Sustainability Science and Resources

Effect of Rooting Hormone on Stem-Cutting Propagation of Economically Important Garcinia afzelii Tree Species

Anthony Antwi-Wiredu — 2025-11-10

Garcinia afzelii, a valuable non-timber forest product (NTFP), is utilised for its edible seeds, chewing sticks, and medicinal properties. However, its survival is threatened by overharvesting, slow growth, and limited natural regeneration, warranting its classification as vulnerable. To mitigate these risks, conservation efforts, including propagation, are essential. This study aimed to develop a vegetative propagation protocol for G. afzelii using stem cuttings treated with varying concentrations of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), hypothesising that IBA would improve rooting success. Seedlings were cultivated for 12 months in a nursery, after which semi-hardwood stem cuttings were treated with IBA concentrations of 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.8%. These cuttings were propagated in non-mist propagators using river sand as the growth medium, arranged in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with five replications per treatment (10 cuttings each). Results indicated that IBA significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced root development, with the 0.8% IBA treatment yielding the longest roots (9.19 cm vs. 6.00 cm in control) and the highest number of lateral roots (59.31 cm vs. 39.46 cm in control). Although the untreated cuttings produced a higher number of roots, they accounted for only 27.90% of root formation, while the three IBA-treated cuttings contributed 72.10%. Conversely, the control cuttings recorded a higher survival rate (80.00%) than the IBA (70.00%). IBA-treated G. afzelii stem cuttings achieved a 62.10% shoot development rate, compared to 37.90% in the untreated cuttings. These findings suggest that IBA promotes shoot and root formation, making it an effective protocol for mass propagation. Thus, IBA application in stem-cutting propagation could optimise root establishment and resource mobilisation, supporting the conservation and cultivation of G. afzelii.

Promoting Climate-Smart Education for Economic Sustainability

Kofi Mpuangnan — 2026-01-07

Climate change has emerged as a significant global challenge, with particularly devastating consequences for developing countries with rapidly emerging industries. Sustainable development is critical in these areas. As a result, Climate-Smart Education is critical for integrating climate change knowledge and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of industries. As a result, this study examines strategies for advancing Climate-Smart Education to improve economic sustainability, with a focus on developing countries. To accomplish this, a commentary approach was used to review existing literature, policies, and current practices, and suggested actionable strategies. The findings suggest that strategies such as public-private partnerships, digital advisory services, and incorporating climate-smart principles into formal education can help to close knowledge gaps and boost resilience. Adapting initiatives to the socioeconomic realities of rural and peri-urban areas, along with coordinated policy efforts, is critical. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate teacher training, and cultural resistance, particularly in developing countries, may impede the successful implementation of climate change education. It was suggested that policymakers ensure the implementation of climate-smart principles in key sectors such as education, industry, agriculture, and the environment. This can promote a unified and coordinated approach to climate resilience and sustainability.

Gender Analysis of Land Fragmentation among Farming Households in Saki-East Local Government Area Oyo State, Nigeria

Muibat Omolara Ganiyu — 2025-12-03

Land fragmentation is still incessant among smallholder farmers in Nigeria and its unwarranted practice creates a gap in cropland productivity. Perhaps, the issue of gender inequality instigates fragmentation of agricultural lands as against land consolidation policy, its considerably a further research concern. In view of this, the current research investigates the gendered effect of land fragmentation among farming households in Saki-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 110 farmers consisted of 55 each of men and women respondents with designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Simpson index and fractional logit regression were analytical techniques.

The analysis showed that the mean age was 52.85 and 49.65years, the farm experience of 22.13 and 17.89 years and on-farm income of N5405000 and N1264619 for both sexes respectively. The spatial farm distance was found to be 5.09 and 4.49km², while farm size cultivated was 4.29 and 2.14 hectares on the average for male and female rural households. Majority of men acquired farms through rented land while most women relied on inherited lands for farming. A Simpson index of 0.332 and 0.446 derived from men and women data respectively explained the extent of land fragmentation within farming households.

Fractional logit regression revealed that land fragmentation is exogenously determined by on-farm income, cost of land preparation, land rent, land tenure security and the location of farm sites in case of males. However, only cost of land preparation and land rented significantly driven fragmentation of agricultural land among female counterparts. Also, the statistical t-test signified a variance in means between the two groups. It was recommended that the investments on land should be incentives for smallholder farmers to lessen fragmentation of holdings and also land tenure patterns should be reformed for aggregation of all small parcels into a large holding as well as a productive land use.

Characterization and Identification of Chickpea Wilt/Root Rot Pathogens in North Shoa, Ethiopia

Befekadu Yeshitila — 2026-02-12

Chickpea wilt/root rot is the main biotic stress that reduces yields of chickpea in the major chickpea growing areas of Ethiopia. This study was carried out to isolate, characterize, and identify fungal pathogens that cause chickpea wilt/root rot and enrich the microbial culture collection of Ethiopian Biodiversity Gene Bank and make them accessible for further research.

Root samples were collected from infected chickpea host plants grown in three districts of North Shoa. The root samples were sterilized with two steps surface sterilization and inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar. The fungal pathogens were isolated from the inoculated Potato Dextrose Agar after seven to ten days of incubation at 26+2 OC. The fungal pathogens were characterized using cultural characteristics and microscopic morphology techniques. Data comprising the symptoms of the infected host chickpea plants at the farm land, the cultural characteristics of the fungi on Potato Dextrose Agar, microscopic morphologies and standard fungal identification key were used to identify the fungal species.

The identified fungal pathogens include Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola, and Rhizoctonia solani. The rate of isolation of the pathogens is 20% for the three pathogens each; Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola and 10% to Rhizoctonia solani. Most of the pathogens are isolated from samples collected from Moretina Jiru district which indicates the existence of higher distribution of the disease in this district than the other two districts included in the study.

Marigolds As a Companion Crop: Impact on Pest Control and Pollinator Attraction in Mixed Cropping Systems

Prakash Awasthi — 2025-12-31

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) have gained attention for enhancing pest control and pollinator attraction in mixed cropping systems. This study investigates the impact of marigolds as a companion crop, assessing their effectiveness in pest deterrence and their ability to attract beneficial pollinators. Results from field studies and existing research reveal that marigolds release bioactive compounds, such as thiophene and alpha-terthienyl, which effectively repel pests including aphids, whiteflies, and root-knot nematodes. This repellent action mitigates crop damage and improves agricultural yields. Marigolds also support beneficial insect populations, including ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which enhance biological pest control and contribute to agroecosystem health. Moreover, marigolds effectively attract pollinators by providing a reliable source of nectar and pollen, thereby boosting pollination rates and crop productivity. This study underscores the value of incorporating marigolds into mixed cropping systems as a sustainable strategy for integrated pest management and pollinator support. The results offer critical insights for optimizing agricultural practices and advancing sustainable farming through strategic companion planting.