Band 2, Heft 1

Plants provide people with vital resources necessary to sustain life. Nutrition, vitamins, calories, oxygen, fuel, and medicinal phytochemicals are just a few of the life-supporting plant products, but does our relationship with plants transcend these physical and biochemical products? This review synthesizes some of the extant literature on people-plant interactions, and relates key findings relevant to space exploration and the psychosocial and neurocognitive benefits of plants and nature in daily life. Here, a case is made in support of utilizing plant-mediated therapeutic benefits to mitigate potential psychosocial and neurocognitive decrements associated with long-duration space missions, especially for missions that seek to explore increasingly distant places where ground-based support is limited.

Agricultural systems for space have been discussed since the works of Tsiolkovsky in the early 20 th century. Central to the concept is the use of photosynthetic organisms and light to generate oxygen and food. Research in the area started in 1950s and 60s through the works of Jack Myers and others, who studied algae for O 2 production and CO 2 removal for the US Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Studies on algal production and controlled environment agriculture were also carried out by Russian researchers in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia beginning in 1960s including tests with human crews whose air, water, and much of their food were provided by wheat and other crops. NASA initiated its Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) Program ca. 1980 with testing focused on controlled environment production of wheat, soybean, potato, lettuce, and sweetpotato. Findings from these studies were then used to conduct tests in a 20 m 2 , atmospherically closed chamber located at Kennedy Space Center. Related tests with humans and crops were conducted at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the 1990s. About this same time, Japanese researchers developed a Controlled Ecological Experiment Facility (CEEF) in Aomori Prefecture to conduct closed system studies with plants, humans, animals, and waste recycling systems. CEEF had 150 m 2 of plant growth area, which provided a near-complete diet along with air and water regeneration for two humans and two goats. The European Space Agency MELiSSA Project began in the late 1980s and pursued ecological approaches for providing gas, water and materials recycling for space life support, and later expanded to include plant testing. A Canadian research team at the University of Guelph developed a research facility ca. 1994 for space crop research. The Canadian team eventually developed sophisticated canopy-scale hypobaric plant production chambers ca. 2000 for testing crops for space, and have since expanded their testing for a wide range of controlled environment agriculture topics. Most recently, a group at Beihang University in Beijing designed, built and tested a closed life support facility (Lunar Palace 1), which included a 69-m 2 agricultural module for air, water, and food production for three humans. As a result of these studies for space agriculture, novel technologies and findings have been produced; this includes the first use of light emitting diodes for growing crops, one of the first demonstrations of vertical agriculture, use of hydroponic approaches for subterranean crops like potato and sweetpotato, crop yields that surpassed reported record field yields, the ability to quantify volatile organic compound production (e.g., ethylene) from whole crop stands, innovative approaches for controlling water delivery, approaches for processing and recycling wastes back to crop production systems, and more. The theme of agriculture for space has contributed to, and benefited from terrestrial, controlled environment agriculture and will continue to do so into the future.

The Veggie vegetable production system was launched to the International Space Station with three sets of test plants for an initial hardware validation test, designated VEG-01. VEG-01A and B featured the crop ‘Outredgeous’ red romaine lettuce, while VEG-01C tested ‘Profusion’ zinnia plants for longer duration growth and flowering characteristics. Irrigation of plants in all three growth studies presented a challenge, with lettuce suffering from inadequate water and zinnia suffering from excess water. Direct plant pillow watering by crew members enabled plant growth, and returned samples from the first crop, VEG-01A, indicated that food safety was acceptable. VEG-01B plants at harvest were split to allow for on-orbit crew consumption as well as science sample return. Direct-watered zinnias suffered fungal growth and other physiological stresses, but two plants survived and these produced numerous flowers. The VEG-01 series allowed a large amount of data on system performance, human factors, procedures, microbiology, and chemistry of space-grown plants to be gathered. Observations from these tests are helping to drive future hardware modifications and provide information on food crop growth and development in a microgravity environment.

Mechanical stimuli or stress has been shown to induce characteristic morphogenic responses (thigmomorphogenesis) in a range of crop species. The typical mechanically stimulated phenotype is shorter and more compact than non-mechanically stimulated plants. This dwarfing effect can be employed to help conform crop plants to the constraints of spaceflight and vertical agriculture crop production systems. Capsicum annum (cv. California Wonder) plants were grown in controlled environment chambers and subjected to mechanical stimulation in the form of firm but gentle daily rubbing of internode tissue with a tightly wrapped cotton swab. Two studies were conducted, the first being a vegetative growth phase study in which plants were mechanically stimulated until anthesis. The second study carried the mechanical stimulation through to fruit set. The response during the vegetative growth experiment was consistent with other results in the literature, with a general reduction in all plant growth metrics and an increase in relative chlorophyll (SPAD) content under mechanical stimulation. In the fruiting phase study, only height and stem thickness differed from the control plants. Using the data from the fruiting study, a rudimentary calculation of volume use efficiency (VUE) improvements was conducted. Results suggest that VUE can be improved, particularly in terrestrial vertical agriculture systems that can take advantage of moderate height reductions by exploiting much greater vertical capacity in the production system. Mechanical stimulation can also improve VUE in spaceflight applications by reducing vertical system requirements or by expanding the species range that can be grown in a fixed production volume. Mechanical stimulation is also discussed as a microgravity countermeasure for crop plants.

The establishment of planetary outposts and habitats on the Moon and Mars will help foster further exploration of the solar system. The crews that operate, live, and work in these artificial constructions will rely on bio-regenerative closed-loop systems and principles, such as algae reactors and higher plant chambers, in order to minimize resupply needs and improve system resiliency. Greenhouse modules will play a major role in closing not only the oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and water supply loops, but also by providing fresh food for the crew. In early mission scenarios, when the habitat is still in its build-up phase, only small greenhouse systems will be deployed, providing a supplemental food strategy. Small quantities of high water content crops (e.g. lettuce, cucumber, tomato) will be cultivated, improving the crew’s diet plan with an add-on option to the pre-packed meals. The research results of a 400-day biomass and crew time simulation of an adapted EDEN ISS Future Exploration Greenhouse are presented. This greenhouse is an experimental cultivation system that will be used in an analogue test mission to Antarctica (2018-2019) to test plant cultivation technologies for space. The Future Exploration Greenhouse is a high-level analogue for cultivation systems of early mission scenarios on Moon/ Mars. Applying a net cultivation area of 11.9 m², 11 crops have been simulated. Biomass output values were tailored to a tray cultivation (batch) strategy, where 34 trays (0.4x0.6 m) have been integrated into the overall production plan. Detailed work procedures were established for each crop according to its production lifecycle requirements. Seven basic crew time requiring work procedures (e.g. seeding, pruning and training, harvesting, cleaning, post-harvesting) were simulated. Two cultivation principles were the focus of the analysis: The In-Phase Cultivation approach where all trays start at the same time, and the Shifted Cultivation approach, where trays start in a specific sequential manner. Depending on the approach, different biomass output patterns emerged and were analysed with respect to crew consumption, crop shelf-life, and the risk of food spoilage. Crew time estimates were performed with respect to the overall production process, which resulted into 208.9 min per day for the planned cultivation area. When applying normal terrestrial work-times, this equates to approximately 50% of a crew member day for system operation. Biomass and crew time results were analysed in relation to each other, creating specific productivity factors for each crop type. This way, future mission planning, crop selection, and greenhouse design studies can better tailor the implementation challenges of small greenhouse modules into the habitat infrastructure.

In the next 10 to 20 years humankind will return to the Moon and/or travel to Mars. It is likely that astronauts will eventually build permanent settlements there, as a base for long-term crew tended research tasks. It is obvious that the crew of such settlements will need food to survive. With current mission architectures the provision of food for longduration missions away from Earth requires a significant number of resupply flights. Furthermore, it would be infeasible to provide the crew with continuous access to fresh produce, specifically crops with high water content such as tomatoes and peppers, on account of their limited shelf life. A greenhouse as an integrated part of a planetary surface base would be one solution to solve this challenge for long-duration missions. Astronauts could grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables in-situ to be more independent from supply from Earth. This paper presents the results of the design project for such a greenhouse, which was carried out by DLR and its partners within the framework of the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) program. The consortium performed an extensive system analysis followed by a definition of system and subsystem requirements for greenhouse modules. Over 270 requirements were defined in this process. Afterwards the consortium performed an in-depth analysis of illumination strategies, potential growth accommodations and shapes for the external structure. Five different options for the outer shape were investigated, each of them with a set of possible internal configurations. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, the different concept options were evaluated and ranked against each other. The design option with the highest ranking was an inflatable outer structure with a rigid inner core, in which the subsystems are mounted. The inflatable shell is wrapped around the core during launch and transit to the lunar surface. The paper provides an overview of the final design, which was further detailed in a concurrent engineering design study. During the study, the subsystem parameters (e.g. mass, power, performance) were calculated and evaluated. The results of the study were further elaborated, leading to a lunar greenhouse concept that fulfils all initial requirements. The greenhouse module has a total cultivation area of more than 650 m² and provides more than 4100 kg of edible dry mass over the duration of the mission. Based on the study, the consortium also identified technology and knowledge gaps (not part of this paper), which have to be addressed in future projects to make the actual development of such a lunar greenhouse, and permanent settlements for long-term human-tended research tasks on other terrestrial bodies, feasible in the first place.

Research and technology developments surrounding Advanced Life-Support (ALS) began at the University of Guelph in 1992 as the Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture (SALSA) program, which now represents Canada’s primary contribution to ALS research. The early focus was on recycling hydroponic nutrient solutions, atmospheric gas analysis and carbon balance, sensor research and development, inner/intra-canopy lighting and biological filtration of air in closed systems. With funding from federal, provincial and industry partners, a new generation of technology emerged to address the challenges of deploying biological systems as fundamental components of life-support infrastructure for long-duration human space exploration. Accompanying these advances were a wide range of technology transfer opportunities in the agri-food and health sectors, including air and water remediation, plant and environment sensors, disinfection technologies, recyclable growth substrates and advanced light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems. This report traces the evolution of the SALSA program and catalogues the benefits of ALS research for terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a perennial herbaceous geophyte in the Iridaceae family. It propagates vegetatively by corm. All saffron production processes are generally conducted by hand: from bulb implantation, harvesting of flowers to stigma separation. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world because of the intensive hand labour required for production. The increasing interest in Crocus sativus cultivation and production in the Italian Alpine area could increase revenues for the rural farming economy. Twenty eight dried saffron samples were collected from different farmers of the Italian Alpine area (Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige, Piemonte and Veneto) between November 2015 and March 2016. Each sample was processed to determine their moisture content and amount of picrocrocin, crocins and safranal using the methods established by the International Organization for Standardization for saffron (ISO 3632 1,2:2010-2011). Over 82.1 % of the samples analyzed were ranked in the highest quality category of the ISO 3632. A high quality saffron product can be produced in the Italian Alpine area suggesting that this crop could serve as a sustainable source of economic revenues to diversified farms in the Alps.

