Article
Entomology
Beatrice N. Dingha, Louis E. Jackai, Barbara A. Amoah, Clement Akotsen-Mensah
Summary: The study showed that cowpeas can increase resources for pollinators and improve pollinator abundance and diversity. Different cowpea varieties significantly influenced the number of pollinators, and various sampling methods affected the distribution of pollinators.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qihua Liang, Maria Munoz-Amatriain, Shengqiang Shu, Sassoum Lo, Xinyi Wu, Joseph W. Carlson, Patrick Davidson, David M. Goodstein, Jeremy Phillips, Nadia M. Janis, Elaine J. Lee, Chenxi Liang, Peter L. Morrell, Andrew D. Farmer, Pei Xu, Timothy J. Close, Stefano Lonardi
Summary: In this study, de novo genome assemblies were produced for representatives of six subpopulations of cultivated cowpea to capture the genomic diversity of this important legume. Core genes were found to be enriched in transcription factor activity, and transport and metabolic processes, while noncore genes were enriched in response to stress and defense response. Additionally, over 5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and over 40 structural variants >1 Mb in size were identified through genome comparisons. Noncore genes were found to harbor a larger proportion of potentially disruptive variants, indicating their substantial contribution to diversity within domesticated cowpea.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Beatrice N. Dingha, Paul C. Omaliko, Barbara A. Amoah, Louis E. Jackai, Deepak Shrestha
Summary: Intercropping cowpeas with pollinator-dependent crops (PDCs) can attract more diverse pollinators and increase crop yield. Synchronizing the flowering dates of cowpeas and PDCs is crucial for optimizing pollination.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nabeel Bani Hani, Fakher J. Aukour, Mohammed Al-Qinna
Summary: Through the study of drought tolerance in pearl millet varieties under arid conditions, it was found that these varieties have significant drought tolerance and can adapt to salt, heat, and water stresses. The IP13150 millet variety showed the highest drought tolerance in Jordan's arid environment and is recommended as a good substitute in water-scarce situations. Additionally, the IP19586, IP22269, IP19612, IP7704, and HHVBC tall B6 millet varieties are recommended as forage support due to their drought and heat tolerance characteristics.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luciany Favoreto, Rafaela Bueno, Angelica Calandrelli, Patricia P. Franca, Mauricio C. Meyer, Andressa C. Z. Machado
Summary: This study found that the nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi can parasitize cowpea, causing leaf deformation and stem necrosis. This is the first report of parasitism of this nematode on cowpea in Brazil.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
S. Senthil, K. Murugananthan
Summary: This article describes the physicochemical, thermal, and tensile characteristics of Pennisetum glaucum stem powder (PGSP). The study found that PGSP has a high cellulose content and low hemicellulose and lignin content. PGSP has a certain crystallinity and thermal stability, making it suitable as a filler material in thermoplastic resins and for 3D printing.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiahao Li, Shanying Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Saihao Ren, Di Wang, Xiangyun Wang, Xinquan Wang, Chenghui Zhang, Meng Wang
Summary: The study on the structure and properties of Yard-long bean seeds starch revealed that it contains little ash, protein, and fiber, with oval to semi-elliptical granules and high amylose content. The starch showed suitable properties for use in the food industry, with feasible extraction process and high crystallinity degree.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhifen Zhang, Yinping Guo, Kathleen Monfero Marasigan, Joann A. Conner, Peggy Ozias-Akins
Summary: "Expression of Cre recombinase by AtRps5a(pro) or AtDD45(pro) enabled precise transgene activation in hybrid cowpea and tobacco, but limitations were observed with AtUbq3(pro) restricting ZsGreen expression. Overcoming this limitation was achieved by driving ZsGreen expression with the AtUbq10 promoter, while using AtDD45(pro) to express Cre resulted in varying recombination frequencies between transgenic lines and crosses."
