Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences

Assessment of the Changes in Soil Chemistry induced by Winged Bean Production under Lowland Agroclimatic Conditions in Papua New Guinea

2026-01-02T13:09:45+00:00

The winged bean is a native plant of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is highly nutritious and the entire plant can be eaten. Despite these, it is an orphan (underutilized) crop grown on a small scale. Since climate change is anticipated to cause food insecurity due to a decline in the yield and quality of staples, there is a need to promote underutilized crops. This research aimed to study the agronomic potentials of PNG’s winged bean and make it a staple crop to address malnutrition and food security under climate change by promoting wider publicity and production. To attain this aim, three-winged bean cultivars collected from the highlands (Hgn and K92) and the lowland (Rab) were grown under greenhouse conditions at the School of Agriculture, PNG University of Technology, Papua New Guinea. The three cultivars were grown in 30 cm polythene pots containing nearly 1,300 g of topsoil and replicated five times, set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) manner. In each pot, a total of ten seeds of each cultivar were sown, except in the control treatment, and allowed to run for five months. Within the first month, the plants were thinned to five per pot and managed until harvest. Assessment of plant growth parameters began around this time and continued for three months. During harvesting, soil samples were taken from within the 30 cm root zone of each plant and composited by mixing with samples from all the replicates. A 500 g subsample was taken from the composite samples, packed into sealable paper bags and transported to the laboratory. The samples were air-dried for three days and then processed for instrumental analysis of soil nutrients and measurement of soil parameters. The average data from the five replicates of each treatment, plant, and soil were pooled, averages calculated, and statistically analysed. The results showed winged bean cultivar-specific induced changes in soil chemistry, and growth was dependent on the origin of the agroclimatic zones. The lowland cultivar was fast-growing, taller, leafier, and more productive than the two highland cultivars. This is the first study to evaluate the soil requirements of winged bean collected from different agroecological zones in PNG. The results have broader implications for future research and medium-to-large-scale production, making the winged bean a popular and alternative staple crop under climate change.

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs) Associated with Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in Selected Areas of Northern Cebu, Philippines

2026-01-03T10:42:16+00:00

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are reported to be associated with sugarcane and are considered detrimental to the crop, resulting to low quality produce and low yielding ability. This study aimed at identifying the plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with sugarcane, as well as its prevalence in the selected sampling sites of Northern Cebu, Philippines. Root and soil samples were collected from Bogo City (Phil99-1793 & VMC84- 947), Medellin (VMC84-947 & Mauritius), and San Remigio (VMC84-947 & Mauritius). Nematodes from roots and soil rhizosphere were extracted following the standard methods and were identified up to genus level based on morphological characteristics. A total of eleven (11) plant-parasitic nematode genera (Criconema, Ditylenchus, Filenchus, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Rotylenchus, Tylenchus, and Xiphinema) which belong to nine different families were identified. Among these identified nematode genera, Meloidogyne were the most abundant in sugarcane roots, and Helicotylenchus in soil rhizosphere. However, no nematode genera recovered from the roots were considered prevalent as their frequency and abundance were too low, which occurred only in some localities. In roots, Helicotylenchus was the predominant nematode genera due to its high frequency of occurrence in all sampling sites and high abundance in two sampling sites. Other identified nematode genera were less prevalent as observed in their relatively low abundance and frequency of occurrence. These results may advance farmers’ knowledge on plant-parasitic nematodes associated with sugarcane in their locality and assess appropriate control measures in mitigating them.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Farmers Associated Indigenous Knowledge of Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) Landraces in the Keffa Zone, Ethiopia

2026-01-09T06:24:21+00:00

Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is a widely cultivated food crop in southern parts of Ethiopia. This highly valuable crop is only domesticated in Ethiopia and adapted to the high-altitude areas, of Ethiopia. The overall objective of this study is to document the diversity of enset (Ensete ventricosum) landraces and associated indigenous knowledge of farmers in the selected sites in the Kefa Zone (Gesha, Saylem, Decha, and Adiyio) districts in southwestern Ethiopia. The selections of study districts were made purposefully uniform method based on their agroecology and accessibility; three kebeles were made from each district bringing the total number of sampled households to 120. In the study data on enset landraces and farmers' indigenous methods of naming, classification, and identification of landraces were gathered using semi-structured interviews, field observation, and focus group discussion. A total of 72 enset landraces were recorded from household’s survey and among these, landraces locally called Bejo, Shelako, Nobo, Boco, Gushiro, Yeko, and Areko were found to be the most dominant, widely distributed and highly preferred landraces in the area. The highest number of landraces,44 was recorded from Gesha districts, and the least number of landraces 31 was recorded from Adiyio district with the relative, Simpson’s Diversity index values ranging between 0.939 (Gesha) to 0.908 (Adiyio) while H′ ranged between 3.27 (Gesha) to 2.91 in Adiyio. On the other hand, Sorenson’s similarity index value indicated the existence of high similarity between the Sylem and Gesha districts, and the least similarity value was obtained between Adiyio and Gesha districts. For identification of different enset landraces farmers used morphological descriptors such as leaf color, pseudo stem color, midrib color, Plant size, and circumference of the Plant. Although there is a high diversity of enset landraces in the area, the production and productivity of the crop are reported to be under significant stress due to various environmental problems such as bacterial wilt and animal pests. Thus, there is a need for a multidisciplinary approach to resolve the problems, maintain the diversity of enset landraces, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the system.

