IITA Journal Articles

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Integrated assessment of yam mosaic virus (YMV) resistance in wild‑yam (Dioscorea spp.) interspecific cross progenies using field phenotyping, molecular, and biotechnological approaches
(Journal Article, 2025) Oyedoyin, F.P.; Kolade, O.; Agre, A.P.; Olawuyi, O.J.; Kumar, P.L.; Asfaw, A.
Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are important food crops for millions in tropical and subtropical regions. Yield loss due to Yam Mosaic Virus (YMV genus Potyvirus) has been reported to have a high level of damage, especially on white Guinea yam (D. rotundata). Crop wild relatives often serve as potential sources of alleles that are absent in many cultivated crop species, howevertheir potential for source new disease resistance alleles in yam plants remains underexplored. Therefore, this study evaluated YMV resistance in interspecific hybrids derived from two wild yam specieses, Dioscorea abyssinica as female parent and Dioscorea praehensilis as male parent, for trait introgression. Sixty-five wild yam hybrid genotypes and their parents (maternal-TDabwild and paternal-TDPr 1018) were planted on the field exposed to natural infestation. Field phenotyping and disease severity ratings (1- asymptomatic, 2- resistant, 3- moderately resistant, 4- susceptible and 5- highly susceptible) were combined with molecular analyses using three diagnostic SNP markers, Biotechnology tool ELISA, and RT-PCR to predict, detect and quantify YMV disease resistance and susceptibility patterns. Significant variability in disease resistance was observed, with hybrids exhibiting a wide range of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values. Genotypes with the lowest AUDPC values (63) displayed enhanced resistance, while those with higher values (197–231) were more susceptible, reflecting a higher overall disease impact. The ELISA and RT-PCR findings further revealed diverse responses to YMV among the progenies and parents. Two markers, snpDR00160 and snpDR00162, displayed favourable resistant alleles GG and AA, respectively, and susceptible allele TT while marker snpDR00161 failed to amplify across all the progenies. Six progenies (TDabp2101007, TDabp2101009, TDabp2101015, TDabp2101021, TDabp2101026, and TDabp2101060) together with the male parent (D. praehensilis -TDPr 1018) demonstrated putative resistance across phenotypic, molecular, and biotechnological assessments, making them as promising candidates for yam breeding programs aimed at developing YMV-resistant cultivars.
Modelling the climate change adaptation potential of notillage maize systems in southern Africa
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Rusinamhodzi, L.; Berre, D.; Thierfelder, C.; Ridaura, S.L.; Corbeels, M.
Southern Africa is a hotspot of climate change where smallholder farmers are particularly threatened because they largely depend on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods. The objective of the study was to assess the potential of two main principles (no-tillage and crop residue retention) of conservation agriculture (CA) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer management to mitigate the negative effects of future climate (2021–2060) on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM). Two tillage practices were considered in the simulations, i.e. the conventional practice of tillage with removal of crop residues (CP) and NT (no-tillage and crop residue mulching), as well as three rates of N input (0, 30, 90 kg ha−1) on mono-cropped continuous maize. Simulations were run for future climate generated by an ensemble of 17 global circulation models (GCMs) using two extreme emission scenarios based on Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) for southern Africa. Results from the simulations suggest that NT management is not more beneficial in the future (2051–2060) than in the current climate, and there is no evidence to support its ability to mitigate the climate change impacts at the study sites, because the effects are principally exerted through increased temperatures. Simulations further show that increased fertilizer N inputs could drastically increase maize productivity, but with increased vulnerability to climate change. Improved crop management practices such a NT need to be combined with improved crop genotypes tolerant to multiple stresses such as drought and heat to maximize resilience under future climatic conditions.
Gender disparities in the adoption of improved management practices for soybean cultivation in North East Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2025-08) Kamara, A.Y.; Kamsang, L.S.; Mustapha, A.; Kamara, A.; Kolapo, A.; Kamai, N.
