Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple crop in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where its roots and leaves are an essential daily food for the population. However, Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) severely disrupts production systems of the crop, with losses reaching 90%. The objective of this study was to identify the viruses responsible for CMD and establish their geographic distribution in Sankuru Province, DRC. Epidemiological surveys were conducted, following the standard protocol adapted by Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) programme. A total of 309 cassava leaf samples, exhibiting CMD symptoms and symptom free features, were collected from 103 fields distributed across four territories (Katako-Kombe, Lomela, Lodja, and Lubefu) in the Province. The mean rate incidence and mean severity in the field were 86.88% and 3.16, respectively; indicating that the Province was highly infected with CMD. Molecular PCR analyses revealed an overall infection rate of 73.46%, with the detection of ACMV, EACMV, EACMV-Ug, as well as other unidentified Begomoviruses. Mixed infections, including triple infections (ACMV+EACMV+EACMV-Ug), were also observed. Results indicate a significant predominance of ACMV and unidentified Begomoviruses, followed by mixed infections, with a variable distribution across different areas. The detection of unidentified viruses in several samples suggests the presence of variants that are still poorly characterised; requiring further sequencing studies. These results highlight the importance of molecular surveillance for effective management of CMD in this Province.
Producing water-saving and highly productive inbred lines, under drought conditions, and obtaining individual hybrids of drought tolerant and high-yielding yellow maize, is part of the goal of the national maize programme in Egypt. The objective of this study was to (i) evaluate maize inbred lines for various physio-genetic traits under water stress conditions; and (ii) assess the general and specific combining abilities of the parents and hybrids; for yield and drought tolerance. The study was conducted during the summer seasons of 2019-2021 at the Agricultural Research Station in Gemmeiza, Agriculture Research Centre. In 2019 season, the study materials were sown in three different regimes, where 50 inbred lines of yellow maize were grown under three regimes; namely (i) normal (irrigation every 12 days intervals); (ii) drought stress 1 (preventing the 3th and 5th irrigations at heading stage); and at (iii) drought stress 2 (preventing the 4th and 6th irrigations at heading stage). Seven divergent inbred lines, showing distinct differences in their reaction to water stress, were chosen to be used as parents. Half diallel crosses among seven yellow maize inbred lines, during the 2020 season were made at Gemmeiza Research Station to obtain F1 crosses twenty-one yellow single crosses. In the 2021 season, twenty-one yellow single crosses were sown in three separate regimes, using a randomised complete block design, with three replicates; one under normal irrigation conditions, and the other under drought conditions as mentioned above. Results revealed that, mean squares due to crosses were highly significant for all studied traits, under normal as well as stress 1 and stress 2; except for number of days to 50% silking at stress 1. The ratio of GCA / SCA mean squares was more than unity for ear height and grain yield, indicating that additive genes were genes controlling the inheritance of these traits, more than non-additive ones. The ratio of GCA / SCA mean squares were less than the unity for plant height at stress 1, ear length at normal condition, ear diameter at stress 1, number of rows/ear at all environments; number of grains/row at stress 1, and 100-grain weight at normal, as well as stress 2. This suggests that non-additive genes were responsible for inheritance of these traits. Inbred lines 3 and 7 were considered as good combiner parents for earliness; while inbred lines 1, 3 and 5 were considered as good combiner parents for shortness. Inbred line 2 and 4 were considered as good combiner parents able to broadcast additive genes to the hybrids, which involved for grain yield at irrigation For significant and desirable (s^ij), the crosses; P1xP5 and P3xP5 could be used as crosses characterised by earliness. Crosses; namely P1xP2, P4xP5 and P6xP7 for shortness, especially under normal irrigation and stress 1 conditions for SCA effcts. On the other hand, crosses; P1xP4 and P4xP7 for high grain yielding ability at normal irrigation condition and the crosses; P1xP4 and P1xP5 and P2xP6 for high grain yielding ability at stress 2 for SCA effects.
