Plant diseases are a major threat to world food security and agricultural production. This review discusses recent developments in biotechnology-based approaches for for the detection and diagnosis of plant pathogens, with emphasis on molecular and immunological methods that have transformed disease identification. Major technologies include PCR-based approaches, next-generation sequencing, ELISA, lateral flow and new biosensor platforms. The combination of these technologies with artificial intelligence and machine learning has improved detection, speed and accuracy at lower costs. The strengths and weaknesses of each method, including sensitivity, specificity, field applicability and economic feasibility are discussed and these technologies facilitate disease surveillance networks and early warning systems. Ongoing research in diagnostic tools is essential in the development of sustainable agriculture and food security against emerging pathogen threats.
Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal, with added value in organic waste recycling. This review synthesizes current evidence on Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production systems, nutritional characteristics, environmental performance and applications in feed, food and circular economy models. BSFLM typically contains 40-45% crude protein and 25-35% lipids (dry matter basis), with a favorable amino acid profile for animal nutrition. Life cycle assessments indicate that replacing fishmeal or soybean meal with BSFLM can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40%, while requiring substantially less land and water. Feeding trials across aquaculture and poultry commonly show that partial substitution (25-50%) maintains growth performance and product quality. In addition, BSFLM can reduce organic waste mass by 50-80%, generating frass suitable for reuse as fertilizer.
Background: Smallholder agriculture is central to Zimbabwe’s food production, yet many farmers lack access to essential mechanised land preparation services. While government and private sector initiatives have promoted mechanised tillage, evidence remains scarce on how access, utilisation patterns and productivity outcomes vary among smallholders, particularly in districts like Mutasa. This study addresses that gap by examining the accessibility and use of mechanised tillage services, identifying factors influencing uptake and assessing their effects on agricultural productivity. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional design was used, combining a structured questionnaire and semi structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression in STATA; qualitative data were examined thematically. Result: Mechanised tillage, mainly ploughing, is available to 72% of respondents, but provision is uneven. Remote farmers face major barriers due to poor roads and few service providers. Education, financial capacity and distance to providers significantly influence use. Econometric analysis confirms that access and use of mechanised tillage positively affect productivity: users achieve earlier land preparation and higher yields than those relying on manual or animal drawn methods. Nevertheless, adoption is constrained by high fees, limited machinery and weak rural infrastructure. Mechanised tillage can substantially improve smallholder output in Mutasa, but realising its potential requires policies that lower costs, expand service networks, upgrade rural roads and strengthen extension and awareness programmes to promote inclusive and sustainable adoption.
In India the highest yield loss (34%) is caused by weeds, followed by insects (29%), pathogens (22%), storage pests (7%) and others (8%). Weeds compete with the crop for both above and below ground resources. Weed infestation is a serious challenge for maize growers in our country. Maize is sensitive to weeds especially during early stages of development and thus weed infestation from germination to 45 DAS causes maximum reduction in yield. Herbicides are efficient tools for checking weed infestation and its usage is increasing throughout the globe due to increasing labour cost and quick weed control in various situations. Continuous non-judicious use of herbicides for weed management leads to loss of biodiversity, environmental pollution and also develops herbicide resistance in weeds. Weed persistence is more in organic farming due to the extensive usage of organic manures, which act as weed seed reservoirs.
