Agroforestry: A Climate Resilient and Sustainable Land Use

Agroforestry (AF) means combining shrubs, trees, crops, and livestock to manage rural land resources. It generates economic, environmental, and social benefits. Traditionally, agroforestry systems have been mixed farming systems. In India, agroforestry has been around for generations as a way of life. Approximately 10% of all agricultural land worldwide is believed to be covered by agroforestry. Nearly half of the needs for firewood, small timber (65%), wood for plywood (70–80%), the base material for paper pulp (60%), and nutritious green food for animals (9–11%) are met by it. Agroforestry has become of greater significance in tackling numerous challenges as well as offering a broad range of socioeconomic and environmentally friendly advantages, especially in the wake of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). When combined with field crops, trees have the ability to significantly boost the economy by diversifying the land, generating sustainable income, and enhancing the security of food, fuel, and fodder. Because agroforestry simultaneously reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced from the soil by storing carbon in topsoil and biomass from trees, it increases the likelihood of minimizing and adapting to the effects of changing the climate. By 2030, India aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, it emits by 33–35% from 2005 levels. India has launched a landmark National Agroforestry Policy 2014 that promotes agroforestry. Also outlined is a recommendation to upscale and promote agroforestry research at the national level through institutional mechanisms. The policy aims to foster collaboration across numerous projects, plans, and organizations that incorporate agroforestry features to improve the livelihoods, revenue, and productivity of small-scale landowners. The policy also seeks to increase awareness about agroforestry and its benefits among farmers, stakeholders, and the public. It also encourages the use of agroforestry practices for sustainable land management. Lastly, the policy seeks to create an enabling environment for agroforestry development

Nitrogen Fertilizer Replacement in Legume Cereal Rotations

Sustainable food production is one of the major global challenges, exacerbated by climate change, increasing population, and natural resource degradation, including soil degradation and loss of biodiversity (Pretty and Bharucha, 2014; Vanlauwe et al., 2014). Cropping systems that specialize in one or two crops, with little attention to crop diversity, may lead to biological and physical soil degradation (Kirschenmann, 2002; Tanaka et al., 2010). Annual cropping systems, which include diverse crops such as cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, may be economically viable options for farmers. Diversifying crops in cropping systems also influences the soil environment and diversity of soil organisms (Williams et al., 2023; Yang et al., 2020). It is crucial to consider the synergistic or antagonistic relationships of crops in cropping systems for sustainability and resilience in agricultural systems (Kirschenmann, 2007). Legumes play a major role in the sustainability of cropping systems, primarily due to their contribution of biologically fixed N and other beneficial effects, such as breaking pest and disease cycles for non-legume crops (Agegnehu et al., 2014; Peoples et al., 1995; Siddique et al., 2008). In Ethiopia, crops and cropping systems are diverse due to large agroecological and cultural diversity, which in turn leads to variable cropping patterns. The greater reliability of return is the main feature of multiple cropping, compared to monocropping. This report summarizes the contribution of crop rotation to the yield of major cereal crops after major precursor legumes based on legacy research data on cereal-legume rotations. Determining the contribution of major leguminous crops to subsequent cereal crops in terms of yield and soil fertility will help compensate for the rate of nitrogen fertilizer required, thereby enabling integration into digital fertilizer advisory services

Utilizing X-ray radiography for non-destructive assessment of paddy rice grain quality traits

Background Agricultural systems are under extreme pressure to meet the global food demand, hence necessitating faster crop improvement. Rapid evaluation of the crops using novel imaging technologies coupled with robust image analysis could accelerate crops research and improvement. This proof-of-concept study investigated the feasibility of using X-ray imaging for non-destructive evaluation of rice grain traits. By analyzing 2D X-ray images of paddy grains, we aimed to approximate their key physical Traits (T) important for rice production and breeding: (1) T1 chaffiness, (2) T2 chalky rice kernel percentage (CRK%), and (3) T3 head rice recovery percentage (HRR%). In the future, the integration of X-ray imaging and data analysis into the rice research and breeding process could accelerate the improvement of global agricultural productivity. Results The study indicated, computer-vision based methods (X-ray image segmentation, features-based multi-linear models and thresholding) can predict the physical rice traits (chaffiness, CRK%, HRR%). We showed the feasibility to predict all three traits with reasonable accuracy (chaffiness: R2 = 0.9987, RMSE = 1.302; CRK%: R2 = 0.9397, RMSE = 8.91; HRR%: R2 = 0.7613, RMSE = 6.83) using X-ray radiography and image-based analytics via PCA based prediction models on individual grains. Conclusions Our study demonstrated the feasibility to predict multiple key physical grain traits important in rice research and breeding (such as chaffiness, CRK%, and HRR%) from single 2D X-ray images of whole paddy grains. Such a non-destructive rice grain trait inference is expected to improve the robustness of paddy rice evaluation, as well as to reduce time and possibly costs for rice grain trait analysis. Furthermore, the described approach can also be transferred and adapted to other grain crops

