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Articles 1 - 30 of 354

Full-Text Articles in Agricultural Science

Weed Incursion Of Irrigated Forage–Forb Mixtures Under Mob Grazing Or Mowing In The Mountain West Usa, Jennifer Macadam, Jared Gibbons, Xin Dai Feb 2025

Weed Incursion Of Irrigated Forage–Forb Mixtures Under Mob Grazing Or Mowing In The Mountain West Usa, Jennifer Macadam, Jared Gibbons, Xin Dai

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Improving the quality of irrigated pastures can increase the profitability of ruminant production systems. Increasing pasture plant biodiversity is beneficial for ruminants, pollinators, and soil health, but it is challenging to manage weed incursion in seeded mixed-species pastures. This study assessed the weed incursion that resulted when forage legumes or grasses were seeded as binary mixtures with one of four non-legume forbs. Defoliation occurred at 6-week intervals as either mowing or mob grazing. Forbs were chicory, plantain, Lewis flax, or small burnet and forages were alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, creeping foxtail, intermediate wheatgrass, kura clover, meadow bromegrass, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, reed …

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Closing The Crop Yield Gap Between Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Kenya: Long-Term Trial Research Indicates Agronomic Viability, David Bautze, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Johanna Rüegg, Eva Goldmann, Milka Kiboi, Ivonne Kampermann, Marc Cotter, Amritbir Riar, Felix Matheri, Edwin Mwangi, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Hottensiah Wambui, John J. Anyango, Samuel Ndung'u, Chrysantus Tanga, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Jesca Mbaka, Anne Muriuki, David Kamau, Noah Adamtey Dec 2024

Closing The Crop Yield Gap Between Organic And Conventional Farming Systems In Kenya: Long-Term Trial Research Indicates Agronomic Viability, David Bautze, Edward Karanja, Martha Musyoka, Johanna Rüegg, Eva Goldmann, Milka Kiboi, Ivonne Kampermann, Marc Cotter, Amritbir Riar, Felix Matheri, Edwin Mwangi, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Hottensiah Wambui, John J. Anyango, Samuel Ndung'u, Chrysantus Tanga, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Jesca Mbaka, Anne Muriuki, David Kamau, Noah Adamtey

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The production gap between current and attainable yields is highest on Africa's smallholder farms, and some studies indicate that they might not benefit from the yield gains offered by conventional farming. Simultaneously, alternative farming systems like organic provide biodiversity and soil fertility advantages, but their ability to produce sufficient food is still under debate. Additionally, comparative data on the productivity of organic versus conventional in tropical regions are scarce or short-term. We investigated the crop productivity of organic and conventional farming systems using 15 years in two long-term systems comparison trials in Kenya. The trials were established in 2007 at …

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Enhancement Of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L) Postharvest Quality By Use Of Magnetic Fields – A Case Of Shangi Potato Variety, Francis G. Irungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Francis G. Ndiritu, Simon G. Mathenge, Fredrick G. Kiruki, Symon M. Mahungu Dec 2022

Enhancement Of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L) Postharvest Quality By Use Of Magnetic Fields – A Case Of Shangi Potato Variety, Francis G. Irungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Francis G. Ndiritu, Simon G. Mathenge, Fredrick G. Kiruki, Symon M. Mahungu

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Production of potatoes in the developing countries has been on the rise. This reinforces the growing importance of potatoes throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America as a source of food and livelihood. However, this crop continues to experience major postharvest losses that are associated with a lack of effective storage facilities in these regions. This study used magnetic fields (MF) as an innovative technology to reduce potato losses while under storage. The effects of test variables; sources of magnetic fields intensity and exposure time on physicochemical properties of stored shangi potatoes were investigated. Double Helmholtz coils were used to generate …

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Correction To: The Dynamics And Role Of Gender In High-Value Avocado Farming In Kenya (The European Journal Of Development Research, (2022), 34, 5, (2272-2304), 10.1057/S41287-021-00484-Z), Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara Dec 2022

