Introduction Of New Varieties Research Articles

Swasembada Kedelai: antara Harapan dan Kenyataan

In Indonesia, soybean is the third important food crop after rice and corn. After being success in achieving rice self-sufficiency, the goverment of Indonesia is trying to achieve self-suuficiency in other food crops like corn and soybean. Many efforts were done, including introduction of new varieties, special intensification (Gersus and Opsus), credit on palawija,and price policy, in order to encourage farmers to produce more soybean. This article is trying to show the performance of soybean self-sufficiency during the period of 25 years (1969-93) , and the future prospect of achieving self-sufficiency. The result of this study shows that since 1975 Indonesia fails to achieve self-sufficiency in soybean. This is due to the fact that the improvement of technology in soybean cultural practice is relatively slow compared to that of rice. The slow progress of technology in combination with the slow process of transfer of technology from reseach institutes to farmers have resulted in a low yield. From 1988 to 1994 the yield was stagnant at about 1.1 tons/ha in average. Another constraint to achieve soybean self-sufficiency is the fact that soybean is a temperate crop. In Indonesia, it gives a better yield in the high altitude areas. On the other hands, soybean in high altitude is less competitived compared to horticulture crops, esspecialy vegetables. Therefore, special efforts are needed, esspecialy the utilization of bio-technology in plant breeding program of soybean in order to accelerate the achievement of soybean self sufficiency in the future

TRACING THE SEED: SEED DIFFUSION OF IMPROVED POTATO VARIETIES THROUGH FARMERS’ NETWORKS IN CHENCHA, ETHIOPIA

SUMMARYThere are many prerequisites for potato production to meet its full potential as a food security crop for subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. One of these is the introduction of improved varieties. Traditionally, the introduction of new varieties is by government agencies or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). To understand the diffusion of seed tubers (seeds) of new potato varieties in farmer networks, we analysed social factors influencing the sharing of seed of improved potato varieties amongst farmers in Chencha, Ethiopia. We interviewed 166 farmers and analysed 146 seed transactions. We used seed flow mapping to visualize seed sharing amongst farmers. We found that the social networks of farmers are differentiated by wealth, gender and religion, and that this differentiation affects the dispersion of new varieties through the farming communities: Wealthier farmers shared seed tubers most frequently and poor farmers did not share seed at all. Seed sharing was influenced by, but not restricted to, gender and religion categories. Most sharing was with relatives (as gifts) and neighbours (in exchange for labour). There weas no equal access to seed for all households because of (i) the targeting of the better off farmers by the NGO (ii) differences in frequency of sharing and (iii) terms and motivation of the transactions. Our results show that wealthy farmers most effectively multiply and share the seed of new varieties with medium wealthy and poor farmers. This study shows that for the introduction of new technologies into a community, its dynamics of social differentiation need to be understood.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИСПЫТАНИЕ СОРТОВ ЛЬНА МАСЛИЧНОГО РОССИЙСКОЙ СЕЛЕКЦИИ В КОСТАНАЙСКОМ НИИСХ

The purpose of researches is isolation and selection of source material of flax and the best typical alife plants unable to further their involvement in the selection process. Linen oilseed is a valuable crops that are widely used in the industry. From it the oil and cheap vegetable protein for animal husbandry are made. Linseed contains up to 48% oil, which is used in the form of food and industrial raw materials for number of industries. Introduction of new varieties of flax, combining high productivity and drought resistance, is the main means of improving this crop yields. In the experiment on ecological strain testing it was studied 10 varieties of oil flax selection by All-Russia Research Institute of Oil Crops and Siberian Experimental Station of All-Russia Research Institute of Oil Crops. Standard is variety of Kustanaiskii yantar. The replication of experience fourfould, the method of comparison. The area of the plot – 40 m2. The seeding rate of 7 million seeds/ha. On average for the period 2009-2014 most were maturing varieties of flax Bizon, VNIIMK 620 – 76 days. The tallest are varieties Linol – 62 cm, Severnyi, Sokol – 60 cm. The optimal indexes on the structure of crop noted at sorts Severnyi (number of boxes on one plant – 45, number of seed in box – 9, mass of 1000 seed – 7.4 g) and the Legur (number of boxes on one plant – 54, number of seed in box – 8, mass of 1000 seed – 6.5 g). Highest productivity, higher standard, formed a varieties of oilseed flax Bison (yield – 16.8 c/ga, oil – 39.6%), Rucheek (yield – 14.2 c/ga, oil – 43.1%), Severnyi (yield – 14.0 c/ga, oil – 43.6%).

