International Agricultural Research Institute Research Articles

Determining the Diversity of Bread Wheat Variteties on Yield and Quality Traits at Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions

This study was conducted with 7 bread wheat varieties in rainfed and irrigated conditions at Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Grain yield, thousand kernel weight, protein ratio, Zeleny sedimentation value, bread weight, bread volume and farinograph traits were investigated. Significant differences between the varieties were determined in terms of investigated traits in rainfed and irrigated conditions. Bread volume, farinograph development time, protein ratio and Zeleny sedimentation values in rainfed conditions were higher than values in irrigated conditions. Bread volume, farinograph development time, protein ratio and Zeleny sedimentation were determined as 507 cm 3 , 9.2 min, 13.6% and 46.8 ml in rainfed conditions and 495 cm 3 , 6.7 min., 12.3% and 44.0 ml in irrigated conditions respectively. According to the results; the effect of the growing conditions was found statistically significant on wheat quality.

Causes and Effect of Occupational Stress and Coping on Performance with Special Reference to Length of Service: An Empirical Study Using Multinomial Logistic Regression Approach

The manuscript presents the outcome of our research study on effect of occupational stress, coping strategies adopted, length of service and their relation with performance of employees. A survey using an undisguised questionnaire was carried on the employees working in the International Agricultural Research Institute and Information Technology sector in Indian Metro, Hyderabad. The data from the 756 respondents, including 381 women and 375 men responses was used for analysis. The occupational stress was measured using 14 stress causing components—workload, co-workers, peer, peer-support, role ambiguity, role conflict, career, harassment, psychological factors, physiological factors, behavioural factors, social support, job control, approach coping and voidance coping, length of service on dependent factor Performance of the respondents from the International Agricultural Research Institute and IT sector. The effect on dependent variable performance with the independent factors length of service was divided into 4 groups in 1 - 5 years, 6 - 10 years, 11 - 15 years and >15 years of service, occupational stress factors, coping strategies were measured. The overall C-Alpha value is 0.92 for overall components, 0.91 for occupational stress components, 0.92 for overall coping, 0.69 for performance; whereas 0.69 for avoidance coping 0.69 for approach coping. The likely hood odds rations (ORs) were estimated to predict degree of association of occupational stress, coping strategies, length of service with performance of the employees, gender and age differences.

Agro-Morphological Variation Among an Ancient World Barley Collection

ABSTRACT Historically barley has been a very important crop in agriculture system of Turkey as it is now. Barley breeding and collecting activities started at the beginning of 20 th century in Turkey. During that time huge amount of material piled up at the seed banks and collections of plant breeding institutions through collecting missions and material exchange. We characterized around 3.500 barley accessions of Eskisehir Transition Zone Agricultural Research Institute. Characterized populations have been obtained from 44 countries (Asia 14, Europe 19, Americas 6, Africa 4 and Australia) of 5 continents and two international agricultural research institutes since 1950’s up to date. We are presenting only the result of 2.517 two row barley accessions with this paper. Results of the study reveal a series of phenotypic similarities and differences between the materials of several countries. Results also show the existence of a significant amount of diversity between the populations which can be used as a source for breeding programs.

Impact of Training on Learners’ Development and Performance: A Case Study with Reference to International Agricultural Research Institute, Hyderabad