PLANT CELL REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nii Korley Kortei, Prince Asiedu, Theophilus Annan, John Gameli Deku, Adjoa Agyemang Boakye
Summary: The study revealed the presence of multiple fungal species in the millet beverage solom from sales points in Ho, with variations in fungal counts and pH values within acceptable ranges. It is recommended to enhance food safety through Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shanying Zhang, Yu Zhang, Saihao Ren, Hongwei Lu, Jiaomei Li, Xiaoyu Liang, Lifeng Wang, Yuanbo Li, Meng Wang, Chenghui Zhang
Summary: Acetamiprid (ACE) and cyromazine (CYR) are frequently used pesticides in cowpea growing areas in Hainan. This study investigated their uptake, translocation, subcellular distribution, and metabolic pathway in cowpea. The results showed that both pesticides were mainly distributed in leaves, and their subcellular distribution was primarily in the cell soluble fraction. Metabolic reactions such as dealkylation, hydroxylation, and methylation were observed. The dietary risk assessment revealed that while ACE is safe, CYR poses an acute risk to infants and young children.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Albert Maibam, Showkat Ahmad Lone, Sunil Ningombam, Kishor Gaikwad, S. V. Amitha Mithra, Madan Pal Singh, Sumer Pal Singh, Monika Dalal, Jasdeep Chatrath Padaria
Summary: This study sequenced the RNA of two pearl millet genotypes subjected to heat stress at flowering stages, identifying unique and common differentially expressed genes in response to stress. The data generated will serve as a valuable resource for developing genetic markers and transgenic crops.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammed Opoku Gyamfi, John Saviour Yaw Eleblu, Lawrencia Gyamfi Sarfoa, Isaac Kojo Asante, Frank Opoku-Agyemang, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) was used to induce genetic variability in cowpea, resulting in unique agro-morphological abnormalities such as leaf color, shape, growth habit, pod curvature, seed shape, and seed coat color. This research highlights the importance of EMS mutagenesis for breeding and developing new farmer preferred varieties.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Vincent Ezin, Thibaut A. W. Tossou, Ifagbemi Bienvenue Chabi, Adam Ahanchede
Summary: This study investigated the combining ability and genetic correlations for water deficit tolerance traits in cowpea. The results showed the presence of additive and non-additive gene action, with additive genes playing a predominant role. Several genotypes were identified as good general combiners for traits related to yield and water deficit tolerance. The study also identified specific combiners for water deficit tolerance traits. The heritability of traits such as days to pod maturity, pod length, number of pods per plant, and weight of hundred seeds was found to be high.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Parinder Kaur, Uday S. Annapure
Summary: The study investigated the effects of atmospheric pressure non-thermal pin-to-plate plasma on under-utilized pearl millet starch at different voltages and time intervals. The results showed significant changes in properties such as turbidity, pH, and pasting properties, while water activity and oil-binding capacity remained unchanged. The study suggests the potential use of cold plasma for starch modification to alter its properties.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miaohong Lin, Zhuoyan Dong, Hongkai Zhou, Guanyu Wu, Liang Xu, Sheng Ying, Miao Chen
Summary: The MYB gene family plays important roles in plant development and stress response. In this study, 208 PgMYB genes were identified in the pearl millet genome and analyzed for their phylogenetic relationships, gene duplications, and expression patterns. The results provide valuable insights into the molecular features of the MYB family in pearl millet.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Murali Krishna Gumma, M. D. M. Kadiyala, Pranay Panjala, Shibendu S. Ray, Venkata Radha Akuraju, Sunil Dubey, Andrew P. Smith, Rajesh Das, Anthony M. Whitbread
Summary: Crop yield estimation is crucial for logistics management and crop insurance appraisals. This study used remote sensing technology and crop modeling to assess yields at the village level in three Indian states, showing a good correlation between observed and simulated crop yields.
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN SOCIETY OF REMOTE SENSING
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
William C. D. Nelson, Munir P. Hoffmann, Vincent Vadez, Reimund P. Roetter, Marian Koch, Anthony M. Whitbread
Summary: The study evaluated the APSIM model for pearl millet-cowpea intercropping under drought conditions and found that intercropping and sole cropping had different responses to varying plant densities and water supply. The research confirmed that farmers commonly use low planting density under water scarce conditions.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. H. Anantha, Kaushal K. Garg, Ramesh Singh, Venkataradha Akuraju, Inder Dev, Cameron A. Petrie, Anthony M. Whitbread, Sreenath Dixit
Summary: Crop intensification is necessary to meet food demands, and this study compares landscape-based interventions with individual plot-level interventions in the Indian semi-arid tropics. The results show that landscape-based interventions, which primarily address moisture availability, lead to higher crop production, increased income, improved water productivity, and reduced soil loss and increased base flow availability compared to plot-level interventions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alejandra Sarmiento-Soler, Reimund P. P. Rotter, Munir P. P. Hoffmann, Laurence Jassogne, Sophie Graefe, Philippe Vaast, Piet van Astend
