Agricultural Research Knowledge
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- First Report of Root-Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus thornei, Infecting Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in EthiopiaAuthor(s): Ferede, Yohannes M.; Wesemael, Wim M. L.; Couvreur, Marjolein; Tadesse, Wuletaw; Teklu, Misghina G.; Bert, Wim (AMER PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOC)Date: 2026-09-26Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessWheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most widely cultivated strategic crops to ensure food security in Ethiopia. In 2024, soil and root samples were collected from 300 wheat fields across 28 localities in 10 districts during a survey of Ethiopia’s major wheat-growing regions. Root-lesion nematodes were detected in 268 fields across 25 localities in 8 districts. One representative isolate from each positive locality was maintained, resulting in 25 isolates. Infected plants showed stunting and characteristic visible root lesions. The highest nematode density (1,200 ± 100 individuals/100 ml) was recovered from root and soil samples from Wudegetna Gefersa, East Sodo district, Gurage zone, Central Ethiopia Regional State (8°18′49.63″N, 38°58′12″E), using the modified Baermann tray method (Whitehead and Hemming 1965). These were identified as Pratylenchus thornei based on morphological characters following Castillo and Vovlas (2007), including a low, flattened lip region with two to three annuli, a well-developed stylet, and a conoid tail with a blunt terminus. The following morphometrics (mean ± SD) were recorded for adult females (n = 10): L = 692 ± 24.0 μm, stylet = 16.0 ± 0.43 μm, V = 75.1 ± 2.0%, and tail length = 33 ± 3.8 μm. Specimens were deposited in the Nematology Research Unit Collection, Ghent University, Belgium (UGnem-361–362). Species identity of 14 isolates was confirmed by sequencing the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene (PZ224314 to PZ224316; PZ228485 to PZ228495), the ITS rDNA region (PZ253353 to PZ253354; PZ270527) of 3 isolates, and the mitochondrial COI gene (PZ253376 to PZ253391) of 16 isolates, following Janssen et al. (2017). The obtained sequences were identical to the reference sequences of P. thornei in GenBank and clustered with other P. thornei sequences in maximum-supported clades. One representative P. thornei isolate from the field population with the highest nematode density (Wudegetna Gefersa) was confirmed by species-specific PCR targeting the 28S and ITS rDNA regions, established as a pure carrot-disc culture, and used for the pathogenicity experiment. Pathogenicity was confirmed under growth chamber conditions (18 to 23°C with 8 h dark and 16 h light) using a local wheat cultivar ‘Boru’ grown in sterilized soil–sand mixture, following Toktay et al. (2012) with minor modifications at test Pi = 100 individuals per pot (yellow stubby Cone-tainers [RLC4 type, 1.5 × 5.5 in.; Stuewe & Sons; n = 20]). After 10 weeks of growing, the nematodes were extracted using zonal centrifugation from both the roots and the soil (Hendrickx 1995). The Pf obtained was 427 ± 134.6 per pot (RF = 4.27), and typical brownish root lesions were observed. Recovered nematodes were morphologically and molecularly identical to P. thornei, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Although ITS2 soil metabarcoding previously indicated the presence of P. thornei from soils associated with a soilborne pathogen complex of faba bean in the Amhara and Oromia regional states of Ethiopia (Yilma et al. 2025), the present study constitutes the first confirmed report of P. thornei infecting wheat in the Central Ethiopia Regional State based on morphological, molecular, and pathogenicity evidence. Given the well-documented yield losses caused by P. thornei in wheat worldwide, this finding underscores a significant threat to Ethiopian wheat production and the need to step up targeted surveillance, assess the damage, screen for resistance, and initiate effective management strategies.
