Globally, Fusarium root rot, which is caused by Fusarium graminearum, reduces wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality up to 20%. Colonization of roots by F. graminearum has been recognized, but controlling Fusarium root rot using worm extracts (mucus, vermicompost tea, and vermiwash) has received little attention. We report the antagonistic properties of redworm (Eisenia fetida) extracts against F. graminearum and their effects on wheat seedling growth. Mycelial growth inhibition against the fungus was conducted in quintuplicate using the extracts in vitro. The extracts significantly inhibited mycelial growth of the fungus under in vitro conditions, and there was significant interaction between the infections and extracts for all the parameters measured (root and shoot lengths, root biomass, and disease index). Redworm mucus and 14‐d vermiwash produced moderately (26%) to relatively less (16%) antifungal activity, respectively. Vermiwash and augmented vermicompost tea were able to inhibit Fusarium root rot and improve (>58%) the growth of the inoculated seedlings under laboratory conditions. Vermiwash also acted as nutritional supplement, enhancing plant growth. The extracts suppressed F. graminearum and could serve as a potential bio‐fungicide in the integrated management of Fusarium root rot in wheat. Longer term experiments under field conditions are needed to validate the findings from the current study. Core Ideas The redworm extracts (vermiwash and augmented vermicompost tea) were able to inhibit Fusarium root rot (>58%) of the inoculated seedlings. Likewise redworm extracts acted as nutritional supplement, enhancing plant growth. Redworm extract suppressed F. graminearum and could serve as a potential bio‐fungicide in integrated management of Fusarium root rot in wheat.

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Understanding the challenges associated with variation in weather conditions and stages of maturity in maize are essential for farmers to achieve continuous production under climate changes. This research evaluated the interactive effect of planting date and stages of maturity at harvest on maize yield (Zea mays L.). Field trials were conducted during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons at university of KwaZulu-Natal research farm Pietermaritzburg South Africa. Planting dates comprised of early (November), mid (December) and late planting dates (January). While, harvesting occurred at milk stage, dent stage and physiological maturity. A split plotdesign with four replications was used. The main plot and sub-plot consisted of planting dates and harvesting stages respectively. Response of maize to planting dates and harvesting stages was determined by variables of plant physiological growth and yield parameters. Significant differences in growth and physiological parameters were more obvious in 2015/16 season which was a drier season than 2014/15. Early and mid-planting had positive effect on parameters measured at both seasons. However, mid planting date favoured maize growth and yield more in drier season. The interaction of planting dates and harvesting stages significantly influenced grain yield, thousand seed weight, ear length and diameter. Thousand seed weight, ear length and diameter obtained at dent stage under mid planting outperformed its counterpart from physiological maturity under which late planting. With the increase in climate variability there is high risk that maize planted lately would have lower yield irrespective of its planting dates and might not attain physiological maturity. However, maize harvested at dent stage under early and mid-planting dates gave substantially high yield.

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Underutilized crops, such as okra, have the potential to alleviate stress on crop production imposed by climate change and farming conditions, but their production is greatly hindered by poor seed quality. Insect pollination and seed coating with organic substances (biochar) may improve okra’s seed performance, but the beneficial effects of biochar seed coating and pollination on the seed quality of okra grown under stressful conditions is unknown. We examined the impact of pollination and biochar seed coating on okra seed performance under varying temperatures. Seeds were obtained from plants grown under complete insect pollination and exclusion. A factorial experiment was conducted in growth chambers with three factors: seed type, seed coating and temperature conditions. Insect-pollinated seeds with biochar coating had the highest chlorophyll content, seedling vigour index, shoot, and root growth and the heaviest seedling mass, but with a reduced speed of germination and emergence. The insect-pollinated seed without biochar coating had a lighter seedling mass (33% lower) than insect-pollinated, coated seed. Low temperature conditions during germination were ameliorated by biochar seed coating but biochar coating could not alleviate high temperature (35/30 °C) stress. Harnessing the pollinator’s benefits and biochar seed coating are possible sustainable solutions to enhance seed quality.

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Planning future directions and adapting approaches for seed improvement in underutilized crops requires the assessment of research activities. We have examined the trends and research activities conducted on seed improvement of underutilized crops. We identified research hotspots based on keywords and prolific research titles mapped across three decades (1990 to 2021). Data were compiled using Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases, loaded into the bibliometric R-package and viewed via VOSviewers software. In research on seed improvement among underutilized crops (SUC), we have observed 7.2% annual growth in publication and increase in the studies and citations. There were strong research publications with strong research links from studies conducted in USA, Canada, India, Nigeria and China, while South Africa and Egypt were among the African countries with high research studies in SUC. Among underutilized crops with improvement among their seed traits are sorghum, quinoa, Bambara groundnut, amaranth, barley, tef, cowpea and millet. Some of the trending research areas are genetic diversity, seed performance, seed domestication, yield, crop management, water use efficiency, nutritional properties, molecular strategies and genetic analysis tools for seed improvement. There is gradual increase for international collaborations and funding in SUC studies. The current research emphases are on qualitative studies, appropriate methodological procedures and advanced breeding resources to help understand and promote seed improvement among underutilized crops.