In addition to generating rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, climate change has contributed to the increasing instability in agricultural yields. Under these conditions, farmers are compelled to adopt more resilient crop species, and due to the traits inherited from its two parent species, triticale represents a promising option. Research conducted at ARDS Secuieni aims to adapt cultivation technologies to emerging climatic challenges. To assess the effects of the preceding crop and genotype on winter triticale grain yield, a field experiment was established at ARDS Secuieni over two growing seasons (2022–2024). This study employed a randomised block design with three replications and included two Romanian winter triticale genotypes (‘Haiduc’ and ‘Utrifun’), grown after three preceding crops: soybean (Glycine max L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Both genotype and preceding crop had significant effects on grain yield. The Utrifun genotype exhibited superior adaptability, achieving an average yield of 5941 kg/ha, compared to 5013 kg/ha for Haiduc. The highest yields were recorded following soybean (5929–6902 kg/ha), whereas sunflower as a preceding crop resulted in the lowest yields (4303–4554 kg/ha). These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate genotypes and preceding crops to optimise winter triticale productivity under the pedoclimatic conditions specific to the Secuieni region.
Momordica charantia L. (bitter cucumber) is a species of interest due to its nutritional value and remarkable nutraceutical properties. Natural biostimulants, such as those based on seaweed extracts, can help improve plant physiological processes by stimulating germination, metabolism, and stress tolerance. This study examined the effect of the seaweed-based biostimulant Algevit (0.5%) on five genotypes of M. charantia compared with an untreated control condition. First, seed germination was monitored, and then biochemical changes induced by the biostimulant, including the vitamin A (β-carotene), total phenolic, and soluble protein contents were determined. The biostimulant reduced the germination time and increased all three analysed biochemical parameters compared with the control, with the most pronounced effect observed for the vitamin A (β-carotene) content and the Line 1 genotype, with an increase from 3.95 to 8.19 μg/mL, confirming the effectiveness of Algevit.
This study evaluated the growth kinetics and hyoscyamine biosynthesis of transgenic hairy roots from Datura innoxia (DI), Datura stramonium var. stramonium (DS) and Datura stramonium var. tatula (DT) induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4 and cultured in vitro for five years after their induction using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for alkaloid analysis. The lines were elicited with AgNO3 for 24 and 48 h to determine its effects on the biomass, hyoscyamine and scopolamine yield of hairy roots. DT grew better, resulting in 0.295 g of dry mass after 21 d of culture on B5 medium in the first year, compared to 0.229 g for DI and 0.205 g for DS. Over five years, DT grew better than DS and DI. Furthermore, the hyoscyamine yield was higher in DT than in DI and DS with the best yield occurring in the first year of culture (8.575 mg g−1 DW). After chemical elicitation, the biomass, expressed as the dry weight of DS and DT, decreased under all AgNO3 treatments. However, the DI biomass increased after AgNO3 treatment for 24 and 48 h (74%) of the control. Only two treatments promoted hyoscyamine biosynthesis, and the best yield was obtained with 7.89 mg g−1 DW of hyoscyamine after 48 h of elicitation. However, the scopolamine yield was improved by AgNO3 elicitation for 24 h with the best result obtained for DT hairy roots (0.539 mg g−1 DW).