- Durum Wheat cv. Svevo Reference Genome Rel.2.0:A Comprehensive Tool for Wheat GenomicsAuthor(s): Mazzucotelli, Elisabetta; Forestan, Cristian; Zastrow-Hayes, Gina; Swarbreck, David; Lev-Mirom, Yael; Cavalet-Giorsa, Emile; Bozzoli, Matteo; Mastrangelo, Anna Maria; Marone, Daniela; Ranwez, Vincent; Girodolle, Johanna; Llaca, Victor; Fengler, Kevin; Harris, Charlotte; Toegelová, Helena; Navrátilová, Pavla; Faccioli, Primetta; Desiderio, Francesca; Valladares, Ana Paola; Kaithakottil, Gemy; L. Rusholme-Pilcher, Rachel; Spannagl, Manuel; Gundlach, Heidrun; Mayer, Klaus; C. Blake, Victoria; Faris, Justin; Xu, Steven; Z. Sen, Taner; Yao, Eric; Sanchez, Julio Isidro y; Liu, Chunyi; Farooq, Muhammad; Stefanelli, Sandra; Cappucci, Chiara; Oren, Leah; Eilam, Tamar; Giorgioni, Mario; Stella, Alessandra; Lazzari, Barbara; Lauria, Massimiliano; Ceriotti, Aldo; Pirona, Raul; Tavakol, Elahe; Klymiuk, Valentyna; Ens, Jennifer; Chawla, Harmeet Singh; Walkowiak, Sean; Pecchioni, Nicola; Bassi, Filippo; Sanchez-Garcia, Miguel; Sonnante, Gabriella; L. Curci, Pasquale; Giuliano, Giovanni; Aprea, Giuseppe; Pasha, Asher; Gadaleta, Agata; Marcotuli, Ilaria; Masci, Stefania; Sestili, Francesco; palombieri, Samuela; Scaglione, Davide; Morgante, Michele; Simkova, Hana; J. Provart, Nicholas; Krattinger, Simon G.; Pozniak, Curtis; Chantret, Nathalie; Hall, Anthony E.; Distelfeld, Assaf; Tuberosa, Roberto; Maccaferri, Marco; Cattivelli, Luigi (Wiley Open Access, 2026-10-01)Date: 2026-07-13Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessAdvancements in plant genome sequencing and assembly have enabled the production of increasingly accurate and contiguous genome sequences. Here, we present the chromosome-level assembly of the durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum, cv. Svevo) reference genome produced using accurate long-reads, optical mapping and Hi-C. The new assembly (Svevo Rel.2.0) comprises 263 hybrid scaffolds with an N50 value of 112.3 Mb, arranged into 14 contiguous pseudomolecules spanning 10.4 Gb. The Svevo Rel.2.0 genome assembly was annotated using extensive short- and long-read RNA sequencing data obtained from 60 tissue/treatment combinations. The resulting annotation comprises 68 154 high-confidence protein-coding genes, which have been integrated into a comprehensive transcriptome atlas accessible through an eFP browser. Annotation was manually curated for storage protein gene families and for Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing Receptor genes yielding 3763 LRR-CR loci. The genome assembly's accuracy and completeness were demonstrated by the correct reconstruction of the physical map of Tg1-B (Tenacious glumes 1), a locus controlling the free threshing trait located on chromosome 2B that was not assembled in the previous genome release (Svevo Rel.1.0). A wealth of 6621 QTLs/MTAs from the literature were mapped onto Svevo Rel.2.0 to identify QTL hotspots and trait-specific candidate genes. The ancestry of the durum genome to representative wild emmer populations from North-Eastern and Southern-Levant Fertile Crescent assessed by tracing haplotype transmission patterns revealed a clear mosaic pattern. This new durum reference genome, enhanced with advanced annotation and an expression atlas linked to QTLome data, is the most comprehensive tool available for durum wheat genomics.
- The climate-biodiversity-livestock nexus in Mediterranean mixed agroecosystems: Modeling crop yields adaptation using a system-GMM approachAuthor(s): Benmehaia, Mohamed Amine; Mezerdi, Farid; Mokhtari, Sakher; Frija, Aymen (Springer Heidelberg)Date: 2026-06-15Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessAcross the semi-arid landscapes of Mediterranean Agroecosystems, crop productivity is increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and evolving land-use pressures. While crop diversification and livestock integration are widely promoted as adaptive strategies, their combined effectiveness remains underexplored in data-scarce contexts like North Africa. This study investigates the dynamic interactions between climate stressors, crop diversity, and livestock integration, with a specific focus on understanding how these components jointly shape crop productivity across diverse agroecological settings. Using a System-GMM estimation approach, the analysis addresses endogeneity, persistence, and interactions effects. By endogenizing livestock integration, the model empirically accounting for feedback loops between livestock dynamics and cropping systems diversification, particularly under variable climate conditions. Machine-learning techniques are used for optimal model selection. Interaction and marginal effects analysis are conducted to uncover synergistic effects. Findings reveal that crop yield responds non-monotonically to temperature anomalies, rainfall deficits, and diversification indices. The impact of crop diversification is strongly conditioned by livestock presence and type. Sheep grazing, when combined with diversified cropping systems, enhances yield resilience to heat stress but exacerbates vulnerability to rainfall deficits. Several double and triple interaction terms are statistically significant, confirming the presence of context-specific synergies and trade-offs. This study contributes by endogenizing livestock integration within a dynamic GMM framework, and by generating stress-specific insights that can guide more targeted and resilient adaptation strategies for North African agroecosystems. The results offer generalizable implications for mixed farming systems operating under climate uncertainty.