The main objectives of this study were to understand the frequency of forest fires, post-fire off-site hydrological response and erosional processes from a social and ecological perspective in two basins located in the central cordillera, Portugal. It also discusses the driving forces that contribute towards increasing the social-ecological vulnerability of systems in the face of hazards and emphasizes the importance of learning from disasters. Based on the historical incidence of wildfires, it is possible to identify several areas affected by two, three or four fires, since 1975. Following the two major fires, in 1987 and 2005, flash floods, intense soil erosion and sedimentation processes were generated, causing severe damage. Significant socioeconomic, political and ecological changes have been affecting mountain regions in the last decades. Approximately 80% of the population and more than 90% of the livestock have disappeared, common lands have been afforested with Pinus pinaster, and several agricultural plots have been abandoned. These factors have all contributed towards creating non- or submanaged landscapes that have led to a dramatic increase in the magnitude and frequency of wildfires and to post-fire hydrological and erosional processes when heavy rainfall occurs. Moreover, the low population density, high level of population ageing and very fire-prone vegetation that now covers large areas of both basins, contribute to a situation of extreme socio-ecological vulnerability, meaning that disasters will continue to occur unless resilience can be restored to improve the capacity to cope with this high susceptibility to hazards.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), there are around 300 million working animals worldwide. They play a fundamental role in human livelihoods through their contribution to financial, human and social capital, supporting between 300 and 600 million people globally, particularly in poorer areas, where animal energy represents a huge and extremely important sustainable power resource. Yet their recognition remains largely neglected, with animal traction being largely ignored by decision and policy makers and even by civil society at all levels, which compromises a real development and improvement of this technology as well as animal welfare. On the other hand, a collective ecological and economical consciousness and an increasing awareness of public opinion about the need to reduce the excessive industrialization and mechanization of agriculture and forestry has led some sectors of society to consider the (re)use of animal traction as a valid modern source of energy. Indeed, working animals optimally transform the consumed biomass in energy and natural fertilizer, which avoids soil degradation and contributes to a sustainable management of arable lands, forests and sensitive areas. The need to maintain biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, encourage self-reliance and reduce consumption of resources also contributes to this trend.

Soil Compaction results from compressive forces applied to compressible soil by machinery wheels, combined with tillage operations. Draft animal‐pulled equipment may also cause soil compaction, but a huge gap exists on experimental data to adequately assess their impacts and, actually, animal traction is an option seen with increasing potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, especially in mountain areas. This study was conducted to assess the impacts on soil compaction of tillage operations with motor tractor and draft animals. In a farm plot (Vale de Frades, NE Portugal) treatments were applied in sub‐plots (30 m × 3 m), consisting in a two way tillage with tractor (T), a pair of cows (C) and a pair of donkeys (D). Undisturbed soil samples (120) were taken before and after operations for bulk density (BD) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). The relative changes in BD observed after tillage in the 0-0.05 m soil depth increased after operations in all treatments. The increase was higher in the tractor sub-plot (15%) than in those where animal traction was used (8%). Before operation Ks class was rapid and fast in all samples, and after operation this value was reduced to 33% in T, whereas it reached 83% in C. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was useful as a tool to identify the alterations caused by tillage operations on soil physical status. These preliminary results confirm the potential of animal traction as an option for mountain agri‐environments, yet it requires much wider research to soundly ground its assets.

The construction of earthen embankment terraces in the Douro Region raises a set of problems related to hydrological processes. The main objective of this study is the evaluation of the spatial variation of electrical resistivity in agriculture terraces at Douro valley (Portugal). To achieve this objective, two variables are analysed, the soil electrical resistivity and the flow direction algorithm. In a field survey we recorded 13 electrical resistivity profiles. The contributing area was calculated with the algorithms D∞ (Deterministic Infinity Flow) and MFD (Multiple Flow Direction) and the results are the base of the internal runoff modelling, both supported by the digital elevation model with a spatial resolution of 1m2. A correlation between the spatial variation of the soil electrical resistivity represented by the standard deviation of the electrical resistivity for each profile and the average value of the contributing area coincident with each profile was established. The electrical resistivity standard deviation seems to be moderately well correlated according to the D∞ algorithm at about 1m of depth, and it has a good correlation at 1,5m to 2m of depth with the MFD algorithm. Taken together, the results show a significant positive statistical correlation between the electrical resistivity standard deviation and the contributing areas (MFD and D∞) depending on the soil depth.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (WCED, 1987). For the business community, sustainability is more than mere window-dressing. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can gain a competitive edge, increase their market share, and boost shareholder value (IISD, 2013). The wine industry has incorporated sustainability into its business strategy for a long time. In the USA, several industry organizations promoted its adoption by both grape growers and winemakers. In mountain wine regions, sustainability becomes more important as these regions generally struggle with reduced competitiveness due to inherent difficulties such as accessibility, remoteness, sparseness of business and population, topography and pedoclimatology (EUROMONTANA 2005). Therefore, any improvement in sustainability is a key factor for the viability of mountain wine producers. Sogrape Vinhos farms 480 ha of mountain vineyards in DWR securing the quality base of grapes for its SANDEMAN Port and CASA FERREIRINHA Douro wines. The company continuously adopted sustainable practices across the whole value chain, from grape to glass. This paper illustrates how a simple, but comprehensive, sustainability assessment, as proposed by a US-based award, can be used to monitor and improve sustainable development practices for a wine business set in an adverse environment, while raising awareness in a key market for wines produced in a mountain vineyard area such as the DWR.

Optimisation of sweetpotato production potential is not realized in sub-Saharan Africa where dry spells are common after the growing season. Lack of seed cultivars at the beginning of the rainy season is the challenge and identifying those cultivars with the ability to survive a 4 to 7-month dry spell is an important objective in these regions. To this end, the purpose of the present study was to estimate survival of vines of different cultivars under drought stress. Three harvesting times set as 5, 9 and 11 months after planting were established at Umbeluzi, Nwallate and Gurue in 2015. For each harvesting time, 37 clones were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Data collected on yield, vine length and number of sprouts were analysed using SAS 1996. Resisto had long stems but no vines after 9 months at any of the sites. The ability of some clones to reach 9 months and 11 months with few vines at Umbeluzi and Nwallate offer sources of planting material for the subsequent season. Sprouting had broad sense heritability above 50%. Sprouting is known to be an important aspect of cultivar survival. While we show that vine length and thickness could be traits responsible for sweet potato drought tolerance

In Lake Zone, Tanzania, farmers were trained to multiply and distribute quality sweetpotato planting material. The objectives of this study were to assess changes in skills and practices among the trained farmers as vine multiplication became a specialized task. Nine months after the project ended, all 88 decentralized vine multipliers (DVMs) operating as groups (72%) or individuals (28%) were visited and qualitative data on their current multiplication practices collected through a questionnaire, checklists and observations. Results showed that 69% of DVMs were still multiplying vines, but less than half were using the seed production technologies promoted by the project. 34% used rapid multiplication beds; 61% used conventional plant spacing on ridges for roots and vines and 5% used both. As the vine multiplication cycle became a specialised activity, the multiplication and root production cycles were separated. Vines were treated differently in terms of site selection, length of cutting and spacing, depending on whether the objective of their use was for high root or high vine production. Capacity building of specialised vine multipliers and scaling-up seed interventions should consider the implications of skilling and task segregation in a broader context based on society’s choice of technologies and agrarian change.

Sweetpotato is cultivated in all the regions of Côte d’Ivoire for consumption and as a source of income. Only varieties with white or yellow flesh are grown. Production of nutritious orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is hampered by the lack of genetic resources and planting material. To evaluate and release OFSP varieties, on-farm demonstration tests were conducted with women farmer groups in Bondoukou, Nassian, Korhogo and Bondiali in the north and northeast Côte d’Ivoire. Six varieties- ‘Kabode’, ‘Kakamega7’ (‘Irene’), ‘Tacha’, ‘Bela Bela’, ‘Vita’ and TIB-440060-were evaluated in comparison with locally grown varieties. The on-farm demonstration was laid out in a randomised complete block design with replicated three times per location. Assessments were made on yield, disease and pests; and consumer preference on attractiveness of skin color and flesh of the root (fresh and boiled), taste, texture and starchiness. Results showed that introduced varieties have generally recorded higher yields than the local varieties: Yields of about 25 t/ha have been recorded on the sites. The best average yield of about 15 t/ha, was recorded for TIB-440060 and ‘Irene’ varieties. Farmers’ acceptance of OFSP varieties based on the attraction of their color, the dry matter content and taste was more than 90%. At the end of the sensory tests, ‘Irene’, which achieved the best compromise between all observed and measured parameters, was most appreciated and was the farmers’ first choice, followed by varieties TIB-440060 and ‘Bela bela’.

Drought has negative effects on sweetpotato production. Two experiments with two watering treatments (irrigated and water-stressed) were conducted at Umbeluzi Research Station in 2015. The objectives were to (i) determine response of 48 sweetpotato germplasms to mid-season drought, (ii) determine best traits for improvement of storage root yield under mid-season drought and (iii) assess the selection criteria for identifying drought tolerance in sweetpotato germplasms. The irrigated and water- stressed trials received 640 and 400 mm of water, respectively, throughout the season. Water stress was imposed from 30 to 70 days after planting. Each treatment had two replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Data collected on storage root and vine yield and derived drought tolerance indices including harvest index were subjected to analysis of variance in R. Sweetpotato germplasms with high storage root yield under mid-season drought were associated with a high harvest index. Harvest index stability and the geometric mean are key to identifying cultivars with high and stable storage root yield under both treatments. MUSGP0646-126, Irene and Ivone combined both low TOL, SSI, HI and high yield storage root yield across the treatments and over seasons. The use of drought and harvest indices is encouraged for selecting improved cultivars for varied production environments and their regular use in accelerated breeding schemes is suggested.