Cucumis metuliferus (Kiwano, Horned Melon, African Horned Cucumber) is a novel fruit crop originating from sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for its distinctive appearance, nutritional potential and inherent resilience. Despite these promising attributes, its widespread commercialization and optimized agronomic management remain significantly underdeveloped compared to established cucurbit crops. This analytical literature review synthesizes current knowledge to identify and critically examine the primary problems impeding the transition of C. metuliferus from a minor, specialty item to a broadly cultivated and commercially successful crop. Key agronomic challenges include overcoming substantial genetic variability, optimizing cultivar selection for commercially desirable traits (uniformity, flavour, yield), developing standardized cultivation practices suitable for diverse environments, managing species-specific and general cucurbit pests and diseases and addressing pollination requirements. From a commercialization perspective, the hurdles are equally significant, encompassing limited consumer awareness and acceptance, establishing efficient and cost-effective supply chains for a highly perishable product, navigating inconsistent market demand and pricing and a general lack of infrastructure supporting minor crop development. The intricate interplay between suboptimal agronomy leading to inconsistent supply and quality and market immaturity hindering investment in cultivation improvements, creates a detrimental feedback loop. Furthermore, the limited depth of dedicated research compared to major crops restricts the availability of empirical data needed for evidence-based decision-making in both cultivation and market development. This review highlights the urgent need for targeted research efforts focusing on plant breeding, sustainable agronomic systems, post-harvest technology and market analysis to unlock the full commercial potential of C. metuliferus.
In Ghana, planting-date decisions are increasingly constrained by delayed rainfall onset, frequent false starts, rising dry-spell intensity and shifting agroecological boundaries. Although individual studies have examined crop-specific responses, a consolidated synthesis linking climatic variability with planting window reliability across zones has been limited. This review addresses this gap by analysing evidence on rainfall onset behaviour, intra-season moisture patterns, crop physiological sensitivity and farming system interactions to determine how planting dates influence establishment and yield outcomes in Ghana’s rain-fed systems. A narrative review approach was applied, drawing on empirical field studies, climatic analyses, intercropping trials and modelling assessments in the reviewed literature. The synthesis shows that compressed and increasingly unpredictable planting windows affect all agroecological zones, with the Guinea Savannah and Transition zones exhibiting the highest sensitivity owing to unstable onset and prolonged early season dry spells. Key crops, particularly maize, sorghum, cowpea and upland rice, experience substantial yield losses when planting is misaligned with early season moisture. Labour constraints, equipment limitations, weak advisory integration and the persistence of false rainfall start further restrict farmers’ ability to plant within optimal windows. These interactions also influence nutrient uptake, pest dynamics and intercrop competition, demonstrating that planting dates operate as system-wide risk factors rather than a single management decision. Overall, this review underscores the need for high-resolution planting date datasets, calibrated crop models and advisory systems that combine rainfall onset probabilities, soil moisture thresholds and indigenous indicators to support more dependable planting recommendations across Ghana’s changing agroecological landscape.
Neglected and underutilized indigenous crops represent a critical but overlooked resource for mitigating global food insecurity, climate change and the loss of biodiversity. These species exhibit remarkable adaptability, high nutritional value and significant cultural importance; however, they remain marginalized owing to insufficient research, inadequate market integration, a lack of supportive policies and the erosion of traditional knowledge systems crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study presents a systematic review adhering to the PRISMA framework, which employs a hybrid of bibliometric and qualitative synthesis. We analysed scholarly and institutional publications spanning 2010-2025 with NVivo 14, concentrating on the policy, ecological and socio-economic dimensions related to the improvement, domestication and use of underutilized native crops in Sub-Saharan and other developing regions. Evidence indicates that the domestication and incorporation of underutilized crops provide substantial co-benefits for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, food security and rural livelihoods. From an ecological perspective, these species augment agrobiodiversity, improve soil health and enhance adaptation to drought and heat. Nutritionally, they supply diverse micronutrients and proteins that are lacking in major staple crops, thus improving dietary quality. On a socio-cultural level, they preserve indigenous knowledge, foster food sovereignty and empower local populations. Economically, they create diverse income streams and bolster rural value chains when facilitated by equitable market systems. However, progress is hindered by ongoing challenges, including insufficient research funding, disorganized seed systems, underdeveloped value addition and policy neglect. This review posits that realizing the potential of these crops requires integrating genomics, participatory breeding and community-led value chains within supportive policy frameworks. Sustainable domestication efforts must reconcile productivity objectives with the preservation of genetic, ecological and cultural integrity.