Correction To: The Dynamics And Role Of Gender In High-Value Avocado Farming In Kenya (The European Journal Of Development Research, (2022), 34, 5, (2272-2304), 10.1057/S41287-021-00484-Z), Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara

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The article “The Dynamics and Role of Gender in High-Value Avocado Farming in Kenya”, written by Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 12 November 2021 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 21 of December to © The Author(s) 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the …

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Contributions Of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (Isfm) To Various Sustainable Intensification Impact Domains In Tanzania, Job Kihara, Julius Manda, Anthony Kimaro, Elirehema Swai, Christopher Mutungi, Michael Kinyua, Patrick Okori, Gundula Fischer, Fred Kizito, Mateete Bekunda Dec 2022

Contributions Of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (Isfm) To Various Sustainable Intensification Impact Domains In Tanzania, Job Kihara, Julius Manda, Anthony Kimaro, Elirehema Swai, Christopher Mutungi, Michael Kinyua, Patrick Okori, Gundula Fischer, Fred Kizito, Mateete Bekunda

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CONTEXT: The implementation of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) varies widely among farmers, from no ISFM to multiple computations of ISFM components (i.e., improved germplasm, organic resources, fertilizers, and local adaptations e.g., soil and water conservation (SWC)). There is no comprehensive report on farmers' use of ISFM components and their impact on sustainable intensification domains of productivity, economic, social, human condition, and environment and the associated variations across farmer fields and agro-ecological zones (AEZs). OBJECTIVE: This study 1) evaluated the current implementation status of ISFM by farmers in relation to the various ISFM components and 2) provided multi-dimensional multi-scale evidence …

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The Possibilities Of Explicit Striga (Striga Asiatica) Risk Monitoring Using Phenometric, Edaphic, And Climatic Variables, Demonstrated For Malawi And Zambia, Emily Kimathi, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Saliou Niassy, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Tobias Landmann Dec 2022

The Possibilities Of Explicit Striga (Striga Asiatica) Risk Monitoring Using Phenometric, Edaphic, And Climatic Variables, Demonstrated For Malawi And Zambia, Emily Kimathi, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Saliou Niassy, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Tobias Landmann

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Food insecurity continues to affect more than two-thirds of the population in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly those depending on rain-fed agriculture. Striga, a parasitic weed, has caused yield losses of cereal crops, immensely affecting smallholder farmers in SSA. Although earlier studies have established that Striga is a constraint to crop production, there is little information on the spatial extent of spread and infestation severity of the weed in some SSA countries like Malawi and Zambia. This study aimed to use remotely sensed vegetation phenological (n = 11), climatic (n = 3), and soil (n = 4) variables to develop a …

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Nutrient Quality And Maturity Status Of Frass Fertilizer From Nine Edible Insects, Dennis Beesigamukama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga Dec 2022

Nutrient Quality And Maturity Status Of Frass Fertilizer From Nine Edible Insects, Dennis Beesigamukama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Globally, there is growing interest to recycle organic waste using insect larvae into high-quality frass fertilizer through circular economy approach. This paper presents the first comparative report on the nutrient concentrations, fertilizing indices, nutrient supply potentials and compost maturity of nine edible insect frass fertilizers. Our results revealed that frass fertilizers from all the insect species had adequate concentrations and contents of macronutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulphur) and micro-nutrients (manganese, copper, iron, zinc, boron, and sodium). The fertilizing indices of the frass fertilizers were above 3. However, black soldier fly (BSF) frass …

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Influence Of Si In Maize Plants In Kenyan Populations Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ovide Nuambote-Yobila, Boaz Musyoka, Elijah Njuguna, Anani Yaovi Bruce, Fathia Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Frédéric Marion-Poll, Paul André Calatayud Nov 2022

Influence Of Si In Maize Plants In Kenyan Populations Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ovide Nuambote-Yobila, Boaz Musyoka, Elijah Njuguna, Anani Yaovi Bruce, Fathia Khamis, Sevgan Subramanian, Frédéric Marion-Poll, Paul André Calatayud

