Alliance Research Lever 4: Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/107452
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Item Farmer selection of drought‐tolerant enset landraces reduces trait diversity in drier environments(Journal Article, 2025-05-19) Chase, Rachel; Borrell, James S.; Rodenburg, Jonne; Roux, Nicolas; Wendawek, Abebe; Büchi, LucieIncreasing drought stress driven by climate change presents a significant challenge to global food security, requiring crop adaptations. Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices in drought‐prone agricultural systems may offer effective climate adaptation strategies. This study investigates the functional traits associated with the reported drought tolerance of enset ( Ensete ventricosum ), a multipurpose Ethiopian staple crop providing food security to more than 20 million people. Through field surveys and farmer interviews along three aridity gradients in southwest Ethiopia, we determined how domestication and farmer cultivation choices have shaped enset trait and landrace diversity. We measured 12 morphological and physiological traits of 430 cultivated enset plants on farms and a subset of traits of 30 wild enset plants. We also conducted interviews on farmers' knowledge of drought and enset, and how it influenced their choice of landraces. We showed that domestication reduced trait variance in cultivated enset and lowered landrace diversity in drier environments. Farmers in drier areas chose landraces with drought tolerance traits, resulting in trait differentiation between wetter and drier farms. Cultivated enset exhibited lower stomatal density and a narrower aridity niche compared to wild enset, suggesting adaptation to reduce water loss. We also found increased leaf wax coverage, leaf number, leaf temperature differential and plant height growth rate and reduced stomatal conductance on drier farms. Our findings are globally relevant, highlighting that climate adaptation and farmer selection may reduce trait and genetic diversity in drier environments, potentially resulting in less adaptative capacity under climate change.Item Patents on native plant traits: Impacts on crop development(Video, 2025-05-20) Roa Rodriguez, Ana Carolina; CGIAR Genebank AcceleratorItem What could the new multilateral system of access and benefit-sharing look like? An update on Plant Treaty negotiations(Video, 2025-05-15) CGIAR Genebank AcceleratorItem GLI contributed to the regeneration of local plant species: The case for restoring biodiversity in Ethiopia(Blog Post, 2025-05-13) Mengistu, Dejene K; Terefe, Hailu; Nigir, Bogale; Tilahun, AbiyouEthiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) aims to reverse land degradation, expand green cover, and restore biodiversity. Though criticized for favoring a few exotic species (Grevillea robusta, Vachellia deccurens, Pinus patula, and Cupressus lusitanica), our findings suggest these plantations effectively support native species regeneration in GLI sites. This underscores GLI’s potential in biodiversity restoration, climate resilience, environmental health, and socio-economic gains. However, challenges—open grazing, seedling loss, technical gaps, low community participation, and weak law enforcement—threaten sustainability. Urgent action is needed to address these issues and scale successes regionally.Item Spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrate has potential for controlling the plant-parasitic nematode, Radopholus similis in bananas(Journal Article, 2025-04-26) Tazuba, Anthony Fredrick; Ocimati, Walter; Ogwal, Geofrey; Nyangwire, Betty; Onyilo, Francis; Blomme, GuySpent mushroom substrate (SMS), a waste product from mushroom cultivation, in addition to being rich in essential nutrients for crop growth, contains actively growing mushroom mycelia and metabolites that suppress some plant pathogens and pests. SMS thus has potential for fostering the suppressiveness of soil-borne pathogens of farms. This study determined the potential of using the spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrate (SPoS) to suppress the plant-parasitic nematode Radopholus similis in bananas. R. similis is the most economically important nematode in bananas worldwide. The effect of SPoS on R. similis was assessed through two in vivo (potted plants) experiments between May 2023 and June 2024. Five-month-old East African highland banana (genome AAA) plantlets that are highly susceptible to R. similis were used. In the first experiment, the plantlets were established in 3 L pots containing (i) pre-sterilized soil, (ii) pre-sterilized soil inoculated with nematodes, (iii) pre-sterilized soil