Research in Rwanda demonstrated that orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) purée (steamed, mashed roots) was an economically viable, vitamin A enhancing ingredient in baked products when the purée was produced and used in the same bakery. Having a storable, packaged OFSP purée produced by a firm to supply bakers is an alternative model. Vacuum-packed OFSP purée with preservatives with a four-month shelf-life at 23°C was developed by the International Potato Center under laboratory conditions in 2015. Turning it into a commercial reality required developing a public-private partnership to establish an OFSP purée-bread value chain. The phases in developing the chain are described. Cost-benefit assessment focuses on two points along the chain: the farmers producing roots for the purée factory and purée production. The first OFSP bread began to be marketed in six Tuskys’ stores in June 2015 at a premium price (5 Ksh above its regular bread), reaching 20 stores by August 2016. OFSP bread was well-received by consumers. Purée production became profitable (18% profit margin) when we shifted from using peeled to unpeeled roots--the new product being a “high fiber” purée. Commercial OFSP purée production has been improved and is poised for profitable, larger-scale output.

In soilless culture like aeroponics, nutrient optimization is the most critical factor to produce high quality and high yield of clean potato seed. Each crop has an optimum nutritional requirement. Even each potato cultivar may require a specific nutrient solution in an aeroponics unit. A nutrient optimization experiment was conducted at Holetta agricultural research center to study the effect of different nutrient solution levels on the physical quality and yield of potato mini-tubers. The treatments were four different nutrient solutions of greenhouse grade macro nutrients measured in (g) for the preparation of 500 liter volume of nutrient solution that is to be restocked when the nutrient tank becomes empty. The nutrient EC and pH were adjusted as per the requirements. A=(118 g CaNO 3 , 252 g KNO 3 , 68 g KH 2 PO 4 and 100 g MgSO 4 ) ,B=(59 g CaNO 3 , 126 g KNO 3 , 68 g KH 2 PO 4 and 100 g MgSO 4 ), C=(118 g CaNO 3 , 252 g KNO 3 , 68 g KH 2 PO 4 and 100 g MgSO 4 until flowering and reduced by half after flowering), and D=(118 g CaNO 3 , 252 g KNO 3 , 136 g KH 2 PO 4 and 100 g MgSO 4 ). All treatments included 2.2g of Fe EDTA and 6 g of Fetrilon combi. The potato variety, Belete, was used for the experiment. Acclimatized plantlets were planted randomly in each box of four treatments in CRD design with three replicates. The results showed that each treatment varied in nutrient consumption rate. Treatment A took the highest amount of nutrient (3.29 kg, 28%), treatments B and D consumed the same amount (3.1 kg, 27%), while treatment C consumed the smallest amount (2.02 kg). Roo length was significantly affected by nutrient solutions. Nutrient solution C resulted the maximum root length (300.8 cm), while nutrient solution A produced minimum root length (135.5 cm). Plant height was not significantly affected by nutrient solutions. Small size tubers (<8 g) were not significantly affected by either tuber number or weight. Medium (8-12 g) and large size tubers (>12 g) were significantly affected by nutrient solutions both in number and weight. The maximum tuber numbers was obtained from treatment B. Therefore, the experiment indicated that treatment B represents the optimum nutrient concentration rate to use in an aeroponics minituber production system under Holetta conditions.

Despite the ability of sweetpotato to grow in marginal areas, large differential genotypic responses have been reported under varying environmental conditions. Differences in pest and disease pressure contribute significantly to inconsistencies in performance of genotypes in various environments. Using a randomized complete block design, eight sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated in one location successively for five years (seasons) (2010-2015). Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) stability value (ASV) was used to identify best genotypes that combine stability with high resistance to sweetpotato weevil Cylas puncticolis and root yield across the five seasons (years). Stability of genotypes for weevil infestation and damage thereof, and fresh storage root yield were determined for each season. The data on each of these parameters were correlated with rainfall and temperature data for each and across five seasons. Results show variability in the ranking of genotypes’ stability for resistance to weevil infestation and associated damage. Significant negative correlation was recorded between total rainfall and sweetpotato weevil damage. However, AMMI analysis of variance indicates genotype main effects, environmental main effects and the interaction thereof were all significant for root yield and weevil damage. Genotype selection index assisted to identify at least three genotypes namely Kokota, Lunga, and Kalungwishi which combined stability for high root yield and tolerance to weevil damage.

To determine the required levels of nitrogen and potassium, an experiment was conducted at Holetta Agricultural Research Center and Jeldu sub Center from 2014-2015 using three factors (Jalenie, Gudenie and Belete potato varies; 87, 110, 133kg/ha nitrogen rates and 0, 34.5, 69, 103.5kg/ha potassium in the form of K 2 O levels) and as a completely randomized block design arrangement with three replications. In each location every year the 36 treatments (4 potassium oxide levels x 3 nitrogen levels x 3 varieties) were assigned in random combinations to 36 plots of one block in a random case which was replicated in to two additional blocks of different randomizations in order to make total of three replications/blocks. Data were analyzed by SAS software Version 9.2. Potassium rates significantly affected the total yield and marketable yield as compared to the control treatment. Application of potassium at 103.5 kg/ha produced significantly a higher marketable yield than all rates. As compared to Jeldu, the Holetta location produced the maximum highly significant yield and yield component. Interaction of potassium and nitrogen fertilizers affected marketable tuber numbers and plant height significantly. In 2014, Belete produced the highest (27.31 ton/ha) marketable yield at an application of 34.5 kg/ha potassium and 110 kg/ha nitrogen while Gudenie produced the highest (30.53 ton/ha) marketable yield at an application of 69 kg/ ha potassium and 110 kg/ha nitrogen rates in 2015. It is better to apply 69 kg/ha potassium and 110 kg/ha nitrogen to potato production for reasonable yield at sites similar to experimental locations. It can be concluded that, interaction of nitrogen and potassium rates significantly affected plant height and marketable tuber numbers.

Quality seed is one of the major bottlenecks hampering the production and productivity of potato not only in Ethiopia but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since the 1970’s, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research has generated a number of improved potato production technologies such as improved varieties with accompanying agronomic practices, crop protection measures, postharvest handling techniques and utilization options. The developed technologies were promoted from 2013-2015 via technology promotion and popularization to the Wolmera, Adea-Bera and Ejere districts with the objective of creating awareness and up scaling of improved potato production and utilization technologies. The Potato Improvement Research Program and the Research and Extension Division of Holetta Research Center in collaboration with extension staff of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) undertake this activity. The farmers were selected and organized in Farmer Field Schools and all stakeholders were engaged before distributing potato seeds and planting on selected farmers’ fields for demonstrating of potato production technologies. A total of 899 farmers and 40 agricultural experts were trained and 27.7, 9 and 5.5 tons of quality seeds of Gudanie, Jalenie and Belete potato varieties, respectively, were delivered as a revolving seed with their recommended agronomic packages; this amount of seed covered 21.1 ha. A total of 16 farmer groups from Wolmera, 7 from Adea-Berga, and 11 from Ejere participated. They produced over 434 tons of relatively clean seed and constructed 8 diffused light stores. In addition to the demonstration of improved potato varieties, information dissemination was also an important component of the program to raise awareness for a large numbers of potato growers through farmers’ field days, pamphlets, and mass media. Each year about three field days were organized and more than 1500 pamphlets were distributed to farmers invited from neighboring districts and ‘Kebeles’ to enhance speed. Through this intervention farmers are now harvesting a yield of about 26-34 t/ha up from 8t/ha when they were using inferior quality potato seed; this has made the farmers in the intervention area more food secure especially during the usually food scarce months of August to October when cereal crops are generally yet to mature. The farmers are also getting additional income from the sale of excess potato and are able to better meet other necessary costs like school fees, for their children.

Livingstone potato production in Nigeria is faced with the challenge of high postharvest losses. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of some storage methods on the physiological and nutritional quality of livingstone potato. Potatoes were separated and stored using eight different methods: potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with sand under the shade (T1), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with ash under the shade (T2), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with rice husk under the shade (T3), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with a wood shavings under the shade (T4), potatoes spread on a bamboo platform under the shade(T5), potatoes spread on a raffia palm platform under the shade(T6), potatoes spread on concrete pavement inside the barn (T7), potatoes spread on the ground under the shade(T8), potatoes buried under the ground (T9). T8 was used as the control treatment. Temperature and relative humidity of the environment was monitored, the roots were weighed monthly to access the weight loss, sprouting and rot were observed visually and proximate composition of the stored roots were evaluated using standard methods. The lowest percentage weight loss was observed in samples stored in a pit covered with wood ash and those covered with river sand. Samples stored in pits and covered with wood shavings, wood ash and river sand had the lowest percentage of sprouting (1.63%, 3.45% and 6.06% respectively). The dry matter content increased with storage period in all the storage methods. The starch yield varied in the different storage methods with the samplescovered with river sand (13.45%) and the samples buried underground in the field(10.53%) giving the highest starch yield at the end of the storage period. Samples stored under rice husk had the highest ash content (4.77%) while the crude fibre and crude protein contents were highest in the samples spread on raffia palm. The results showed that spreading on the floor or on top of pavements are not good storage methods for living stone potato, however, storage in pits with alternate layers of river sand, wood ash and wood shavings are the best storage methods for livingstone potato.

Potato is an important food and cash crop which in Ethiopia is produced two or more times in a year. However, its productivity is low owing to a number of constraints including a) limited availability of quality planting materials, and b) poor tuber sprouting due to long dormancy period of improved varieties at the time of planting. Two consecutive experiments were conducted from November 2013 to June 2014: 1) to assess the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and storage methods on seed tuber dormancy breakage of two potato varieties; and 2) to assess the effects of dormancy breakage treatments and storage methods on subsequent growth, yield and related traits of potato crop. The treatments in the first experiment consisted of two potato varieties (Bubu and Bate), three levels of GA3 [0, 10 and 20 parts per million (ppm)], and three storage methods [in diffused light store (DLS), in pit store (PS), and in farm-yard manure (FYM)]. The first trial was laid out as a complete randomized design with four replications and conducted at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The second trial consisted of seed from each treatment in the first experiment, planted in randomized complete block design with three replications on a farmers’ field. The results showed that varieties, application of GA3 and storage methods as well as the interaction among the variety and treatments significantly affected tuber dormancy period, sprouting characteristics and subsequent tuber yield. When tubers were treated with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under FYM, the dormancy period was reduced from 102.5 and 52 to 36.5 and 31 days in improved and farmer’s variety, respectively. Tuber treatment with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under DLS, PS, and FYM, increased marketable tuber yield by 31.6%, 29.6%, and 33.6%, respectively for Bubu variety and by 92.5%, 78.4%, and 80.9% for Bate variety, respectively compared to non-GA3 treated tubers stored under DLS, PS, and FYM. However, tubers of improved variety Bubu treated with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under DLS produced the highest marketable tuber yield of 34.20 ton per ha. Tuber quality attributes (specific gravity, dry matter, and total starch content) were affected only due to interaction effects of variety and GA3 application with the highest values at 20 ppm GA3 for improved potato variety Bubu. In general, the research indicated that treating seed tubers with GA3 and storing under DLS, PS or FYM promoted early tuber sprouting and better tuber yield of both varieties. These results suggest that, use of GA3 treatment combined with different storage methods enhances early tuber sprouting and increases tuber yield. Nevertheless, further research should be continued to evaluate different potato varieties, GA3 treatment, and storage methods under different atmospheric conditions and production seasons.

