Agricultural Research Knowledge
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/187
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- Genome-wide association analysis of Septoria tritici blotch for adult plant resistance in elite bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) genotypesAuthor(s): Kassie, Molla Mekonnen; Dejene, Tiegist; Desta, Ermias Abate; Tadesse, Wuletaw (Public Library of Science)Date: 2025-03-10Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessSeptoria tritici blotch (STB) is a predominant foliar disease of wheat, caused by the pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. This disease can lead to substantial yield losses warranting control by using expensive fungicides. One effective method of STB control is the utilization of resistant wheat varieties. In this particular study, a panel comprising of 186 bread wheat genotypes was assessed for their adult plant resistance (APR) to STB. Field trials were conducted across five environments in Ethiopia during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons under natural infestation conditions. The association panel was genotyped using 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. To determine the relationship between genetic markers and STB resistance, a mixed linear model (MLM) analysis was performed using the statgen GWAS R software package. Heritability estimates for STB resistance ranged from 0.39 to 0.95, underscoring the genetic variability and the potential for selection. The study identified 52 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for STB resistance at maturity (SDSM) and 62 MTAs at heading (SDSH). Chromosome 5A contains a high concentration of MTAs that confer resistance to STB, hosting multiple significant MTAs, including four consistently associated markers (‘Kukri_c10033_724’, ‘RAC875_rep_c116420_103’, ‘TG0019’, and ‘RAC875_c30566_230’). Additionally, chromosomes 1B, 2B, 5B, and 7A were found to harbor important MTAs, contributing to resistance across various environments. Notably, two QTLs, qtSTB23 (5A) and qtSTB38 (7B), exhibited stability across multiple environments, making them robust candidates for breeding programs. Furthermore, novel resistance loci on chromosome 2A were discovered, offering new opportunities for enhancing resistance. Therefore, these findings provide an opportunity for improving STB resistance through gene stacking using marker-assisted selection (MAS).
- Assessing technical efficiency of crop–livestock systems under conservation agriculture: exploring the potential for sustainable system transformation in TunisiaAuthor(s): Dhehibi, Boubaker; Souissi, Asma; Frija, Aymen; Fouzai, Ayoub; Idoudi, Zied; Abdeladhim, Mohamed Arbi; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Rekik, Mourad (Emerald)Date: 2025-03-11Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessPurpose This study was conducted in four semi-arid regions in Tunisia – Kef, Siliana, Zaghouan and Kairouan – which have a similar agroecological system based on crop–livestock integration and experience serious soil erosion. The study objective is to estimate the technical efficiency of farmers engaged in mixed crop–livestock systems under conservation agriculture (CLCA) and conventional agriculture in rainfed areas of Tunisia. Design/methodology/approach The study analyzed data from socio-economic surveys conducted in the Tunisian rainfed areas during the 2020–2021 cropping season. A stochastic frontier analysis was used to estimate farm-level technical efficiency and its main driving factors for both adopter and non-adopter farmers. Findings The current average technical efficiency level of farmers was 91%. Inputs such as land size and livestock type were significant in increasing farm production. From the estimated coefficients of the inefficiency effects model, five major factors were tested: farmer’s age, education level, dependency ratio, access to credit and extension services. Age and education level positively affected the technical efficiency level. Research limitations/implications This study has potential limitations. To estimate measures of productivity and technical efficiency, we need output and input measures that are consistently defined and independently measured. The choice of output measure depends on several factors, including data availability and analytical purpose. Since we are dealing with different farms that have different combinations of enterprises, in this reach we approximated the total output by combining the total values of outputs (from both crops and livestock) into one dependent variable to overcome this threat. Practical implications Providing farmers with accurate and reliable extension information through both conventional and non-conventional technologies (e.g. video, and mobile phones) and improving their educational level through farmers’ field schools are crucial. Combining CLCA practices with improving technical efficiency of farmers in optimal use of inputs through providing training programs, extension services and access to credit for inputs (e.g. small machinery and livestock feed) can contribute substantially to farm productivity, thus enhancing food security in the face of climate change in Tunisian semi-arid areas and other similar contexts. Originality/value This empirical research provide evidence on how to improve crop-livestock productivity through diversification under conservation agriculture (CA) system, and reduce the effect of climate variability, it is imperative to provide the enabling environment that will facilitate and encourage production of these output combinations among smallholders in rainfed areas.