The study reports the results of impact of training on Learners' performance with reference to the training programs conducted at the International Agricultural Research Institute. Hyderabad.The sixindependent variablesApplication of Training, Job knowledge Enhancement, Analytical Tools, Resources, Motivation, New Competencies with one dependent variable Learners' improved Performance based on the knowledge gained from the training measured. The institute conducts in-house training programs on application of advanced crop improvement methods twice a year for the benefit of the researchers in India and some Sub- Saharan African countries working in the area of agricultural research in general and crop improvement in particular.The data was collected using a post-training survey of 200 trainee participants including 60 women and 140 men, from eight such training courses spread over three years to assess the training program impact on Learners' performance. The evaluation was done measuring the effect of the six above said independent variables of the training programs on the dependent variable performance. The descriptive analysis, correlationtechniques, inferential statistics, and multiple regression analysiswere applied to arrive atconclusions. To measure the reliability of thescale used for this study, and internal consistencies of the survey questionnaire, the reliabilitystatistics Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown split-half reliability were used. The overall Cronbach alpha is 0.81 whereas Spearman-Brown static was 0.75and the Cronbach alpha value ranged from 0.64 to 0.71and Spearman Brown-Split Half reliability varied from 0.61 to 0.75 for all the 6independent and one dependent variable. The study concluded that the training impacts on Learner's performance positively and it also depends on the application of the learned techniques into regular use in their job assignments and regular work. Training evaluation is a vital aspect of any sort of training and its effect on the person in performing his/her job assignments more efficiently. Feedback is essential for the training organizers to know how they are progressing, also is crucial to the learner's confidence too. People's commitment to learning relies heavily on confidence and a belief that the learning is achievable, the way that training assessments are designed and delivered, and results presented back to the learners. Training evaluation is the systematic assessment of the worth or merit of some object or aim and the act of judging whether or not the activity to be evaluated is worthwhile in terms of set criteria.The rapid advancement in science, modernization of science and technological changes envisaged agricultural research sector to look for new methods of training in the area of crop improvement (1). This is essential to change the dimensions of the training needs to cope up with those changes and to keep with the pace of rapid science development. There were very limited work has been reported on addressing the impact of training in the area of agricultural research using modern techniques. This study focussed on evaluating the impact of training program using six independent variables and its impact Learner's performance using post-training survey. Training program evaluation is must for all training programs as the evaluation tools and methodologies help to determine the training program effectiveness and instructional interventions. Though the training evaluation is important, there is evidence that evaluations of training programs are often inconsistent or missing (2)-(5). The main reasons for inadequate evaluations include: insufficient budget allocated; insufficient time allocated; lack of expertise; blind trust in training solutions; or lack of methods and tools (6).The evaluation of training is complex and involve several complex factors to measure the training interventions in respect of learning, transfer, and organizational impact. These factors are associated with the dynamic and rapid changes in technology knowhow and compelled the organizations like international agricultural research institute to envisage frequent changes in the structure, instructional methods and content of the trainings they

An Empirical Analysis of the Training Program Characteristics on Training Program Effectiveness: A Case Study with Reference to International Agricultural Research Institute, Hyderabad

The study explores the relationship between the training program characteristics, the six independent variables with dependent variable training program effectiveness with special reference to International Agricultural Research Institute, Hyderabad. The institute conducts training programs on application of advanced crop improvement methodologies twice in a year for the benefit of the researchers in India and some Sub-Saharan African countries working in the area of agricultural research for crop improvement. The data collected using a post-training survey of 200 trainee participants including 60 women and 140 men, from eight such courses spread over three years to assess the training program effectiveness and to know if the objectives of the course were achieved. The evaluation was done measuring the effect of the six independent variables of the training program—lectures, practical, demos, field visit, methodology, and instructor ability on the dependant variable training program effectiveness (in brief effectiveness) on the participant. We have applied the descriptive analysis, correlation techniques, inferential statistics, and multiple regression analysis to arrive conclusions. To measure the reliability of the scale used for this study, and internal consistencies of the survey questionnaire, the reliability statics Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman-Brown split-half reliability were used. The overall Cronbach alpha is 0.88 whereas Spearman-Brown static was 0.94 and the Cronbach alpha value ranged from 0.68 to 0.82 for all the 6 independent and one dependent variables. The study observed some mean differences in some variables which are significant to effect training program effectiveness.