- Compost as a sustainable tool for greenhouse horticultural productivity: benefits, limitations, and state of the artAuthor(s): Lhaj, Majda Oueld; Moussadek, Rachid; Mouhir, Latifa; Sanad, Hatim; Zouahri, Abdelmjid; Spaccini, Riccardo; Paradiso, Roberta (Frontiers Media SA, 2026-06-10)Date: 2026-06-10Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessGreenhouse horticulture plays a vital role in modern agriculture, offering a controlled environment for the cultivation of high-value crops while mitigating the adverse effects of climate variability. However, its intensive nature requires sustainable soil management strategies to maintain productivity and long-term fertility. This review, conducted following a PRISMA-based systematic methodology and synthesizing peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025, evaluates the role of compost as a sustainable soil amendment in greenhouse systems. Quantitative evidence indicates that compost application can enhance crop yield (up to 20–40%), improve soil health, and increase nutrient availability. In addition to these benefits, compost contributes to circular economy principles through organic waste valorization and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs. Nevertheless, limitations such as variability in composition, salinity risks, and nutrient imbalances are critically discussed, highlighting the need for optimized management strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on application rate, compost maturity, and incorporation methods to maximize agronomic benefits while minimizing environmental risks. Overall, compost represents a promising pathway for sustainable intensification in greenhouse horticulture, with strong global relevance for food security under climate change and resource constrained conditions.
- Starting points of agroecological transitions in Africa: Why and how farm structure matterAuthor(s): Girard, Pierre; Mercandalli, Sara; Berre, David; Andrieu, Nadine; Bezner Kerr, Rachel; Coe, Richard; Dedieu, Benoît; Madsen, Sidney; Scopel, Eric; Asnake, Woinishet; Mekuria, Wolde; Dembele, Catherine; Frija, Aymen; Haule, Yohana; Magaju, Christine; Kassahun Mengistu, Dejene; Orounladji, Boko Michel; Raharimalala, Sitrakiniana (Elsevier)Date: 2026-06-16Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessIn sub-Saharan Africa, dominant agricultural models such as the Green Revolution have shown limitations, and agroecology is emerging as an alternative. Yet, empirical evidence remains scarce on who adopts agroecological practices and on what types of farms. A widely accepted narrative suggests that smallholders are more rooted in agroecological systems, while larger, better-endowed farms follow “conventional” models. This paper challenges that dualistic view by providing evidence of a wider set of relationship between farm structure and the diversity of agroecological practices across multiple African contexts. For this purpose it informs the diversity of existing patterns of farms structure and starting points of agroecological transition (AET) – defined as current state of agroecological principles implemented by farms along their trajectories. By situating these starting points within the socio-technical context of national and regional AET, we gain valuable insights into which farm structures support different agroecological principles, how socio-technical regime influence these dynamics, and what policy options emerge to foster AET. Using harmonized data from 2721 farms across nine study areas in six African countries, the article shows that starting points of agroecological transitions are highly diverse and influenced by farm structure. Three patterns emerge: smallest farms mostly combine autonomy and income diversification while larger farms tend to combine conventional intensification with crop-livestock integration. Other small to medium scale farms are characterized by more land allocated to legume contributing to soil health. Future agricultural policies should consider this diversity of patterns in providing locally-relevant support to promote sustainable transitions.
- Livestock roles in agroecological transitions in mixed crop-livestock systems of TunisiaAuthor(s): Alary, Veronique; Frija, Aymen; Jones, Sarah; Ouerghemmi, Hassen; Shiri, Zahra; Idoudi, Zied; M'hamed, Hatem Cheikh (ELSEVIER SCI LTD)Date: 2026-08-03Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessCONTEXT Despite the well-recognized role of livestock in providing goods and ecosystem services, agronomy research over the past decades has predominantly focused on plots and crops, often underestimating the contribution of animals to economic diversification within mixed farming systems. While integrated livestock-crop practices remain among the most frequently cited examples of agroecology in action, few studies assess the extent to which livestock contribute to the agroecological transition, particularly in integrated crop-livestock systems. Most of them focus on the use or non-use of these practices, particularly in mixed livestock systems. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to 1) develop a method for characterizing the agroecological transition stage of crop-livestock farming systems and 2) analyze how integrating livestock into crop farming systems can promote agroecological transitions. The analysis compares farms at different stages of agroecological transition, assessed using indicators corresponding to FAO's ten elements and HLPE's thirteen principles of agroecology, across farms with contrasting levels of livestock integration. METHODS This study used data collected from a survey administered to 692 households in northwest Tunisia. Factor and cluster analyses were used to analyze the data and identify defining characteristics of crop-livestock farms at different stages of agroecological transitions, and to distill the relative importance of livestock contributions to agroecological performance, in line with agroecological principles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results show that livestock play a crucial role in the agroecological transitions of Tunisian mixed farming systems. Increasing livestock numbers on mixed farms is associated with enhanced synergies among crops, trees, and animals, particularly through nutrient recycling and the utilization of residues as livestock feed. However, challenges persist regarding knowledge co-creation, recycling and connectivity, and land and resource governance in landscapes with mixed farming systems. SIGNIFICANCE The study addresses the discrepancy between global frameworks and on-the-ground realities by integrating localized analyses of farming and livestock systems with broader principles of agroecology. While integrating livestock into farming systems in dryland areas can be considered a transformative pathway toward sustainable agriculture, the findings underscore the significance of social networks and connectivity between producers and consumers, governance, and knowledge sharing in promoting agroecological practices.
