Utilization of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) for sustainable food and nutrition security in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe
Research findings indicate that Bambara groundnut has great nutritional and agronomic potential, but it remains scientifically neglected. This study was conducted in seven districts in semi-arid regions of rural Zimbabwe to gather knowledge on current production and utilization of the crop, assessing its role in providing sustainable food and nutrition security for rural populations and determine priorities for follow-up research.
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The risk posed by Xanthomonas wilt disease of banana: Mapping of disease hotspots, fronts and vulnerable landscapes
This study mapped aggregated Xanthomonas wilt (XW) disease distribution and hotspots in the African Great Lakes Region (AGLR) and identified vulnerable landscapes across African banana production zones. Presence of XW hotspots and vulnerable areas with low or no disease pressure suggest key areas where proactive measures e.g. quarantines and information sharing on XW diagnosis, epidemiology, and control could be beneficial.
Read more: http://tiny.cc/0foy5y
Genetic diversity and population structure of early-maturing tropical maize inbred lines using SNP markers
This study assessed the genetic diversity of 94 early-maturing white and yellow tropical maize inbred lines using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Three heterotic groups were revealed. Wide genetic variability existed among the inbred lines making them unique with the potential to contribute new beneficial alleles to maize breeding programmes in the tropics, especially in the West and Central Africa (WCA) sub-region.
Read more: http://tiny.cc/0soy5y