African Crop Science Journal

Sélection d’accessions de niébé à haut rendement à partir d’un germoplasme de la Côte d’Ivoire

D.E.F. Thiemele, J.S.K. Assouman, E.B.Z. Koffi, S.D.M. Yao, N. Diarrassouba — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Le niébé (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) est un aliment de base important pour les ménages en Afrique subsaharienne (ASS), en particulier en Afrique de l’Ouest, où sa capacité de production est restée marginale par rapport au niveau de la recherche. L’objectif de cette étude était d’analyser la variabilité agromorphologique du germoplasme du niébé afin d’identifier des génotypes à haut rendement pour le programme de sélection en Côte d’Ivoire. L’étude a été menée au Jardin botanique de l’Université Peleforo GON COULIBALY, en Côte d’Ivoire, et a porté sur 32 accessions de niébé provenant de la collection in situ de l’université. Les accessions ont été évaluées selon un plan en blocs de Fisher, avec trois répétitions. Les données ont été enregistrées sur 16 caractères quantitatifs agromorphologiques. Des différences significatives (P<0,05) ont été observées pour l’ensemble des 16 caractères quantitatifs analysés et une grande variabilité entre les accessions a été mise en évidence. L’analyse en composantes principales (ACP) a confirmé cette variabilité morphologique à 73,78 %. La classification ascendante hiérarchique a permis de classer les accessions en trois groupes de diversité significativement distincts, en fonction du rendement en grains. Le groupe 1 comprenait les accessions à haut rendement (3728,75 kg ha^-1), suivi du groupe 2 (2693,93 kg ha^-1) et du groupe 3 (1620,28 kg ha^-1). Les accessions NFE011, NTE015, NTE02 et NKO03 du groupe 1 ont été identifiées comme ayant des haut rendements, avec des rendements moyens respectifs de 3855,07, 3737,30, 3668,89 et 3653,74 kg ha-1. Ces génotypes, identifiés par leurs rendements plus élevés, pourraient être utilisés dans le cadre d’un programme de sélection pour améliorer la production du niébé en Côte d’Ivoire.

Genetic purity and polymorphic marker evaluation of cowpea genotypes

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Genetic purity and availability of polymorphic markers are fundamental pre-breeding requirements for accelerating crop improvement research. The objective of this study was to assess the purity of cowpea genotypes and evaluate the genotypes through morphological and molecular techniques. Fourteen cowpea genotypes were subjected to purity testing using 15 SSRs and converted-SNP markers. Genotypes including Bigbean, SpM028, Magic201, Alan Cash and IT82E-18 were identified as 100% pure at the loci tested. Field evaluation revealed high variability, with Bigbean, Alan cash, SpM028 and Padituya having large seed size and yield parameters. Cluster and molecular analyses revealed three and two groups, respectively: aiding in selection of divergent parents for heterosis maximisation. Polymorphic markers identified will be a useful resource in cowpea improvement, utilising the genotypes in the current study. The genotypes identified with large seed size and yield parameters, will serve as donors for cowpea improvement targeting these traits.

Leveraging genetic diversity of groundnuts for resilience to drought and foliar disease in Ghana

D. Oppong-Sekyere, O.W. Aduguba , H.J. Essel — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) yields in the tropics are invariably low due to factors mainly endemic drought and diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of groundnut landraces and improved varieties for drought and foliar disease tolerance using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic diversity was assessed using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) clustering based on Simple Matching similarity coefficients in NTsys software (v2.2). Results showed substantial genetic diversity, with allelic frequencies ranging from 0.3571 to 1.0000, averaging 0.5792 for drought tolerance and 0.5488 for foliar disease tolerance. Primers TC2D06, Ah2TC7H11, and S11 demonstrated the highest gene diversity and polymorphic information content (PIC) values (0.7422; 0.7408), (0.7242; 0.6987), and (0.6683; 0.6521), respectively. The highest heterozygosity values of 1.0000 were recorded by primers Ah2TC7H11 and GM1954. The study revealed significant genetic variation, between landraces and improved varieties, for drought and foliar disease tolerance. Landraces exhibited greater diversity than their improved variety counterparts. Dendrograms grouped genotypes into distinct clusters. Marker-assisted selection using QTLs and informative SSR markers showed strong potential.

