Resilient Agriculture Research Articles

Chromosome-level genome assembly and functional annotation of Citrullus colocynthis: unlocking genetic resources for drought-resilient crop development

Main conclusionThe chromosome-level genome assembly of Citrullus colocynthis reveals its genetic potential for enhancing drought tolerance, paving the way for innovative crop improvement strategies.This study presents the first comprehensive genome assembly and annotation of Citrullus colocynthis, a drought-tolerant wild close relative of cultivated watermelon, highlighting its potential for enhancing agricultural resilience to climate change. The study achieved a chromosome-level assembly using advanced sequencing technologies, including PacBio HiFi and Hi-C, revealing a genome size of approximately 366 Mb with low heterozygosity and substantial repetitive content. Our analysis identified 23,327 gene models, that could encode stress response mechanisms for species’ adaptation to arid environments. Comparative genomics with closely related species illuminated the evolutionary dynamics within the Cucurbitaceae family. In addition, resequencing of 27 accessions from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) identified genetic diversity, suggesting a foundation for future breeding programs. This genomic resource opens new avenues for the de novo domestication of C. colocynthis, offering a blueprint for developing crops with enhanced drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional profiles, crucial for sustaining future food security in the face of escalating climate challenges.

The value of indigenous knowledge for enhancing smallholders’ resilience to climate change and food insecurity: a case study of small-scale irrigation system in Niger

ABSTRACT The global south faces challenges in enhancing smallholder farmers' resilience to climate change and food insecurity. Indigenous knowledge and small-scale irrigation (SSI) systems are being promoted as a viable solution to address these challenges. This paper explores how smallholder farmers use local knowledge to establish informal and farmer-led SSI to enhance smallholders' resilience in agriculture and livelihoods. A qualitative research approach with 79 semi-structured interviews was carried out with farmers' households in Tamaske rural community in Southwest Niger, followed by thematic and statistical analysis. The results revealed that an alternative SSI strategy is mostly based on internal agencies rather than externally supported and it serves as a tool to enhance household food and income security amid climate change. The empirical case allows us to assess the value of indigenous knowledge in agriculture by asking how local people can bring together ideas and resources to enhance SSI and build resilience to climate change. The study suggests that the initiation and multiplication of SSI systems can be achieved by farmers' own agencies if appropriate technology and cooperation mechanisms are selected. The policy focus should promote simple, root-based technology as limited government financial support in the global south may hinder this progress.

Enhancing tomato growth and soil fertility under salinity stress using halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Soil salinization is a critical issue that not only hampers the efficiency and sustainability of global agricultural production but also poses significant challenges to the achievement of sustainable development goals across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HPGPR) have the potential to mitigate abiotic stress, foster plant growth, and bolster the stress resistance capabilities of crops. This study conducted the isolation, identification, and characterization of HPGPR originating from a saline-alkali orchard area in northwest China. The efficacy of the isolated bacterial strains was evaluated through potted plant experiments, assessing the growth of tomato plants under in vitro conditions and under varying salinity stress. Ultimately, the study investigated the influence of these HPGPR on soil physicochemical properties, enzymatic activities, and the structure and composition of the microbial community. Upon isolating 12 bacterial strains, we conducted an in vitro assessment of their salt tolerance, ultimately singling out three robust isolates, which exhibited exceptional salt tolerance. Detailed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and meticulous taxonomic evaluation systematically assigned these isolates to Priestia endophyticus GSCK1 (accession number: OR569048), Bacillus atrophaeus GSCK2 (accession number: OR569061), and Serratia fonticola GSCK6 (accession number: OR569062), respectively. These strains exhibited notable biochemical and plant growth-promoting traits, including enzymatic activities and the production of indole-3-acetic acid. They significantly enhanced plant growth metrics and soil fertilities, particularly strain GSCK6, which also reshaped the soil microbial community, augmenting beneficial microbe abundance. The HPGPR treatment notably improved soil pH, nutrient availability, enzymatic activities, and reduced soil electrical conductivity, underscoring their potential in agricultural resilience against salinity. The eco-friendly salt stress mitigation strategy of HPGPR not only enhances soil quality and promotes plant growth by regulating the composition and function of microbial communities, but also provides a novel solution for global agricultural production. This approach is conducive to increasing crop yield and quality, reducing the limitations of saline-alkali land on agricultural production, and promoting food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Agricultural resilience: Impact of extreme weather events on the adoption of rural insurance in Brazil