- Characterizing Wheat Rhizosphere Bacterial Microbiome Dynamics Under Salinity Stress: Insights from 16S rRNA Metagenomics for Enhancing Stress ToleranceAuthor(s): Mahmoud, Nourhan Fouad; M. El-Zayat, Emad; Amr, Dina; A. El-Khishin, Dina; M. Abd-Elhalim, Haytham; Hafez, Amr; Radwan, Khaled; Hamwieh, Aladdin; Tadesse, Wuletaw (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI))Date: 2025-03-26Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessSalinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors affecting wheat production. Salt in the soil is a major environmental stressor that can affect the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of wheat. The bacteria in the plant’s rhizosphere promote growth and stress tolerance, which vary by variety and location. Nevertheless, the soil harbors some of the most diverse microbial communities, while the rhizosphere selectively recruits according to the needs of plants in a complex harmonic regulation. The microbial composition and diversity under normal and saline conditions were assessed by comparing the rhizosphere of wheat with soil using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, highlighting the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Taxonomic analyzes showed that the bacterial community was predominantly and characteristically composed of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Fibrobacteres, representing the usual microbial profile for the rhizosphere of wheat. Idiomarinaceae, Rheinheimera, Halomonas, and Pseudomonas (a strain of Proteobacteria), together with Gracilibacillus (a strain of Firmicutes Bacilli), were recognized as microbial signatures for the rhizosphere microbiome under saline conditions. This was observed even with unchanged soil type and genotype. These patterns occurred despite the same soil type and genotype, with salinity being the only variable. The collective action of these bacterial phyla in the rhizosphere not only improves nutrient availability but also induces systemic resistance in the plants. This synergistic effect improves plant resistance to salt stress and supports the development of salt-tolerant wheat varieties. These microbial signatures could improve our understanding of plant–microbe interactions and support the development of microbiome-based solutions for salt stress.
- Crop catalogue of farmers’ preferred crop cultivars and varieties in western KenyaAuthor(s): Niane, Abdoul Aziz; Otieno, Gloria; Nyambok, Anne; Aluso, Lillian; Kemal, Seid Ahmed; Bishaw, Zewdie; Termote, Celine; Fadda, Carlo (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-31)Date: 2024-12-31Type: ManualStatus: Open accessThis catalogue is an output of collaborative work of the Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the International Center for Agricultural. Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and the Alliance of. Bioversity International and CIAT. The development of the catalogue is funded under the CGIAR Nature Positive Solutions Initiative. The aim of the collaboration is to develop a farmer preferred crop cultivars and varieties catalogue to facilitate registration, quality-declared seed production, certification, and commercialization.
- Periodic Technical Report – Part B : Internal 27 months reportAuthor(s): Bassi, FilippoDate: 2025-02-19Type: Internal ReportStatus: Timeless limited accessThe report highlights all research advancements within the MountainHer project for the seven work packages during the 27 months (July 1st 2022 to October 31st 2024) of the project.
