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Lalmuanpuii R, Zodinpuii B, Bohia B, Zothanpuia, Lalbiaknunga J, Singh PK. Wild edible vegetables of ethnic communities of Mizoram (Northeast India): an ethnobotanical study in thrust of marketing potential. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:58. [PMID: 38807182 PMCID: PMC11135011 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of wild edible vegetables (WEVs) from the ethnobotanical approach is a significant key to understanding indigenous knowledge systems. The available literature has revealed a tremendous decline in knowledge of WEVs over the last few decades. The main purpose of this study was to document and analyse the traditional knowledge of WEVs among the two major ethnic groups of Mizoram regarding their use and the diversity associated with the importance of traditional medicines. Secondly, a market survey will be conducted to determine the status of available WEVs. METHODS This study conducted an ethnobotanical survey among 72 informants through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires besides direct field observations. The documented data were quantitatively analysed using various ethnobotanical indices, including Informant's consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level value (Fl), and Direct matrix ranking (DMR). A marketing survey was conducted in the Bara Bazar, Mizoram's most prominent local market. A total of 38 vendor informants were interviewed to observe and collect the price of commonly sold WEVs. RESULTS A total of 70 WEVs, distributed in 58 genera under 36 families, were documented and identified. Of these, 33 WEVs were of medicinal importance. Leafy vegetables were documented as the most frequently consumed parts (55.71%). The majority (44.29%) of the plants documented were consumed in fried form. The highest level of agreement among informants for food used categories was observed for plants combined with dry fish (ICF = 1). The Informant's consensus factor (ICF) of disease categories ranges from 0.75 to 1, with the highest being reported for convulsion (ICF = 1), sleep inducer (ICF = 1), and antiseptic (ICF = 1). Picria fel-terrae was the most preferred plant for hypertension treatment (100% FL). Direct matrix ranking (DMR) indicated that Dysoxylum excelsum was highly utilized by the inhabitant for multipurpose species (DMR = 64). Jaccard similarity index (JI) between the two ethnic groups was revealed at 1.26. Forty-seven WEVs were found to be commercialized in the Bara Bazar market, Aizawl, with a price range from 0.1 to 2.4 USD. Ensete superbum was reported as near threatened per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. CONCLUSION This work highlighted the importance and rich diversity of WEVs in Mizoram, which are presently used among different age groups for food and medicine. Informants have good knowledge of WEVs, which was shared to a great extent among the inhabitants; this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. This study further suggests a priority setting for conserving multipurpose WEVs in human-inhabited sites, investigating the recorded species' nutritional properties and pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Lalmuanpuii
- Department of Botany, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Betsy Zodinpuii
- Department of Zoology, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram, Aizawl, 796005, India
| | - Beirachhitha Bohia
- Department of Biotechnology/Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University (A Central University), Mizoram, Aizawl, 796001, India
| | - Zothanpuia
- Department of Biotechnology/Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University (A Central University), Mizoram, Aizawl, 796001, India.
| | - J Lalbiaknunga
- Department of Botany, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Prashant Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology/Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University (A Central University), Mizoram, Aizawl, 796001, India
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Akil Prasath RV, Mohanraj R, Balaramdas KR, Jhony Kumar Tagore A, Raja P, Rajasekaran A. Characterization of carbon fluxes, stock and nutrients in the sacred forest groves and invasive vegetation stands within the human dominated landscapes of a tropical semi-arid region. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4513. [PMID: 38402350 PMCID: PMC10894248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55294-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the semi-arid plains of Southern India, outside the protected area network, sacred groves forests and the barren lands invaded by Prosopis juliflora are reckoned to be the major greenery, but have homogenous and heterogeneous vegetation respectively. This study attempted to compare 50 Sacred Groves Stands (SGS) and 50 monodominant Prosopis juliflora Stands (PJS) for the functional diversity, evenness, floral diversity, carbon stock and dynamics, carbon-fixing traits, dendrochronology of trees, soil nutrient profiles, and soil erosion. Quadrat sample survey was adopted to record stand density, species richness, abundance, basal area and leaf area index; composite soil samples were collected at depths 0-30 cm for nutrient profiling (N, P, K, and OC). Photosynthesis rate (µmole co2 m2/sec), air temperature (°c), leaf intracellular co2 concentration (ppm), ambient photosynthetic active radiation (µmole m2/sec), transpiration rate (m. mole H2O m2/sec) were determined for the 51 tree species existed in SGS and PJS using Plant Photosynthesis system. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to derive the carbon sequestering potential and photosynthetic efficiency of eight dominant tree species using vital input parameters, including eco-physiological, morphological, and biochemical characterization. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, in conjunction with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS 10.3, was adopted to map soil loss. Carbon source/sink determinations inferred through Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) assessments showed that mature SGS potentially acted as a carbon sink (0.06 ± 0.01 g C/m2/day), while matured PJS acted as a carbon source (-0.34 ± 0.12 g C/m2/day). Soil erosion rates were significantly greater (29.5 ± 13.4 ton/ha/year) in SGS compared to PJS (7.52 ± 2.55 ton/ha/year). Of the eight selected tree species, SEM revealed that trees belonging to the family Fabaceae [Wrightia tinctoria (estimated coefficient: 1.28, p = 0.02) > Prosopis juliflora (1.22, p = 0.01) > Acacia nilotica (1.21, p = 0.03) > Albizia lebbeck (0.97, p = 0.01)] showed comparatively high carbon sequestering ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Akil Prasath
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, India
| | - R Mohanraj
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, India.
