Research Articles (Plant Production and Soil Science)
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Item Effect of storage conditions on soybean seed quality produced by smallholder farmers within two districts of Gauteng, South Africa(University of Kassel, 2024) Mahlangu, A. Zanele; Truter, Mariette; Kritzinger, Quenton; zanele.mahlangu@up.ac.zaSeed quality comprises of physical, physiological, and health attributes. Moreover, significant aspects of seed quality include seed viability and vigour. Maintaining good seed quality under sub-optimal storage conditions is one of the major challenges smallholder soybean farmers face. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of on-farm storage conditions on the seed quality of soybeans from smallholder farmers within the Gauteng Province, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to i) evaluate and compare the viability and vigour of farm-saved soybean seeds, and ii) evaluate the effect of seed moisture and simulated storage period on the rate of deterioration of the seeds. Farm-saved seed samples collected from the twenty-two smallholder farmers from two districts within the Gauteng Province showed significant variations in terms of seed moisture, viability, vigour [accelerated aging (Aa) and conductivity], and in the rate of deterioration. The seed moisture content ranged from 7.8-30.8 %. The majority of the farm-saved seed samples had a germination percentage significantly higher than 75 %, irrespective of the storage conditions. On the other hand, seeds subjected to Aa and to the controlled deterioration test resulted in less vigourous seedlings. Seeds that were subjected to 24 hr Aa had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher germination than those subjected to 72 hr Aa. The 72 hr Aa results verified the reduction of seed vigour as the storage period increased. A similar declining germination trend was observed on seeds subjected to deterioration tests under high moisture content levels. The study gives an indication of how the sub-optimal storage facilities used by smallholder soybean farmers affect seed quality. Based on the vigour tests, it can be assumed that storing seeds with high SMC under high relative humidity coupled together with high temperatures for prolonged periods tends to deteriorate the seeds rapidly and thus reduce seed vigour.Item Biotic pressure outweighs the influence of resource availability on physical defence investment in a tropical tree(Oxford University Press, 2025-06) Babah Daouda, Bio Barriou; Kouagou, M'Mouyohoun; Assede, Emeline Sessi Pelagie; Gaoue, Orou G.Plants have long-lasting and complex interactions with herbivores, including insects and mammals. In response to high herbivory rates, plants either tolerate biomass loss or develop several defence mechanisms, such as physical defence. The resource availability hypothesis (RAH) predicts that plant defence investment is dependent on resource availability and plant's life history. However, the effect of resource availability on plant investment in defence is mediated through biotic pressure. We tested the effects of soil qualities and browsing pressure on the physical defence and reproductive investments in Acacia sieberiana at the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in West Africa. We selected six populations, including three in the Pendjari River floodplain where soil moisture is high but with high elephant browsing pressure, and three populations on the plateau in the hunting zone where soils are drier and relatively poorer with a lower density of elephants. We found greater investment in physical defence for trees in the floodplain. Furthermore, A. sieberiana trees produced less fruit in the floodplain than in the plateau. Contrary to the predictions of the RAH, we found more and longer thorns in populations in the richer floodplains than on the plateau. This was linked to higher elephant browsing pressure in the floodplains. This physical defence was probably induced to cope with the episodic but high levels of herbivory observed in this environment. Surprisingly, the negative influence of thorn number and size on the likelihood of elephant damage was observed only in the rich floodplains and not in plateau sites. Altogether, our study demonstrates that the influence of resource availability (soil moisture, pH, and fertility) in shaping plant physical defence can be outweighed by high herbivory pressure.Item Bark investment is key to forest expansion into African savannas by conferring resistance to fire and seasonal drought(Oxford University Press, 2025-05) Rosell, Julieta A.; Vetter, Susanne; Olson, Mark E.; Greve, MichelleBACKGROUND AND AIMS : Forest expansion into savannas is widespread even though fire and seasonal drought provide environmental conditions against encroachment by forest specialists. A