Land degradation poses significant threats to food and environmental security globally. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), livestock production is an important and significant livelihood. Unfortunately, overstocking...Land degradation poses significant threats to food and environmental security globally. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), livestock production is an important and significant livelihood. Unfortunately, overstocking and overgrazing have diminished pasture availability, and thus adversely impacting on the sector’s contribution to food security for many ASAL communities. The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Program in its quest to combat soil erosion, deforestation, and Prosopis juliflora invasion in the Lake Bogoria Landscape, Baringo County, Kenya has supported the establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) since 2018. Despite its introduction and establishment, the socioeconomic factors influencing its adoption remain undocumented. This study evaluated these factors in three administrative wards, namely: Ilchamus, Mochongoi, and Marigat of Baringo South Sub-County. Data was collected from 103 households using a semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Our results revealed that Cenchrus ciliaris adoption has partially reduced soil erosion and deforestation, improved livelihoods and environmental conservation. Nearly 50% of the respondents have established 2 to 5 acres of buffel grass pasturelands on their farms. The level of education of the respondents for had a significant association with the participants’ knowledge regarding the advantages of pasture production for environmental conservation (χ2 = 16.93;p χ2 = 77.71;p χ2 = 18.3;p χ2 = 3.8;p Cenchrus ciliaris value chain are recommended as practical strategies of enhancing livestock production and environmental conservation in Kenya’s ASALs.展开更多
Cenchrus biflorus called Karangiya in the Hausa language is an annual pastoral grass which is a valuable herbaceous fodder in dry land region in the context of climate change. However, little is known about the plant ...Cenchrus biflorus called Karangiya in the Hausa language is an annual pastoral grass which is a valuable herbaceous fodder in dry land region in the context of climate change. However, little is known about the plant water use under the effects of cut in West Africa Sahel like Niger where the plant is a multipurpose grass species. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of grazing (simulated by shoot cuts) on biomass production. Cenchrus biflorus Roxb was grown on field plots and in pots and subjected to shoot cuts at different levels (3 cm and 5 cm from soil surface). The effect of shoot cuts on drought tolerance was evaluated by assessing the response of transpiration to the diurnal variation of vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Results showed that the biomass production varied in response to shoot cuts depending on the culture system, and the level or frequency of cuts. The mean biomass production increased significantly especially in field plots for 5 cm cuts compared to those at 3 cm and the control treatment. In addition, transpiration was highly increased in response to the VPD increase. Shoot cuts significantly reduced transpiration, whatever the level, largely because they reduced leaf surface. We concluded that moderate grazing (cuts to 5cm) can improve biomass production and allow better adaptation to water deficit as they significantly reduced water loss through transpiration. The study recommends the cropping of the Cenchrus biflorus as climate solution as it performs better under water deficit for improving grazing resilience in Niger.展开更多
采用生物信息学方法鉴定了巨菌草(Cenchrus fungigraminus Z. X. Lin&D.M. Lin&S. R. Lan sp. nov.)中CAMTA(calmodulin-binding transcription activator)转录因子的家族成员,并对其蛋白序列的理化性质、基因结构、保守基序、...采用生物信息学方法鉴定了巨菌草(Cenchrus fungigraminus Z. X. Lin&D.M. Lin&S. R. Lan sp. nov.)中CAMTA(calmodulin-binding transcription activator)转录因子的家族成员,并对其蛋白序列的理化性质、基因结构、保守基序、保守功能结构域、系统进化发育关系、启动子区域顺式作用元件进行了分析;探讨了巨菌草CAMTA((CfuCAMTA))家族成员在干旱胁迫下转录水平的变化,以及CfuCAMTA转录因子对响应干旱胁迫的影响.结果表明:巨菌草CAMTA家族共有15个成员,其中仅CfuCAMTA10和CfuCAMTA11较为稳定,不稳定系数小于40;多数成员为不稳定蛋白质;巨菌草和紫象草CAMTA基因的亲缘关系最近;4个CAMTA转录因子的表达水平随干旱时间的延长,在第14天表达量达到最大,说明这些CAMTA参与了干旱胁迫的响应.展开更多
Drought impacts in arid desert ecosystems can result in decreased ecosystem productivity and biodiversity.Implementation of restoration projects in arid desert environments is largely dependent on water availabi...Drought impacts in arid desert ecosystems can result in decreased ecosystem productivity and biodiversity.Implementation of restoration projects in arid desert environments is largely dependent on water availability and soil moisture condition.This study investigated the influence of induced drought stress by using polyethylene glycol(PEG-6000)solution on germination viz.Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setigerus as the important rangeland species.The water stress potential treatments were 0(control),-0.5 MPa,-1.0 MPa,-1.5 MPa,and-2.0 MPa.The extent of seed germination was severely affected by decreased water stress potential.As drought increased,the percentage of germination decreased in both Cenchrus’species.The water deficit at-0.5 MPa showed a significant(P<0.001)reduction in the final germination percentage in the case of C.setigerus and C.ciliaris by 65%and 42.5%,respectively.At-1.0 MPa to-1.5 MPa,changes in intermediate germination were observed in C.ciliaris(from 35%to 17.5%,respectively)and C.setigerus(from 22.5%to 11.25%respectively).Higher levels of water stress(-2.0 MPa)prevented the survival of both species.Understanding the germination strategies of native desert plant species associated with drought stress and identifying favorable conditions during the germination process can be useful for restoration practices and rangeland management actions to improve desert ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the potential ecological dam- ages of alien invasive species Cenchrus echinatus. [Method] By using seed germi- nation method, the effects of different concentrations of C. e...