| | - K R Balaramdas
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, India
| | | | - P Raja
- St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - A Rajasekaran
- Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, 641002, India
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Shahbaz M, Seelan JSS, Abasi F, Fatima N, Mehak A, Raza MU, Raja NI, Proćków J. Nanotechnology for controlling mango malformation: a promising approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38344816 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2312449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the world with yields of approximately 40 million tons annually and its production continues to decrease every year as a result of the attack of certain pathogens i.e. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Erythricium salmonicolor, Amritodus atkinsoni, Idioscopus clypealis, Idioscopus nitidulus, Bactrocera obliqua, Bactrocera frauenfeldi, Xanthomonas campestris, and Fusarium mangiferae. So F. mangiferae is the most harmful pathogen that causes mango malformation disease in mango which decreases its 90% yield. Nanotechnology is an eco-friendly and has a promising effect over traditional methods to cure fungal diseases. Different nanoparticles possess antifungal potential in terms of controlling the fungal diseases in plants but applications of nanotechnology in plant disease managements is minimal. The main focus of this review is to highlight the previous and current strategies to control mango malformation and highlights the promising applications of nanomaterials in combating mango malformation. Hence, the present review aims to provide brief information on the disease and effective management strategies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahbaz
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Fozia Abasi
- Department of Botany, P MAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Noor Fatima
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asma Mehak
- Department of Botany, P MAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair Raza
- Department of Botany, P MAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Iqbal Raja
- Department of Botany, P MAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Jarosław Proćków
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Cudjoe DK, Virlet N, Castle M, Riche AB, Mhada M, Waine TW, Mohareb F, Hawkesford MJ. Field phenotyping for African crops: overview and perspectives. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1219673. [PMID: 37860243 PMCID: PMC10582954 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1219673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Improvements in crop productivity are required to meet the dietary demands of the rapidly-increasing African population. The development of key staple crop cultivars that are high-yielding and resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses is essential. To contribute to this objective, high-throughput plant phenotyping approaches are important enablers for the African plant science community to measure complex quantitative phenotypes and to establish the genetic basis of agriculturally relevant traits. These advances will facilitate the screening of germplasm for optimum performance and adaptation to low-input agriculture and resource-constrained environments. Increasing the capacity to investigate plant function and structure through non-invasive technologies is an effective strategy to aid plant breeding and additionally may contribute to precision agriculture. However, despite the significant global advances in basic knowledge and sensor technology for plant phenotyping, Africa still lags behind in the development and implementation of these systems due to several practical, financial, geographical and political barriers. Currently, field phenotyping is mostly carried out by manual methods that are prone to error, costly, labor-intensive and may come with adverse economic implications. Therefore, improvements in advanced field phenotyping capabilities and appropriate implementation are key factors for success in modern breeding and agricultural monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of field phenotyping and the challenges limiting its implementation in some African countries. We suggest that the lack of appropriate field phenotyping infrastructures is impeding the development of improved crop cultivars and will have a detrimental impact on the agricultural sector and on food security. We highlight the prospects for integrating emerging and advanced low-cost phenotyping technologies into breeding protocols and characterizing crop responses to environmental challenges in field experimentation. Finally, we explore strategies for overcoming the barriers and maximizing the full potential of emerging field phenotyping technologies in African agriculture. This review paper will open new windows and provide new perspectives for breeders and the entire plant science community in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Cudjoe
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Virlet
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - March Castle
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew B. Riche
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Manal Mhada
- AgroBiosciences Department, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguérir, Morocco
| | - Toby W. Waine
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Fady Mohareb
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
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Nikalje GC, Rajput VD, Ntatsi G. Editorial: Putting wild vegetables to work for sustainable agriculture and food security. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1268231. [PMID: 37841612 PMCID: PMC10569295 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1268231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Chandrakant Nikalje
- Department of Botany, Seva Sadan’s R. K. Talreja College of Arts, Science and Commerce, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
| | - Vishnu D. Rajput
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Georgia Ntatsi