distinct suite of species can establish under savanna trees, forming bush clumps and facilitating forest establishment. Understanding the functional traits of clump-forming species is crucial for uncovering encroachment mechanisms and devising management strategies. Bark likely plays a key role in enabling clump initiation. Fire resistance can be achieved by accumulation of outer bark thickness (OBT), height and/or stem diameter (SD), while drought resistance may be enhanced by greater inner bark thickness (IBT), associated with water and carbohydrate storage. METHODS : We selected representative savanna, clump-forming and closed-canopy species (ecological categories) at two South African sites experiencing forest expansion and differing in rainfall and fire frequency. We compared OBT–SD and IBT–SD allometries across ecological categories and sites and examined whether categories separated along axes reflecting fire/drought resistance (OBT and IBT) and resource allocation strategy (density and water content, leaf size). KEY RESULTS : OBT–SD scaling of clump-forming species was more similar to savanna than forest species, and savanna species at the more fire-prone savanna had steeper OBT–SD scaling, consistent with high OBT providing fire protection in early clump formation. Similar IBT–SD slope across groups was consistent with similar metabolic needs, while higher intercepts in savanna and clump-forming species indicated higher water storage. ‘Cheap’ low-density tissues in savanna species allow fast accumulation of SD and OBT and resistance to fire topkill. Closed-canopy species had denser tissues and thin stems and bark for a given height, while the clump-forming species were intermediate. CONCLUSIONS : Bark and probably other traits are key in the capacity of some species to form bush clumps. Identifying these traits and the mechanisms underlying clump formation is essential for managing encroached savannas and grasslands.Item Assessing the use of remotely sensed surface water flux to estimate net groundwater storage change in an aquifer predominantly used for irrigation(Elsevier, 2025-07) Viviers, Cindy; Van der Laan, MichaelPlease read abstract in the article.Item Assessing extensive pasture-based beef production in South Africa under future climate change conditions(Elsevier, 2025-10) Magona, Christopher; Hassen, Abubeker; Tesfamariam, Eyob Habte; Mengistu, Michael; Visser, Carina; Oosting, Simon; Van der Linden, Aart; carina.visser@up.ac.zaCONTEXT : Assessing the impact of climate change on extensive pasture-based beef production across varied agro-ecological regions is crucial for designing customized adaptation measures. OBJECTIVE : This study assesses the effects of climate change on extensive pasture-based beef production systems in three South African agro-ecological regions (Bloemfontein, Phalaborwa and Buffalo Berlin) under two climate change scenarios, namely the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5. METHODS : The LiGAPS-Beef model, previously calibrated for the region, was used to evaluate the impact of climate change on beef cattle production under pasture-based extensive systems. Four breed types, namely Bos taurus, Composite, Zebu indicine and Sanga cattle were included in this study. Genetic parameters for each breed were obtained from SA Stud Book, Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) and literature. Measured historical weather data was obtained from the South African Weather Service for the three agro-ecological regions. An ensemble of eight regional climate model (RCA4) simulations from the CORDEX Africa initiative was used to generate future climate change projection data for the period 2036–2065 under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The future nutritional composition data for forage was collected from studies that simulated and predicted future forage quality under climate change conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION : The study found that the baseline average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher (0.40 kg/head/day) than the simulated RCP 4.5 (0.21 kg/head/day, −48 %) and RCP 8.5 (0.20 kg/head/day, −51 %) ADGs regardless of breed type when both feed quality and feed quantity limited growth. Although the effect of the climate change scenarios on beef production was agro-ecological region dependent, the performance of Bos taurus declined more than other breeds under future climate scenarios while the Sanga and the Composite types were the most resilient, especially in hot climate areas. Model simulations predict that future climate change will have a greater negative impact on cattle in Buffalo Berlin and Phalaborwa, while those in Bloemfontein will be least affected. The study also highlights that under future climate change scenarios, pasture quality will be the key factor influencing cattle