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Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Saeed Rauf

,

Farghama Khalil

,

Rodomiro Ortiz

Abstract: This review examines the potential impact of potato biofortification on boosting climate resilience and enhancing the nutritional content of potato tubers to combat hidden hunger. It also explores future possibilities for biofortified potatoes as a food source during space travel or colonization. Widespread mineral deficiencies are prevalent globally, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, climate change could adversely affect potato production and soil nutrient absorption. In this context, developing breeding methods to develop cultivars that respond better to biofortification amid climate change is essential. These cultivars may be physiologically efficient at absorbing and transporting minerals into tubers. The review covers various approaches, including identifying germplasm accessions with enhanced micronutrient storage, understanding mechanisms of micronutrient uptake and translocation, and pinpointing genes related to micronutrient, oligopeptide transport, and lignads. It also discusses in vitro selection and screening of calli with improved capacity for micronutrient absorption and transport.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Ana Valéria Vieira de Souza

,

João Claudio Vilvert

,

Rayssa Camargo de Oliveira

,

Yuri Mangueira do Nascimento

,

Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida

,

Flávio José Vieira de Oliveira

,

José Magno Queiroz Luz

Abstract: Lippia grata Schauer is an aromatic species native to the Brazilian Caatinga, widely recognized for its medicinal potential due to the presence of carvacrol and thymol in its essential oil (EO). Environmental factors such as seasonality and harvest time can strongly influence biomass production and EO chemical composition. This study evaluated the effects of three seasons (summer, winter, and spring) and two harvest time (morning and afternoon) on plant biomass, EO yield, and chemical profile of L. grata cultivated in the Brazilian semiarid region. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Season significantly affected fresh and dry biomass, EO yield, and the contents of carvacrol and thymol. The highest EO yield was observed in spring (4.92%), whereas summer promoted greater fresh biomass (255.0 g) and higher concentrations of carvacrol (59.28%) and thymol (6.99%). Harvest time influenced carvacrol content, with higher values recorded in the afternoon (58.35%). The interaction between season and harvest time significantly affected p-cymene content. These results demonstrate that both seasonal and diurnal variations are key factors regulating the quantity and quality of L. grata EO, providing important information for optimizing harvest strategies for medicinal and industrial purposes.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Saad Masood Abdelnaby Elhawary

,

Anamaria Ciubotarita

,

Jose Luis Ordóñez-Díaz

,

Jose Manuel Moreno-Rojas

,

Gabriel-Ciprian Teliban

,

Silvana Nicola

,

Vasile Stoleru

Abstract: The nutritional and functional quality of eggplants is heavily influenced by cultivar selection and fertilization techniques. This study evaluated the effects of cultivar, grafting, and fertilization regime on the nutritional and functional quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivated under plastic tunnel conditions. Two commercial hybrids (Mirval and Black Pearl) were assessed under two grafting treatments (Solanum sylvatica and Rezistar F1) and three fertilization regimes: biological (Micoseed®), organic (Orgevit®), and chemical (Nutrispore®), with ungrafted and unfertilized plants used as controls. Fruit samples were analyzed for total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays), chlorophyll a and b, lycopene, and tannin concentrations. Mirval exhibited significantly higher levels of TPC, antioxidant activity, photosynthetic pigments, and lycopene than Black Pearl. Ungrafted plants and those grafted onto S. sylvatica showed superior fruit quality, particularly when combined with organic or chemical fertilization. The highest concentrations of polyphenols (3.61 mg·100 g⁻¹ fresh weight), lycopene (3.18 mg·100 g⁻¹ fresh weight), and total chlorophylls were recorded in Mirval fruits from ungrafted or S. sylvatica-grafted plants under organic or chemical fertilization. These findings indicate that optimizing cultivar–rootstock combinations and fertilization management can significantly enhance the functional quality of eggplant fruits, and support the use of organic fertilization as a sustainable strategy in protected vegetable production systems.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Fernando Oreja

