scholarly journals Implications of farmer perceived production constraints and varietal preferences to pearl millet breeding in Senegal.

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-420
Author(s):  
G. Kanfany ◽  
O. Diack ◽  
N.A. Kane ◽  
P. I. Gangashetty ◽  
O. Sy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Varietal Preference

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) plays a critical role in smallholder food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The production of pearl millet has, however, stagnated or even declined due to several factors. The objective of this study was to assess farmer perceptions on production constraints and varietal preferences in Senegal. A survey was conducted involving 150 randomly selected farmers from 15 villages, in five representative rural communities of Senegal. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, supplemented by focus group discussions. Results revealed that parasitic Striga weed was the most constraining factor to pearl millet production across the rural communes. This was followed by low soil fertility and insect pests in that order. Other constraints included lack of machinery for sowing, plant diseases, drought, seed-eating birds, limited access to land for pearl millet cultivation and limited seed availability. Among the traits for varietal preference, farmers unanimously considered grain yield as the most important trait. Other important traits mentioned were adaptation to drought, adaptation to low soil fertility and earliness. These production constraints and varietal preference should be integrated in the profile of the national pearl millet breeding programmes in order to improve the productivity and adoption of bred-cultivars.

scholarly journals Genetic Gains in Pearl Millet in India: Insights Into Historic Breeding Strategies and Future Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Om Parkash Yadav ◽  
S. K. Gupta ◽  
Mahalingam Govindaraj ◽  
Rajan Sharma ◽  
Rajeev K. Varshney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hybrid Breeding ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Genetic Gains ◽  
Parental Lines ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Periodic Replacement

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum R. Br.) is an important staple and nutritious food crop in the semiarid and arid ecologies of South Asia (SA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In view of climate change, depleting water resources, and widespread malnutrition, there is a need to accelerate the rate of genetic gains in pearl millet productivity. This review discusses past strategies and future approaches to accelerate genetic gains to meet future demand. Pearl millet breeding in India has historically evolved very comprehensively from open-pollinated varieties development to hybrid breeding. Availability of stable cytoplasmic male sterility system with adequate restorers and strategic use of genetic resources from India and SSA laid the strong foundation of hybrid breeding. Genetic and cytoplasmic diversification of hybrid parental lines, periodic replacement of hybrids, and breeding disease-resistant and stress-tolerant cultivars have been areas of very high priority. As a result, an annual yield increase of 4% has been realized in the last three decades. There is considerable scope to further accelerate the efforts on hybrid breeding for drought-prone areas in SA and SSA. Heterotic grouping of hybrid parental lines is essential to sustain long-term genetic gains. Time is now ripe for mainstreaming of the nutritional traits improvement in pearl millet breeding programs. New opportunities are emerging to improve the efficiency and precision of breeding. Development and application of high-throughput genomic tools, speed breeding, and precision phenotyping protocols need to be intensified to exploit a huge wealth of native genetic variation available in pearl millet to accelerate the genetic gains.

scholarly journals Gatekeepers in Agricultural Extension Research: A Retrospective Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 94-110
Author(s):  
Fallys Masambuka-Kanchewa ◽  
Kevan Lamm ◽  
Alexa Lamm
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Social Scientists

Social science research plays an important role in transforming agriculture as it provides an invaluable source of information for policy formulation and implementation. Social scientists collecting data in rural communities, where the majority of agricultural production occurs, around the globe frequently pass through a layer of gatekeepers to access research communities and subjects. Gatekeepers serve a critical role in access to subjects but their influence on the research process in many countries and contexts has not been examined thoroughly. The findings of this phenomenology study, conducted in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries, indicated gatekeepers provide invaluable access to individuals and perspectives that may otherwise be inaccessible. However, the findings indicated gatekeepers may also have a vested interests in the research being conducted. Among others, gatekeepers may introduce selection bias to the research process. Therefore, it is important for social scientists working in countries where gatekeepers are involved in the research process to understand the limitations gatekeepers introduce when conducting social science research. Having such knowledge is necessary when interpreting research results and will help researchers be cognizant of the power dynamics that may exist between gatekeepers and those they represent as well as implications on the research process. Keywords: Gatekeepers, social science research, objectivity, power structures, extension, access, research subjects

scholarly journals Effects of Cultivation Management on Pearl Millet Yield and Growth Differed with Rainfall Conditions in a Seasonal Wetland of Sub-Saharan Africa

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1767
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Hirooka ◽  
Simon K. Awala ◽  
Kudakwashe Hove ◽  
Pamwenafye I. Nanhapo ◽  
Morio Iijima
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mineral Fertilization ◽  
Seasonal Wetlands ◽  
Sub Saharan