Peanut Genetic Resources: Status, Challenges, and Use in Peanut Genetic Improvement

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an annual food legume grown in over 100 countries for many uses, primarily as vegetable oil or snacks in local or regional diets, and the dried vines are used as fodder for livestock. Around the world, it is popularly known as groundnut because of its unique feature of producing flowers above ground with below-ground development of pods. Genus Arachis originated in South America, with several primary centers of diversity located in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Spread across these five countries, the genus contains about 83 described species grouped into nine different taxonomic sections with unique genomes and cross-compatibilities. The cultivated species, Arachis hypogaea, originated from a natural hybridization event between two wild Arachis species about 10,000 years ago. Following domestication, it spread to other parts of the world, displaying several secondary centers of diversity. Arachis hypogaea is a tetraploid, while many of the wild species are diploids, with a few other tetraploid and aneuploid species also present in the genus. Large germplasm collections of cultivated as well as wild species are preserved in several gene banks around the world. These germplasm collections provide the primary source of genetic diversity for peanut improvement to meet present and future demands. Several accessions have been used in developing improved cultivars, especially involving interspecific hybridization with the wild species. The derived genetic resources provided populations for molecular and genomic investigations, leading to the development of valuable resources for peanut breeders worldwide. These genetic resources act as a reservoir for many economically important traits, including yield, drought tolerance, resistance to diseases, nutritional quality, and long-term resilience of the crop against evolving pests and pathogens and a changing climate

Tree integration in conservation agriculture: A case study of teak (Tectona grandis) + bael (Aegle marmelos) based agroforestry in the Bundelkhand region

The present study was carried out during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh to study the impact of conservation agriculture practices within a teak (Tectona grandis L.)+ bael (Aegle marmelos L.)-based agroforestry system on growth rate and yield parameters of tree and crop component, as well as on soil properties. It examined the effect of tillage methods and residue retention on the growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) as well as soil properties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD), with three replications having eight treatments of comprising combinations, viz. Tillage methods (conventional and minimum); Cropping systems (sorghum-chickpea and maize-linseed); and Residue management practices (residue retention and no retention). Results indicated that residue retention under conventional tillage significantly enhanced plant height and dry matter accumulation in both linseed and chickpea. Crop yields were comparable under conventional and minimum tillage, although residue retention significantly boosted the yields of both crops. Conservation agricultural practices contributed to higher productivity in the teak+ bael-based agroforestry system. Residue retention improved soil organic carbon content by 24–39% compared to no residue retention. Additionally, nutrient availability (N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) was enhanced through minimum tillage combined with residue retention

Impact of cold plasma treatment on aflatoxin decontamination, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, mineral content and anti-nutritional factors of groundnuts.

Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a globally consumed legume valued for their nutrition and affordability. Cold plasma (CP) processing, an innovative nonthermal technology, improves food safety and quality by inactivating microorganisms and reducing chemical contaminants. In the present study, groundnuts inoculated and non-inoculated with Aspergillus flavus were treated with CP at varying voltages (20--30 kV) and durations (1--15 min). CP treatment significantly reduced aflatoxin B1 levels (up to 82.1% at 30 kV, 15 min) while enhancing protein, fat, fibre, phenolics, flavonoids and mineral bioavailability. Anti-nutritional factors like phytates, oxalates and tannins decrease, improving nutrient digestibility. The present study demonstrates CP's potential as a sustainable, chemical- free method for enhancing groundnut quality and safety, with promise for large-scale application in the food industry

Groundnut Breeding Advancements: Efforts Towards Genomic Selection for Quicker Genetic Gains