Scab disease, caused by Sphaceloma spp., is a major constraint to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with yield losses of up to 100% under severe infection. Currently, no scab-resistant cowpea varieties have been developed or identified. The objective of this study was to identify novel sources of resistance by evaluating the response of the cowpea Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population to natural scab pressure. A total of 208 cowpea genotypes, including MAGIC varieties, were evaluated across two locations at Kabanyolo and Arapai, in Uganda, during the 2023 cropping seasons. Significant genotypic variation in disease response was observed, with the highest severity recorded at Kabanyolo, likely due to elevated precipitation of the 2023B rainy seasons. Pearson correlation analysis revealed negative associations between scab severity (week 10 and AUDPC) and days to 50% maturity, with a significant correlation at 10 WAP (r = -0.14, P<0.05). Scab severity at 10 WAP was also negatively correlated with yield traits (r = -0.01 to -0.14). Five lines, MAGIC 064, MAGIC 254, NAROCOWPEA 2, NAROCOWPEA 3 and MAGIC 062, were found to be resistant. Overall, NAROCOWPEA 3 combined resistance with high yield (1,562 kg ha-1), making it a strong parent for Scab resistance and grain yield breeding.
Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a major constraint to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Kenya, particularly in highland farming systems. This study investigated the spatial distribution, incidence, and management of bacterial wilt in Bomet County, in the south-eastern region (Rift valley) of Kenya using a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 124 potato farmers were involved in this study. Data were collected through field disease assessments and structured questionnaires administered to the selected farmers. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were applied to assess disease prevalence, incidence, spatial variation, and management practices. The results revealed a county-wide disease prevalence of 63% and an overall incidence of 4.6%, indicating widespread and persistent bacterial wilt infection. Significant spatial variation was observed across sub-counties and wards, with several wards recording 100% prevalence. Management practices were largely preventive, with crop rotation (81.4%), certified seed use (78.2%), and destruction of diseased plants (76.6%) perceived as the most effective strategies. The study concludes that bacterial wilt is endemic in Bomet County and that its management is constrained by seed system weaknesses and uneven adoption of integrated practices. Future studies should focus on longitudinal disease monitoring, molecular characterisation of pathogen strains, and evaluation of integrated management packages under farmer conditions.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in Uganda occurs under contrasting hydrological conditions, ranging from soil moisture deficits in upland fields, to excess water and flooding in lowland environments. Farmers adjust management practices to cope with these different forms of water stress; however, the field practices under which such practices are applied and their effectiveness across production systems remain poorly documented. This study examined farmer management responses to contrasting water stress across upland, rain-fed lowland and irrigated rice production systems in Uganda. The study was conducted in Butaleja and Bugiri districts in eastern Uganda; and Lira and Nwoya districts in northern Uganda, during September and October 2025. Evidence was obtained through structured focus group discussions (FGDs) and consultations with district agricultural officers and analysed through comparative assessment across production systems. Results showed that although districts experienced similar rainfall disturbances, including delayed onset, intermittent dry spells and intense rainfall events, crop responses differed markedly among production systems. Upland fields experienced soil moisture deficits; whereas lowland fields experienced flooding, seed wash-off and prolonged waterlogging. Farmers implemented several management practices across systems, including early planting, varietal substitution, drainage construction and transplanting; however, their effectiveness depended on prevailing field water conditions. Moisture-conserving practices were more effective in upland systems, whereas drainage and water-control measures were critical in lowland environments. Stable production was reported where agronomic practices matched prevailing hydrological conditions and where seed delivery systems, advisory services and water-control infrastructure were functional.