The production of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is important in Namibia, in sub-Saharan Africa, owing to the prevailing low precipitation conditions. Most fields supporting crop production in northern Namibia are located in a network of seasonal wetlands. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ridging and fertilizer application on the yield and the growth of pearl millet in the seasonal wetlands under different rainfall conditions. The study was conducted for two years (2017–2018) in the experimental fields in northern Namibia, and yield, yield components, and growth parameters were evaluated in relation to the application of different fertilizers (manure and mineral) with and without ridge-furrows. Manure fertilizer application presented the highest yield in 2018, whereas mineral fertilizer application showed the highest yield in 2017. The proportion of rainfall was the highest during the mid-growth period in 2017, and the reproductive stage in 2018. Thus, pearl millet plants under manure fertilization overcame damage resulting from waterlogging stress during the seed setting stage by improving the soil and plant nutrient conditions. In contrast, the plants under mineral fertilization were more tolerant to large amounts of rain during the mid-growth period. In this study, yield was mainly determined by total dry weight, and it was closely related to panicle density in both years. Therefore, we concluded that fertilizer application, including additional fertilizer based on the growth diagnostic, could be important for improving crop production in seasonal wetlands.

Rotation and tillage effects on yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and aspects of crop water balance and soil fertility in a semi-arid tropical environment

1995 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Klaij ◽  
B. R. Ntare
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Vigna Unguiculata ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Crop Water ◽  
Total N ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Crop Water Use

SUMMARYA 4-year field experiment was conducted from 1986 to 1989 in Niger to determine the effects of pre- and post-harvest tillage and rotation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L). R. Br.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) on crop yield, crop water use and soil fertility on a sandy soil. Presowing tillage increased grain and crop residue yields over the traditional system of no tillage. Post-harvest tillage resulted in lower yields than pre-sowing tillage during the last 2 years of the experiment. Millet-cowpea rotation increased yield and there were no important tillage × rotation interactions. Crop water use was similar for a dry and a wet year, but less water was held in the profile after the harvest of cowpea. Compared to pre-sowing tillage and no tillage, post-harvest tillage increased the amount of water conserved until the next season. In all treatment combinations, soil organic matter and total N content both declined on average by 62%, and soil pH (KCI) decreased from 4·6 to 4·3.

Two-tier Witchweed (Striga hermonthica) Resistance in Wild Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) 29Aw

Weed Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Olivier Dayou ◽  
Willy Kibet ◽  
Patroba Ojola ◽  
Prakash Irappa Gangashetty ◽  
Susann Wicke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Striga Hermonthica ◽  
Seedling Biomass ◽  
Natural Infestation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Vascular Connections

Abstract The parasitic plant purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth.] poses a serious threat to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Under natural infestation, the wild pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] line 29Aw demonstrates resistance against the parasite, but the mechanism of its resistance is unknown. Striga resistance can be due to: (i) low induction of Striga germination (pre-attachment resistance) or (ii) inhibition of parasite attachment and development (post-attachment resistance). Germination bioassays and root chamber (rhizotron) resistance screening assays were used to determine the extent of pre- and post-attachment Striga resistance in 29Aw compared with the Striga-susceptible SOSAT-C88-P10 variety. Regarding pre-attachment resistance, 29Aw stimulated 10-fold less Striga seed germination at a maximum germination distance of 7.96 ± 2.75 mm from the host root compared with 35.94 ± 2.88 mm in SOSAT-C88-P10. Post-attachment resistance revealed 10 to 19-fold fewer, 2.5-fold shorter, and 28-fold less Striga seedling biomass growing on 29Aw compared to SOSAT-C88-P10. Microscopic analysis showed that Striga penetration in 29Aw was blocked at endodermis and cortex levels. Post-attachment resistance in 29Aw was further supported by fewer (22%) Striga-host vascular connections in 29Aw compared to 79% in SOSAT-C88-P10. Together, these findings demonstrate that 29Aw harbors both pre- and post-attachment resistance mechanisms against S. hermonthica.