Brazil’s agricultural, livestock, and forestry production is essential, feeding more than 10% of the global population. However, climate change and extremes affect quality and production, challenging the Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger and poverty. Extreme weather events generate economic and social costs, driving the use of adaptation strategies, with rural insurance being one of the main instruments to manage these risks. This study analyzes the impact of extreme weather events on rural insurance contracting in Brazil, using daily precipitation and temperature data to calculate extreme weather indices and perform panel regressions. The analysis of Minimum Comparable Areas (MCAs) between 2006 and 2016 showed that events such as “Frost” and “Hot Days” significantly increased insurance contracting, especially in the South and Central-West regions. The results highlight the importance of extreme variables and the need to consider regional differences and insurance alternatives. Despite the importance of insurance, increasing financial unviability suggests the need for additional strategies, such as crop diversification, community solidarity, and conservation of agricultural practices.

Family Farm Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Case Studies on Organic and Conventional Farming

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional stressors to Indonesian family farms, which are already subject to drought, flood, landslide, pest attack, and market price fluctuations. This study aims to analyse family farms’ resilience to the stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic using Henry’s family resilience model. Applying a qualitative approach, this study collected data using focus group discussions in two villages in East Java and a village in Center Java. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. We discovered that stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic are lower demand on agricultural products and lower income among farmers. Organic and conventional farmers have different protection and vulnerability factors. Organic farmers are able to reach buyers directly using social media amid COVID-19 restrictions while conventional farmers still rely on sales through middlemen. The adaptive process of farming families is influenced by social psychological factors within the family such as meaning, emotion, control, and maintenance systems. This study suggests that family farmers have to be empowered in terms of their innovative production in current stressors and increase their access to the market as a priority for agricultural extension programmes.

Assessing Water Balance Influenced by Conservation Measures for Sustainable High-value Vegetable Cultivation: A Case Study of Battuvagu Watershed in Telangana, India

Rainfed areas are crucial for India’s agriculture, covering 50% of the total farmland and contributing 40% of the country’s food production. In recent years, the adverse effects of climate change have been found to be exacerbating the complex problems in vulnerable rainfed areas. While climate change affects many aspects of the environment, its impact on water resources is often swift and apparent, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human well-being, and sustainable development. In this context, water budgeting at watershed level and its management are crucial towards promotion of climate resilient agriculture in the rainfed ecosystems. Comprehensive assessment of water balance was attempted, estimating the demand from agriculture, domestic and livestock needs and availability of water in terms of groundwater recharge from different sources and effective surface water stored in an agricultural watershed falling in Siddipet district of Telangana state of India. It involved collection of data on population, land use, and estimating irrigation water needs for crops, humans and livestock, followed by inventorying surface storage structures. Further, water inflow, runoff, and groundwater recharge were calculated using standard methods. The water balance was then determined by subtracting total demand from total availability. The study revealed that the water balance improved significantly, shifting from a deficit (-1.18 ha-m) of pre-project phase to a surplus (+67.91 ha-m) during post-watershed development. Thus, this study revealed the effectiveness of soil and water conservation measures taken up as a part of watershed development project in enhancing groundwater recharge and effective surface water storage capacity leading to positive water balance. The study also evaluated the use of groundwater in terms of stage of development in the pre and post project scenarios. The study concluded that there is a need for controlling the over extraction of groundwater through crop diversification especially towards market driven, less water consuming high value vegetable cultivation based on water availability with active people participation along with awareness building, propagation of efficient water application (micro-irrigation) methods, group mode of irrigation, and conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, etc. for long-term water security in the watershed.

Nano Management Techniques for Soil Reclamation

The application of nano-scale management strategies for soil remediation presents a promising avenue for tackling soil salinity issues and bolstering agricultural sustainability. Nano-sized materials like gypsum, biochar, sulphur, and zinc offer novel solutions by capitalizing on their distinct properties to alleviate soil stressors and bolster soil vitality. These nano materials demonstrate heightened reactivity, mobility, and efficacy compared to traditional alternatives, facilitating precise delivery and enduring effects on soil characteristics and crop performance. Through targeted ion displacement, soil structure enhancement, and improved nutrient accessibility, nano management approaches play a pivotal role in rehabilitating saline and sodic soils, thereby fostering agricultural resilience in adverse environmental conditions. Moreover, the integration of nano technologies in farming practices holds considerable promise for advancing precision agriculture, optimizing resource utilization, and mitigating ecological concerns associated with conventional farming methods. As research in this domain advances, ongoing exploration and refinement of nano management techniques are imperative to ensure their effectiveness, safety, and long-term sustainability, thereby contributing to the establishment of robust and productive agricultural systems.