This study examined gender disparities in the adoption and intensity of improved soybean management practices among 800 farming households in Borno State, Nigeria, with equal representation of male-led and female-led households. The findings reveal that while both male and female farmers adopt improved soybean varieties, fertilizer, and herbicides, the intensity of adoption varies due to differences in socioeconomic constraints. Male farmers demonstrated slightly higher adoption rates across all practices, particularly for herbicide use. However, financial and market-related barriers, such as high input costs and distance to seed markets, disproportionately hindered female farmers' ability to fully integrate improved practices into their farming activities. The analysis indicates that the adoption of improved soybean varieties by male farmers was mainly influenced by income and pest/disease constraints, whereas female farmers were more affected by age, extension visits, and community tenure. Herbicide use among male farmers was driven by farm size and input costs, while for female farmers, it was influenced by education, input costs, and proximity to seed markets. Fertilizer adoption among male farmers was linked to income and farming experience, whereas female farmers' fertilizer use was shaped by farm size and financial constraints. Ordered probit regression results suggest that age negatively affects adoption intensity for both genders, but income and community tenure play a stronger role for men, while market access and cost barriers are more significant for women. Improving access to extension services can significantly enhance adoption rates, especially for female farmers who face higher input costs and limited access to seed markets. Targeted subsidies and credit programs tailored to smallholder farmers will help alleviate financial barriers, enabling both men and women to invest in essential inputs and expand production. Strengthening rural infrastructure, including better road networks and input market accessibility, will further reduce logistical challenges and support increased soybean cultivation.
Evaluation and application of the CROPGRO – Cowpea model for simulating appropriate sowing window and planting density of cowpea varieties across contrasting environments
(Journal Article, 2025-08-01) Kamara, A.; Solomon, R.; Tofa, A.; Garba, I.I.; Eseigbe, O.B.; Jibrin, J.M.; Omoigui, L.; Aliyu, K.T.; Adeleke, M.A.; Bebeley, J.F.; Peter-Jerome, H.
Context Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important legume crop in sub-Saharan Africa where its grain and fodder are valued for food and feed. Grain yields are, however, low due to several biotic and abiotic constraints. Several improved stress-tolerant varieties and complementary agronomic management technologies have been developed to enhance its productivity and sustainability. Cropping simulation models are useful tools for evaluating the deployment of crop varieties and management options for target locations. While the CSM-CROPGRO model in DSSAT has been used to simulate the performance of several legume crops, only a few studies have evaluated and used the relatively new CSM-CROPGRO-cowpea model for use in West Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the performance of the CSM-CROPGRO-Cowpea model in simulating the cowpea growth and yields in contrasting environments (ii) use the model to assess the optimal sowing window and planting density of cowpea varieties across contrasting environments in the savannas of Nigeria. Methods Here, we used comprehensive savanna-wide datasets to calibrate and validate the CSM-CROPGRO-cowpea model for savannah environments. The evaluated model was then applied to assess the yield performance of cowpea varieties with varying plant densities and six sowing windows across four sites considering 36 growing seasons. Results The model accurately simulated cowpea phenology (RMSE 0.58–0.67 day; nRMSE 1.36–1.46 %; d-index > 0.90 for days to flowering, RMSE 0.82–1.73 days; nRMSE 1.09–2.29 %; d-index 0.88–0.99 for days to physiological maturity), grain yield (RMSE 86–121 kg ha−1; nRMSE 3.66–6.14 %; d-index > 0.90) and total dry matter (RMSE 260–295 kg ha−1; nRMSE 4.79–10.73 %; d-index = 0.87–0.95). The long-term simulation results indicate that SAMPEA 9 showed no response to sowing density beyond 13.3 plants m–2 across all locations, likely due to interplant competition at higher densities. In contrast, the simulated yield of SAMPEA 14 and FUAMPEA 1 increased as plant density increases from 13.3 to 40 plants m⁻². In northern Guinea savanna, sowing could be delayed until July 14 at Demsa and July 29 at Zaria for all tested varieties. In the Sudan savanna AEZ (SS), sowing should be done between July 1 and 14 for all varieties, beyond which there will be a significant reduction in yield. Conclusion Except for SAMPEA 9, the simulated optimum planting density for all the varieties is 40 plants m–2 in all AEZ, while the sowing window was dependent on location and AEZ. The variety SAMPEA 9 was the most yield-stable variety across the tested environments and did not require planting density above the current industry recommendations of 13.3 plants m−2. This study could fill the knowledge gap in understanding optimal cowpea management opportunities needed to maximize productivity and strengthen cropping resilience.
Gender disparities in the adoption of improved management practices for soybean cultivation in North East Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2025-08) Kamara, A.Y.; Kamsang, L.; Mustapha, A.; Kamara, A.; Kolapo, A.; Kamai, N.