Summary: Increases in temperature and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change threaten smallholder coffee farmers. Shaded coffee in agroforestry systems is a good alternative to protect coffee from extreme temperatures while providing additional ecosystem services. However, excessive shade might reduce coffee yields. This study analyzed the effect of shade cover and intensity on microclimate, soil water content, and coffee growth along an altitude gradient.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Eva Pohankova, Petr Hlavinka, Kurt-Christian Kersebaum, Alfredo Rodriguez, Jan Balek, Martin Bednarik, Martin Dubrovsky, Anne Gobin, Gerrit Hoogenboom, Marco Moriondo, Claas Nendel, Jorgen E. E. Olesen, Reimund Paul Roetter, Margarita Ruiz-Ramos, Vakhtang Shelia, Tommaso Stella, Munir Paul Hoffmann, Jozef Takac, Josef Eitzinger, Camilla Dibari, Roberto Ferrise, Monika Blahova, Miroslav Trnka
Summary: Crop rotation, fertilization, and residue management have an impact on water balance and crop production. Simulations show that using cover crops, applying manure, and retaining crop residue can increase crop yields under future climate conditions. However, this also leads to higher evapotranspiration, which may affect soil water balance and groundwater replenishment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaushal K. Garg, Venkataradha Akuraju, K. H. Anantha, Ramesh Singh, Anthony M. Whitbread, Sreenath Dixit
Summary: Decentralized rainwater harvesting is a promising approach to mitigate drought in the semi-arid tropics. The study found that rainwater harvesting can effectively enhance groundwater availability, crop intensification, and farmers' incomes, while reducing surface runoff and soil loss in this area.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Thiagarajah Ramilan, Shalander Kumar, Amare Haileslassie, Peter Craufurd, Frank Scrimgeour, Byjesh Kattarkandi, Anthony Whitbread
Summary: This study quantified household resilience and identified the influence of livelihood strategies on resilience in the semiarid tropics of India. The research found that possession of livestock, crop diversification, and access to irrigation can strengthen household resilience, while low resilience is predominantly caused by low household assets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
William C. D. Nelson, Munir P. Hoffmann, Carlotta May, Frederick Mashao, Kingsley Ayisi, Jude Odhiambo, Thomas Bringhenti, Jan Henning Feil, Sara Yazdan Bakhsh, Issaka Abdulai, Reimund P. Roetter
Summary: This study focuses on the limitations of sustainable intensification of maize-based farming systems for smallholder farmers in South Africa, with a case study in the Limpopo province. By combining survey data and quantitative agronomic observations, the researchers evaluated different technology packages over a period of 21 seasons. The simulations showed that combining multiple management interventions resulted in the highest maize grain yields and lowest harvest failure risk. They also found that simple agronomic adjustments based on weather forecasts can turn rainfall variability into an opportunity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sibylle Dueri, Hamish Brown, Senthold Asseng, Frank Ewert, Heidi Webber, Mike George, Rob Craigie, Jose Rafael Guarin, Diego N. L. Pequeno, Tommaso Stella, Mukhtar Ahmed, Phillip D. Alderman, Bruno Basso, Andres G. Berger, Gennady Bracho Mujica, Davide Cammarano, Yi Chen, Benjamin Dumont, Ehsan Eyshi Rezaei, Elias Fereres, Roberto Ferrise, Thomas Gaiser, Yujing Gao, Margarita Garcia-Vila, Sebastian Gayler, Zvi Hochman, Gerrit Hoogenboom, Kurt C. Kersebaum, Claas Nendel, Jorgen E. Olesen, Gloria Padovan, Taru Palosuo, Eckart Priesack, Johannes W. M. Pullens, Alfredo Rodriguez, Reimund P. Roetter, Margarita Ruiz Ramos, Mikhail A. Semenov, Nimai Senapati, Stefan Siebert, Amit Kumar Srivastava, Claudio Stockle, Iwan Supit, Fulu Tao, Peter Thorburn, Enli Wang, Tobias Karl David Weber, Liujun Xiao, Chuang Zhao, Jin Zhao, Zhigan Zhao, Yan Zhu, Pierre Martre
Summary: Crop multi-model ensembles (MME) have been proven effective in improving simulation accuracy in modelling experiments, but their ability to capture crop responses to changes in sowing dates and densities needs further investigation. This study used a MME of 29 wheat crop models to predict the effects of changing sowing dates and rates on yield and yield components in New Zealand. The results showed that the MME performed well under standard sowing conditions, but failed to simulate early sowing and high sowing rates accurately. Improvements are needed in the models to account for tiller competition and early tiller senescence under these conditions.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Claas Nendel, Moritz Reckling, Philippe Debaeke, Susanne Schulz, Michael Berg-Mohnicke, Julie Constantin, Stefan Fronzek, Munir Hoffmann, Snezana Jaksic, Kurt-Christian Kersebaum, Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra, Helene Raynal, Celine Schoving, Tommaso Stella, Rafael Battisti
Summary: The European Union heavily relies on soybean imports to meet its protein demands, but lacks detailed strategies for self-sufficiency. Rising global temperatures may improve soybean production in Europe, but emerging climatic risks like drought have not been considered. This study uses simulations to show that Central Europe could see greater soybean production, while southern Europe would depend more on irrigation.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Elirehema Y. Swai, Lutengano Mwinuka, Mawazo J. Shitindi, Julius Manda, Anthony Whitbread, Mateete Bekunda
Summary: Erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration rates, and droughts limit crop production in semi-arid areas. Repaired tied ridges have shown to be an effective and labor-saving strategy for managing climate risks associated with variable rainfall in Kongwa district of Tanzania. The use of repaired tied ridges resulted in increased economic returns and higher maize grain yields compared to conventional tillage and annually constructed tied ridges.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Folorunso M. Akinseye, Hakeem A. Ajeigbe, Alpha Y. Kamara, Akinrotimi O. Omotayo, Abdullahi I. Tofa, Anthony M. Whitbread
Summary: In the challenging agro-ecologies of north-eastern Nigeria, climate change affects the productivity of sorghum due to low soil fertility and early terminal drought. Choosing the appropriate cultivar and planting within an optimal sowing window, along with climate-smart management practices, is crucial for maximizing crop yield.
