Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Ipomoea aquatica

2026-05-28T11:59:00+00:00

This study revealed morphological and anatomical analysis on Ipomoea aquatica. The study aimed comprehensively elucidating the morphological characteristics of Ipomoea aquatica. Result, established a foundation for botanical classification providing insights into the plant's ecological niche. The result also showed that Ipomoea aquatica, classified as a herbaceous plant, exhibits non-woody stems, indicative of succulence and flexibility. The trailing growth habit emphasizes its spatial interactions, highlighting potential adaptations for efficient resource capture. The fibrous root system contributes to stability and efficient nutrient absorption. The cambium tissue in the stem, with a greenish-brown colour is indicative of chlorophyll presence and plays multifaceted roles in buoyancy, nutrient transport, and overall structural integrity. The variation in flower colour adds aesthetic diversity, potentially influencing pollinator interactions. The green colour of petioles and leaves signifies chlorophyll presence, essential for photosynthesis and indicative of the plant's health and growth potential. The result also showed leaf morphology, revealing the alternate arrangement, and petiolated leaves of Ipomoea aquatica. The lanceolate shape, acute apex, entire margin, truncate base, and glabrous surface collectively contribute to the plant's adaptability and resistance to herbivory. The elongated leaves with a length of 13.5 cm and width of 7.0 cm provide a substantial surface area for sunlight absorption, enhancing gas exchange and transpiration. The petiole length of 9.4 cm strategically positions the leaves for optimal sunlight exposure while the Stem parameters, including a moderate height of 9.5 cm and a slender girth of 0.5 cm, contribute to the overall plant architecture, influencing leaf arrangement and mechanical support. Based on the result, Ipomoea aquatica interacts with its environment. Physiological investigations to explore the physiological processes within Ipomoea aquatica, including photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and responses to environmental stressors should be conducted. This can provide a deeper understanding of the plant's resilience and adaptive mechanisms and Genetic Diversity Analysis into the genetic diversity within Ipomoea aquatica populations to uncover variations in morphological traits and adaptability should be conducted. This knowledge can be valuable for conservation efforts and breeding programs aimed at enhancing desirable characteristics.

Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions on Wheat Seed Supply Sources in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia

2026-05-30T12:12:12+00:00

Background: Wheat is a strategic crop for the Ethiopian government because of its essential contribution to national food security and rural income generation. Ethiopia ranks as the second-largest wheat producer in Africa in terms of both cultivated area and total output, yet the average yield per hectare remains significantly lower than global benchmarks. Seed insecurity is widely recognized as the most critical constraint limiting productivity improvements. Moreover, the quality of services provided by the seed supply system is a major determinant of seed security among smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine farmers’ perceptions of the formal wheat seed supply system in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia.

Methodology: A total of 203 sample households were selected from four kebeles through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze data.

Result: Across the six indicators, the largest share of farmer responses frequency (36.66%) falls under strong disagreement level, and the overall mean score of indicators is 2.4. The findings reveal that farmers generally hold negative perceptions of the formal seed supply system, largely due to delayed seed delivery, limited availability, and insufficient information dissemination.

Conclusion: Farmers in the study area have not been satisfied with the service quality of the existing formal wheat seed supply system; as a result, they have developed negative perceptions of the wheat seed system in the area. This negative perception indicates that farmers depend on alternative informal seed supply systems, which has affected wheat productivity in the area. Hence, to overcome these problems, agricultural extension personnel at regional, zonal, and woreda levels, together with seed enterprises, should address these systemic shortcomings particularly those related to seed quantity shortage, low quality, late distribution, and ineffective information provision in order to improve equitable access to improved wheat seed for smallholder farmers in the study area.

