ICARDA Articles in Journals

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/51681

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Exploring genetic variation and stripe rust resistance in ICARDA's spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using GWAS in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region
(Journal Article) Youssef, Alaa; El-soda, Mohamed; H. Osman, Neama; Shahin, Atef; Zakaria, EL Gataa; Hamwieh, Aladdin; Tawkaz, Sawsan; Nazari, Kumarse; Al-Shamaa, Khaled; Tadesse, Wuletaw
Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, poses a major threat to global wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. This study assessed stripe rust resistance in 154 spring bread wheat genotypes from ICARDA, tested across four locations: Izmir (Turkey), Merchouch (Morocco), Sakha, and Sids (Egypt). Disease severity was evaluated at the adult plant stage under natural infection using the coefficient of infection (CI). Genotyping was performed using 17,692 high-quality SNP markers, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for resistance. The mixed linear model (MLM), accounting for population structure and relatedness, detected significant differences in genotype resistance across locations. Twenty elite genotypes, including G101, G117, and G125, exhibited high resistance across all sites. A total of 136 significant MTAs and 17 candidate genes were identified, with −log10(p) > 3.0, primarily on chromosomes 2A, 3B, 4A, 5B, and 7A. Several MTAs aligned with known resistance genes, such as Yr18 and Yr57, while others suggested novel loci. Key markers, including ‘AX-109902001’ (6A), ‘AX-94992026’ (7B), ‘IAAV1650’ (5A), and ‘Excalibur_c37115_306’ (3B), were significantly associated with resistance across locations. These findings enhance the understanding of the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance and provide MTAs suitable for marker-assisted selection to pyramid resistance genes. The identified resistant genotypes hold potential for direct release or use as breeding parents in the WANA region, pending further adaptation trials assessing yield stability and agronomic performance.
Pathogenicity of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana strains on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)
(Journal Article) Boulamtat, Rachid; El-Fakhouri, Karim; Jaber, Hassna; Oubayoucef, Ali; Ramdani, Chaimae; Fikraoui, Nabil; Al-Jaboobi, Muamar; El Fadil, Meryem; Maafa, Ilyass; Mesfioui, Abdelhalem; Kemal, Seid Ahmed; El Bouhssini, Mustapha
The destructive pest of chickpeas, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is difficult to control using synthetic insecticides. The current research examined the entomopathogenic and endophytic colonisation effects of three fungal strains of Beauveria bassiana (HASS; RFSL10; SP-IR-566) against H. armigera larvae under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Four inoculation methods were used in the greenhouse: Root Dipping (RD), Leaf Spraying (LS), Stem Injection (SI), and Seed Coating (SC), while spray application was used for laboratory and field treatments. Under laboratory conditions, the highest entomopathogenic effect was recorded by HASS and RFSL10 strains applied as a direct spray at 108 conidia mL-1 with 100% mortality, followed by SP-IR-566 with 96%, 12 days after treatment. Furthermore, foliar application in the field reduced larval population by an average ranging from 82 to 100%, confirming the significant effects of the three tested strains. In terms of endophytic colonisation under greenhouse setting, both stem injection and root dipping methods expressed low to moderate mortality rates ranging from 32 to 40%, 15 days after application. These findings suggested that B. bassiana strains, investigated as foliar application, had a potential as an effective strategy to control H. armigera. This study also offers new insights into the potential of the endophytic entomopathogens approach as a viable and safe alternative to chemical pesticides.