growth in Bloemfontein and Buffalo Berlin, while pasture quantity will be the dominant factor in Phalaborwa if stocking rates remain unchanged. The study highlights the need for nutritional and pasture management interventions for pasture-based extensive system (e.g., feed supplementation, adjusting the stocking rate to match pasture availability, identifying and integrating drought and/or heat tolerant ecotypes, fodder trees that provide shade for the animals) to mitigate the expected decline in beef cattle performance in South African agro-ecological regions. SIGNIFICANCE : Quantifying the impact of anticipated climate change on pasture-based extensive beef production and identifying specific factors that limit beef production per breed type in the different agro-ecological regions is crucial for assessing the potential ramifications on beef production. This information empowers farmers and policy makers to develop targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies that promote resilience of the beef production system in the respective regions. HIGHLIGHTS • Quantifying climate change impact on beef production is vital for coping measures. • Beef cattle growth was simulated under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 in South Africa. • 2050 simulated growth declined by 48 % in RCP 4.5 and 51 % in RCP 8.5 from baseline. • Growth of Bos taurus was most adversely affected, but Sanga was the most resilient. • Location-specific intervention is vital to sustain beef production in South Africa.Item Proposals to conserve the name Aloe mitriformis with a conserved type and the name A. microstigma against A. perfoliata (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae)(Wiley, 2025-06) Klopper, Ronell Renett; Smith, Gideon F.; Van Wyk, Abraham Erasmus (Braam)No abstract available.Item In vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of three Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae) species from South Africa(Elsevier, 2025-06) Mabuza, Mcebisi Junior; Kaiser, M.; Tshikalange, T.E.; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Bapela, Mahwahwatse JohannaPlease read abstract in the article.Item Occurrence and genotypic characterization of selected multidrug-resistant ESKAPE-E pathogens isolated from integrated smallholder fresh produce farms(Elsevier, 2025-06) Viviers, Sheldon A.; Richter-Mouton, Loandi; Featherston, Jonathan; Korsten, Lise; lise.korsten@up.ac.zaAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) ranks among the top ten global public health threats, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa emerging as multidrug-resistant (MDR) priority pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and characteristics (phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles) of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from the water-soil-plant nexus on smallholder fresh produce farms in South Africa. Samples of irrigation water (n = 44), soil (n = 85), and fresh produce (n = 95) were collected from six smallholder farms. Potential MDR bacteria were isolated using selective enrichment, chromogenic media, and identified with MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed via double-disk diffusion against 13 different antibiotic classes, while 20 selected isolates were genotypically characterized using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) (Illumina MiSeq). ESBL/AmpC-producing isolates were detected in 17% of samples (38/224), primarily from fresh produce (54%), followed by soil (31%) and water (15%). The dominant Enterobacterales species identified from all three matrices included Enterobacter spp. (26%), Klebsiella spp. (26%), Serratia spp. (17%), and Escherichia coli (9%). Phenotypically, 47% and 43% of the isolates were classified as ESBL and AmpC-producers, respectively, with resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and glycylcyclines. Notably, WGS analysis indicated the presence of clinically significant AMR and virulence genes among isolates from the environment, particularly those associated with mobile genetic elements. The results from the study add to the limited national and international knowledge of AMR prevalence in the smallholder agricultural landscape, needed for the introduction of appropriate intervention strategies and future risk assessment of the informal supply chain.Item Entomopathogenic nematodes : commercial use and future perspectives(Elsevier, 2025-09) Ramakuwela, Tshimangadzo; Tarasco, Eustachio; Chavarría-Hernández, Norberto; Toepfer, Stefan; tshimangadzo.ramakuwela@up.ac.zaThe 100 years of research, development, commercialization and use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) since their discovery in the 1920s have seen impressive progress. Nowadays, many EPN products, based on a relatively limited number of EPN species, are commercially