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The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), native to the Americas, was confirmed in West and Central Africa in 2016 and reported in almost all countries of sub-Saharan Africa in 2017, becoming thereafter one of the major constraints on the production of maize, the main staple food crop in the region. Cereals depend on silicon (Si)-based defences to fight off herbivores. Both FAW strains, namely rice and corn strains, have been found to be present in Kenya. The present study tested the influence of Si on larval survival and relative growth rate according to the FAW strain, using potted …

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Ecological Chemistry Of Pest Control In Push- Pull Intercropping Systems: What We Know, And Where To Go?, Jakob Lang, Frank Chidawanyika, Zeyaur R. Khan, Meredith C. Schuman Nov 2022

Ecological Chemistry Of Pest Control In Push- Pull Intercropping Systems: What We Know, And Where To Go?, Jakob Lang, Frank Chidawanyika, Zeyaur R. Khan, Meredith C. Schuman

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Push-pull technology (PPT) employs mixed cropping for sustainable intensification: an intercrop repels or suppresses pests of the focal crop (push), while a trap crop attracts pests out of the field (pull), where they may be targeted for control. Underlying chemical-ecological mechanisms have been demonstrated in controlled settings, primarily for some of the best-established cereal PPT systems developed in east Africa. Yet, many questions remain regarding mechanisms, and strategies to adapt PPT for different crops and locations. We conducted a systematic review of scientific literature on PPT and related practices for biological control of pests of food and fodder. Of 3335 …

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The Role Of Nitrogen Fixation And Crop N Dynamics On Performance And Legacy Effects Of Maize-Grain Legumes Intercrops On Smallholder Farms In Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, L. Bastiaans, S. Zingore, N. P.R. Anten, K. E. Giller Nov 2022

The Role Of Nitrogen Fixation And Crop N Dynamics On Performance And Legacy Effects Of Maize-Grain Legumes Intercrops On Smallholder Farms In Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, L. Bastiaans, S. Zingore, N. P.R. Anten, K. E. Giller

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Maize-grain legume intercrops form an important component of the cropping systems of smallholder farmers in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, the effects of cropping system and fertilizer use on nitrogen fixation and nitrogen uptake of component crops in maize-legume intercrops are not well understood. Our study addressed the questions: (i) What is the capacity of pigeonpea and lablab to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) in sole crop and when intercropped with maize on smallholder farms across different agro-ecological conditions?; (ii) How does productivity and N-uptake by sole and intercropped maize and legumes respond to N and P fertilizer?; and (iii) …

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Nitrogen Budgets And Nitrogen Use Efficiency As Agricultural Performance Indicators In Lake Victoria Basin, Winnie Ntinyari, Joseph Gweyi-Onyango, Mekonnen Giweta, James Mutegi, Benson Mochoge, Generose Nziguheba, Cargele Masso Oct 2022

Nitrogen Budgets And Nitrogen Use Efficiency As Agricultural Performance Indicators In Lake Victoria Basin, Winnie Ntinyari, Joseph Gweyi-Onyango, Mekonnen Giweta, James Mutegi, Benson Mochoge, Generose Nziguheba, Cargele Masso

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Too little nitrogen (N) is a threat to crop productivity and soil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Nitrogen budgets (NB) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) are critical tools for assessing N dynamics in agriculture and have received little or no attention in the region. Data were collected from smallholder farmers clustered into two categories, farmers applying and farmers not applying N fertilizers. NB were calculated using the Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS) model approach for field and farm spatial scales. The results showed spatial variabilities in NB and NUE at the field level (maize and rice) across all the …

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Immediate And Residual-Effects Of Sole And Intercropped Grain Legumes In Maize Production Systems Under Rain-Fed Conditions Of Northern Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, L. Bastiaans, N. P.R. Anten, S. Zingore, K. E. Giller Oct 2022

Immediate And Residual-Effects Of Sole And Intercropped Grain Legumes In Maize Production Systems Under Rain-Fed Conditions Of Northern Tanzania, E. Mugi-Ngenga, L. Bastiaans, N. P.R. Anten, S. Zingore, K. E. Giller