Sustainable agriculture is central to Africa’s socio-economic development, food security, and resilience to climate change. However, agricultural systems across the continent face persistent challenges, including low productivity, climate variability, land degradation, limited access to extension services, and inefficient resource use. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer the opportunity to address these constraints by enabling data-driven decision-making, precision agriculture, and adaptive management of farming systems. This article comprehensively reviews the role of AI and ML in transforming sustainable agriculture in Africa. It considers 72 peer-reviewed studies identified from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2000-2024) on the key applications of AI and ML in crop production, livestock management, soil and water conservation, pest and disease control, and agricultural value chains. Moreover, the potential of AI-enabled systems to enhance productivity
A study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 at the Assosa Agricultural Research Center to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertiliser application and cleaning cut timing on the seed yield and quality of Andropogon gayanus. The experiment used a split-plot design in a randomised complete block arrangement with four replications. Four N levels [0(control), 23, 46, and 69 kg ha−1] were assigned to the main plots, and four cleaning cut timings (15, 30, 45, and 60 days after rainfall onset) were assigned to the subplots. Analysis of variance showed significant (p < 0.05) effects of N rate, cleaning cut interval, and their interaction on seed yield and most yield-related traits. The highest inflorescence density (147.38 m−²) was recorded at 69 kg ha−1 N, and the 15-day cut produced the most racemes per inflorescence (6.91). The maximum seed yield (675.05–722.03 kg ha−1) and optimal seed germination (>68%) were attained when N rates of 23–69 kg ha−1 were combined with a cleaning cut at 30–45 days. Based on the seed yield and quality, applying 23–69 kg ha−1 N with a 30–45-day cleaning cut is recommended to optimise seed production for A. gayanus in the study area and similar agroecologies. Future research should expand on these findings by evaluating economic cost–benefit analyses, alternative N sources, such as biofertilisers, and the long-term storage potential of seeds through germination tests seven months after harvest.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a key source of plant protein and oil in sub-Saharan Africa, but its storage is affected by the cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The present study investigated the C. maculatus resistance of 10 soybean varieties in 2 agroecological zones of northern Cameroon and evaluated the protective efficacy of Gnidia kraussiana root extracts compared to neem seed oil on a susceptible variety. Significant varietal differences in C. maculatus susceptibility were observed, with resistance varying across locations. Only a subset of varieties (e.g., TGx1844-18E, SJ235, VT/SG Houla1, and Emgopa314) exhibited consistent resistance across both sites, and others showed location-dependent responses. Kodek/Houla1 displayed variable susceptibility and was classified as moderately susceptible in Maroua and moderately resistant in Ngaoundéré. Resistance was associated with seed biochemical traits. The soluble sugar content was positively correlated with suscepti
Reuse of treated wastewater is a promising alternative to conventional irrigation and fertilisation, offering both water and nutrients for crop growth. Previous studies focused on fertigation in greenhouse environments, leaving uncertainty about its applicability in real world conditions. This study compared the fertigation performance of Treated Domestic wastewater (TDWW) across screenhouse and open field systems to provide insights on how cultivation in these two settings modulates soil fertility and crop yields. Field experimental plots (FEP) and screenhouse experimental plots (SEP) were used to evaluate the impact of fertigation with TDWW on soil fertility and maize yield. TDWW-irrigated plots and tap water-irrigated plots were used in both sets of trials; each replicated three times. Soil samples were examined before and after harvesting, and the water used for irrigation was examined throughout the trial. The results revealed a significant increase in soil organic matter (P < 0.05) by 184% in the SEP and by 26% in the FEP, and phosphate increased more in the FEP (59%) than in the SEP (13%). Maize yield improved markedly (P < 0.05) in the SEP compared with the FEP, by 62.6% in the TDWW irrigated plots and by 53.6% in the tap water–irrigated plots. Taken together, TDWW can serve as sole nutrient source, enhancing crop productivity while reducing dependence on freshwater and synthetic fertilisers. The findings provide actionable insights to farmers, extension services, and policymakers on TDWW fertigation as a practical strategy for nutrient recycling, circular water resource management, and climate resilient food production; highlighting wastewater reuse as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in resource constrained regions.
Potato is the subject of extensive and diversified scientific studies related to human nutrition, seed production, and feed and raw material for industry. Given the current climatic context and the need to ensure food security for a continuously growing population, the possibility of using the generative method for potato multiplication was tested with the aim of producing an alternative material that would complete the potato requirement. The biological material used in this study was represented by six potato genotypes derived from true seed and the Brașovia potato variety (control). This study was carried out through the following stages: germination under ”in vitro” conditions for potato seeds, micropropagation of the obtained microplants, planting in an ”insect-proof” protected space for potato microplants obtained ”in vitro”, and minituber production. The genotypes grown in a protected space were analysed in terms of the number of minitubers/plant, the weight of minitubers/plant and the calibration by s