Effect of Seed Source Selection on Wheat Yield among Smallholder Farmers in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia

2026-06-01T10:24:19+00:00

Ethiopia is among the leading wheat-producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, productivity among smallholder farmers remains low due to multiple structural constraints, of which seed insecurity is particularly critical. In response to limited availability of certified seed, many farmers rely on informal seed a source, which adversely affects yield performance. Meanwhile, extension efforts have largely emphasized area expansion rather than strengthening seed systems. Despite the economic implications, limited empirical evidence exists on the independent effect of seed source selection on wheat productivity. This study therefore examines the impact of seed source choice on wheat yield while holding other agronomic practices relatively constant and estimates the associated productivity loss. A cross-sectional survey of 203 households was conducted across four kebeles in Gedeo Zone using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. To address selection bias and estimate causal effects, a propensity score matching (PSM) approach was employed. The results reveal that farmers using certified seed from formal sources achieve, on average, an additional 10.87 quintals per hectare compared to those relying on informal seed systems. The estimated treatment effects are statistically significant across multiple matching algorithms, confirming the robustness of the findings. The study concludes that limited access to formal seed sources results in substantial productivity and economic losses for smallholder farmers, even under comparable production conditions. Strengthening seed system coordination and improving access to certified seed through integrated efforts by extension services and seed enterprises at regional, zonal, and woreda levels is therefore essential to enhance wheat productivity.

Population Fluctuations of Cotton Pests and Their Natural Enemies under Rainfall Conditions

2026-06-04T11:36:24+00:00

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an economically important fibre crop that contributes significantly to agricultural income and the textile industry, particularly in India. However, its productivity is severely affected by numerous insect pests, especially sucking pests and bollworms, which cause substantial yield and quality losses throughout the crop growth period. Among these pests, sucking insects such as aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies, along with the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), are the major constraints to cotton production. The present investigation was conducted to study the “population fluctuations of cotton pests and their natural enemies under rainfall conditions” during Kharif 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Agriculture Research Station, Achalpur, Dr. PDKV, Akola. The cotton variety AKH-081 was grown under field conditions following the recommended agronomic practices without plant protection measures. Weekly observations were recorded on randomly selected plants for major sucking pests, viz., aphid, thrips, whitefly, leafhopper and pink bollworm, along with natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, chrysopids, and spiders. The results indicated that most sucking pests, including aphid, thrips, leafhopper and whitefly, appeared during the 32^nd–33^rd standard meteorological weeks, while pink bollworm infestation commenced during the 36^th standard meteorological week. Peak pest populations were observed during the mid to late crop growth stages. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association of aphid and pink bollworm with rainfall. However, leafhopper and thrips showed a significant positive association with rainfall, while whitefly exhibited non-significant positive associations with rainfall. The natural enemies were present throughout the crop season, and their peak activity coincided with higher pest abundance. The study highlights pest dynamics and emphasises the importance of understanding natural enemies in regulating cotton pest populations under field conditions.

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Food Crop Production and Rural Livelihoods in Adamawa State, Nigeria

2026-06-13T10:13:43+00:00

Climate change is an increasing threat to food security and rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in areas where agriculture depends largely on rainfall. This study explored the effects of climate change on food crop production and rural livelihoods in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with the aim to identify sustainable adaptation strategies. Primary data were collected from 270 farming households across Mubi North, Ganye, and Fufore Local Government Areas using a structured questionnaire. Likert-scale responses were analysed through descriptive statistics, composite index construction, and analysis of variance to examine spatial differences in climate impacts and adaptation responses. The findings show that climate variability and change have had a substantial impact on food crop production in all three LGAs, as evidenced by high Composite Climate Change Impact Index values. Key climate-related challenges identified include erratic rainfall patterns, more frequent droughts, and delayed onset of the rainy season, rising temperatures, and declining soil fertility. These factors have collectively reduced crop yields and adversely affected rural livelihoods, particularly household income and food security. However, the study also revealed differences in adaptation capacity across the LGAs. Areas with higher adoption of climate-smart practices and livelihood diversification strategies experienced lower levels of vulnerability, suggesting that proactive adaptation can buffer the negative effects of climate change. One-way ANOVA results confirmed significant spatial differences in perceived climate change impacts across perceived climate change impacts among the LGAs. Therefore, the study concludes that climate change presents serious challenges to food production and rural livelihoods in Adamawa State. Nevertheless, promoting sustainable, context-specific adaptation strategies can strengthen resilience. These findings provide valuable evidence to guide agricultural and climate policy development, supporting both Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan and broader global climate action objectives.