This systematic review analyses the evolution, efficiency and trade-offs of agricultural subsidies and investments in India from the inception of green revolution to amrit kaal aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Evaluating 34 studies using PRISMA 2020 framework, it finds that while subsidies have reduced input costs and supported technology adoption, they also led to adverse impacts on environment and fiscal inefficiency benefiting primarily large farmers. In contrast, investments in infrastructure, R and D and extension deliver higher returns. The study highlights the need for a strategic shift toward investment-led growth to enable inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural transformation under Viksit Bharat@2047.
Background: The present study examines the growth, instability, and sustainability of tea production in Assam during the period 2010–2024. Tea remains one of the most important plantation crops in Assam and plays a significant role in the regional economy and rural livelihoods. However, concerns regarding productivity stagnation, resource dependence, and long-term sustainability have increasingly emerged in recent years. Methods: The study employs a time-series analytical framework to assess trends in area, production, and yield of tea in Assam. Growth rates, instability indices, and coefficient of variation measures were used to analyse production dynamics. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was applied to examine stationarity, while Durbin-Watson statistics were used to detect autocorrelation in the data series. The findings were further interpreted using the sustainability perspectives of Herman E. Daly and Robert M. Solow. Result: The results reveal a modest positive growth in tea production (0.93% per annum). The results indicate that production increases are largely extensive rather than productivity-driven, with area expansion under tea cultivation (1.05%) and a negative and statistically insignificant yield (-0.13%). Instability analysis shows that yield is the most volatile component, reflected by the highest CDV of 11.60%. In contrast, the area under tea remains relatively stable, highlighting the dominance of area expansion in driving output growth. Time-series diagnostics further reveal non-stationarity in area and yield, as confirmed by the augmented dickey-fuller test. Additionally, durbin-watson statistics point to positive autocorrelation, implying persistence of shocks within the system. Interpreted through the sustainability frameworks of Herman E. Daly and Robert M. Solow, the findings suggest that the tea sector of Assam currently follows an unsustainable growth trajectory, as it relies on resource expansion rather than efficiency gains, which is necessary for long-term sustainability
This review was designed to shed light on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) and their toxic effects of on the reproductive health of males and females. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has increased in recent years in various industries due to its small size and physical and chemical properties. This article reviews the effect of different types of metal-based (e.g., silver, gold, zinc oxide) and carbon-based (e.g., graphene oxide) affect reproductive systems in animal models. In males Scientific studies indicate that exposure to various types of nanoparticles (NPs) leads to decreased sperm quality, testicular damage, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, programmed cell death in reproductive tissues, weak sperm formation, reduced sperm count and motility, In females, research has indicated that exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) causes hormonal disturbance and decreased fertility due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impact on the functions of the endocrine glands also exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) leads to oxidative stress and cellular damage in ovarian tissue, which disrupts follicle formation and hormone regulation, as well as causing morphological changes in the reproductive organs and preventing uterine implantation.
The process of climate change poses unique threats to the global food security, necessitating some fundamental changes in agricultural production. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) framework can be used to achieve sustainable productivity, better adaptation and less greenhouse gas emissions. Bio-fertilisers, preparations of useful microorganisms, which improve plant nutrient uptake and hardiness, have become indispensable in this regard. This review is a synthesis of the knowledge available on the use of bio-fertilizers to increase the use of nutrients, increase tolerance of plants to abiotic stress and decrease dependence on synthetic inputs to boost soil health and reduce environmental footprint. Bio-fertilizers work mechanically to enable fixation of nitrogen, solubilization of phosphorus, potassium and symbiotic acquisition of nutrients through the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. They also enhance the plant stress responses by accumulating osmolytes, regulating of phytohormones and antioxidants. All these advantages make bio-fertilizers indispensable when it comes to achieving the objectives of CSA. Nonetheless, its large scale use is hindered by the fluctuating efficacy of field and inadequate quality regulation, storage instability and lax regulations. Future studies are advised to focus on multi-omics to enhance strain development, development of efficient microbial consortia and improved encapsulation procedures in order to improve product stability. Field assessment should be done over a long term to authenticate the performance and supporting policies should be essential in scaling up. Combining these biological technologies and CSA concepts has significant prospects of producing robust and sustainable food systems.
