emergence and the amount of damage to the host plant, plant height, and grain yield of the host crop. The tolerant hybrid showed less host plant damage (P < 0.01) and that fewer S. hermonthica plants emerged (P < 0.05) than the susceptible hybrid. Among the four traits studied, host plant damages core was most correlated with grain yield (r = −0.65**). Average grain yield of the tolerant hybrid, 8322‐13, was 97% higher than that of the susceptible hybrid, 8338‐1, across the six inocolum rates. The tolerant hybrid produced similar grain yields under all levels of the inoculum; the yield reductions ranged from 27% (2250 seeds) to 35% (4500 seeds), while the yield reduction of the susceptible hybrid ranged from 43% (750 seeds) to 74% (3750 seeds). Based on the results this study, we conclude that host plant tolerance is the key element for stabilizing crop yield under S. hermonthica infestation.

Genetic manipulation of plant protein quality and its value in human nutrition.

The “green revolution” is causing an increase in production of major cereal crops in the developing tropics and in some cases may contribute to a reduction in quality of the consumer’s diet due to better availability of cereal grains and fewer legumes and other crops. This may be aggravated as well by changes in the relative prices of alternative food sources as a result of increased cereal production and diversion of land and resources from the more protein-rich legume species. A new “quality revolution” is the next frontier for improving cereal grain crops.