Vitamin A-rich maize (Zea mays L) and orange-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) are widely promoted, to combat widespread vitamin A deficiency in regions that are nutritionally disadvantaged, such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These nutritional traits have been enhanced through biofortification and intercropping to address public health challenges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of spent mushroom compost (SMC) and intercropping to influence orange-fleshed sweetpotato and provitamin-A maize productivity under Nigerian conditions. The study was conducted at Umuahia in the rainforest agroecological zone of Nigeria, during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The experiment was a 5 x 3 factorial combinations of fertiliser treatment levels (0, 400 kg NPK ha-1, 4 t SMC ha-1, 200 kg NPK ha-1 + 2 t SMC ha-1 and 400 kg NPK ha-1 + 2 t SMC ha-1) and cropping systems (sole sweetpotato, sole maize and intercrop) in randomised complete block design, with three replications. Application of SMC significantly (P<0.05) increased sweetpotato tuber and maize grain yields; with application of 2 t SMC ha-1 supplemented with 400 kg NPK ha-1, being the best performer. In contrast, intercropping significantly depressed sweetpotato storage root yield, relative to sole cropping by 75% in 2019 and 49% in 2020, as well as maize grain yield by 16% in 2019. Application of orange-fleshed sweetpotato sole cropping with 2 t SMC ha-1 supplemented with 400 kg NPK ha-1 produced the highest economic returns; followed by application of 4 t SMC ha-1 alone. On the basis of mean land equivalent ratio (LER), area-time equivalent ratio, and land equivalent coefficient; a yield advantage was observed under all fertiliser regimes when both crops were intercropped.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is one of the ancient oilseed crops with high nutritional, industrial, medicinal and economic value globally. It is often considered a neglected crop, but has received growing research attention over the years. The objective of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research outputs on the crop to evaluate publication trends, with emphasis on the contributions of countries, institutions, journals and authors. Data were extracted from the Scopus database and screened using exclusion criteria, which resulted in the retrieval of 4150 original articles. The data were analysed using the VOSviewer software. The analysis revealed an upward trend in the number of article publications on sesame within the study period, and a total of 121 countries have so far participated in sesame research, with India taking the lead. The top three institutions in terms of research sponsorship are all in China; while the most productive author is Wang Linhai, associated with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with a total of 67 publications and 3513 citations. However, Zhang Xiurong of the same institute has the highest number of citations (3884) with a total of 66 publications. Food Chemistry Journal is a leading contributor with 97 articles and 5751 citations. Research on the crop is mainly focused on its oil quality and bioactive compounds, processing technologies, agronomy, genomic improvement and phytochemical and nutritional compositions. The findings of the study can help guide future research and encourage efforts to improve sesame production and its global utilisation.
Digital platforms are reshaping information access and agricultural decision-making across Africa; but their impact depends on usability from the perspective of end users. This study assessed perceptions of usability of coffee digital platforms among coffee farmers and extension agents in Uganda, questioning the perceptions of users on navigation task completion, ease of learning and use of platform functionalities, as well as user experience and royalty to the digital platforms. Data were collected through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. Regression analysis identified digital literacy and perceived customisation as the strongest predictors of usability. System reliability was positively associated with usability, but was not statistically significant. Findings show that coffee farmers perceive digital platform usability to be mainly shaped by user competencies and contextual relevance rather than technical performance alone. The study concludes that improving usability of coffee digital platforms requires integration of user-centered design with digital literacy development and adaptive content tailored to diverse user needs. These insights contribute to digital agriculture discourse and offer guidance for platform design and policy in coffee value chain contexts.
Fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are the most devastating and widespread pathogenic diseases to wheat production globally. Yield losses of 20-50%, attributed to fungal diseases are very common. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate spring wheat genotypes for their reactions to Fusarium-Alternaria co-infection (FA co-infection) and Septoria tritici blotch (STB) fungal disease pressure; (ii) assess the agronomic performance of spring wheat genotypes across three seasons and (iii) determine the associations between the disease and agronomic traits in spring wheat. This study was conducted at the Federal Research Center, Nemchinovka, Moscow, Russia, from 2022-2024. Two wheat genotypes, namely Belyana and Radmira, were used. STB averaged 14.7% incidence and 25.2% severity across Belyana (13.5%/23.6%) and Radmira (15.8%/26.8%). FA co-infection showed higher incidence averages (15.6%/25.9%), with Belyana (16.0%/28.9%) more vulnerable than Radmira (15.2%/22.8%), intensifying to 32.4% severity in 2024. Pathogen dominance shifted with weather, during the milky and waxy phases: Fusarium prevailed in dry 2024 (81.8%), and Alternaria in humid 2023 (56.4%). Radmira yielded more productive stems and grains per spike (3.67 t ha-1), but was more susceptible to STB. Belyana had greater thousand-grain weight, yet heightened FA co-infection vulnerability. Yield negatively correlated with STB severity at milk ripening (r = -0.88) and FA co-infection incidence at milk ripening (r = -0.86). The findings highlight contrasting genotype-specific resistance patterns, supporting the prioritisation of genotype-targeted resistance breeding alongside yield traits and integrated disease management to sustain spring wheat productivity under increasing climatic and biotic pressures.
Le coton (Gossypium spp.) joue un rôle central dans l’économie béninoise. Mais sa production est menacée par l’utilisation intensive de pesticides chimiques, avec des risques accrus pour la santé environnementale. Des recherches récentes ont permis le développement de méthodes biologiques contre les ravageurs des cotonniers. Cette recherche analyse l’efficacité des innovations de lutte antiparasitaire dans la production cotonnière biologique au Bénin en s’inspirant du cas du Food Spray. Au total, 610 producteurs de coton biologique ont participé à des entretiens individuels dans les communes de Kandi et Glazoué. Des discussions en Focus Groups (FGs) ont été faites avec les producteurs et les responsables de leurs organisations. De plus, des interviews avec des informateurs clés ont été réalisées avec des experts de la chaîne de valeur y compris des agents de vulgarisation, des chercheurs et le fournisseur local du Food Spray pour fournir des détails supplémentaires. Les résultats montrent que 98 % des producteurs affirment que la disponibilité et l’efficacité du Food Spray sont liées aux faisceaux d’initiatives technologiques, organisationnelles et institutionnelles entreprises en réponse aux contraintes du milieu. Egalement, 88% des producteurs ont souligné que le pouvoir de dominance est mobilisé par les Partenaires Techniques et Financiers (PTF), la structure d’appui et la recherche. Enfin, 32 % des producteurs ont indiqué que l’utilisation du Food Spray combiné aux extraits aqueux de neem améliore significativement le rendement du coton biologique. Pour une mise à l’échelle durable du Food Spray, les décideurs politiques et acteurs de développement agricole devraient prioriser la co-construction des connaissances dans un processus d’innovation interactive et d’apprentissage expérientiel, avec un renforcement institutionnel.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a hardy plant, is a predominant food crop in the humid tropics; faced with wide ranging viral diseases, which are responsible for significant yield losses. Among these viral diseases, African Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) is the most widespread and endemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The objective of this study was to assess the current status of CMD and the current distribution of viruses in cassava production areas of Southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo. The study was conducted in the provinces of Kongo Central and Kinshasa. Cassava leaf observations and sample collection were carried out in the field and molecular diagnosis was subsequently performed to identify viral strains associated with the CMD. Out of the 94 fields surveyed, there were no healthy fields found across the provinces. The incidence of CMD was 73.47% with a severity of 3.24. PCR analysis showed the presence of single infections with ACMV (24-56%), EACMV (6-10%) and co-infections ACMV+EACMV (8-14%). The study revealed the prevalence of EACMCMV, which had no history in the study area. The study revealed evidence of several symptomatic samples (27%); which were not reactive to all the primer pairs used. There is urgent need for strengthening of the national extension system and adopting the new Semi Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH ) technology, as a CMD management strategy in the DRC.