Search

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies, are prevalent public health issues in developing countries, with children under 5 years old and breastfeeding women being the most affected in Senegal. Agronomic approaches, including soil fertilization and microbial biotechnology, are used to alleviate these deficiencies, yet challenges persist due to poor nutrient availability in staple food crops like pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). Methods: This study aimed to assess the contribution of one arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) strain, Glomus mosseae, to the bioavailability of micronutrients (zinc and iron) in pearl millet biomass. Four pearl millet accessions from the National Laboratory for Research on Plant Production (LNRPV) collection were inoculated with G. mosseae obtained from the Common Microbiology Laboratory (LCM), with four replications. Gaussian regression tests were employed to analyze the data and determine correlations between AMF concentration and micronutrient bioavailability. Results: The results indicate that the combination of Glomus mosseae inoculation and organic residual products improved growth parameters and micronutrient absorption in pearl millet accessions. Analysis revealed significantly greater iron, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium contents in the foliar biomass of mycorrhizal pearl millet plants compared to nonmycorrhizal plants (control). Inoculation with AMF facilitated micronutrient absorption, particularly iron and zinc, not only in roots but also in aerial parts of the plants. Discussion: These findings suggest that incorporating AMF and organic residual products in millet cultivation could be a viable strategy for enhancing plant development and increasing iron and zinc contents in varieties. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying AMF-mediated nutrient uptake and optimize their use in agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domesticated Vigna species still need some of the beneficial characters that exist in the wild Vigna species, despite the improvements obtained so far. This study was carried out to enhance our understanding of the Senegalese wild Vigna diversity by exploring the agro-morphological characteristics of some accessions using 22 traits. The phenotyping was carried out in a shaded house for two consecutive rainy seasons (2021 and 2022) using the alpha-lattice experimental design with 55 accessions. Multiple correspondence analysis was carried out based on the qualitative traits, which showed considerable variability for the wild species (Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea, Vigna racemosa, Vigna radiata and the unidentified accession). The quantitative traits were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Our results revealed that ninety-five percent (95%) pod maturity ranged from 74.2 to 125.8 days in accession 3 of V. unguiculata and in accession 92 (V. racemosa), respectively. In addition, accession 14 of V. radiata recorded the highest weight for 100 seeds with a value of 4.8 g, while accession 18 of V. unguiculata had the lowest (1.48 g). The ANOVA showed significant differences for the accessions during each season (p ≤ 0.05). Seasonal effects (accession × season) were observed for some quantitative traits, such as the terminal leaflet length and width, time to 50% flowering and 95% pod maturity, pod length and 100-seed weight. Principal component analysis showed that reproductive traits, such as the time to 50% flowering, number of locules per pod, pod length, pod width and 100-seed weight, were the major traits that accounted for the variations among the wild Vigna accessions. The genetic relationship based on qualitative and quantitative traits showed three clusters among the wild Vigna accessions. Indeed, the diversity observed in this study could be used to select parents for breeding to improve the cultivated species of Vigna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Crop Science Journal is the property of African Crop Science Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)