Beyond biodiversity: does “Farming with Alternative Pollinators” also boost farmers’ income in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields? a case study in Morocco
(Journal Article) Bencharki, Youssef; Michez, Denis; Smaili, Moulay Chrif; Ihsane, Oumayma; Aw-Hassan, Aden A.; Ssymank, Axel; Rasmont, Pierre; Christmann, Stefanie
The importance of flower visitors for ecosystem resilience and crop production underscores the need to address the current decline of flower visitors worldwide. Farming Alternative Pollinators (FAP), economic and ecological benefits of fields hosting various marketable habitat enhancement plants, developed for flower visitors protection in low- and middle-income countries, showed multiple benefits for farmers of pollinator-dependent crops, but potential benefits of FAP for production of pollinator-independent crops have not yet been assessed. Therefore, we conducted in 2021 FAP trials with wheat (Triticum aestivum) as the main crop in two regions of Morocco where cereals are mainly grown in monocultures in field sizes ranging from 2 to 5 ha. We tested the effects of fields adding marketable habitat enhancement plants (MHEP; coriander and canola) versus control fields on pests, natural enemies, flower visitors, and net income. We found significantly lower abundance and diversity of pests in wheat fields using MHEP, but no effect on natural enemy presence or net income. The strips of MHEP attracted a high number of flower visitors in both regions (Settat and Sidi Slimane), they supported flower visitor communities by providing plant resources and alternative habitat in monocultural landscapes extremely degraded for flower visitors.
Genome-wide association analysis of Septoria tritici blotch for adult plant resistance in elite bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) genotypes
(Journal Article) Kassie, Molla Mekonnen; Dejene, Tiegist; Desta, Ermias Abate; Tadesse, Wuletaw
Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is a predominant foliar disease of wheat, caused by the pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. This disease can lead to substantial yield losses warranting control by using expensive fungicides. One effective method of STB control is the utilization of resistant wheat varieties. In this particular study, a panel comprising of 186 bread wheat genotypes was assessed for their adult plant resistance (APR) to STB. Field trials were conducted across five environments in Ethiopia during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons under natural infestation conditions. The association panel was genotyped using 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. To determine the relationship between genetic markers and STB resistance, a mixed linear model (MLM) analysis was performed using the statgen GWAS R software package. Heritability estimates for STB resistance ranged from 0.39 to 0.95, underscoring the genetic variability and the potential for selection. The study identified 52 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for STB resistance at maturity (SDSM) and 62 MTAs at heading (SDSH). Chromosome 5A contains a high concentration of MTAs that confer resistance to STB, hosting multiple significant MTAs, including four consistently associated markers (‘Kukri_c10033_724’, ‘RAC875_rep_c116420_103’, ‘TG0019’, and ‘RAC875_c30566_230’). Additionally, chromosomes 1B, 2B, 5B, and 7A were found to harbor important MTAs, contributing to resistance across various environments. Notably, two QTLs, qtSTB23 (5A) and qtSTB38 (7B), exhibited stability across multiple environments, making them robust candidates for breeding programs. Furthermore, novel resistance loci on chromosome 2A were discovered, offering new opportunities for enhancing resistance. Therefore, these findings provide an opportunity for improving STB resistance through gene stacking using marker-assisted selection (MAS).
Characterizing Wheat Rhizosphere Bacterial Microbiome Dynamics Under Salinity Stress: Insights from 16S rRNA Metagenomics for Enhancing Stress Tolerance
(Journal Article) Mahmoud, Nourhan Fouad; M. El-Zayat, Emad; Amr, Dina; A. El-Khishin, Dina; M. Abd-Elhalim, Haytham; Hafez, Amr; Radwan, Khaled; Hamwieh, Aladdin; Tadesse, Wuletaw
Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors affecting wheat production. Salt in the soil is a major environmental stressor that can affect the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of wheat. The bacteria in the plant’s rhizosphere promote growth and stress tolerance, which vary by variety and location. Nevertheless, the soil harbors some of the most diverse microbial communities, while the rhizosphere selectively recruits according to the needs of plants in a complex harmonic regulation. The microbial composition and diversity under normal and saline conditions were assessed by comparing the rhizosphere of wheat with soil using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, highlighting the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Taxonomic analyzes showed that the bacterial community was predominantly and characteristically composed of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Fibrobacteres, representing the usual microbial profile for the rhizosphere of wheat. Idiomarinaceae, Rheinheimera, Halomonas, and Pseudomonas (a strain of Proteobacteria), together with Gracilibacillus (a strain of Firmicutes Bacilli), were recognized as microbial signatures for the rhizosphere microbiome under saline conditions. This was observed even with unchanged soil type and genotype. These patterns occurred despite the same soil type and genotype, with salinity being the only variable. The collective action of these bacterial phyla in the rhizosphere not only improves nutrient availability but also induces systemic resistance in the plants. This synergistic effect improves plant resistance to salt stress and supports the development of salt-tolerant wheat varieties. These microbial signatures could improve our understanding of plant–microbe interactions and support the development of microbiome-based solutions for salt stress.