Although communal forests face threats, their managers continue to neglect conservation, especially in forest–savannah areas, where plant diversity knowledge has been rarely documented. To address these shortcomings, this study aimed to characterise plant diversity and assess the conservation status of the Minta Communal Forest (MCF) in Central Cameroon. To collect data on different land cover/land uses (LC/LUs) that constitute the MCF, floristic inventories were carried out on trees with a diameter ≥5 cm in 37 plots measuring 40 m × 50 m. A total of 1246 stems belonging to 173 species, 121 genera, and 43 families with a generic coefficient of 69.94% were surveyed. Mature forests had the highest species richness (130 ± 7), and savannas had the lowest (16 ± 4). The Shannon index (4.38) confirmed the plant diversity richness in the MCF. The density and basal area found were 169 stems/ha and 18.47 m²/ha, respectively. However, they varied significantly in LC/LU function (p < 0.05). There were 13 threatened speci
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) results from an imbalance between gastric mucosal defence mechanisms and aggressive factors. Although modern anti-ulcer drugs are available, many rural communities in Nigeria continue to rely on traditional medicinal plants for ulcer management. This study documented the diversity and ethnomedicinal relevance of plants used for the treatment of PUD in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 110 respondents, comprising 36 traditional herbalists and 74 herb sellers selected through random sampling from 4 villages and major commercial centres within the LGA. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency of occurrence (FO), and fidelity level (FL) to determine the cultural significance of each species. A total of 22 plant species belonging to 17 families were recorded, with Fabaceae (subfamilies Mimosoideae and Papilionoideae) being the most represented family. Ocimum gratissimum (FO: 45; FL: 40.91%), Bryophyllum pinnatum (FO: 40; FL: 36.36%), and Carica papaya (FO: 39; FL: 35.45%) were the most frequently cited species. Leaves (40.91%) and seeds (22.73%) were the most commonly used plant parts, while grinding (33.33%) and decoction (20.83%) were the predominant preparation methods. Oral administration through drinking (54.55%) and eating (40.91%) was the most common route of administration. High FLs indicate strong traditional consensus regarding the therapeutic value of several species. These plants may serve as promising sources of novel gastroprotective compounds. Further pharmacological studies, including bioassay-guided fractionation, metabolite characterisation, and in vivo validation, are recommended to substantiate their anti-ulcer potential and support future drug development.
African trypanosomiasis remains a major constraint to livestock productivity and public health in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the distribution, species composition, seasonal abundance, and trypanosome infection prevalence of Glossina species across six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional entomological survey was conducted from January to December 2022 using 48 acetone-baited biconical traps deployed in riverine and gallery forest habitats, for a total of 132 trap-days. A total of 4,991 captured flies were morphologically identified. Of these, 2,736 were classified as teneral flies, while the remaining 2,255 non-teneral flies were dissected and examined microscopically for trypanosome infection. Glossina palpalis was the dominant species, accounting for 91% of the individuals, while Glossina tachinoides made up the remaining 9%. The abundance of tsetse flies showed marked spatial and seasonal variation, peaking during the wet season, with the highest total catch recorded in Abaji. Female flies (n = 2,723) were significantly more abundant than male flies (n = 2,268) (t = 2.431, p = 0.029). Of the non-teneral flies examined for the presence of Trypanosoma spp., 744 were found to be infected, for an overall prevalence of 33%. Trypanosoma vivax was the predominant species (27%), followed by Trypanosoma congolense (5%) and Trypanosoma brucei (1%). The data indicated that the prevalence of infection was higher in female flies than in males. Notably, the highest infection prevalence was in Kwali, suggesting that high vector abundance does not always correspond directly to the intensity of infection. These findings demonstrate heterogeneous vector distribution and infection patterns across the FCT and highlight the need for targeted, seasonally informed vector control, routine surveillance, and community-based interventions to reduce tsetse fly populations and trypanosome transmission.
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This study presents a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE) and proposes a reproducible proof-of-concept workflow for its use in digital agriculture in Romania. The novelty lies not in a new algorithm or empirical validation but in the systematic documentation of an open-access workflow that links data discovery, visualisation, and the filtering and download of Sentinel-2 products with two locally relevant applications: Normalised Difference Vegetation Index-based crop monitoring and Normalised Difference Water Index-based surface water observation over a small inland reservoir in Iași County. The methodological approach consisted of a qualitative functional analysis of the platform, the identification of data categories relevant to agricultural applications, and the documentation of a structured workflow integrated into didactic and applied activities in agricultural engineering. Analysis showed that the platform provides accessible support for using Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery and derived vegetation and water-monitoring products in crop condition assessment, spectral index interpretation, and local resource monitoring. The education dimension is reported on the basis of classroom observations accumulated over three academic years. No formal assessment instrument was applied; thus, observations concerning student performance and digital competencies should be regarded as exploratory. Within these limits, the findings indicate that CDSE functions as an operational gateway for satellite data use and as a candidate support environment for academic training in digital agriculture in Romania.