available in most world regions. This paper presents a review of EPN commercialization and examples of EPN use in field crops such as maize and in agroforestry ecosystems. It demonstrates how EPN have become an important tool in biological control of insect pests offering many advantages over chemicals. These include farmer and consumer safety, minimal damage to natural enemies, no problems with pollinators, and no environmental pollution. All of these attributes are essential for an advanced and sustainable integrated pest management strategy. We explored future potential of commercialization and adoption of EPN-based biocontrol products. The future may lie in several advances: i) The ability to tailor the use of EPN to broad as well as to local agricultural needs. ii) Enhancing their shelf life and efficacy through genetic improvements. iii) Refining application technologies. iv) Improving mass production (including machine learning using production data). v Reducing production and delivery costs, considering EPN as safe agents and therefore reducing registration burdens. Vi) Finally, expanding their use to a larger market such as to new pest species and crops. With continued research and innovation, EPN could become a cornerstone of sustainable pest management strategies in an increasing number of countries.Item Improving the antinutritional profiles of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) moderately impacts carotenoid bioaccessibility but not mineral solubility(Nature Research, 2024-05-24) Alvarado‑Ramos , Katherine; Bravo‑Nunez , Angela; Halimi , Charlotte; Maillot , Matthieu; Icard‑Verniere, Christele; Forti, Chiara; Preite, Chiara; Ferrari, Luisa; Sala, Tea; Losa, Alessia; Cominelli, Eleonora; Sparvoli, Emanuela Camilli Francesca; Lisciani, Stefania Marconi Silvia; Georgé, Stephane; Mouquet-Rivier, Claire; Kunert, Karl J.Common beans are a common staple food with valuable nutritional qualities, but their high contents in antinutritional factors (ANFs) can decrease the bioavailability of (i) fat-soluble micronutrients including carotenoids and (ii) minerals. Our objective was to select ANF-poor bean lines that would not interfere with carotenoid and mineral bioavailability. To achieve this objective, seeds of commercial and experimental Phaseolus vulgaris L. bean lines were produced for 2 years and the bean’s content in ANFs (saponins, phytates, tannins, total polyphenols) was assessed. We then measured carotenoid bioaccessibility and mineral solubility (i.e. the fraction of carotenoid and mineral that transfer into the aqueous phase of the digesta and is therefore absorbable) from prepared beans using in vitro digestion. All beans contained at least 200 mg/100 g of saponins and 2.44 mg/100 g tannins. The low phytic acid (lpa) lines, lpa1 and lpa12 exhibited lower phytate levels (≈ − 80%, p = 0.007 and p = 0.02) than their control BAT-93. However, this decrease had no significant impact on mineral solubility. HP5/1 (lpa + phaseolin and lectin PHA-E free) bean line, induced an improvement in carotenoid bioaccessibility (i.e., + 38%, p = 0.02, and + 32%, p = 0.005, for phytofluene bioaccessibility in 2021 and 2022, respectively). We conclude that decrease in the phytate bean content should thus likely be associated to decreases in other ANFs such as tannins or polyphenols to lead to significant improvement of micronutrient bioaccessibility.Item Standing vegetation and seed bank patterns paint a bleak picture for urban grassland restoration(Springer, 2025-04) Malherbe, Misha; Le Roux, Peter Christiaan; Haussmann, Natalie S.; peter.leroux@up.ac.zaUrbanisation and urban sprawl are major drivers of global habitat transformation and biodiversity loss. Natural vegetation in urban areas is confined to remnant patches and, as a result, the conservation of these patches of vegetation is becoming increasingly important for biodiversity conservation. Globally grasslands experience high rates of transformation and are threatened by expanding urban areas, causing fragmentation, and facilitating the spread of invasive species. This study explores how above- and belowground vegetation communities within remnant grassland patches vary as a function of patch connectivity and patch size in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. We sampled twelve sites from eleven nature reserves within Tshwane to investigate the relationships between urbanisation and vegetation characteristics. Tshwane’s grassland patches have high levels of invasion, with alien species making up a considerable portion of both standing (13% richness and a third of cover) and seed bank vegetation (31% richness and 26% abundance). Furthermore, we found low similarity between standing vegetation and the seed bank (mean ± SD = 0.25 ± 0.06). Neither road density nor reserve size were related to the total cover or richness