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Mmbando GS. The link between changing in host carbon allocation and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae: a possible tactic for mitigating the rice blast fungus. Plant Signal Behav 2024; 19:2326870. [PMID: 38465846 PMCID: PMC10936674 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2326870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
One of the most destructive diseases affecting rice is rice blast, which is brought on by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The preventive measures, however, are not well established. To effectively reduce the negative effects of rice blasts on crop yields, it is imperative to comprehend the dynamic interactions between pathogen resistance and patterns of host carbon allocation. This review explores the relationship between variations in carbon allocation and rice plants' ability to withstand the damaging effects of M. oryzae. The review highlights potential strategies for altering host carbon allocation including transgenic, selective breeding, crop rotation, and nutrient management practices as a promising avenue for enhancing rice blast resistance. This study advances our knowledge of the interaction between plants' carbon allocation and M. oryzae resistance and provides stakeholders and farmers with practical guidance on mitigating the adverse effects of the rice blast globally. This information may be used in the future to create varieties that are resistant to M. oryzae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Sadikiel Mmbando G. The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public's Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges. GM Crops Food 2024; 15:1-15. [PMID: 38651587 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2345401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Mmbando GS. The recent possible strategies for breeding ultraviolet-B-resistant crops. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27806. [PMID: 38509919 PMCID: PMC10950674 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of crops to ultraviolet B (UVB, 280-315 nm) radiation varies significantly. Plants' sensitivity to UVB is heavily influenced by the activity of the enzyme cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase, which fixes UVB-induced CPDs. Crops grown in tropical areas with high level of UVB radiation, like O. glaberrima from Africa and O. sativa ssp. indica rice from Bengal, are more sensitive to UVB radiation and could suffer more as a result of rising UVB levels on the earth's surface. Therefore, creating crops that can withstand high UVB is crucial in tropical regions. There is, however, little information on current techniques for breeding UVB-resistant plants. The most recent techniques for producing UVB-resistant crops are presented in this review. The use of DNA methylation, boosting the antioxidant system, regulating the expression of micro-RNA396, and overexpressing CPD photolyase in transgenic plants are some of the methods that are discussed. CPD photolyase overexpression in transgenic plants is the most popular technique for producing UVB-resistant rice. The study also offers several strategies for creating UVB-resistant plants using gene editing techniques. To feed the world's rapidly expanding population, researchers can use the information from this study to improve food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma P. O. BOX 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Mmbando GS. The recent relationship between ultraviolet-B radiation and biotic resistance in plants: a novel non-chemical strategy for managing biotic stresses. Plant Signal Behav 2023; 18:2191463. [PMID: 36934364 PMCID: PMC10730183 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2191463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB; 280-315 nm) is a significant environmental factor that alters plant development, changes interactions between species, and reduces the prevalence of pests and diseases. While UVB radiation has negative effects on plant growth and performance at higher doses, at lower and ambient doses, UVB radiation acts as a non-chemical method for managing biotic stresses by having positive effects on disease resistance and genes that protect plants from pests. Understanding the recent relationship between UVB radiation and plants' biotic stresses is crucial for the development of crops that are resistant to UVB and biotic stresses. However, little is known about the recent interactions between UVB radiation and biotic stresses in plants. This review discusses the most recent connections between UVB radiation and biotic stresses in crops, including how UVB radiation affects a plant's resistance to disease and pests. The interaction of UVB radiation with pathogens and herbivores has been the subject of the most extensive research of these. This review also discusses additional potential strategies for conferring multiple UVB-biotic stress resistance in crop plants, such as controlling growth inhibition, miRNA 396 and 398 modulations, and MAP kinase. This study provides crucial knowledge and methods for scientists looking to develop multiple resistant crops that will improve global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dodoma, Tanzania
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Abstract
Many African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dodoma, Tanzania
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Mmbando GS. Challenges and prospects in using biotechnological interventions in O. glaberrima, an African cultivated rice. GM Crops & Food 2022; 13:372-387. [DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2022.2149212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma (Udom), Dodoma, Tanzania
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Bouba Y, Tsinda EK, Fonkou MDM, Mmbando GS, Bragazzi NL, Kong JD. The Determinants of the Low COVID-19 Transmission and Mortality Rates in Africa: A Cross-Country Analysis. Front Public Health 2021; 9:751197. [PMID: 34746085 PMCID: PMC8568130 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.751197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: More than 1 year after the beginning of the international spread of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), the reasons explaining its apparently lower reported burden in Africa are still to be fully elucidated. Few studies previously investigated the potential reasons explaining this epidemiological observation using data at the level of a few African countries. However, an updated analysis considering the various epidemiological waves and variables across an array of categories, with a focus on African countries might help to better understand the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent. Thus, we investigated the potential reasons for the persistently lower transmission and mortality rates of COVID-19 in Africa. Methods: Data were collected from publicly available and well-known online sources. The cumulative numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 1 million population reported by the African countries up to February 2021 were used