Proteomic analysis of storage proteins in Phaseolus vulgaris associated with resistance to water stress

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a widely consumed legume in Ecuador, boasts low economic value, significant nutritional contributions, and a remarkable capacity to enhance soil fertility. Despite these attributes, its field productivity often needs to improve, with the water deficit emerging as a primary hindrance. Consequently, genetic enhancements have been incorporated into select varieties, conferring tolerance to specific levels of water scarcity stress. This study aimed to elucidate the distinctions in protein expression patterns responding to water deficiency stress across nine bean varieties. Protein patterns were scrutinized through two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), and selected protein spots were subjected to mass spectrometry analysis (MALDI-TOF MS/RP-LC-MS/MS). A comprehensive identification of 111 proteins was achieved and categorized based on their respective functions. Noteworthy among these were the desiccation-protectant protein (LEA14) and Desiccation-related protein PCC13–62, identified as proteins associated with the response to abiotic stress, particularly prevalent in the INIAP_473 cultivar. These findings underscore the potential for targeted genetic improvements to mitigate the impact of water deficit stress on common bean cultivation, contributing to enhanced agricultural resilience and productivity.

Integrating Deficit Irrigation Strategies and Soil-Management Systems in Almond Orchards for Resilient Agriculture

This work was conducted over three-year monitoring seasons of three almond cultivars (Guara, Marta, and Lauranne) subjected to deficit irrigation in combination with cover crops in a Mediterranean semiarid area (SW, Spain). Four water–soil treatments were evaluated based on the conjunction of two irrigation strategies: fully irrigated (FI), covering 100% of the ETC, and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), with two soil-management systems: bare soil (BS) and cover crop based on a mixture of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) (CC). Throughout the study period in trees, the yield, the stem water potential (Ψstem), leaf nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) in soils, organic carbon, microbial biomass, fluoresceine diacetate, and enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, protease, β-glucosidase, and alkaline phosphatase) were determined. In addition, the dry matter and carbon fixation by plant covers were evaluated. For Guara and Lauranne, yield reductions (22 and 26%, respectively) were found for water-stressed (RDI-CC) plots with respect to non-stressed combination (FI-CC) plots, contrasting with cv. Marta, without a significant impact on productivity in all combinations. That is, the RDI (~3.000 m3 ha−1) strategy enabled acceptable productivity, offering promising possibilities for cultivation performance under water-scarcity scenarios. Important differences in Ψstem could be observed and ascribed to irrigation strategies, especially for Guara and Lauranne, but without significant effects due to the soil-management systems applied. No differences were observed in the tree nutritional status due to the presence or absence of CC; however, its presence increased the fixation of atmospheric carbon, which was not the case under BS conditions. Additionally, CC significantly fostered the microbial processes and enzymatic activities, particularly in upper soil layers (0–10 cm) and with plenty of water supply in FI-CC plots and to a lesser extent in RDI-CC plots, which could encourage prominent aspects for soil quality and health restoration. Thus, the cover crop is congruent with RDI to facilitate soil functionality and water savings in a changing climate, contributing to resilient farming systems in the Mediterranean environment.

Do dynamic capabilities, and entrepreneurial orientation promote farm resilience? Insights from indonesian beef-cattle farmers facing foot and mouth disease outbreak

Do dynamic capabilities, and entrepreneurial orientation promote farm resilience? Insights from indonesian beef-cattle farmers facing foot and mouth disease outbreak

The Role of Biodiversity in Agricultural Resilience: Protecting Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Food Production

The Role of Biodiversity in Agricultural Resilience: Protecting Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Food Production

A novel approach for detecting Pomegranate leaf pathologies using deep learning

Pomegranate cultivation is essential for ensuring global food security, yet it faces significant threats from diseases. This has resulted in significant losses of yield. Integrated disease management strategies are therefore crucial for addressing this problem and include cultural practices, disease resistant varieties and timely application of fungicides. Artificial intelligence (AI), primarily deep learning, has recently made great strides that can help change the landscape on how agricultural diseases are diagnosed. In this study, therefore, we will develop a highly accurate and efficient system for early detection of diseases in pomegranate crops using deep learning algorithms. Using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) along with transfer learning coupled with data augmentation techniques such as rotation, flipping and scaling automate the identification and classification of disorders related to leaves growing on pomegranate plants. Rigorous experimentation and evaluation using performance metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score demonstrate the efficacy of the CNN models. The underlying theory behind this is that AI technologies would be able to successfully detect all BLB diseases associated with pomegranates at an accuracy rate of 96.33 percent using Inception v3 CNN model. These results point out that AI technology changes everything about dealing with crop diseases in agriculture while also emphasizing its importance towards global food security efforts. This study not only presents a novel approach to disease detection but also provides practical solutions for farmers to mitigate crop losses and improve yield quality, promoting more sustainable and resilient farming.