English

Soya beans, first grown in what is now Tanzania early in the twentieth century, have always been a minor crop in area planted and total production. German East Africa introductions before 1918 were from Japan, China and Rhodesia. Introductions by the British Trusteeship of Tanganyika in 1938 and 1939 were from India, South Africa, the USA and the Far East. Hernon 237 was introduced in 1950 to replace the American variety Dixie. Experiments at Nachingwea by the Overseas Food Corporation resulted in development of high-yielding and locally adapted varieties in the 1950s and 1960s. Research at Kilosa in the 1970s, based on Nachingwea varieties, emphasized intercropping, fertilization and promiscuous nodulation. The international agricultural research institutions was assisted with introductions and expertise during the 1980s. Soya research has shifted among research centres several times but in the twenty-first century, only Uyole in the southern highlands, with limited human, financial and material resources, works on soya breeding. Two strains from this centre plus the Bossier variety are the only types registered by the national plant certification authority. Smallholder farmers do their own research and adaptive trials with Zambian material. Some large scale farmers grow soya as an alternative crop and to supply protein to the animal feed industry. In spite of oft-expressed intentions by government to support soya and publication of a national soya development strategy in 2010, there has been little increase in area planted and in output. Producers continue to face problems in seed supply, technical advice and marketing. Key words: Biodiversity, plant breeding, varietal trials, promiscuous varieties, Rhizobium, nodulation.

African edible insects for food and feed: inventory, diversity, commonalities and contribution to food security

This paper reviews entomophagy as practised in Africa within the context of food and nutritional security by providing an inventory of the various species of insects that are consumed on the continent and suggests a research for development (R4D) agenda for sustainable utilisation of insects for food and feed. Our survey showed that over 470 species of insects are eaten in Africa. The Central African region remains the most important hotspot of having a culture of entomophagy. The insects mostly eaten in the continent are dominated by the orders Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Coleoptera. Commonalities were observed across the majority of the insects consumed across Africa, providing opportunities for related R4D activities. An R4D agenda and pathways for using edible insects suggest that socio-economics and marketing studies should address issues of communities’ perceptions, based on their cultural background, income and beliefs. Cost-effective rearing, harvesting and processing technologies are required to prevent depletion and ecological perturbations while ensuring continuous availability of insect-based products. Indigenous reports assert that some edible insects harbour medicinal properties; thus, the need to undertake nutritional and bioactive chemical characterisation of main edible insects along the value chain and to investigate food safety issues such as diseases, allergies, and toxicological and chemical hazards. The use of insects for waste conversion into animal feed and fertiliser requires judicious choice of substrate in view of concerns regarding contaminant loads and pathogens occurrence. Responding to these research needs and opportunities, icipe has recently established an Insects for Food, Feed and Other Uses Programme with well-defined work packages oriented towards attainment of its Vision and Strategy 2013-2020 document, with a strong orientation towards R4D and a focus on activities that lead to adoption and impact on end users, through broad based complementary linkages and partnerships with agriculture and livestock extension services, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and advanced research institutes, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

Who Talks to Whom in Malawi's Agricultural Research Information Network?

Purpose: The sector-wide approach currently dominates as the strategy for developing the agricultural sector of many African countries. Although recognised that collaborative agricultural research is vital in ensuring success of sector-wide agricultural development strategies; there have been few efforts to understand the dynamics of national agricultural research/development networks in Africa. This study fills this gap by analysing the dynamics of networking and interactions between institutions in the National Agricultural Research System in Malawi. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study sampled actors in the National Agricultural Research System in Malawi, which included the main public agricultural research department, academic institutions, semi-autonomous research institutions, private companies and international agricultural research institutions. Data was analysed using Social Network Analysis. Findings: Results demonstrate that public agricultural research departments play a central coordinating role in facilitating information sharing; with other actors remaining on the periphery. However, it also shows the important role other actors play to relay information to a wider network of stakeholders. These secondary information pathways can play a very crucial role in ensuring successful implementation of the national agricultural research agenda. Practical implication: Policy-makers are called upon to integrate other research actors into the mainstream national agricultural research information network. This is vital as other research actors are, at the global level, increasingly taking up a greater role in financing and disseminating research and research results. Originality/Value: The study contributes greatly towards knowledge needed for continuing the transformation of African agricultural research; and aligning the African agricultural research vision and practice with the emerging global agricultural research paradigm.