,

Eva Hernández Plaza

,

Marina Carmona

,

Jose L. Gonzalez-Andujar

Abstract: In Mediterranean dryland agroecosystems, conservation tillage is increasingly adopted, yet its long-term effects on weed biomass within cereal–legume rotations remain insufficiently quantified. This study evaluated the effects of conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), and no-tillage (NT) on aboveground weed biomass over seven years (2011–2017) within a long-term (established in 1985) cereal–legume rotation experiment in central Spain. Weed biomass was sampled annually prior to herbicide application and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to assess the effects of crop type, tillage system, year, and their interactions. A total of 36 weed species were recorded, with annual broadleaf species accounting for 94% of total biomass. Mean weed biomass was greater in legume phases than in wheat, and tillage system significantly affected biomass. Minimum tillage resulted in higher weed biomass than CT or NT, particularly in legume crops. A significant crop type × tillage interaction indicated that tillage effects on weed biomass were crop-dependent, with stronger differences among tillage systems in legumes than in wheat. These results demonstrate that weed biomass responses to tillage cannot be generalized across crops, highlighting the importance of considering crop–tillage combinations when designing weed management strategies in Mediterranean cereal–legume rotations.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

M. Joseph

,

S. Manoharan

,

B. Bhakiyathu Saliha

,

G. Guru

,

V. Sanjivkumar

,

M. Manikandan

,

A. Selvarani

,

K.B. Sridhar

,

K.A. Gopinath

,

J.V.N.S. Prasad

+1 authors

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2022–23 to 2024–25 at the AICRPDA Research Farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kovilpatti, India, to evaluate climate-smart agri-horti systems integrating aonla (Phyllanthus emblica Gaertn.) and custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) with annual intercrops under rainfed conditions. The experiment, laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, included fruit tree species as main plots and blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), greengram (Vigna radiata L.), clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) as sub-plot treatments. Custard apple–based systems consistently produced higher fruit yield (2674–3306 kg ha⁻¹), intercrop biomass, and blackgram equivalent yield (1337–1653 kg ha⁻¹) than aonla-based systems (1980–2538 kg ha⁻¹ of fruit yield), and 891–1142 kg ha⁻¹ of blackgram equivalent yield of intercrops, respectively), primarily due to improved light availability and favourable canopy architecture. Clusterbean and foxtail millet recorded the highest intercrop yields, whereas pulse intercrops enhanced tree growth, soil nitrogen availability, and system sustainability through biological nitrogen fixation. Maximum rainwater use efficiency and land equivalent ratio were achieved under custard apple + clusterbean and aonla + foxtail millet combinations, indicating superior resource-use efficiency. Relative economic efficiency peaked in aonla + foxtail millet (341.2%), while the highest system profitability was recorded in custard apple + foxtail millet (₹352.4 ha⁻¹ day⁻¹). Soil fertility improved significantly over the study period, with increases in soil organic carbon (1.05–1.76 g kg⁻¹), available nitrogen (9–11 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (8–14 kg ha⁻¹), particularly under pulse-based systems, whereas available phosphorus in soil remained unchanged. The study demonstrates that integrating short-duration legumes and millets with perennial fruit trees enhances productivity, profitability, rainwater-use efficiency, and soil health, providing a resilient and sustainable strategy for intensifying rainfed agroecosystems.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

María del Rocío Azcárraga Rossete

,

Karla Samanta Hernández Méndez

,

Betsabé Rodríguez Pérez

,

Julieta Grajales Conesa

,

Tonatiuh Cruz Sánchez

Abstract:

This study aimed to identify and characterize the Melipona beecheii propolis botanical origin from La Gloria, Cosautlán de Carvajal, Veracruz, Mexico. We compiled a floristic inventory of 75 foraging species, and their pollen and propolis from nests. The pollen was processed by acetolysis, and each species was analyzed by using optical microscopy resulting in diagnostic micrographs. We counted 1500 pollen grains from the processed propolis, where we identified 25 pollen types; Mimosa albida, Miconia xalapensis, Sambucus nigra, Coffea arabica, Struthantus aff. quercicola, Trichilia havanensis, and Pimenta dioica, among others. Based on our results we observed that M. beecheii preferred M. albida for propolis elaboration, even though also used other trees and shrubs with numerous inflorescences, small flowers, and pollen between 9 and 35 µm, which contain phytochemicals with significant biological activity. Finally, it is important to mention that M. beecheii is an excellent pollinator that contributes to the regeneration and conservation of biodiversity; its knowledge and management could be incorporated into meliponicultural practices as an ecosystem service that will help to human population conservation in its origin place.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Maria T R Silva