“Farming with alternative pollinators” provides benefits also in large-scale fields
(Journal Article, 2024-01-10) Bencharki, Youssef; Michez, Denis; Ihsane, Oumayma; Reverté, Sara; Aw-Hassan, Aden A.; Smaili, Moulay Chrif; Ssymank, Axel; Rasmont, Pierre; Christmann, Stefanie
Insect pollinators are declining worldwide due to many challenges and several approaches have been implemented to mitigate their loss. Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) uses marketable habitat enhancement plants (MHEP) that yield substantial benefits for farmers from the first year. Studies with small-scale farmers have shown that FAP sustains high diversity and abundance of flower visitors and natural enemies, resulting in significant increases in smallholders' incomes, on average 121% higher. For the first time, we analyzed this approach in large-scale fields. Trials were conducted in 16 farms in two regions of Morocco, Sidi Slimane and Ksar El-Kebir, in 2021. We used melon (Cucumis melo) as the main crop and coriander, anise and sunflower as MHEP and selected in each farm 1 ha as trial area in larger monocultures. We compared FAP and control fields regarding abundance and richness of flower visitors, natural enemies and pests as well as net income of the whole field (1 ha). Flower visitors and natural enemies were significantly more diverse and abundant in FAP fields and there were also fewer pests. Our economic results show 17% higher net income per ha in FAP fields versus control fields in the Ksar El-Kebir region, and 12% higher net income in FAP fields compared to control fields in Sidi Slimane region. Although the mean yield difference was statistically significant, the income difference was not. We suggest more FAP trials are needed in different large-scale fields systems.
Phylogenetic analysis, mixed infection and seed transmission of Pea seed-borne mosaic virus in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-01-16) Ademe, Anteneh; Kumari, Safaa; Moukahel, Abdulrahman; Alemu, Tesfaye; Abraham, Adane; Aynewa, Yetsedaw; Guadie, Demsachew; Kemal, Seid Ahmed
Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) is a significant pathogen affecting the yield and quality of lentil and chickpea crops in Ethiopia's major legume-producing regions, Amhara and Oromia. This study focuses on characterizing PSbMV and its seed transmission rates, including mixed infections under field conditions. Tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) analysis revealed that 56.2 % of tested lentil and chickpea samples were infected with PSbMV, often in mixed infections. PSbMV seed transmission rates varied widely among tested lentil genotypes, with the widely grown improved lentil cultivar Alemaya (FLIP 89-63 L) showing a transmission rate as high as 13.5 %. To characterize the isolates, the partial polyprotein gene was amplified and sequenced. Analysis of these sequences showed nucleotide identities ranging from 90.5 % to 100 %. Phylogenetic analysis classified Ethiopian PSbMV isolates (from lentil and chickpea) into four major clades and four subclades. Five lentil isolates (EthLe204-18, EthLe547-18, EthLe12-19, EthLe84-19, and EthLe214-33-19) and one chickpea isolate (EthCp115-19) clustered in subgroup BI, while isolate EthLe343-18 clustered into subgroup BII with an American pathotype-2 isolate (AJ252242). Isolates EthLe7-21 and EthLe381-21 clustered with an Australian P-2 isolate (HQ185579) into group D. Further analysis using RDP indicates intraspecific recombination only in isolate EthLe214-19, with fragments derived from EthLe343-18 and EthLe204-18 as major and minor parents, respectively. No recombination events were detected in the other isolates. This study suggests that variations in lentil genotype resistance to seed infection could be leveraged for resistance breeding, and the impacts of mixed infections on lentil crops warrant further investigation.