This study examined gender disparities in the adoption and intensity of improved soybean management practices among 800 farming households in Borno State, Nigeria, with equal representation of male-led and female-led households. The findings reveal that while both male and female farmers adopt improved soybean varieties, fertilizer, and herbicides, the intensity of adoption varies due to differences in socioeconomic constraints. Male farmers demonstrated slightly higher adoption rates across all practices, particularly for herbicide use. However, financial and market-related barriers, such as high input costs and distance to seed markets, disproportionately hindered female farmers' ability to fully integrate improved practices into their farming activities. The analysis indicates that the adoption of improved soybean varieties by male farmers was mainly influenced by income and pest/disease constraints, whereas female farmers were more affected by age, extension visits, and community tenure. Herbicide use among male farmers was driven by farm size and input costs, while for female farmers, it was influenced by education, input costs, and proximity to seed markets. Fertilizer adoption among male farmers was linked to income and farming experience, whereas female farmers' fertilizer use was shaped by farm size and financial constraints. Ordered probit regression results suggest that age negatively affects adoption intensity for both genders, but income and community tenure play a stronger role for men, while market access and cost barriers are more significant for women. Improving access to extension services can significantly enhance adoption rates, especially for female farmers who face higher input costs and limited access to seed markets. Targeted subsidies and credit programs tailored to smallholder farmers will help alleviate financial barriers, enabling both men and women to invest in essential inputs and expand production. Strengthening rural infrastructure, including better road networks and input market accessibility, will further reduce logistical challenges and support increased soybean cultivation.
Honey bee colony losses and causes during the active beekeeping season 2022/2023 in nine sub- Saharan African countries
(Journal Article, 2025) Nganso, B.T.; Ayalew, W.; Wubie, A.J.; Assefa, F.; Belayhun, L.; Ndungu, N.N.; Toroitich, D.; Otieno-Ayayo, Z.N.; Wambua, M.B.; Oyieyo, Y.O.; Elie, N.; Sikirou, R.; Idrissou, S.B.; Mwiza, W.; Turner, S.; Bobadoye, B.O.; Fameni, S.T.; Gaboe, S.; Agbodzavu, M.K.; Mafwila, P.; Tasse Taboue, G.C.; Emily, K.; Henri, T.Z.E.; Niassey, S.; Fonkou, S.N.; Pirk, C.W.W.; Gray, A.; Brodschneider, R.; Soroker, V.; Subramanian, S.
This study reports for the first-time managed honey bee colony loss rates and associated risk factors during the active beekeeping season 2022/2023 in nine Sub-Saharan African countries, namely Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sustainability of bee swarm catches as a main honey bee colony source tool for operation expansion by African beekeepers was also evaluated in Kenya and Ethiopia. In this survey, the 1,786 interviewed beekeepers across these countries collectively managing 41,761 colonies registered an overall loss rate of 21.3%, which varied significantly among countries (from 9.7 to 45.3%) and hive types (from 10.6% in hives with movable frames to 17.9% in frameless hives). The perceived causes of losses in order of significance were issues beyond the beekeeper’s control (mainly theft, drought, and bushfire), absconding and pests (mainly wax moth, small and large hive beetles, ants and Varroa destructor mite), but this pattern varied greatly across countries. Among the management practices and characteristics, migratory operations and professional beekeepers experienced lower losses than stationary operations and semi-professionals and hobby beekeepers. Insights into the number of bee swarms caught revealed significant decreases in swarm availability over the past three years in Kenya. The opposite situation was observed in some regions of Ethiopia. These trends require further investigation. Overall, this comprehensive survey sheds light on the complexities and challenges beekeepers faced in Sub-Saharan Africa, pointing to the need for targeted interventions and sustained research to support the resilience and growth of the apicultural sector.
Cowpea cultivars resistant to insect pests in world germplasm collection
(Journal Article, 1977) Singh, S.R.
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L . ) Walp. , is one of the most important grain legume crops in West Africa. It is cultivated over 4.8 million hectares in West Africa (Anon . 1974a) and is a major source of protein for t he people (Stanton 19 66). Cowpea yields fro m Africa are below 400 kg/ha. These low yields are attributed to poor crop husbandry and severe insect damage .
The statistical analysis of data from intercropping experiments
(Journal Article, 1978-12) Pearce, S.C.; Gilliver, B.
When two species are interplanted the interpretation of experimental data presents statistical difficulties because the yields of the two crops will not in general be independent. It is therefore desirable to have a method that will both allow significance levels to be determined and give full importance to the treatment means of the two crops. It is shown that a bivariate analysis of variance can be carried out with little difficulty and precise tests can be based upon it. If it would be helpful to combine the two crops in any way, e.g. on the basis of calorific value or price, the task is readily accomplished.
