Sustainable management of fall armyworm in smallholder farming: The role of a multi ‐channel information campaign in Rwanda
The effects of three mass-information channels on sustainable management of fall armyworm (FAW) are studied. We find complementary effects of radio drama, SMS and plant health rallies. Information channels boost the adoption of environmentally-friendly management practices and maize yield AbstractIn recent years, fall armyworm (FAW),Spodoptera frugiperda, has emerged as one of the most serious invasive species in many countries across Africa, Asia and Oceania. The pest is causing extensive damage to maize production and the intensification of pesticide use. In this paper, we examined the effectiveness of three mass-extensi...
Source: Food and Energy Security - August 4, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Justice A. Tambo,
Bellancile Uzayisenga,
Idah Mugambi,
David O. Onyango,
Dannie Romney Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Gender differentials in value addition and lean season market participation in the grasshopper value chain in Uganda
Value-added grasshopper products command higher prices, notably in the lean season. Gender gaps in the participation of value-adding activities favour women, while women and men are equally likely to participate in the lean season market. Grasshopper value chains could provide livelihood options to improve food security of women and youth. AbstractGender gaps in agrifood value chains are manifested in differential access to and control of productive resources, upgrading activities, market participation, farm productivity and food security among women and men. These gender gaps threaten economic development in sub-Saharan A...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 25, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Emmanuel Donkor,
Robert Mbeche,
Dagmar Mith öfer Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Bilateral climate finance and food security in developing countries: A look at German donations to Sub ‐Saharan Africa
This study seeks to find out whether German bilateral climate finance (GCF) extended to Sub-Saharan Africa, is helping achieve food security on the continent. All four food security dimensions are employed in this study; food availability, access, stability and utilisation. The findings indicate that GCF improves food availability and general food security in SSA, with less influence on the other variables. AbstractThis study seeks to assess whether the German bilateral climate finance (GCF) geared toward the agriculture sector of 35 SSA countries is helping achieve food security. In measuring food security, the study empl...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 25, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Isaac Doku,
Theophilus Edward Richardson,
Nicholas Kwame Essah Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Polyamines and ethylene interact in mediating the effect of nitrogen rates on synthesis of amino acids in rice grains
It is not clear yet about the mechanism underlying how different N rates influence the amino acid contents in rice grains. Our study showed grain free-polyamines and ethylene antagonistically interact in mediating the effect of N rate on grain amino acid biosynthesis of rice. A higher ratio of free-polyamines to 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid (a synthesis precursor of ethylene) is beneficial to the synthesis of amino acids in rice grains. AbstractNitrogen (N) is one of the essential factors influencing amino acid synthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains. Polyamines (PAs) and ethylene (ETH) play vital roles in grain...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 19, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Yunji Xu,
Shupeng Tang,
Chaoqun Jian,
Yang Liu,
Ke Li,
Kuanyu Zhu,
Weiyang Zhang,
Weilu Wang,
Zhiqin Wang,
Jianchang Yang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
The political economy of China's GMO commercialization dilemma
China has been investing heavily in agricultural biotechnology. Despite GM varieties being approved, commercialization has not been authorized. The politics of GMOs in China is examined. AbstractWhy has China delayed commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops over the last decade given its heavy public R&D investment in biotechnology and maturing GM capacity? Further, imports of GM products for consumption are allowed while similar domestic GM-crops cannot be commercialized. The paper analyzes, from a political economy perspective, how the delay of commercialization arises from the government balancing interests ...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 8, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Zhihua Xiao,
William A. Kerr Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Identification of AtSND1 homologous NAC genes related to cotton fiber development, in silico analyses, and gene expression patterns
In this study, we conducted chromosome localization, systematic evolution and gene structural analysis of 242 NAC genes genome-widely based on a high quality reference genome of upland cotton. Besides, the expression pattern analysis of 16 differentially expressed GhNACs was carried out by RT-PCR using ovules at early fiber initiation stages of the naked seed fiber mutants n2NSM and Xu142fl. The current study predicted a pair of NAC genes that might be key candidate genes crucial for lint fiber development. AbstractBecause cotton is the most important fiber crop, the differentiation and development mechanism of cotton fibe...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 6, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Guifeng Wang,
Xiaomin Yue,
Zongqin Feng,
Lijuan Cai,
Na Li,
Fang Geng,
Chuanjie Xu,
Lichen Wang,
Depeng Wang,
Shah Fahad Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Sustainable production of healthy, affordable food in the UK: The pros and cons of plasticulture
This paper is submitted to the FES Special Issue on Food Security. It focusses on two current issues, namely the need for a food system revolution for the UK and the possibility that UK can become more self-sufficient in food. The increased production of healthy food (more fruit and vegetables) is particularly important. Possibilities for new food production systems are discussed and there is some focus on the topical issue of plastic pollution with particular reference to methods of protected cropping. The accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soil is currently causing some environmental and healt...
