A recent study by Oluwajobi et al. (2025) titled “Morphological and Biochemical Assessment of Basella alba Linn. and Basella rubra Roxb under Drought Stress,” published in the Journal of Underutilized Legumes reveals that drought stress significantly affected the morphological and biochemical characteristics of both Basella alba and Basella rubra.
“
Drought stress significantly reduces the growth and biochemical properties of Basella alba and Basella rubra, affecting their resilience and productivity.– Oluwajobi et al. 2025
The article explores the biochemical and morphological responses of Basella alba and Basella rubra to drought stress. The research was conducted in a screen house using sandy-loamy soil and four levels of drought regimes as treatments, along with a control experiment. The study found that drought stress led to a reduction in selected morphological characteristics such as the number of leaves per pot, plant height, leaf area, and stem girth. The study also revealed variations in the ability of these two vegetables to survive various water shortage regimes and the effects of water stress on their biochemical contents.
How the Study was Conducted
The study was conducted in a screen house at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Sandy-loamy soil was collected and used for planting Basella alba and Basella rubra seeds. The seeds were subjected to four levels of drought regimes: 5, 10, 15, and 20 days without water, along with a control group that was not starved of water at any point. Five replicates were set up for each treatment. The drought stress was introduced at 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Morphological parameters such as plant height, stem girth, leaf area, and the number of leaves per pot were measured. Biochemical parameters, including chlorophyll pigment extraction, protein content determination, lipid peroxidation, and proline content estimation, were also assessed. The study aimed to evaluate the morphological and biochemical responses of Basella alba and Basella rubra to drought stress and to establish the extent to which different regulatory processes, including growth and photosynthetic responses, are induced under drought conditions.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that drought stress significantly affected the morphological and biochemical characteristics of both Basella alba and Basella rubra. The authors posit that drought stress led to a reduction in the number of leaves per pot, plant height, leaf area, and stem girth. The control group, which was not subjected to drought stress, had higher values for these characteristics compared to the drought-exposed groups. The study observed an increase in carotene levels for both plants after 20 days of drought exposure. Additionally, the chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a and b) and carotenoid pigments decreased as the drought stress period increased.
Why is this important?
Agricultural Resilience: Understanding how Basella alba and Basella rubra respond to drought stress can help in developing strategies to improve the resilience of these crops. This is crucial for regions that frequently experience water shortages.
Food Security: By identifying the drought tolerance mechanisms of these vegetables, the study contributes to efforts aimed at ensuring food security. Drought-resistant crops can provide a stable food supply even in adverse conditions.
Nutritional Value: Basella alba and Basella rubra are known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Enhancing their drought tolerance ensures that these valuable food sources remain available and accessible.
Environmental Sustainability: The findings can inform sustainable agricultural practices by promoting the cultivation of crops that require less water, thereby conserving water resources and reducing the environmental impact of farming.
Scientific Knowledge: The study adds to the body of knowledge on plant responses to abiotic stress, particularly drought. This information can be used in further research and breeding programs to develop more resilient crop varieties.
What the Authors Recommended
- The authors suggest conducting more research to explore the genetic and physiological mechanisms that contribute to drought tolerance in Basella alba and Basella rubra. This could help in developing more resilient crop varieties.
- The authors recommend incorporating the findings into breeding programs to develop drought-resistant varieties of Basella alba and Basella rubra. This could enhance food security in regions prone to water shortages.
- The study advises adopting agricultural practices that improve water use efficiency and soil moisture retention. This includes using mulching, drip irrigation, and other water-saving techniques.
- The authors emphasize the need for policy support to promote the cultivation of drought-resistant crops. This could include providing incentives for farmers to adopt these crops and investing in research and development.
- In addition, the authors recommend raising awareness and educating farmers about the benefits of cultivating drought-resistant crops and the best practices for managing water stress.
In conclusion, the study by Oluwajobi et al. (2025) highlights the significant impact of drought stress on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of Basella alba and Basella rubra. By identifying key responses and tolerance mechanisms, this research provides valuable insights for enhancing crop resilience, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With further exploration of genetic and physiological adaptations, combined with strategic policy and farmer education, these findings can pave the way for the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, ultimately contributing to global efforts in addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