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production is increasingly constrained by rising temperatures in lowlands and mid-altitude regions, where heat stress adversely affects plant growth, yield and tuber quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of selected roundpotato genotypes across contrasting agro-climatic environments in Rwanda. Genotypes were sourced from the International Potato Center (CIP), along with one local variety. These genotypes were evaluated across three contrasting sites in Rwanda: two heat-stressed locations in the Eastern Province (Nyagatare and Gatsibo) and a cool highland site in the Northern Province (Byumba). The study was conducted during the 2024-2025 growing season in a Randomised Complete Block Design, with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, stem diameter, tuber number by size class, total yield, and marketable yield. There were highly significant effects (P < 0.001) of site, genotype, and their interaction on all yield-related traits. The cool highland site recorded the highest mean total (13.6 kg plot-1) and marketable yields (10.5 kg plot-1); while the heat-stressed sites showed increased proportions of small tubers and reduced marketable yield. Genotypes 312913.022 and 312914.53 produced the highest total and marketable yields, particularly under favourable conditions. Yield stability analysis identified genotypes 312895.056, 312903.66 and 308482.163 as stable across environments; whereas 312913.022 and 312914.53 were more responsive to favourable environments. Overall, heat stress significantly reduced potato productivity and altered tuber size distribution; however, specific genotypes combined high yield potential and stability, highlighting their suitability for site-specific cultivation and breeding for heat tolerance in Rwanda.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important nutritional security and commercial crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unfortunately, its production is haunted by the root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.), as the most destructive soil-borne pathogens, causing extensive yield losses. Trichoderma harzianum strains are useful bio-control agents against RKNs and for improving host plant growth. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Eco-T as a tomato seed coating, against impairing early tomato seedling development in a RKN infested soil. The study comprised of laboratory and field experiment components, was conducted at the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), Pokuase and Dawa, Ada, in Ghana. Treatments consisted of different seed treatment or drenching on RKN management; at seed coating with (Eco-T) at concentrations of 0, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35 and 0.4 g 10 g-1 of seed. Additionally, the seeds were exposed to durations with coating of Eco-T for 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 8, 24, 30 and 48 hrs. A completely randomised design (CRD) was used in the laboratory setup and comprised of 25 seeds sown in each Petri-dish and replicated four times. Tomato seeds coated with (0.4 g10 g-1 of seeds) Eco-T concentration had the highest germination rate (93%); shoot length and vigour index (673.00). Additionally, seeds coated for 30 mins gave the best germination rate (95%). The highest germination rate (95%), root and shoot lengths; seedling vigour index (868.20) were obtained with tomato seeds coated with 0.4 g10 g-1 of seeds for 30 minutes of exposure to Eco-T. The field component showed that the Eco-T coated seed treatments significantly reduced nematode populations, reduced reproductive factors (RFs) to less than 1; and lowered egg masses. This study has demonstrated that Eco-T applied as a seed coat, does not affect seed germination and seedling vigour, but has the potential of reducing nematode populations and improving tomato plant growth.
Various non-crop plants are recognised as alternative hosts for cassava mosaic begomoviruses; examples of these include Datura stramonium, Solanum incanum, Senna occidentalis, Solanum melongena, Ricinus communis and Sida acuta. These non-crop species, particularly the perennial ones, could provide a steady source of inoculum that facilitates the spread of CMBs to newly cultivated cassava, even if the planting materials are free from these viruses. The objective of this study was to determine the infectivity of CMBs extracted from S. incanum and S. acuta on CMD-susceptible cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars in Tanzania. The particle bombardment method was used with RCA-amplified CMBs. Up to six non-crop hosts (Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta, Datura stramonium, Ricinus communis, Solanum melongena and Solanum incanum) were identified as possible hosts for CMBs. Of all these, S. incanum and S. acuta have not been previously documented as reservoirs for the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) and East African Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV), respectively. The Chereko cassava plants inoculated with ACMV from the no-host plants, had disease severity scores between 2 and 3, with an average score of 2.7. TMS60444 showed scores from 2 to 3, averaging 2.3. It is, therefore, clear that CMBs originating from S. incanum and S. acuta can cause disease on cassava plants. Further studies should focus on the effects of cassava disease signs on cassava productivity.