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Intercropping of maize with grain-legume crops predominates on smallholder farms in East Africa. However, the growth and development of crops and their interaction with fertilizer in intercropping systems are not well understood. We sought to answer the questions: (i) what are the effects of fertilizer on the growth and development of maize-pigeonpea and maize-lablab intercropping systems under variable agroecological conditions? (ii) what are the residual effects of two seasons of sole and intercrops of maize, pigeonpea and lablab on a succeeding maize crop? We studied pure stands of maize, long-duration pigeonpea, medium-duration pigeonpea and lablab, and additive intercropping combinations on …

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Effects Of Expanding Cassava Planting And Harvesting Windows On Root Yield, Starch Content And Revenue In Southwestern Nigeria, Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Pieter Pypers, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six, Stefan Hauser Oct 2022

Effects Of Expanding Cassava Planting And Harvesting Windows On Root Yield, Starch Content And Revenue In Southwestern Nigeria, Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Pieter Pypers, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six, Stefan Hauser

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Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop in Nigeria. It provides approximately 80 % of the caloric intake in Nigeria. High starch content and fresh root yields are important for the commercialization of cassava. Cassava is a perennial crop, and it can be produced all year round. However, cassava fresh root yield and starch content are strongly influenced by environmental conditions such as rainfall. Therefore, it is important to identify planting and harvest periods to attain maximum yields and starch content and to increase profitability. The present study aimed at (i) comparing changes in fresh root yields and …

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The Dynamics And Role Of Gender In High-Value Avocado Farming In Kenya, Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara Oct 2022

The Dynamics And Role Of Gender In High-Value Avocado Farming In Kenya, Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara

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We used two-wave panel data obtained from avocado growers in Murang’a County in Kenya to examine, through the perspective of gender, the dynamics of farmers’ participation in avocado production and marketing organizations (PMOs), and test whether understanding group dynamics is important for analyzing contract farming. Using a multinomial logit (MNL) model, we identify the characteristics of men and women participating in PMOs categorized as early adopters, dis-adopters, late adopters, and non-adopters. We focus on dis-adopters and late adopters because these categories are most often ignored in the literature. Moreover, without considering the dynamics, we verify the influencing factors of PMOs …

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Integrating A Crop Model With A Greenhouse Gas Calculator To Identify Low Carbon Agricultural Intensification Options For Smallholder Farmers In Rural South Africa, Farirai Rusere, Lynn V. Dicks, Siyabusa Mkuhlani, Olivier Crespo Aug 2022

Integrating A Crop Model With A Greenhouse Gas Calculator To Identify Low Carbon Agricultural Intensification Options For Smallholder Farmers In Rural South Africa, Farirai Rusere, Lynn V. Dicks, Siyabusa Mkuhlani, Olivier Crespo

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Models that enable the estimation of crop yields and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions concurrently are still lacking. This study develops a biophysical modelling framework encompassing a farm typology, a crop model, and a farm-focused GHG calculator to assess productivity (crop yield) and GHG emissions of crop management practices concurrently. Using this modelling framework, the study developed cropping system scenarios based on the concept of conservation agriculture (CA) to identify and design cropping systems that deliver ecological intensification for different farm types. All farm types were found to be net sources of GHG with cropping system inefficiency across all farm types. …

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A Fungal-Based Pesticide Does Not Harm Pollination Service Provided By The African Stingless Bee Meliponula Ferruginea On Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus), Evanson R. Omuse, Saliou Niassy, Nkoba Kiatoko, H. Michael G. Lattorff, John M. Wagacha, Thomas Dubois Jul 2022

A Fungal-Based Pesticide Does Not Harm Pollination Service Provided By The African Stingless Bee Meliponula Ferruginea On Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus), Evanson R. Omuse, Saliou Niassy, Nkoba Kiatoko, H. Michael G. Lattorff, John M. Wagacha, Thomas Dubois

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Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) provide pollination services to crops and produce high–quality honey. The application of agrochemicals during the management of crop pests is an increasing threat to pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide. Biopesticides are considered as better alternatives; however, there is limited evidence of their impact on stingless bees. We evaluated the effect of the most widely used African fungal biopesticide (Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 69) on mortality, foraging behavior and pollination success of the African stingless bee Meliponula ferruginea under semi-field conditions. Colonies of M. ferruginea were introduced into four 24 m2 greenhouse compartments containing blooming cucumber …