Preferential feeding and damage to cultivars of Nigerian cassava by the variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus)
(Journal Article, 1977-03) Terry, E.R.; Schaefers, G.A.; Garber, M.J.
Large populations of Zonocerus variegatus invaded a cassava crop established during the dry season. The resultant damage was severe, certain cultivars being totally destroyed. The grasshoppers exhibited a statistically significant preference for certain cultivars the defoliation of which shifted attacks to less preferred ones. On a particular variety (Isunikankiyan), populations increased and persisted even after defoliation, probably due to acceptability of the bark by the grasshopper
Classification of land for its use capability and conservation requirements
(Journal Article, 1978) Moormann, F.R.
The intensification of agriculture on land used for shifting cultivation requires in most cases a thorough knowledge of the edaphlc and other attributes of such land* Modern techniques such as mechanization, higher-yielding varieties and the use of fertilizers can transform the extensive form of land use under shifting cultivation to a more intensive one with a considerably higher agricultural output per unit area. Introduction of such techniques can, however, lead to failure if soil conditions are not suitable or if other environmental factors are adverse. Many examples of failure to use shifting cultivation land for a high input, temperate zone type of agriculture can be cited from various countries in the lowland tropics. Determination of correct intensified land use thus requires a study in depth of the land and evaluation of factors which are limiting in view of such intensification.
Control of cowpea seedling mortality in Southern Nigeria
(Journal Article, 1975) Williams, R.J.
In 12 field plantings in southern Nigeria during 1972 and 1973, four fungicides and four fungicide combinations were tested as seed dressings for the control of seedling mortality of cowpea. The greatest and most stable control was obtained with 1, 4-dichloro-2, 5-dimethoxybenzene (chloroneb) used as a dry seed dressing at rates of 2 and 4 g/kg seed. The combination of other fungicides with chloroneb, and the use of glycerol and kaolin to coat the seed with the fungicide, did not significantly improve its performance.
Changes in properties of an alfisol produced by various crop covers
(Journal Article, 1979) Lal, R.; Wilson, G.; Okigbo, B.N.
The effects of three grasses and five leguminous covers, grown on an eroded tropical Alfisol for two years, on soil properties were investigated. Improvements in soil characteristics under Brachiaria, Paspalum, Cynodon spp., Pueraria, Stylosanthes, Stizolobium, Psophocarpus, and Centrosema were compared with that of weed-fallow control. There were significant improvements in soil organic matter, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity (CEC), infiltration rate, moisture retention at low suctions, and soil bulk density under various grass and leguminous fallow compared with control.
Genetic diversity and population structure of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) germplasm
(Journal Article, 2025) Silue, T.; Agre, A.P.; Olasanmi, B.; Adewumi, A.S.; Adejumobi, I.I.; Abebe, A.T.
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) is a significant legume crop for oil and protein. However, its yield in Africa is less than half the global average resulting in low production, which is inadequate for satisfying the continent’s needs. To address this disparity in productivity, it is crucial to develop new high-yielding cultivars by utilizing the genetic diversity of existing germplasms. Consequently, the genetic diversity and population structure of various soybean accessions were evaluated in this study. To achieve this objective, a collection of 147 soybean accessions was genotyped using the Diversity Array Technology Sequencing method, enabling high-throughput analysis of 7,083 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the soybean genome. The average values observed for polymorphism information content (PIC), minor allele frequency, expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity were 0.277, 0.254, 0.344, and 0.110, respectively. The soybean genotypes were categorized into four groups on the basis of model-based population structure, principal component analysis, and discriminant analysis of the principal component. Alternatively, hierarchical clustering was used to organize the accessions into three distinct clusters. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that the genetic variance (77%) within the populations exceeded the variance (23%) among them. The insights gained from this study will assist breeders in selecting parental lines for genetic recombination. The present study demonstrates that soybean improvement is viable within the IITA breeding program, and its outcome will help to optimize the genetic enhancement of soybeans.
Genome-wide comparison reveals large structural variants in cassava landraces
(Journal Article, 2025) Landi, M.; Carluccio, A.V.; Shah, T.; Niazi, A.; Stavolone, L.; Falquet, L.; Gisel, A.; Bongcam-Rudloff, E.
