Ncisana Lusanda, Nyathi Melvin Kudu, Mkhize Ntuthuko Raphael, Mabhaudhi Tafadzwa, Tjelele Tlou Julius, Mbambalala Lwando, Modi Albert Thembinkosi
Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa.
Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa.
Sci Rep. 2024 Dec 28;14(1):31315. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-82727-7.
Changing climates threaten crop growth and fodder yields in dryland farming. This study assessed two radish genotypes (LINE 2, ENDURANCE) under three water regimes (W1 = well-watered, W2 = moderate stress, W3 = severe stress) and two leaf harvesting options over two seasons (2021/22 and 2022/23). Key findings revealed that water regime significantly (P < 0.05) affected WUE, with W2 yielding (4.71 kg ha-1 mm-1) higher values. The combination of W3 and LINE 2 biomass were reduced by ≈ 60.09% in 2021/22 and ≈ 71.06% in 2022/23, whereas ENDURANCE declined by ≈ 63.9% and ≈ 53.33%. Tuber yield was highest under W1 and W2, with ENDURANCE yielding 59 t ha-1 (W1) and 48 t ha-1 (W2). Generally, W2 reduced micronutrient concentration (iron, zinc, β-carotene and vitamin C). For example, W2 improved vitamin E and key findings showed that human dietary for women and children can be met. The W3 exceeded vitamin E, iron, and zinc recommendations for all ages. The genotypes showed similar biomass and CP yield under W2 and W1, indicating moderate water stress can sustain yields. These findings highlight the importance of strategic water management for food and fodder security, while meeting nutritional needs in water-scarce regions.
气候变化威胁着旱地农业的作物生长和饲料产量。本研究在三个水分处理（W1 = 充分灌溉、W2 = 中度胁迫、W3 = 重度胁迫）和两种叶片收获方式下，对两种萝卜基因型（LINE 2、ENDURANCE）进行了两个季节（2021/22年和2022/23年）的评估。主要研究结果表明，水分处理对水分利用效率有显著影响（P < 0.05），W2处理的水分利用效率（4.71 kg ha-1 mm-1）更高。2021/22年，W3与LINE 2组合的生物量减少了约60.09%，2022/23年减少了约71.06%，而ENDURANCE分别下降了约63.9%和53.33%。块根产量在W1和W2处理下最高，ENDURANCE在W1处理下产量为59 t ha-1，在W2处理下产量为48 t ha-1。一般来说，W2降低了微量营养素浓度（铁、锌、β-胡萝卜素和维生素C）。例如，W2提高了维生素E含量，主要研究结果表明，妇女和儿童的人类饮食需求可以得到满足。W3处理下的维生素E、铁和锌含量超过了所有年龄段的推荐值。在W2和W1处理下，这两个基因型的生物量和粗蛋白产量相似，表明中度水分胁迫可以维持产量。这些研究结果凸显了战略水资源管理对粮食和饲料安全的重要性，同时满足缺水地区的营养需求。