[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the potential ecological dam- ages of alien invasive species Cenchrus echinatus. [Method] By using seed germi- nation method, the effects of different concentrations of C. echinatus aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of three Solanaceae crops were investigated. [Result] After incubated for 5 d, no significant differences were observed in germination speed indices of Lycopersicum esculentum seeds between aqueous extract groups and control groups; germination speed indices of Solarium melongena seeds were significantly reduced with the increasing concentration of Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts; however, Capsicum frutescens seeds in various groups were not germinated. After incubated for 7 d, root lengths of Lycopersicum esculentum seedlings were inhibited with the increasing concentration of Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts, while stem lengths and comprehensive allelopathic effects were promoted; germination rates of Solanum melongena seeds in various groups were all significantly lower than control groups; root length, stem length and comprehen- sive allelopathic effects in higher concentration groups were inhibited; germination rates of Capsicum frutescens seeds were significantly inhibited, and those in the highest concentration group were not generated. After incubated for 14 d, all indica- tors of Solanum melongena were significantly inhibited; various indicators of Capsicum frutescens in the highest concentration group were significantly inhibited. [Conclusion] The sensitivity of three Solanaceae crops to Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts presented an overall order of Solanum melongena 〉 Capsicum frutescens 〉 Lycopersicum esculentum, suggesting that Cenchrus echinatus can to some extent inhibit the growth of several crops, which should be strictly prevented and controlled in agricultural production.展开更多
文摘Land degradation poses significant threats to food and environmental security globally. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), livestock production is an important and significant livelihood. Unfortunately, overstocking and overgrazing have diminished pasture availability, and thus adversely impacting on the sector’s contribution to food security for many ASAL communities. The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Program in its quest to combat soil erosion, deforestation, and Prosopis juliflora invasion in the Lake Bogoria Landscape, Baringo County, Kenya has supported the establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) since 2018. Despite its introduction and establishment, the socioeconomic factors influencing its adoption remain undocumented. This study evaluated these factors in three administrative wards, namely: Ilchamus, Mochongoi, and Marigat of Baringo South Sub-County. Data was collected from 103 households using a semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Our results revealed that Cenchrus ciliaris adoption has partially reduced soil erosion and deforestation, improved livelihoods and environmental conservation. Nearly 50% of the respondents have established 2 to 5 acres of buffel grass pasturelands on their farms. The level of education of the respondents for had a significant association with the participants’ knowledge regarding the advantages of pasture production for environmental conservation (χ2 = 16.93;p χ2 = 77.71;p χ2 = 18.3;p χ2 = 3.8;p Cenchrus ciliaris value chain are recommended as practical strategies of enhancing livestock production and environmental conservation in Kenya’s ASALs.
文摘Cenchrus biflorus called Karangiya in the Hausa language is an annual pastoral grass which is a valuable herbaceous fodder in dry land region in the context of climate change. However, little is known about the plant water use under the effects of cut in West Africa Sahel like Niger where the plant is a multipurpose grass species. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of grazing (simulated by shoot cuts) on biomass production. Cenchrus biflorus Roxb was grown on field plots and in pots and subjected to shoot cuts at different levels (3 cm and 5 cm from soil surface). The effect of shoot cuts on drought tolerance was evaluated by assessing the response of transpiration to the diurnal variation of vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Results showed that the biomass production varied in response to shoot cuts depending on the culture system, and the level or frequency of cuts. The mean biomass production increased significantly especially in field plots for 5 cm cuts compared to those at 3 cm and the control treatment. In addition, transpiration was highly increased in response to the VPD increase. Shoot cuts significantly reduced transpiration, whatever the level, largely because they reduced leaf surface. We concluded that moderate grazing (cuts to 5cm) can improve biomass production and allow better adaptation to water deficit as they significantly reduced water loss through transpiration. The study recommends the cropping of the Cenchrus biflorus as climate solution as it performs better under water deficit for improving grazing resilience in Niger.