Food loss and waste occur between production and distribution and is common in low-income countries, while food waste occurs mostly at the consumer level, in the retail and food service sectors and particularly in developed countries. The environmental impact of food loss and waste in terms of volume and cost is tremendous and represents a huge cost to society, in terms of greenhouse gas emission, water footprint, wastage of agricultural land and biodiversity loss. Approaches/solutions to reduce the global food loss and waste through the food supply chain are discussed, both at the post-harvest, handling, storage and processing levels (close to the farm) and at the retail and consumption level (close to the fork). Knowing where food loss and waste occur in the food chain, in which foods and in which countries is crucial for deciding where and how to direct efforts most effectively. This article aims to provide an overview of the formation and prevention of food loss and waste (FLW). The main focus here is to determine the reasons for the emergence of FLW throughout the food supply chain. A framework has been established for the emergence of FLW at every stage of the food supply chain. Based on this framework, feasible solutions are presented. There is growing recognition among scientists, institutions, businesses, policymakers and citizens of the unsustainability of the present food system. Therefore, developing appropriate strategies to reduce FLW is one of the most important issues related to sustainable development. This review has enhanced the comprehension of the subject matter, emphasised the multifaceted nature of the problem of FLW and underscoring the involvement of various actors along the food supply chain. For various reasons, FLW is still remaining in each chain. It is therefore imperative that well-planned policies and programmes are created with a view to reducing FLW at various points in the food supply chain. The issue of FLW requires a greater degree of consistent attention, study, research, action and awareness, particularly with regard to its prevention.
Vegetable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], commonly known as edamame, is emerging as a premier functional food due to its exceptional nutrient density and health benefits. Harvested at the immature R6 reproductive stage, it offers a superior organoleptic profile-characterized by a softer texture and sweeter flavor compared to grain soybeans. This review synthesized data from global and Indian landscapes, revealing that while East Asia dominates production, a burgeoning interest in plant-based diets is driving global market expansion, with U.S. consumption reaching 30,000 tons annually. The study indicate that vegetable soybean provides a complete protein profile (11%-14% fresh weight), essential fatty acids (linolenic acid at 42.96% of lipid fraction) and significant bioactive isoflavones. However, the study also identifies critical production constraints, specifically regarding seedling establishment. Large-seeded varieties, exhibit physiological vulnerabilities including cracked seed coats, high electrolyte leakage and susceptibility to soil-borne pathogens like Rhizoctonia solani. In India, despite the release of varieties like ‘Swarna Vasundhara’ and ‘Karune’, adoption is hindered by poor seed germination (often approx40%) and limited cold-chain infrastructure. The importance of this crop lies in its dual contribution to nutritional security and agricultural sustainability through atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Future research must prioritize the development of region-specific, disease-resistant cultivars with enhanced “stay-green” traits and improved seed vigor. In conclusion, by strengthening domestic supply chains and improving seed performance, vegetable soybean can transition from a niche crop to a mainstream high-value commodity, significantly boosting rural livelihoods and the Indian agricultural economy.
Background: Sacred plants in Manipur (Northeast India) have important roles in religious and cultural practices among the Meitei and Meitei Hindu communities. They are part of rituals, festivals, taboos, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and support biodiversity in the region. Unfortunately, increasing impacts from human activities are affecting the availability of the sacred plants and their associated significance/cultural value. Methods: A field-based survey of three prominent women’s markets (Ima Keithel, Nambol Keithel and Singjamei Keithel) from two districts in Manipur was conducted over May-July (2024 and 2025). Plants were collected from each market, followed by taxonomic identification of plants using standard books and other reputable databases. Plant descriptions were also gathered through purposive interviews with thirty elderly participants (ten from each market) and confirmed with the traditional managers (Arangphams, Maiba and Maibi). Plant scientific names were verified using the GBIF database and other reputable sources. Result: A total of 49 taxa belong to 43 genera and 30 families. The family with the highest number of recorded species is Rosaceae, followed by Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae and Zingiberaceae. The site with the highest number of species was Ima Keithel. Most plants recorded for species have medicinal properties and are used in major rituals such as Cheiraoba and Lai-haraoba. The identified threats are cultural erosion, habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and over-harvesting, indicating an urgent need for conservation efforts and the revitalization of TEK.