- Framing just agroecological transitions through participatory multistakeholder processesAuthor(s): Blundo Canto, Genowefa; Vikram, Vrindaja; Falk, Thomas; Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Chimonyo, Vimbayi Grace Petrova; Tristán, Maria Claudia; Gupta, Shweta; Bergamini, Nadia; Frija, Aymen; Idoudi, Zied; Piraux, Marc; Singh, Sonali; Triomphe, Bernard (SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2026-09-01)Date: 2026-08-26Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessAgroecology, as conceptualised in the thirteen HLPE principles, embeds justice dimensions in the place-based sustainable transition pathways it supports, yet operationalising just agroecological transitions is understudied and remains a design and implementation challenge. In this paper, we apply Schlosberg's four-dimensional justice framework post-hoc, distinguishing distributive, procedural, recognition, and capabilities justice, to six country-level Vision to Action participatory visioning processes conducted under the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative in India, Kenya, Peru, Senegal, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe. Although these processes had not been designed with explicit justice objectives, justice-relevant content emerged across them: competing visions revealed whose values are at stake in the transition; the composition and design of sessions determined whose knowledge shaped transition pathways; and intra-transition trade-offs revealed who bears the costs of change. The analysis revealed shared concerns around food security, fair returns, gender equity, and reduced external input dependence, which took locally specific forms. Capabilities concerns shaped transition pathways more than distributive and recognition claims; and a recurrent tension between visions of input autonomy and pathways of input substitution emerged. Government and private-sector actors were less represented than farmers but were generally assigned significant responsibility for enabling the transition. We argue that participatory multi-stakeholder visioning creates the conditions under which the justice content of agroecological transitions becomes visible, negotiable, and translatable into action planning. Establishing an explicit justice framing ex ante would allow deliberate choices on participant disaggregation while systematic mapping and engagement strategies for absent actors would allow future processes to embed justice-relevant content explicitly from the design stage.
- Genotype × environment interaction and stability analysis on iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations of lentil genotypesAuthor(s): Rahman, AKMM; Amzad, Mst. Anamika; Arifuzzaman, Md; Aziza, Mst. Saleha; Jahiruddin, M.; Sarker, Ashutosh; Hossain, Md Amir; Hasan, Ahmed (BioMed Central Ltd, 2026-09-18)Date: 2026-09-18Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessBackground: Pulses, particularly lentil (Lens culinaris L.), are an important component of the South Asian diet, and micronutrient biofortification provides a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition in rural populations. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify stable lentil genotypes with enhanced zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations through genotype × environment interaction analyses using multiple stability models. Methods: Twenty-seven lentil genotypes including the check varieties BARI Masur-6, BARI Masur-7, and BINA Masur-7 selected from an initial screening of 152 genotypes were tested in three agroecological locations of Bangladesh, namely Gazipur, Ishwardi, and Jashore. Genotype × environment interactions and stability performance were assessed using the Eberhart and Russell, AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction), and BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction) models. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, environments, and genotype × environment interactions for all studied traits. Based on the combined stability analyses, the genotypes LR 9-25 (G13), ILL-5151 (G23), and BARI Masur-7 (G11) exhibited superior stability with higher Se concentration. For Zn concentration, LRIL-22-39 (G25), LRIL-21-109 (G17), LRIL-22-39 (G27), and BARI Masur-7 (G11) demonstrated greater stability across environments. In the case of seed Fe concentration, LRIL-22-39 (G25), X96S/40-50134-12 (G12), ILL-5151 (G23), and LRIL-22-15 (G19) were identified as the most stable genotypes. Furthermore, ILL-5121 (G20), BARI Masur-6 (G3), and LRIL-21-109 (G17) showed higher and more stable seed yield performance across the tested locations. Among the environments, Ishwardi and Jashore were identified as the most suitable and stable locations for lentil cultivation in Bangladesh. Conclusions: The genotypes LRIL-22-39 (G25), LRIL-21-109 (G17), and ILL-5151 (G23) were identified as promising candidates for the development and release of biofortified lentil varieties combining enhanced micronutrient concentration with stable yield performance in Bangladesh.
- Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis of Grain Yield of Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum) Landraces Using AMMI and GGE Biplot AnalysesAuthor(s): Teferi, Zemariam; Tsehaye, Yemaneh; Bishaw, Zewdie; Abera, Fetien (Hindawi Publishing Corporation)Date: 2026-09-20Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessEmmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schrank) is an important traditional cereal crop in Ethiopia valued for its genetic diversity and adaptation to marginal environments. However, its productivity is constrained by strong genotype × environment interaction (GEI), limiting the identification of stable and high-yielding genotypes adapted to diverse agroecological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate GEI and identify both broadly and specifically adapted emmer wheat landraces using AMMI and GGE biplot analyses. A total of 270 emmer wheat landraces were evaluated, comprising 260 landraces obtained from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and 10 landraces collected from emmer wheat-growing areas of the Tigray Region, during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 main rainy seasons using an alpha-lattice design with two replications. The trials were conducted across three locations in the first year, with two of these locations repeated in the second year, resulting in five test environments (location–year combinations). Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes and significant GEI (p < 0.001). Environmental effects contributed the largest proportion of the total variation (43.9%), followed by GEI (31.1%) and genotype (16.1%), demonstrating the strong influence of environmental conditions on grain yield. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses effectively characterized the GEI pattern. The first two AMMI interaction principal components explained 89.7% of the GEI variation, while the GGE biplot explained 79.32% of the total GGE variation and identified two distinct mega-environments. Genotype G207 exhibited specific adaptation to mega-environment II (E4-E5), whereas G158 was specifically adapted to mega-environment I (E1–E3). The discriminativeness versus representativeness biplot identified E2 as the most suitable test environment for selecting broadly adapted genotypes. Among the evaluated landraces, G59 showed the highest yield stability and potential for broad adaptation across environments, whereas G266, G196, and G56 exhibited relatively low stability. GGE analysis identified genotypes associated with specific mega-environments, indicating potential specific adaptation. Overall, the study revealed substantial genetic variability and strong GEI affecting grain yield in Ethiopian emmer wheat. Accordingly, G207 and G158 are recommended for further evaluation in their respective mega-environments, while G59 is recommended for wider evaluation as a promising, broadly adapted genotype for breeding programs aimed at improving yield stability and adaptation. Further multilocation and multiyear evaluation is recommended before release.
- Corrigendum to “A tool for the estimation of the magnitudes and monetary values of ESS losses and returns on investment to combat degradation of agricultural resources” [Environ. Sustain. Indic. 30 (2026) 101181]Author(s): Yigezu, Yigezu; Akramkhanov, Akmal; Vogl, Adrian; Abeyou, Abeyou; Ganiev, Akmaljon; Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez; Nurbekov, Aziz; S. Golub, Elena; Bahri, Haitham; Sarmiento, Jorge; Barbouchi, Meriem; Haddad, Mira; Annabi, Mohamed; Louhaichi, Mounir; Agostini, Paola; M. Piabuo, Serge; Strohmeier, Stefan; Ergasheva, Tanzila; Nazarkulov, Umidjan (Elsevier, 2026-06-01)Date: 2026-06-01Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessThis is a Corrigendum to “A tool for the estimation of the magnitudes and monetary values of ESS losses and returns on investment to combat degradation of agricultural resources”. The authors regret that an incorrect affiliation was listed in the published article. The corrigendum now correctly reflects the affiliations for all authors.
- A tool for the estimation of the magnitudes and monetary values of ESS losses and returns on investment to combat degradation of agricultural resourcesAuthor(s): Yigezu, Yigezu; Akramkhanov, Akmal; Vogl, Adrian; Abeyou, Abeyou; Ganiev, Akmaljon; Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez; Nurbekov, Aziz; S. Golub, Elena; Bahri, Haitham; Sarmiento, Jorge; Barbouchi, Meriem; Haddad, Mira; Annabi, Mohamed; Louhaichi, Mounir; Agostini, Paola; M. Piabuo, Serge; Strohmeier, Stefan; Ergasheva, Tanzila; Nazarkulov, Umidjan (Elsevier, 2026-06-01)Date: 2026-02-26Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessReversing the effects of agricultural resource degradation – and its implications for ecosystem services (ESS) – require targeted policy action. Comprehensive and consistent estimates of the magnitudes and monetary values of the loss of ESS due to inaction and avoided losses due to action to prevent and reverse agricultural resource degradation (ARD) can provide strong evidence that motivate investment and unlock financing mechanisms. In this paper, we present a decision support tool called “Analysis Pack for Economics of Agricultural Resource Degradation and Ecosystem Service Losses (APEARD)” which we developed not only to provide estimates of losses for different ESS, but also to evaluate the returns on investment and sustainability of co-benefits of actions. A national-scale application of APEARD, presented here only as proof of its versatility, shows that inaction on ARD is costing Uzbekistan potential production of at least 2 million tons of food, 63.8 thousand tons of woody biomass, and 477 thousand tons of forage, and 18.2 billion cubic meters of irrigation water, and 194 million tons of soil annually. ARD is also causing the emission of 1.6 million tons of carbon annually, among other hazards. These impacts on ESS are valued at more than US$11.1 billion per year (17.94% of GDP) - too high a cost to ignore. Were Uzbekistan and its development partners to invest $2.9 billion over 10 years to implement recommended packages of policy, institutional, and technological innovations to combat ARD, the country would reap returns worth $47.9 billion at a benefit-cost ratio of 16.5.