文摘采用生物信息学方法鉴定了巨菌草(Cenchrus fungigraminus Z. X. Lin&D.M. Lin&S. R. Lan sp. nov.)中CAMTA(calmodulin-binding transcription activator)转录因子的家族成员,并对其蛋白序列的理化性质、基因结构、保守基序、保守功能结构域、系统进化发育关系、启动子区域顺式作用元件进行了分析;探讨了巨菌草CAMTA((CfuCAMTA))家族成员在干旱胁迫下转录水平的变化,以及CfuCAMTA转录因子对响应干旱胁迫的影响.结果表明:巨菌草CAMTA家族共有15个成员,其中仅CfuCAMTA10和CfuCAMTA11较为稳定,不稳定系数小于40;多数成员为不稳定蛋白质;巨菌草和紫象草CAMTA基因的亲缘关系最近;4个CAMTA转录因子的表达水平随干旱时间的延长,在第14天表达量达到最大,说明这些CAMTA参与了干旱胁迫的响应.
基金This study was made possible by generous support of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research(KISR).
文摘Drought impacts in arid desert ecosystems can result in decreased ecosystem productivity and biodiversity.Implementation of restoration projects in arid desert environments is largely dependent on water availability and soil moisture condition.This study investigated the influence of induced drought stress by using polyethylene glycol(PEG-6000)solution on germination viz.Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setigerus as the important rangeland species.The water stress potential treatments were 0(control),-0.5 MPa,-1.0 MPa,-1.5 MPa,and-2.0 MPa.The extent of seed germination was severely affected by decreased water stress potential.As drought increased,the percentage of germination decreased in both Cenchrus’species.The water deficit at-0.5 MPa showed a significant(P<0.001)reduction in the final germination percentage in the case of C.setigerus and C.ciliaris by 65%and 42.5%,respectively.At-1.0 MPa to-1.5 MPa,changes in intermediate germination were observed in C.ciliaris(from 35%to 17.5%,respectively)and C.setigerus(from 22.5%to 11.25%respectively).Higher levels of water stress(-2.0 MPa)prevented the survival of both species.Understanding the germination strategies of native desert plant species associated with drought stress and identifying favorable conditions during the germination process can be useful for restoration practices and rangeland management actions to improve desert ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
基金Supported by the Twelfth Five-Year Guideline Project of Education Sciences of Guangzhou City(12A008)Popular Science Project of Bureau of Education of Guangzhou Municipality(12A102,13B022-02)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province(2012KP024)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the potential ecological dam- ages of alien invasive species Cenchrus echinatus. [Method] By using seed germi- nation method, the effects of different concentrations of C. echinatus aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of three Solanaceae crops were investigated. [Result] After incubated for 5 d, no significant differences were observed in germination speed indices of Lycopersicum esculentum seeds between aqueous extract groups and control groups; germination speed indices of Solarium melongena seeds were significantly reduced with the increasing concentration of Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts; however, Capsicum frutescens seeds in various groups were not germinated. After incubated for 7 d, root lengths of Lycopersicum esculentum seedlings were inhibited with the increasing concentration of Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts, while stem lengths and comprehensive allelopathic effects were promoted; germination rates of Solanum melongena seeds in various groups were all significantly lower than control groups; root length, stem length and comprehen- sive allelopathic effects in higher concentration groups were inhibited; germination rates of Capsicum frutescens seeds were significantly inhibited, and those in the highest concentration group were not generated. After incubated for 14 d, all indica- tors of Solanum melongena were significantly inhibited; various indicators of Capsicum frutescens in the highest concentration group were significantly inhibited. [Conclusion] The sensitivity of three Solanaceae crops to Cenchrus echinatus aqueous extracts presented an overall order of Solanum melongena 〉 Capsicum frutescens 〉 Lycopersicum esculentum, suggesting that Cenchrus echinatus can to some extent inhibit the growth of several crops, which should be strictly prevented and controlled in agricultural production.