Smallholders in Eastern and Southern Africa(ESA) have limited access to timely availability of quality sweetpotato seed which contributes to sub-optimal root yields. To enhance availability and access to quality seed it is necessary to link formal plant breeding efforts to a sustainable seed supply system by means of identifying business opportunities for sweetpotato Early Generation Seed (EGS) producers. In most ESA countries, public institutions have the sole mandate for EGS production, but have not adopted an explicit business orientation. The study used primary information collected from business plans prepared by eight National Agricultural Research Institutions(NARIs) in seven countries in ESA. This study first analyzed the overall business opportunities for public institutions using a Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities, and Threats(SWOT) tool and then a Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Strengths (TOWS) approach was used to transform the SWOT results into strategies for the further development of the early generation seed sector. It was concluded that over a five to ten year period, the NARIs do have a business case for production of sweetpotato EGS. However, to capitalise on this NARIs and policy makers need to take up there commendations from the TOWS analysis to refine strategies for exploiting opportunities in the business environment and for mitigating weaknesses to reduce vulnerability to any identified threats to the potential business in EGS.

Commercialization of sweetpotato vines is persistent if multipliers show evidence of superiority of their vines. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of net tunnel source and of pathogen-tested planting material compared to “apparently” healthy vines on yield and health status at three defined environments in Northern Ghana during the rainy season of 2015. Sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) and weevils were considered. Four varieties were investigated, the pathogen-tested vines of Dadanyuie, Bohye and Ligri, and “apparently” healthy vines of Apomuden from the negative selection technique. All planting materials taken from the net tunnel and open field were from the same location. Eight treatment combinations were arranged in a RCBD with 3 replicates. Planting distance was 0.30 m x 1 m. Weeding was done and fertilizer was applied as necessary. General and three-way analysis of variance were computed using Genstat. Highly significant differences were found among varieties and trial sites for plant establishment, foliage yield, root yield, weevil, and SPVD. The two sources were not significantly different. For varieties across sites, net tunnel source was better than open field. The apparently healthy vines might be effective as pathogentested vines. Net tunnels may have a distinct advantage for multiplication and maintenance.

Partial root-zone drying (PRD) is an irrigation technique which consists of alternating the water supply from one furrow to another, and keeping the other one dry during the weekly alternation period. Studies assessing PRD in potato have reported a 30-50% of water savings with no tuber yield reductions and an increase of antioxidant concentrations and marketable tubers. In this study, we adapted the PRD technique to rural Ethiopian conditions and compared it against the customary (C) irrigation practiced by local farmers. Two PRD alternatives were evaluated; with (PRDs) and without (PRDw) locally made flexible-hose siphons. Only PRDs showed no significant differences in total (35.8±1.6 t ha -1 ) and marketable (34.2±1.6 t ha -1 ) tuber yield when compared with customary irrigation (39.4±1.3 and 37.6±1.2 t ha-1 corresponding to total and marketable yield, respectively). The PRDw was more water restricted, showing significantly lower total (29.7±1.1 t ha -1 ) and marketable (27.6±1.2 t ha -1 ) yields. PRDs had the benefit of a better control of applied water allowing a saving of 50% of the irrigation water without negatively affecting yield. The use of the siphons PRD technique provides options for saving scarce water and reaching out to many smallholder farmers who are in serious need of irrigation water in the Blue Nile river basin.

Potato is Kenya’s second most important staple crop which contributes immensely to the food security and income of smallholder farmers in the Kenya Highlands. Despite its importance however, crop yields are very low (7.7 to 9.5 t/ha) against a potential of over 40 t/ha. Many reasons are cited to explain this including inadequate good quality seed of suitable varieties, seed recycling, low soil fertility, limited use of agro-chemicals and leaf diseases. Potatoes were introduced in the late 19 th Century from Britain and later Germany. During the 1980’s several Dutch varieties were brought in for evaluation but the process could not be completed as the test sites were allocated to other uses. This review highlights progress made with new varieties in terms of evaluation, registration and the associated technology identifies challenges and solutions. Until 2012 only 15 varieties had been in commercial use, mostly originating from temperate countries with a few local releases in collaboration with the International potato center (CIP). With increased demand for processed potato products driven by the urban middle -income population, and its preference for fast foods, there was need for high yielding varieties. Since 2012 over 100 Dutch and local varieties have been evaluated under conventional performance trials at seven locations spread across different potato-growing counties. Normal agronomic practices were followed and several yield parameters were measured. Several high-potential Dutch varieties failed due to their susceptibility to low management practices. From these, 33 varieties have been released from seven Dutch companies and local breeders and two parallel evaluation procedures have been conducted since 2013 one conventional and one intensive. Consequently, 44% and 56% of the released varieties came through conventional and intensive channels respectively. In terms of usage, those released consist of 61% for table use and 39% for processing. Mean tuber yields of controls under conventional and intensive evaluations when compared, indicates 191% increase. Accelerated availability of superior varieties can be achieved through collaborations with countries with well-developed potato value chain. Local varieties under good management can increase tuber yield substantially.

Curing in sweetpotato is a crucial pre- or postharvest practice that could guarantee improved shelf life,but rarely practised by sweetpotato farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, principally due to lack of knowledge. Wound healing ability of cultivars has been associated with good root storability. In this study, two orange fleshed sweetpotato cultivars (Apomuden and Nane) were either cured in-ground by dehaulming prior to harvest or field-piled over a seven-day period to study their responses to wound healing and changes in dry matter content. Apomuden is a low dry matter content(19%) variety in Ghana while Nane is a high dry matter content (27%) farmer cultivar under evaluation for formal release. A potato peeler was used to deliberately create the wounds on 21 storage roots. The curing treatment was applied and the subsequent post-treatment quality status of the storage roots was monitored daily over a seven-day period. Wound healing ability was scored as follows: 0 = no lignification, 0.5 = patchy lignification and1= complete lignification. Wound healing ability score was not significantly different for Apomuden and Nane (0.83,0.78, respectively; p = 0.120). However, storage roots curedby field-piled curing method resulted in significantly better wound healing ability than dehaulming (0.86, 0.75,respectively, p = 0.001). Over the seven-day curing period,Nane had a significantly higher and stable dry mattercontent compared with Apomuden (p = 0.008), whose dry matter content was lower and fluctuating. The field-piled curing resulted in higher (p = 0.020) dry matter content,24%, compared with in-ground curing (22%). The field piled curing method, which can easily be adopted by sweetpotato farmers, increased the dry matter content of the storage roots; therefore, it could potentially reduce the post-harvest losses in sweetpotato. The high dry matter content of Nane is a desirable root quality attribute for orange-fleshed cultivars and could augment existing cultivars in Ghana.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of lowland areas for vine conservation to improve the availability and access of planting material during the main planting period and subsequently improve access to Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) roots for consumption and income. The study was implemented in 8 districts in Niassa province in early December 2015, among 271 households (HH), where 77% of these households had children under 5 years and 34% of the respondents were women. These households were selected randomly among households that had received OFSP planting material between 2013 and 2015. Data about vine conservation, use of lowland areas, OFSP consumption and income from OFSP were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results were compared with the baseline survey results from 2013. Eighty seven percent of households have access to lowland areas. The households using lowland areas for vine conservation increased from 41% in 2013 to 58% in 2015 and the use of small garden plots from 14% to 26%. The households conserving vines in upland fields dropped from 56% in 2013 to 7% in 2015. About 53% of households still planted in June (beyond the main planting season) while 24% continued to plant year around. However, cultivation on small plots dominated from March to December, mainly for vine multiplication. Delvia, Irene and Gloria varieties were mentioned respectively by 43 %, 21 % and 20 % of households as their preferred varieties. All households consumed OFSP roots. However, more than 50% of households consumed OFSP from April to October. Fifty six percent of households sold OFSP roots which generated an average income of 48 USD per household per year. The use of lowland areas for vine conservation has increased and vine management has improved. Consequently, production area has increased by 23%, root yield has increased by more than 100%, from 6.0 t/ ha as average national yield to 15.5 t/ha, average yield for the survey, and the period of consumption from own production has also increased to seven months. Awareness campaigns will continue to promote year round production of OFSP.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a cool season crop which is susceptible to both drought and heat stresses. Lack of suitable varieties of the crop adapted to drought-prone areas of the lowland tropics deprives farmers living in such areas the opportunity to produce and use the crop as a source of food and income. As a step towards developing such varieties, the present research was conducted to evaluate different potato genotypes for osmotic stress tolerance under in vitro conditions and identify drought tolerant genotypes for future field evaluation. The experiment was carried out at the Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, by inducing osmotic stress using sorbitol at two concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 M) in the culture medium. A total of 43 genotypes collected from different sources (27 advanced clones from CIP, nine improved varieties, and seven farmers’ cultivars) were used in a completely randomized design with four replications in two rounds. Data were collected on root and shoot growth. The results revealed that the main effects of genotype, sorbitol treatment, and their interactions significantly (P < 0.01) influenced root and shoot growthrelated traits. Under osmotic stress, all the measured root and shoot growth traits were significantly correlated. The dendrogram obtained from the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean allowed grouping of the genotypes into tolerant, moderately tolerant, and susceptible ones to a sorbitol concentration of 0.2 M in the culture medium. Five advanced clones (CIP304350.100, CIP304405.47, CIP392745.7, CIP388676.1, and CIP388615.22) produced shoots and rooted earlier than all other genotypes, with higher root numbers, root length, shoot and root mass under osmotic stress conditions induced by sorbitol. Some of these genotypes had been previously identified as drought-tolerant under field conditions, suggesting the capacity of the in vitro evaluation method to predict drought stress tolerant genotypes. Most of the genotypes collected from Ethiopia were found to be susceptible to osmotic stress, except one farmers’ cultivar (Dadafa) and two improved varieties (Zemen and Belete). Field evaluation of the tested materials under drought conditions would confirm the capacity of osmotic stress tolerant genotypes to perform well under drought-prone conditions and the potential interest of in vitro evaluation as a pre-screening component in potato breeding programs.

The CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) includes vegetatively propagated staple crops linked by common breeding, seed, and postharvest issues, and by the frequency with which women are involved in their production and use. RTB crops are the backbone of food security across the humid tropics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and in more localized areas of Asia and Latin America. Around 300 million poor people in developing countries currently depend on RTB value chains for food security, nutrition and income. Climate change poses challenges which could undo progress in poverty reduction and markedly increase food insecurity. This article examines planning and research for climate resilience across RTB crops, with a particular focus on the contrasting potato and sweet potato cases in SSA. A six-step framework for climatesmart breeding is proposed: (1) downscaling climate change models and crop modeling; (2) identifying and understanding key climate change responsive traits; (3) breeding and varietal selection; (4) phenotyping and genomic research to accelerate gains; (5) developing management options for climate-smart varieties; and (6) deployment (seed systems). In summary, climate-smart breeding means we need to do what we already do but faster, better, and smarter.

Based on previous complaints and reports from farmers to researchers about potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) problems in South-Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDCongo), there was a need to understand farmers′ knowledge of existing insect pest problems and current management practice challenges. Such information is important for designing a suitable intervention and successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for the Province. Hence, using a semi-structured questionnaire, a farm household survey was conducted among 300 potato farmers in six sites belonging to 2 territories (Kabare, Kalehe) of South- Kivu Province from June to August 2015. Insect pests, diseases and price fluctuations were among the highest ranked constraints in potato production by farmers. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer), and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) were the most severe insect pests in medium altitude zones (1600-1950m). Ants (Dorylis orantalis Westwood), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), and leafminer flies (Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard) were the pests of high importance reported from sites of very high altitude (2000-2600m). Major yield losses were mostly attributed to late blight (Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary) and or insect pests and reached 65-90% without chemical control in most study sites. On average, farmers had little knowledge about pest characteristics (bio-ecology, behavior,…). Most (71.5%) farmers were not able to correctly identify insect pest species names. Sometimes, two or more species had the same local name. There was a great confusion between damages (attacks) due to pests, diseases and environmental stresses (rains, soil nutrient deficiency) among farmers. Very few (18.5%) farmers interviewed knew with precision some insect pests. Most (80%) farmers did not know what natural enemies of insect pests and IPM were. Seasonal pest outbreak and emerging new pests were phenomenon related to previous long lasting and repetitive civil wars (1995-2016). Farmers (62.8%) perceived that invasion and emergence of new potato pests could be linked to the smoke of bullets, to climate variability and to uncontrolled introduction of new planting materials. There was a confusion between emergency and resurgence of classical pests. In some cases, there was resurgence of classical pests due to resistance to some pesticides. Resistance to pesticide was mainly because farmers were heavily applying pesticides prior to receiving advice from extension workers about wise and safer application of pesticides. The level of severity of potato pest incidence was perceived by farmers as extremely high (68.2%) as compared to the situation 20 years (1995-2016) ago. Current farmers′ main response to controlling pests in potato is to apply hazardous, high toxic insecticides that pollute the environment. The predominant control methods were use of fungicides combined (35.7%) or not (64.4%) to insecticides. Potato production in eastern DRCongo is a pesticide dependent crop, according to farmers. This lack of knowledge about environmentally friendly control methods of pests, called for training of both farmers and extension workers in insect pest identification, collection, biology, behavior, ecology, monitoring and control approaches. Empowering farmers with knowledge about insect pests is essential for the reduction of pesticide misuse and uptake of more environmentally friendly approaches like IPM and related strategies (climate smart and Bt-varieties). Field surveys would need follow-up in order to assess the actual field infestation rates and intensities of each insect pest (determine economic injury threshold per species) and develop warning/alerting methods when there are outbreaks in the potato growing zones of eastern DRCongo. There was a call for breeders to develop new varieties that are biotic- abiotic tolerant and which respond to socioeconomic desire of producers and consumers.

The Rwanda Super Foods project sought to develop a value chain for processed orange-fleshed sweetpotato products to respond to farmer concerns over lack of markets. This study used data collected from five districts in rural Rwanda under supper food project between August and September 2014. The study applied a stochastic profit frontier model to data collected from 846 households growing sweetpotato, among which 327 were value chain participants; 312 were “spillover” households that received planting material from participant households, and the remainder control households with no project links. Results showed that average level of profit efficiency in sweetpotato production systems is 55%; suggesting that an estimated 45% of profit is lost due to the combined effect of technical, allocative and scale inefficiency. The profit efficiency of participant households was 64% compared to 20% of the control households. Moreover, the profit efficiency of the female beneficiary, female spillover, and male beneficiary households was found to be 55%, 70%, and 90% against 17% for male control households, respectively. Findings suggest that an orange-fleshed sweetpotato based value chain intervention can enhance the profit efficiency of the poor and disadvantageous households, if designed with special attention to women’s needs. Thus, polices and programs aiming at improving the livelihood of smallholder should be designed targeting women and resource poor.

Smallholders have limited landholding in the highlands of Tigray and therefore there is a critical need to improve land use efficiency (LUE). One way to improve the LUE is through intercropping of companion crops including maize and potato. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the intercropping ratio as a means to improve land use efficiency during the 2012 cropping season. The treatments tested were three intercropping ratios of maize: potato in 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 row arrangement compared against the maize and potato only cropping. The objective of the study was to identify the best intercropping ratio that maximizes land use efficiency. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was used to compare the land use efficiency of the intercrops with each sole crop. The total yield of intercropped crops were greater than sole cropping, shown by LER>1. The overall advantage of intercropping ranged from 35 to 58%. The highest land equivalent value of 58% was recorded for one maize and two potato rows arrangements indicated a yield advantage of 58% over sole crop. The partial land equivalent value of both crops in intercropping was less than one indicating the cohesiveness of both crops in intercropping. Thus, it can be concluded that 1maize: 2 potato intercropping is a viable agronomic option in increasing land use efficiency and increased food security. It is, therefore, imperative to demonstrate the best treatment under farmer’s condition.

The project SPIRIT was conducted in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya from 2012 to 2016 with the aim of increasing the contribution of agricultural science, technology and innovation to social development in East Africa. The project involved literature research, on-site visits and meetings with farmers, research institutions and stakeholders, information compilation, database establishment and a project webpage. A strategy with three main objectives and associated actions was implemented. The first objective focused on the improvement of scientific and technological knowledge of East African research organizations. For this, state-of the-art research on innovative technologies and practices for enhanced product quality was assessed; a web-based knowledge-sharing platform was created; the “East Africa Potato Research and Knowledge Exchange Forum” was constituted and six meetings with visits were realized. The second objective focused on private and civil society actors and governmental services and aimed at reinforcing their capacities for generating and adopting innovative technologies and practices. Sixteen innovation sessions were conducted. Guidelines for enhancing product quality along the potato value chain in East Africa were elaborated and disseminated. The third objective targeted governmental bodies with competences in policy-making for promoting changes in policies. Proposals for policymakers were developed and transferred to relevant authorities.

Several new sweet potato cultivars have been released in South Africa from 2004 until 2011 with varietal traits suitable for the informal market. This paper reports on results of on-farm trials conducted to evaluate the cultivars in broader agro-ecologies in the country. The trials were conducted at 15 localities across the 2011/12 to 2014/15 planting seasons including six cultivars with varying flesh colours. Data collection included marketable and unmarketable storage root yield classes, dry mass, and taste acceptability. The sites were representative of cool subtropical and warm temperate regions. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, AMMI, Discriminant analysis (DA) and Principal component analysis (PCA). Significant effects were detected for locality*cultivar and region*cultivar interactions for total and marketable yield, and for cultivar only for marketable yield. The factor region was not significant. The mean marketable yield ranged from 13.1 to 19.0 t/ha, being highest for 199062.1 and Ndou, while Bophelo had average stable yield over a broad range of environments. The most prevalent unmarketable class was weevil damage (15.1%). The study demonstrated PCA and DA as quick analytical tools to associate quality traits with cultivars to facilitate cultivar recommendations. Bophelo and Ndou had been sold with success on local informal markets and have large potential to be promoted wider.

Although the Ethiopian potato program has released more than 30 new varieties, selected primarily for yield potential and late blight tolerance, the majority of farmers still choose to grow older ‘local varieties’. Cognizant of this, the current study aimed to identify traits that farmers consider most important when deciding which varieties to grow. The study was conducted at two sites in northwest Ethiopia, representing two major agroecological zones, in two distinct growing seasons, using a participatory variety selection approach. Diseasefree seed tubers of nine local and three new varieties were planted. Twenty-three traits were found to influence the varieties that farmers selected and seven of them differed between agroecological zones. Gender differences were also observed for three of the 23 traits at Laigaint (submoist cool agroecology). Of the 23 traits, 12 were considered very important in one or both of the agroecological zones as well as in at least one growing season. At present eight of these 12 traits are not given high priority by the Ethiopian potato variety selection program. The results show that farmers′ selection criteria are very diverse, that no variety possesses all desirable characteristics, and that there is a need for selecting varieties adapted to different agroecologies and growing seasons. This study further suggests that taking farmer interests into account is important for a highly heterozygous, clonally-propagated crop like potato to be accepted by farmers.

Long-term storage of sweetpotato roots is a great challenge for smallholder farmers in Mozambique. Piecemeal harvesting allows several months supply of roots for household consumption provided weevil infestation is avoided. The objectives of the present studies were to determine yield and changes in key macro- and micronutrients associated with early or late harvesting of orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars in Mozambique. Four trials representing harvesting periods of 3, 4, 5 or 6 months after planting were established at Gurue in 2015. The randomized complete block design with three replications was laid in each trial. Yield measurements were done in the field and samples were selected and scanned for dry matter, beta-carotene, iron, zinc and carbohydrate using Near Infrared Spectrometry. Collected data were statistically analysed (SAS 1997 software). Yield, dry matter, starch, iron and beta-carotene increased linearly in some cultivars as time to harvest was prolonged. Iron was not affected by harvesting period. Stability of micronutrients such as iron, zinc and beta-carotene is essential when piecemeal harvesting. The study allowed accurate grouping of the cultivars tested into maturity groups for the first time.

