Emerging organic compounds in European groundwater

In Europe, emerging organic compounds (EOCs) in groundwater is a growing research area. Prioritisation for monitoring EOCs was formalised in 2019 in Europe through the development of the first voluntary groundwater watch list (GWWL). Despite this, groundwater occurrence data in the peer reviewed literature for Europe has not been reviewed to date. Questions surrounding the effect, toxicity, movement in the subsurface and unsaturated zone make the process of regulating EOC use difficult. The aim in Europe is to develop a unified strategy for the classification, and prioritisation of EOCs to be monitored in groundwater. This paper compiles evidence from the recent published studies from across Europe, since 2012 when the last major literature global review of EOCs in groundwater took place. A total of 39 studies were identified for review based on specific selection criteria (geography, publication date, sample size>10, inclusion of EOCs data). Data on specific compounds, and associated meta-data are compiled and reviewed. The two most frequently detected EOCs, carbamazepine and caffeine, occurred in groundwater at concentrations of up to 2.3 and 14.8 μg/L, respectively

Introgression breeding in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.]

The narrow base of genetic diversity characteristic of cowpea can be attributed to it being self-pollinating, evolving from narrow wild germplasm and exhibiting very limited gene flow between wild and cultivated types. Backcrossing to introduce simply inherited desirable traits and utilization of improved breeding lines and varieties as parents in crossing programs further narrowed the genetic base of cowpea varieties. In most cowpea breeding programs, genes for resistance and market traits were pyramided into lines characterized by high levels of acceptance to farmers and consumers. Besides predisposing widely distributed improved varieties to genetic vulnerability, a narrow base of genetic variation may be contributing to the plateauing in cowpea grain yield, which compromises genetic gains. Cross compatible wild relatives have not been used in variety development because breeders shy away from them due to their tiny seed size, unattractive seed coat color and texture, pod shattering, and susceptibility to viruses. A number of wild cowpea relatives, both within and outside section Catiang of Vigna species, have been evaluated for their reaction to cowpea insect pests and diseases. Vigna vexillata lines were resistant to the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus), and Striga gesnerioides but are cross incompatible with cultivated cowpea. Some lines among the cross compatible wild relative V. unguiculata ssp. dekindtiana were found to be resistant to aphid in the seedling stage, while others showed good levels of drought and heat tolerance. Molecular markers are being generated to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) with effects on some desirable attributes in cowpea. Modern breeding tools, including transgenics, can be applied for the improvement of cowpea, bypassing the natural barriers of traditional breeding. Transgenic cowpea with Bt gene cry1Ab showing resistance to M. vitrata has been released in Nigeria. Genome editing, a powerful emerging tool, can also be used for developing improved cowpea varieties with durable resistance to pests and diseases

Farmers\u2019 perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies on sorghum productivity in the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of Mali