Evaluation of Phosphogypsum Application Rates on Sodic Soil Reclamation and Haricot Bean Performance

2026-02-11T10:32:31+00:00

The effect of phosphogypsum (PG) on sodic soils has been extensively studied in the laboratory or in small-scale trials. However, there is little/no information available on the influence of PG on haricot performance on sodic soils. Thus, we evaluated the effects of PG amendment on the performance of haricot beans on sodic soils in two successive years (2020 and 2021). The pot trials were arranged as a completely randomised design with four replications. Five PG levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200% GR) were randomly used as treatments. Results showed that the soil pH and ESP obtained from 0%GR decreased 22.55% (2020) and 22.60% (2021), and 56.29% (2020) and 62.98% (2021), respectively, over 200% GR. Application of the highest PG rate (200% GR) increased available P contents by 63.70% (2020) and 82.80% (2021) over control. Similarly, the application of the highest PG (200% GR) rate boosted the grain yield of haricot bean by 100% in both 2020 and 2021 compared with the control. Grain yields of the crop were significantly (P<0.01) decreased in 2021 compared with 2020 due to the reduction in available P under rotations. However, the growth of the plant and yield continuously increased with PG levels without reaching the optimum curve, indicating the need for using higher levels of PG. Accordingly, further experimentation with elevated PG doses in field conditions, particularly on sodic or saline–sodic soils, is suggested to ensure valid conclusions.

Comparative Study of the Proximate Nutrient and Phytochemical Compositions of Frafra Potato Varieties Grown in Northern Ghana

2026-03-04T10:50:08+00:00

Background and Objectives: Frafra potato is an indigenous edible root tuber crop cultivated and consumed by the rural households in Northern Savannah areas, particularly the Upper East Region of Ghana, with varying genotypes and nutritional component traits. The study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritional and Phytochemical Compositions of the crop.

Materials and Methods: Six frafra potato varieties were grown in polypropylene sacks in a garden in the Upper East Region of Ghana. After harvest, the fresh root tubers were ground and used to determine their proximate nutrients, phytochemical, antioxidant and flavonoids concentrations

Results: The root tubers of the varieties were rich in the determined nutrients compositions at varying levels. The highest protein content of 3.78 ± 0.23% and the lowest of 2.68 ± 0.06% were respectively found in ML and WP varieties. Carbohydrates content ranged from the lowest of 17.95 ± 2.25% in NT variety to the highest of 29.77 ± 0.32% in ML. The highest crude fiber content (3.06 ± 0.05%) was again found in the ML while the lowest (1.73 ± 0.07%) occurred in the LV variety. The lowest fat (0.23 ± 0.02%) was recorded in ML while the highest (0.63 ± 0.04%) was recorded in MM variety. The highest amount of ash (1.94 ± 0.07%) was recorded in WP and the least content of ash (0.96 ± 0.04%) in LV variety. The ML variety recorded the highest moisture content of 74.96 ± 2.06%, with the NT recording the lowest moisture (62.09 ± 0.16%). The phytochemical concentration of the root tubers ranged in total phenolics from 69.48 mgGAE/100g in the WP to 82.84 mgGAE/100g in the LV. In total flavonoids from 17.84 mgGAE/100g in LV to 25.16 mgGAE/100g in MM. The mean oxidative capacity was 48.09%.

Conclusion: Comparing across the root tubers proximate nutrients and active ingredients compositions, the six varieties contained varying compositions of the proximate nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidants. The root tubers of the ML variety recorded the highest contents of the proximate nutrients (protein, carbohydrate and crude fiber). The variety also recorded the lowest fat content, which makes it the most nutritional superior among the six varieties. The ML variety should be recommended for farmers’ production to improve household nutrition, and for crop improvement programmes in Northern Ghana.