Background Structural variants (SVs) are critical for plant genomic diversity and phenotypic variation. This study investigates a large, 9.7 Mbp highly repetitive segment on chromosome 12 of TMEB117, a region not previously characterized in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). We aim to explore its presence and variability across multiple cassava landraces, providing insights into its genomic significance and potential implications. Results We validated the presence of the 9.7 Mbp segment in the TMEB117 genome, distinguishing it from other published cassava genome assemblies. By mapping short-read sequencing data from 16 cassava landraces to TMEB117 chromosome 12, we observed variability in read mapping, suggesting that while all genotypes contain the insertion region, some exhibit missing segments or sequence differences. Further analysis revealed two unique genes associated with deacetylase activity, HDA14 and SRT2, within the insertion. Additionally, the MUDR-Mutator transposable element was significantly overrepresented in this region. Conclusions This study uncovers a large structural variant in the TMEB117 cassava genome, highlighting its variability among different genotypes. The enrichment of HDA14 and SRT2 genes and the MUDR-Mutator elements within the insertion suggests potential functional significance, though further research is needed to explore this. These findings provide important insights into the role of structural variations in shaping cassava genomic diversity.
Yam urban market characteristics and consumer preferences in Bukavu City, eastern D.R. Congo
(Journal Article, 2025) Mondo, J.; Mugisho, G.M.; Chuma, G.B.; Agre, A.P.; Banda, V.R.; Adebola, P.O.; Asfaw, A.
Demand-led breeding is essential for developing crop varieties that suit market requirements. This study employed surveys targeting both yam (Dioscorea spp.) traders and consumers in Bukavu city, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to assess yam market characteristics and trait preferences. The results showed that the yam market operates predominantly informally and is dominated by women traders. The peak supply period occurs from March to May, characterized by relatively stable prices, while yam availability gradually decline and rare from August to January, prompting price increases of approximately 23% towards October. Income from yam trade plays crucial role in meeting family basic needs, including food, child education, and healthcare expenses, underscoring its importance for food and income security in the community. Market surveys, household interviews, and regression analyses consistently identified taste, softness, tuber flesh color, tuber shape, and tuber size as primary varietal preference criteria in urban settings, with slight differences across gender and age groups. Socioeconomic factors such as household location, education level, dietary integration of yam, and awareness of its nutritional benefits emerged as key drivers of urban yam consumption, regardless of gender and age categories. Our study helped to differentiate four market segments and develop corresponding target product profiles (TPPs) to inform yam breeding initiatives tailored to the needs of eastern DRC. These findings provide valuable insights into yam market characteristics, its role in sustaining livelihoods, and priority traits that should be addressed by plant breeding to enhance urban consumption.
Social wellbeing in forest-dependent communities: a focus on the importance of wild mushrooms in northern Zambia
(Journal Article, 2025) Nnebe, N.; Hickey, G.M.; Cole, S.M.; Orsat, V.; Melgar-Quinonez, H.
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are relevant for forest communities around the world. Within this context, income and dietary outcomes have been widely analyzed as the primary outcome measures. However, the emphasis on material gains and income obscures the experiences, social relations, and the motivations of common resource users. Situating wild food use and consumption within cultural traditions and social relations provides a more holistic understanding of the contributions these resources make to rural livelihoods. This emphasis is important given rapid land use changes and high rates of deforestation. The present study contributes to this research gap by examining the significance of wild mushroom value chains for people’s material and non-material social well-being in two rural communities in northern Zambia. Wild mushrooms make important contributions to the consumption and economic needs of rural households in Zambia, with evidence suggesting that poorer households and women are often more likely to depend on and derive greater benefits from their sale and use. A social wellbeing lens can help draw policy attention to the non-material benefits of NTFP value chains and add value to our understanding of the social and economic dynamics in forest-dependent communities.
Are farm input subsidies a disincentive for integrated pest management adoption? Evidence from Zambia
(Journal Article, 2025) Tambo, J.A.; Liverpool-Tasie, L.S.O.
Input subsidy programmes (ISPs) remain a popular but contentious policy tool to promote agricultural intensification, food security and poverty reduction across Africa. Although previous studies have explored the impact of ISPs on various smallholder outcomes, no studies have analysed the impact of recent ISPs on pest management. This is particularly important given the increasing pest challenges due to climate change and the recent surge in pesticide use in low-income countries and its associated negative consequences for human and environmental health. Thus, this study assessed the effects of ISPs on smallholder adoption of sustainable pest management practices, using data from 1048 smallholder maize plots across major maize-producing zones of Zambia and a control function regression approach. We find consistent evidence that input subsidy receipt is negatively associated with smallholders' adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable pest management strategies. Participation in the Zambia ISP (particularly the flexible e-voucher system) encourages synthetic pesticide use, at the expense of sustainable practices. We also find that farmers consider synthetic pesticides and biopesticides as substitutes and are more likely to adopt sustainable pest management when they have tenure security and access to financial resources. Given the human and environmental health consequences associated with synthetic pesticide use, it would be important to leverage input subsidy schemes to promote the adoption of safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Beyond input subsidies, policies that improve tenure security and financial access for smallholders can promote the adoption of sustainable pest management practices.
