Cowpea Constraints and Breeding in Europe

Plants, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(6), P. 1339 - 1339

Published: March 16, 2023

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume with constant rate of cultivation in Southern European countries. Consumer demand for cowpea worldwide rising due to its nutritional content, while Europe constantly attempting reduce the deficit production pulses and invest new, healthy food market products. Although climatic conditions that prevail are not so harsh terms heat drought as tropical climates where mainly cultivated, confronts plethora abiotic biotic stresses yield-limiting factors In this paper, we summarize main constraints breeding methods have been or can be used. A special mention made availability plant genetic resources (PGRs) their potential purposes, aiming promote more sustainable cropping systems shifts become frequent fiercer, environmental degradation expands worldwide.

Language: Английский

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Marketing Farmers’ Varieties in Europe: Encouraging Pathways with Missing Links for the Recognition and Support of Farmer Seed Systems

Agronomy, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(11), P. 2159 - 2159

Published: Oct. 27, 2021

Farmer seed systems come in many shades: Conserving, producing, and using diverse plant material for different motives purposes, whether the conservation or selection of locally adapted varieties populations, safeguard social bonds to secure economic stability integration into rural communities. In Europe, strict marketing rules, by viewing any exchange seeds as commercial exploitation, have first outlawed these farmer conserved developed systems, before carving out limited space them derogations main regime that remains based on mandatory variety registration certified production. Examining spaces legislation European Union (‘EU’) Switzerland, along with their practical implications ground, article shows conceptual shortcomings EU fully address all characteristics especially recognize farmers’ innovation. It exposes need carefully define, assess adjust underlying objectives future legislative effort register allow exchange, represent complex socio-economic values diversity systems. The success endeavors will lie truthful representation, but also engagement farmers actors not only conserve, dynamically manage agrobiodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Nutrient addition alters plant community productivity but not the species diversity of a mountain meadow in Tajikistan

Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: Jan. 15, 2024

Introduction Tajikistan is a typical mountainous country covered by different mountain grasslands that are important pasture resources. Recently, grassland degradation has become widespread due to climate change and human activities fertilization been used improve production. However, fertilizer inputs can substantially alter species diversity, but it uncl\ear how productivity diversity respond nutrient enrichment in the meadows of Tajikistan. Methods Therefore, 5-year (2018–2022) continuous in-situ mineral experiment was conducted examine effects three nitrogen (N) levels (0, 30, 90 kg N ha –1 year ), two phosphorus (P) (0 30 P their combinations on above-ground biomass (AGB) meadow Ziddi, Varzob region, Five metrics—Margalef’s richness (D ma Shannon–Wiener index (H), Simpson (C), Pielou’s equitability (E pi Evar Species Evenness var )—were measure diversity. Results discussions The results indicated addition amounts various considerably increased both total dominant AGB, with highest increase occurring N90P30 (90 combined ) treatment 2022; during experiment, importance value Prangos pabularia (dominant species) first decreased then increased, its status did not or fluctuate among years. Furthermore, N, P, had no significant effect , H, C, E ). All indexes fluctuated years, there interaction addition. Total AGB negative relationship low concentration (N30; P30) strengthened this trend. trend under high condition (N90P30). Overall, natural region improved which meant more forage for local animals. Mineral fertilizers may enhance P. dominance future, will help maintain stability plant community quality because an excellent winter fodder. Our study suggests scientific management could effectively promote production, conserve variety, regenerate degraded grassland, counteract desertification process northwest meadows.