,

Fábio L Santos

,

Rafaella V Pereira

,

Francisco Scinocca

Abstract: The mechanization of the agricultural sector exposes operators to vibrations generated by tractors, terrain inclination, and attached implements. An operator exposed to vibrations for long periods can develop health problems such as visual disturbances, fatigue, spinal injuries, and low back pain. In this way, the present research includes assessing severity of mechanical vibrations of an agricultural tractor with four-wheel drive in relation to a mechanized assembly composed by the same tractor operating coupled to the seeder fer- tilizer in the sowing operation. Vibrations were monitored at four data collection points: the front and rear axles of the tractor, the cabin floor, and the operator’s seat. The root mean square (RMS) acceleration values were compared with the limits defined in ISO 2631-1, and the operator’s seat was classified as “uncomfortable” and “very uncomforta- ble”. The vibration transmissibility between the rear axle and the cabin floor (T2) was greater than 1, indicating an increase of vibrations.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Argyrios Kalaitzidis

,

Eirini Sarrou

,

Dimitrios Katsantonis

,

Spyridon Koutroubas

,

Panagiotis G. Kougias

,

Nicholas E. Korres

Abstract: To assess digestate’s efficacy as a fertilizer for basil development, a two-year pot experiment was established, comprising four fertilization treatments: chemical fertilizer (F), digestate (D), combined chemical fertilizer and digestate (1:1, FD), and unfertilized control (C). Key metrics assessed included: plant height, chlorophyll concentration index (CCI), total biomass (TB), leaf production (LP), essential oil yield, and composition. Post-harvest soil analysis evaluated nutrient and heavy metal content and pathogen contamination in soil and leaves. FD treatment produced the highest TB (68.2 g plant⁻¹) and LP (52.7 g plant⁻¹). Digestate application substantially enhanced substrate nutrient availability, increasing extractable phosphorus by 68.5%, potassium by 134.4%, and organic matter by 54.7%. Essential oil yield was significantly higher in the control plants. Notably, different fertilization regimes altered secondary metabolite synthesis. Specifically, fertilization with digestate favored sesquiterpenes synthesis, inorganic fertilization enhanced methyleugenol and β-farnesene synthesis, while the control showed higher limonene, eugenol, and linalool. Heavy metal accumulation in the soil was negligible, remaining well within regulatory limits. Salmonella spp. were not detected. Pathogen concentration in the soil was low, while Enterococcus faecalis were marginally below EU safety limits (100 cfu g⁻1) on the leaves.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Allison Minuche-Rodríguez

,

Diego Marín-Armijos

Abstract: Shaded coffee plantations are increasingly recognized as important agroecosystems for biodi-versity conservation in the tropical Andes. 1) Background: Dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) play a fundamental role in ecosystem functioning; however, their diversity and ecological roles within shaded coffee systems in southern Ecuador remain poorly understood. 2) Methods: This study assessed dung beetle diversity in 14 shaded coffee plantations located in the provinces of Loja, Zamora Chinchipe, and El Oro, using pitfall traps baited with pig dung. Community structure was analyzed using Hill numbers, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and generalized linear models. 3) Results: A total of 209 individuals belonging to 14 genera and 42 species were rec-orded. Loja exhibited the highest species richness and abundance, representing 73% of all indi-viduals, whereas El Oro showed the lowest diversity. Onthophagus curvicornis (Latreille, 1817) was the dominant species, accounting for 20% of the total abundance. Habitat type and altitude significantly influenced dung beetle abundance, with a predominance of coprophagous and par-acoprid species. 4) Conclusions: Shaded coffee plantations maintain dung beetle communities comparable to those of natural ecosystems, emphasizing their contribution to ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, soil improvement, and biological pest control, and supporting the pro-motion of sustainable coffee management practices in Andean agroecosystems.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

João Vitor Soares Morais

,

Thayline Rodrigues de Oliveira

,

Ana Clara Marcelino de Moura

,

Sara dos Santos Nunes

,

Daniel Marques Pacheco

,

Jenilton Gomes da Cunha

,

Alexandre Igor Azevedo Pereira

,

Bruno Ettore Pavan

,

José Bruno Malaquias

,

Luciana Barboza Silva

Abstract: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a crop of major socioeconomic importance in Northern and Northeastern Brazil, but its productivity is strongly constrained by infestations of the black aphid Aphis craccivora, which causes direct damage through sap feeding and indirect losses by transmitting plant viruses. Although insecticides are widely used, their intensive application raises concerns related to resistance development and environmental impacts. Silicon (Si) has been investigated as a sustainable alternative for enhancing plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses by strengthening structural barriers and activating biochemical defense pathways. This study evaluated the influence of silicon fertilization on the plant–insect interaction between cowpea genotypes and A. craccivora. Three bioassays were conducted under greenhouse and laboratory conditions to assess aphid preference among genotypes, the effect of silicon on insect attractiveness, and plant susceptibility with and without silicon supplementation. Rice husk biochar and a commercial silicon source were used as Si fertilizers. Although the landrace genotype accumulated higher silicon levels, this did not result in reduced aphid populations or mitigation of plant damage. A negative correlation was observed between silicon accumulation and chlorophyll content, suggesting silicon-associated physiological adjustments under herbivory stress. Overall, under the evaluated conditions, silicon application did not confer effective resistance against A. craccivora, indicating that its role in integrated pest management strategies for cowpea requires further investigation.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Qianqian Li

,

Salah M. Mohamed

,

Yile Hu

,

Yongmao Lian

,

Adams Ibrahim

,

Sheng Lin

Abstract:

The Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål.) (Hemiptera: Delphinidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Its reproductive and developmental traits are influenced by various environmental and biological factors including endosymbiotic microorganisms. Arsenophonus, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium of insects, can affect host fitness and metabolic processes. This study investigates the role of Arsenophonus in modulating the developmental and reproductive traits of N. lugens fed on transgenic cry30Fa1 rice (KF30-14) and its parent variety Minghui 86 (MH86). Life table analysis revealed that Arsenophonus infection (Ars+) increased the development time and reduced the reproductive capacity of N. lugens, especially those feeding on KF30-14. The first-instar nymphs in MH86 Ars+ (infected) exhibited slower development compared to MH86 Ars- (uninfected). Similarly, the third and fourth-instar nymphs in KF30-14 Ars+ exhibited prolonged development time compared to KF30-14 Ars-. In addition, KF30-14 Ars+ females had significantly reduced reproductive capacity, smaller ovarian tubules and lower relative expression levels of reproduction-related genes including Trehalose transporter (Tret), Vitellogenin (Vg) and Cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (cyp314a1), while Juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) expression was upregulated. RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes involved in lipid, amino acid, and vitamin metabolisms, with Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase implicated as a key regulator of lipid metabolism and reproductive fitness. These results highlight the complex interactions between endosymbionts, host plants and pest biology, offering a solid foundation for sustainable approaches to control N. lugens in rice production systems.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Catalina Cabot

,

Rafael Bosch

,

Antònia Romero-Munar

,

Maria Cañellas

,

Joan Miquel Durán

,

Pilar Roca

,

Jaume Vadell

Abstract: Spatial variability within soil profiles can substantially influence plant growth and productivity by modifying soil water and nutrient availability. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and yield in a young almond orchard established on a Calcaric Solimovic Regosol under Mediterranean conditions. The soil profile comprised three horizons showing marked variability in depth and texture. Based on these differences, the experimental plot was divided into two zones: Zone A, characterized by a thicker upper horizon and a lower proportion of sand in the subsoil, and Zone B, with a thinner topsoil and higher sand content in the buried horizon. Within each zone, the almond cultivars ‘Marta’ and ‘Marinada’ were planted in a balanced design using two rootstocks: INRA GF-677 and GARNEM®. Almond yield was the parameter most strongly affected by soil heterogeneity, showing pronounced differences among soil zones and rootstock–cultivar combinations. Yield followed the sequence Marta > Marinada/GF-677 > Marinada/GARNEM®, and was reduced in Zone B by 37%, 68%, and 72%, respectively, compared with Zone A. In contrast, soil zones had no significant effect on leaf and kernel mineral nutrient concentrations, which varied mainly according to cultivar.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Petros Chavula