- Phylogenetic analysis, mixed infection and seed transmission of Pea seed-borne mosaic virus in EthiopiaAuthor(s): Ademe, Anteneh; Kumari, Safaa; Moukahel, Abdulrahman; Alemu, Tesfaye; Abraham, Adane; Aynewa, Yetsedaw; Guadie, Demsachew; Kemal, Seid Ahmed (Elsevier (12 months), 2025-01-16)Date: 2024-12-12Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessPea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) is a significant pathogen affecting the yield and quality of lentil and chickpea crops in Ethiopia's major legume-producing regions, Amhara and Oromia. This study focuses on characterizing PSbMV and its seed transmission rates, including mixed infections under field conditions. Tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) analysis revealed that 56.2 % of tested lentil and chickpea samples were infected with PSbMV, often in mixed infections. PSbMV seed transmission rates varied widely among tested lentil genotypes, with the widely grown improved lentil cultivar Alemaya (FLIP 89-63 L) showing a transmission rate as high as 13.5 %. To characterize the isolates, the partial polyprotein gene was amplified and sequenced. Analysis of these sequences showed nucleotide identities ranging from 90.5 % to 100 %. Phylogenetic analysis classified Ethiopian PSbMV isolates (from lentil and chickpea) into four major clades and four subclades. Five lentil isolates (EthLe204-18, EthLe547-18, EthLe12-19, EthLe84-19, and EthLe214-33-19) and one chickpea isolate (EthCp115-19) clustered in subgroup BI, while isolate EthLe343-18 clustered into subgroup BII with an American pathotype-2 isolate (AJ252242). Isolates EthLe7-21 and EthLe381-21 clustered with an Australian P-2 isolate (HQ185579) into group D. Further analysis using RDP indicates intraspecific recombination only in isolate EthLe214-19, with fragments derived from EthLe343-18 and EthLe204-18 as major and minor parents, respectively. No recombination events were detected in the other isolates. This study suggests that variations in lentil genotype resistance to seed infection could be leveraged for resistance breeding, and the impacts of mixed infections on lentil crops warrant further investigation.
- Detection and Partial Characterization of Polerovirus and Luteovirus Isolates Associated With Lentil and Chickpea in EthiopiaAuthor(s): Ademe, Anteneh; Kumari, Safaa; Moukahel, Abdulrahman; Alemu, Tesfaye; Abraham, Adane; Aynewa, Yetsedaw; Guadie, Demsachew; Kemal, Seid Ahmed (Wiley Open Access, 2025-02-05)Date: 2025-02-05Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessThe partial nucleotide sequence of the coat protein (CP) gene of Ethiopian isolates of chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV, genus Polerovirus), beet western yellows virus (BWYV, genus Polerovirus), and soybean dwarf virus (SbDV, genus Luteovirus) was determined from lentil and chickpea plants showing yellowing, stunting, and reddening symptoms. Comparative sequence analysis of CpCSV isolates obtained from five chickpea and five lentil isolates showed 94.9%–100% and 91.9%–98.7% nucleotide sequence identity with each other and with the reference isolates, respectively. One CpCSV isolate from chickpea (MZ043728) showed a close relationship with isolates of the serotype II while the remaining nine isolates were closely related to isolates belonging to serotype I. Sequence identities of three chickpea BWYV isolates varied from 93.3% to 100% with the reference isolates, and one of them (MZ043727) displayed 100% nucleotide identity with previously reported lentil stunt virus (LStV, genus Polerovirus). The chickpea isolates MZ043725 and MZ043726 appear to be identical to each other, whereas the other isolate (MZ043727) was identical to previously identified LStV isolate. The nucleotide sequence of three Ethiopian SbDV isolates had a lower identity with GenBank isolates and their phylogenetic analysis showed that they are clustered separately from the rest of the reference isolates indicating that they are the most divergent. This result generates essential information for further research on legume viruses in Ethiopia. In addition, a detailed study should be conducted in the future to understand the prevalence of LStV and determine the potential yield losses associated with the virus in Ethiopia.
- Farming systems surveys with farmers from the rural commune of Ait Ichou, Khemisset, MoroccoAuthor(s): Amri, Ahmed; Boughlala, Mohamed; Sahri, Ali; Imtiaz, Muhammad; Bishaw, ZewdieDate: 2024-05-31Type: Internal ReportStatus: Open accessFarming systems surveys with farmers from the rural commune of Ait Ichou, Khemisset, Morocco.