of vascular plants, nor the cover or richness of alien species. Similarly, neither variable predicted above-belowground similarity. This suggests that the connectivity of remnant grassland patches does not have any significant effect on vegetation characteristics in this disturbed urban environment. Our results indicate that restoration relying only on natural revegetation from the seed bank is unlikely to be effective and we suggest that active restoration interventions, such as reseeding and invasive species control, may be needed to restore these grasslands and improve their long-term conservation value.Item Avocado rhizosphere community profiling : white root rot and its impact on microbial composition(Frontiers Media, 2025-05) Magagula, Phinda; Swart, Velushka; Fourie, Arista; Vermeulen, Alicia; Nelson, Johannes Harold; Van Rooyen, Zelda; Van den Berg, Noelani; noelani.vdberg@fabi.up.ac.zaINTRODUCTION : The avocado rhizosphere supports diverse microbial communities essential for plant health and defence against pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Dematophora necatrix, the causal agent of white root rot (WRR), on the microbial composition and soil physicochemical properties of infected and non-infected avocado trees in two South African orchards. METHODS : ITS and 16S metabarcoding was used to compare the composition and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Soil physicochemical properties were also assessed, and culturable bacterial and fungal isolates from the rhizosphere were screened for antagonistic activity against D. necatrix. RESULTS : We found that D. necatrix did not significantly alter overall microbial diversity but influenced relative abundance of specific taxa. In Orchard A, dominant bacterial genera included Sphingomonas, Rokubacteriales and Lysobacter, while Orchard B featured Sphingomonas and Acidothermus while beneficial microbes such as Streptomyces and Bacillus were enriched in WRR non-infected (WRR-N) soils. The fungal profiles revealed Trichoderma and Penicillium as potential biocontrol agents enriched in WRR-N soils. Furthermore, dual-culture assays demonstrated that Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Penicillium and Trichoderma isolates inhibited D. necatrix, highlighting their biocontrol potential. Key parameters, such as soil pH and iron (Fe), correlated strongly with microbial composition, suggesting they play an important role in pathogen resilience. DISCUSSION : These findings underscore the complexity of the avocado rhizosphere and its role in managing WRR, offering a foundation for developing integrated disease management strategies to enhance avocado productivity.Item Removal of organic biomass in Eucalyptus plantations has a greater impact on fungal than on bacterial networks(Elsevier, 2025-06) Bose, Tanay; Vivas, Maria; Slippers, Bernard; Roux, Jolanda; Dovey, Steven; Kemler, Martin; Begerow, Dominik; Witfeld, Frederick; Brachmann, Andreas; Wingfield, Michael J.; Hammerbacher, Almuth; tanay.bose@fabi.up.ac.zaComplex and stable soil microbial networks are essential for productivity in plantation forestry, but their response to disturbances from harvesting and replanting is not well understood. This study assessed the impact of treatments designed to mitigate these disturbances on microbial biodiversity and networks in Eucalyptus plantation soils at three South African sites. We used high-throughput sequencing to catalogue fungal and bacterial biodiversity from 108 soil samples across three treatments: (i) retention of harvest residues (retained), (ii) removal of residues (removed), and (iii) removal of residues with added fertilizer (fertilized). Bioinformatic and statistical analyses of the sequence data revealed treatment-specific variations in microbial OTU richness, network structure and taxon associations at order-level. Microbiome richness was highest in ‘retained’ plots, and treatment-specific microbial diversity was evident in both fungal and bacterial communities. Network comparisons revealed that treatments to mitigate disturbances caused by harvesting significantly affected fungal networks but not bacterial networks. Fungal networks in ‘retained’ plots exhibited the highest complexity and stability compared to plots where the entire crop was removed. However, bacterial networks did not show significant differences in network structure among treatments. The associations between fungal and bacterial nodes were consistent in the three treatments, as indicated by similar Jaccard indices. However, distinct fungal hub nodes were found when comparing the 'retained' and 'removed' treatments. These findings highlight that retaining harvest residues enhances microbial richness and stabilizes fungal networks, making it a better strategy for managing soil disturbances than residue removal or fertilization.Item Exploring indigenous South African plants as alternative treatments for dermatophytosis : focusing on the antifungal properties and mechanism of action of Searsia lancea(Elsevier, 2025-07) Madzinga, Murunwa; Malefo, Mammoloro Boitshoko Lydia; Van der Merwe, Chris; De Canha, Marco Nuno; Wadhwani, Ashish; Lall, Namrita; Kritzinger, Quenton; quenton.kritzinger@up.ac.zaNumerous medicinal plants are reported to have activity against dermatophytes, however, there are limited studies providing insights into their mechanism of action, which may be hindering their clinical use. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity and toxicity of three South African plants traditionally used to treat skin infections caused by dermatophytes and to investigate the mechanism of action of the most active plant extract. Searsia lancea showed the highest antifungal activity against Microsporum canis (MIC 0.156 mg/mL). Warburgia salutaris and M. comosus showed no toxic effects on HaCaT cells while S. lancea exhibited moderate cytotoxicity. The most active combination of S. lancea combined with M. comosus showed to be non-toxic. Searsia lancea and M. comosus were non-mutagenic at 500 μg/mL. The ethyl acetate partition of S. lancea demonstrated a two-fold increase in activity against Microsporum species while fraction fifteen (F15) exhibited a four-fold increase in activity against T. mentagrophytes. Two compounds in F15 were identified as sakuranetin and gentisic acid, with sakuranetin showing the best activity against T. mentagrophytes. Electron microscopy showed alterations of hyphal surfaces in the form of shrinkage and folding of the plasma membrane (24–48 h) and breakage and leakage of cytoplasmic material (72 h). The RT-qPCR showed significant repression (p < 0.01) of the SSU1 gene of M. canis treated with S. lancea (0.312 mg/mL) after 2 and 7 days. The findings not only support traditional usage of S. lancea but also provide targets of S. lancea's anti-dermatophytic activity.Item Appraisal of current and post-mine status of salt mines in a Guinea Savanna ecosystem : implications for natural recovery(Elsevier, 2025) Akomolafe, Gbenga Festus; Jatau, Dorcas; Iyakwari, Shekwonyadu; Rosazlina, RuslyGenerally, concerns have been raised about increasing mining activities, their impacts on ecosystems and the possibility of site recovery in different parts of the world. This study appraised the status of plant diversity and soil conditions in a popular salt mine of Keana, Nigeria. Ten plots of size 30 m × 20 m were established randomly at each active and abandoned salt mines (SM) and within each plot, five subplots of size 2 m × 2 m were used for the plant diversity assessments. This gave rise to a total of 100 subplots in all the sites. The diversity indices were quantified and dominant species identified. Principal component analysis with Bray-Curtis dissimilarity test was used to establish and compare the species compositions between the sites. Soil samples were collected at four different depths (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm depths) and the chemical properties were determined. Soil analysis revealed high concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and nickel at both sites, but metal concentrations were significantly higher at the active SM using the one-way analysis of variance. The results showed a significantly higher species richness (Taxa_S = 59) and diversity (Simpson index = 0.96 and Shannon index = 3.57; all p < 0.01) at the active SM compared to the abandoned SM (Taxa_S = 32, Simpson index = 0.95 and Shannon index = 3.04). The species compositions between the two sites were significantly different, although with Bray-Curtis value of 0.77 revealing a high shared species compositions. The abandoned SM showed signs of natural recovery, with increased species richness and diversity, and lower metal concentrations. Plant species such as Dactyloctenium aegyptica and Mimosa pudica which were found to be associated with the abandoned SM could be identified as active players in the natural restoration of that site. Some plant species including Hyptis suaveolens and Azadirachta indica that were tolerant to varying high metal levels could be candidates for phytoremediation purposes. The findings of this study highlight the impact of salt mining on plant diversity and metal concentrations in the soil and plants and the potential for natural recovery at abandoned mine sites, insights for post-mining land management and restoration strategies in similar savanna ecosystems.Item Insufficient collection capacity and facility, bane of plant taxonomic research in Nigeria(Canadian Science Publishing, 2025-05) Ajao, Abdulwakeel Ayokun-nun; Akomolafe, Gbenga Festus; Olaniyan, Oluwayemisi Dorcas; Chukwuma, Emmanuel C.; Ugbogu, Alaba O.; Adeonipekun, Peter A.; Ayodele, Abiodun E.; Adeyemi, Sherif