Agriculture

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Activity of Compounds from Temperate Propolis against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana
(MDPI, 2021-06-26) Alotaibi, Adullah; Ebiloma, Godwin U.; Williams, Roderick
Ethanolic extracts of samples of temperate zone propolis, four from the UK and one from Poland, were tested against three Trypanosoma brucei strains and displayed EC50 values < 20 g/mL. The extracts were fractionated, from which 12 compounds and one two-component mixture were isolated, and characterized by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as 3-acetoxypinobanksin, tectochrysin, kaempferol, pinocembrin, 40-methoxykaempferol, galangin, chrysin, apigenin, pinostrobin, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, cinnamyl ester/coumaric acid benzyl ester (mixture), 40,7- dimethoxykaempferol, and naringenin 40,7-dimethyl ether. The isolated compounds were tested against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of T. brucei and Leishmania mexicana, with the highest activities 15 M. The most active compounds against T. brucei were naringenin 40,7 dimethyl ether and 40methoxy kaempferol with activity of 15–20 M against the three T. brucei strains. The most active compounds against L. mexicana were 40,7-dimethoxykaempferol and the coumaric acid ester mixture, with EC50 values of 12.9 3.7 M and 13.1 1.0 M. No loss of activity was found with the diamidine- and arsenical-resistant or phenanthridine-resistant T. brucei strains, or the miltefosineresistant L. mexicana strain; no clear structure activity relationship was observed for the isolated compounds. Temperate propolis yields multiple compounds with anti-kinetoplastid activity.
Actualisation de la distribution géographique des cercosporioses des bananiers en Côte d’Ivoire : diversité et incidence de l’agent pathogène
(Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2021-10) Tou, Seydou; CAMARA, Brahima; Kassi, Koffi Fernand Jean-Martial
Les cercosporioses noire et jaune causées respectivement par les champignons ascomycètes Mycosphaerella fijiensis et Mycosphaerella musicola sont les maladies foliaires les plus dévastatrices en culture du bananier. La cercosporioses noire ou maladie des raies noires (MRN) est considérée comme la plus contraignante et se traduit par des pertes de rendement allant de 30 à 80 %. La présente étude se propose d’actualiser la carte de distribution géographique des cercosporioses noire et jaune en Côte d’Ivoire par l’évaluation sanitaire des bananeraies dans les principales zones de production et de caractériser la variabilité des isolats de Mycosphaerella spp. isolés. Méthodologie et résultats : Pour se faire, des prospections ont été effectuées pendant 3 années successives dans des zones préalablement sélectionnées de production de banane dessert ou de banane plantain sur la base de la diversité des conditions écologiques et la facilité d’accès. Les paramètres phytopathologiques observées pendant ces prospections ont été la plus jeune feuille touchée par la maladie (PJFT), la plus jeune feuille nécrosée (PJFN) et le nombre de feuilles vivantes (NFV) sur les bananiers. Les résultats ont montré que la cercosporiose noire est bien établie dans toutes les plantations prospectées soit 100 % et que la cercosporiose jaune est présente seulement dans 3 zones agro-écologiques (ZAE II, ZAE III et ZAE IV), soit 8,79 % des plantations prospectées. La sévérité des attaques dues à Mycosphaerella spp. a varié selon les cultivars de bananes et de bananes plantain rencontrés et également en fonction de l’agro-écologie des régions de production. Les pathogènes isolés et identifiés ont montré que les phénotypes diffèrent dans la quasi-totalité des sites visités. Les caractéristiques phénotypiques de l’aspect noir du revers des boîtes de Pétri et non jaune des cultures ont permis de suspecter Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Conclusion et application des résultats : Cette étude a permis de faire ressortir dans toutes les zones agro-écologiques, le caractère épidémique de la cercosporiose noire dans les conditions naturelles d’infestation de production. La cercosporiose jaune est présente uniquement dans les zones agro-écologiques II, III et V. Les résultats de cette étude ont montré une variabilité entre les isolats de Mycosphaerella spp. et aideront à envisager une méthode de lutte alternative à la lutte chimique contre la maladie des raies noires.
