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Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 39384

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Filipa Monteiro

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Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal & Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: agrobiodiversity; sustainable agriculture; genetic diversity; tropical agriculture; plant genomics
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Dr. Mónica Sebastiana

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BioISI, Plant Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: low impact agriculture; mycorrhizas; plant genomics; plant symbiosis for improving response to biotic and abiotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Patrícia Vidigal

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Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), School of Agriculture (ISA), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: agriculture systems; agrobiodiversity; genetic diversity; Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS); bioremediation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the Green Revolution, there has been an increase in agriculture intensification, with more land occupied with monoculture crops and production systems heavily reliant on external inputs (phytochemical and water). Nowadays, demand for agricultural products is increasing due to the growing world population and the recent awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a vegetarian diet. However, agricultural production systems are facing serious challenges, such as the desirable reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the extreme weather conditions, which are a consequence of climate change. As a result of intensive production systems, agriculture ecosystems are at the edge of collapse, suffering from increased soil degradation and contamination, loss of biodiversity, and decrease in water quality and availability, ultimately threatening production yields and food security. To increase plant production in a sustainable manner, we need novel approaches, such as increasing agrobiodiversity and the use of biofertilizers.

This Special Issue aims to gather and present innovative research results, advancements, and established methodologies to improve efficiency and sustainability of agriculture ecosystems, as well as agrobiodiversity, on the areas of molecular biology, genetic diversity, functional genomics, agroecology, and socioeconomic studies, altogether to counteract the increasing detrimental results from the underperformance of current agriculture practices.

Potential topics include (but are not limited to):

- Crop biodiversity, germplasm characterization, and genetic diversity, covering commercial varieties, neglected and underutilized crops/landraces, as well as crop wild relative assessment;

- Agroecosystem sustainability (plant and soil), including studies in crop rotations, consociations, cover crops, no-tillage (NT), and the integration of livestock onto cropped lands;

- Studies integrating sustainability of agriculture systems with socioeconomic disciplines (i.e., value-chain, added-value products, agro-economy, resilient agriculture);

- Green solutions, such as the use of mutualistic natural interactions between plants and beneficial microorganisms from the rhizosphere to improve crop nutrition and resistance to stress.

Dr. Filipa Monteiro
Dr. Mónica Sebastiana
Dr. Patrícia Vidigal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Crop biodiversity
Germplasm characterization
Genetic diversity
Covering commercial varieties
Agroecosystem sustainability
Green solutions

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Security and Nutrition in Mozambique: Comparative Study with Bean Species Commercialised in Informal Markets

by Alberto B. Charrua, Philip J. Havik, Salomão Bandeira, Luís Catarino, Ana Ribeiro-Barros, Pedro Cabral, Margarida Moldão and Maria M. Romeiras

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168839 - 7 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3502

Abstract

In Mozambique (South-eastern Africa), Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna spp. are important staple foods and a major source of dietary protein for local populations, particularly for people living in rural areas who lack the financial capacity to include meat in their daily dietary options. This study focuses on the potential for improving diets with locally produced nutritious legumes whilst increasing food security and income generation among smallholder farmers. Using bean species and varieties commercialised as dry legumes in the country, it sets out to characterize and compare the chemical properties of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna spp. among the most commercialised dry legume groups in Mozambique. The principal component analysis showed a clear separation between Phaseolus and Vigna species in terms of proximate composition, whereas protein content was quite uniform in both groups. It concludes that the introduction of improved cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna species maize–legume intercropping benefits yield, diets and increases household income with limited and low-cost inputs while enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in vulnerable production systems affected by recurrent drought and the supply of legumes to urban informal markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 2064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Local Maize Diversity for Increased Agricultural Sustainability: New Insights into Drought Stress Response and Recovery of Guinea-Bissau Landraces

by Manuela Teixeira, Eduardo Feijão, Luís Catarino, Ana Rita Matos, Andreia Figueiredo and Jorge Marques da Silva

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5441; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105441 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1929