Le maïs (Zea mays L.) est une céréale majeure pour l’alimentation humaine et animale, ainsi qu’une culture industrielle essentielle en Afrique de l’Ouest. Il sert de principale source de calories pour une population en croissance rapide. Malheureusement, sa productivité est freinée par plusieurs contraintes, dont la plus importante est la faible fertilité des sols due à l’épuisement des nutriments. Cette situation est aggravée par le manque de capacité à renouveler ces ressources du sol, que ce soit à cause du coût exorbitant des technologies disponibles, du manque de connaissances techniques nécessaires pour utiliser efficacement les ressources, ou du risque indu de pollution de l’environnement par l’utilisation excessive d’engrais inorganiques.L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer l’efficacité potentielle de la mycorhization du maïs (Zea mays L.) dans les conditions du nord de la Côte d’Ivoire. Une expérience de terrain a été menée à une station de Ferkessédougou (nord de la Côte d’Ivoire), selon un dispositif en blocs de Fisher avec quatre traitements à savoir (T00) : Témoin sans mycorhizes, (T01) : 10 g de mycorhizes ajoutés, (T02) : 20 g de mycorhizes ajoutés et (T03) : 30 g de mycorhizes ajoutés. L’inoculum mycorhizien utilisé était composé d’une souche de Rhizophagus intraradices et d’une souche de Funneliformis mosseae, fournies par le Laboratoire Central Sols, Eaux et Plantes du CNRA. La variété de maïs utilisée était l’EV 8728. Le taux de germination des graines de maïs n’a pas été significativement influencé par la mycorhization, quelle que soit la dose appliquée. La coloration des racines au bleu trypan et leur observation au microscope 15 jours après le semis, ont révélé la présence de vésicules, d’hyphes et d’arbuscules. La fréquence de colonisation mycorhizienne (F), ainsi que l’intensité de colonisation du cortex racinaire (M) étaient supérieures à 90 % et 20 %, respectivement, pour toutes les doses appliquées. De même, les intensités de mycorhization des fragments mycorhiziens (m), des arbuscules de la partie mycorhizienne (a) et du système racinaire (A) étaient supérieures à 24 %, 27 % et 7,5 %, respectivement. La formation de structures endomycorhiziennes (vésicules, hyphes et arbuscules) suggère une symbiose parfaite entre les champignons endomycorhiziens à vésicules et arbuscules (CMA) et le maïs EV8728. Sur la base de ces résultats d’étude, les CMA pourraient être utilisés dans un système de fertilisation biologique du sol pour les cultures de maïs dans le nord de la Côte d’Ivoire, afin d’augmenter les rendements et de maintenir la santé du sol.