New radiocarbon dates point to the early evolution of resilient agriculture among Central Europe’s first farmers

Abstract The shift towards cultivating domesticated crops was a pivotal development in ecological, economic, and human behavioural systems. As agriculture expanded beyond its origins, it faced diverse environments, often unsuitable for the originally cultivated domesticates. Farmers in Central Europe had to adjust and transform their farming systems, typically cultivating only five domesticated crop species. Here, we present new archaeobotanical data comprising 7955 determined charred remains and 22 radiocarbon dates from South Bohemia. This region, with higher altitudes, colder climates, and less fertile soils, lies on the periphery of Early Neolithic settlement. Our results reveal increased crop diversity as a form of adaptation to the harsher environment that bolstered resilience against crop failure. The earliest 14C-based evidence of deliberate cultivation of barley and Timopheev’s wheat in the region also provides new insights into the interplay between crop diffusion, landscapes, and food choices in the Neolithic Central Europe.

Unveiling Indian farmers’ adoption of climate information services for informed decision-making: a path to agricultural resilience

ABSTRACT Amidst the intensifying ramifications of climate change on economic conditions, there exists an imperative for farmers to adopt climate forecast information in agricultural decision-making proactively. The research employed an extended theory of planned behaviour to examine the factors influencing farmers’ intentions to incorporate climate information in their decision-making process. Data from 343 male farmers in India were collected using a multi-stage sampling technique and analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, perceived benefits and epistemic values significantly and positively affect the farmers’ intention to use climate forecasts in making informed decisions in farming. The findings carry significant importance for advancing adaptation strategies within the agricultural sector, calling for essential measures like fostering the development of farmers’ associations and promoting fruitful collaboration in climate prediction initiatives. Such actions are instrumental in equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle climate-related challenges and ensure sustainable agricultural practices effectively.

Ecogeographic Study of Ipomoea Species in Mauritius, Indian Ocean.

The wild relatives of crops play a critical role in enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability by contributing valuable traits for crop improvement. Shifts in climatic conditions and human activities threaten plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), jeopardizing contributions to future food production and security. Studies and inventories of the extant agrobiodiversity, in terms of numbers and distribution patterns of species and their genetic diversity, are primordial for developing effective and comprehensive conservation strategies. We conducted an ecogeographic study on Ipomoea species and assessed their diversity, distribution, and ecological preferences across different topographic, altitudinal, geographical, and climatic gradients, at a total of 450 sites across Mauritius. Species distribution maps overlaid with climatic data highlighted specific ecological distribution. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed species distribution was influenced by geographical factors. Regional richness analyses indicated varying densities, with some species exhibiting localized distributions and specific ecological preferences while the other species showed diverse distribution patterns. Field surveys identified 14 species and 2 subspecies out of 21 species and 2 subspecies of Ipomoea reported in Mauritius. A gap in ex situ germplasm collections was observed and several species were identified as threatened. Further investigations and a more long-term monitoring effort to better guide conservation decisions are proposed.

A review on seed priming to combat climate variability in agriculture

Global agriculture faces immense challenges due to climate change, which causes unpredictable weather patterns, decreased agricultural productivity, and decreased food security. Seed priming is critical in combating climate variability because it has emerged as a promising method for improving seed germination and agricultural resilience. This review evaluates the efficiency of several seed priming techniques, including hydro-priming, halo-priming, osmo-priming, bio-priming, chemical priming, and hormone priming. These techniques improve seedling vigor, stress tolerance, and overall crop yield. Seed priming increases germination rates and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, while improving agricultural output and disease resistance. Seed priming reduces the demand for chemical pesticides and fertilizers by increasing soil quality and nutrient absorption, which supports sustainable agriculture. This review highlights the potential benefits of seed priming as a practical, affordable, and practical strategy to reduce the negative effects of climatic variability on agriculture. Future studies should focus on developing the best priming techniques for diverse crop varieties and conditions, as well as examining the combined impacts of various priming strategies. Seed priming will be crucial to preserving food security and agricultural sustainability in the face of ongoing climate change.