B.; Tiamiyu, Bashir Bolaji; Yaradua, Samaila Samaila; Saheed, Sefiu A.; Oladipo, Olaniran Temitope; Oyebanji, OyetolaThis article explores the pivotal role of herbaria in supporting taxonomic research in Nigeria and highlights the need to improve herbarium infrastructure to enhance plant diversity research in the country. Thirteen herbaria are currently recognized in Nigeria on the Index Herbariorum database and collectively house about 260 000 specimens. The Forest Herbarium Ibadan (FHI) is the largest, containing nearly 50% of these specimens. Based on the occurrence data of Nigerian plants on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the herbaria, namely FHI, ABUH, LUH, NAUH, and UNICAL contributed only 29.9% compared to international herbaria (70.1%). This disparity underscores the need to strengthen the herbarium collection infrastructure in Nigeria. Taxonomic revisionary studies in Nigeria are very scarce as most of the studies have focused on the morpho-anatomical analysis of plant taxa. The poor taxonomic capacity in the country, which is due to insufficiency of collection capacity and trained taxonomists, has been a bane to the compilation of flora of Nigeria and the inability to document the conservation status of threatened plant species, as more than half (66.0%) of Nigeria’s plants published on GBIF have not been evaluated. There is an urgent need for capacity building for plant collection, curation, and taxonomic review.Item Special issue : Botanical pesticides for crop protection(Springer, 2024-12) Kritzinger, Quenton; Dethoup, Tida; quenton.kritzinger@up.ac.zaCrop production forms the foundation of global food security by providing essential nutrients to billions of people and supporting economies worldwide. According to the United Nations, the global population in 2024 is projected to reach 8.2 billion, with expectations to grow to approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. This population increase places immense pressure on the resources needed for quality crop production. Additionally, climate change has led to global warming, affecting temperature and rainfall patterns, which in turn impacts crop production and plant pest management. This complicates efforts to secure sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain healthy populations.Item Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops(Nature Research, 2024-08) Sharaf, Abdoallah; Nesengani, Lucky Tendani; Hayah, Ichrak; Kuja, Josiah Ochieng; Mdyogolo, Sinebongo; Omotoriogun, Taiwo Crossby; Odogwu, Blessing Adanta; Beedessee, Girish; Smith, Rae Marvin; Barakat, Abdelhamid; Moila, Acclaim M.; El Hamouchi, Adil; Benkahla, Alia; Boukteb, Amal; Elmouhtadi, Amine; Mafwila, Antoine Lusala; Abushady, Asmaa Mohammed; Elsherif, Assem Kadry; Ahmed, Bulbul; Wairuri, Charles; Ndiribe, Charlotte C.; Ebuzome, Chukwuike; Kinnear, Craig J.; Ndlovu, Deborah-Fay; Iraqi, Driss; El Fahime, Elmostafa; Assefa, Ermias; Ouardi, Faissal; Belharfi, Fatima Zohra; Tmimi, Fatim Zohra; Markey, Fatu Badiane; Radouani, Fouzia; Zeukeng, Francis; Mvumbi, Georges Lelo; Ganesan, Hamilton; Hanachi, Mariem; Nigussie, Helen; Charoute, Hicham; Benamri, Ichrak; Mkedder, Ikram; Haddadi, Imane; Meftah-Kadmiri, Issam; Mubiru, Jackson Franco; Domelevo Entfellner, Jean-Baka Kodjo; Rokani, Joan Bayowa; Ogwang, Joel; Daiga, Jude Bigoga; Omumbo, Judy; Ideozu, Justin Eze; Errafii, Khaoula; Labuschagne, Kim; Komi, Komi Koukoura; Tonfack, Libert Brice; Hadjeras, Lydia; Ramantswana, Madeleine; Chaisi, Mamohale; Botes, Marietjie W.; Kilian, Mariette; Kvas, Marija; Melloul, Marouane; Chaouch, Melek; Khyatti, Meriem; Abdo, Michael; Phasha-Muchemenye, Mmatshepho; Hijri, Mohamed; Mediouni, Mohammed Rida; Hassan, Mohammed Ahmed; Piro, Mohammed; Mwale, Monica; Maaloum, Mossaab; Mavhunga, Mudzuli; Olivier, Nicholas Abraham; Aminou, Oumaima; Arbani, Oumayma; Souiai, Oussema; Djocgoue, Pierre Francois; Mentag, Rachid; Zipfel, Renate Dorothea; Tata, Rolland Bantar; Megnekou, Rosette; Muzemil, Sadik; Paez, Sadye; Salifu, Samson Pandam; Kagame, Samuel Paul; Selka, Sarra; Edwards, Sean; Gaouar, Semir Bechir Suheil; Reda, Shaimaa Roshdy Abdullah; Fellahi, Siham; Khayi, Slimane; Ayed, Soumia; Madisha, Thabang; Sahil, Tulsi; Udensi, Ogbuagu Ugorji; Ras, Verena; Ezebuiro, Victor; Duru, Vincent C.; David, Xavier; Geberemichael, Yonas; Tchiechoua, Yves H.; Mungloo-Dilmohamud, Zahra; Chen, Zhiliang; Happi, Christian; Kariuki, Thomas; Ziyomo, Cathrine; Djikeng, Appolinaire; Badaoui, Bouabid; Mapholi, Ntanganedzeni; Muigai, Anne; Osuji, Julian O.; Ebenezer, ThankGod EchezonaThe African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritizes the exchange of grassroots knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across the 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources. Here, we discuss the implementation of transformative strategies, such as