Language: Английский

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A multifunctional life cycle assessment of durum wheat cropping systems

Agronomy for Sustainable Development, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 44(5)

Published: Oct. 1, 2024

Abstract Agricultural systems strongly impact ecosystems by driving terrestrial degradation, water depletion, and climate change. The Life Cycle Assessment allows for comprehensive analyses of the environmental impacts food production. Nonetheless, its application still faces challenges due to cropping systems’ increased complexity multifunctionality. Past research has emphasized need more holistic approaches consider dynamic crop interactions diverse functions systems, beyond just meeting demand foods feeds. In this context, study applied an alternative combined multifunctional modelling approach compare performances two durum wheat systems. latter differed in rotation schedules, farming methods, tillage techniques, genotypes grown (including both modern old ones). Novel methodological choices were adopted study, aiming at best representing peculiarities these considering effects reflecting main stakeholders’ perspectives. results showed that organic low-input landrace-growing system (Case 1) had considerably lower than conventional high-input one 2), regardless functional unit. hotspots land occupation bare fallow Case 1 2, respectively. At endpoint level, most affected categories analysis use, fine particulate matter formation, global warming (human health), human non-carcinogenic toxicity. Also, midpoint pointed out important differences terms other assessed categories, with better performing majority them. identified improvement solutions include following: enhancement yield optimization nitrogen provision from leguminous Case1, shift toward a efficient rotational scheme, reduction use external inputs, avoidance unnecessary soil operations 2.

Language: Английский

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A Comparative Assessment of Agronomic and Baking Qualities of Modern/Old Varieties and Landraces of Wheat Grown in Calabria (Italy)

Foods, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 11(15), P. 2359 - 2359

Published: Aug. 6, 2022

The cultivation of wheat has been part the evolution human civilisation since ancient times. Wheat breeding modified some its characteristics to obtain improved varieties with high production potential that better meet demands bread and pasta industry. Even today, there are still old varieties, landraces, adapted particular environments. They cultivated in areas because interest shown by market typical bakery products expressing cultural heritage local communities. aim this work was evaluate bio-agronomic four modern genotypes, one cultivar two landraces typically grown Calabria (Southern Italy). experiment carried out over years different locations, during which main quality traits related making aptitude were detected. A marked difference found between other genotypes both agronomic technological characteristics. Despite higher protein gluten content, have a significantly lower index.

Language: Английский

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Farmers’ Preferences and Agronomic Evaluation of Dynamic Mixtures of Rice and Bean in Nepal

Diversity, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 660 - 660

Published: May 13, 2023

Field trials of rice and bean dynamic mixtures were carried out in low input hill farming systems Nepal from 2019 to 2021 improve productivity resilience. The conducted two locations (Jumla Lamjung) those on Jumla, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Dynamic constructed landraces, improved varieties breeding lines for both crops. A total 48 entries used whereas 56 66 make location-specific Lamjung respectively. They formed by mixing diverse as strategy maintain broad genetic base. Farmers (men women) technicians selected the most complex mixture selections added starting second year. In rice, some gave grain yield comparable check higher than local checks. case bean, differences between not significant but received high preference score. Overall, appear reliable material sustainable increase system Nepal.

Language: Английский

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A three-stage approach for co-designing diversified cropping systems with farmers: the case study of lentil-wheat intercropping

Italian Journal of Agronomy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 30, 2023

There is an increasing need for more sustainable and diversified cropping systems while guaranteeing adequate crop yields economic viability European farms. The intercropping of lentil with wheat can be a valuable agroecological practice stabilizing improving weed control; however, this requires better knowledge about the technical viability, suitable varieties, sowing density, management practices different conditions, feasibility these solutions farmers. In paper, we present three-stage participatory approach aimed at involving farmers in evaluation design knowledge-intensive applied it to case wheat-lentil intercropping. proposed articulated into three connected stages experiments scales (plot, field farm) grades interactions among researchers regarding results. first stage, set up controlled plot experimental station allowing all interested observe comment on various treatments that were investigated during dedicated events. This stage tested potential improve sustainability local farming system provide solid scientific background ecosystem services provided by intercropping, such as production, yield stability, control. While being agronomically beneficial, benefits have still proven. Therefore, based results obtained from feedback opportunities weaknesses on-station application second experiment was carried out using commercial agriculture machines objective test larger scale. final third co-designed on-farm supporting farmer establishing lentil-wheat adapted farm conditions. demonstrated gradually process, starting evaluating most promising implementing them farms, supports successful transition farms towards systems.