Effect of plant extracts on seed germination and fungal infections of sesame varieties cultivated in Chad

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production has become an important cash crop enterprise in Chad due to its high demand both locally and internationally. However, the scale of production of the crop remains low and does not meet consumer demand, partly due to fungal diseases that hinder its cultivation. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of selected plant extracts against some major fungal diseases in seeds of sesame in Chad. Mature seeds from nine sesame varieties that were collected in Chad, were treated separately in extracts of Cassia sieberiana, Vachellia nilotica, Ricinus communis and Calotropis procera, for six hours, at concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 mg ml^-1. This was done before being sown in Petri dishes containing blotting paper. Data were collected on seed germination, seedling vigour index and the extent of disease infection. The results showed that aqueous extracts of V. nilotica and C. procera at 75 mg ml^-1 showed 100% of germination and 0% of infection in the S42-ITRAD, Makaye, Ker Ndaa and Locale Guéra varieties. All seeds treated with different plant extracts at 75 mg ml^-1, presented significantly higher seedling vigour than seedlings from the negative control. These findings suggest that using these plant extracts could reduce fungal infections in sesame seedlings; and enhance seed germination and seedling vigour.

Optimising plant density and nitrogen rates for effective powdery mildew management in garden peas

M. Muriithi, M. Mwangi, A. Karanja, F. Matheri — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is crucial in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), serving both local consumption and export. Its production, however, faces significant challenges mainly due to powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi), which is responsible for yield losses of up 60%. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum point of N fertiliser interaction with planting densities, for control of powdery mildew disease in garden pea. Treatments included N rates at 0, 15, 30, and 60 kg-1; mode of application (foliar or root base) and plant density (45 cm x 15 cm and 45 cm x 7.5 cm). The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. Results showed that disease severity and incidence increased along with N application and plant density; however, yield reduced at both high N rate (60 kg N ha-1) and in the control (0 kg N ha-1) rates. Fertiliser intensity significantly influenced powdery mildew occurrence, pod yield, and plant branches in garden peas, underscoring the need for strategic N management and planting density for sustainable disease management. The study identified 30 kg N ha-1 applied either by foliar or root application, together with 45 cm x 15 cm plant spacing as the most effective combination; which effectively reduced powdery mildew incidence; while improving crop yield.

Morphological characteristics of sorghum genotypes for yield contributing traits under stress environments in Zimbabwe

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for effective sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) breeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphological diversity of sorghum genotypes for yield contributing traits under stress conditions, in different agro-ecologies in Zimbabwe. A field experiment was conducted at three sites (Gwebi Research Centre - high rainfall; Kwekwe Research Centre - moderate rainfall and Makoholi Research Centre - low rainfall); during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 cropping seasons in Zimbabwe. The eleven genotypes were laid out in a randomised complete block design, with three replications. Combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in most grain yield contributing parameters; highlighting substantial genetic diversity. Both northern leaf blight and sorghum sooty stripe were significant (P<0.05) at Gwebi site, a disease hot spot site. Grain yield, and plant width exhibited high (>20%) genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability (>60%) and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (>20%) across sites; suggesting strong genetic control. Gwebi research centre, the site with favourable climate, demonstrated higher grain yields; while the drier sites (Makoholi Research Centre) favoured drought-resilience traits, such as shorter plant height and early maturity. Disease resistance traits were significant under humid conditions (Gwebi site), but not-significant in arid environments (Kwekwe and Makoholi); thus underscoring the need for site-targeted selection strategies.

Shelf-life and nutritional quality of carrot under different zero energy cooling chambers storage regimes

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a key crop in sub-Saharan Africa, and suffers from post-harvest losses which reduce yields, quality and farmer incomes. This study evaluated the potential of the Zero Energy Cooling Chambers (ZECCs) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) pre-treatments to reduce carrot post-harvest losses in Rwanda. The study was conducted across two agroecological zones in Rwanda; Huye (20 °C) and Busogo (17-20 °C). Four storage methods were assessed; namely wheat straw (control), ZECC alone, ZECC with hot CaCl₂ dip; and ZECC with cool CaCl₂ dip. Weight loss, yield and nutritional contents (dry matter, sugar, and vitamin C) were traced over 30 days. Weight loss, marketable yield and nutritional quality were significantly influenced by the storage methods (P<0.05). Wheat straw storage caused the highest weight loss; while ZECC treatments reduced losses to 30.1%, at both sites demonstrating the best preservation of carrot quality. ZECC with cool CaCl₂ dip achieved the highest yields. Wheat straw storage caused a total marketable loss by day 19; while ZECC alone retained 5.6 kg. ZECC with carrots pretreated with CaCl2 (hot and cool) dips improved yields, with ZECC combined cool CaCl₂ dip preserving the most nutrients. This method retained the most vitamin C and sugars. ZECC with cool CaCl₂ dip is scalable to end users, and is also cost-effective.