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Mayorga-Martínez AA, Kucha C, Kwofie E, Ngadi M. Designing nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37667828 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2248616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the efforts to end malnutrition through intensive agriculture of caloric crops, micronutrient deficiencies and other forms of malnutrition persist in vulnerable communities worldwide. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions are recognized as chances to address the causes of malnutrition. In this work, the different types of NSA interventions were explored, as well as the pathways through which they can improve nutrition (e.g., increasing biofortified crops and income generation via agricultural sales for a positive impact on access to nutritious foods, and simultaneously involving nutrition education to improve care practices and eventually nutritional status). Some NSA interventions focus on one pathway. Well-designed interventions, however, should follow multi-pathway approaches targeting the underlying causes of undernutrition within the selected population. The circumstances in which certain indicators should be used to measure the impact of an NSA intervention in each stage of the full pathway were also explained, as well as the need of enhancing the design of such interventions. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been employed to solve agriculture-related issues, but it has not been used to identify the optimal types of NSA interventions, metrics, and indicators based on the context of the community, priorities and objectives of the project managers and designers, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Kucha
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ebenezer Kwofie
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Macdonald Campus of McGill University, Canada
| | - Michael Ngadi
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Macdonald Campus of McGill University, Canada
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7
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Neik TX, Siddique KHM, Mayes S, Edwards D, Batley J, Mabhaudhi T, Song BK, Massawe F. Diversifying agrifood systems to ensure global food security following the Russia–Ukraine crisis. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1124640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent Russia–Ukraine conflict has raised significant concerns about global food security, leaving many countries with restricted access to imported staple food crops, particularly wheat and sunflower oil, sending food prices soaring with other adverse consequences in the food supply chain. This detrimental effect is particularly prominent for low-income countries relying on grain imports, with record-high food prices and inflation affecting their livelihoods. This review discusses the role of Russia and Ukraine in the global food system and the impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on food security. It also highlights how diversifying four areas of agrifood systems—markets, production, crops, and technology can contribute to achieving food supply chain resilience for future food security and sustainability.
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Aja PM, Ogwoni HA, Agu PC, Ekpono EU, Awoke JN, Ukachi OU, Orji OU, Ale BA, Nweke CP, Igwenyi IO, Alum EU, Chukwu DC, Offor CE, Asuk AA, Eze ED, Yakubu OE, Akobi JB, Ani OG, Awuchi CG. Cucumeropsis mannii
seed oil protects against
Bisphenol A
‐induced testicular mitochondrial damages. Food Sci Nutr 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry Kampala International University Bushenyi Uganda
- Department of Biochemistry Mbarara University of Science and Technology Mbarara Uganda
| | | | - Peter Chinedu Agu
- Department of Biochemistry Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Esther Ugo Alum
- Department of Biochemistry Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria
| | | | | | - Atamgba Agbor Asuk
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Calabar Nigeria
| | | | | | - J. B. Akobi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Calabar Nigeria
| | | | - Chinaza Godswill Awuchi
- Department of Biochemistry Kampala International University Bushenyi Uganda
- School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Kampala Uganda
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Maňourová A, Chinheya IP, Kalousová M, Ruiz-Chután JA, Okafor UC, Tchoundjeu Z, Tsobeng A, Van Damme P, Lojka B. Domestication Potential of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae): Searching for Diversity in South Cameroon. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:742. [PMID: 36840090 PMCID: PMC9966834 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Seeds and bark of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) are popular products in West and Central Africa. Despite the tree's economic and cultural importance, little is known about its phenotypic and genotypic variation. This study characterised the morphological and genetic diversity of G. kola in South Cameroon, searching for traits and populations that might be used for domestication. Morphological assessment and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were applied to characterise diversity among geographic populations from Central and South regions, and between managed and wild trees. AFLP-SURV and analysis of molecular variance results indicated that a major part of genetic diversity is harboured within populations rather than between them. Bayesian analysis, principal component analysis and t-SNE identified three clusters where Ebolowa emerged as the transition population, combining features from both regions. Trees from the south had a higher prevalence of morphological domestication-related characteristics. Trees from the central region, on the other hand, demonstrated greater genetic diversity. No significant differences in phenotype and genotype were revealed between wild and managed populations, suggesting G. kola is still in the early stages of its domestication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maňourová
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Irikidzai Prosper Chinheya