Sustainable Tea Seedling Production: Soil-Based Agronomic Practices and Economic Outcomes

2026-04-15T13:01:47+00:00

The quality of soil plays a central role in determining the growth, survival, and overall performance of tea (Camellia sinensis) seedlings. This study examines how soil-based nursery management practices influence both the biological performance of seedlings and the economic outcomes of tea seedling production. The analysis draws on secondary data obtained from published studies, technical manuals, and institutional reports on tea agronomy and nursery operations. Key practices considered include site selection, preparation of potting media, nutrient management, shading, irrigation, and routine nursery maintenance. An enterprise budget for a one-hectare nursery was developed, and profitability was evaluated using standard investment indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), under different discount rates. The results indicate that improving soil conditions through the use of organic amendments and appropriate nursery practices enhances seedling vigor, increases survival rates, and reduces input requirements. These improvements contribute to lower production costs and more efficient resource utilization. Economic evaluation further reveals that tea seedling production remains profitable across the scenarios considered, with positive net returns and favorable cost-benefit relationships, reflected in NPV values of ₦75,469,468.19, ₦64,361,238.54, and ₦60,009,828.88 at interest rates of 21%, 27.5%, and 32%, respectively, alongside corresponding BCRs of 20.46, 20.03, and 20.46. In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of effective soil management and nursery practices in enhancing both the technical and economic performance of tea seedling enterprises, thereby positioning them as a viable option for small-scale producers and broader agribusiness development.

The Biological Impact of the β-1,3-Glucanase Enzyme Extracted from the Yeast Pichia fermentans on the Germination and Development of Nigella sativa L. Seedlings

2026-04-21T12:53:06+00:00

The study results showed that moderate concentrations of beta-1,3-glucanase enzyme significantly affected had a significant effect on the growth of black cumin seedlings in terms of germination percentage, germination rate, and plant height, and enhanced root system development compared to the control group. The enzyme was also observed to contribute to the activation of plant defenses and increase the accumulation of secondary compounds such as thymoquinone, indicating its role in improving plant health and enhancing its biochemical properties The enzyme was also found to help activate plant defenses and increase the accumulation of secondary compounds like thymoquinone, indicating its importance in plant health and biochemical properties. This suggests the enzyme's potential as a growth promoter in agriculture and plant breeding. Moderate concentrations of the enzyme stimulate plant defense pathways and activate genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary compounds, thus increasing thymoquinone accumulation. Conversely, high and low concentrations of the enzyme showed an inhibitory effect on compound accumulation. This is attributed to excessive cell wall degradation and impaired cell integrity, which reduces the ability to mount a defense response and activate biosynthetic pathways. Consequently, the genes responsible for producing secondary compounds were not activated As a result, the secondary compound-producing genes were not activated.

Synergistic Effects of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Fertility and Crop Productivity in the Lowland Area of South-West Nigeria: A Review

2026-01-01T11:57:07+00:00

Lowland (Fadama) agro-ecosystems in southern Nigeria are constrained by phosphorus (P) deficiency, low organic matter, and seasonal waterlogging, which limit the productivity of crops such as rice, cassava, and fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Combining biochar application with inoculation of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offers a promising solution to these constraints through enhancements in soil structural stability, nutrient-holding capacity, and biologically mediated phosphorus availability. This review synthesizes key literature (2010-2025), including Nigerian field studies and global meta-analyses, to evaluate the mechanisms and evidence supporting Biochar-AMF synergy in lowland systems. Findings indicate that combined applications often outperform single amendments, enhancing P uptake, water-use efficiency, and crop yields-particularly when Biochar is well-characterized and AMF strains are suited to local soils. However, research gaps persist regarding long-term trials, native AMF screening, and standardization of locally derived Biochars. In practice, optimizing Biochar-AMF integration can enhance soil fertility management and promote sustainable crop production in Nigeria’s lowland agro-ecosystems.

Role of Termites in Soil Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Practice

2026-02-18T12:21:25+00:00

Termites are typical of the subtropical, temperate, and tropical regions of the world, and may also play an important role in soil construction and nutrient cycling, and ecosystem processes. They are also referred to as ecosystem bioengineers in the tropical landscapes, and they have great influence on the soil’s fertility, nutrient cycle, and decomposition of organic matter. Termites make the soil more porous, which lets water and air through. They do this by making complex subterranean passageways and mounds, which stops land runoff and erosion. Termites help transfer minerals from deep soils to the surface, where they create nutrient-rich areas that help plants grow. Their tunnelling creates better paths for water to move, which helps the damaged landscapes store more moisture and improves the soil's ability to hold water during dry spells.

The goal of the study is to look at and combine all the scientific research on how termites can protect soil and make agriculture more sustainable. The paper's goals are to find out how termites change the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil; to find out how they affect the cycling of nutrients, the breakdown of organic matter, and the storage of carbon; to find out how termites change soils affect crop growth and ecosystem stability; and to look into ways to use termite activity in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture.