Screening for host plant resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in selected sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) breeding lines using detached leaf assay in Kenya
March 2025
Fall armyworm (FAW) causes significant damage in sorghum globally. Sixteen Sorghum genotypes were evaluated for resistance to FAW using a detached leaf bioassay in the laboratory at Egerton University and the greenhouse at Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization, Njoro, in 2020. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data on larval survival, weight, pupation,...
Effects of cow dung and palm nut fiber ash on growth, yield, and nutritional quality of eggplant varieties in sandy clay soil
March 2025
The progressive decline of soil nutrients due to land degradation and poor agricultural practices has a negative impact on crop production. Organic fertilizers are used in sustainable agriculture as eco-friendly and relevant agroparameters, as well as nutrients content for crops. In this study, morpho-physiological parameters (stem height, base diameter, number of leaves per plant, number of fruits per plant, and fruit...
Exploring the influence of calcium sources (calcium ammonium nitrate [CAN] and lime) on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and yield in Rwanda
March 2025
An experiment was conducted in Huye district, Southern Province of Rwanda, during the 2023-2024 seasons, using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments replicated three times. The study aimed to investigate the impact of different calcium sources on the growth and yield components of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L). The treatments included T0-N17 P17 K17 at 300 kg ha-1, T1- N17 P17 K17 at 300 + CAN...
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity and nutritive value in aquaponic versus hydroponic systems
February 2025
This study evaluated the effects of aquaponic and hydroponic systems on the germination and growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine. A randomized complete block design with three treatments was employed. Barley seeds were pre-treated through washing, disinfection, and soaking, and germination was conducted in polyethylene trays under three conditions: aquaponic with tilapia, hydroponic with...
Genetic aspects of physiological quality traits in common bean seeds
February 2025
Understanding the genetic basis of traits related to the physiological quality of seeds is a crucial step in developing bean cultivars with superior performance and better adaptation to varying environmental conditions. This study aimed to estimate the components of genotypic variation, identify the predominant gene action, and explore its implications for selecting traits associated with the physiological quality of...
Phenological, physiological, and agronomic trait variation and heritability in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subspecies durum Desf) genotypes
February 2025
Durum wheat is the most commonly cultivated tetraploid wheat, accounting for approximately 8% of wheat production worldwide and 10% in Ethiopia. Variation in phenotypic traits indicates genetic diversity and allows genotype identification with desirable characteristics for breeding programs. This study examined the variation, heritability, and correlation of 11 durum wheat phenotypic traits, including days to maturity...
Soil Characteristics, Taxonomy and land suitability of a lateritic Mantle for rain-fed maize (Zea mays) Agriculture in the Cameroon Western Highlands
February 2025
Numerous farmers experience a knowledge gap between the cultivation capabilities of land units (LU) responsible for spatial yield variability. This research aims to characterize and evaluate a lateritic toposequence for rain-fed maize in Western Cameroon. Five soil profiles dug along an N-S transect enabled assessing land suitability for maize using the FAO method. The main results revealed that LU N° 1 (Summit) and...
Towards sustainable agricultural practices in pearl millet cropping to increase food security in Niger: Challenges and solutions
February 2025
The West African Sahel, particularly Niger, has long faced food insecurity due to the negative effects of climate change since the 1970s. Variable and unpredictable rainfall patterns, low soil chemical fertility (notably P and N), and high leaching rates present challenges for achieving high yields. Pearl millet and cowpea are the major staple crops grown by peasants. Crop diversity and woody species are declining,...
Soil quality role for enhanced soybean resilience under hydric stress season
February 2025
This study investigates how soil organic matter and the physical and microbiological attributes affect soybean yield in two distinct crop environments (high and low productivity) in southern Brazil, during a crop season with the occurrence of a severe hydric restriction. Soil samples stratified by depth were collected to evaluate the chemical (organic matter), physical (root penetration resistance and growth), and...
Screening of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties for resistance to onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infestation
February 2025
Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most important vegetables grown for its nutritional and medicinal values. However, it is highly exposed to onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) which can cause severe yield loss in vulnerable varieties. A study was carried out at the Bindura University Farm Teaching Unit to evaluate the susceptibility/tolerance of ten commonly-grown Zimbabwean onion varieties to thrips infestation. The trial...
Understanding gender roles, constraints and social context in fish value chain in Edo State, Nigeria
February 2025
Sustainable change in the fish value chain is crucial for achieving gendered food security, improved livelihoods, and economic empowerment of individuals. Fisheries are hindered by inequalities between men and women in the sector, affecting the even distribution of benefits, access to resources, and control over resources among actors. This study employed data-driven strategies to understand how the fish value chain...
Effects of climatic variations on the selectivity of S-metolachlor, fomesafen, and imazamox herbicides for common bean genotypes
February 2025
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of crop seasons with contrasting climate conditions on the selectivity of fomesafen, imazamox, and S-metolachlor herbicides for common bean genotypes. Experiments were conducted under a split-plot arrangement with three replications, with herbicides (fomesafen, imazamox, S-metolachlor, and a control) in the plots and genotypes (IPR-Campos-Gerais, BRS-Perola, Caviano,...
Bioassay test of pyrethrum extract for the management of maize and bean weevils treated with different dosages
January 2025
Insect infestation has a direct impact on agricultural food production and stored products, resulting in 20 to 30% product loss, and in severe cases, total loss. A laboratory study was conducted to determine the response of maize and bean weevils treated with different dosages and exposure times pyrethrum extract. The pyrethrum extracts were prepared at six dosage levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% w/v) and mixed...
Agromorphological characteristics of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (Wild mango) and its effect on Theobroma cacao L. in traditional agroforestry systems
January 2025
The study was conducted in the localities of Buyo, Duekoué, and Gueyo in western Côte d'Ivoire, within agroforestry systems that combine cocoa trees with Irvingia gabonensis. The aim was to enhance cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire by associating it with I. gabonensis to achieve sustainable production. To achieve this goal, plots with radii of 10 and 20 m around I. gabonensis trees were...
Effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth and yield of two Amaranthus accessions
January 2025
The production of Indigenous leafy vegetables such as Amaranthus could address malnutrition and food insecurity experienced globally by providing the necessary nutrients needed in a balanced diet. However, escalating prices of chemical fertilizers make them unaffordable to small-holder farmers and this aggravates more threat to food security. This is because an adequate nutrient supply through fertilization is essential...
Managing brown leaf spot disease in rice: Insights into Bipolaris oryzae pathogenesis and management strategies
January 2025
Bipolaris oryzae is a severe Ascomycete pathogen responsible for brown leaf spot in rice, resulting in significant yield losses in both quantity and quality. This disease is prevalent worldwide, affecting most rice-growing regions and holding historical significance for many rice-producing countries. The pathogen can infect rice at any growth stage, manifesting symptoms on various plant parts. Initial symptoms appear as...
Investigating the potential of a systems approach for false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on ‘Hass’ Avocado
January 2025
The false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), fruit fly species of the genus Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae), and the invasive oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), are pests associated with avocado production in South Africa. Phytosanitary measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of these pests into countries where they are not...
Field evaluation of irrigated rice double haploid lines to identify high-yield accessions adapted to weed control
January 2025
Weed herbicide resistance threatens the sustainability of the world’s rice. This study aims to select high-yielding and competitive rice genotypes against weeds. It was conducted at the PNSAV-PV research station in Kougouleu. The experimental design was a split plot, with the main factor being the weed regime and the secondary factor comprising fifteen genotypes during two consecutive rainfall seasons. Parameters...
Contrasting impacts of the 2-year application of biofertilizers and organic manure on grain yield of winter wheat summer maize cropping system in North China Plain
December 2024
Organic nitrogen and biofertilizers in a mixture with synthetic nitrogen could prove to reduce the cost of production without compromising crop yield with increasing soil organic carbon improvement. The study investigated 2-year incorporation of organic manure and biofertilizers on winter wheat and summer maize in the North China Plain (NCP). The two-year field experiment (2016–2018) has illustrated the responses...
Evaluation of elemental composition and structural analyses of liquid organic fertilizers from rabbit wastes under different feeding regimes
December 2024
This study aimed at evaluating the elemental composition and structural analysis of liquid organic fertilizers (LOF) produced from rabbit urine and feces under different feeding regimes: forage only, concentrate only, and forage plus concentrate. The rabbit waste was subjected to a three-week fermentation process. The temperature of the rabbit waste treatments decreased over time and remained relatively constant after...
Complementing grow-out test with molecular markers in genetic purity assessment of crop varieties: A systematic review
December 2024
Genetic purity assessment is mandatory for seed certification. Currently, this process is carried out through the grow-out test (GOT), which faces several challenges, including the need for long-term assessment. Limited information on the use of molecular markers in the genetic purity assessment of crops in African countries prompted the purpose of this study. This work presents a review of the available literature on...
Impact of sweet potato growing methods on the yield of three sweet potato varieties in eastern Zimbabwe
December 2024
A study was conducted to determine the effect of sweet potato growing methods on the yield of three sweet potato varieties. The field experiment took place at Africa University farm in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The trial employed a 5 x 3 factorial design arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replicates, blocked against irrigation lines. The five different sweet potato growing methods used were:...
Opportunities and best practices for dryland agriculture in Ethiopia, as coping mechanisms for vulnerabilities: A review
December 2024
Agriculture continues to be a strategic sector in the development of most low-income nations. Despite extreme climate conditions, agriculture plays a major role in the development of the economy, the eradication of poverty, sustainable growth, and the modernization of society in Sub-Saharan Africa. About 75% of Ethiopia’s landmass is categorized as dryland, which is home to approximately one-third of the...
Mixture of herbicides to common bean crops in highlands of Santa Catarina, Brazil
December 2024
The objective of this study were to identify incompatibilities in mixtures of herbicides applied in common bean crops and assess the effects of herbicide interactions on weed control. Experiments I e II were conducted in a completely randomized design, with four replications, using a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement consisted of four herbicides (applied alone or in combinations) and four evaluation times (0, 1, 2, and...
Agronomic and economic evaluations of nutrient source, defoliation intensity and defoliation frequency on the Broccoli head size under rainfed conditions in Rwanda
November 2024
The experiment compared the use of synthetic fertilizers [Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and urea] with organic fertilizer (goat manure) and defoliation treatments on growth and development of broccoli. The trial was conducted under rainfed conditions in Rwanda using a 2 x 3 x 3 factorial design with three replications. The results showed that synthetic fertilizers (DAP and urea) led to significant increases in various...
Selection of cowpea (vigna unguiculata l. Walp) tolerant genotypes to hydric stress by drought indices of tolerance in Burkina Faso
November 2024
Over the last decade, there has been a gradual growth in cowpea production in Burkina Faso due to its significant income generation for farmers, processors, and traders. However, despite the increasing interest in cultivating this crop, yields are still low due to various constraints, including drought. During drought periods cowpea productivity and growth are significantly reduced. This study was conducted to evaluate...
Characterization of soil fertility management practices under greater nightshade cropping systems in South Benin
November 2024
This study aimed to characterize cropping systems of greater nightshade (Solanum macrocarpon) in the market garden areas located along the coastal zone in the South. Socio-economic profile of producers, soil fertility management practices, constraints and nuisances related to the use of organic fertilizers, as well as the endogenous solutions desired by producers were collected from 120 producers in the communes of...
Market gardeners' perceptions and practices of pesticide use in eastern Niger: Implications for environmental and health safety
November 2024
Market gardeners heavily rely on pesticides to combat pests and diseases, often neglecting health and environmental safeguards. This study examined farmers' perceptions of current phytosanitary practices and identified potential risks in the eastern oasis of Niger. The methodology included an inventory of pesticides used on crops and socioeconomic surveys of 118 market gardeners across eight oases. Results...
Evaluation of Nigella seed oil effect against oxidant stress during ageing of camel meat
November 2024
The use of aromatic plants as antioxidants helps minimize oxidative rancidity, thereby extending the shelf life and preserving the nutritional quality of foodstuffs, including meat. The antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa L. (commonly known as black seed) oil (NO) on raw camel meat during cold storage was evaluated in this study. Muscle samples (Longissimus dorsi) were collected from 7 male camels (Camelus...
Comparative studies of carbon stocks in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) plantations and primary forest in southeast Ghana
November 2024
Trees are essential for carbon sequestration, a critical process for mitigating global climate change. Assessing the carbon stock potential of primary forests and cashew plantations is crucial, especially given the considerable degradation of forest resources in southern Ghana. A series of parallel permanent transects each up to 1 km in length and spaced 200 m apart, were established across different land use types,...
Impact of organo-mineral fertilization, sowing dates and climate variability on yields and water productivity of three improved sorghum cultivars in the Sudanian agroecological zone of Mali
November 2024
Sorghum production in Mali faces challenges, including low soil fertility and climate variability. To assess the effects of management practices (fertilizer types, sowing dates) on biomass and grain yields, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) of grain yield, experiments were conducted at the ICRISAT Samanko and IER N’Tarla research stations. A split-split plot design was used as the experimental design during...
Assessment of pesticide use, practice and hazards on cotton-growing farmers in the Awash Valley, Ethiopia
October 2024
Pesticide use in cotton cultivation in Ethiopia has increased due to the emergence of new insect pests, raising environmental and health concerns. The aim of this study is to examine pesticide utilization, handling practices, and knowledge among farmers in the Awash Valley. A total of one hundred twenty-eight small-scale and twenty-five large-scale farmers were included in the study. Data were collected through...
Farmers’ knowledge, perception, and management strategies of fall armyworm in the savanna ecology of Ghana
October 2024
The larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), pose a significant threat to maize and other crops, potentially leading to economic losses if not effectively managed. Despite numerous studies conducted on FAW in Ghana, there remains a gap in understanding farmers' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the pest and its management techniques. This study aimed...
Phytosociological survey of weeds in cassava growth area
October 2024
The presence of weeds in agricultural crops causes direct losses in productivity, causing economic losses, which makes it necessary to know the quality and quantity of weeds that compete with agriculture crops. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the weed community associated with cassava cultivation through a phytosociological survey, carried out in a cassava cultivation area, in the city of Nampula....
Nutritional and phytochemical characterization of the “Folou” or “Flado” varietal group of yams belonging to the species Dioscorea alata in Burkina Faso
October 2024
Yam forms the basis of the diet of many African countries, as it is an important source of carbohydrates and other nutrients. In Burkina Faso, various yam cultivars are grown. However, data on their biochemical characteristics and nutritional value are not known, which strongly limits their use in breeding and varietal improvement programs. This study aims to characterize the nutritional and antioxidant potential of...
Modern optical sensing technologies and their applications in agriculture
October 2024
Modern agriculture faces the challenge of producing more food on less land to meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing its impact on the environment. To achieve this, precision agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to optimize farming practices. Among these technologies, modern optical sensing has garnered significant attention due to its...
High-analysis fertilizers do affect respective macronutrient concentration in topsoil after wheat harvest while deeper exploration revealed their significant amount
October 2024
Post-fertilization changes in soil macronutrients were explored in three locations on intensively cultivated soils in Ethiopia. Fifteen soil samples before planting and 30 after wheat harvest were collected from middle blocks at five-depth intervals, 120 cm deep pits. After harvest, samples were collected only from control, and full-dose Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Sulfur-Calcium (69:20:18:23 kg/ha, respectively) treated units....
Salt and water dynamics of irrigated vertisols cultivated with fodder crop of Echinochloa stagnina in Niger River valley
October 2024
Irrigating Vertisols to produce crops, such as rice, alters its hydrological regime and often degrades the soil, particularly through waterlogging and salinization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the fodder crop Echinochloa stagnina on the salt and water dynamics of saline vertisols, in comparison to an irrigated paddy system in the Niger River valley. The study was conducted in irrigated...
Application of pulverized local rhyolitic powders to improve cabbage productivity and soil chemicals in Bandjoun, west Cameroon
October 2024
A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of the application of pulverized rhyolitic materials and poultry manure on the yield of cabbages and soil chemicals in the locality of Bandjoun, west Cameroon. The treatment with rhyolitic rock materials combined with poultry manure portrayed the best yield (51000 kgha-1) followed by the treatment with poultry manure alone (27,000 kgha-1). Lower yields were obtained from...
Phytosanitary evaluation of different types of improved maize seed produced in Burkina Faso
October 2024
The impact of fungal diseases on maize productivity remains a significant concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as it is globally. In Burkina Faso, maize production is frequently affected by various fungal species, leading to yield losses and a decline in production quality. These losses are due to factors such as sowing failures, delayed plant growth, and the production of mycotoxins that can adversely affect human and...
Performances of eight morphotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivated in Zinder region using quantative traits in rainy season
October 2024
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is cultivated as a cash crop by small-scale farmers in Niger. This study assessed eight lettuce morphotypes from the Zinder region in Niger Republic for their agronomic performance traits. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed between the morphotypes for various agro-morphological traits. Principal component...
Production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under a soilless system based on coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera)
October 2024
Urban agriculture increasingly occupies an important place in West Africa. With growing insecurity and the massive displacement of populations to cities, off-ground agriculture is a sustainable solution for feeding populations. The objective of this study is to contribute to the installation of soilless agriculture in Burkina Faso. The material used consists of lettuce varieties, and the substrate consists of coconut...
Assessing farmer knowledge and performance of introduced wheat varieties using organic fertilizers in the North West Region Cameroon
September 2024
Wheat, one of the most consumed but less produced crops in Cameroon, was the focus of this study aimed to investigate farmers’ knowledge on wheat cultivation and estimating the performance of introduced varieties using different fertilization methods in Santa. A random sample of 80 farmers completed an open-ended questionnaire, and subsequently, 14 varieties were evaluated in a randomized complete block design...
Socioeconomic impacts of farmer-herder conflicts on livelihoods and agricultural sustainability in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
September 2024
One area that has not caught the attention of researchers is the socioeconomic impacts of the over three-decade-long farmer-herder conflicts on livelihoods and agricultural sustainability in Ghana, which is the focus of this paper. The study was conducted in the Ashanti region using mainly interviews and focus group discussions. The study is also based on the theory of social conflict to analyze the data. Agricultural...
Spatial variability of soil microbiological properties under different land use systems
September 2024
Understanding the spatial variability of soil microbial properties is crucial for assessing their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning across various land use systems. While many studies emphasize soil physicochemical characteristics, the spatial heterogeneity of microbiological attributes is less explored. This research examined the spatial distribution of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase...
Effects of nitrogen reduction on wheat yield and quality in different ecological environments
September 2024
To establish a theoretical foundation for the coordinated production of high-quality, high-yield, and efficient wheat in Yunnan Province, this study was conducted to examine the impact of 4 fertilization rates on wheat yield and quality under three distinct climatic conditions. The findings revealed that the fertilizer requirements for achieving high yield depend on the wheat variety and environmental factors....
Pearl millet-cowpea cropping systems responses to fertilizer in the Sahel
September 2024
In Niger, the pearl millet/cowpea intercropping system is widely used for various reasons. A study conducted in 2021 and 2022 aimed to confirm previous reports of the land efficiency benefits of this system and to document its differential response to fertilizer application with and without subsidies. The experiment included six treatment combinations: three cropping systems (pearl millet and cowpea sole crops, and...
Effect of vermicompost on soil properties, cabbage earliness and yield under sandy soil agroecosystem
September 2024
The present study was conducted to find the effect of vermicompost application on yield and some other parameters of cabbage under highly weathered soils of Uganda. Five rates of vermicomposte (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha) were applied on cabbage, planted in plots and arranged in RCBD during three seasons with three replications each. Plant height, number of leaves and leaf size were measured during the...
Farm size and total productivity in selected maize producing districts in Tanzania: Implications for sustainable agro-industrial development
September 2024
This paper examines the relationship between farm size and total factor productivity (TFP) in mainland Tanzania, using a Cobb-Douglas production framework and survey data. Our analysis highlights two important contributions: The examination of a wide range of planted maize fields and the evaluation of the association between farm size and total factor productivity efficiency across maize cropping systems (that is...
Using superior plant growth-promoting microorganisms through bioprospecting to create inoculants for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) farming
September 2024
Experiments with pot-grown plants are among the most common in plant research. In this study, we isolated plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) from the rhizosphere soils and root nodules of peanut plants grown under greenhouse conditions, and evaluated their PGP properties to select elite strains as inoculants. The isolates were characterized for the following PGP activities: phosphate (P) solubilization, auxin and...
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