Application of the APSIM model to exploit G × E × M interactions for maize improvement in Ethiopia

Little evidence that farmers should consider abundance or diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi when managing crops

“…Whilst initially developed in countries with high-input agricultural systems, such as Australia and the USA, these models are now being used in many countries and agricultural systems (e.g. Seyoum et al, 2018). A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between level of colonisation by AMF and crop yield could enable colonisation level or other measures of mycorrhizal activity to be included in crop growth models using the G 9 E 9 M framework.…”

CERES-Maize model for simulating genotype-by-environment interaction of maize and its stability in the dry and wet savannas of Nigeria

“…Crop growth models used in plant breeding are centered on explaining resource capture, utilization and allocation among plant organs ( Cooper et al, 2009 ; Hammer et al, 2006 ). They have also been used to characterize growing environments ( Chapman et al, 2000 ; Seyoum et al, 2017 ), to predict the influence of trait variation on yield within the context of genotype by environment by management interaction ( Löffler et al, 2005 ; Seyoum et al, 2018 ), for evaluation of breeding strategies ( Chapman et al, 2003 ) and to assess hybrid performance ( Cooper et al, 2014 ). However, very few studies have reported a comparison between simulated and observed values on GEI and stability analysis ( Chapman, 2008 ).…”

“…However, very few studies have reported a comparison between simulated and observed values on GEI and stability analysis ( Chapman, 2008 ). Several kinds of research have shown that models can be used to simulate GEI ( Salmerόn et al, 2017 ; Mavromatis et al, 2002 ; van Eeuwijk et al, 2019 ; Chapman et al, 2002a ; Seyoum et al, 2018 ). However, all the studies were done in controlled experiments under the close supervision of scientists.…”

Risks and opportunities from more productive and resilient cropping system strategies in the Central and Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia

“…other areas that gave a glimpse of opportunity to use it in the system perspective of agricultural research and development. APSIM (Agricultural System Simulation Model) has recently been used by researchers in an African context (Dimes 2005;Holzworth et al 2014;Roxburgh & Rodriguez 2016;Seyoum et al 2017;Seyoum et al 2018). APSIM cropping systems model will also be used in this thesis in exploring some of the capabilities of the model starting from participatory modelling approach for exploring constraints and gaps of current farmers' practices to the use of alternative options as well as complementing limited field experimental observations with long-term modeling scenarios and outputs.…”

“…Cropping system models such as APSIM can be proven tools to be used in such analysis where risk should be examined from multiple cropping systems and production factors(Muchow et al 1994;Hammer et al 2014). The model has been widely used in eastern and southern Africa(Dimes 2005;Dixit et al 2011;Roxburgh & Rodriguez 2016;Seyoum et al 2017) but only a few studies used the model in Ethiopia for such analysis(Dimes et al 2015;Seyoum et al 2018). This paper aimed at (i) describing the impact of climate variability in terms of seasonal and intra-seasonal anomaly, dry spells and length of growing period in maize-based farming systems; and (ii) uses this information together with simulation model to ex-ante assess possible interventions that reduce risks and enhance productivity and resilience in the central and southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia.…”