Detection and Partial Characterization of Polerovirus and Luteovirus Isolates Associated With Lentil and Chickpea in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-02-05) Ademe, Anteneh; Kumari, Safaa; Moukahel, Abdulrahman; Alemu, Tesfaye; Abraham, Adane; Aynewa, Yetsedaw; Guadie, Demsachew; Kemal, Seid Ahmed
The partial nucleotide sequence of the coat protein (CP) gene of Ethiopian isolates of chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV, genus Polerovirus), beet western yellows virus (BWYV, genus Polerovirus), and soybean dwarf virus (SbDV, genus Luteovirus) was determined from lentil and chickpea plants showing yellowing, stunting, and reddening symptoms. Comparative sequence analysis of CpCSV isolates obtained from five chickpea and five lentil isolates showed 94.9%–100% and 91.9%–98.7% nucleotide sequence identity with each other and with the reference isolates, respectively. One CpCSV isolate from chickpea (MZ043728) showed a close relationship with isolates of the serotype II while the remaining nine isolates were closely related to isolates belonging to serotype I. Sequence identities of three chickpea BWYV isolates varied from 93.3% to 100% with the reference isolates, and one of them (MZ043727) displayed 100% nucleotide identity with previously reported lentil stunt virus (LStV, genus Polerovirus). The chickpea isolates MZ043725 and MZ043726 appear to be identical to each other, whereas the other isolate (MZ043727) was identical to previously identified LStV isolate. The nucleotide sequence of three Ethiopian SbDV isolates had a lower identity with GenBank isolates and their phylogenetic analysis showed that they are clustered separately from the rest of the reference isolates indicating that they are the most divergent. This result generates essential information for further research on legume viruses in Ethiopia. In addition, a detailed study should be conducted in the future to understand the prevalence of LStV and determine the potential yield losses associated with the virus in Ethiopia.
Chemodiversity and antimicrobial activities of Eucalyptus spp. essential oils
(Journal Article, 2024-08-06) Ammar, Hajer; M’Rabe, Yassine; Hassan, Sawsan; Chahine, Mireille; de Haro Marti, Mario; Soufan, Walid; Andres, Sonia; López Puente, Secundino; Hosni, Karim
The essential oils extracted from the leaves of five Eucalyptus species: E. astringens, E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, E. leucoxylon, and E. sideroxylon, were investigated for their antimicrobial properties. These species were growing in the same plantation area, exposed to identical conditions, and subjected to uniform agronomic practices. Processed and analyzed under consistent parameters, the essential oil yields ranged from 0.14 to 0.96% (w/w). Chromatographic analysis were resolved into 48 compounds, with 11 common to all oils. Terpenoids (oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes) dominated the oil profiles, constituting 55.66–76.67% of the composition. Major components identified included 1,8-cineole (21.97–50.93%), α-pinene (2.18–15.95%), p-cymene (0.83–15.94%), spathulenol (0–20.49%), globulol (4.09–14.26%), and aromadendrene (2.37–15.03%). Genetically driven interspecific variation in composition was observed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and heatmap clustering. Moreover, distinctive components were identified for each essential oil, offering a valuable tool for discriminating between Eucalyptus species and ensuring authentication and quality control in commercial samples. Results from antimicrobial disc-diffusion assays indicated robust antimicrobial activity in all essential oils, with those derived from E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, and E. leucoxylon exhibiting the highest effectiveness.