Abstract

Landraces are rightfully known as the backbone of sustainable food production, particularly in areas experiencing significant environmental constraints. However, protecting landraces from genetic erosion and valuing their potential for plant breeding and sustainable food production requires in-depth understanding of their phenotypic traits. Two Guinea-Bissau landraces (GA, GV) and two elite cultivars (P98438, P0023) were subjected to drought stress for 7 (S1) and 12 (S2) days. After this period plants were rewatered (R). The relative water content (RWC) was unchanged in S1 and decreased in S2 in all genotypes. Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters changed moderately in S1 and remarkably in S2, including on GA and GV plants, where a decrease of Fv/Fm and PI, and an increase in absorbed, trapped, and dissipated energy per reaction center, was found. P0023 plants showed the most contrasting behavior to Guinea-Bissau genotypes, presenting an increase in Fv/Fm and PI values and a decrease in the specific energy fluxes per reaction center (RC), whereas P9838 presented an intermediate behavior. Drought (S1 and S2) decreased the amount of chlorophyll (Chl.) and carotenoids in GA and GV plants. On the contrary, in the P0023, the only pigment to decrease with stress was Chl. b. Fatty acid (FA) analyses allowed for the identification of C16:0, C18:2, and C18:3 in larger amounts, and C14:0, C16:1t, C18:0, and C18:1 acids in lower abundance. Drought stress decreased C18:3, the double bond index, and the total FA (except for P0023 and GV in S2) and increased C14:0 and C16:0 acids. The expression of phospholipase D (PLD) was higher at S2. After recovery, PLD expression presented a notorious decrease on the Guinea-Bissau landraces. P0023 showed the smallest alterations after recovery, while Guinea’s plants suffered more radical alterations leading to the conclusion that Guinea’s landraces were more drought-sensitive and that their recovery rate was impaired. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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18 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Bears Fruit: Evaluating the Economic Potential of Undervalued Fruits for an Agroecological Restoration Approach in the Peruvian Amazon

by Elisabeth Lagneaux, Merel Jansen, Julia Quaedvlieg, Pieter A. Zuidema, Niels P. R. Anten, Mishari Rolando García Roca, Ronald Corvera-Gomringer and Chris J. Kettle

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4582; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084582 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3492

Abstract

Agroforestry systems with a range of native and often neglected and underutilized tree species (NUS) are increasingly recognized for their potential role in restoration, simultaneously providing ecological and livelihood benefits. Successful adoption of these systems requires knowledge about beneficial species, system-level potential profitability, and barriers faced by farmers. Such information is essential but lacking for most NUS. We analyzed the economic potential of NUS in diverse smallholder-managed agroforestry systems in the Peruvian Amazon. Through semi-structured surveys with local stakeholders (n = 40), we identified 10 native Amazonian NUS fruit with ecological, nutritious and commercial benefits. We then simulated the potential revenue per species and system-level profit of an agroforestry system designed with the 10 NUS. Our projections suggest that a diverse NUS-based agroforestry system can outcompete most alternative land-uses in the region on a per hectare profit basis. This shows that including NUS in restoration efforts could provide economic benefits for smallholders. To realize this potential, we recommend adapted interventions, e.g., increased farmer access to planting material, technical support for production and capacity building with a focus on high-potential NUS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 1452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity in Nutrient Content and Consumer Preferences of Sensory Attributes of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties in Ugandan Agroecosystems

by Rose Nankya, John W. Mulumba, Hannington Lwandasa, Moses Matovu, Brian Isabirye, Paola De Santis and Devra I. Jarvis

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052658 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

The cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most widely consumed legumes globally due to its nutrient content, taste, and affordability. Nutrient composition and consumer preference were determined for twenty local farmer (landrace) and commercial peanut varieties grown in the Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of the central wooded savanna of Uganda through sensory and laboratory evaluation. Significant differences in nutrient content (p < 0.05) among peanut varieties were found within and across sites. A significant relationship between nutrient content and consumer preference for varieties within and across sites was also realized (Wilk’s lambda = 0.05, p = 0.00). The differences in nutrient content influenced key organoleptic characteristics, including taste, crunchiness, appearance, and soup aroma, which contributed to why consumers may prefer certain varieties to others. Gender differences in variety selection were significantly related to consumer preference for the crunchiness of roasted peanut varieties (F = 5.7, p = 0.016). The results imply that selecting different varieties of peanuts enables consumers to receive different nutrient amounts, while experiencing variety uniqueness. The promotion of peanut intraspecific diversity is crucial for improved nutrition, organoleptic appreciation and the livelihood of those engaged in peanut value chains, especially for the actors who specialize in different peanut products. The conservation of peanut diversity will ensure that the present and future generations benefit from the nutritional content and organoleptic enjoyment that is linked to unique peanut varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 3647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms Implemented for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture: An Overview of Cabo Verde Performance

by Danilson Varela, Filipa Monteiro, Patrícia Vidigal, Luís Silva and Maria M. Romeiras

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145855 - 21 Jul 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4946

Abstract

In 2005, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted the Common Agricultural Policy of ECOWAS (ECOWAP), as an instrument for implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP). The main goals of ECOWAP/CAADP were set to promote agriculture development and end hunger by 2025. In this study we focused on the Cabo Verde archipelago as one of the best performing countries within ECOWAS in terms of overall sustainable development. In this paper, the evolution of the ECOWAP implementation and of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with agriculture in Cabo Verde, were assessed by semi-quantitative (e.g., agricultural policies, agrarian periodical literature) and quantitative (modeling regression of ECOWAP implementation and Sustainable Development Goals—SDGs—performance) analyses. Our integrated results suggest that the agriculture development strategies, the signature of ECOWAP/CAADP by the national government, and political stability might explain the progress made towards poverty reduction and the improvement of food security. The results also show that agriculture-related SDGs in Cabo Verde are higher than the mean values obtained from the remaining West African countries, well above the top 25% WA countries. Nevertheless, Cabo Verde public expenditure into agriculture under the ECOWAP was generally below the targeted 10% of the national budget, with food import required to meet internal food demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 3643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Species Composition and Distribution Patterns of Non-Native Fishes in the Main Rivers of South China

by Dang En Gu, Fan Dong Yu, Yin Chang Hu, Jian Wei Wang, Meng Xu, Xi Dong Mu, Ye Xin Yang, Du Luo, Hui Wei, Zhi Xin Shen, Gao Jun Li, Yan Nan Tong and Wen Xuan Cao

Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4566; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114566 - 3 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3004

Abstract

Non-native fish invasions are among the greatest threats to the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Tilapia and catfish are regularly cultured in South China which is similar to their climate in native areas and may also support their invasive potential. We systematically collected fish from eight main rivers of South China, from 2016 to 2018, to investigate and analyse species’ composition and the distribution of non-native fishes. The data reveal that non-native fishes are widespread and abundant in the sampled rivers: of the 98,887 fish collected, 11,832 individuals representing 20 species were not native, which were distributed in the 96% sampled sites. Of the non-native fish species, 17 are used in aquaculture and 19 are native to the tropics; 13 are omnivores while the other seven are predators. Based on dissimilarity of the non-native fish species distributions across the eight rivers, the different rivers could be divided into four assemblages. Geographical isolation and temperature were identified as affecting the distribution patterns of non-native fishes, thereby influencing fish species composition, species number, dominant species, and distribution variations in the South China rivers. Species composition of the non-native fishes in these rivers are related to their introduction vector, compatibility with their native habitat, and feeding strategies. Their distribution was mainly influenced by geographical location and temperature. To mitigate the impacts of non-native fish, a series of stricter management practices, systematic monitoring, and more research are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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Review

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14 pages, 2593 KiB

Open AccessReview

Iberian Halophytes as Agroecological Solutions for Degraded Lands and Biosaline Agriculture

by Bernardo Duarte and Isabel Caçador

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13021005 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2922