- Assessment of Seedling Resistance to Crown Rot caused by Fusarium culmorum in Diverse Wheat GenotypesAuthor(s): Türkmen, Arzu; Gözde Ayter Arpacıoğlu, Nazife; Dababat, Abdelfattah; Tadesse, Wuletaw; Erginbaş Orakcı, Gül (dergipark)Date: 2026-05-22Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessFusarium culmorum is one of the most destructive species causing root, crown, and basal rot in wheat. Crown rot (CR), primarily caused by Fusarium culmorum, remains a significant biotic constraint to wheat productivity globally, which requiring the identification of robust genetic resistance. Despite extensive screening efforts to date, only a limited number of wheat genotypes have been identified as resistant. This study was conducted to identify novel sources of resistance to Fusarium culmorum among wheat genotypes at both the seedling stages. In this study, two distinct bread wheat panels totaling 601 genotypes (comprising 300 and 301 accessions, respectively) obtained from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) were evaluated for seedling resistance to Fusarium culmorum under controlled growth room conditions. The analyses revealed that the number of moderately susceptible (MS) genotypes was high, while resistant genotypes and highly susceptible (VS) genotypes were not observed. According to the data obtained, one genotype (#12) from set 1 and six genotypes (83, 182, 185, 201, 208, 222) from set 2 were found to be moderately resistant (MR). The analysis revealed that the moderately resistant genotypes observed could be used in breeding programmes aimed at developing varieties resistant to crown rot
- Sustainable Intensification Option for Sorghum-Based Cropping Systems in the West African Savanna: A Review of Soil and Crop Management PracticesAuthor(s): Akinseye, Folorunso; Ajeigbe, Hakeem; Moyo, Martin; MacCarthy, Dilys; Govind, Ajit; Whitbread, Anthony (Hindawi Publishing Corporation)Date: 2026-04-12Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessSub-Saharan Africa faces rising demand for cereal production under conditions of soil degradation, erratic rainfall, and intensifying land use, making sustainable sorghum-based systems in the West African savanna a regional priority. We synthesized peer-reviewed and institutional literature published between 1990 and 2024, identified through systematic database searches, and screened for relevance to sorghum-based systems in the West African savanna. Key production constraints identified include declining soil fertility, inefficient and unbalanced fertilizer use, parasitic weeds, seasonal drought, and weak extension delivery. Promising pathways include integrated soil fertility management that combines organic inputs with judicious use of nitrogen and phosphorus, adoption of good agronomic practices, cereal–legume rotations and intercrops, and conservation-oriented residue and tillage practices tailored to smallholders. Evidence from long-term trials shows that integrated nutrient management and cereal–legume systems can raise sorghum yields by about 30%–80% compared with traditional farmer practice, while improving soil organic matter and nutrient balances. The range reflects aggregated findings across multiple experimental studies rather than results from a single meta-analysis. The review concludes that scaling context-specific ISFM, microdosing, and climate-resilient varieties, alongside strengthened extension and market support, is critical to closing sorghum yield gaps under increasing climate risk in the West African savanna.
- Genome-wide association study of stable loci for grain yield and related traits across contrasting drought- and heat-prone environments in spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)Author(s): El Mrabti, Sabah; Henkrar, Fatima; Mssilea, Fatima Ezzahra; Zakaria, EL Gataa; Tadesse, Wuletaw (Elsevier)Date: 2026-09-18Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessDrought and heat stress constrain bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in West Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying stable genetic loci across contrasting environments is essential for improving wheat adaptation to stress-prone conditions. Here, a genome-wide association study was conducted using 196 elite ICARDA spring bread wheat genotypes evaluated for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, thousand-kernel weight, and grain yield across six environments in Morocco, Sudan, Egypt, and Lebanon during 2019–2020. Genotyping with the Illumina iSelect 25 K wheat single-nucleotide polymorphism array yielded 14,999 high-quality markers. Associations were analyzed using BLINK, FarmCPU, MLMM, and mixed linear models, accounting for population structure and genetic relatedness. Grain yield varied substantially among environments (2.16–6.45 t ha−1) and showed comparatively low heritability, whereas phenological traits, plant height, and thousand-kernel weight generally showed moderate to high heritability. Across environments and models, 220 significant marker–trait associations were identified, including 74 loci associated with multiple traits. Several loci were consistently detected across environments and/or models, including Excalibur_c30151_528 (7D), BS00094057_51 (3 A), GENE-1785_118 (3B), and wsnp_Ra_c14920_23225219 (4D). Several stable associations co-localized with putative candidate genes with annotated functions related to calcium signaling, protein kinase-mediated signaling, redox regulation, and the shikimate pathway. These findings identify genomic regions for further validation and breeding evaluation and highlight the importance of multi-environment testing for identifying loci relevant to stress-prone conditions.