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Cassava-Maize Intercropping Systems In Southern Nigeria: Radiation Use Efficiency, Soil Moisture Dynamics, And Yields Of Component Crops, Charles Chigemezu Nwokoro, Christine Kreye, Magdalena Necpalova, Olojede Adeyemi, Matti Barthel, Pieter Pypers, Stefan Hauser, Johan Six Jul 2022

Cassava-Maize Intercropping Systems In Southern Nigeria: Radiation Use Efficiency, Soil Moisture Dynamics, And Yields Of Component Crops, Charles Chigemezu Nwokoro, Christine Kreye, Magdalena Necpalova, Olojede Adeyemi, Matti Barthel, Pieter Pypers, Stefan Hauser, Johan Six

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Efficient utilization of incident solar radiation and rainwater conservation in rain-fed smallholder cropping systems require the development and adoption of cropping systems with high resource use efficiency. Due to the popularity of cassava-maize intercropping and the food security and economic importance of both crops in Nigeria, we investigated options to improve interception of photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR), radiation use efficiency (RUE), soil moisture retention, and yields of cassava and maize in cassava-maize intercropping systems in 8 on-farm researcher-managed multi-location trials between 2017 and 2019 in different agro-ecologies of southern Nigeria. Treatments were a combination of (1) maize planting density (low …

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Sustainable Intensification Of Wheat Production Under Smallholder Farming Systems In Burera, Musanze And Nyamagabe Districts Of Rwanda, Athanase Rusanganwa Cyamweshi, Nsharwasi Léon Nabahungu, Jackson Cirhuza Mirali, Job Kihara, George Oduor, Harrison Rware, Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi Jun 2022

Sustainable Intensification Of Wheat Production Under Smallholder Farming Systems In Burera, Musanze And Nyamagabe Districts Of Rwanda, Athanase Rusanganwa Cyamweshi, Nsharwasi Léon Nabahungu, Jackson Cirhuza Mirali, Job Kihara, George Oduor, Harrison Rware, Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi

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The productivity of wheat is low on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Although mineral fertiliser use is being promoted as a sustainable intensification (SI) pathway, little is known about the nutrient use efficiency and profitability of various fertiliser inputs in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda. The objective of this study was to assess the use of combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in wheat production in terms of nutrients management specifically, crop yield, production risk, input use efficiency and economic returns on smallholder farms. The study was conducted in three …

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Plant Growth And Defense Traits In Sorghum Bicolor’S Response To Chilo Partellus In The Tropics, Adekunle W. Adesanya, Maria Isabel Gomez, Kimberly Morrell, Charles Midega, Zeyaur Khan, André Kessler, Katja Poveda Jun 2022

Plant Growth And Defense Traits In Sorghum Bicolor’S Response To Chilo Partellus In The Tropics, Adekunle W. Adesanya, Maria Isabel Gomez, Kimberly Morrell, Charles Midega, Zeyaur Khan, André Kessler, Katja Poveda

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In order to meet the increasing demands from an exploding human population, sustainable agriculture relies on the availability of crop varieties with high yields and optimal defenses to pests. However, ample work has suggested that domesticated plants could have reduced defenses at the expense of increased biomass or yield, and these potential trade-offs can vary among plant species and genotypes. Herbivory coping mechanisms such as tolerance and resistance can be expressed differently among plant genotypes, with variable relationships and inherent fitness costs. Knowledge of the connection between growth and defense mechanisms in cultivated plants is still limited, especially in tropical …

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Progress In Research On Site-Specific Nutrient Management For Smallholder Farmers In Sub-Saharan Africa, P. Chivenge, S. Zingore, K. S. Ezui, S. Njoroge, M. A. Bunquin, A. Dobermann, K. Saito May 2022

