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Yield gaps and their determinates for wheat production in irrigated drylands for Egypt
Author(s): Devkota Wasti, Mina; Omar, Mohie; Attaher, Samar; Govind, Ajit; Devkota, Krishna; Tesfaye, Kindie; Nangia, Vinay (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2024-09-01)
Date: 2024-09-01
Type: Internal Report
Status: Open access
In Egypt, wheat (Triticum aestivum) plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural and economic landscape. It is the major component of the national diet and an essential contributor to food security. Its cultivation in the country has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Nile Delta has always been an ideal location for wheat cultivation. Historically, Egypt was known as the “Breadbasket of the Roman Empire”, highlighting its crucial role in sustaining its population and neighbouring regions. In the country, compared to all crops, it is grown in the largest area (1.33 million ha) and the country produces 9.1 million tons of wheat (average
productivity of 6.81 t ha-1) (Source: Economic Affairs Sector, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, 2023). Compared to all crops, its cultivation area is increasing in the country. However, it is meeting 50% of the demand from the international market to fill the gap between production and consumption (5.86 million t, one of the top 10th largest importers), where the import value of wheat and wheat products was 2.49 billion USD in 2021 (FAOSTAT, 2023). In recent years (2018-2021), Egypt has shown prominence in reducing imports, where it imported 9.53 million tons wheat in 2021/2022 while it decreased by 17.5% (7.86 million tons) in 2022/2023 (Source: Agriculture Economic Research Institute (AERC). However, to reduce imports sustainably, the country might need to adopt both approaches, i.e., area expansion in New Land and sustainably closing the yield gap in the Old Lands. Adopting science-led demand-driven and sustainable (economic, environmental, and social) farming practices, including improved crop varieties and efficient agronomic management practices, is the key for the sustainable intensification of wheat production in both new and old lands. By implementing below climate-smart wheat production technology tailored to Egypt›s
conditions, farmers can enhance their yields, contribute to the country›s demand, and support
its agricultural growth.
Phenotypic diversity of Medicago crop wild relatives growing in Lebanon
Author(s): Karam, Nisrine; Choueiry, Zeina; Beyrouthy, Jostelle; Shehadeh, Ali; Chalak, Lamis; Yazbek, Mariana (Springer (part of Springer Nature) (Springer Open Choice Hybrid Journals), 2023-03-05)
Date: 2023-03-05
Type: Journal Article
Status: Open access
Medicago L. (Fabaceae; Papillionoidae) has high nutritive value, palatability, and ability to improve the soil fertility which puts it as one of the world’s most important forages. Medicago genetic resources are suffering from anthropogenic destructions, overgrazing, climate change and drought. Using the results of a previous gap analysis, which prioritized the species and sites for in situ and ex situ conservation, this study aims to undertake ex situ conservation activities for high priority annual Lebanese species. Accessions of the target species were collected, multiplied, characterized and conserved at Genebank of The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). Based on characterization data, morphological diversity assessment is carried out to analyse the phenotypic variability pattern in relation with the environmental conditions of the collection sites. The analysis of 26 characters applied on 19 collected species has shown a significant variability for 13 characters. The species Medicago polymorpha L. from Chwaifat, M. polymorpha from Shebenieh, M. truncatula Gaertn and M. orbicularis (L.) Bartal from Jeita, and M. constricta Durieu from Bwerij had characters that could be related to drought tolerance as they have displayed a high early vigour and an early flowering. In depth analysis of the characters early vigour, days to flowering and days to pod formation within the species in relation to drought tolerance further informed our proposed management plan. On this basis, the accessions showing a high adaptability to harsh conditions will be subject to in situ conservation.