,

Fredrick Kayusi

Abstract: Maize–legume systems are central to smallholder agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet their productivity remains constrained by declines in soil fertility, climate variability, and limited access to external inputs. Agroecological approaches integrating maize with grain and forage legumes offer a promising pathway to enhance soil health, climate resilience, and food security through biological nitrogen fixation, diversified production, and ecosystem-based management. This study aimed to systematically synthesise evidence on the agronomic, environmental, and food security outcomes of agroecological maize–legume systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from major scientific databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted on system type (intercropping, rotation, relay cropping), crop performance, soil properties, and resilience indicators. The review reveals that maize–legume systems consistently improve maize yields, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil organic matter compared to continuous maize monocropping, particularly under low-input conditions. Legume integration also enhances yield stability under rainfall variability and contributes to dietary diversity and household income. However, outcomes vary by legume species, management practices, and agroecological zone, highlighting the importance of context-specific design and farmer participation. In conclusion, agroecological maize–legume systems represent a robust and scalable strategy for sustainable intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Still, broader adoption requires supportive policies, extension services, and long-term field-based research.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Yijia Zhang

,

Ting Zhou

,

Zishu Luo

,

Desawi Hdru Teklu

,

Lei Wang

,

Rong Zhou

,

Wei Wang

,

Jun You

,

Huan Li

,

Linhai Wang

Abstract:

B vitamins are essential micronutrients for human health with prominent antioxidant properties, capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining redox homeostasis, protecting cells from oxidative damage. To address global nutrient deficiencies and identify plant-based antioxidant sources, this study quantified seven B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12) in seeds, leaves, and seedlings of five oilseeds (sesame, peanut, soybean, rapeseed, perilla) and two leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce) via LC-MS/MS, revealing distinct species- and tissue-specific patterns. Notably, sesame seeds exhibited exceptional vitamin B3 (niacin, 39.3 μg/g), surpassing other oilseeds by 1.6-8.2-fold; its leaves contained outstanding vitamin B6 (2.88 μg/g), with 2.57–8.31-fold higher than spinach (1.12 μg/g) and lettuce (0.34μg/g), whereas, vitamin B12 (0.44 μg/g), with levels of ~13–20 times higher than other leaves samples. Sesame seedlings recorded high vitamin B6 (1.6 μg/g) and B12 (0.1 μg/g) among the oilseed crops seedlings. These findings highlight sesame as a multifunctional B vitamin resource for antioxidant nutrition, supporting dietary optimization, crop biofortification, and mitigation of global B vitamin inadequacies via plant-based solutions.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Astryani Rosyad

,

Abdul Qadir

,

M. Rahmad Suhartanto

,

Okti Syah Isyani Permatasari

,

Arif Tirtana

,

Punung Medaraji Suwarno

Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the effect of reduced water potential on the imbibition curve and triphasic pattern of seeds in several Solanaceae species. The experiment was conducted at the Seed Physiology and Health Laboratory and the Seed Biology and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, from April to September 2025. The study used seeds from three Solanaceae crops—chili (Capsicum annuum L., varieties Simpatik and Sempurna), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., varieties Niki and Rempai), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L., varieties Tangguh and Provita). The seeds were subjected to various levels of osmotic stress using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) to simulate water potentials of 0.00, –0.30, –1.90, and –4.10 MPa. Lower water potential in the growing medium reduced the seed’s ability to absorb the water. The triphasic pattern consistently appeared only in chili seeds, whereas in tomatoes and eggplants, it varied across varieties and water potential conditions. The lower water potential made the later the phase I ended, and the longer the phase II lasted. These findings confirm that the standard imbibition pattern cannot be generalized to all seeds, and therefore, the imbibition response is specific to seed type, variety, and germination environment.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Hongyuan He

