The lack of suitable varieties is a constraint to okra production in West Africa. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of morphological diversity of 260 accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in Mal...The lack of suitable varieties is a constraint to okra production in West Africa. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of morphological diversity of 260 accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in Mali. A total of 25 qualitative and quantitative traits, including plant height, number of branches, pod length, and pod yield, were measured under field conditions. Significant variation was observed for all agronomic traits (p 2 < 60), suggesting that these traits are largely controlled by genetic factors. The pod yield was affected by the incidence of diseases. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed four distinct clusters, indicating a broad genetic base. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs targeting improved okra varieties with enhanced yield and resilience, contributing to sustainable agricultural development in Mali.展开更多
Dryland areas are experiencing low agricultural yields due to severe water shortages and salinity, leading to food scarcity. Mungbean (Vigna radiate) is gaining attention as a short-season crop that can tolerate dryla...Dryland areas are experiencing low agricultural yields due to severe water shortages and salinity, leading to food scarcity. Mungbean (Vigna radiate) is gaining attention as a short-season crop that can tolerate dryland conditions, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, decreasing soil nutrient depletion. It is a source of high-quality protein for human consumption and can serve as a multipurpose crop, if harvest residues are used as fodder or green manure. However, little of this legume’s potential has been explored. This review aims to underline the importance of mungbean as an agricultural crop by reviewing relevant literature on the potential contribution of mungbean to food security and a balanced diet as well as the effect of mungbean cultivation on farm income and gender equality. The challenges of climate change in plant production are discussed, and how progress in mungbean breeding and the application of improved cultivation techniques, such as regulated deficit irrigation, conservation agriculture, and inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can overcome them.展开更多
文摘The lack of suitable varieties is a constraint to okra production in West Africa. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of morphological diversity of 260 accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in Mali. A total of 25 qualitative and quantitative traits, including plant height, number of branches, pod length, and pod yield, were measured under field conditions. Significant variation was observed for all agronomic traits (p 2 < 60), suggesting that these traits are largely controlled by genetic factors. The pod yield was affected by the incidence of diseases. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed four distinct clusters, indicating a broad genetic base. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs targeting improved okra varieties with enhanced yield and resilience, contributing to sustainable agricultural development in Mali.
文摘Dryland areas are experiencing low agricultural yields due to severe water shortages and salinity, leading to food scarcity. Mungbean (Vigna radiate) is gaining attention as a short-season crop that can tolerate dryland conditions, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, decreasing soil nutrient depletion. It is a source of high-quality protein for human consumption and can serve as a multipurpose crop, if harvest residues are used as fodder or green manure. However, little of this legume’s potential has been explored. This review aims to underline the importance of mungbean as an agricultural crop by reviewing relevant literature on the potential contribution of mungbean to food security and a balanced diet as well as the effect of mungbean cultivation on farm income and gender equality. The challenges of climate change in plant production are discussed, and how progress in mungbean breeding and the application of improved cultivation techniques, such as regulated deficit irrigation, conservation agriculture, and inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can overcome them.