to estimate the transmission and mortality rates of COVID-19, respectively. The covariates were collected across several data sources: clinical/diseases data, health system performance, demographic parameters, economic indicators, climatic, pollution, and radiation variables, and use of social media. The collinearities were corrected using variance inflation factor (VIF) and selected variables were fitted to a multiple regression model using the R statistical package. Results: Our model (adjusted R-squared: 0.7) found that the number of COVID-19 tests per 1 million population, GINI index, global health security (GHS) index, and mean body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with COVID-19 cases per 1 million population. No association was found between the median life expectancy, the proportion of the rural population, and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) coverage rate. On the other hand, diabetes prevalence, number of nurses, and GHS index were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 deaths per 1 million population (adjusted R-squared of 0.5). Moreover, the median life expectancy and lower respiratory infections rate showed a trend towards significance. No association was found with the BCG coverage or communicable disease burden. Conclusions: Low health system capacity, together with some clinical and socio-economic factors were the predictors of the reported burden of COVID-19 in Africa. Our results emphasize the need for Africa to strengthen its overall health system capacity to efficiently detect and respond to public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagai Bouba
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Tsinda EK, Mmbando GS. Recent updates on the possible reasons for the low incidence and morbidity of COVID-19 cases in Africa. Bull Natl Res Cent 2021; 45:133. [PMID: 34335014 PMCID: PMC8300982 DOI: 10.1186/s42269-021-00589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide since the first reported case in Wuhan, China. A year has passed since pandemic began, and the reasons for different COVID-19 burden variation across continents keep puzzling the general public. MAIN BODY OF THE ABSTRACT Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, published research articles have addressed the epidemiological risk factors, host factors, susceptibility and immunity. To ascertain possible reasons for the different rates of COVID-19 infections between Africa and other continents, we summarized the up-to-date scientific literature to identify possible arguments in this regard. Available literature suggests that demographic, epidemiological, sociological, genetic and immunological factors contribute in the COVID-19 severity and the susceptibly to SARS-CoV-2. SHORT CONCLUSION This review summarizes existing data and discusses reasons for differential COVID-19 burden across continents. The arguments mentioned herein will be helpful to guide future experimental studies to test different hypotheses.
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Mmbando GS, Teranishi M, Hidema J. Transgenic rice Oryza glaberrima with higher CPD photolyase activity alleviates UVB-caused growth inhibition. GM Crops Food 2021; 12:435-448. [PMID: 34935587 PMCID: PMC8820246 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2021.1977068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The ultraviolet B (UVB) sensitivity of rice cultivated in Asia and Africa varies greatly, with African rice cultivars (Oryza glaberrima Steud. and O. barthii A. Chev.) being more sensitive to UVB because of their low cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase activity, which is a CPD repair enzyme, relative to Asian rice cultivars (O. sativa L.). Hence, the production of UVB-resistant African rice with augmented CPD photolyase activity is of great importance, although difficulty in transforming the African rice cultivars to this end has been reported. Here, we successfully produced overexpressing transgenic African rice with higher CPD photolyase activity by modifying media conditions for callus induction and regeneration using the parental line (PL), UVB-sensitive African rice TOG12380 (O. glaberrima). The overexpressing transgenic African rice carried a single copy of the CPD photolyase enzyme, with a 4.4-fold higher level of CPD photolyase transcripts and 2.6-fold higher activity than its PL counterpart. When the plants were grown for 21 days in a growth chamber under visible radiation or with supplementary various UVB radiation, the overexpressing transgenic plants have a significantly increased UVB resistance index compared to PL plants. These results strongly suggest that CPD photolyase remains an essential factor for tolerating UVB radiation stress in African rice. As a result, African rice cultivars with overexpressed CPD photolyase may survive better in tropical areas more prone to UVB radiation stress, including Africa. Collectively, our results provide strong evidence that CPD photolyase is a useful biotechnological tool for reducing UVB-induced growth inhibition in African rice crops of O. glaberrima.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mika Teranishi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Hidema
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Mmbando GS, Teranishi M, Hidema J. Very high sensitivity of African rice to artificial ultraviolet-B radiation caused by genotype and quantity of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3158. [PMID: 32081870 PMCID: PMC7035317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation damages plants and decreases their growth and productivity. We previously demonstrated that UVB sensitivity varies widely among Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars and that the activity of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase, which repairs UVB-induced CPDs, determines UVB sensitivity. Unlike Asian rice, African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud. and Oryza barthii A. Chev.) has mechanisms to adapt to African climates and to protect itself against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, information about the UVB sensitivity of African rice species is largely absent. We showed that most of the African rice cultivars examined in this study were UVB-hypersensitive or even UVB-super-hypersensitive in comparison with the UVB sensitivity of Asian O. sativa cultivars. The difference in UVB resistance correlated with the total CPD photolyase activity, which was determined by its activity and its cellular content. The UVB-super-hypersensitive cultivars had low enzyme activity caused by newly identified polymorphisms and low cellular CPD photolyase contents. The new polymorphisms were only found in cultivars from West Africa, particularly in those from countries believed to be centres of O. glaberrima domestication. This study provides new tools for improving both Asian and African rice productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mika Teranishi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Jun Hidema
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan.
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