,

Ziting Wang

,

Fuke Hako

,

Ben Menda Ukii

,

Jufen Deng

,

Mengying Zhao

,

Zhanxi Lin

,

Peishan He

,

Jing Li

,

Simeng Song

+2 authors

Abstract: As a high-yield and fast-growing novel forage, Juncao (Cenchrus fungigraminus) holds significant potential for feed applications. Appropriate processing methods can effectively enhance the feeding efficacy of Juncao silage and reduce feed costs for farmers and herdsmen. In this study, Juncao at three different heights (1.0–1.5 m, 1.5–2.0 m, and 2.0–2.5 m) was selected for silage fermentation to determine the optimal harvesting height. Additionally, Juncao at a height of 2.5–3.0 m, which possesses the highest cellulose content, was selected for cellulose degradation analysis to evaluate the degradation efficiency of conventional silage additives on fiber content.The results indicated that the fiber content of Juncao silage was significantly positively correlated with growth height, whereas crude protein and crude fat contents showed a significant negative correlation. Furthermore, the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and lactic acid contents reached their peak in the 2.0–2.5 m (High) group. Cellulose degradation analysis revealed that the degradation rates of various cellulose components were higher under natural fermentation conditions compared to treatments with silage additives. However, further research is required to explore whether specific additives tailored for Juncao silage exist. Based on this experimental analysis, it can be concluded that utilizing 2.0–2.5 m Juncao for natural fermentation during the ensiling process can effectively improve nutritional composition and fermentation quality while achieving a higher cellulose degradation rate. Nonetheless, subsequent studies are necessary to refine and establish a complete and scientific methodology for Juncao silage production.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Levitikos Dembure

,

Peter Amoah

,

Abdoul-Razak Oumarou Mahamane

,

Moise Hubert Byiringiro

,

Theophilus Adu-Gyamfi

,

Nezif Abajebal Abadura

,

Fadhila Ahmed Urassa

,

Bernard Ojuederie Omena

,

Jairos Masawi

,

Peter Mavindidze

+1 authors

Abstract: Wheat production in Zimbabwe is strongly influenced by environmental variability, making it difficult for breeders to identify genotypes that are both high yielding and stable across locations. This study evaluated the yield performance and stability of pre-release bread wheat genotypes across contrasting environments in Zimbabwe. A total of 25 genotypes in 2020 and 24 genotypes in 2021 were tested using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at three sites Gwebi Variety Testing Centre (GVTC), Harare Research Station (DR&SS), and Panmure, forming six test environments across two winter seasons. Grain yield and key agronomic traits were recorded and analyzed using combined analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and genotype plus genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot methods. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p < 0.001) effects of location on all traits in both years, confirming strong environmental influence on wheat performance. Genotypic differences were also significant for most traits in each season. In 2020, genotype × location interaction for grain yield and grain weight was not significant, indicating relatively stable genotype ranking across environments. In contrast, significant genotype × location interaction in 2021 demonstrated strong crossover effects, with genotypes responding differently across sites. When the 15 genotypes common to both years were analyzed together, genotype × location interaction for grain yield was again not significant, indicating that this subset of genotypes expressed greater yield stability across environments. GGE biplot analysis revealed clear differences in genotype adaptation and stability. The mean versus stability view identified G10 and G4 as high yielding with moderate stability, while G5 and G8 were closest to the ideal genotype, combining high yield and wide adaptation. The which-won-where pattern separated the test environments into two main mega-environments, with G3 and G10 performing best in GVTC- and Harare-based environments, while G4, G5, and G8 were superior at Panmure-related environments. Environment E3 (Harare 2020) was identified as the most representative and closest to an ideal test environment, while E1, E2, E5, and E6 were more discriminating and useful for detecting genotype differences. The findings of this study demonstrated that both yield level and stability must be considered when selecting wheat genotypes for Zimbabwe. Genotypes G5 and G8 showed the best combination of high grain yield and stability and are therefore recommended for broad adaptation. Genotypes such as G3 showed high yield but strong environmental sensitivity and are better suited for specific environments. These findings provide valuable guidance for wheat breeding and variety recommendation in Zimbabwe’s diverse production environments.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Xueying Li