Le maïs (Zea mays L.) joue un rôle important dans la sécurité alimentaire de la population nigérienne. En outre, il occupe une place stratégique pour le développement agricole. Cependant, la productivité du maïs reste très faible suite aux attaques de la chenille légionnaire (CLA), ce qui entrainent des pertes de rendement significatives chez les producteurs. En plus, ces derniers utilisent des insecticides chimiques pour lutter contre ce ravageur, ne respectant aucune recommandation avec comme conséquence les risques de toxicité. De ce fait, il est important d’investiguer sur la diversité et l’utilisation des pesticides contre ce ravageur dont la présence a été confirmée depuis 2017 dans trois régions du Niger (Dosso, Maradi et Tillabéry). Au total, trois cent quatre-vingt-treize (395) producteurs de maïs ont été enquêtés au Niger au cours de la période allant de juillet à août 2023. Il ressort de cette étude que plus de 50% des producteurs de maïs sont des hommes. Concernant le niveau d’instruction des enquêtés, globalement l’école coranique enregistre le plus grand nombre des producteurs enquêtés (48%) contre (24%) primaire ; (14%) secondaire ; (2%) alphabétisation et (1%) universitaire. Aussi, le marché (52,16%) et le village (31,50%) constituent les principales sources d’approvisionnement en pesticides. Les principaux pesticides utilisés par les producteurs pour lutter contre la CLA sont les insecticides chimiques Emacot (Emamectine benzoate, homologué sur le maïs et sur spodoptera frugiperda), Caiman B19(Abamectine benzoate1 à 9,2 g/L, homologué), DDVP (Phosphate 2,2 -Dichlorovinyle et de diméthyle (Dichlorvos), Karaté (homologué sur le maïs mais pas sur la chenille légionnaire). Toutefois, il a été recensé l’utilisation d’autres pesticides contre la chenille légionnaire dont la majorité possède la matière active à base de dichlorvos très dangereuse. Ainsi, pour combattre efficacement la CLA tout en garantissant la santé des humains, des animaux et de l’environnement, il est impératif de trouver une combinaison de méthodes préventives, curatives et biologiques.
Le fromage de soja, localement appelé « Amonsoja » au Bénin, est une source importante de protéines, de lipides, de minéraux et d’acides gras polyinsaturés. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer le temps de fermentation et l’aptitude technologique des coagulants naturels (guissiñ et lactoserum de soja) à la production de fromage de soja (Glycine max (L.) Max). A cet effet, le guissiñ et le lactosérum du soja ont été produits à différents temps de fermentation. Le profil biochimique, la flore microbienne et le temps de coagulation des coagulants ainsi que les caractéristiques physico-chimiques et microbiologiques des fromages produits, ont été déterminés suivant les méthodes standards. Les fromages de soja obtenus ont été soumis à l’appréciation de 30 pénalistes. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que le pH des deux coagulants diminue en fonction du temps de fermentation tandis que l’acidité augmente. Le pH de guissiñ et du lactosérum variait respectivement de 3,49 à 5,60 et de 4,10 à 6,42. Les coagulants guissiñ et lactosérum de soja fermentés pendant 48 h ont présenté un meilleur temps de coagulation (5 secondes pour guissiñ et 6 secondes pour lactosérum) ainsi que de meilleurs rendements (129,80% pour Guissiñ et 125,275% pour lactosérum) comparativement aux autres coagulants. Les teneurs en protéines (58,10 % base sèche) et en eau (70,74 %) les plus élevées ont été obtenues pour les fromages produits respectivement avec guissiñ fermenté pendant 48 h et avec le lactosérum fermenté pendant 12h. Au plan organoleptique, les fromages issus de guissiñ de 48 h ont été globalement appréciés par 83% des dégustateurs. L’utilisation du guissiñ constitue donc une alternative efficace et économique à l’utilisation des coagulants chimiques qui sont chers, souvent sources de maladies et parfois inaccessibles aux femmes productrices du fromage de soja.