scholarly journals Appraisal of the Sesame Production Opportunities and Constraints, and Farmer-Preferred Varieties and Traits, in Eastern and Southwestern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11202
Author(s):  
Desawi Hdru Teklu ◽  
Hussein Shimelis ◽  
Abush Tesfaye ◽  
Seltene Abady
Keyword(s):  
Oil Content ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Oilseed Crop ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Seed Colour ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Southwestern Ethiopia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop with well-developed value chains. It is Ethiopia’s most valuable export commodity after coffee (Coffea arabica L.), contributing to socioeconomic development. The productivity of the crop is low and stagnant in Ethiopia and other major sesame growing regions in sub-Saharan Africa (<0.6 t/ha) due to a multitude of production constraints. The objective of this study was to document sesame production opportunities and constraints, as well as farmer- and market-preferred varieties and traits, in eastern and southwestern Ethiopia as a guide for large-scale production and breeding. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) study was conducted in two selected sesame growing regions and four districts in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 160 and 46 sesame farmers through semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Sesame is grown by all respondent farmers in the study areas for food and as a source of cash. Most respondent farmers (56%) reported cultivating sesame using seeds of unknown varieties often sourced from the informal seed sector. About 83% of the respondents reported lack of access to improved seeds as the most important production constraint, followed by low yield gains from cultivating the existing varieties (reported by 73.8% of respondents), diseases (69.4%), and low market price (68.8%). Other production constraints included insect pests (59.4%), lack of market information (55%), and high cost of seed (50%). The above constraints were attributed to the absence of a dedicated breeding programme, lack of a formal seed sector, poor extension services, and underdeveloped pre- and postharvest infrastructures. The most important market-preferred traits of sesame included true-to-type seed (reported by 36.3% of respondents), white seed colour (28.8%), and high seed oil content (23.8%). The vital farmer-preferred attributes included reasonable market price (reported by 11.3% of respondents), resistance to crop diseases (10.9%), drought tolerance (10.3%), resistance to crop insect pests (9.2%), higher seed yield (8.9%), higher thousand-seed weight (7.2%), higher oil content (6.3%), white seed colour (6.1%), early maturity (6.1%), and good oil qualities such as aroma and taste (5.7%). Therefore, there is a need for a dedicated sesame genetic improvement programme by integrating the above key production constraints and market- and farmer-preferred traits to develop and deploy new generation varieties to enhance the production, productivity, and adoption of sesame cultivars in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Pearl Millet as a Sustainable Alternative Cereal for Novel Value-added Products in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dube ◽  
N. Nyoni ◽  
S. Bhebhe ◽  
M. Maphosa ◽  
A. Bombom
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Processing Technologies ◽  
Nutritional Factors ◽  
Marginal Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Extension Support

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is an underutilized small grain, nutrient-rich cereal crop cultivated in the arid and semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. However, several barriers exist that preclude the full exploitation of the crop such as low yield, inadequate processing technologies, lack of extension support and limited productive varieties. Furthermore, anti-nutritional factors in the grain such as polyphenols reduce digestibility, palatability and bio-availability of other nutrients. Reduction or elimination of these anti-nutritional factors through pre-treatments like boiling, cooking, roasting, soaking improves the nutritional quality of the grain. Underutilized pearl millet genetic resources and processing has the potential to contribute towards sustainable agriculture particularly in drought prone and marginal areas of Africa. This review focuses on nutritional value, pearl millet cultivation and utilization challenges, processing and value addition interventions to improve crop adoption and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Efficacy of Insecticides for Control of Insect Pests of Pearl Millet for Grain Production

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. David Buntin ◽  
Wayne A. Hanna ◽  
Jeffrey P. Wilson ◽  
Xinzhi Ni
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Corn Earworm ◽  
Stink Bug ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Stink Bugs ◽  
Insect Management ◽  
Southern Green Stink Bug ◽  
Sorghum Webworm

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is an alternative drought-tolerant grain crop for dryland summer production. Few insecticides are registered for use and insect management has not been extensively studied in pearl millet for grain production. Eleven trails were conducted during 2002-2004 in central and southern Georgia to understand the relative importance of insect pests and to evaluate the efficacy of currently registered insecticides against key pests. The main defoliator species were the fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)] and striped grassworm (Mocis latipes Guenée). Main insects feeding on grain heads were the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie), sorghum webworm, (Nola sorghiella Riley), and stink bugs — brown stink bug (Euschistus spp.) and southern green stink bug [Nezara viridula (L.)]. All insects were effectively controlled by cypermethrin at 0.025 lb a.i./acre. The 0.015-lb a.i. rate was effective against sorghum webworm, striped grassworm, and stink bugs, but efficacy against the corn earworm was variable. Spinosad was effective against corn earworm, striped grassworm, and sorghum webworm but not against stink bugs. Azadirachtin was not effective against any insect tested. Grain yield was not significantly affected by treatments in any trial indicating that pearl millet is tolerant of insect injury. Further work will be needed to define economic thresholds for key insect pests of pearl millet for grain production. Accepted for publication 24 August 2006. Published 19 February 2007.

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