Mudskippers are ecologically important intertidal fishes, yet their nutritional value remains poorly documented in the Bay of Bengal. This study evaluated the proximate composition of the mudskipper Boleophthalmus boddarti (Pallas, 1770) collected from the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf coast, Bangladesh, to assess its potential as an underutilised coastal food resource. A total of 270 specimens were collected from nine sampling sites between December 2023 and February 2024 and prepared as 27 site–month samples for proximate composition analysis. Moisture, ash, and protein content were analysed using the loss-on-drying, dry ashing, and Kjeldahl methods, respectively. The resulting data were analysed to evaluate spatial and temporal variations among samples. Protein was the dominant proximate component, ranging from 57.75–77.00% with a mean of 65.10 ± 4.32%. Monthly mean protein content showed a slight decline from December to February, while ash increased from 14.10 ± 2.36% to 16.73 ± 3.50%. Moisture remained comparatively stable across months, with an overall mean of 13.02 ± 2.36%. No significant spatial or temporal differences were detected for moisture, ash, or protein content (p > 0.05), indicating proximate composition stability across the sampled coastal habitats. The protein and ash values provide baseline proximate composition information for B. boddarti from the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf coast, although these findings should not be interpreted as a complete nutritional or food-security assessment. Future studies should examine lipid quality, amino acid profiles, micronutrients, contaminants, and year-round seasonal variation to support safe consumption, value-added product development, and sustainable mudskipper fishery management.
Although pesticide use is relatively low in Africa, most African farmers who do use pesticides do not use them safely, in part due to the cropping systems that are employed. Specifically, the cropping systems dictate pesticide application regimes that can potentially expose farmers and consumers to chemical risks under indiscriminate applications. This study aimed to identify the dominant agricultural production type, the pattern of pesticide use, and the handling of empty pesticide containers, and to determine the relationship between pesticide use and cropping systems. We specifically documented pesticide application practices and cropping systems based on the administration of a stratified questionnaire to 120 farmers in a cross-sectional survey. The participants were selected through multistage random sampling and the results were analysed using SPSS Statistics. Most of the respondents (89%) practiced continuous cultivation of maize and persistently used pesticides (>50%) with little or no adherence to safety protocols. There was a strong positive correlation between continuous cropping and pesticide use (r = 0.71, p = 0.02). In addition, most of the respondents (≈ 65%) re-used empty pesticide containers to store seeds or for other domestic purposes; the remaining respondents discarded them on their fields or nearby dumping sites or gave them to others. Overall, Tolon is dominated by continuous cropping by farmers coupled with the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which threaten environmental health and are a cause for environmental concern. The current agrochemical uses in Ghana present a high environmental and health risk, especially in areas of high agricultural production such as Tolon.
Urban trees within developed areas provide essential ecosystem services that include carbon sequestration. But growing urban populations put pressure on vegetated urban ecosystem services and biodiversity. This study examined tree diversity, biomass, and carbon storage within the developed areas of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A complete enumeration of 326 trees distributed among 57 tree species and 29 families was conducted. Biodiversity indices were computed using standard procedures, while biomass and carbon storage were estimated using a non-destructive method. Most species (61.4%) were indigenous, while 38.6% were exotic. Pinus caribaea, Khaya senegalensis, Entandophragma angolense, and Gmelina arborea were among the dominant tree species. About 65.6% of the trees were very stable given their low slenderness coefficient. The high biodiversity index values (species richness = 57; Shannon-Wiener diversity index = 3.84; Margalef index = 9.68) suggest that the developed areas of FRIN have good biodiversity conservation status. Total basal area and volume productions were 49.54 m² ha-1 and 660.32 m³ ha-1, respectively, corresponding to 447.90 tons ha-1 of biomass and 223.95 tons ha-1 of carbon. Despite their small land size, the developed areas of FRIN are a significant carbon sink compared to similar institutional landscapes in Nigeria. This study highlights the need for institutional green-space management strategies to be integrated into national climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation policies for enhanced ecological resilience and sustainability.