The history and future of agricultural experiments

An agricultural experiment is usually associated with a scientific method for testing certain agricultural phenomena. A central point in the work of Paul Richards is that experimentation is at the heart of agricultural practice. The reason why agricultural experiments are something different for farmers and agronomists is not their capacity to experiment as such but the embedding of experiments in a specific ecological, material and institutional environment. Using a historical perspective, changes are examined in the organization of agricultural experiments focusing on the Netherlands and colonial Indonesia during the first half of the 20th century and the international agricultural research institutes for the period thereafter. The results show a gradual shift in the role of experiments in the connection between science and practice. Initially, the link was considered to be established through various forms of experiments, rooted in an integrated social and technical understanding of agronomy. Gradually, this turned into a connection primarily established through various forms of communication. Recent work of Richards incorporates ideas that address key issues emerging from the history of agricultural experiments, dealing with an integrated social and technical understanding of agriculture.

Assessment of Professional Training Programmes in International Agricultural Research Institutions: The Case of ICRAF

The following survey was undertaken in 2005 to assess the effectiveness of professional training activities in international agricultural research organizations that were undertaken between 1999 and 2002 at ICRAF (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry), now World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi. Trainees were randomly selected from various professional fields in the agroforestry domain. Survey questionnaires and telephone interviews were adopted. Descriptive statistics, logit regression, cross-tabulations and bi-plot analysis were used to analyze the data. The Kirkpatrick's training evaluation theory provided the methodological framework for the study. Male participants were more educated and had longer average professional experience than females. Trainees had good recollection and learning of various aspects of the training. There was high potential for skill transfer and practical implementation of training skills among all trainees, but lack of resources was a major limitation. Female workers faced more constraints during workplace implementation of skills than male workers. The study has practical implications for current and future design and evaluation of training in agricultural domains. The work also contributes to knowledge building in training evaluation within agricultural institutions in Africa, which is poorly documented or lacking in certain specific settings. The paper is original because scientific evaluation of training activities in agricultural practice in Africa is rarely or poorly documented, thus adding value to agricultural research.

A study on genotype x environment interaction in chickpea cultivars (Cicer arietinum L.) grown in arid and semi-arid conditions

The study was carried out to identify stability and adaptability of 19 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars grown in arid and semi arid conditions at three locations (Field Crops Central Research Institute in Ankara, Bahri DaAŸdaAŸ International Agricultural Research Institute in Konya and Research Farms of Agriculture Faculty of Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta) for two years (2005 and 2006 years). Experiments was set up as randomized complate block design with three replications. Studied parameters were plant height, first pod height, 100 - grain weight and grain yield and stability parameters were calculated according to Finlay-Wilkinson and Ketata methods. Results showed (confirmed) that Menemen 92 (4) and A°zmir 92 (6) were the highest yielding and stable cultivars at three locations during the study period in terms of plant height, first pod height and grain yield. For the 100 grain weight, CaAŸatay (2), Akcin 91 (9) and Er 99 (13) cultivars performed better than other cultivars. Key words: Chickpea, cultivar, genotype x environment interaction.

Silajlık ve Danelik Mısırlarda Kuru Madde Birikiminin Bazı Matematiksel Büyüme Modelleri ile Analizi

This study was carried out at Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute’s experimental areas. C 955 and DK 585 were used as material. Richards, Gaussian and Logistic growth models were used for describing plants growth. Coefficient of determination (R), mean squared error (MSE), model efficiency (ME), mean rational error (MRE), mean squared variation (MSV) and Bias were used as comparison criteria. As results, Richards model described dry matter accumulation of silage and seeds corns better than Gaussian and Logistic growth models. Logistic growth equation described dry matter accumulation of silage and seeds corns worse than others growth.