In Mali, climate change is a major threat to the productivity of food security crops such as sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, 1794). The objective of this study was to analyse farmers\u2019 perceptions of climate change effects, on sorghum productivity and the adaptation related strategies. A total of 352 sorghum farmers in the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of Mali were interviewed, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were related mainly to the farmers\u2019 socio-economic profiles, indicators used to characterise climate change and strategies developed to cope with it. Irregular rainfall, marked rise in temperatures and early cessation of the rainy seasons were the main manifestations of climate change effects according to the respondents. These effects reportedly resulted in a drastic drop in sorghum yields. Use of meteorological information (19.89% of the respondents), use of early and drought-resistant varieties (13.35% of the respondents), and intercropping of sorghum with other crops (25.85% of the respondents) were the strategy options adapted by farmers. The choice of an adaptation strategies was largely dependent on the number of years of experience in sorghum production, and the number of labour providers available in the household. It is imperative to assess and refine the agronomic effectiveness of these coping strategies to improve sorghum productivity in the study areas.La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude vise \ue0 d\ue9terminer l\u2019effet des changements climatiques sur la productivit\ue9 du sorgho ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, 1794) et les strat\ue9gies d\u2019adaptations mises en \u153uvre par les agriculteurs au Mali.\ua0Ainsi, les enqu\ueates ont \ue9t\ue9 effectu\ue9es dans 32 villages dans les deux zones. 352 producteurs de sorgho \ue2g\ue9s de 25 \ue0 75 ans tant dans la zone soudanienne que dans la zone sah\ue9lienne ont \ue9t\ue9 s\ue9lectionn\ue9s et soumis \ue0 un questionnaire semi structur\ue9. Les producteurs observent de nos jours une irr\ue9gularit\ue9 des pluies, des temp\ue9ratures \ue9lev\ue9es, des vents violents, des arr\ueats pr\ue9coces de la saison pluvieuse et des poches de s\ue9cheresse au cours de la saison, et des inondations (85,70%) causant une baisse drastique des rendements des cultures du sorgho. Le suivi des informations m\ue9t\ue9orologiques (19,89%) dans les m\ue9diats, l\u2019utilisation des vari\ue9t\ue9s pr\ue9coces et r\ue9sistantes \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse (13,35%), la pratique des associations culturales (25,85%), la pratique des techniques de paillage (2,27%) avec les r\ue9sidus de r\ue9colte, l\u2019apport des engrais min\ue9raux et organiques (24,72%), la pratique du za\uef (3,41%), les pratiques occultes (3,98%) sont des strat\ue9gies d\u2019adaptation mises en \u153uvre. Le choix des pratiques d\u2019adaptation est significativement (P< 0,05 \ue0 P<0,001) d\ue9termin\ue9 par la situation matrimoniale de l\u2019individu, de son exp\ue9rience dans la production et des moyens financiers dont il dispose. L\u2019\ue9tude sugg\ue8re d\u2019\ue9valuer l\u2019efficacit\ue9 de ces strat\ue9gies d\u2019adaptation pour une meilleure productivit\ue9 du sorgho dans les deux zones d\u2019\ue9tude

Quantitative trait loci for head bug resistance in sorghum

An experiment was conducted during the 1997/99 cropping seasons, in Mali, France, to study the inheritance for resistance to head bug (Eurystylus oldi) of sorghum progenies using quantitative trait loci (QTL) maps. Cultivars Malisor 84-7 (resistant) and S 34 (susceptible) were used as parents. To build the sorghum genetic map, 345 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes in combination with 6 restriction enzymes (BamHI, DraI, EcoRI, EcoRV, HindIII and SstI) were screened for their ability to reveal polymorphism. Thousand kernel weight (TKW) and germination rate at grain maturity were measured. Head bug damage was assessed visually on a 1 to 9 scale on the infested part of the panicle (NOTF2). Among the 345 RFLP probes, 81 revealed polymorphism between the parents. Additionally, 14 microsatellite markers gave amplification products. The genetic map based on Malisor 84-7 × S 34 includes 13 linkage groups (LGs) covering a total distance of 1160 cM. Three significant and 7 putative QTLs were detected. One QTL for TKW reduction that accounted for 13% of the phenotypic variation was detected on LG C2. For this QTL, resistance is conditioned by the Malisor 84-7 allele and is dominant. Two QTLs were detected on LG D and LG E for visual damage score under natural head bug infestation, explaining 16 and 26% of the phenotypic variation for this trait, respectively. Resistance from the QTL on LG D is conditioned by the S 34 allele, whereas resistance from the QTL on LG E is provided by the Malisor 84-7 allele. In both cases, resistance is recessive. No significant QTLs were detected for NOTF2 and germination rate, but co-localization of 2 putative QTLs for these traits was observed on LG G2, and in both cases, resistance is conditioned by the S 34 allele

Adaptive values of wild X cultivated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) hybrids in generations F1, F2, and F3

Gene flow between cultivated and their wild relatives is one of the main ecological concerns associated with the introduction genetically modified (GM) cultivars. GM sorghum cultivar has been developed and its commercial production may be possible in the near future. The rate of gene flow depends on the fitness of wild 9 cultivated sorghum hybrids. The study aimed at estimating adaptive values of wild 9 cultivated sorghum hybrids in generations F1, F2, and F3 compared to their parents. Artificial crosses of four wild sorghums, five cultivated sorghums, and two male sterile lines were made to produce the F1 generation, which were advanced to F2 and F3. Each hybrid generation and their respective parents were evaluated for their adaptive value at two sites in a randomised complete block design with seven replicates. The resulting progenies did not show serious fitness penalties. Some hybrids were as fit as their respective wild parents and no consistent differences exist between the three generations studied. Thus, the resultant wild 9 cultivated hybrids may act as avenue for introgression