- Targeting the F17-A Fimbrial gene: An efficient method for the quantitative detection of Escherichia coli F17Author(s): Chen, Weihao; Luxia, Zhang; Getachew, Tesfaye; Lv, Xiaoyang; Sun, Wei (Elsevier (12 months), 2026-09-14)Date: 2026-09-14Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessEscherichia coli (E. coli) F17 is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhea in farm livestock, which cause huge economic losses and could also pose potential risks to public health. Generally, the monitoring the E. coli F17 is based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacteria plate counting method, which were largely limited by the time-consuming nature and susceptibility to detection errors. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a rapid and quantitative detection method for E. coli F17. In the present study, an E. coli F17 challenge experiment in ovine intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) was employed as an in vitro model. At different post-challenge time points (1 h, 2 h, and 3 h), two conventional methods (bacteria plate counting and microplate method) were conducted as benchmarks to estimate the number of E. coli F17 adhering to the IECs. Additionally, total genomic DNA was extracted and quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect the relative abundance of E. coli F17 fimbrial pilin (F17-A) and adhesion (F17-G) genes. Subsequently, statistical analyses, including Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) method and linear curve-fitting, were performed to evaluate the correlation between the abundance of F17-A/G genes and the results of the benchmark methods. The results showed that the relative abundances of both genes were highly correlated with the number of E. coli F17 that adhered to the IECs, among them, the F17-A gene showed a stronger correlation with the bacterial counts, exhibiting a correlation coefficient > 0.85. Furthermore, standard curves analyses further confirmed the out-performed quantitative performance of F17-A gene and a significantly stronger correlation with bacterial counts which exhibited an outstanding linear correlation (r = −0.9534, R2 = 0.9252) with amplification efficiency of 101.4%, The results of the present study indicate that targeting fimbrial genetic hallmarks via qPCR is an effective and promising method for E. coli F17 quantification, which could potentially contribute to epidemiological studies and pathogen monitoring in the livestock industry.
- QTL mapping for leaf rust resistance in bread wheat using PBW343/W8627 RIL populationAuthor(s): Vindhya, K. S.; Sharma, Renu; Kumar, Satish; Prasad, Pramod; Lal Kashyap, Prem; Singh, Rajender; Sivasamy, M.; Udupa, Sripada M.; Sharma, Indu; Tiwari, Ratan; Sharma, Pradeep (Frontiers Media, 2026-07-01)Date: 2026-07-01Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessIntroduction: Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, inflicts 10-50% yield losses in bread wheat, with newly emerging virulent pathotypes overcoming major Lr genes and rendering the cultivars susceptible. The identification of genetic loci conferring resistance to wheat leaf rust, coupled with the development of molecular markers and the incorporation of resistant alleles into breeding programs, represents the most sustainable and cost-effective strategy for disease management.Methods: The present study, employed a recombinant inbred line population derived from (PBW343/W8627) was utilized to map QTLs for leaf rust resistance at seedling and adult plant stages. The RIL population along with its parents was evaluated at seedling and adult plant stages against most prevalent and virulent pathotypes at seedling and adult plant stages for the two crop seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23).Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the RILs across years. For QTL mapping, genotyping was conducted using 3.9K DArT SNPs leading to the identification of two QTLs: QLr.iiwbr.2B.1 (2B) explaining phenotypic variance of 13.26% with a LOD score 8 and QLr.iiwbr.5B.1 (5B) explaining 14.91% with LOD score 3.91 for all stage resistance (ASR) as well as one QTL for adult plant resistance (APR), QLr.iiwbr.6B.1 (PVE 14.21%). Further, in silico analysis revealed a putative candidate gene encoding for Annexin (TraesCS5B02G201700) which plays an important role in disease resistance in wheat.Discussion: The study identified new QTLs associated with leaf rust resistance, providing valuable sources to accelerate the development of durable rust resistant sources. Further, characterization of these QTLs will strengthen their utility in rust resistance breeding.
- Genetic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f sp ciceris populations affecting chickpea in MoroccoAuthor(s): Elbouazaoui, Amine; Udupa, Sripada M.; Henkrar, Fatima; Maafa, Ilyass; Douira, Allal; Kemal, Seid Ahmed (Springer Nature, 2026-07-23)Date: 2026-07-23Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessBackground Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major food legume crop in Morocco and other regions, serving as an inexpensive and protein-rich source. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is a soilborne fungus responsible for wilt disease in chickpea. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of this fungus is essential for insights into its evolutionary potential and intraspecific variation. Methods and Results In this study, 84 Foc isolates from different Moroccan regions were analyzed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 52 alleles were identified, averaging 6.5 alleles per locus. Genetic diversity (H) ranged from 0.57 to 0.77. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups, while Structure analysis suggested two main populations. Genetic differentiation (Fst) was 0.066, with gene flow (Nm) estimated at 4.003, indicating higher variation within than between populations. Conclusions These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of Foc in Morocco, highlighting the evolutionary and adaptive potential of this fungal pathogen. The data contribute to a better understanding of the biology and population dynamics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, relevant to both mycological and plant pathology studies.