Farmers' Participation in Messenger-Based Social Groups And Its Effects on Performance in Irrigated Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
(Journal Article, 2024-11-09) Kurbanov, Zafar; Tadjiev, Abdusame; Djanibekov, Nodir; Govind, Ajit; Akramkhanov, Akmal
he penetration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in farming communities is increasing the use of smartphone-based instant messaging apps. Despite this, the reasons behind participation and the impact on farm productivity in developing countries remain unexplored. This study uses survey data of cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore factors explaining participation in social media groups and its impact on farm performance. The results show that the factors and benefits differ across these two countries. Participation in social media groups has a positive effect on cotton yields in both countries, but increases revenue only in Kazakhstan. We discuss possible reasons for contrasting results and policy implications for improving agricultural extension and advisory services in Central Asia. Scaling up smartphone-based e-extension should focus on younger, more educated farmers. Emphasizing associated economic benefits and fostering decision-making autonomy among farmers will be crucial for creating conducive environment for benefiting from e-extension services.
Developing automated machine learning approach for fast and robust crop yield prediction using a fusion of remote sensing, soil, and weather dataset
(Journal Article, 2024-04-25) Kheir, Ahmed M.S.; Govind, Ajit; Nangia, Vinay; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Elnashar, Abdelrazek; Omar, Mohie; Feike, Til
Estimating smallholder crop yields robustly and timely is crucial for improving agronomic practices, determining yield gaps, guiding investment, and policymaking to ensure food security. However, there is poor estimation of yield for most smallholders due to lack of technology, and field scale data, particularly in Egypt. Automated machine learning (AutoML) can be used to automate the machine learning workflow, including automatic training and optimization of multiple models within a userspecified time frame, but it has less attention so far. Here, we combined extensive field survey yield across wheat cultivated area in Egypt with diverse dataset of remote sensing, soil, and weather to predict field-level wheat yield using 22 Ml models in AutoML. The models showed robust accuracies for yield predictions, recording Willmott degree of agreement, (d>0.80) with higher accuracy when super learner (stacked ensemble) was used (R2=0.51, d=0.82). The trained AutoML was deployed to predict yield using remote sensing (RS) vegetative indices (VIs), demonstrating a good correlation with actual yield (R2=0.7). This is very important since it is considered a low-cost tool and could be used to explore early yield predictions. Since climate change has negative impacts on agricultural production and food security with some uncertainties, AutoML was deployed to predict wheat yield under recent climate scenarios from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). These scenarios included single downscaled General Circulation Model (GCM) as CanESM5 and two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) as SSP2-4.5and SSP5-8.5during the mid-term period (2050). The stacked ensemble model displayed declines in yield of 21% and5%under SSP5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 respectively during mid-century, with higher uncertainty under the highest emission scenario (SSP5- 8.5). The developed approach could be used as a rapid, accurate and low-cost method to predict yield for stakeholder farms all over the world where ground data is scarce.
Wild Lathyrus—A Treasure of Novel Diversity
(Journal Article, 2024-10-29) Singh, Akanksha; Balech, Rind; Barpete, Surendra; Gupta, Priyanka; Bouhlal, Outmane; Tawkaz, Sawsan; Kaul, Smita; Tripathi, Kuldeep; Amri, Ahmed; Maalouf, Fouad; Gupta, Sanjeev; Agrawal, Shiv Kumar
Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a climate-smart legume crop with adaptation to fragile agroecosystems. The genus Lathyrus is recognized for its vast genetic diversity, encompassing over 160 species, many of which are cultivated for various purposes across different regions of the world. Among these, Lathyrus sativus is widely cultivated as food, feed, and fodder in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) regions. Its global cultivation has declined substantially due to the stigma posed by the presence of neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) in its seeds and green foliage. Overconsumption for a longer period of grasspea seeds harvested from landraces may lead to a neurological disorder called neurolathyrism in humans. ODAP is an obstacle for grasspea expansion, but crop wild relatives (CWRs) have been found to offer a solution. The incorporation of CWRs, particularly Lathyrus cicera, and landraces into breeding programs may reduce the ODAP content in grasspea varieties to a safer level. Recent advances in genomics-assisted breeding have expanded the potential for utilizing challenging CWRs to develop grasspea varieties that combine ultra-low ODAP levels with improved yield, stability, and adaptability. Further progress in omics technologies—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—along with genome sequencing and editing, has greatly accelerated the development of grasspea varieties with reduced or zero ODAP content, while also enhancing the plant’s agronomic value. This review highlights the significance of utilizing CWRs in pre-breeding programs, and harnessing advanced tools and technologies to enhance the performance, adaptability, and resilience of grasspea in response to changing environmental conditions.