Abstract

Research on biosaline agriculture has been increasing worldwide in recent years. In this respect, the Iberian halophyte diversity present a high-value ecological solution to be implemented for biosaline-based agroecosystems. The research on these halophytic species has been increasing worldwide and, in the recent years, especially in terms saline agriculture adaptation, osmophysiology and nutraceutical potential, highlighting the importance and potential of these species in terms of agrosolutions. The Mediterranean area has high biodiversity in terms of endemic halophytic vegetation (ca. 62 species), providing an alternative pool of potential new agricultural products to be cultivated in adverse conditions. Besides being highly diverse, most of these species are endemic and present a perennial life cycle with several applications in terms of food, forage, nutraceutical, feedstock and remediation. More specifically, the Iberian halophytic flora shows potential as resources of essential fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants—all very important for human and animal nutrition. Alongside the establishment of halophyte agroecological solutions is the provision of key ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and soil rehabilitation. Moreover, halophyte-based ecosystems provide additional recognized ecosystem services, beyond the final product production, by improving soil health, ecosystem biodiversity and storing large amounts of carbon, thereby increasing the ecosystem resilience to climate change and offering a green solution against climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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21 pages, 2538 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Production through Improved Technology: An Overview of Production, Challenges, and Opportunities in Myanmar

by Daisy Myint, Syed A. Gilani, Makoto Kawase and Kazuo N. Watanabe

Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093515 - 25 Apr 2020

Cited by 79 | Viewed by 13300

Abstract

This paper aims to review the research achievements concerning sustainable sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production and outlook on the production constraints and future perspectives for Myanmar sesame. Sesame is an economically and nutritionally important crop, and it is prized for oil. The global sesame market demand is rising with increasing health awareness. Meanwhile, there is high competition in the market among producing countries for an international trade. Smallholder farmers in developing countries cultivate sesame as a cash crop on marginal soils. The edible oilseed sectors currently face several challenges, including ones affecting sesame crops. For sustainable production of sesame, an integrated approach is needed to overcome these challenges and the critical limiting factors should be identified. In recent years, sesame genomic resources, including molecular markers, genetic maps, genome sequences, and online functional databases, are available for sesame genetic improvement programs. Since ancient times, sesame has been cultivated in Myanmar, but productivity is still lower than that of other sesame producing countries. Myanmar sesame production is limited by many factors, including production technology, research and development, etc. With integration of these genomic resources, crop production and protection techniques, postharvest practices, crop improvement programs, and capacity building will play a crucial role for improving sesame production in Myanmar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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Other

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12 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

First Insights into the Effect of Mycorrhizae on the Expression of Pathogen Effectors during the Infection of Grapevine with Plasmopara viticola

by Ana Cruz-Silva, Andreia Figueiredo and Mónica Sebastiana

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031226 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), widely used for berry and wine production, is highly susceptible to the pathogenic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, the etiological agent of grapevine downy mildew disease. The method commonly used to prevent and control P. viticola infection relies on multiple applications of chemical fungicides. However, with European Union goals to lower the usage of such chemicals in viticulture there is a need to develop new and more sustainable strategies. The use of beneficial microorganisms with biocontrol capabilities, such as the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), has been pointed out as a viable alternative. With this study, we intended to investigate the effect of AMF colonization on the expression of P. viticola effectors during infection of grapevine. Grapevine plants were inoculated with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis and, after mycorrhizae development, plants were infected with P. viticola. The expression of P. viticola RxLR effectors was analyzed by real-time PCR (qPCR) during the first hours of interaction. Results show that pre-mycorrhizal inoculation of grapevine alters the expression of several P. viticola effectors; namely, PvRxLR28, which presented decreased expression in mycorrhizal plants at the two time points post-infection tested. These results suggest that the pre-inoculation of grapevine with AMF could interfere with the pathogen’s ability to infect grapevine by modulation of pathogenicity effectors expression, supporting the hypothesis that AMF can be used to increase plant resistance to pathogens and promote more sustainable agriculture practices, particularly in viticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Production on Agricultural Ecosystems)

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