Sorghum bicolor is a climate-resilient C4 cereal crop widely cultivated in semi-arid and drought-prone regions. Despite its adaptability, sorghum productivity is substantially constrained by diverse biotic stresses, including fungal pathogens, insect pests and parasitic weeds. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics have significantly enhanced the identification and annotation of defence-related genes in sorghum. This review consolidates current insights into key defence gene classes, including nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins, transcription factors and genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis furthermore, emerging approaches such as pan-genomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing and systems biology frameworks are critically examined for their role in improving annotation accuracy and functional validation. Future efforts should prioritize integrative multi-omics strategies and field-level validation to unravel complex defence networks and accelerate the development of resilient sorghum cultivars suited for changing agro-climatic conditions.
Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represent a critical challenge to food security and economic stability, with losses estimated at 30-50%. This review critically examines the development and application of waste-derived, nutrient-enriched biodegradable coatings as a sustainable and transformative solution to this issue. It analyses the multifaceted postharvest challenges in SSA, including infrastructural gaps, crop diversity and weak market dynamics, which conventional preservation methods fail to address. The article details the principles of biodegradable coatings, highlighting their mechanisms of action as barriers to moisture, gases and microbes and surveys conventional biopolymers like starch, chitosan and alginate. Moving beyond current practices, the review identifies emerging research frontiers tailored for SSA, such as the valorisation of local agro-wastes (e.g., cassava peels, mango kernels), smart responsive coatings, nanostructured biopolymers, nutrient fortification and microbiome-aware design. These innovations position coatings not merely as passive barriers but as active, multifunctional preservation systems. Commodity-specific case studies underscore the potential of these coatings to extend the shelf life of key tropical fruits and vegetables. However, significant barriers to adoption persist, including a scarcity of field trials under real SSA conditions, high costs, low consumer awareness and underdeveloped regulatory frameworks. The review concludes that for biodegradable coatings to achieve their full potential, a systems approach is essential, integrating technological innovation with supportive policies, farmer training, consumer education and digital tools for supply chain management. This holistic strategy can position biodegradable coatings as a cornerstone of sustainable, resilient and nutrition-sensitive food systems in SSA.
Basmati 370 rice is the predominant commercial variety grown by nearly 95% of the farmers in Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kenya. Farmers agronomic practices are varied and there exist limited systematically documented baseline data on farmers practices, yields and land productivity. This study seeks to establish the farmers practices and yields, compare with monthly crop establishment data and document Basmati 370 yields in Mwea. The scheme was divided into six units and structured questionnaire administered to determine the farmers practices, followed by field yield sampling to quantify productivity. Concurrently, field trails were conducted to establish growth and yield performance of Basmati 370 rice variety under research conditions. Survey results indicate that majority of the farmers (70%), practice random planting for rice crop establishment. Fertilizer use is moderate (50%) and types varied with DAP + MOP and SA (79%) as the preferred combinations. There was nearly 100% use of herbicides for weed control. Farmers field yields averaged 5.0 t/ha and this compared well with experimental yields of 5.5 t/ha, the highest being 6.0 t/ha, during the November cropping. Comparatively, Lower farmers’ yields (5.0 t/ha) is attributed to inadequate agronomic practices. November cropping gave the highest yields but not different from August and September cropping and possibly the best establishment period. It can therefore be concluded that Basmati 370 rice yields 5.5t/ha in Mwea irrigation scheme.