Progress In Research On Site-Specific Nutrient Management For Smallholder Farmers In Sub-Saharan Africa, P. Chivenge, S. Zingore, K. S. Ezui, S. Njoroge, M. A. Bunquin, A. Dobermann, K. Saito

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Increasing fertilizer access and use is an essential component for improving crop production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, given the heterogeneous nature of smallholder farms, fertilizer application needs to be tailored to specific farming conditions to increase yield, profitability, and nutrient use efficiency. The site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approach initially developed in the 1990 s for generating field-specific fertilizer recommendations for rice in Asia, has also been introduced to rice, maize and cassava cropping systems in SSA. The SSNM approach has been shown to increase yield, profitability, and nutrient use efficiency. Yield gains of rice and maize …

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Lintul-Cassava-Npk: A Simulation Model For Nutrient-Limited Cassava Growth, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, K. S. Ezui, K. E. Giller May 2022

Lintul-Cassava-Npk: A Simulation Model For Nutrient-Limited Cassava Growth, J. G. Adiele, A. G.T. Schut, K. S. Ezui, K. E. Giller

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A solid understanding of the dynamics of plant nutrient requirements and uptake from the soil is needed to provide robust fertilizer recommendations, timing of applications and nutrient use efficiency. Our objective was to develop and test the ability of the crop model LINTUL-Cassava-NPK to simulate biomass growth and yield of cassava under nutrient-limited conditions. We used experimental data from six fields located in three different agro-ecologies in Nigeria: Rainforest Zone– Ogoja and Ikom (Cross River), Rainforest Transition Zone – Ekpoma (Edo) and Guinea Savanna Zone – Otukpo (Benue) over two consecutive growing seasons from 2016 to 2018. Nutrient stress in …

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Wrap-And-Plant Technology To Manage Sustainably Potato Cyst Nematodes In East Africa, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Onesmus Mwaura, Meklit Tariku, Shawn A. Christensen, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Tahira Pirzada, Saad Khan, Lokendra Pal, Reny Mathew, Dick Guenther, Eric Davis, Tim Sit, Danny Coyne, Charles Opperman, Baldwyn Torto May 2022

Wrap-And-Plant Technology To Manage Sustainably Potato Cyst Nematodes In East Africa, Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Onesmus Mwaura, Meklit Tariku, Shawn A. Christensen, Margaret Ng’Ang’A, Ahmed Hassanali, Tahira Pirzada, Saad Khan, Lokendra Pal, Reny Mathew, Dick Guenther, Eric Davis, Tim Sit, Danny Coyne, Charles Opperman, Baldwyn Torto

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Renewable eco-friendly options for crop protection are fundamental in achieving sustainable agriculture. Here, we demonstrate the use of a biodegradable lignocellulosic banana-paper matrix as a seed wrap for the protection of potato plants against potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis. Potato cyst nematodes are devastating quarantine pests of potato globally. In East Africa, G. rostochiensis has recently emerged as a serious threat to potato production. Wrapping seed potatoes within the lignocellulose banana-paper matrix substantially reduced G. rostochiensis field inoculum and increased potato yields by up to fivefold in Kenya, relative to farmer practice, whether or not impregnated with ultra-low doses …

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Climate Change And Maize Productivity In Uganda: Simulating The Impacts And Alleviation With Climate Smart Agriculture Practices, Alex Zizinga, Jackson Gilbert Majaliwa Mwanjalolo, Britta Tietjen, Bobe Bedadi, Himanshu Pathak, Geofrey Gabiri, Dennis Beesigamukama May 2022

Climate Change And Maize Productivity In Uganda: Simulating The Impacts And Alleviation With Climate Smart Agriculture Practices, Alex Zizinga, Jackson Gilbert Majaliwa Mwanjalolo, Britta Tietjen, Bobe Bedadi, Himanshu Pathak, Geofrey Gabiri, Dennis Beesigamukama

