Seed vigour is one of the seed parameters that determines seed quality for successful crop production. An experiment was conducted at Bogor Agricultural University to develop a seed vigour testing method for the true seed of shallot (TSS) using a single count of radicle emergence (RE) that can be used to estimate germination percentage of normal seedlings in the laboratory and field emergence. Nine artificially made seed lots of TSS were used in this experiment which were germinated at two different temperatures i.e., at 20±1℃ and at 25±1℃ (room temperature). The experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a repeated measurement, having four replicates. The results showed that a single count of RE at 72 and 68 hours germinated at 20±1℃ and 25±1℃ respectively, were able to predict germination percentage in the laboratory 12 days after sowing and field emergence 14 days after planting. Regression and correlation analysis values of RE were predictive to germination percentage with r=0.891 and R 2 =0.951 (p<0.01) for seed lots germinated at 20±1℃ and r=0.924 and R 2 =0.875 (p=<0.01) for seed lots germinated at 25±1℃. Furthermore, RE was predictive to field emergence (FE %) with r=0.953 and R 2 =0.909 (p<0.01) and r=0.865 and R 2 =0.732 (p<0.01) for seed lots germinated at 20±1℃ and 25±1℃ respectively. A single count of RE correlated well with other vigour tests at 68 hours and 72 hours for seed lots germinated at 25±1℃ and/or 20±1℃ respectively, then it can be used as one of the methods for seed vigour test for TSS.

Plant aldehyde oxidases (AOs) are multi-functional enzymes, and they could oxidize abscisic aldehyde into ABA (abscisic acid) or indole acetaldehyde into IAA (indoleacetic acid) as the last step, respectively. AOs can be divided into four groups based on their biochemical and physiological functions. In this review, we summarized the recent studies about AOs in plants including the motif information, biochemical, and physiological functions. Besides their role in phytohormones biosynthesis and stress response, AOs could also involve in reactive oxygen species homeostasis, aldehyde detoxification and stress tolerance.

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a polyphagous and voracious pest, destroying maize plants in farms in Cameroon. An annual yield loss is estimated to range from15 to 78%, valued at US$ 2,481 to US$ 6,187 million. With most damage experienced in the mono-cropping system. Maize is the most widely grown cereal crop globally due to its several uses, namely human consumption, animal feed and biofuel. In Cameroon, maize is a staple food grown by small- scale producers in all ten regions. The control of FAW is unsuccessful with only the use of pesticide method, the application is knowledge-intensive, and misuse often leads to pesticide resistance, resurgence and increased production cost. The purpose of this review was to explore the different controlling methods adopted to suppress FAW from causing economic damage in maize farms of small-scale producers in Cameroon. Integrated pest management (IPM) approach was used to control FAW, including cultural control, chemical control, botanicals, push-pull farming system, biological control and indigenous knowledge. Results showed that push-pull farming system provides protection and improves maize nutrition, botanicals have similar efficacy like synthetic insecticide, and wood ash is a bio-pesticide. The combined application of pesticides and handpicking FAW was effective though feasible in small surface areas. Based on the general assessment, the push-pull farming system deserves to be promoted due to its numerous benefits: eco-friendly, enhancement of natural enemies, increased soil fertility and economic returns. Natural enemies and bio-pesticides application are essential to control FAW since farmers are resource-poor, causes no health problem and are environmentally friendly.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques to effects of climate change, i.e., dry spells on maize seed production. The trials evaluated growth characteristics, yield, and seed quality parameters. CSA techniques such as minimum tillage with dead mulch, zero tillage with mulch, minimum tillage with roundup, pit planting, zero tillage with live cover and control (conventional farming) were laid off in RCBD with four replicates. Results indicated that CSA techniquessignificantly increased plant height, the number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, total dry matter accumulation, yield and yield components even though the cropping season was associated with prolonged dry spells. Maize seed grown under minimum tillage with dead mulch (maize stover as a cover) significantly increased production of maize seed with dry cob yield (8.92 ton ha-1), seed grain yield (4.45 ton ha-1), 1000-seeds weight (386.9g), and highest germination percentage, seed vigor index and germination energy of 1,127 and 80.24%, respectively. Maize seed can be produced under climate-smart agriculture techniques and still maintain high seed quality than under conventional system.

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