Climate change adaptation in conflict-affected countries:A systematic assessment of evidence

People affected by conflict are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks and climate change, yet little is known about climate change adaptation in fragile contexts. While climate events are one of the many contributing drivers of conflict, feedback from conflict increases vulnerability, thereby creating conditions for a vicious cycle of conflict. In this study, we carry out a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, taking from the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI) dataset to documenting climate change adaptation occurring in 15 conflict-affected countries and compare the findings with records of climate adaptation finance flows and climate-related disasters in each country. Academic literature is sparse for most conflict-affected countries, and available studies tend to have a narrow focus, particularly on agriculture-related adaptation in rural contexts and adaptation by low-income actors. In contrast, multilateral and bilateral funding for climate change adaptation addresses a greater diversity of adaptation needs, including water systems, humanitarian programming, and urban areas. Even among the conflict-affected countries selected, we find disparity, with several countries being the focus of substantial research and funding, and others seeing little to none. Results indicate that people in conflict-affected contexts are adapting to climate change, but there is a pressing need for diverse scholarship across various sectors that documents a broader range of adaptation types and their results

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

The NORMAN Association and the European Partnership for Chemicals Risk Assessment (PARC): let’s cooperate! [Commentary]

The Partnership for Chemicals Risk Assessment (PARC) is currently under development as a joint research and innovation programme to strengthen the scientific basis for chemical risk assessment in the EU. The plan is to bring chemical risk assessors and managers together with scientists to accelerate method development and the production of necessary data and knowledge, and to facilitate the transition to next-generation evidence-based risk assessment, a non-toxic environment and the European Green Deal. The NORMAN Network is an independent, well-established and competent network of more than 80 organisations in the field of emerging substances and has enormous potential to contribute to the implementation of the PARC partnership. NORMAN stands ready to provide expert advice to PARC, drawing on its long experience in the development, harmonisation and testing of advanced tools in relation to chemicals of emerging concern and in support of a European Early Warning System to unravel the risks of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and close the gap between research and innovation and regulatory processes. In this commentary we highlight the tools developed by NORMAN that we consider most relevant to supporting the PARC initiative: (i) joint data space and cutting-edge research tools for risk assessment of contaminants of emerging concern; (ii) collaborative European framework to improve data quality and comparability; (iii) advanced data analysis tools for a European early warning system and (iv) support to national and European chemical risk assessment thanks to harnessing, combining and sharing evidence and expertise on CECs. By combining the extensive knowledge and experience of the NORMAN network with the financial and policy-related strengths of the PARC initiative, a large step towards the goal of a non-toxic environment can be taken

Cowries in the archaeology of West Africa: the present picture

Despite the perceived importance of cowrie shells as indicators of long-distance connections in the West African past, their distribution and consumption patterns in archaeological contexts remain surprisingly underexplored, a gap that is only partly explicable by the sparse distribution of archaeological sites within the sub-continent. General writings on the timeline of importation of cowries into West Africa often fail to take into account the latest archaeological evidence and rely instead on accounts drawn from historical or ethnographic documents. This paper is based on a first-hand assessment of over 4500 shells from 78 sites across West Africa, examining chronology, shell species and processes of modification to assess what distribution patterns can tell us about the history of importation and usage of cowries. These first-hand analyses are paralleled by a consideration of published materials. We re-examine the default assumption that two distinct routes of entry existed — one overland from North Africa before the fifteenth century, another coming into use from the time sea links were established with the East African coast and becoming predominant by the middle of the nineteenth century. We focus on the eastern part of West Africa, where the importance of imported cowries to local communities in relatively recent periods is well known and from where we have a good archaeological sample. The conclusion is that on suitably large assemblages shell size can be an indication of provenance and that, while the present archaeological picture seems largely to confirm historical sources, much of this may be due to the discrepancy in archaeological data available from the Sahara/Sahel zone compared to the more forested regions of the sub-continent. Future archaeological work will clarify this matter