Search

This study evaluated the effects of planting windows on grain yield and oil yield of three sunflower varieties (Hysun33, Record, and K/Fedha) across two locations in 2023. The two factors (varieties and planting windows) were laid out in a split plot arrangement and fitted into randomized complete block design in three replicates. The first planting window (PW1) occurred in late January, the second (PW2) in mid-February, and the third (PW3) in early March. Weather parameters evaluated included minimum and maximum temperatures, average monthly rainfall and rainfall during the growth period. The weather data revealed trends of decreasing minimum and maximum temperatures, as well as fluctuating average rainfall over the period. Total rainfall did not significantly differ between the three planting windows (PW1, PW2, PW3). However, there was significant variation in rainfall amounts at different phenological stages between planting windows (P = 0.001). Grain yield and oil yield were highest in PW3 (1.50 t/ha and 360.2 L, respectively), as well as for the Hysun33 variety (0.92 t/ha and 22.95 L, respectively). High grain and oil yields were influenced by high germination and survival percentages, high rainfall during leaf development and stem elongation, flowering time and interactions between planting window, variety, and locations. Study showed that PW3 and HYsun33 offers the most favorable options for optimal sunflower production in Kilwa District. However, multi-environment trials, repeated over several seasons is recommended to explore the influence of environmental variables. The results may also prompt a revision of the sunflower planting calendar for the southern zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in the face of climate change requires robust strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds. This systematic review exposes critical deficiencies in current practices and underscores the need for climate-adaptive strategies. Climate change differentially influences pest behaviour, disease progression, and weed growth across various regions, yet the lack of region-specific responses impairs effective management. The review emphasizes the necessity for localized approaches that consider specific climatic conditions and the development of predictive models to anticipate pest and disease outbreaks. These models include Decision Support Systems (DSS), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) models, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Species Distribution Models (SDMs), Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Crucial strategies encompass integrated pest and disease management, adaptive breeding, precision agriculture, and ongoing innovation. Precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing and drones, enable early detection and prompt interventions. By adopting these adaptive measures and addressing existing research gaps, the sugarcane industry can bolster its resilience and maintain productivity amidst evolving climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWDI) is a water saving strategy in rice farming. However, its impact on mineral bioaccumulation in the grain is not well understood. Thus, this study investigated the impact of AWDI on bioaccumulation of Zn, Se, Mn and Cu in rice grains. Six water regimes involving continuous flooding where water was maintained at 2cm above the soil, and delaying irrigation until water reaches 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40cm below the soil surface, were employed. The concentration of Zn, Mn and Se in the soil ranged between 2.05–6.9, 3.4–9.1 and 0.13–0.16 mgkg-1, respectively. In the harvested rice grains, the concentration of Zn, Mn, Cu and Se ranged between 8.20–11.90, 1.90– 3.50, 1.90–3.10 and 0.10–0.70 mgkg-1, respectively. These concentrations were not phytotoxic to plants. Re-flooding after every 2–5 days increased Zn, Mn and Cu bioaccumulation in rice grains by 65, 151 and 124% respectively, but reduced Se bioaccumulation by 95%. Re-flooding after every 8–12 days reduced bioaccumulation of all micronutrients in rice grains. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that Zn was absorbed and subsequently accumulated in rice grains. The estimated dietary daily intakes for Zn, Mn and Cu were higher in rice grown under mild AWDI, implying that AWDI can be used as a strategy to increase these micronutrients in human diets through rice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]