- On farming systems survey for study of on-farm conservation of apple landraces in Karvak village in Khazarasp District of Khorezm Province of UzbekistanAuthor(s): Turdieva, Muhabbat; Amri, Ahmed; Imtiaz, Muhammad; Bishaw, ZewdieDate: 2024-06-30Type: Internal ReportStatus: Open accessOn farming systems survey for study of on-farm conservation of apple landraces in Karvak village in Khazarasp District of Khorezm Province of Uzbekistan.
- Feed pellet production with locally availably productsAuthor(s): Rudiger, Udo; Idoudi, Zied; Dhehibi, Boubaker; Tebourbi, Ons; Shiri, Zahra; Souissi, Asma (CGIAR System Organization (CGIAR), 2024-12-31)Date: 2024-12-31Type: BriefStatus: Timeless limited accessCompressing local agro-industrial by-products into nutrient-dense livestock feed pellets is a worthwhile innovation to compete with expensive and imported feed pellets or concentrates. The use of such pellets also alleviates pressure on rangelands or grasslands. This innovation consists of a small scale compressor ‘pelletizer’ and formulas to create qualitatively sufficient feed pellets with locally available inputs. In Tunisia, there are many agro-pastoralists that are dependent on expensive and imported livestock feed pellets to improve livestock quality and to supplement feed shortages. Risks of relative feed shortages are likely to increase due to climate change. Also, there are many discarded by-products from local agro-food supply chains such as olive cakes, date kernels, and downgraded dates, which still contain nutrients. Feed pellet production with this small-scale pelletizer producing 500 kg pellets/hour is also an interesting income-generating activity for farmer organizations and creates employment.
- Restoring Rangelands through Opportunistic GrazingAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir; Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez; Evans, Monica; Ferrari, Mireille; Nefzaoui, Ali (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA))Date: 2024-11-21Type: BriefStatus: Open accessBrief about the innovative approach to restoring Tunisia's rangelands, which encompass 5.5 million hectares and are essential for the economy and rural livelihoods. The document highlights "opportunistic grazing," a method developed through collaboration between ICARDA and the Tunisian government that allows for short, targeted grazing periods in previously rested areas. This strategy has demonstrated a 270% increase in productivity and a nearly 220% improvement in biodiversity, fostering healthier ecosystems and creating economic opportunities for rural communities. By scaling this approach, By scaling this approach, Tunisia can provide a sustainable model for land use across the MENA region.
- Restoration of grazing lands by One CGIAR researchers and partners researchers and partnersAuthor(s): Sircely, Jason; Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez; Cardoso Arango, Juan Andres; Arango, Jacobo (CGIAR System Organization (CGIAR))Date: 2024-12-30Type: BriefStatus: Open accessBrief about the restoration of grazing lands in Tunisia, East Africa, and Colombia, highlighting innovative approaches adopted by One CGIAR researchers and partners. The initiative addresses rangeland degradation caused by climate change, increasing livestock densities, and unsustainable grazing practices. In Tunisia, short-duration, high-stocking-rate opportunistic grazing and silvopastoral enriched seasonal exclosures are being implemented to improve forage availability and ecosystem health. In East Africa, techniques such as short-resting and invasive species control are enhancing rangeland resilience. Meanwhile, Colombia's rotational grazing and spontaneous tree regeneration practices aim to restore degraded pastures and enhance biodiversity. These strategies not only improve livestock production but also contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and sustainable land management.
- Opportunistic Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function and Ecosystem Services – MELIA studyAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir; Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez; Hassan, Sawsan; Nefzaoui, Ali (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA))Date: 2024-12-21Type: ReportStatus: Open accessA MELIA study on Opportunistic Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services in Tunisia examined the effectiveness of this approach in rehabilitating degraded arid rangelands. The study evaluated improvements in productivity, biodiversity, and soil health while analyzing the socioeconomic benefits for livestock productivity and ecosystem services. Additionally, it explored the role of gender and community-led decision-making in adopting sustainable grazing practices. The findings provided valuable insights for policymakers seeking to balance livestock production with long-term rangeland sustainability.