mixed with 30% (v/v) SPoS, (iv) pre-sterilized soil mixed with 30% (v/v) SPoS followed by nematode inoculation, (v) SPoS without soil, and (vi) SPoS without soil inoculated with nematodes. The SPoS was already decomposed; thus, it may or may not have contained active mycelia. The nematodes were introduced two weeks after the SPoS application. In the second experiment, SPoS was introduced two weeks after nematode inoculation. The SPoS treatments without soil were not evaluated in the second experiment. Both experiments were monitored over a three-month period. Each screenhouse treatment contained four plants and was replicated thrice. In the first experiment, data were collected on changes in soil nutrient content, below- and aboveground biomass, root deaths, root necrosis due to nematode damage, and R. similis population in root tissues and soil. In the second experiment, data were collected on root deaths and the number of nematodes in root tissues and the soil. The SPoS improved crop biomass yield, reduced root damage, and colonization by R. similis. The potential of SPoS to improve the management of R. similis and banana production under field conditions needs to be determined.Item Citizen science fast-tracks crop technologies to boost 3 million farm households’ resilience and livelihoods(Case Study, 2025-06-02) Mengistu, Dejene; Hailemariam, Bogale Nigir; Melaku, Mulugeta Tilahun; Kidane, Yosef Gebrehawaryat; Fadda, CarloSince 2014, ex-Bioversity International's (now the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT) Seeds for Needs program has evaluated, selected, and disseminated over 50 varieties of major crops to over three million Ethiopian farmers. Using participatory varietal selection and crowdsourcing, the program has empowered farmers, spanning over 1.5 million hectares, with 20‒60% productivity increases, strengthened resilience, and improved food and nutrition security. The program has also increased the varietal portfolio three- to six-fold, while reducing reliance on agrochemicals. Over 31% of direct beneficiaries have been women.Item Conservation agriculture enhances soil biodiversity and fertility: Evidence from contrasting soil textures in Cambodia(Journal Article, 2025-05-16) Srean, Pao; Lesueur, Didier; Khin, Sophary; Ngang, Channaty; Horn, Sam Art; Lo, Sreynget; Rien, Sothea; Kuok, Fidero; Martin, Robert; Ader, David R.; Bates, Ricky M.Item Linking rhizosphere bacterial life-history strategies with wheat growth under drought stress(Journal Article, 2025-05-16) Pan, Yanshuo; Liu, Binhui; Zhuang, Shan; Wang, Hongzhe; Qi, Yanjie; Chen, Jieyin; Lesueur, Didier; Xiao, Liang; Li, Yuzhong; Han, DongfeiThe metabolic complexity of microorganisms can be simplified by classifying them into r-strategists and K-strategists. However, their associations with plant growth during drought remain largely unclear. Herein, we used the ribosomal RNA gene operon (rrn) copy number to characterize bacterial life-history strategies, with increased rrn copy numbers suggesting a shift from K- to r-strategies. We generated a series of bacterial communities with increased rrn copy numbers in rhizosphere. Drought decreased rhizosphere bacterial rrn copy numbers, rather than in root, indicating a prevalence of K-strategies during drought stress in rhizosphere. The rrn copy numbers of rhizosphere communities were negatively related to wheat growth during drought, while no significant associations were observed in control treatment. Rhizosphere bacterial communities with higher rrn copy numbers exhibited less community dissimilarity and tended to be more stable. Moreover, the abundance of most predicted functions decreased with rrn copy numbers in droughtstressed rhizosphere. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that increased rrn copy numbers in rhizosphere community improved the proportion of negative to positive cohesion, implying more stable networks. Our findings bring up innovative knowledge about the relationships between microbial life-history strategies, communities and plant growth, and highlights the importance of plant-microorganism interactions for plant growth during stressItem Dynamic mixtures reduce the severity of a number of diseases in rice and bean in low‑input mountain farming systems of Nepal(Journal Article, 2025-03-03) Neupane, Shree Prasad; Joshi, Bal Krishna; Dipendra, Ayer; Ajaya, Karkee; Krishna, Hari Ghimire; Gauchan, Devendra; Mengistu, Dejene; Ceccareli, Salvatore; Grando, StefaniaItem CGIAR submission on the draft action plan for the implementation of the capacity development strategy of the international treaty 2023-2030(Conference Paper, 2025-04-25) CGIAR Genebank