Adaptation Responses to Early Drought Stress ofWest Africa Sorghum Varieties
(MDPI, 2021-02) Gano, Boubacar; Dembele, Joseph Sékou B.; Tovignan, Thierry Klanvi
Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop world-wide and feeds millions of people in the Sahel. However, it often faces early-stage water deficit due to false onsets of rainy seasons resulting in production decrease. Therefore, developing early drought tolerant material becomes a necessity but requires a good knowledge of adaptation mechanisms, which remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of early drought stress on ten elite sorghum varieties tested over two years (2018–2019) at the National Agronomic Research Centre (CNRA) of Bambey (Senegal, West Africa). Two different water regimes (well-watered and drought stress) were applied during the dry season. Water stress was applied by withholding irrigation 25 days after sowing for one month, followed by optimal irrigation until maturity. Soil moisture measurements were performed and allowed to follow the level of stress (down to a fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) of 0.30 at the end of stress). An agro-physio-morphological monitoring was carried out during the experiment. Results showed highly significant effects of early drought stress in sorghum plants growth by decreasing leaf appearance, biomass, height but also yield set up. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p 0.01) between varieties in the different environments for most characters. Under water deficit, the variability was less strong on leaf appearance and plant height at the end of stress. The adaptation responses were related to the capacity of varieties to grow up fast and complete their cycle rather, increase the dead leaves weight, reduce photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and increase the roots length density. However, varieties V1, V2, V8 and V9 showed promising behavior under stress and could be suitable for further application in West Africa for sorghum breeding and farming
Adapting the QUEFTS model to predict attainable yields when training data are characterized by imperfect management
(Elsevier, 2021) Ravensbergen, Arie Pieter Paulus; Chamberlin, Jordan; Craufurd, Peter
Understanding yield responses to nutrient application is a key input for extension advice and strategic agricultural investments in developing countries. A commonly used model for yield responses to nutrient inputs in tropical smallholder farming systems is QUEFTS (QUantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils). While QUEFTS has a strong conceptual foundation, a key assumption is that nutrients are the only limiting factors. One implication of this is the required assumption of ‘perfect management’. This may be problematic in the application of QUEFTS in smallholder farming systems with a wide variety of yield limiting factors. In a previous study, QUEFTS was calibrated using farm trials in two major maize production zones in Nigeria. To reduce observed variability in correlations between estimated soil nutrient (N, P, K) supply and soil parameters (e.g. soil organic carbon, soil pH; step 1 of QUEFTS) a Mahalanobis distance method was used to remove data points not adhering to expected correlations. In this study, we assessed an alternative approach: can the QUEFTS model be adapted to fit smallholder farming systems and associated variation in management? Using 676 observations from the same nutrient omission trials in two major maize production zones in Nigeria, we compare a standard linear regression approach with a quantile regression approach to calibrate QUEFTS. We find that under the standard linear regression approach, there is a poor relation between predicted and observed yields. Using quantile regression, however, QUEFTS performed better at predicting attainable yields – defined as the 90th percentile of observed yields – under a wide variety of production conditions. Our results indicate that using quantile regression as a way to predict attainable yields, is a useful alternative implementation of QUEFTS in smallholder farming systems with high variability in management and other characteristics.
Adapting the QUEFTS model to predict attainable yields when training data are characterized by imperfect management
(Field Crops Research, 2021-03-31) Ravensbergen, Arie Pieter Paulus; Chamberlin, Jordan
Understanding yield responses to nutrient application is a key input for extension advice and strategic agricultural investments in developing countries. A commonly used model for yield responses to nutrient inputs in tropical smallholder farming systems is QUEFTS (QUantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils). While QUEFTS has a strong conceptual foundation, a key assumption is that nutrients are the only limiting factors. One implication of this is the required assumption of ‘perfect management’. This may be problematic in the application of QUEFTS in smallholder farming systems with a wide variety of yield limiting factors. In a previous study, QUEFTS was calibrated using farm trials in two major maize production zones in Nigeria. To reduce observed variability in correlations between estimated soil nutrient (N, P, K) supply and soil parameters (e.g. soil organic carbon, soil pH; step 1 of QUEFTS) a Mahalanobis distance method was used to remove data points not adhering to expected correlations. In this study, we assessed an alternative approach: can the QUEFTS model be adapted to fit smallholder farming systems and associated variation in management? Using 676 observations from the same nutrient omission trials in two major maize production zones in Nigeria, we compare a standard linear regression approach with a quantile regression approach to calibrate QUEFTS. We find that under the standard linear regression approach, there is a poor relation between predicted and observed yields. Using quantile regression, however, QUEFTS performed better at predicting attainable yields – defined as the 90th percentile of observed yields – under a wide variety of production conditions. Our results indicate that using quantile regression as a way to predict attainable yields, is a useful alternative implementation of QUEFTS in smallholder farming systems with high variability in management and other characteristics.
Analysis of Genotype-Environment Interaction and Yield Stability of Introduced Upland Rice in the Groundnut Basin Agroclimatic Zone of Senegal
(Hindawi, 2021-10-28) Kanfany, Ghislain; Ayenan, Mathieu Anatole Tele; Zoclanclounon, Yedomon Ange Bovys
Identification of highly performing varieties under Senegalese environment is crucial to sustain rice production. Genotype-environment interaction and stability performance on the grain yield of ten upland rice genotypes were investigated across 11 environments in Senegal during the rainy seasons of 2016 and 2017 to identify adapted varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at each environment. Data on grain yield were recorded and analyzed using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The combined analysis of variance revealed that the grain yield was significantly affected by environment (67.9%), followed by genotype × environment (G × E) interaction (23.6%) and genotype (8.5%). The first two principal component axes were highly significant with 37.5 and 26% of the total observed G × E interaction variation, respectively. GGE biplot grouped the environments into four potential megaenvironments. Based on the yield stability index parameter and ranking GGE biplot, NERICA 8 and ART3-7-L9P8-1-B-B-1 were stable and high-yielding varieties compared to the local check NERICA 6. These varieties should be proposed for cultivation in order to sustain the rice production in the southern part of the groundnut basin of Senegal and used as parental lines in rice breeding program for grain yield improvement.
Antinutrients and Bioavailability of Nutrients in Maize, Cassava and Soybeans composite Flour.
(Asian Food Science Journal, 2020-06-17) Igbua, F.Z.; Adejo, S.O.; Igoli, N.P.
Composite flour production and utilization in Nigeria and globally is on the increase. This is to take advantage of its nutritional and health benefits at the same time increase the food value of certain cereals and tubers. This study was designed to evaluate the antinutrients and bioavailability of nutrients in maize, cassava and soybeans composite flour. Maize, cassava and soybean flours were composite at 70:25:5, 70:20:10, 70:15:15 and 70:10:20 blends while whole maize (100:0:0) and maize/cassava (70:30:0) blends served as controls. The result showed that substitution of cassava flour with dehulled soybeans elevated the mineral contents of maize, cassava and soybeans composite flour. It, however, decreased the anti-nutritional contents of the flour. Phytate, tannins, oxalates and cyanide contents of the composite flour were within the recommended safe ranges. The molar ratios of the phytate/Ca, phytate/Fe, phytate/Zn and Oxalate/Ca were far below their critical values. This implies that the bioavailability of these critical mineral elements of this composite flour is high. It was, therefore, recommended that the use of soybeans in composite flour production should be encouraged to boost the nutritional and health quality of our local flours.
Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Activity of Chalcones and Flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium
(MDPI, 2021-02-05) Zheoat, Ahmed M.; Alenezi, Samya; Elmahallawy, Ehab Kotb
Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are a group of neglected parasitic diseases caused by several species of parasites belonging to the family Trypansomatida. The present study investigated the antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of chalcones and flavanones from Polygonum salicifolium, which grows in the wetlands of Iraq. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant yielded two chalcones, 20,40-dimethoxy-60-hydroxychalcone and 20,50-dimethoxy-40,60-dihydroxychalcone, and two flavanones, 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone and 5,8-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyflavanone. The chalcones showed a good antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity while the flavanones were inactive. The EC50 values for 20,40-dimethoxy-60-hydroxychalcone against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (0.5 g/mL), T. congolense (2.5 g/mL), and Leishmania mexicana (5.2 g/mL) indicated it was the most active of the compounds. None of the compounds displayed any toxicity against a human cell line, even at 100 g/mL, or crossresistancewith first line clinical trypanocides, such as diamidines andmelaminophenyl arsenicals. Taken together, our study provides significant data in relation to the activity of chalcones and flavanones from P. salicifolium against both parasites in vitro. Further future research is suggested in order to investigate the mode of action of the extracted chalcones against the parasites.
Applications of molecular markers and genomic tools in pearl millet [cenchrus americanus (l.) Morronesyn. Pennisetum glaucum (l.) R. Br.]
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2021-06) Mbacké, Bassirou; Dieng, Abdoulaye
This review summarizes the main molecular markers and their applications on pearl millet as well as a summary of the discoveries on its reference genome. Molecular markers, unlike morphological and biochemical markers, are highly polymorphic and neutral. Their great liability comes from the fact that they directly concern the DNA. They have been widely used on pearl millet, ranging from low And medium-throughput to high-throughput markers, Targeting specific regions or characterizing germ plasm at the genome level. Many studies relate to mapping using different populations and have identified QTLs linked to important agronomic traits(flowering time, tolerance to drought, to mildew, phosphorus absorption), iron content. Studies have also been conducted on domestication syndrome and showed their importance of genes flow from wild millets to cultivated varieties. Genotyping-by-Sequencing - a rapid, cost-effective and reduced representation sequencing method –has been used to assess genetic diversity, population structure, LD and heterotic pool formation in pearl millet. A draft genome sequence that can serve as a reference for further development of genomics-assisted breeding is now available. It is an important milestone in generating genomic resources for pearl millet. Annotation of 24,000 genes indicates that enrichment of wax biosynthesis genes providing potential genetic mechanisms for heat and drought tolerance. Although molecular markers are widely applied to millet, genetic and genomic resources are still limited compared to other important cereals. However, the availability of a collection of inbred lines representative of germ plasm and a reference genome offer new perspectives in the improvement of pearl millet.
Appraisal of cowpea cropping systems and farmers’ perceptions of production constraints and preferences in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria
(BMC, 2021-06-29) Mohammed, Saba Baba; Dzidzienyo, Daniel Kwadjo; Umar, Muhammad Lawan
Background Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among the factors responsible for low yield on farmers’ fields. Sole cropping and improved intercropping systems have been advocated in the last few years to increase yield in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria. This study investigated the level of adoption of high yielding cowpea cropping systems including factors that influenced their use and farmers’ perceived production constraints and preferences. A total of 420 farmers across 36 villages of northern Nigeria were interviewed, and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics to appraise farmers predominant cowpea cropping systems and factors that determine the use of sole versus intercropping were identified with the aid of binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking was deployed to understand farmers’ view of cowpea production constraints and preferred traits. Results The results revealed that, many of the farmers (42%) still grow cowpeas in the traditional intercropping and a good number (25%) cultivate the crop as a sole crop, while 23% had fields of cowpeas in both sole and intercropping systems. Farmers reported the incidence of high insect pests, limited access to land, desire to have multiple benefits, and assurance in the event of crop failure as reasons for preference for intercropping over sole planting. The pairwise comparison ranking of constraints and preferences revealed insect pests, Striga, drought and poor access to fertilizers as major constraints to increased productivity. Many farmers indicated high yield as the most preferred trait. Conclusions Findings indicate a need for increased education and training of cowpea farmers on the importance of growing cowpeas in sole cropping and or improved intercropping systems. Genetic improvement efforts should focus on developing cowpea varieties that address farmers production constraints and reflect the diversity of consumers’ preferences for the crop. Hence, breeding for resistance to insect pests and high yield is recommended as an important priority of cowpea breeding programmes in the region.