The study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of genotype x environment interactions (G x E) and to select stable and high yielding sweetpotato genotypes for root dry matter content (RDMC), β-carotene content and fresh root yield, and to identify the most discriminating and representative test environments in Ethiopia. The study was conducted across six environments (Halaba, Kokate, Areka, Arbaminch, Hawassa and Dilla) in southern Ethiopia. Twenty four selected genotypes and one check variety (Tula) were evaluated using a 5 × 5 simple lattice design. Stability analysis was conducted using Genotype plus Genotype by Environment Interaction (GGE bi-plot). Environment, genotype and G × E interaction variances were significant (p < 0.001) for the three traits. The magnitude of environment and G x E interaction was 66.8% for fresh root yield, 44.0% for RDMC and 7.6% for β-carotene content. Three genotypes designated as G1, G6 and G20 were identified as having above average RDMC of 31.82, 32.60 and 30.06%, high β-carotene content of 12.48, 14.27 and 13.99 mg 100 g -1 and, stable and high fresh root yields of 25.09, 26.92 and 25.46 t ha -1 , respectively. These genotypes were selected for final evaluation and recommendations. Among the test environments, Arbaminch, Halaba and Areka better discriminated among genotypes for RDMC and fresh root yield while Areka, Dilla and Halaba were the environments better discriminated among genotypes for β-carotene content. Four environments, Arbaminch, Halaba, Areka and Dilla can be considered good environments for sweetpotato screening in southern Ethiopia. Kokate is not a good environment for sweetpotato testing in Southern Nation, Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS). Generally, the current study demonstrated the possibility of breeding sweetpotato varieties with combined high RDMC, β-carotene content and a high fresh root yield, with wide adaptation for large scale production.

Sweetpotato is a major food security crop grown in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Its production is however limited due to high prevalence of pests and diseases among other abiotic and biotic factors. A study was designed to aid understanding the knowledge of farmers about pests and their perception about climate variability impacts, as well as documenting the phenology of sweetpotato pests (pest population dynamics) in relationship with weather factors. The paper aimed at determined which climatic factors may be used as best predictors of the different status of pest populations (declines, outbreaks). Farmer based data was obtained using a semi structured questionnaire administered to several of farmers. Population dynamics of sweetpotato pests were monitored year-round from 2005 to 2015 in South Kivu province, eastern DRCongo. Field monitoring (visual counts) observations (population dynamic of different soil-dwelling and surface dwelling arthropods visiting sweetpotato fields) combined with a survey of farmers’ knowledge on sweetpotato pests and their practices in the management of these pests in South- Kivu Province were conducted for 11 years. Monitoring (with field observations and counts) was carried out in fields under different farming practices (monocropping and inter-cropping) in sites located at different altitudes. Similarly, data for climatic factors, for the same period, were collected from Lwiro Research center. Regression models were applied to understand the linkages between environmental factors (rainfall and temperature) and pest population dynamics. The results indicated that different varieties (local and improved ones) of sweetpotato are grown three times (3 seasons) per annum under various cropping systems (sole crop, mixed crops) in various agroecological zones at different altitudes. Various arthropod species visit the crop at its different stages of development including classically known pests (Acraea acerata, Cylas spp.) or as vectors of diseases (Bemisi tabaci, Aphis spp.). The results indicated a high fluctuation in the population density of different pests. The change in the population dynamics were characterized by gradual increase in the populations during rainy seasons followed by decline during dry seasons (hot months of the year). Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the population dynamics between sole sweetpotato and mixed sweetpotato intercropping. There was a synchronization of multiple pest generations (biannual, multiannual cycles of reproduction) built up with early rains. The results indicate that rainfall and maximum temperature were critical to the survival and population built up of the pest population. High rainfall in the previous months caused increases in the population density in the subsequent months within a year. The population dynamic (seasonal occurrence) over months and years was likely to coincide with favorable feeding and breeding conditions available within sweetpotato biotopes when temperatures were sufficiently high or after heavy rainfall. For some species, maximum temperature and dry seasons were associated with declines in the pest populations whereas for other species, heavy rainfall was associated with subsequent outbreaks (high populations) in the following months of the years. It is likely that perturbations in temperature/ rainfall patterns may cause serious changes in the pest population, therefore favoring the build-up of multiple generations within a year, thus. Rainfall and maximum temperatures were reliable predictors of key pest species. In fact, regressions analyses indicated that there were significant relationships (P<0.01) between the fluctuation of the population density of different pest species and the variability of climatic factors (mean monthly maximum/ minimum temperature, average rainfall). The population density of different insect pest species varied according to cropping system and to altitude. For example, a significant relationship (P<0.001) was observed between adult aphid population density and average maximum temperature whereas Cylas spp. correlated significantly (P<0.05) with rainfall at high and mid altitudes in both sole and mixed crops. The population density of Acraea acerata was not related to variability in rainfall because the species seemed to occur in number in crops (mono cropping and mixed crops) in marshland areas in June-July and December-February. The virus pressure (measured as the number of leaves symptomatically showing virus attack) followed the population density of whiteflies and aphids. Population trends of other arthropod groups (millipedes, beetles) were not affected by crop variety (clones) or by the altitude or the climate variability but more by the farming practice (mixed or monoculture) implemented by the farmer. It is possible that the resistance or tolerance of some varieties (bio-fortified/vitamin-rich/orange flesh varieties) may be reduced in the future under changing climatic conditions of crop growing in the region with Maximum temperature as the key driver of changes in the population density. The ability to predict the severity of pest populations from mean monthly rainfall/temperature data will provide a significant input into the development of IPM programme for sweetpotato pest species. The data indicates that building resilient sweetpotato crops will require the consideration of various approaches. It is likely that climate change may affect both the pests and vectordiseases and therefore the yield of the crop in eastern DRCongo. Such situation may endanger food security of small scale farmers in the future. Further investigations would be better focus on the understanding on the interacting of climatic, anthropogenic, environmental and soil factors on the pressure of sweetpotato pest in different agro-ecological zones of DRCongo.

Since 2013 the Netherlands Ministries of Economic and Foreign Affairs has been involved in private companies in research and development (R&D) in developing countries. This in a policy going “from aid to trade”. Especially in upcoming markets, R&D is carried out through Public Private Partnerships. Such partnerships not only include R&D organizations in the two countries but specifically also include businesses in both countries. This was to assure a logical flow of material and knowledge by all parties involved. Half of an R&D project is funded by the ministry and the rest is covered by a consortium of companies that contribute in kind and in cash. The policy is aimed at stimulating business development in developing countries and the Netherlands through cooperation and joint R&D. The paper explains how eleven consortia around potato business opportunities were formed, their R&D need was elicited and R&D projects formulated in the Asian countries China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Myanmar, and Ethiopia and Kenya in Africa. In common are fact finding and descriptions of cropping systems, yield gap analysis and value chains in each country. Emphases differ with China looking for an integrated system of field operations, India for optimization of storage and processing, Indonesia to reduce pesticide and nutrient inputs, Vietnam for widening the varietal base, Bangladesh for combating late blight, Myanmar for cultural practices that lead to increased yield, Ethiopia where a potato processing unit is being established and Kenya importing seed potato from the Netherlands. Some content information is given as examples to illustrate the approach and some preliminary conclusion are discussed.

High temperatures affect potato production in the tropics, putting tuber yield and quality at risk and leading to increased glycoalkaloid concentration the cause of the bitter taste in potatoes and a cause for concern for human health. The International Potato Center (CIP), has developed new heat tolerant clones which are heat tolerant and also resistant to late blight. These clones offer an opportunity to evaluate yield and glycoalkaloid levels after growth under high temperature environments. We evaluated four sets of 16 full-sib families and 20 clones for tuber yield and glycoalkaloid content in order to estimate narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability respectively. We used a randomized complete block design replicated in three locations in Peru; San Ramon, La Molina and Majes At harvest, the number and weight of marketable and nonmarketable tubers were recorded. We analyzed samples of tubers from each clone for glycoalkaloid content using spectrophotometry. Narrow-sense heritability for tuber yield, tuber number and average tuber weight were 0.41, 0.50 and 0.83, respectively, indicating that further gains in breeding for heat tolerance will be possible. Broadsense heritability for glycoalkaloid content was 0.63 and correlation with tuber yield was weak, r=0.33 and R²=0.11 (P<0.01). High heritability and weak correlation will allow us to select clones with high tuber yield and low glycoalkaloid content, to serve as candidate varieties and parents in breeding programs.

Sweet potato weevils (Cylas puncticollis and C. formicarius) are notorious pests of sweet potato and cause severe losses in marketable yield. The study tested the use of Beauveria bassiana ((Balsamo) Vuillemin) (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) for controlling sweet potato weevils. An experiment was conducted using four treatments: 1) dipping sweet potato cuttings in solution of 1 g/litre B. bassiana before planting, 2) spraying with the registered chemical Deltametrin at 50ml/100litre every 2 weeks for four months after planting, 3) spraying the leaves every 2 weeks with B. bassiana (10 g/100 litre) for four months after planting; and 4) a control (sprayed with distilled water). The experimental design was a Latin square with split plot design: pest management strategy as main plot factor and cultivars (Bophelo, Ndou and Blesbok) as subplot factors. Spraying with B. bassiana significantly reduced the percentage of insect damaged roots (5.31%) compared to the control (13.75%). Dipping did not significantly reduce the number of insect damaged roots (12.13%). There was no significant difference between the chemical spray (5.88% insect damage) and spraying with B. bassiana (5.31% insect damage). The preliminary investigation indicated that B. bassiana can be considered as an alternative control method for the sweet potato weevil.

Bioethics, as a discipline, has developed mainly, but not exclusively, around themes of moral importance for the medical practice, such as abortion and euthanasia, a never ending discussion that has been shaped by social mores and influenced by scientific and technological advance. However, in the past 20 years an important shift has been taking place, one where bioethical issues and their discussion are starting to being driven by the so-called emerging biotechnologies, from cloning to genome sequencing and editing. If Bioethics is concerned with human beings, and their interaction with other living beings and the environment, it makes sense for Biotechnology, by definition the use of living systems or organisms to develop products, to become an important, if not the most important, source of bioethical conflicts in modern era and for future society. As Biotechnology keeps expanding and becomes entangled in everyday life, so does the need for ethical competent biotechnologists, with competencies built not only on ethical principles but also on a realistic grasp of the impact these technologies could have on human society and the world we inhabit.

The red abalone Haliotis rufescens is a highly appreciated mollusk in the national and international markets. Due to its natural over-exploitation and low growth rate, several genetic improvements were made, however special efforts are needed to increase its production. This study presents transgenic abalone’s larvae expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) Growth Hormone (GH) using sperm media transgenesis technique (SMT), pAcGFP1-N vector under the control of cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Sperms were exposed to three voltages (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 Kv) using a micropulser electroporator (Bio-Rad®). The highest GFP-GH expression average (40%) was obtained in abalone larvae at 0.75 v. GFP and GH transgenes were positively detected by PCR, western blot and confocal microscope, respectively.