AcceleratorSubmitted in response to Notification NCP GB11-11. This submission is divided in two parts: The first part includes comments and suggestions on the Draft Action Plan for the Capacity Development Strategy of the International Treaty 2023-2030. The second part provides an overview of relevant CGIAR capacity development plans in its 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, focusing on particularly relevant activities of the Capacity Sharing for Development Accelerator, Genebanks Accelerator, and Breeding for Tomorrow Programme. By sharing this information, we aim to facilitate coordinated efforts and synergies among the International Treaty’s Capacity Development Strategy and the CGIAR capacity sharing plans.Item Citizen science informs demand-driven breeding of opportunity crops(Journal Article, 2025-05-13) Voss, Rachel C.; De Sousa, Kaue; N'Danikou, Sognigbé; Shango, Abdul; Aglinglo, Lys Amavi; Laporte, Marie-Angelique; Legba, Eric C.; Houdegbe, Aristide Carlos; Diarra, Danfing dit Youssouf; Dolo, Aminata; Sidibe, Amadou; Ouedraogo, Colette Ouidyam; Coulibaly, Harouna; Achigan-Dako, Enoch G.; Kileo, Aishi; Malulu, Dickson; Matumbo, Zamira; Dinssa, Fekadu; van Heerwaarden, Joost; Van Etten, Jacob; Riar, Amritbir; van Zonneveld, MaartenItem The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopts benefit-sharing rules for digital sequence information using Bioversity–CIAT-led CGIAR contributions(Case Study, 2025-05-06) Halewood, Michael; Lopez Noriega, Isabel; Chiarolla, Claudio; Rouard, MathieuThe 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted new rules for payments to, and disbursements from, an international fund, for benefit sharing from the use of digital sequence information. The decision excluded elements that CGIAR successfully lobbied against, which would have undermined agricultural research for development, following CGIAR objections. CGIAR, led by the genetic resources Policy team of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, played a crucial role, providing scientific evidence through written submissions, side events, bilateral meetings, and participation in negotiations.Item MyFarmTrees: 6000 empowered Kenyan and Cameroonian farmers restoring 2800 hectares, expanding towards global scale-up(Case Study, 2025-05-05) Chiriboga Arroyo, Fidel; Eitzinger, Anton; Ekue, Marius; Elias, Marlene; Feil, Christian; Guettou Djurfeldt, Nadia; Jalonen, Riina; Krishnan, Smitha; Oduor, Francis; Vinceti, Barbara; Kettle, ChristopherThe MyFarmTrees (MFT) digital MRV platform combines mobile applications for capacity building, restoration monitoring, and digital payments. Developed through community-driven iterations in Kenya and Cameroon, MyFarmTrees has transformed tree growing and supported a network of >300 local tree nursery enterprises. MyFarmTrees users track seed collection, seedling production and tree establishment. Empowered by the platform, close to 6000 farmers have participated in the forest-landscape restoration activities using native species, and >400 stakeholders, including farmers and nursery owners, have received digital economic incentives. MyFarmTrees scales across the Global South, attracting partnerships and investments.Item Six Kenyan and Ugandan coffee companies and several institutions mainstream Regenerative Agriculture within their programs for 12,000 farmers(Case Study, 2025-04-30) Rahn, Eric; Ocimati, Walter; Waswa, Boaz Shaban; Notenbaert, AnThe Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and implementing partners and stakeholders developed a country-specific Regenerative Coffee Agriculture guidebooks for both Kenya and Uganda. The guidebooks are currently being used by six coffee partners working with over 12,000 farmers in both countries to support a transition to sustainable coffee production. Additionally, the guidebooks have influenced major investments, such as Starbucks’ regenerative coffee program in Ethiopia, and guided implementing the Periodic Table for Food Initiative, a project supported by the Rockefeller-Foundation.Item Genetic databases in the era of ‘DSI’ benefit-sharing(Journal Article, 2025-04-17) Rouard, Mathieu; Scholz, Amber Hartman; Halewood, MichaelGenetic databases drive research by enabling open access. Recently, parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed on new rules for sharing benefits from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) which upholds open access, and also imposed new requirements for data depositors, database managers, and users.Item Bacillus velezensis YN2111 reveals the potential role of amine oxidase in Fusarium wilt response in Cavendish bananas(Journal