The use of effective microorganisms (EM), is a sustainable solution for addressing nutrient deficiencies and improving feed quality in all four major livestock species (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats and swine), as it promises to enhance animal production, by the improving nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, overall animal health and environmental sustainability in a profitable way. This review synthesized the findings from accepted peer-reviewed academic journal articles written only in English. The findings revealed the positive effect of EM on gut health, nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, production performances, product quality and the environmental effects of the livestock industry. Despite these positive effects, multifunctional action with combined alternative feedstuff stains, mechanisms of action, influence on reproductive performances and impact on newborn offspring, major knowledge gaps were identified. Addressing these gaps, through well-developed studies, especially species-specific responses and the long-term effects of EM on livestock will be vital for improving EM use in the livestock production sector.
Background: Women play a critical role in both household management and agricultural production in rural Bangladesh. In Dumuria Upazila, Khulna district, it is well known that women dairy farmers contribute significantly to household income and food security. However, they face socio-economic and gender-based barriers that affect their access to resources, decision-making power and adoption of modern technologies. This study explores gender roles, access to credit, ownership perception and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices among women dairy farmers, who spend their time mostly on the farming. Methods: A qualitative interviewfor gender analysis was conducted among 133 women dairy farmers selected from a broader population of 3,050 women aged 20 to 89 years in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna district. The family income of those farmers comes mostly from dairy farming. Data were collected through 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on demographics, household size, educational background, farming experience, access to credit, financial and decision-making involvement, asset perception and adoption of climate-smart technologies. The responses were analyzed to understand the gender dynamics and socio-economic conditions affecting the livelihood of those women. Result: The higher number of the respondents (44 farmers, 33%) were aged between 30-49. Women managed both household and farming responsibilities, with family sizes ranged from 2 to 10 members and dairy farming experience ranging from new entrants to over 30 years. Educational attainment varied. Only 35 (26.31%) respondents had access to credit. Nevertheless, women showed increasing involvement in financial decisions and milk distribution. Although most assets were officially registered in their husbands’ names, 131 (98.50%) women perceived the assets as their own. Joint decision-making in income management was common, though in households with elders or in-laws decisions were largely elder-driven.Regarding climate-smart technologies, only 14 (10.5%) respondents acknowledged familiarity. Nine (6.77%) used biogas plants and two used biogas combined with vermi-composting. Other mentioned to include rubber mats, water pumps and fans-suggesting unintentional use of such technologies. However, 64 (48%) respondents were unaware, 53 (39.85%) marked “N/A,” and one responded negatively, highlighting a major awareness gap in climate-smart farming practices.It was concluded from the findings that while women in dairy farming are increasingly participating in financial and household decision-making, their formal financial empowerment, such as buying assets in their names or opening fixed deposit in bank and access to climate-smart technologies remain limited, with a significant awareness gap in sustainable farming practices underscoring the need for targeted education and support interventions.
The dairy sector is vital to global food production and the economy. In dairy farming, the cost incurred for animal nutrition accounts for approximately two-thirds of total production costs and contributes significantly to the ecological footprint. Therefore, reducing production costs while maintaining optimal animal performance is essential. Thus, alternative, sustainable feeding sources should be researched. Effective microorganisms (EM) are considered a mixture of beneficial bacterial inoculants and have the potential to be used as an alternative feeding supplement to enhance the digestibility and subsequently enhance the production. Effective microorganism technology was developed in Japan in 1980 and since then, limited studies have focused on animal nutrition. For this study, a narrative review process was employed. Google Scholar’s advanced search function was employed to filter the papers, with the keywords “Effective Microorganisms” OR “EM” OR “Direct Feed Microorganisms” OR “Probiotics” AND “Dairy Cow” OR “Cow” OR “Dairy Production” AND “Cow Health” OR “Gut Health” OR “Nutrition”. Recently published, peer-reviewed articles written only in English, journal articles and leading web articles and reports were selected for the synthesis of the results. Based on synthesized knowledge, EM supplementation has significantly improved nutrient digestibility, gut health, milk production and overall performance in cows while reducing manure nutrient excretion.