Source: Food and Energy Security - July 6, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Samuel J. Cusworth,
William J. Davies,
Martin R. McAinsh,
Carly J. Stevens Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Biofortification of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with iron and zinc: Achievements and challenges
This review describes the genes and processes associated with Fe and Zn accumulation in common bean, a significant food source in Africa that plays an important role in nutritional security. We discuss the conventional plant breeding, transgenic and gene editing approaches that are being deployed to improve Fe and Zn accumulation in beans. We also consider the requirements of successful bean biofortification programmes, highlighting gaps in current knowledge, possible solutions and future perspectives. AbstractMicronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger), particularly in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), remain one of the most seriou...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 30, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Raul Huertas,
Barbara Karpinska,
Sophia Ngala,
Bertha Mkandawire,
Joyce Maling'a,
Elizabeth Wajenkeche,
Paul M. Kimani,
Christine Boesch,
Derek Stewart,
Robert D. Hancock,
Christine H. Foyer Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Trends in rice research: 2030 and beyond
We have analysed the trends in rice research in the past three decades in both Asian (Oryza sativa) and African (O. glaberrima) rice, with their impact on rice cultivation. We have also analysed the trends in population growth, rice cultivation, production, price, consumption and varietal release along with their projections for 2030 and beyond. AbstractRice production and research have met unprecedented challenges in recent years. Yield and total production have plateaued for many years in some major producing rice-producing countries while the demand from populations in poverty is ever increasing. For example, more than ...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 30, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: A. N. M. Rubaiyath Bin Rahman,
Jianhua Zhang Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Light use efficiency of lettuce cultivation in vertical farms compared with greenhouse and field
Vertical farming is one of the options to contribute to increasing agricultural productivity. Literature data on the light use efficiency of vertical farms were analysed and compared to greenhouse and open field production. Furthermore, it is concluded that the light use efficiency in vertical farming can approach theoretical maximum values and that potential annual yield of a crop like lettuce can be as high as 700 kg m−2 layer of vertical farm. AbstractVertical farming is a relatively new fresh fruit and vegetable production system, where lamps (mostly light emitting diodes [LED]) are the sole light source. A high...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 28, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Wenqing Jin,
David Formiga Lopez,
Ep Heuvelink,
Leo F. M. Marcelis Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
The future of sustainable food consumption in China
Food production is one of the main contributors to climate change. This paper investigated factors influencing Chinese consumers ’ purchase intentions for sustainable food baskets using extensive survey data. The research tested whether public education through information provision effectively achieves sustainable diet transition in China. AbstractFood production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. China, as a rapidly developing economy, contributes to an unsustainable food system as its consumption of animal products and meat has continued to grow in recent decades. Using the...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 21, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: May Chu,
Sven Anders,
Qing Deng,
Carolina A. Contador,
Francisco Cisternas,
Catherine Caine,
Ying Zhu,
Shuyuan Yang,
Bo Hu,
Zhiguang Liu,
Lap Ah Tse,
Hon ‐Ming Lam Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Short planks in the crop nutrient barrel theory of China are changing: Evidence from 15 crops in 13 provinces
Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers are overused, however, magnesium (Mg) fertilizer input is insufficient and neglected in China. NPK fertilization can be reduced by an average of 28.8% without reducing the crop yield and quality, while for most crops, the application of Mg fertilizer increased the crop yield by 5.5-40.6% and improved the quality. Different regions and crops respond differently to Mg fertilization. AbstractLarge quantities of fertilizers, mainly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), are used in China's crop production; however, whether N, P, and K still limit yield under ...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 21, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Xiaohui Chen,
Zheng Wang,
Muhammad Atif Muneer,
Changcheng Ma,
Dongdong He,
Philip J. White,
Chunjian Li,
Fusuo Zhang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Evaluation of crop productivity, water and nitrogen use, and carbon footprint of summer peanut ‐ winter wheat cropping systems in the North China Plain
Comprehensive comparisons were performed between wheat –maize (WM) and wheat–peanut (WP) cropping systems. WP increased equivalent yield but decreased net economic income. WP increased water consumption without decreasing water use efficiency. WP reduced N input and improved N harvest index. WP decreased carbon footprint. AbstractThe introduction of legumes into the cropping system has been considered as an effective and alternative way to reduce nitrogen (N) input and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, and boost system productivity. However, the productivity, water and N use, and carbon emission of legume-based cropping s...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 19, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Jiangwen Nie,
Xiquan Wang,
Shoutian Ma,
Kai Zhang,
Xiangqian Zhang,
Jie Zhao,
Huadong Zang,
Yadong Yang,
Zhaohai Zeng Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Spatio ‐temporal assessment of greenhouse gas emission from rapeseed production in China by coupling nutrient flows model with LCA approach
A newly developed model was used to assess spatial and temporal characteristics of GHG emission from rapeseed production, optimizing nutrients and layout management will ensure rapeseed oil security and mitigate global climate changes. AbstractRapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production experienced a considerable increase during the past decades, and there is growing concern about how to realize the dual objectives of meeting the increasing demand for rapeseed and reducing the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Most reported studies on crop-sourced GHG emissions to date were aimed at optimizing crop management to reduc...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 19, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Chaoyi Guo,
Zhaohai Bai,
Xiaozhong Wang,
Wushuai Zhang,
Xuanjing Chen,
Prakash Lakshmanan,
Lin Ma,
Jianwei Lu,
Bin Liu,
Xiaojun Shi,
Xinping Chen Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Estimation of biomass and carbon sequestration capacity of the Surra mountain plantation forest in Gamo Highlands, Southern Ethiopia
This study was aimed at estimating the carbon sequestration potential of the Surra planted forest on Gughe massive of the Gamo highlands in Southern Ethiopia based on tree species type. The plantation was established on degrading pasture land in the mid-1980s during the golden era of plantation forest expansion history in Ethiopia. The Surra plantation forest was stratified upon three tree species namely E. globulus, C. lusitanica, and P. radiata. The data were collected from 32 sample plots (20 E. globulus, 10 C.lusitanica, and 2 P. radiata plots, each having 10 m*10 m in size), and were laid at random at the inner par...
Source: Food and Energy Security - June 19, 2022 Category: Food Science Authors: Genesha Mada,
Agena Anjulo,
Abren Gelaw Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