Language: Английский

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A multi-criteria qualitative tool for the sustainability assessment of organic durum wheat-based farming systems designed through a participative process

Italian Journal of Agronomy, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 16(1)

Published: Feb. 12, 2021

The agriculture sustainability assessment is a difficult issue for the coexistence of conflicting objectives and multidimensionality performances. environmental, economic social pillars need to be simultaneously considered in an evaluate potential synergies trade-offs agricultural processes within among attributes dimensions both implemented systems (ex-post analysis) options (ex-ante analysis). Among several methods, tools based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA) are increasingly adopted evaluating agriculture. aim this work was present MCA tool developed framework BioDurum project organic farms located southern Italy characterised by durum wheat-based crop rotations. entirely designed through participatory process it realised using open-source DEXi software that have demonstrated particularly suitable creating qualitative multi-criterial hierarchic models with engage stakeholders. structure BioDurum_MCA resulted composed 64 indicators 45 aggregated articulated three branches representing agro-environment, economic, pillars. reflected complexity issues priorities expressed involved tested four Italian presenting different agro-environmental socio-economic patterns their ex-post evaluations ex-ante production identified compliance regulation concerning requirements rotations farming. results highlighted well discriminatory power tool. best overall scores were reached diversified cereal farming processed products sold short supply chain mechanisms. has proved feasible identify strengths weaknesses systems. Its adoption can support definition specific interventions sector Strategic National Plan Common Agricultural Policy. Further improvements threshold classes some wider number wheat will increase model sensitivity reliability results. Highlights - effective Hierarchic reflects holistic evaluation farm performances frame post-2020 CAP.

Language: Английский

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Developing high-quality value-added cereals for organic systems in the US Upper Midwest: hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding

Theoretical and Applied Genetics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 135(11), P. 4005 - 4027

Published: May 28, 2022

There is an increased demand for food-grade grains grown sustainably. Hard red winter wheat has comparative advantages organic farm rotations due to fall soil cover, weed competition, and grain yields. However, limitations of currently available cultivars such as poor disease resistance, hardiness, baking quality, challenges its adoption use. Our goal was develop a participatory hard breeding program the US Upper Midwest involving farmers, millers, bakers. Specifically, our goals include (1) evaluation genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) genotypic stability both agronomic quality traits, (2) development on-farm trials well sensory evaluations genotypes bakers' perspectives in process. Selection early generations diseases protein content followed by multi-environment agronomic, disease, traits three locations during five years, evaluations, trials, evaluations. GEI substantial most but no repeatable environmental conditions were significant contributors making selection critical trait. Breeding lines had similar performance on-station compared commercial checks, some more stable than checks performance. These results suggest that can be developed using approach under management. Crop improvement explicitly targeting sustainable agriculture practices with table are achieve long-term crop production. KEY MESSAGE: We describe focused on developing adapted systems high-end artisan approaches.

Language: Английский

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Organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest and Northeast: Challenges and lessons learned

Agronomy Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 116(6), P. 2735 - 2753

Published: Aug. 22, 2024

Abstract Small grains provide agronomic benefits that are critical to the success of organic production, and opportunities within local food movements create expanded markets for small grains. However, diversifying rotations with can present challenges related infrastructure, markets. Here, we draw upon over two decades integrated research Extension efforts support grain production in Upper Midwest, Northeast, other regions United States where these crops underutilized. Lessons learned have led development guiding principles a systems‐level approach regional production. Forming innovative partnerships between farmers, researchers, end users is critical. This enables research, adjust needs, adapt available foster economies. The key lie ahead also discussed, especially adapting practices conditions changing climates. highlighted here will increase resilience farms across expand adoption

Language: Английский

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