Imaging-based screening provides an opportunity for more exact/rapid analysis of seed traits. This study, therefore, was focused on evaluating the phenotypic diversity of wheat seeds under rain-fed and well-watered conditions by using image analysis and permitted the formation of a morphometric seed database of Iranian wheat genotypes. These findings would be helpful for preserving the wheat genetic diversity against drought stress.

We used marker-assisted pedigree breeding to pyramid QTLs governing yield under moisture stress, water-use efficiency and heat tolerance with QTLs for yield traits. We identified 14 pyramided lines with various combinations of 5–11 targeted QTLs and observed substantial yield advantage in the pyramided lines. We demonstrate that the systematic combination of important QTLs through marker-assisted pedigree breeding is an outstanding approach to supplement conventional pedigree breeding, especially to improve complex abiotic stress tolerance besides yield enhancement.

Water deficit can predispose rice to lodging yet the effect of water deficit on lodging has been less studied. Orthosilicic acid (OSA) fertiliser has potential to increase the mechanical strength of stems and minimise water loss from plant leaves. Six rice cultivars, including Moroberekan, were subjected to multiple growth stage water deficits. Vegetative plus reproductive stage stresses impacted greatly on lodging traits while OSA fertiliser increased the lodging resistance through deposition of a mechanical layer in the inner wall of stems.

Pearl millet is a staple crop in the Sahel, but its panicle yield is low because of poor seedling establishment arising from low-nutrient soils. Lack of skills and finance deny the local farmers access to already existing technologies such as seed treatments and mineral fertilisation. Our work shows the seedball technology, which is simple and based on local materials, increases pearl millet panicle yield by ∼30% in the Sahel.

This review article elaborates on the nutritional constituents, antinutritional factors, health benefits and treatment of diseases using Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) and its components. The health benefits of consuming chickpea, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, its potential as nutraceuticals, prebiotic food, the recent advances in the use of chickpea derivatives for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hepatotoxicity and cancer are discussed elaborately. This review lays out a framework for understanding plant protein and its benefits beyond nutrition.

Genetic variability studies of a species generate new knowledge about genotypes with greater productive potential, providing the basis for the design of genetic improvement programs. Kikuyu grass is one of the most widely used grasses for forage feeding in dairy regions. These microsatellite loci help complement the information on the genetic structure of the kikuyu populations and will be useful for the characterisation and evaluation of the diversity of germplasm in other parts of the world.