Soil salinity threatens faba bean production globally, with 20-35% of agricultural lands affected in arid regions. Seed enhancement technologies offer practical solutions for improving crop establishment in salt-affected soils. This study evaluated multi-component seed coating versus hydropriming for enhancing faba bean germination, vigor, stress tolerance, and yield under four salinity levels (320-3000 ppm NaCl) in laboratory and field conditions under Egyptian conditions. Laboratory germination tests followed a completely randomised design, while field pot experiment used a randomised complete block design during 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter seasons. Treatments comprised four salinity levels and three seed treatments: untreated, hydropriming, and multi-component coating containing (gum Arabic, humic/fulvic acids, NPK, salicylic acid, and Rhizobium leguminosarum). Salinity reduced germination, seedling vigor, stress tolerance, and membrane stability while increasing electrolyte leakage. Multi-component coating outperformed hydropriming, particularly under stress. Compared to hydropriming, coating enhanced germination (6.1%), reduced mean germination time (13.6%), and increased seedling vigor index (32.2%). Under severe salinity (3000 ppm), coating advantages intensified: 3.9% higher germination and 16.7% improved vigor index over hydropriming. The coating’s relative vigor advantage increased from 39.2% at 320 ppm to 106.8% at 3000 ppm, demonstrating superior stress mitigation. Coating improved stress tolerance indices more effectively than hydropriming by enhancing membrane stability (26%) and reducing electrolyte leakage (25%) compared to untreated seeds. Biochemically, coating reduced malondialdehyde (20.4%) and sodium accumulation (16.3%) while maintaining higher potassium concentrations (26.8%) compared to hydropriming, with 32.1% higher K+/Na+ ratios under severe stress. Pot field experiments over two growing seasons validate lab results: coating seeds improved emergence by 12.5%, pods per plant by 40-45%, seeds per plant by 32-36%, and potential seed yield by 39-42% compared to untreated seeds. Strong laboratory-field correlations (r = 0.86-0.98) confirmed predictive validity. Multi-component seed coating offers a promising strategy for faba bean production in saline soils.
Late-season Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.) cultivation is a strategic practice among farmers in the Rainforest Agroecology of Nigeria, driven by its profitability and the opportunity to address market scarcity during the dry season; to ensure consistent supply in the food chain. However, the success of this practice hinges on optimising sowing dates to maximise productivity and sustain profitability. The objective of this study was to harmonise late- sowing dates in order to optimise the performance of Okra in the Rainforest Agroecology zone of Nigeria. A study was conducted at Benin City, using five sowing dates (mid-August, early-September, mid-September, early-October, and mid-October) as treatments. The trial was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design, in six replicates and the study repeated two times. The study revealed that earlier sowing dates (mid-August to early September) significantly enhanced plant height, delayed flowering and increased capsule yield (4612.5-3715.6 kg ha-1). In contrast, later sowing dates (October) were associated with reduced growth and lower yields (2078.6-732.2 kg ha-1), primarily due to shortened growing periods, thermal stress and diminished residual soil moisture. These findings show the critical need for optimal sowing dates to sustain the profitability and productivity of late-season Okra farming. By adopting mid-August to early September sowing, smallholder farmers can achieve better yields, stabilise the supply chain, and contribute to food security in the face of climate variability.
Insect pests remain a major constraint to soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) productivity in tropical agroecosystems, where high pest pressure and dependence on synthetic pesticides raise environmental and health concerns. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed botanical biopesticide, Adamfo Pa (Urtica spp.), for managing soybean insect pests in Ghana. The study was conducted in the Semi-Deciduous Forest and the Savannah-Transition ecozones of Ghana. Treatments included extracts of Adamfo Pa (Urtica spp.) applied weekly and bi-weekly, and five pest management formulations at rates of 0, 300, 400, and 500 ml 100 L-1 of water, and a reference check Bypel. The rate of Adamfo Pa application significantly reduced pest populations, particularly pod-sucking bugs and defoliators, by up to 49.2 - 67%. The highest application rates (400 and 500 ml 100 L-1 of water) consistently outperformed the lowest rate (300 ml 100 L-1 of water). They were comparable to Bypel in reducing pest density, leaf damage, and overall infestation levels across both agroecological zones. Treatments with Adamfo Pa also resulted in marked reductions in pod-sucking bug density. Weekly application was more effective than bi-weekly application, especially in the Semi-Deciduous Forest ecozone, where pest pressure was higher. Strong positive relationships were observed among pest infestation parameters; namely, pest infestation versus leaf damage, pest infestation versus pod sucking bugs, pest infestation versus number of unfilled pods, filled pods versus grain yield, and pod weight versus grain yield, confirming that effective suppression of pod-sucking bugs is critical for yield protection. Location-specific responses underpinned the influence of agroecological conditions and baseline pest pressure on botanical pesticide performance, highlighting the need for site-adapted pest management strategies.