Local agro-industrial by-products offer feasible options to supplement breeding rams in mixed farming systems of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Belayneh, Tesfa; Asmare, Bimrew; Alkhtib, Ashraf; Wamatu, Jane
The study assessed the supplemental effect of flushing Menz breeding rams with local agro-industrial by-products on their reproductive performance and semen quality. It recommends the use of wheat bran-based supplementation strategies to enhance the reproductive performance, semen quality, and the potential of Menz rams to serve ewes.
Economic values of some important traits for smallholder dairy production in Central Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-09-21) Hunde, Direba; Tadesse, Yosef; Tadesse, Million; Biratu, Kasa; Shumiye, Molla; Yadesa, Endale; Wedajo, Fikadu; Getahun, Kefale; Beneberu, Nibo; Gelmesa, Ulfina; Getachew, Tesfaye
Economic value (EV), sensitivity of EV and relative economic importance of milk yield (MY), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI) and herd life (HL) traits were estimated for smallholder dairy cattle production in the central part of Ethiopia. The data on biological and economic parameters were collected using household interview and group discussions methods participating 238 farmers who had crossbred dairy cattle. Bio-economic model was used to calculate EV, sensitivity of EV and relative importance of EV. Cost of animal feed takes the highest share which accounted 81.35% of the total expenditure. The overall average profit per farmer expressed in Ethiopia currency (ETB, 1 US-$ = 39.55696 ETB) was 72,458.10 ± 5068 per year. Profitability of crossbred dairy cattle significantly varied (P < 0.05) between zones. Economic value estimated for MY, AFC, CI and HL in ETB were 13.38/kg, -16.19/day, -33.58/day and 79.55/day. The associated EV per additive standard deviation were 6083.62, -1311.59, -1271.05 and 117.73 ETB for MY, AFC, CI and HL, respectively. Analysis of sensitivity to scenario change (± 20%) showed that milk price had positive association with profit and EV, whereas feed price has inversely influenced both profit and EV. The profit obtained by farmers was altered by ± 29.08% and ± 12.31% as milk price and feed price fluctuated by ± 20%, respectively. Similarly, the EV of MY was changed by ± 20% with change in milk price and ± 7% with feed price. Scenario change in feed price (± 20%) has also caused ± 13.63% change on EV for AFC and ± 17.58% for CI. It can be noted that profit and EV of the traits were less sensitive to the change in price of milk, feed and labor. In general, the results of EV and profitability were encouraging for dairy farmers and the estimates can be used as an input for development of breeding program in the study area.
Evaluating Flock Dynamics, Offtake-rate, and Farmers’ Perception on Benefits of Community Based Breeding Program in Doyogena District, Central Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-03-20) Jimma, Addisu; Melesse, Aberra; Haile, Aynalem; Getachew, Tesfaye
The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is currently active in implementing indigenous breed improvement strategies to achieve genetic progress, economic benefits, and livelihood improvements for smallholders in the pioneer sheep breed improvement cooperatives in Ethiopia. Although the Doyogena sheep CBBP is one of the well-performing breeding cooperatives, there is a lack of up-to-date information regarding farmer perspectives on morphological and reproductive changes (such as conformation, coat color, litter size, growth, and lambing interval), socio-economic benefits, off-take, flock structure, and trends since the CBBP started. To address this gap, a study involving 260 randomly selected farmers, with 130 being CBBP members and 130 non-members owning sheep from similar locations, was conducted. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in various aspects between CBBP members and non-members. CBBP participants showed higher numbers of lambs below 3 months, male lambs between 3-6 months, intact males between 6-12 months, breeding rams, mature ewes, and the mean flock size of sheep at the household level. The major routes of sheep entry into the flocks were birth (81%), and purchase (17%). The total number of entries and births was higher (p < 0.05) in CBBP members (284 vs. 240) than in non-members (148 vs. 112). The off-take rate, representing the proportion of sheep exits from the flock, was significantly higher (p<0.05) in CBBP members (36.45%) compared to non-members (17.35%). Factors such as CBBP participation, gender of the household head, age, flock size, and farm land size influenced flock dynamics and off-take rates. The CBBP was attributed to performance improvements in traits such as growth, coat color, litter size, survival, and lambing interval. Moreover, the program had a positive influence on economic benefits, as CBBP members reported higher annual income from sheep-related activities. This income played a crucial role in supporting farmers’ livelihoods, contributing to house maintenance and providing food for households. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive influence of the Doyogena CBBP on farmers’ livelihoods, thus suggesting the need to scale up the program to benefit a broader community.