Appraisal of cowpea cropping systems and farmers’ perceptions of production constraints and preferences in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria
(BMC, 2021-06-29) Mohammed, Saba Baba; Dzidzienyo, Daniel Kwadjo; Umar, Muhammad Lawan
Background Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among the factors responsible for low yield on farmers’ fields. Sole cropping and improved intercropping systems have been advocated in the last few years to increase yield in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria. This study investigated the level of adoption of high yielding cowpea cropping systems including factors that influenced their use and farmers’ perceived production constraints and preferences. A total of 420 farmers across 36 villages of northern Nigeria were interviewed, and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics to appraise farmers predominant cowpea cropping systems and factors that determine the use of sole versus intercropping were identified with the aid of binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking was deployed to understand farmers’ view of cowpea production constraints and preferred traits. Results The results revealed that, many of the farmers (42%) still grow cowpeas in the traditional intercropping and a good number (25%) cultivate the crop as a sole crop, while 23% had fields of cowpeas in both sole and intercropping systems. Farmers reported the incidence of high insect pests, limited access to land, desire to have multiple benefits, and assurance in the event of crop failure as reasons for preference for intercropping over sole planting. The pairwise comparison ranking of constraints and preferences revealed insect pests, Striga, drought and poor access to fertilizers as major constraints to increased productivity. Many farmers indicated high yield as the most preferred trait. Conclusions Findings indicate a need for increased education and training of cowpea farmers on the importance of growing cowpeas in sole cropping and or improved intercropping systems. Genetic improvement efforts should focus on developing cowpea varieties that address farmers production constraints and reflect the diversity of consumers’ preferences for the crop. Hence, breeding for resistance to insect pests and high yield is recommended as an important priority of cowpea breeding programmes in the region.
Aquaponics production of catfish and pumpkin: Comparison with conventional production systems
(WILEY, 2020-02-18) Oladimeji, Sunday Abraham; Okomoda, Victor Tosin; Olufeagba, Samuel Olabode
Aquaponics is known to be a smart way of producing fish and crops simultaneously; however, there is a paucity of information about the extents of this system's efficiency over other conventional methods of food production. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the performance of a catfish–pumpkin aquaponics system in comparison with recirculatory and static aquaculture systems (for fish performance), as well as irrigated and nonirrigated systems (for pumpkin performance). Results obtained showed that the production of fish in the aquaponics system was 29% and 75% more efficient than recirculatory and static aquaculture systems, respectively. The survival of the fish was also significantly improved probably due to better water quality in the aquaponics system. With respect to pumpkin production, yield in the aquaponics system was about five times the performance in irrigated land and eleven times those in nonirrigated land. This study gives definitive evidence to support the efficiency of the aquaponics system over other conventional food production methods.
Assessing the Performance and Participation among Young Male and Female Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness: A Case Study of the Rice and Maize Subsectors in Cameroon
(MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), 2021-03-02) Fani, Djomo Choumbou Raoul; Henrietta, Ukpe Udeme Henrietta; Oben, Emmanuel Njock
The role played by youth in agriculture cannot be overemphasized, while agribusinesses are important generators of employment and income worldwide. Improving the sustainability of food value chains can benefit millions of rural poor people living in developing countries, especially young women. Despite policies and programs aimed at encouraging agricultural entrepreneurs, they are still facing challenges such as high-cost agrochemicals, limited access to credit, price volatility, etc. which seriously affect their capacity to remain in the sector. This study was undertaken to assess the performance and participation of young male and female entrepreneurs. This study made use of cross-section data from a survey conducted on 1019 young agricultural entrepreneurs in Cameroon. The data were analyzed using gross margin, student t-test, and logistic regression. Our study contributes to the literature by showing that young women agribusiness entrepreneurs are as competitive as their male counterparts and that the opportunities for young women in agriculture are good. Incentives such as single-digit interest rates and no collateral security should be directed to young women to receive more credit for purchasing agrochemicals and improved varieties of seed. Furthermore, a price control policy should be set up throughout the year to enable young women earn as their young men counterparts to enable them remain in production and marketing activities.
Assessing the use of a drought-tolerant variety as adaptation strategy for maize production under climate change in the savannas of Nigeria
(Scientific Reports, 2021-04-26) Tofa, Abdullahi I.; Kamara, Alpha Y.; Babaji, Bashir A.
The Decision Support System for Agricultural Technology Transfer (DSSAT) was used to quantify the impact of climate change on maize yield and the potential benefits of the use of drought-tolerant maize variety over non-drought tolerant variety in savanna ecological zones of Nigeria. Projections of maize yields were estimated for three locations representing different agro-climatic zones and soil conditions, in the mid-century (2040–2069) and end-century (2070–2099) under representative concentration pathways scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) against the baseline period (1980–2009). Relative to the baseline period, the ensemble Global Circulation Models (GCMs) predicted significant increase in minimum and maximum temperatures and seasonal rainfall across the sites. In the mid-century, ensemble GCMs predicted temperatures increase between 1.7–2.4 °C for RCP4.5 and 2.2–2.9 °C for RCP8.5. By end-century, the temperature increases between 2.2–3.0 °C under RCP4.5 and 3.9–5.0 °C under RCP8.5. Predicted seasonal rainfall increase between 1.2–7% for RCP4.5 and 0.03–10.6% for RCP8.5 in the mid-century. By end of century, rainfall is expected to increase between 2–6.7% for RCP4.5 and 3.3–20.1% for RCP8.5. The DSSAT model predictions indicated a negative impact on maize yield in all the selected sites, but the degree of the impact varies with variety and location. In the mid-century, the results showed that the yield of the non–drought tolerant maize variety, SAMMAZ-16 will decline by 13–19% under RCP4.5 and 19–28% under RCP8.5. The projection by end-century indicates a decline in yield by 18–26% under RCP4.5 and 38–47% under RCP8.5. The yield of the drought-tolerant variety is projected to decline by 9–18% for RCP4.5 and 14–25% for RCP8.5 in the mid-century and 13–23% under RCP4.5 and 32–43% under RCP8.5 by the end-century. The higher temperatures by both emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) were primarily shown to cause more yield losses for non-drought-tolerant variety than that of the drought-tolerant variety. There will be 1–6% less reduction in yield when drought-tolerant variety is used. However, the higher yield reductions in the range of − 13 to − 43% predicted for the drought-tolerant variety by the end of the century across the study areas highlighted the need to modify the maize breeding scheme to combine both tolerances to drought and heat stresses in the agro-ecological zones of northern Nigeria.