The Use of True Potato Seed as Pro-poor Technology: The Efforts of an International Agricultural Research Institute to Innovating Potato Production

The International Potato Center (CIP) and collaborating institutions implemented an intensive research programme over a period of 25–30 years on the use of botanical seed of potato as an alternative way of growing a potato crop. The use of botanical or ‘true’ potato seed (TPS) had many advantages over the use of seed tubers. Potentially, the use of TPS was especially attractive for small-scale farmers in developing countries. The difference of using TPS as compared to using seed tubers meant in many respects the development of a new crop–commodity chain, requiring research on breeding, seed production, agronomy and marketing aspects. This research made it possible to produce potatoes from TPS at commercial scale: it removed a number of important constraints in the uniformity and earliness of the TPS varieties and in seed physiology. Experimentation and adoption by farmers in a wide range of countries showed that the technological advantages of using TPS were only translating in economical benefits as compared to tuber seed when the last one was costly or not available. Since the economic performance of seed tubers is likely to continue to fluctuate, TPS remains an interesting alternative. Study of the use of TPS in various countries could contribute to better understanding of factors that promote or inhibit crop technology innovation. The article gives an overview of the various areas of TPS research in CIP and presents information on the application of TPS technology in several developing countries.

Genetic Parameters of 305-Day Milk Yield for Brown Swiss Reared in the Bahri Dağdaş International Agricultural Research Institute in Turkey

Genetic Parameters of 305-Day Milk Yield for Brown Swiss Reared in the Bahri Dağdaş International Agricultural Research Institute in Turkey

IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ON THE CONSERVATION AND USE OF (ORNAMENTAL) GENETIC RESOURCES

ISHS XXVII International Horticultural Congress - IHC2006: II International Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources of Horticultural Crops IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ON THE CONSERVATION AND USE OF (ORNAMENTAL) GENETIC RESOURCES

Livestock R&D in East and Southern Africa: An innovation systems perspective with special reference to the International Livestock Research Institute

The concept of innovation system is used increasingly in current science policy discourse as a metaphor to indicate the need for a much wider perspective on relevant decision-making procedures than has been the case in the past. This paper explores its use from the standpoint of the behaviour of an international agricultural research institute located in Africa and focused on two vector-borne livestock diseases, trypanosomiasis and theileriosis, which form case studies for this paper. The paper argues that adopting an innovation systems perspective could open up new possibilities for research institutes of this type with impacts on both socioeconomic development and scientific quality that are likely to be positive.

The Role of AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center in Enhancing and Promoting Vegetable Production in the Tropics

AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit international agricultural research institute whose mission is to reduce malnutrition and poverty among the poor through vegetable research and development. Over the past 30 years, AVRDC has developed a vast array of international public goods. The Center plays an essential role in bringing international and interdisciplinary teams together to develop technologies, empower farmers, and address major vegetable-related issues in the developing world. In its unique role, AVRDC functions as a catalyst to 1) build international and interdisciplinary coalitions that engage in vegetable and nutrition issues; 2) generate and disseminate improved germplasm and technologies that address economic and nutritional needs of the poor; 3) collect, characterize, and conserve vegetable germplasm resources for worldwide use; and 4) provide globally accessible, user-friendly, science-based, appropriate technology. In enhancing and promoting vegetable production and consumption in developing world, AVRDC's research programs contribute to increased productivity of the vegetable sector, equity in economic development in favor of rural and urban poor, healthy and more diversified diets for low-income families, environmentally friendly and safe production of vegetables, and improved sustainability of cropping systems. Recent achievements at AVRDC that greatly impact tropical horticulture in the developing world include virus-resistant tomatoes raising farmers income, hybrid sweet pepper breaking the yield barrier in the tropics, flood-resistant chili peppers opening new market opportunities, broccoli varieties for monsoon season, pesticide-free eggplant and leafy vegetable production systems and fertilizer systems that protect the environment. Beyond vegetable crops, AVRDC is playing an important role in expanding and promoting research and development efforts for high value horticultural crops, including fruit, ornamentals, and medicinal plants through its new Global Horticulture Initiative. AVRDC believes that horticulture crop production provides jobs and is an engine for economic growth. The important role AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center plays in developing and promoting tropical horticultural crops is discussed in this paper.