In the modern age, climate change (CC) has become one of the most burning global issues. All environment-dependent sectors are threatened by CC, particularly the agricultural and food sectors. Pakistan is one of the world’s highly vulnerable countries to extreme weather conditions and CC. Its agricultural sector is often badly affected by harsh weather. While some studies have highlighted farmers’ perceptions about CC adaptation and mitigation, there is still a lack of adequate cognizance among them. Basic knowledge is crucial for farmers to protect crops from extreme climatic conditions. To fill this gap, this study probes farmers’ awareness level of CC and allied factors. For this purpose, Bahawalpur was chosen as a sample district and 15 villages, three from each of its five tehsils, were studied. Using a stratified random sampling method and structured questionnaire, 50 farmers from each of the selected villages were interviewed. The gathered information was quantified and analysed applying various quantitative techniques. The results show that 78% of farmers were aware of CC, although their level of awareness and adaptive behaviour varied with farming experience, level of education, ownership status and size of the landholding, access to the market and agricultural extension services, and exposure to the latest information sources. The evaluation of adaptive behaviour revealed that most of the farmers were keenly applying irrigation (86.2%), crop type (61.2%), crop diversification (59%), and other adaptive strategies in the wake of present CC. Such studies may help in framing sustainable adaptation strategies in the milieu of recent CC.
Vegetable producers struggle with soil fertility challenges and ever-increasing inorganic fertiliser prices. Solid winery waste compost provides a promising solution to these problems and mitigates the environmental consequences of discarded winery waste. The use of organic soil amendments improves crop growth and yield; however, there is limited information on the responses of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) to solid winery waste compost. This study assessed the effect of NPK fertiliser and two rates of solid winery waste compost on Swiss chard growth and yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Bien Donné Farm, Paarl, South Africa, from April to June and was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four treatments: control, NPK fertiliser, and two solid winery waste compost rates. All plant growth parameters, the number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width improved significantly with the solid winery waste compost treatments compared to the control. This was linked to the compost’s ability to act as a sponge, retaining water and slowly releasing nutrients throughout the growth cycle. The fresh yield of Swiss chard did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the amended treatments. The lower compost rate resulted in a slightly larger, but not significantly different, yield (12.95 t/ha) compared to the high compost rate (11.78 t/ha) and NPK treatment (11.39 t/ha). This was attributed to a potential optimal application rate at the lower compost rate, in which conditions were optimal for nutrient absorption and soil pH. The high compost rate may have resulted in an antagonistic relationship with nutrients due to its higher pH and sodium content, leading to osmotic stress. These findings suggest that although solid winery waste compost is an effective soil amendment for improving Swiss chard growth, further research is needed to determine the optimal application rate necessary for significant yield improvement.
A major limitation to livestock productivity is the insufficient and poor supply quality supply of green fodder, especially during the off season. To address this gap, the present study evaluated the influence of intercropping systems and nutrient management practices on the yield and nutritional quality of oats (Avena sativa) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum). The underlying hypothesis was that intercropping and enriched nutrient strategies would enhance the total fodder availability and improve the feed value through better resource utilisation. The experiment followed a factorial randomised block design with four cropping patterns (oats, berseem, and oats: berseem in 2:1 and 1:2 row ratios) and four nutrient management treatments, replicated three times. Oats and berseem alone produced the highest green fodder yields, but the 2:1 intercropping pattern resulted in a total green fodder (37.6 t ha⁻¹) and dry matter yield (6.7 t ha⁻¹) comparable to that of oats alone, with superior forage quality. Among nutrient treatments, using 100% of the recommended fertiliser dose with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and two foliar sprays of seaweed extract (NM4) resulted in the highest green (38.35 t ha⁻¹) and dry fodder yields (6.41 t ha⁻¹) and improved the proximate composition. The interaction of the 2:1 intercropping system and NM4 resulted in the best performance, indicating a sustainable approach for enhancing the fodder supply and supporting resilient livestock production.
Understanding the association between body weight (BWT) and linear body measurements (LBMs) is crucial for animal breeders, as it helps identify the optimal traits that can be prioritised to improve BWT through selective breeding programmes. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationships between BWT and LBM in Marshall broiler chickens. A total of 100 Marshall broilers at 7 weeks of age were used. Data were collected on BWT and seven LBM: body length (BL); chest girth; thigh length TL; shank length; shank girth; wing length; and keel length. Data were analysed using the statistical procedure of IBM SPSS (23.0.0) statistical package. Descriptive statistics, phenotypic correlations, path coefficient analysis, and stepwise regression were employed to determine the predictive power of the LBM on BWT. A significant positive correlation between BWT and BL (r = 0.764) was revealed. Path analysis indicated that BL had the greatest direct effect on BWT, suggesting its utility as a selection criterion in breeding programmes aimed at enhancing broiler performance. The findings provide valuable insights for optimising breeding strategies for improved productivity in broiler production. Farmers can use BL at the 7th week of age to select chickens that will be expected to grow larger and faster.