Article
Agronomy
Elvira Sari Dewi, Issaka Abdulai, Gennady Bracho-Mujica, Mercy Appiah, Reimund P. Roetter
Summary: This study investigated the effects of drought and salinity on the growth and productivity of tropical sorghum varieties. The results showed that drought and salinity significantly reduced transpiration and canopy conductance in all cultivars, with Samurai2 being the most affected. Biomass, grain yield, and grain weight also declined under both salinity and drought*salinity treatments. Water use efficiency increased under drought*salinity, but reduced in Samurai2 for grain production. These findings highlight the complex interactions between water stress and salinity in tropical sorghum.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ramesh Singh, Venkataradha Akuraju, K. H. Anantha, Kaushal K. Garg, Jennie Barron, Anthony M. Whitbread, Inder Dev, Sreenath Dixit
Summary: This article presents evidence on how the traditional rainwater management system has rehabilitated degraded landscapes and improved groundwater resource availability, production systems, and household income in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. The haveli system, which involves collecting surface runoff in farmers' fields, has increased irrigation availability, enhanced land and water use efficiency, and resulted in economic benefits.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Gizaw Desta, Tilahun Amede, Tadesse Gashaw, Gizachew Legesse, Getachew Agegnehu, Kindu Mekonnen, Anthony Whitbread
Summary: This study investigated the response of grain sorghum to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and zinc fertilizers, as well as the influence of different landscape positions on fertilizer response and yield variability. The results showed that the response to fertilizer application differed across landscape positions, with foot slopes exhibiting the highest response. Additionally, the combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, landscape position, and the interaction between fertilizer application and landscape positions significantly affected sorghum yield.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Cevat Eser, Suleyman Soylu, Hakan Ozkan
Summary: Drought is a pressing issue worldwide, and selecting wheat genotypes adapted to changing climatic conditions is crucial. This study evaluated 156 bread wheat genotypes, including landraces and modern varieties, under different drought treatments. The results showed that landraces had higher yield stability and protein content under drought stress, suggesting their potential for developing drought-tolerant modern wheat varieties. Effective utilization of landraces in breeding programs is important for developing climate-resilient wheat varieties.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Jagdeep Singh, Audrey Gamble, Steve Brown, Todd B. Campbell, Johnie Jenkins, Jenny Koebernick, Paul C. Bartley III, Alvaro Sanz-Saez
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and yield of 20 cotton cultivars released in the USA between 1953 and 2018. The results showed that modern cotton cultivars have increased total nutrient uptake but slower improvement in nutrient use efficiency. The findings highlight the potential for enhanced nutrient uptake traits in cotton.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Elisa Erbetta, Laura Echarte, Maria Eugenia Sanz Smachetti, Nadia Gabbanelli, Maria Mercedes Echarte
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different combinations of photoperiod sensitivity, sweet-stalk, and bmr traits on sorghum biomass yield and allocation, and discussed the implications for bioenergy production.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Wenqing Zuo, Baojian Wu, Yuxuan Wang, Shouzhen Xu, Minzhi Chen, Fubin Liang, Jingshan Tian, Wangfeng Zhang
Summary: This study assessed the impact of different row spacing configurations and irrigation amounts on cotton photosynthesis and fiber quality. The results showed that under adequate irrigation, RS76L could be a suitable replacement for RS66+10H to improve fiber quality.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2024)