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Kalousová
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - José Alejandro Ruiz-Chután
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City 010012, Guatemala
| | - Uche Cyprian Okafor
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zac Tchoundjeu
- Higher Institute of Environmental Sciences (HIES), Yaounde P.O. Box 16317, Cameroon
| | - Alain Tsobeng
- World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF) Cameroon, Derrière Usine Bastos, Yaounde P.O. Box 16317, Cameroon
| | - Patrick Van Damme
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany, Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bohdan Lojka
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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Morphological Variation of Strychnos spinosa Lam. Morphotypes: A Case Study at Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14121094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Strychnos spinosa Lam. of the Loganiaceae family is associated with versatility, poverty eradication, and rural economic development. However, the morphological diversity of S. spinosa is not well documented. This limits efforts toward its improvement and commercial exploitation. This study aimed to characterize the variability, vegetative and reproductive traits, and heritability of S. spinosa morphotypes at Bonamanzi Game Reserve. The majority of the morphotypes had green, rough, round immature fruits with dark green, elongated, open fully developed leaves. Fruits varied between roundish and pyriform shape as well as green and purple colour. Positive correlation was mainly seen between fruit and seed traits. Principal component analysis indicated fruit and seed traits as major discriminating factors for morphotypes, followed by leaf size and seed thickness. A dendrogram primarily grouped morphotypes according to fruit texture. Genotypic variance and genotypic coefficient of variation were higher than environmental variance and environmental coefficient variation in reproductive traits of S. spinosa. A rough pericarp texture and purple tinge on the immature leaves of some morphotypes was recorded for the first time. Differences in morphological features across S. spinosa morphotypes indicate a high level of diversity that could be utilized by breeders to generate new cultivars. This first report on variability and heritability among S. spinosa morphotypes forms the basis of available germplasm essential for future breeding programs.
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Humanitarian Assistance in G5 Sahel: Social Sustainability Context of Macrologistics Potential. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The G5 Sahel works in collaboration with various international organizations and countries, which are responsible for managing logistics activities, financial flows, and technological solutions. Humanitarian assistance holds a critically important role in the region, despite its multiple challenges and limitations in macroeconomic development. This research aimed to examine the macrologistics potential of humanitarian assistance and protection, on both national and transnational levels, in the social sustainability context. Most of the humanitarian emergencies in the region originate from conflicts, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Sahel countries require multiple initiatives to minimize the negative effects of climate change and natural disasters. The state of logistics infrastructure, a wide range of natural and man-made disasters, as well as the macroeconomic situation of the G5 Sahel, result in common problems with the organization of humanitarian logistics from the national and transboundary perspectives. Based on the selected indicators, identified problems of humanitarian assistance and protection in G5 Sahel suggest that the above-mentioned potential of logistics activities requires tightening of transnational collaboration.
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Indigenous Knowledge on the Uses and Morphological Variation among Strychnos spinosa Lam. at Oyemeni Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The majority of rural communities in South Africa are characterised by insufficient nutrition and food insecurity at the household level. Due to a lack of information about indigenous fruit trees and their use, food-insecure households are missing out on the nutrition that these fruits provide. Strychnos spinosa Lam. (monkey orange; umHlala) has been identified as one of southern Africa’s top priority fruit species for domestication. However, indigenous information on S. spinosa usage and morphological diversity is still lacking. Indigenous knowledge of species characteristics might be a good place to start when attempting to understand variations in key phenotypic traits. Information on the use and morphological variation of S. spinosa was collected from participants of 100 randomly selected homesteads. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that S. spinosa is a multi-purpose tree with numerous uses. Most respondents (97%) mentioned that they use it for fermented maize meal (umBhantshi); and others mentioned fermented porridge (amaHewu); alcohol; fruit; juice; jam; homestead protection; snakebite; firewood; food allergy; livestock increase; and only 7% mentioned for stomachache. Morphological variation was observed in leaf colour and shape, fruit rind colour, size, rind texture, pulp colour, pulp texture, and taste. However, the most mentioned variety featured green (78%), rounded leaves (78%) and green (39%), large (46%), smooth-textured rind (73%) fruits that had brown pulp (54%) and tasted sweet (58%). Understanding local knowledge systems and preferences can thus inform the selection of ethno-varieties that hold importance to local people and the potential to improve livelihoods in externally led domestication and development programs.
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Phenolic profiling and antioxidant evaluation of extracts from Southern African indigenous fruits byproducts. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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