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CONTEXT: Climate change continues to affect maize production, food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in most of the developing countries. Climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices can enhance agricultural production by alleviating adverse climate effects on maize productivity through improved soil moisture storage, water use efficiency, increased soil carbon (C) and nutrient supply with long-term resilience to climate change. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of CSA practices (mulching at 0, 2, 4 and 6 cm thicknesses), permanent planting basins (20 and 30 cm deep), and halfmoon pits as a mitigation and adaptation strategy for improving maize productivity in rainfed …

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Assessing The Impacts Of Agricultural Managements On Soil Carbon Stocks, Nitrogen Loss, And Crop Production - A Modelling Study In Eastern Africa, Jianyong Ma, Sam S. Rabin, Peter Anthoni, Anita D. Bayer, Sylvia S. Nyawira, Stefan Olin, Longlong Xia, Almut Arneth Apr 2022

Assessing The Impacts Of Agricultural Managements On Soil Carbon Stocks, Nitrogen Loss, And Crop Production - A Modelling Study In Eastern Africa, Jianyong Ma, Sam S. Rabin, Peter Anthoni, Anita D. Bayer, Sylvia S. Nyawira, Stefan Olin, Longlong Xia, Almut Arneth

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Improved agricultural management plays a vital role in protecting soils from degradation in eastern Africa. Changing practices such as reducing tillage, fertilizer use, or cover crops are expected to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, with climate change mitigation co-benefits, while increasing crop production. However, the quantification of cropland management effects on agricultural ecosystems remains inadequate in this region. Here, we explored seven management practices and their potential effects on soil carbon (C) pools, nitrogen (N) losses, and crop yields under different climate scenarios, using the dynamic vegetation model LPJ-GUESS. The model performance is evaluated against observations from two long-term …

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Bioactive Volatiles From Push-Pull Companion Crops Repel Fall Armyworm And Attract Its Parasitoids, Islam S. Sobhy, Amanuel Tamiru, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Dickens Nyagol, Duncan Cheruiyot, Frank Chidawanyika, Sevgan Subramanian, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan Apr 2022

Bioactive Volatiles From Push-Pull Companion Crops Repel Fall Armyworm And Attract Its Parasitoids, Islam S. Sobhy, Amanuel Tamiru, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Dickens Nyagol, Duncan Cheruiyot, Frank Chidawanyika, Sevgan Subramanian, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan

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Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious invasive pest in Africa but “Push-Pull” companion cropping can substantially reduce infestation. Here, we elucidate the underpinning chemical ecology mechanisms. We hypothesized that companion crop volatiles repel herbivores (push) while attracting natural enemies (pull). Headspace volatiles collected from companion plants (Desmodium intortum, Desmodium uncinatum, Brachiaria Mulato II) were used in bioassays and electrophysiological recordings with S. frugiperda and parasitoid wasps. Insect populations, plant damage and herbivore parasitism were assessed in field plots. Coupled GC-electroantennogram (GC-EAG) recordings showed robust responses to certain aromatic and terpenoid volatile compounds. In wind tunnel bioassays, maize volatiles mixed …

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Measuring And Modelling Crop Yield Losses Due To Invasive Insect Pests Under Climate Change, Henri Ez Tonnang, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Thomas Dubois Apr 2022

Measuring And Modelling Crop Yield Losses Due To Invasive Insect Pests Under Climate Change, Henri Ez Tonnang, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Thomas Dubois

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Climate change and agriculture are strongly correlated, and the fast pace of climate change will have impacts on agroecosystems and crop productivity. This review summarizes potential impacts of rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations on insect pest-crop interactions and provides two-way approaches for integrating these impacts into crop models for sustainable pest management strategies designing. Rising temperatures and CO2 levels affect insect physiology, accelerate their metabolism and increase their consumption, ultimately increasing population densities, which result in greater crop injury and damage, and yield loss. Whereas these direct effects are empirically demonstrated for temperature rises, they are less straightforward for …

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Organic Maize And Bean Farming Enhances Free-Living Nematode Dynamics In Sub-Saharan Africa, Janet G. Atandi, Noah Adamtey, Agnes W. Kiriga, Edward N. Karanja, Martha W. Musyoka, Felix M. Matheri, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Danny L. Coyne, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, David Bautze, Solveig Haukeland Apr 2022