The impact of agricultural activities on microbial communities and environmental parameters was evaluated in two different soil samples. One sample corresponded to soil designated to oregano cultivation and the other one to native soil, both located in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora. The objective of this study was to estimate the microbial diversity in both soil samples, evaluating isolates obtained under three stress conditions: temperature, salinity and pesticide resistance, as well as using metabolic tests to evaluate their potential capabilities as plant growth promoting bacteria. The bacterial population was 5.9×10 6 and 3.8×10 6 CFU/g dry soil, in the native and oregano-designated soil, respectively. A total of twenty-four bacteria and one actinobacterium were isolated. Native soil microorganisms presented higher values for fungicide tolerance and indoleacetic acid production; however, temperature stress, salinity resistance, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization were higher for microorganisms isolated from the agricultural soil. These results demonstrate the impact of land use on microbial communities and their potential eco-functional roles.

Marine fungal biodiversity as a new precursor of biotechnology products is poorly studied compared to its terrestrial counterpart which has been used as a rich source of bioactive compounds. Because of the importance of marine fungi, we present here the first marine cultivable fungal isolates from sea sediments of 43 to 311 m depth from the Southern California Gulf, Mexico. Seventeen selected halotolerant fungi were isolated and identified by sequencing their ITS 1 and 2 genes. They belong to the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (16 and 1 isolates). Cladosporium spp were represented by 29%, Aspergillus spp by 24%, Talaromyces spp by 12% and other species by 35%. Two fungi showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

In this work, two agro-industrial wastes, namely Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) and Coffee Wastewater (CW) have been used as the carbon source for the production of biosurfactants, due to their low cost and high availability. Biosurfactant-producing bacterial isolates from the Mexican state of Chiapas were used. The selected biosurfactant-producer strains were evaluated in a liquid medium with 2% (v/v) of WCO as the carbon source. The assay was conducted in an Erlenmeyer flask containing 300 mL aliquots of mineral salt media (MSM) + residue and incubated at 100 rpm at room temperature for 96 hours. The biosurfactant produced in the samples reduced the surface tension from 50 to 30-29 mN/m. Strains A and 83 showed the maximum emulsification index at 58-59%. Strain A showed the highest biosurfactant yield with a production of 3.7 g/L in comparison with strains B, 83 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. Our results suggest that the biosurfactant produced by strain A has great potential in the treatment of wastewater with a high content of fatty acids, and of soils contaminated by pesticides or oil hydrocarbons.

Microalgae have the potential of consuming high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater; thus, avoiding the risk of eutrophication of the water bodies. Nevertheless, ammonium can usually inhibit the growth of microalgae. Tolerance to ammonium is specific of each strain; so, the development of tertiary wastewater treatment proposals, employing microalgae, has as a first step the study of its tolerance to N-NH 3 . In this work, the tolerance of Chlorella vulgaris to N-NH 3 , using mineral medium, was studied. Afterward, C. vulgaris was used to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from a real wastewater. The maximal biomass concentration was reached at 66 ppm N-NH3 (0.49 gL -1 ) with the complete depletion of the ammonium and a phosphorus consumption of 2 mgPi L -1 d -1 in all the experiments. When C. vulgaris was grown in real wastewater, the final biomass concentration was 0.267 g L -1 and the nutrients (N and P) were totally consumed after 3 days. According with these results, this strain of Chlorella has the potential for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from tertiary wastewater and the biomass produced in the process can be used for the production of high value products, such as pigments, proteins, carbohydrate or used for animal feed.

In this work a protocol for the extraction of DNA from the meat of different animals (beef, pork, and horse) was established. The protocol utilized TE lysis buffer with varying concentrations of phenol and chloroform as a base reagent. Reactions were carried out for verying time periods and under differing temperatures. All samples analyzed were obtained from commercial grade meat sourced from the local region. 12 samples were used for methodological optimization with 30 repetitions per sample. Once optimized, purity results for the three species were 1.7 with a concentration (determined spectrophotometrically at 260 nm) of 100 μl/ml of DNA. The protocol was tested using 465 different meat samples from different animal species. All meat used was fresh and processed. Results showed a purity of 1.35 ± 0.076 and a DNA concentration of 70 ± 0.31 μl for a time duration of 1.5 hours. These results were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as reported by several authors. The extracts were tested using different PCR reactions using specific primers for horses. Results suggest that there was 39 positive samples. The proposed methodology provides an efficient way to detect DNA concentration and purity, suitable for amplification with PCR.

Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties consist of more than one accession mostly which, exhibit a wide variation in morphological characters, flowering time and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity based on days to flowering (DF) and 12 morphological characters of two Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba comprising of 13 and 7 accessions respectively. DF of Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba varied from 60 - 72 and 79 - 99 days respectively. Vegetative morphological characters and yield components also varied among Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba accessions while pericarp colour, grain width, and length were distinct characters between the two varieties. According to the hierarchical cluster analysis, 2 major clusters were identified at the rescale distance of 25 separating accessions of Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba except for accession 3136 of Pachchaperumal, which was located in Sudura samba cluster. Seven clusters were derived at rescaled distance of 5 where accessions of similar quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were clustered together. There were negative correlations between DF and selected yield components in contrast to positive correlations between DF and selected vegetative growth parameters. Our results may be useful in the determination of identity of accessions belonging to the same variety, which could be further supported by molecular analysis.

Unavailability of information on photoperiod sensitivity of traditional rice is a disadvantage in breeding rice for adaptation to changing climatic conditions and for optimum plant architecture. This experiment was conducted to address the above problem through determination of variation in days to flowering (DF) and morphological traits of twenty eight selected very early maturing Sri Lankan traditional rice accessions under three photoperiod conditions: short day (SD), day neutral (DN) and long day (LD). Although rice is considered to be a facultative short day plant, 12 accessions (2088, 2979, 4615, 3970, 4245, 2091, 3450, 3883, 4217, 6741, 3738 and 3677) flowered significantly late under SD over LD, while accession 4223 flowered significantly late under DN. Fifteen accessions (3943, 4042, 4734, 3693, 4513, 3845, 4390, 4144, 4220, 4223, 4237, 4387, Bg 300, At 308 and Bg 379-2) flowered significantly early under SD over LD. Four accessions (3457, 3884, 6305 and 4358) were non-responsive to photoperiod for flowering time. Plant height significantly increased only in accession 4217 under SD. Higher plant height under DN was obtained from At 308 and accession 3883. Photoperiod did not affect plant height in accession 4237 and Bg 379-2. LD only or both LD and DN conditions produced significantly higher plant height irrespective of photoperiod responsiveness for DF in rest 26 accessions. Variation in response to photoperiod for DF and plant architecture in very early maturing Sri Lankan rice indicates the potential diversity of genetic factors for photoperiod response for future use in rice breeding.

Smallholder farmers in Bangladesh face many difficulties. A trend towards fish farming has opened new opportunities in recent years. This research focuses on the concern, whether smallholders could improve their gross margins by improving the allocation of the available physical and non-physical resources. Combinations of the participatory, qualitative and quantitative methods were used for primary data collection. A linear programming based modelling approach shows that farmers can increase the farm gross margin by reallocating the land in the model solution. Essential requirements, e.g. determined by household consumption requirements, determine parts of the resource allocation. The remaining land is in tendency allocated to fish farming; where one specific fish farming alternative is dominant to others. In the scenario analysis, all farming groups keep the same proportion of land use pattern until a certain level of price change, beyond that crop farming is selected. Scenarios modifying the available fish feed show the significant sensitivity of this resource on the land allocation.

The world is confronted with the depletion of natural resources due to their unsustainable use, increased global competiveness, increasing population and other environmental and economic challenges. Under the European 2020 growth strategy launched in 2010, Europe has set itself the goal of shifting from linear to circular models of production and consumption. In this context, food waste management poses a great challenge. This study focusses on the possible destinations for food waste, specifically, on the most sustainable practices that turn waste into valuable resources. Particular attention is devoted to the potential offered by fast-growing sectors such as the bioeconomy, which is contributing to increased energy and materials production with reduced environmental impact, at the same time creating new job opportunities. In this paper we will argue that an holistic approach considering the issue of food wastage as part of a broader emerging bio-economy and circular-economic model, might provide win-win solutions able to minimize wastage, promote income growth and job creation, and prompt sustainable local development. However, in order to enable an effective transition to a circular bioeconomy able to minimize the impact of food wastage, the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of this new model must be properly evaluated through appropriate tools, e.g. through an overall Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA).

This work was carried out to ascertain the viability of spawn produced on cassava peels and used for spawning cassava peels and sawdust substrates and compare the yield with mushroom fruits from the conventional Sorghum bicolor known to be the best material for spawn production. Three different species of mushroom cultures were inoculated on cassava peels, two Pleurotus pulmonarius strains (FIIRO and Thailand) and Lentinus squarroslus. The study of mycelia colonization rate study was done in triplicate. L. squarroslus completed colonization within 18days of inoculation in test tube with a growth mean value of 11.16cm, the two strains of P. pulmonarius (FIIRO and Thailand) completed colonization in 21 days with FIIRO strain having growth mean value of 11.46cm and Thailand strain 11.20cm. Cassava peels spawn production was done in two ways, singly and supplemented with rice bran, yield from different species of mushroom (L. squarroslus and P. pulmonarius (FIIRO Strain) cultivated with cassava peels spawn in the study were compared with sorghum grains spawn. Different weight of 100, 200, 300g were used for cultivation, sorghum grains spawn produced the highest yield (202.13g) from the two species used followed by cassava peels supplemented with rice bran (179.86g) and single cassava peels spawn (124.13g). L. squarroslus did not fruit on cassava peels even with the sorghum grains spawn. The differences from the yield of the three spawn was negligible as the differences was not noticeable (cassava peels 124.133±5.21a, supplemented cassava peels spawn 179.867±0.64a, and sorghum grains spawn 202.133±8.86a). This result verified the use of cassava peels in the production of viable mushroom spawn.