Assessment of 16 Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) CSSLs Derived from an Interspecific Cross for Yield and Yield Component Traits: QTL Validation
(MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), 2020-04-18) Tossim, Hodo-Abalo; Nguepjop, Joel Romaric; Diatta, Cyril
Cultivated peanut is an allotetraploid (2n = 4× = 40) with narrow genetic diversity. In previous studies, we developed an advanced backcross quantitative trait loci (AB-QTL) population from the cross between the synthetic allotetraploid ((Arachis ipaensis × Arachis duranensis)4×) and the cultivated variety Fleur11, and mapped several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in yield and yield components. We also developed a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) population as a way to mendelize the QTLs and analyzing their effects. In this study, 16 CSSLs were used for assessing the contribution of wild alleles in yield performance and stability across environments, as well as validating QTLs for pod and seed size. The CSSLs and the recurrent parent Fleur11, used as a check, were assessed using an alpha lattice design in three locations during two consecutive rainy seasons in Senegal, totaling six environments. Our results showed that the chromosome segments from the wild species, in general, have no yield disadvantage and contributed positive variation to yield-related traits. Most of the QTLs detected for pod and seed size in the AB-QTL on linkage groups A07, A08, A09, and B06 were also found in the CSSLs, showing that the CSSLs used in this study are accurate material for QTL validation. Several new QTLs have also been identified. Two CSSLs (12CS_031 and 12CS_069) showed consistently higher pod and seed size than Fleur11 in all environments, suggesting that the QTLs were consistent and stable. Our study opens the way for pyramiding these QTLs for peanut improvement
Assessment of four plant extracts as maize seed protectants against Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus in Ghana
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-04-25) Gariba, Samuel Yakubu; Dzidzienyo, Daniel Kwadjo; Eziah, Vincent Yao
Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus can cause weight loss of about 20 to 90% of untreated stored maize seeds. This study assesses four plants (Lantana camara, Moringa oleifera, Citrus sinensis and Hyptis suaveolens) extracts as seed maize protectants against the two insects in Ghana. The study was laid out in a CRD with three replications. Dried powders (5 and 10% w/w) and aqueous extracts (0.05 and 0.1 g/mL) of the botanicals were evaluated for their insecticidal activity with untreated control and Actellic included as checks. Oviposition and survivorship of insects decreased in grains treated with plant extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed that compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins and phenolic, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids were recorded in all four plant extracts. These compounds may have caused lower progeny emergence, inhibitory effect, repellent action and antifeedant effect to S. zeamais and P. truncatus in grains treated with the botanicals. Maize seeds treated with botanicals after 10 weeks in cribs recorded a reduction in the percentage of seeds damaged and weight loss caused by the two insects compared to the untreated seeds. The study proposes that the botanicals tested, especially H. suaveolens have the potential to enhance quality seed production thereby boosting growth in the seed industry. The botanicals are recommended for use by seed producers and farmers to control P. truncatus and S. zeamais in stored maize seeds.
Assessment of genetic gains for grain yield and components from introgression of temperate donor inbred line into tropical elite maize inbred lines: II. Performance inter se
(Springer, 2021-01-06) Musundire, L.; Derera, J.; Dari, S.; Tongoona, P.
In maize breeding programs, temperate germplasm can be used to introgress genes from temperate inbred lines into elite tropical maize inbred lines to improve grain yield and its components across environments. This study's objective was to determine the genetic gains for grain yield and its components achieved by the introgression of temperate maize germplasm in tropical elite maize inbred lines for adaptability to South African environments. One hundred and twenty-two Introgressed inbred lines developed using the pedigree breeding method were crossed to four tropical elite inbred line testers using a line x tester mating design to obtain 488 experimental single cross hybrids. Subject to availability of adequate seed for evaluation, a panel of 444 experimental single-cross hybrids were evaluated using an augmented design in two experiments defined as populations A and B at three sites in South African environments. Grain yield and ear prolificacy had positive realized genetic gains of up to 58 and 26%, respectively, relative to the panel mean and commercial check hybrids. Secondary traits, such as anthesis and silking days, had gains ranging from 1 to 37%. Negligible gains were attained for stalk and root lodging and grain moisture content at harvest. Despite the need for further improvement, introgressed inbred lines performance inter se indicated significant grain yield potential improvements following one breeding cycle. The following experimental single-cross hybrids 12C22785, 12C20628, 11C1774, 12C20264, 12C20595, 11C1645 13XH349 outperformed the best commercial check hybrid PAN6Q445B, a leading hybrid on the South African market for grain yield performance potential. These seven selected single-cross hybrids also combined high grain yield potential performance with good ear prolificacy, in particular, experimental single-cross hybrids 12C20628, 11C1774 and 12C202595. Two experimental single-cross hybrids 12C2064 and 13XH349, combined high grain yield performance potential with low grain moisture content at harvest and improved standing ability relative to commercial check hybrids. Parents of these selected experimental single-cross hybrids will be advanced in the breeding program and will be the basis of future breeding for adaptation to South African environments. However, the general trend showed that many of the selected experimental single-cross hybrids did perform poorly for standability data depicted by plant aspects such as plant and ear height, stalk, and root lodging. Therefore, there is a need to improve these plants further to enhance the adaptability of tropical germplasm in South African environments. In conclusion, the introgression strategy effectively enhanced tropical elite inbred lines for the desired economic traits, to the extent that several of their combinations resulted in superior hybrids that are highly desired for South African markets.