,

Hao Zhang

,

Keying Wan

,

Xiaoqian Qiu

,

Qiankun Xie

,

Geming Guo

,

Yuehua Zhao

,

Zhibo Ding

,

Xiaoyang Chen

,

Hongyu Chen

+4 authors

Abstract: Ideal plant architecture is central to high-yield maize breeding. The proportional length of internodes above the ear plays a crucial role in determining plant architecture. In this study, we used an association panel comprising 288 maize inbred lines and performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with 1.25 M high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers under a Q + K mixed linear model. A total of 821 significant SNPs associated with plant height (PH), height above ear (HAE), and internode-related traits were detected, which were further classified into 417 quantitative trait loci (QTL). Among these, 128 significant SNPs and 44 QTL were identified for the U1/HAE trait, and 37 significant SNPs and 27 QTL for the U1/PH trait. Four stable QTL (qU1–qU4) were identified through co‑localization analysis. Two candidate genes, Zm00001d013222 (involved in gibberellin signaling) and Zm00001d021304 (involved in cell wall metabolism), were further supported by haplotype analysis. For the former gene, U1/PH values in Hap1 and Hap3 were significantly lower than those in Hap2 (p <  0.01). For the latter gene, Hap2 exhibited a significantly higher U1/HAE value compared to Hap1 (p <  0.001). These findings provide new genetic insights into the regulation of maize internode proportion and plant architecture, offering potential targets for molecular breeding.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Jihua Cheng

,

Kefang Ou

,

Yangwen Du

,

Yingchun Jiang

,

Dezhi Jiang

,

Yawen Xu

,

Junhua Peng

,

Junyong Cheng

Abstract: WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are pivotal in plant stress responses, yet their roles in Camellia oleifera, an economically important oil crop, remain poorly understood. We identified 192 WRKY genes in the tetraploid C. oleifera genome, and classified them into three groups (I, II and III) based on conserved domains. Chromosomal distribution revealed uneven localization of the WRKY genes, with the highest density (25 WRKY genes) on the Chromosome 10. RNA-seq analysis on anthracnose-resistant (CL150) and susceptible (CL102) cultivars inoculated with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides identified 1,822 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 109 DEGs dependent to CL150, including 11 core DEGs shared between the cultivars. Notably, one WRKY gene (YC.08G0001620-1A, Type I) exhibited significant upregulation in CL150, suggesting its role in disease resistance. Functional enrichment linked the DEGs to oxidative stress and metabolic pathways. This study provides a comprehensive WRKY family analysis in C. oleifera and highlights YC.08G0001620-1A as a promising candidate for molecular breeding to enhance anthracnose resistance in this economically important oil crop.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Surendra Neupane

,

Adam Varenhorst

,

Madhav P. Nepal

Abstract:

Soybean aphid (SBA), Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines Ichinoe (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae), are major pests of soybean, Glycine max L. Merr., in the U.S. Midwest. This study examined three-way interactions among soybean, SBA, and SCN using demographic and transcriptomic analyses. SCN-resistant and SCN-susceptible cultivars were evaluated under three treatments (SBA, SCN, SCN+SBA) in a randomized complete block design with six replicates, repeated eight times in greenhouse cone-tainers. Plants were infested with 2,000 SCN eggs at planting or 15 SBA at the V2 stage. Aphid populations were counted at 5-, 15-, and 30-days post-infestation (dpi), and SCN eggs sampled at 30 dpi. SCN egg density increased significantly in the susceptible cultivar but remained unchanged in the resistant cultivar in the presence of SBA, while SBA populations declined under SCN infestation. RNA-seq identified 4,637 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 5 dpi and 19,032 DEGs at 30 dpi. Analyses focused on DEGs shared across treatments but discordantly expressed in resistant cultivars during SBA–SCN interactions. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed seven and nine modules at 5 and 30 dpi, respectively. Enrichment analyses identified ‘Plant–Pathogen Interaction’ and ‘Cutin, Suberin, and Wax Biosynthesis’ at 5 dpi, and ‘Isoflavonoid Biosynthesis’ and ‘One-Carbon Pool by Folate’ at 30 dpi. Several DEGs overlapped with SCN resistance QTLs, identifying candidate genes for cross-resistance breeding.

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