Community-based breeding programs can realize sustainable genetic gain and economic benefits in tropical dairy cattle systems
(Journal Article) Hunde, Direba; Tadesse, Yosef; Tadesse, Million; Guangul, Solomon; Getachew, Tesfaye
Implementing an appropriate breeding program is crucial to control fluctuation in performance, enhance adaptation, and further improve the crossbred population of dairy cattle. Five alternative breeding programs (BPs) were modeled considering available breeding units in the study area, the existing crossbreeding practices, and the future prospects of dairy research and development in Ethiopia. The study targeted 143,576 crossbred cows of 54,822 smallholder households in the Arsi, West Shewa, and North Shewa zones of the Oromia Region, as well as the North Shewa zone of the Amhara Region. The alternative BPs include conventional on-station progeny testing (SPT), conventional on-farm progeny testing (FPT), conventional on-station and on-farm progeny testing (SFPT), genomic selection (GS), and genomic progeny testing (GPT). Input parameters for modeling the BPs were taken from the analysis of long-term data obtained from the Holetta Agricultural Research Center and a survey conducted in the study area. ZPLAN+ software was used to predict estimates of genetic gain (GG) and discounted profit for goal traits. The predicted genetic gains (GGs) for milk yield (MY) per year were 34.52 kg, 49.63 kg, 29.35 kg, 76.16 kg, and 77.51 kg for SPT, FPT, SFPT, GS, and GPT, respectively. The GGs of the other goal traits range from 0.69 to 1.19 days per year for age at first calving, from 1.20 to 2.35 days per year for calving interval, and from 0.06 to 0.12 days per year for herd life. Compared to conventional BPs, genomic systems (GPT and GS) enhanced the GG of MY by 53%–164%, reduced generation interval by up to 21%, and improved the accuracy of test bull selection from 0.33 to 0.43. The discounted profit of the BPs varied from 249.58 Ethiopian Birr (ETB, 1 USD = 39.55696 ETB) per year in SPT to 689.79 ETB per year in GS. Genomic selection outperforms SPT, SFPT, and FPT by 266, 227%, and 138% of discounted profit, respectively. Community-based crossbreeding accompanied by GS and gradual support with progeny testing (GPT) is recommended as the main way forward to attain better genetic progress in dairy farms in Ethiopia and similar scenarios in other tropical countries.