Bakery and pastry products such as cookies are usually produced from wheat flour and as such contribute to high foreign exchange for tropical countries where such cereal is not cultivated. In view of this, we evaluated the engineering economics for the utilization of dried brewers′ spent grain, groundnut cake and sorghum flour in the industrial production of cookies. The production was based on the assumption that the cash flow was uniform over the plant life (i.e. 10 years) with no salvage value. The equipment required for the production process was identified and estimates obtained from equipment manufactures. The production of the cookies was based on constant mass flow rate of 90 packets/min. The effects of uncertainties on cookie production were evaluated by varying the operation days (330, 300 and 250 days) and also by varying the price of some key variables required for the production processes. The results indicate that the capital cost (fixed and working capital) and the annual production cost (APC) were US$1.39×10 6 and US$10.08×10 6 /year, respectively. The after tax annual revenue was US$1.63×10 6 /yr. The return on investment (ROI), single payback period (SPBP), discounted payback period, gross margin and internal rate of return (IRR) of the plant were 63%, 1.58 years, 2.08 years, 23% and 77.52%, respectively. The result also showed that the production plant is feasible and could be operated for 330, 300 and 250 days. The difference between operation times lies in the profitability, which decreases as the number of days reduces. Based on the result of this analysis, brewers’ spent grain, groundnut cake, and sorghum flour can be utilized in industrial production of cookies with guaranteed profitability.

The study aims to evaluate the Domestic Resources Cost (DRC) of beef cattle raised either on grazing, or a tethering system of small-scale beef cattle farming. The study was done using a survey method. A total of 120 respondents were selected purposively to consist of 60 farmers applying the grazing system and another 60 farmers applying the tethering system. The parameters measured were socio-economic characteristic, Domestic Resources Cost Ratio (DRCR) and Private Cost Ratio (PCR). Data were analyzed by applying a method of Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The result of the study indicated that 87% of those farmers involved in the grazing system and 85% of those involved in tethered beef cattle production, were within the productive age range. In the grazing system, the cattle farmers upstream of Benain-Noelmina watershed area gain the private and social profit levels which is IDR 406,284,-/AU/year and IDR 688,388,-/AU/year, respectively. Further, in the tethering system, the average of private and social profit gain is IDR 855,222,-/AU/year and IDR 1,385,712,-/AU/year, respectively. The small-scale beef cattle farming upstream of Benain-Noelmina watershed has competitive and comparative advantages, indicated by the value of PCR and DRCR which are less than 1. The PCR value was 0.41 in the grazing system and 0.71 on the tethering system; hence, the DRCR of the grazing system was 0.29 and 0.60 of the tethering system.

Biotic factors such as the presence of invasive animal and/or plant species are well known as major causes of ecological degradation and as limiting either natural or assisted (human-induced) ecological restoration. However, abiotic aspects of the landscape, such as water availability and soil physical/chemical conditions can also potentially limit restoration and should be considered. Dryland ecosystems are amongst the world’s most threatened and least protected. New Zealand’s drylands have been drastically changed, initially through burning, agricultural and grazing practices and the impacts of introduced herbivores and plants. This research aimed at identifying some of the key environmental factors preventing the reestablishment of native woody species in a New Zealand dryland ecosystem. The experiments involved a combination of shading, irrigation and grazing exclusion. The results showed that supplemental water was not beneficial for the survival and growth of the native seedlings, unless combined with shade. Fencing proved important for establishment, even though the species used are regarded in the literature as unpalatable to herbivores. The results indicated that the presence of shade was fundamental for the establishment and growth of the native seedlings likely due to improvements in the microclimate, soil aeration, and water availability to seedlings.

India is one of the key producers of food grain, oilseed, sugarcane and other agricultural products. Agricultural crops generate considerable amounts of leftover residues, with increases in food production crop residues also increasing. These leftover residues exhibit not only resource loss but also a missed opportunity to improve a farmer’s income. The use of crop residues in various fields are being explored by researchers across the world in areas such as textile composite non-woven making processes, power generation, biogas production, animal feed, compost and manures, etc. The increasing trend in addition of bio-energy cogeneration plants, increasing demand for animal feedstock and increasing trend for organic agriculture indicates a competitive opportunity forcrop residue in Agriculture. It is to be noted that the use of this left over residue isoften not mutually exclusive which makes measurement of its economic value more difficult.For example, straw can be used as animal bedding and thereafter as a crop fertilizer. In view of this, the main aim of this paper envisaged to know about how much crop residue is left unutilized and how best they can be utilized for alternative purposes for environmental stewardship and sustainability. In this context, an attempt has been made to estimate the total crop residue across the states and its economic value though data available from various government sources and a SWOT analysis performed for possible alternative uses of residue in India. This paper also discusses the successful case studies of India and global level of use of crop residues in economic activities. Over all 516 Mtonnes of crop residue was produced in 2014-15 in India among which cereals were the largest producer of crop residue followed by sugarcane. The energy potential from paddy rice straw crop residue was estimated as 486,955 megawatt for 2014-15 and similarly for coarse cereals it was 226,200megawatt.

This study was done to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ammonium sulfate on growth and fruit quality of tomato plants under hydroponic culture system. Over four months of tomato plant growth, plants were sprayed once per week with different concentrations of ammonium sulfate (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM), as well as with 50 mM every second day. Foliar application of ammonium sulfate led to reductions in many growth and quality parameters, and higher ammonium concentrations exerted greater reductions. Number of leaves, fresh weight of shoots, percentage of leaf dry weight and fruit yield were negatively associated with the treatment with ammonium sulfate. However, leaf nitrogen concentration, fruit diameter and fruit length increased significantly by the application of ammonium. Fruit quality factors were also affected by ammonium sulfate spray treatments. The maximum pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids (TSS) were obtained from the lowest (50 mM) weekly application of ammonium sulfate. The results indicate that foliar application of ammonium in moderate concentrations could have beneficial effects on plant growth and quality of tomato fruit.

White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), Higher Basidiomycota, is a very important nutritional and medicinal species which is used for recycling agrowastes including wheat straw, reed plant wastes, waste paper, oat straw, waste tea leaves, some water plants and others. A. bisporus has many usages in human dietary and pharmaceutical fields due to its composition of essential amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, low calories, crude fibers, trace elements and vitamins. Recently synthesized nanoparticles from A. bisporus were used to treat cancer, viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. The goal of this review is to highlight recent data about recycling wastes for Agaricus production and applications of A. bisporus as a reducing agent in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Organically produced foods are currently highly desirable, but it can also be used for ecofriendly biosynthesis of nanoparticles.

This study was conducted to assess the influence of different salinity and irrigation water treatments on the growth and development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Five salinity levels (0.4, 1.00, 2.50, 4.00 and 8.00 dSm -1 ) and three different irrigation water regimes (80, 100, 120% of full irrigation) were applied in a factorial design with three replications. Dry root weight, aerial part dry weight and aerial part/root ratio were determined and evaluated as experimental parameters at the end of growing period. Results revealed significant decreases in yields with increasing salinity levels. However, basil managed to survive high salt stress. With increasing salinity levels, decreases in growth were higher in roots than in leaves. Changes in the amount of irrigation water also significantly affected the evaluated parameters.

This study was carried out to determine effects of salinity on germination and seedling development of commercially important common bean genotypes in Cameroon. The seeds of eight genotypes were used for both trials. The germination experiments were carried out on petri dishes in the laboratory while early growth trials continued in plastic pots in the screenhouse. Both stages were setup using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Germination and early growth trials of the different genotypes were studied using distilled water as control or osmotic potentials of 50, 100, 150 and 200mM NaCl to study the effects of salinity on germination and seedling growth characteristics. Leaf concentrations of Na+ and K+ were determined. At the germination level, germination percentage, germination index and the coefficient of velocity of germination decreased with increasing salinity while the mean germination time and time to 50% germination increased with increasing level of salt. All the growth variables decreased with increasing salinity with the exception of the root length which was not affected by salinity. It was observed that increasing salinity induced a significant increase in leaf Na+ and substantial reduction in the accumulation of K+ in the leaves. For ions accumulation, germination variables and growth parameters, significant differences at 0.001 probability levels were found among salinity treatments, common bean genotypes and most of their interactions. Significant correlations were found between all germination variables and between most growth parameters. From the effect of salt application, the common bean genotypes namely KEBCB049, KEB-CB053 and Mac-33 were the most tolerant while KEB-CB055 and KEB-CB050 were the most sensitive. The results confirm that there is genotypic variation in salinity tolerance and that the most tolerant genotypes should be further explored in selection programs, with the aim that they should be promoted for cultivation in tropical zones affected by salinity.

Wheat is an important staple crop in arid and semi-arid areas of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. However, the yield and quality of the crop is markedly constrained by low soil fertility, inappropriate rate and timing of nitrogen application. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of different rates and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application on the yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency of bread wheat varieties during 2013 and 2014 main cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69, and 92 kg N ha -1 ), three timing of N application (½ at sowing + ½ at tillering, ¼ at sowing + ½ at tillering + ¼ at anthesis, and 1/3 rd at sowing + 1/3 rd at tillering + 1/3 rd at anthesis) and two bread wheat varieties (Picaflor and Mekelle I) and 0 kg N ha -1 (control). The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. During both cropping years, increasing the rate of nitrogen application up to 69 kg N ha -1 significantly (P< 0.01) increased the total aboveground biomass and grain yields of the crop and decreased with further increase of applied N fertilizer. The highest aboveground biomass (6871 kg ha-1) and grain yields (2775 kg ha-1) of the crop were obtained in response to the application of 69 kg N ha -1 , in 2013. The equivalent value for total aboveground biomass and grain yields during 2014 cropping season were (8815 kg ha -1 and 3695 kg ha -1 ), respectively . The highest apparent recovery efficiency of 75% was obtained in response to the rate of 69 kg N ha -1 applied in three splits of 1/4 at planting, ½ at tillering, and 1/4 at anthesis. The equivalent values for the highest apparent recovery was 81% in the 2014 cropping season. The highest agronomic efficiency of 25 kg kg -1 and utilization efficiency of 55 kg kg -1 were recorded at the rate of 46 kg N ha -1 in three splits of 1/4 at planting, ½ at tillering and ¼ at anthesis. The equivalent values in 2014 were 34 kg kg -1 and 78 kg kg -1 , respectively. Grain protein concentration increased from 10.57% to 11.82% in 2013 and from 8.97% to 9.84% in 2014 cropping season as the rate increased from 23 kg N ha -1 to 69 kg N ha -1 . The acceptable marginal rate of return (1618%) and highest net benefit (34141ETB ha -1 ) was obtained from 69 kg N ha -1 for the variety Picaflor. In conclusion, applying 69 kg N ha -1 in three splits of ¼ at planting, 1/2 at tillering and ¼ at anthesis resulted in optimum grain yield, protein concentration and economic return of the crop.