- Participatory Definition of Farmers' Preferences to Guide Plant Breeding for Durum Wheat, Barley, and LentilAuthor(s): El Haddad, Noureddine; Sanchez-Garcia, Miguel; Visioni, Andrea; Verma, Ramesh Pal Singh; Abderrazek, Jilal; Agrawal, Shiv Kumar; Kilian, Benjamin; Bassi, Filippo (MDPI, 2026-06-11)Date: 2026-06-11Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessAligning plant breeders’ objectives with farmers’ preferences is essential for improving the adoption of new crop varieties. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Participatory Weighted Selection (PWS) index, previously developed from a survey of 869 Moroccan farmers, by comparing it with biophysical Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) trials conducted on 19 farms across four agroecological zones in Morocco. Novel CWR-derived lines of durum wheat, barley, and lentil were assessed alongside commercial checks, and both male and female farmers were interviewed to gather PVS preferences. The results showed no significant gender differences for the top-ranked varieties across crops, with minor variations in some zones. Jabal emerged as the preferred durum wheat variety overall, while Zagharin2 was favored in favorable zones. Furat-3 was generally preferred for barley, except in certain mountain and favorable zones, and Bakria was the top lentil variety across most sites. Farmers’ PWS responses clustered into three groups, emphasizing consistent prioritization of high yield potential, abiotic stress tolerance, and good nutritional quality. Comparison of biophysical performance with PVS and PWS revealed strong alignment for durum wheat; however, the highest yielding genotypes for barley and lentil were not always the most preferred. Overall, these results demonstrate that the PWS approach effectively captures farmers’ preferences and provides a reliable tool for guiding breeding decisions. These findings reveal that integrating PWS with on-farm biophysical and PVS evaluations provides a robust, farmer-informed framework for prioritizing genotypes and improving the relevance of breeding decisions across diverse agroecological contexts.
- Formulation of a fermented soup with enhanced nutritional quality: higher resistant starch and protein contents and a reduced glycemic indexAuthor(s): Ozkan, Kubra; Ince, Gizem; Salih, Ghizlane; palombieri, Samuela; Sestili, Francesco; Visioni, Andrea; Koksel, Hamit; Sagdic, Osman (Springer India)Date: 2026-05-27Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessThis research focused on developing functional tarhana soup samples with a lower estimated glycemic index (GI) that are high in resistant starch and β-glucan, and rich in plant-based protein. Tarhana samples were produced by supplementing with hull-less barley and lentil flours and resistant starch obtained from high-amylose wheat. The color, microbial loads, phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity, and GI values of the tarhana samples were evaluated. RS content increased up to 13.82% in the samples treated with autoclaving cycles, while protein reached 20.75% in lentil-supplemented tarhana, enabling several formulations to be classified as “high in protein” according to EU regulations. Barley addition enhanced β-glucan levels to 3.09%. Significant increases were also observed in bioactive compounds of tarhana samples supplemented with resistant starch/barley/lentil flours. The results indicate that high-amylose wheat, barley, and lentils might be used as ingredients in traditional tarhana to obtain products with better functional and nutritional properties.
- Development of functional couscous samples with high β-glucan content and low or medium glycemic indexAuthor(s): Ozkan, Kubra; Abderrazek, Jilal; Surek, Ece; Ozer, Cagla; Visioni, Andrea; Sestili, Francesco; Palombieri, Samuella; Sagdic, Osman; Koksel, Hamit; Salih, Ghizlane (Springer, 2026-07-04)Date: 2026-07-04Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessThis study presents the development of functional couscous enriched with β-glucan through incorporation of a high β-glucan hull-less barley (cv. Chifaa), into durum semolina. Four couscous samples were prepared using 100% cereals (from Chifaa hull-less barley; Svevo, Svevo High Amylose, and Faridur durum wheat varieties), and three samples were obtained as 50:50 wheat–barley blends. Comprehensive analysis included color, chemical (β-glucan, resistant starch, protein), antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), textural (hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, resilience), and nutritional (in vitro glycemic index (GI)) properties. Chifaa couscous displayed the highest β-glucan (6.49 g/100 g dry basis), phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and the lowest GI (53.56), classifying it as a low-GI food. All 50:50 blends with Chifaa exceeded 0.75 g β-glucan/serving (which is 157 g according to USDA’s FoodData Central), meeting FDA health claim requirements. Incorporation of Chifaa improved cohesiveness and chewiness. High-amylose wheat (Svevo HA) additionally contributed to resistant starch content, further enhancing health functionality. These findings highlight the potential of hull-less barley in producing functional Mediterranean-foods that meet regulatory standards supporting dietary strategies for glycemic control and cardiovascular health.