Asymptomatic behaviour
(2021-01)
Baseline of the Use of Solar Irrigation Pump in the Niayes Area in Senegal
(and Scientific Research Publishing Inc, 2021-05-31) Sarr, Aminata; Diop, Lamine; Diatta, Ibrahima
Solar irrigation pumps are considered as an alternative to the use of diesel and electric pumps due to the high cost of energy. These pumps are now increasingly used in the Niayes area. Thus, a more in-depth knowledge about the components of a solar pumping system and their characteristics available on the market as well as prices can be beneficial. This study was conducted to have an idea on the baseline of the use of solar irrigation pumps in this area. To perform this study, surveys were conducted among 12 suppliers and 10 service providers located in Dakar, Thies, Louga and Saint-Louis region and among 53 users located in Potou area which is in Louga region. Results show a wide range of pump brands and characteristics. Brands found were Lorentz, LIKOU, SHIMGE, Grundfos, Solar pump, Feili, Difful, JUQIANG, Solar tech, and Asaman. The pumps’ flow rate varies between 2.5 m3/h and 45 m3/h, the pressure ranges from 15 m to 160 m and the power is between 0.072 kW and10 kW. The price of these pumps varies depending on the brand used and their characteristics. In addition, other materials are available, such as panels with power ranging from 80 W to 330 W and electric cables. The price of these components varies according on the type used. Thus, the investment cost for implementation varies between 640 euros (420,000 CFA) and 25,087 euros (16,455,919 CFA). The cost of installation varies between 76.3 euros (50,000 CFA) and 1219.6 euros (800,000 CFA). Concerning maintenance, it is generally free during the warranty period when the equipment is supplied and installed by the same company. However, the cost of maintenance varies between 152.5 euros and 457.4 euros/year or is estimated at 45.7 euro/maintenance after the warranty years. Investigations conducted among users show that farmers in general do not perform pump maintenance due to a lack of knowledge and financial means. Thus, according to farmers, factors that impact pumps operation are the low sunshine that occurs between December and January and the iron in the water and low well discharge.
Biological effects of topical application of Moringa Oleifera extract versus Fluoride on Uremic patients extracted teeth
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016-09) Khalaf, Eman A. S; Nagib, Ayman M.; Amin, Laila E.M.
Chronic renal failure can elicit a wide spectrum of oral manifestations in the hard and soft tissues. Moringa oleifera leaves have been reported to be a rich source of β-carotene, protein, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride paste in promoting remineralization of enamel and dentin in vitro. This study was designed to determine the effect of renal insufficiency on patients' teeth (enamel and dentin) and study biological effects of topical application of moringa extract versus fluoride on extracted teeth. Fifty sound posterior teeth were used, divided into 3 groups. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups; A (control) and B (uremic). Group I (control group).Group II (fluoride group). Group III (Moringa oleifera group).All the specimens were scanned by using scanning electron microscope and elemental analysis of enamel and dentin surfaces was tested using energy dispersive analytical x-ray. Enamel of uremic teeth showed irregular enamel surface with deep depressions and pitting. Also, dentinal tubules showed different shaped outlines and diameter. Increase in calcium and phosphorus levels was statistically significant with Moringa as same as CPP-ACPF groups. Conclusions: CRF leads to alteration in the structure of enamel and dentin of permanent teeth with significant increase in mineral content (Ca& P) of permanent enamel and dentin when compared with healthy controls. Moringa has a protective effect on enamel and dentin remineralization similar/or better than fluoridated pastes.

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