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food crop in sub-Saharan Africa, and worldwide. Among the major causes for low yields is the susceptibility of cultivated varieties to the Groundnut Rosette Disease (GRD) and leaf spots. Genomic selection (GS), characterized by a model calibrated on phenotype and genotype information of a training population is used to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). The essence of GS in any breeding program is to accelerate the selection progress by shortening generation interval and increase in selection intensity, thus a resource saving breeding method. Traditional breeding methods are augmented by GS that has the ability to forecast GEBVs with enough precision for selection across multiple generations that eliminates the need for extensive phenotyping and speeds up genetic gains. To support these efforts, vector-host interaction studies have been conducted, populations to support GRD markers support developed, evaluated and genotyped; an African core set genotyped, a genome-wide association analysis for loci associated key traits done, and studies on prediction models building on studies from earlier efforts, such high-density genotyping and prediction accuracy for different GS models and cross validation approaches for key traits. The valuable results on vector-host interaction forms a basis for further characterization of these genotypes using the GRD validated molecular markers to understand the physiological basis of the varied reaction to vector and disease incidence. Sequencing the genome of the aphid species on groundnut is crucial to inform the diversity of the vector and give insights on how microbial effector proteins, host targets and plant immune receptors coevolve. The validation of the GRD markers will be a breakthrough in breeding efforts through marker assisted selection for this trait, while at the same time providing genetic information to improve the prediction of GS models. The genome wide association mapping marker set was very informative, comparable to the Africa core set study. The marker set would be ideal for future development of quality check (QC) and mid-density panel markers. The prediction accuracy increased and genetic variation decreased when large-effect SNPs were fitted as fixed factors. We envisage to enhance the superiority of the GS results further through multienvironment prediction models, and more quality phenotypic details of the key traits in question. These efforts will provide an array of tools for use to achieve quick genetic gains in the groundnut breeding programs

Sorghum and millets: Quality management systems

Sorghum and millets find extensive use in traditional food products and for animal feed. Today, they are increasingly used in modern food products, especially gluten-free and healthy food products, lager beers, and bioethanol. These wide uses dictate desired quality parameters for the grains and their products, which are measured by a variety of methods. The parameters mostly concern food safety, grain physical characteristics, and chemical composition. Quality management systems exist for sorghum and millets from various specific statutory bodies. Their major purpose is to facilitate trade in the grains. Traceability systems for the sorghum and millets value chain need to be introduced. Furthermore, a more multidisciplinary approach to strengthening quality management systems for the sorghum and millets value chain is needed. The goal of this approach would be to create synergies between different types of expertise relevant for the sorghum and millets value chain and, importantly, must include the consumer

Drought-Induced Cyanogenesis in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.): Genotypic Variation in Dhurrin Biosynthesis and Stress Response

The accumulation of the livestock-harming cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin in the vegetative tissues limits the use of sorghum as a major pasture crop. This study integrates transcriptomics and metabolomics data from the ICSV 93046, CSH 24-MF and ICSR 14001 genotypes, which differ in drought tolerance and cyanide potential (HCNp), to understand the molecular processes of cyanogenesis under drought stress conditions. While ICSV 93046 showed drought adaptation and reduced HCNp, ICSR 14001 and CSH 24-MF exhibited decreased drought stress tolerance with HCN accumulation. The differentially expressed gene (DEG) data showed drought-related genes were significantly upregulated in ICSV 93046 but downregulated in ICSR 14001. KEGG pathway analysis revealed enriched dhurrin biosynthesis and cyanoamino acid metabolism genes, with higher expression in ICSR 14001 than in ICSV 93046. WGCNA analysis revealed that hub genes are involved in drought-induced signalling components, such as phospholipases (PLPs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs), which are implicated in membrane protection. In drought-sensitive genotypes, stress-induced membrane damages lead to the release of dhurrin into the cytoplasm, thus elevating HCN content and activating defence responses. Conversely, the drought-adapted genotype could mitigate HCN production by averting membrane injury, thereby effectively modulating the oxidative stress and preventing the release of dhurrin into the cytoplasm

Breeding Climate-Resilient Pigeonpea in Climate Change Era: Current Breeding Strategies and Prospects

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is a prominent pulse crop of low-input agriculture and serves as a prime protein source in the traditional cereal-based diet to fill the nutritional gap in tropical and subtropical regions. However, the production potential of pigeonpea has not been harnessed completely owing to its susceptibility to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses and cultivation in marginal lands. In the era of climate change, the pigeonpea is exposed to unforeseen weather calamities and the resurgence of various pests and diseases resulting in up to cent per cent yield losses depending on the crop growth stage and vulnerability to the stress. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop climate-smart crop varieties to meet the food demand of an ever-growing population. Though conventional breeding approaches successfully developed high-yielding cultivars, the success rate was poor owing to a narrow genetic base, difficulty in identifying genes tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses and poorly developed genetic resources. With refinements and advancements in DNA sequencing technologies, a huge quantity of genomic data is available in the public domain, providing novel insights into the crop evolution and breeding history. Integrating conventional and genomic-assisted breeding (GAB) approaches with high-throughput phenotyping platforms could effectively accelerate the production potential and provide a better understanding of the trait genetics to accelerate the rate of genetic gain. Novel technologies, viz. genome-wide association studies, genome editing, etc., delivered promising results for improving the stress resilience. This chapter provides an insight into the breeding strategies for pigeonpea resilience in the current context of climate change, emerging pests and diseases