Organic Maize And Bean Farming Enhances Free-Living Nematode Dynamics In Sub-Saharan Africa, Janet G. Atandi, Noah Adamtey, Agnes W. Kiriga, Edward N. Karanja, Martha W. Musyoka, Felix M. Matheri, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Danny L. Coyne, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, David Bautze, Solveig Haukeland

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Despite their important ecological roles for soil health and soil fertility, free-living nematodes (FLN) have received relatively limited research attention. The present study evaluated the community structure and diversity of FLN in a field setting. The experiments were conducted in on-farm and on-station field plots sown to maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) under four cropping practices. These farming systems included organic (compost and biopesticide use), conventional (synthetic fertilizer and pesticide applications), farmer practice (organic and synthetic amendments) and a control (non-amended plots). Nineteen genera of free living nematodes, belonging to bacterivores, fungivores, omnivores and predators were recorded. Among …

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Assessment Of The 2006 Abuja Fertilizer Declaration With Emphasis On Nitrogen Use Efficiency To Reduce Yield Gaps In Maize Production, Ntinyari Winnie, Mekonnen Giweta, Joseph Gweyi-Onyango, Benson Mochoge, James Mutegi, Generose Nziguheba, Cargele Masso Feb 2022

Assessment Of The 2006 Abuja Fertilizer Declaration With Emphasis On Nitrogen Use Efficiency To Reduce Yield Gaps In Maize Production, Ntinyari Winnie, Mekonnen Giweta, Joseph Gweyi-Onyango, Benson Mochoge, James Mutegi, Generose Nziguheba, Cargele Masso

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The Abuja Fertilizer Declaration in 2006 recommended the increase of fertilizer use from the current practice for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to achieve food sufficiency and improve soil fertility status. However, the current recommended rates of fertilizer have not been evaluated for specific crops on their potential to reduce the yield gap and optimize nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In this study, with nitrogen (N) being a significant yield-determinant nutrient, four N use scenarios were drawn from existing recommendations and were evaluated under field conditions for maize crops in two catchments of the Lake Victoria basin. The scenarios included Business as Usual …

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Understanding Changes In Cassava Root Dry Matter Yield By Different Planting Dates, Crop Ages At Harvest, Fertilizer Application And Varieties, Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Stefan Hauser, Pieter Pypers, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six Feb 2022

Understanding Changes In Cassava Root Dry Matter Yield By Different Planting Dates, Crop Ages At Harvest, Fertilizer Application And Varieties, Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Stefan Hauser, Pieter Pypers, Christine Kreye, Meklit Tariku, Johan Six

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Cassava is a perennial crop that can adapt to periods of drought at different times in a growing season, which permits scheduling planting and harvest to develop production systems supplying roots continuously. However, farmers plant and harvest cassava at the onset of rains which creates glut and results in unattractive root prices. Thus, farmers need to understand how cassava varieties respond to different planting dates and crop ages at harvest to be able to use opportunities in income generation that may arise from flexible planting and harvest dates resulting from price and dry matter (DM) variabilities. Thus, this study was …

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Do The Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), And The Maize Lepidopteran Stemborers Compete When Sharing The Same Food?, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Peter Malusi, Sevgan Subramanian, Dora Chao Kilalo, Gerald Juma, Paul André Calatayud Feb 2022

Do The Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), And The Maize Lepidopteran Stemborers Compete When Sharing The Same Food?, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Peter Malusi, Sevgan Subramanian, Dora Chao Kilalo, Gerald Juma, Paul André Calatayud

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In insect communities, the outcome of intra- and inter-specific competitions for food utilisation depend primarily upon density and duration even inter-specific competitions can occur when they are not sharing the same feeding niche such as between foliar feeders and stemborers. Experimental manipulations of larval densities and the durations of common diet feeding of fall armyworm (FAW), S. frugiperda, and the African lepidopteran stemborers, Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis and Chilo partellus, were conducted to determine how the density and the duration of resource utilization affected larval survival and the relative growth rate (RGR) in intra- and inter-specific interactions. The results showed …

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