A Blueprint for Building Resilience and Food Security in MENA and SSA Drylands: Diversifying Agriculture With Neglected and Underutilized Species
(Journal Article) Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Mabhaudi, Tafadzwanashe; Nangia, Vinay; Attaher, Samar; Jean Boroto, Ruhiza; Timsina, Jagadish; Siddique, Kadambot H M
Drylands, encompassing 41% of global land and supporting over 2 billion people, face significant challenges, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and soil degradation. Dryland spans vast areas of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) regions and poses a threat to food security and resilience. This study examines the potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) to improve dryland food and nutrition security, focusing on their agronomic performance, water productivity, economic viability, and nutritional benefits. Using long-term data from FAOSTAT, USDA Food Data Central, and peer-reviewed literature, we analyzed trends in the cultivation, yield, and nutritional contributions of 26 NUS across 22 countries in the MENA region comparing them with major staples—rice, wheat, and maize. Between 1961 and 2022, NUS crop areas in MENA fluctuated, decreasing by 7.0% since 2018 to 21.17 Mha. Despite this, NUS demonstrated superior water productivity—up to 30% higher than major cereals. For instance, sorghum and cowpea achieved 2.5 kg/m3 compared to maize (0.83 kg/m3) and wheat (0.91 kg/m3) and exhibited strong heat tolerance, withstanding temperatures of up to 42°C and 38°C, respectively. Despite a negative trade balance, NUS significantly contributed to dietary calories, surpassing wheat. A field experiment in Merchouch, Morocco, confirmed that NUS offered a higher economic value per unit than wheat, and outperformed conventional crops across key indicators. Integrating NUS into dryland farming systems can enhance food security, sustainability, and resilience to climate change. Advancing NUS requires breeding programs, tailored good agricultural practices, value addition and market linkage, supportive policies, and farmer education. Collaborative efforts among international organizations, governments, and civil society are crucial to mainstreaming NUS in agrifood systems and contributing to the diversity, sustainability, and resilience of dryland farming systems in MENA and SSA regions.
Impact of Dried Thyme Leaf Meal on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Laying Hens
(Journal Article, 2025-01-01) Yasin, Abdulwahid; Tamiru, Metekia; Alkhtib, Ashraf; Mohammed, Abdo; Tadesse, Tagesse; Wamatu, Jane; Burton, Emily
Background The use of commercially extracted phytogenic compounds to maintain poultry health and productivity in the absence of in-feed antibiotics is prohibitively costly in developing countries. Objectives The goal of the study is to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with Thymus schimperi leaf meal (TLM) on production performance, egg quality and haemato-biochemical parameters of Bovan brown layers. Methods A total of 96 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replications each. The treatments include the control (standard commercial laying diet), TLM1.5 (control + 1.5% TLM), TLM2.5 (control + 2.5% TLM) and TLM3.5 (control + 3.5% TLM). Egg production, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded for each replicate. Two eggs per replication were used to measure internal and external egg quality traits on a monthly basis. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected from 2 birds/replicate for the determination of albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone. Results All blood parameters were within the normal ranges of the breed. Egg production, feed conversion ratio, internal egg quality traits and external egg quality traits of hens fed diets containing 2.5% TLM were significantly higher than the control. Furthermore, diets containing 2.5% TLM led to a significantly reduced feed conversion ratio compared to all other dietary treatments. Conclusions In conclusion, 2.5% TML is recommended to improve egg production and egg quality without adverse effect on hen health
Climate change and agronomic management: Addressing wheat yield gaps and sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean and MENA regions
(Journal Article) Tita, Davide; Mahdi, Karrar; Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina
Wheat is a crucial crop for food and nutritional security in Mediterranean and MENA regions, yet it faces significant challenges due to high yield variability, low average productivity, and substantial yield gaps. This highlights the urgent need for improved agricultural practices to enhance its productivity and resilience. The region's climate climate change, soil degradation, and water supply variability significantly impact wheat production, requiring innovative and integrated solutions to minimize yield gaps and improve sustainability.
The Dynamics of Food Demand in Algeria: A Differential System Approach
(Journal Article, 2024-12-17) Benmehaia, Mohamed Amine; Dhehibi, Boubaker
In Algeria, it happens that the quantitative assessment of food consumption patterns is less present in analytical studies of demand. The food consumption pattern has undergone since independence (1962) radical and even drastic changes, and this is due to a multitude of factors of various origins. The most important aspect is the confrontation of traditional patterns (before nineteenth century) with the advent of the modernity (since the colonization era). According to Chikhi & Padilla (2014), modernity is gaining ground and acquiring greater shares over tradition in an increasingly globalized national market.

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