Proximate composition of some landraces and wild relatives of Bambara groundnut in a savannah agro-ecology in Nigeria

A. Damfami, O.A.T. Namo, K.E. Deshi — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] is a leguminous crop grown in different parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The seeds contain high protein and minerals and, therefore, bear food and nutritional potentials. There is need for regular proximate analysis of the commonly cultivated landraces and wild relatives to update their nutritional profiles. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional profile of some landraces and wild relatives of Bambara groundnut in the savannah agro-ecology in northern Nigeria. The harvested seeds were analysed using the standard procedures of the Association of Analytical Chemists. The results showed that moisture content, ash content, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate and available energy varied significantly across accessions. Based on the present results, the crop is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber and ash content. Therefore, the crop has the potential to address food and nutritional problems; and to contribute to food and fodder security in Nigeria, particularly among the poor rural communities. The wild relatives could serve as repositories of genes for future improvement of the crop and should, therefore, be conserved.

Impact of pharmaceutical wastewater on phytochemical constitution of commonly consumed vegetables in Nigeria

Y.E. Bayode, KG. Olawepo, C.O. Ogunkunle , K.S. Olorunmaiye — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines is a desired industrialisation process, though the production of wastewater during its operations and its release into surrounding water systems may pose environmental pollution challenges. The objectives of this study was to examine the effect pharmaceutical industrial processing wastewater on the phytochemical constitution of commonly consumed vegetables in Nigeria. A study was conducted at the University of Ilorin Botanical Garden, involving two commonly consumed vegetables, namely Amaranthus viridis (African spinach) and Corchorus olitorus (jute mallow) cultivated in soils treated with different concentrations of pharmaceutical wastewater (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%). Phytochemical analyses included the test to determine the presence and quantities of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. Results revealed that the alkaloid content was marginally present in spinach leaves from soil treated with 100% wastewater, but moderately present in Amaranthus viridis from other treatments. The study revealed that the alkaloid content in Amaranthus viridis ranged from 4.22 to 9.8 mg 100 g -1; while glycoside content in Corchorus olitorius leaves varied between 0.50 to 2.72 mg 100 g-1. On the other hand, low pharmaceutical wastewater concentrations enhanced phytochemicals, with high concentrations causing heavy metal stress, resulting in reduced phytochemical yields. Phytochemical yield is the amount of bioactive plant compounds (phytochemicals) extracted from a plant sample, and it is usually expressed as a percentage of the weight of the initial plant material.

Comparative technical and financial advantage of solar versus diesel-powered sprinkler irrigation systems in the Guinea savannah agro-ecological zone of Ghana

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The contribution of crop production to gross domestic product gross domestic product (GDP) in Ghana, has been declining; in part owing to over dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which has been dreaded by extreme climate change effects. Only about 6.5% of total cultivable land area in the country is irrigated; this is equivalent to 16,909 hectares. Because of the increasing cost of fuel (petrol and diesel) and the year-round availability of sunshine, it can be argued that making solar pumps widely available is a more promising alternative option to that of diesel pumps. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical and financial advantage of using solar versus diesel-powered sprinkler irrigation systems in vegetable production in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana. Solar and diesel pumps were used to power the same sprinkler irrigation system to irrigate cabbage from April to July 2022; and onion from June to September 2022. Cabbage required 132.5 mm; while onion required 48 mm supplementary irrigation to meet the computed total water requirement of 465.6 mm and 426.6 for cabbage and onion, respectively, during the study. The solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) pump sizing tool showed that the solar pump had 25.9 m head, with 34% efficiency; compared to the designed discharge. The diesel pump on the otherhand, had a head of 28 meters, 60 m3 hr-1 discharges and the horsepower of 7 hp 4000 rpm-1. The pump had an adjustable speed and discharge. It was set not to exceed 5 Bar pressure on the pressure gauge, for the sake of the system and for having almost similar operating conditions with the solar pump. In addition, hourly solar radiation data required above 50 w m-2 irradiance to operate. The solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) Payback tool also confirmed that solar initial investment was high compared to diesel powered system. Diesel powered irrigation system showed a better cost-benefit ratio of 2.491 compared to 0.974 of solar powered irrigation system (SPIS), during the initial stages of use. However, solar powered system surpassed the diesel one after nine years of the system life cycle. Also, solar powered system mitigated 1,049.5 kg of CO2 ha-1, when irrigation was supplementary; while that amount increases up 4,198.2 kg of CO2 ha-1 for total irrigation of vegetables farm during the growing season of one crop (Cabbage). Diesel engine-operated irrigation pump emitted carbon dioxide, while the solar pump was an environmentally friendly technology.