Investigating genetic diversity and population structure of Egyptian goats across four breeds and seven regions
Author(s): Aboul Naga, Adel Mahmoud; Alsamman, Alsamman M.; Nassar, Ahmed E.; Mousa, Khaled H.; Osman, Mona Abd El-Zaher; Abdelsabour, Taha H; Mohamed, Layaly G.; Elshafie, M.H. (Elsevier (12 months), 2023-09-01)
Date: 2023-07-07
Type: Journal Article
Status: Timeless limited access
This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 157 Egyptian adult goat females from four breed groups (Saidi, Barki, Wahati, and E. Nubian / Zaraibi), and distributed over eight geographic regions. Results from various analyses revealed high levels of genotypic diversity. Shannon values ranging from 3.89 in the Serw region population (within the Zaraibi breed) to 2 in the Kharga region population(within Wahati goats), and low linkage disequilibrium. The Simpson index for diversity varied with values ranging from 0.97 in the Serw population to 0.875 in Kharga population. Analysis of gene diversity using Nei’s unbiased method found high levels of heterozygosity, with values ranging from 0.38 in Aswan and Assuit to 0.3 in Serw populations. Principal component analysis separated the studied populations into three groups. The first group displayed Zaraibi and Saidi populations as genetically distinct populations, and the second group showed interbreeding between Barki desert breed, and Wahati oasis breed. Bayesian Information Criterion identified four distinct subpopulations, and the discriminant analysis of principal components revealed intermingling between Wahati and Barki populations, as well as the independence of Zaraibi population. Structure analysis of the subpopulations revealed six gene pools with admixture of Wahati and Barki goats, which were confirmed by the kinship analysis. In conclusion, the study revealed clear diversity between the studied populations, with the regions having their own distinct breeds. These findings suggest that interbreeding between some populations may be due to the exchange of genetic stocks and hybridization programs could be necessary to sustain Egyptian breeds and produce offspring that can survive environmental diversity and CC.
Genotype-by-Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Grain Yield in Durum Wheat Using GGE Biplot and Genotypic and Environmental Covariates
Author(s): Mohammadi, Reza; Jafarzadeh, Jaffar; Poursiahbidi, Mohammad; Hatamzadeh, Hossein; Amri, Ahmed (Springer (part of Springer Nature))
Date: 2023-07-06
Type: Journal Article
Status: Timeless limited access
Understanding the genetic and environmental causes of genotype-by-environment (GE) interaction for grain yield is of fundamental importance in plant breeding. This study aimed at investigating the GE interaction and the stability of durum wheat (Tritium turgidum L. ssp. durum) genotypes evaluated for grain yield across different locations and years, using empirical and analytical models. The study used 19 genotypes in 14 environments, representative of rainfed durum wheat-growing areas. The genotype main effect plus GE interaction (GGE) biplot model, partial least squares regression and factorial regression models were applied for data analysis. The combined ANOVA revealed significant genotype, environment and GE interaction effects, with the environmental main effect as a main source of variation (77.9% of total variation). The mean yield of the genotypes ranged from 486 to 5594 kg/ha across environments. Using GGE biplot analysis, the test environments were classified into four groups, each with different winning genotypes. Based on mean yield and stability performance across environments, breeding lines G17 and G15 significantly out-yielded the best national check and could be recommended for release as new varieties. Rainfalls in March, June, November and May, average temperatures in June and May, heading date and 1000-kernel weight were among the explanatory covariates that significantly (P < 0.01) affected the GE interaction for grain yield.
Roles of Lamiaceae plants from the arid and desert rangelands of Tunisia inhuman health and therapy
Author(s): Gamoun, Mouldi; Louhaichi, Mounir (Taylor and Francis Group)
Date: 2024-08-02
Type: Journal Article
Status: Open access
The arid rangelands, abundant with diverse flora, play a pivotal role as sanctuaries for essential medicinal herbs. Despite their limited species diversity, Lamiaceae plants hold multifaceted significance in medicine, aromatics, and cuisine. With diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antifungal, antiseptic, antirheumatic, and antidiabetic properties, they serve as valuable antioxidants for treating various ailments. This review delves into the latent utility and intricate biological properties of Lamiaceae species in Tunisia’s arid rangelands, emphasizing their pivotal role in traditional and modern medicine. Focused on the medicinal properties of Lamiaceae species, the review not only highlights their latent utility but also addresses crucial aspect of meeting local and global needs. Stressing their significance in traditional and contemporary medicine, the review underscores their potential contribution to biodiversity preservation. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing, and SDG 15 on biodiversity conservation, the study advocates collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges in Tunisian desert rangelands. A holistic approach, considering social, economic, and environmental dimensions, is deemed essential for achieving these goals and ensuring the sustainable utilization of valuable resources in arid lands