Assessment of Soil Macro and Micronutrient Status in Relation to Date Palm Plantation (P. dactylifera) Growth Variabilities under an Agrisilvicultural System in Yola, Nigeria

2026-06-23T10:40:22+00:00

Soil nutrient balance is an important factor influencing the growth and productivity of date palm under agroforestry-based production systems. This study assessed soil macro- and micronutrient status in relation to growth variability of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) within an agrisilvicultural system at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The plantation was stratified into high-, medium-, and low-growth zones based on observed variation in tree performance. Soil samples were collected from surface and subsurface layers at five auger points within each growth zone and analysed for selected macronutrients and micronutrients using standard laboratory procedures. Total nitrogen was determined using the Kjeldahl method, available phosphorus by Bray-1 extraction, potassium by flame photometry, exchangeable calcium and magnesium by ammonium acetate extraction, and micronutrients by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, and mean separation was conducted using the least significant difference test at the 5% probability level. The high-growth site recorded 0.1504% nitrogen, 10.399 mg/kg phosphorus, 0.6514 cmol/kg potassium, 4.5080 cmol/kg calcium, and 0.7922 cmol/kg magnesium. The medium-growth site recorded 0.1342% nitrogen, 10.288 mg/kg phosphorus, 0.6154 cmol/kg potassium, 4.2076 cmol/kg calcium, and 1.4564 cmol/kg magnesium, whereas the low-growth site recorded 0.1212% nitrogen, 9.9698 mg/kg phosphorus, 0.5686 cmol/kg potassium, 3.6626 cmol/kg calcium, and 2.3366 cmol/kg magnesium. The reported statistical results indicated significant variation in nitrogen and magnesium among growth zones, whereas micronutrient concentrations showed no significant differences. The findings suggest that variation in date palm growth within the plantation may be more closely associated with macronutrient availability and cation balance than with micronutrient deficiency. Site-specific soil fertility management and periodic soil monitoring are therefore recommended.

Integrated Soil-Water-plant Modeling to Optimize Fertilizer and Irrigation Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farming Systems: A Mechanistic Narrative Review

2026-06-22T10:18:12+00:00

Smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Mediterranean environments often operate under simultaneous water limitation and soil nutrient constraints, reducing crop productivity and resource-use efficiency. This review examines how integrated soil-water-plant modelling can support coordinated management of irrigation and fertiliser inputs in low-resource agricultural systems. It focuses on the mechanistic links among soil water movement, nutrient transport, root uptake, crop physiological response and nutrient loss pathways. Process-based modelling frameworks, including DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop, CropSyst, STICS and HYDRUS, are considered in relation to their capacity to represent these interactions and inform management decisions. The review indicates that soil moisture status directly affects nutrient dissolution, mass flow, diffusion, microbial nitrogen transformations, root hydraulic conductance and transpiration-driven nutrient delivery. Therefore, irrigation and fertilisation should not be treated as independent management operations. Model-guided scheduling can help identify periods when crop nutrient demand, root-zone water availability and fertiliser mobility are better aligned. Reported studies in smallholder-relevant systems suggest potential improvements in nutrient-use efficiency and reductions in irrigation demand under calibrated modelling conditions, although outcomes vary with soil type, crop, rainfall regime, irrigation infrastructure and model parameterisation. Important constraints include limited soil and weather data, insufficient local calibration, structural uncertainty, weak representation of heterogeneous fields and limited extension capacity. Overall, integrated modelling offers a scientifically grounded pathway for improving water and nutrient management, but its practical value depends on careful validation and context-specific implementation.