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In major wheat production zones of Sub-Saharan Africa yellow rust and stem rust are counting as one of the most destructive diseases. Under favorable conditions infections by these fungal pathogens lead to yield losses of 50-90% and may destroy wheat crops entirely within a weeks. Rust diseases quickly spread as its spores get carried along by winds and allows them …
Reduced legume production is associated with declining soil fertility and low availability of soil nitrogen (N) to plants. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is the most limited nutrient in the African soils. This needed nitrogen may be applied as mineral fertilizers, as organic residues, or in the case of many legumes through securing abundant antmospheric N through Biological …
Climbing bean varieties offer higher yields but require more intensive cultivation compared to bush types. Improved varieties of climbing bean with high yield potential, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to abiotic stresses are now available in Eastern and Southern Africa. Breeding and selection for higher biological nitrogen fixation in climbing bean has served not only to cut costs …
Poor nutrition, including deficiencies of iron and zinc, is a major concern across Sub-Saharan Africa. Iron deficiency is expressed as anemia, impaired motor and cognitive development, elevated risk of maternal death and premature births, and low birthweight. Zinc deficiency results in weakened immune systems, more frequent infection and stunting. Eating biofortified varieties of beans results in higher micro-nutrient uptake and …
Heat and drought stress are forming two of the main environmental constraints on wheat production in Sub-Saharan Africa. For example, in Sudan temperatures often exceed 41°C and this severely undermines the flowering and grain-filling stages of wheat, leading to low national average of only 2 ton/ha, and often total crop failure. The increasing occurrence of extreme heat and drought spells …
Common species of the soil-dwelling fungus Aspergillus flavus infest crops that are grown on farmer fields and produce a highly toxic, cancer-causing poison called “aflatoxin”. There is widespread and severe aflatoxin contamination of key staple crops, animal feeds and processed foods across Africa owing to conducive weather conditions, presence of extremely potent fungal strains, and substandard post-harvest handling and storage. …
For maize to achieve high grain yields there is need of applying the right fertilizers at the right rate and at the right time following best agronomic practices. Shortages of nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) result in a weaker root system, crop stunting, disease vulnerability, low photosynthetic activity and efficiency, fewer numbers of cobs and kernel …
A growing number of service companies and private owners in Sub-Saharan Africa offers mechanized agricultural equipment like sensors, robots and tractors for rental to farmers. Yet, such contracted use of modern technologies has remained very limited for small-scale producers because businesses face major challenges to inform and onboard low-income communities, and minimize costs and risks of operations. Phone applications and …