- The Analysis Pack for Economics of Land Degradation (APELD)Author(s): Yigezu, Yigezu (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-04-16)Date: 2024-04-16Type: ToolStatus: Open accessThe Analysis Pack for Economics of Land Degradation (APELD) is an innovation that involves three separate but complementary modules each with specific function. The first module enables researchers and experts to estimate the quantities and monetary values of ecosystem services (ESS) lost due to inaction, i.e., due to no or insufficient efforts to combat land degradation (LD). Assuming that a package of suitable policy, institutional, and technological innovations for combating LD have been identified, the second module enables to estimate the benefits of action (i.e., the benefits of implementing the innovation package) in terms of the quantities and monetary values of ESS that can be prevented from being lost or new ESS that can be generated due to the interventions. The third and last module estimates the cost of implementing the package of innovations over a given planning horizon (or planning period preferably of 10-20 years), the total discounted benefits of action over the entire planning period, and ultimately provides estimates of the returns on investment that are provided in the form of benefit:cost ratios – i.e., the monetary values of the returns on every dollar invested in combating LD. All three modules provide the disaggregated estimates for each province x biome x LD class combination as well as aggregates at LD class, biome, province, and national levels. The costs and benefits are also disaggregated by ESS classifications (i.e., use, and non-use values and the use values are further disaggregated into direct and indirect use values)
- Chemodiversity and antimicrobial activities of Eucalyptus spp. essential oilsAuthor(s): Ammar, Hajer; M’Rabe, Yassine; Hassan, Sawsan; Chahine, Mireille; de Haro Marti, Mario; Soufan, Walid; Andres, Sonia; López Puente, Secundino; Hosni, Karim (Taylor & Francis Open, 2024-08-06)Date: 2024-08-06Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessThe essential oils extracted from the leaves of five Eucalyptus species: E. astringens, E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, E. leucoxylon, and E. sideroxylon, were investigated for their antimicrobial properties. These species were growing in the same plantation area, exposed to identical conditions, and subjected to uniform agronomic practices. Processed and analyzed under consistent parameters, the essential oil yields ranged from 0.14 to 0.96% (w/w). Chromatographic analysis were resolved into 48 compounds, with 11 common to all oils. Terpenoids (oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes) dominated the oil profiles, constituting 55.66–76.67% of the composition. Major components identified included 1,8-cineole (21.97–50.93%), α-pinene (2.18–15.95%), p-cymene (0.83–15.94%), spathulenol (0–20.49%), globulol (4.09–14.26%), and aromadendrene (2.37–15.03%). Genetically driven interspecific variation in composition was observed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and heatmap clustering. Moreover, distinctive components were identified for each essential oil, offering a valuable tool for discriminating between Eucalyptus species and ensuring authentication and quality control in commercial samples. Results from antimicrobial disc-diffusion assays indicated robust antimicrobial activity in all essential oils, with those derived from E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, and E. leucoxylon exhibiting the highest effectiveness.
- Seedlings production of rangeland speciesAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-12)Date: 2024-12-12Type: ImageStatus: Open accessImage about seedling production
- Rangeland inventorying using quadratAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-12)Date: 2024-12-12Type: ImageStatus: Open accessimage illustration Rangeland inventorying using quadrat
- Rangeland inventorying using line-point interceptAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-30)Date: 2024-12-30Type: ImageStatus: Open accessimage Illustration rangelands inventorying
- Salt affected soil - Central TunisiaAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-31)Date: 2024-12-31Type: ImageStatus: Open accessImage Illustration Salt affected soil - Central Tunisia
- Hedysarum coronarium (sulla) at early stage - Central TunisiaAuthor(s): Louhaichi, Mounir (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-12-12)Date: 2024-12-12Type: ImageStatus: Open accessEarly stages of Sull growth