Farming systems research: relevance to Australia

Summary. Farming systems research was introduced into many international and national agricultural research institutes in lower income countries in the 1970s and 1980s with the purpose of improving the relevance of research for small-scale farmers. This review outlines the origin, context, goals, principles and process of farming systems research in these countries, and aims to enable agricultural professionals to assess the relevance and value of farming systems research to their work in particular situations in Australia and overseas. The key elements of farming systems research include a holistic approach, orientation towards the needs of defined target groups, high levels of farmer participation and hence co-learning by farmers and specialists. There is guidance by facilitators, continuous evaluation and linkage to policy makers. The goal of farming systems research is to improve the well-being of farmers through development of farming systems. It involves application of methods from various disciplines, first to define the constraints and opportunities for development and then to overcome these in a research process involving farmers, with specialists and policy makers. A generalised farming systems research procedure and various research activities are described. Initially in lower income countries, a fairly standard farming systems research procedure was used, but farming systems research has evolved to encompass a range of activities commonly regarded as the realm of agricultural extension or rural development. Basic science, applied science and farming systems research are compared in terms of the roles and relationships of the people involved in the research process. The implications of selecting farming systems research as a model for rural research and development are discussed. Achieving adequate levels of farmer participation can be a major issue in farming systems research so it is important that the principal notions of participation are understood. Success of farming systems research in Australia will depend on developing innovative ways of achieving high levels of participation. Current trends in the philosophy, practice and funding of agricultural research and extension in Australia make it timely to consider the wider adoption of farming systems research principles and practices. Farming systems research could provide a valuable philosophical and practical basis for the trend towards greater participation by researchers with end-users and extension practitioners in agricultural development programs. However, it seems unwise to adhere strictly to any one particular model of research and development from other places: farming systems research concepts are being combined successfully with those from other models, such as systems learning and computer modelling, to suit the needs of particular situations. Implications of a wider adoption of farming systems research in Australia for agricultural research and development organisations and professional bodies include, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams with shared goals, and the sourcing of funding for periods long enough to achieve outcomes. There is also a need for training in systems concepts and facilitation, for reputable channels of publication of the results of farming systems research and for greater recognition of participatory activities as valid forms of agricultural research.

Sustainable Food-Crop Production in the Semi-Arid Tropics: Strategy for Technology Transfer in Millet Research

ABSTRACT Technological options available for increased millet production and productivity in the West and Central Africa are many in the National and International agricultural research institutions. Research information is available on the constraints associated with both the crop and the environment. Solutions in the form of improved technologies to several of these constraints are known. This paper addresses two fundamental questions: 1. What is technology transfer? 2. How to transfer technologies to the farmers to promote sustained millet production in the semi-arid tropics? The research conducted by scientists in the millet research network (sensu lato) is reviewed to partly answer the above questions. An indepth analysis of the achievements of the concepts involved in the process of technology transfer is presented to assess its implications both on NARS scientists research activities, farmers fields, and to identify critical elements for strategy development and implementation. The scope of the millet research network includes: technology transfer to farmers (appropriate varieties for respective production systems), development of improved insect control methods, control of mildew, and improvement of millet based cropping systems. The strategy or conceptual framework provides operational definitions of some key concepts involved in technology transfer namely: participation, collaboration, adoption, performance, and impact. These definitions involve shared values, expectations, competencies, ideas, resources, meaningful interactions, tension reduction/conflict resolution mechanisms, results, benefits shared among the various actors, and a clear vision of the future. All these factors can be pulled together to make up what is known as the technological transfer mix or the foundation of program impact planning and impact assessment. The paper concludes with a model based on the hypothetical relationships between the critical variables involved in explaining research performance and impact in transferring technologies to the farmers. The main concern and contribution of this paper is centered on construct discussion, and model operationalization for prediction purposes. These two notions are important in strategy development and impact assessment.

Toward a global agricultural research system: A personal view

Before the beginning of this century almost all increases in agricultural production occurred as a result or increases in area cultivated. By the end of the century increased agricultural production will depend almost entirely on more intensive cultivation of areas already being ued for agricultural production. Over the next several decades agricultural research capacity must he established for each commodity of economic significance in each agroclimatic region of the world. The new system of international agricultural research institutes must be supplemented by the strengthening of national research systems. The development of national systems has however, been characterized by cycles of growth and decay. Small country research systems face severe size diseconomies. Regional collaborative networks have not been very successful, External supporl for development of national systems needs to give greater attention to enhancement of political and economic viability as well as scientific viability.