Tripartite evolutionary game analysis of government reward and punishment mechanisms and agricultural resilience under a dual carbon context

PurposeUnder the “dual carbon” framework, the article explores the equilibrium points among the government, agricultural enterprises and village committees, and uses sensitivity analysis to reveal the dynamic factors affecting these stakeholders, thereby proposing methods to enhance agricultural disaster resilience.Design/methodology/approachThe article uses MATLAB to construct a game model for the three parties with interests: agribusiness, government and village council. It examines the stability of strategies among these entities. Through graphical simulation, the paper analyzes the sensitivity of agricultural enterprises carbon emissions and village committees’ rent-seeking behaviors in the decision-making process, focusing on significant factors such as government carbon tax and regulatory policies.FindingsA single government reward and punishment mechanism is insufficient to influence the strategic choices of enterprises and village committees. The cost of rent-seeking does not affect the strategic choices of enterprises and village committees. A key factor influencing whether the village committee engages in rent-seeking is the level of labor income of the village committee as an “intermediary”.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the dynamic game between three stakeholders (the government, agricultural enterprises and village committees), seeking dynamic equilibrium and conducting sensitivity analysis through visualization to provide the government with optimal policy recommendations.

Economic Analysis of Dairy Farming under Drought Prone Area in Maharashtra State of India

Background: Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy in India. Maharashtra, particularly its drought-prone districts, is critical in this sector. Despite challenges posed by erratic monsoons and limited irrigation, dairy farming remains a viable strategy for economic stability in these regions. The aim of this study was to examine the financial aspects of dairy enterprises, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, economic viability and constraints faced by farmers. Methods: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method. Key analytical tools included average and percentage calculations, BEP analysis and a Cobb-Douglas production function. Additionally, Garrett’s ranking technique was used to ascertain constraints in dairy farming, while the MOTAD model assessed profitability and risk. Result: The findings reveal that crossbred cow milk production is more lucrative than buffalo milk production, despite its higher average total expenditure per lactation. Break-even analysis confirmed profitability for both types of milk producers. Key determinants of milk production, such as green fodder, concentrate and labour, suggest areas for efficiency enhancements. Farmer-identified constraints include high feed costs, insufficient veterinary services and water scarcity. Utilizing the MOTAD model, the study recommends integrating dairy farming with crop cultivation to maximize returns, mitigate risks and enhance overall farm resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

Effect of NaCl Stress on Seedling Parameters of Various Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Genotypes and Its Mitigation through Hormonal Priming

Salinity is a major environmental challenge that leads to agricultural land degradation and reduced crop yields worldwide. In chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), high salinity conditions can significantly inhibit seed germination and seedling growth. This study aimed to achieve two main objectives: first, to evaluate the effects of NaCl stress on seedling parameters across various chilli genotypes, and second, to explore the potential of hormonal priming in mitigating salt stress. The experiment was conducted in the Seed Testing Laboratory of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at SHUATS, Prayagraj, using 14 chilli genotypes exposed to varying salt concentrations (0 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM). The results revealed that higher salt concentrations negatively impacted seedling parameters across all genotypes, with EC-492576 displaying superior salt tolerance. The second part of the study focused on alleviating salt stress through hormonal priming, an approach that enhances seedling quality by improving germination and growth under adverse conditions. Under 150 mM salt stress, 12 treatments were applied, including GA3, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, and IAA at varying concentrations, with unprimed seeds serving as the control. Among these treatments, salicylic acid at 100 ppm yielded the best results improving key parameters such as germination rate, seedling length, and overall vigour. These findings highlight the potential of salicylic acid priming to improve salt tolerance in chilli. These findings highlight the potential of salicylic acid priming to improve salt tolerance in chilli, paving the way for future research in developing salt-tolerant varieties and informing breeding programs aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience in salt-affected regions.

Divergent changes in crop yield loss risk due to droughts over time in the US

Abstract Drought poses a major threat to agricultural production and food security. This study evaluates the changes in drought-induced crop yield loss risk for six crops (alfalfa, barley, corn, soybean, spring wheat, and winter wheat) between 1971-2000 and 1991-2020 across the contiguous US. Using a copula-based probabilistic framework, our results reveal a spatially heterogeneous change in yield risk to meteorological droughts, which varies with crop types. Regional analyses identify the largest temporal decline in yield risk in the Southeast and Upper Midwest, while the Northwest and South show an increase in risk. Among the considered anthropogenic and climatic drivers of crop productivity, changes in climatic variables such as high temperatures (e.g., killing degree days), vapor pressure deficit and precipitation, show significantly stronger associations with changes in yield risk than irrigated area and nitrogen fertilizer application. Alarmingly, yield risks are found to increase among two-third (for barley and spring wheat), and one-third (for alfalfa, corn, soybean and winter wheat) of the top 25% major crop growing counties that have outsized influence on destabilizing national crop production. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and decision-makers in terms of the potential ways and locations to be prioritized for enhancing local and national agricultural resilience and ensure food security.