expanding the regional workshop model of AfricaBP to involve multiple countries, institutions and partners, including the proposed creation of an African digital database with sequence information relating to both biodiversity and agriculture. This will ultimately help create a critical mass of skilled genomics and bioinformatics scientists across Africa.Item Digitalization of precision fertilization in East Africa : adoption, benefits and losses(Frontiers Media, 2025-03) Fue, Kadeghe Goodluck; Baitu, Geofrey Prudence; Jokonya, Osden; Banwart, Steven; Korsten, LiseIINTRODUCTION : The rapid digitalization of agriculture in East Africa has spurred the adoption of precision fertilization tools, which optimize nutrient application and enhance crop yields. However, the extent of digital technology adoption, its benefits, and the challenges smallholder farmers face in the region remain unclear. METHODS : A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines assessed the adoption of digital technologies for precision fertilization in East Africa. A comprehensive search of English-language studies published between 2010 and 2024 resulted in fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS : The review highlights digital solutions that assist smallholder farmers in sustainable resource management, including mobile applications, ICT tools, Variable Rate Application (VRA), and AI/ML technologies. Reported benefits include improved crop productivity, increased economic efficiency, and enhanced environmental sustainability. However, issues with data accuracy, limited access to technology, affordability constraints, and low digital literacy hinder widespread adoption. DISCUSSION : The findings emphasize the need for further research and the development of tailored strategies to enhance digital agricultural practices in East Africa. Addressing socioeconomic and infrastructure challenges is crucial to ensuring equitable access and maximizing the effectiveness of digital precision fertilization tools. This review provides valuable insights to support stakeholders in developing sustainable, data-driven agricultural frameworks to improve regional food security.Item Flavonoids and anthocyanins in seagrasses : implications for climate change adaptation and resilience(Frontiers Media, 2025-01) Botes, Jana; Ma, Xiao; Chang, Jiyang; Van de Peer, Yves; Berger, David KennethSeagrasses are a paraphyletic group of marine angiosperms and retain certain adaptations from the ancestors of all embryophytes in the transition to terrestrial environments. Among these adaptations is the production of flavonoids, versatile phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites that participate in a variety of stress responses. Certain features, such as catalytic promiscuity and metabolon interactions, allow flavonoid metabolism to expand to produce novel compounds and respond to a variety of stimuli. As marine environments expose seagrasses to a unique set of stresses, these plants display interesting flavonoid profiles, the functions of which are often not completely clear. Flavonoids will likely prove to be effective and versatile agents in combating the new host of stress conditions introduced to marine environments by anthropogenic climate change, which affects marine environments differently from terrestrial ones. These new stresses include increased sulfate levels, changes in salt concentration, changes in herbivore distributions, and ocean acidification, which all involve flavonoids as stress response mechanisms, though the role of flavonoids in combatting these climate change stresses is seldom discussed directly in the literature. Flavonoids can also be used to assess the health of seagrass meadows through an interplay between flavonoid and simple phenolic levels, which may prove to be useful in monitoring the response of seagrasses to climate change. Studies focusing on the genetics of flavonoid metabolism are limited for this group, but the large chalcone synthase gene families in some species may provide an interesting topic of research. Anthocyanins are typically studied separately from other flavonoids. The phenomenon of reddening in certain seagrass species typically focuses on the importance of anthocyanins as a UV-screening mechanism, while the role of anthocyanins in cold stress is discussed less often. Both of these stress response functions would be useful for adaptation to climate change-induced deviations in tidal patterns and emersion. However, ocean warming will likely lead to a decrease in anthocyanin content, which may impact the performance of intertidal seagrasses. This review highlights the importance of flavonoids in angiosperm stress response and adaptation, examines research on flavonoids in seagrasses, and hypothesizes on the importance of flavonoids in these organisms under climate change.