Developing pangenomes for large and complex plant genomes and their representation formats
(Journal Article, 2025) Ruperao, P.; Rangan, P.; Shah, T.; Sharma, V.; Rathore, A.; Mayes, S.; Pandey, M.K.
Background The development of pangenomes has revolutionized genomic studies by capturing the complete genetic diversity within a species. Pangenome assembly integrates data from multiple individuals to construct a comprehensive genomic landscape, revealing both core and accessory genomic elements. This approach enables the identification of novel genes, structural variations, and gene presence-absence variations, providing insights into species evolution, adaptation, and trait variation. Representing pangenomes requires innovative visualization formats that effectively convey the complex genomic structures and variations. Aim This review delves into contemporary methodologies and recent advancements in constructing pangenomes, particularly in plant genomes. It examines the structure of pangenome representation, including format comparison, conversion, visualization techniques, and their implications for enhancing crop improvement strategies. Key scientific concepts of review Earlier comparative studies have illuminated novel gene sequences, copy number variations, and presence-absence variations across diverse crop species. The concept of a pan-genome, which captures multiple genetic variations from a broad spectrum of genotypes, offers a holistic perspective of a species’ genetic makeup. However, constructing a pan-genome for plants with larger genomes poses challenges, including managing vast genome sequence data and comprehending the genetic variations within the germplasm. To address these challenges, researchers have explored cost-effective alternatives to encapsulate species diversity in a single assembly known as a pangenome. This involves reducing the volume of genome sequences while focusing on genetic variations. With the growing prominence of the pan-genome concept in plant genomics, several software tools have emerged to facilitate pangenome construction. This review sheds light on developing and utilizing software tools tailored for constructing pan-genomes in plants. It also discusses representation formats suitable for downstream analyses, offering valuable insights into the genetic landscape and evolutionary dynamics of plant species. In summary, this review underscores the significance of pan-genome construction and representation formats in resolving the genetic architecture of plants, particularly those with complex genomes. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements, aiding in exploring and understanding plant genetic diversity.
Antidiabetic and antioxidant profiling of 67 African trifoliate yam accessions by planar on-surface assays versus in vitro assays
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Aiyedun, P.O.; Sonibare, M.A.; Gueye, B.; Albach, D.C.; Heil, J.; Morlock, G.E.
Trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) is traditionally used to treat diabetics in Nigeria. However, almost no information is available on its antidiabetic constituents and their natural variance. Hence, the activity of methanolic tuber extracts of 67 trifoliate yam accessions from the largest collection in Africa was proven by four colorimetric antidiabetic and antioxidant in vitro assays, as diabetes is also linked with oxidative stress. For the first time, selected accessions were also analyzed by planar bioactivity profiling. It has a comparatively higher, more differentiated information content, is more sustainable in terms of material consumption, and enables straightforward compound prioritization and characterization. Up to a dozen individual antioxidant zones were revealed as well as one prominent zone inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The latter inhibition zone was tentatively assigned to palmitic, linoleic, oleic, linolenic, oxo-nonanoic fatty acids by direct elution to heated electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry.
The importance of biome in shaping urban biodiversity
(Journal Article, 2025) Diamant, E.S.; Oswald, K.N.; Awoyemi, A.G.; Gaston, K.J.; MacGregor-Fors, L.; Berger-Tal, O.; Roll, U.
Humanity is urbanizing, with vast implications on natural systems. To date, most research on urban biodiversity has centered on temperate biomes. Conversely, drylands, collectively the largest terrestrial global biome, remain understudied. Here, we synthesize key mechanistic differences of urbanization's impacts on biodiversity across these biomes. Irrigation shapes dryland urban ecology, and can lead to greener, sometimes more biodiverse, landscapes than local wildlands. These green urban patches in drylands often have a different species composition, including many non-native and human-commensal species. Socioeconomic factors – locally and globally – can mediate how biomes shape urban biodiversity patterns through the effects of irrigation, greening, and invasive species. We advocate for more research in low-income dryland cities, and for implementing biome-specific, scientifically grounded management and policies.

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