Article, 2025-07) Yu, Hongwei; Zhou, Guangdong; Zhang, Wenlong; Omondi, Bonaventure Aman; Cenci, Alberto; Liu, Kunhua; Liu, Juhua; Fan, Huacai; Li, Shu; Rouard, Mathieu; Zheng, SijunFusarium wilt of banana (FWB)—a soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) especially tropical race 4 (TR4)—poses a significant threat to the banana industry. Biological control is a primary strategy for preventing and controlling FWB. In this study, we isolated Bacillus velezensis YN2111 and found that YN2111's metabolic composition exhibits biocontrol properties, including promoting banana growth and inhibiting TR4 in vitro. However, greenhouse pot experiments and laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed that YN2111 can exacerbate FWB by facilitating the entry of TR4 into the plant roots. We speculate that a specific interaction exists among YN2111, Cavendish banana, and TR4. To explore this interaction, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of 64 banana root samples under four different treatments (CK, YN2111, TR4, and YN2111+TR4) at four time points. We subsequently identified a key gene through STEM analysis of DEGs, which encodes a banana amine oxidase (containing copper) involved in the catabolism of polyamines, designated as MuAo (TPM <1). This gene was cloned, and subsequently RT-qPCR results showed that the Ct values of MuAo in samples treated with YN2111 were similar to those in the negative control (using a water template), suggesting that YN2111 treatment effectively inhibited MuAo expression. Combining RT-qPCR results with further inference from literatures, the MuAo may be related to the basal defense of banana, we concluded that YN2111 can block the expression of MuAo in banana roots, suggesting that MuAo could potentially be involved in the process by which YN2111 facilitates the entry of TR4 into the banana roots. Finally, we discussed a novel interaction among YN2111, banana, and TR4, with the outcomes of this research offering a better understanding of Bacillus spp. in biocontrol and microbial-plant interactions, and providing new insights into the exploration of resistance genes against FWB.Item Shaping the future of bananas: advancing genetic trait regulation and breeding in the post-genomics era(Journal Article, 2025-02-12) Miao, Hongxia; Zhang, Jianbin; Zheng, Yunke; Jia, Caihong; Hu, Yulin; Wang, Jingyi; Zhang, Jing; Sun, Peiguang; Jin, Zhiqiang; Zhou, Yongfeng; Zheng, Sijun; Wang, Wei; Rouard, Mathieu; Xie, Jianghui; Liu, JuhuaItem Response of soil biodiversity and crop productivity to liming in acidic soil of organic tea plantations in Northern Vietnam(Journal Article, 2025-04-02) Le, Viet San; Herrmann, Laetitia; Nguyen, Thi Binh; Trap, Jean; Marsden, Claire; Robin, Agnès; Degrune, Florine; Nguyen, Van Huy; Bräu, Lambert; Lesueur, DidierItem Principles of engagement and vision to action for transdisciplinary research and co-design in agroecology(Poster, 2025-04-08) Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Voss, Rachel C.; Freed, Sarah; Rietveld, Anne; Falk, Thomas; Triomphe, Bernard; Bergamini, Nadia; Dickens, Chris; Quintero, MarcelaLiving labs or living landscapes are gaining momentum as sub-national territories within which sustainable food system transformation is sought through multi-stakeholder engagement processes. In the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative, 11 ALLs were established in 8 countries. Here, ALLs are defined as multi-stakeholder spaces in which agroecological innovations can be identified, co-designed, tested, and adopted. These landscapes emerge as coherent territories that have fuzzy boundaries defined by the functionality and meaning bestowed onto them by their diverse users, who care about and are willing to take transformative action in pursuit of just food system transitions, rather than by geographical or administrative limits. ALLs respond to the common challenges that external partners face in accompanying and supporting local stakeholders on agroecological transition pathways without imposing their own views and agendas. ALLs offer an opportunity to act as transformation vehicles that foster transdisciplinary research, including the co-creation of knowledge and co-design of innovations. Principle-based engagement methods can help to support and enable locally driven transformation processes.Item Approaches and benefits of NUS value chain development under the NATURE+ initiative: An overview(Report, 2025-02-03) Ghione, Andrea; Grazioli, Francesca; De Falcis, Eleonora; Borelli, Teresa; Gebrehawaryat, Yosef; Kaushal, Manoj; Nabuuma, Deborah; Otieno, Gloria; Ramirez, Marleni; Thomas, Evert; Vernooy, Ronnie