Prospects and challenges in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) production: A review

Linseed or flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the most important industrial oilseed crops of India. It is grown either for the oil extracted from the seed or fibre from the stem. Every part of the linseed plant is utilized commercially either directly or after processing. Most of the oil is used in industry for the manufacture of paints, varnishes, inks and soaps and also used for edible purpose to a limited extent. The oil cake is a good feed for milch cattle and also used as manure. Linseed seed is widely used as a nutritive and functional ingredient in food products. Linseed in daily diet increases the level of a-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3 fatty acid which helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. AICRP on Linseed (ICAR) distributed in various agro-ecological situations in the country helped in introduction of new varieties adapted with appropriate production and protection technologies paved the way for introduction of the crop in different areas of the country and as component crop in cropping systems. It is possible to achieve higher yields and net monetary returns by adapting improved production technologies as demonstrated in FLDs conducted across the country. In this review, we have elucidated the production and protection technologies for improvement of linseed productivity in the country. The potential areas for future line of research are indicated for productivity improvement in linseed.

A Differentiated Approach to Plant Variety Protection in Africa

Several African countries and regional organizations are investing in the establishment of a plant variety protection system modeled on the UPOV 1991 Convention, which currently provides the strongest, international standard for plant variety protection. Whereas proponents argue that strong protection of breeder's rights will incentivize breeding and the introduction of new varieties for farmers, opponents fear that the proposed legal framework is unsuitable for African countries as it may hamper traditional farming practices of using and exchanging farm-saved seed. These informal or farmer-managed seed systems supply more than 80% of the total food crop seed used by farmers. The challenge for African countries is to strike a balance between protecting the interests of breeders through the incentive function of plant breeder's rights for the commercial market, and the leeway that needs to be provided to smallholder farmers that depend on informal sources for their seed security and survival. And to do so in a practical and legally enforceable manner. This paper explores how African countries and regional organizations can establish such balance through a differentiated approach to plant variety protection, which sets different levels of protection for different crops in relation to different categories of farmers.

Goals and hurdles for a successful implementation of genomic selection in breeding programme for selected annual and perennial crops

Genomic Selection is an important topic in quantitative genetics and breeding. Not only does it allow the full use of current molecular genetic technologies, it stimulates also the development of new methods and models. Genomic selection, if fully implemented in commercial farming, should have a major impact on the productivity of various agricultural systems. But suggested approaches need to be applicable in commercial breeding populations. Many of the published research studies focus on methodologies. We conclude from the reviewed publications, that a stronger focus on strategies for the implementation of genomic selection in advanced breeding lines, introduction of new varieties, hybrids or multi-line crosses is needed. Efforts to find solutions for a better prediction and integration of environmental influences need to continue within applied breeding schemes. Goals of the implementation of genomic selection into crop breeding should be carefully defined and crop breeders in the private sector will play a substantial part in the decision-making process. However, the lack of published results from studies within, or in collaboration with, private companies diminishes the knowledge on the status of genomic selection within applied breeding programmes. Studies on the implementation of genomic selection in plant breeding need to evaluate models and methods with an enhanced emphasis on population-specific requirements and production environments. Adaptation of methods to breeding schemes or changes to breeding programmes for a better integration of genomic selection strategies are needed across species. More openness with a continuous exchange will contribute to successes.

Rural Women and Innovation in Ivorian Rural Areas

This paper aims to shed light on the central role of rural women in the agricultural production process in Cote d’Ivoire, in particular their potential for innovation and social change. Although they are not included in agricultural innovation projects, women remain the main agents testing out new techniques and ideas. As regards innovations, women display more self-confidence and a desire to know and understand new things. They show a high level of interest in activities and an ability to start varied experiences. Our study has been conducted from the introduction of new varieties of rice and maize in the Gagnoa area. It shows that innovations have a greater chance of success when they go through women. Therefore, the study suggests building women capacity and strengthening their position in agricultural production, if we want to ensure better adoption of innovation.

Lead farmers approach in disseminating improved tef production technologies

The study was designed to assess the performance of an improved and recently released tef variety called Kora. Districts selected for the study were Ada, Minjar-Shenkora and Moretna-Jirru. Primary data were collected using a set of validated interview schedule and testing the tef variety on field plots of ten lead farmers who were randomly selected from forty-five lead farmers. Data analysis was carried out using frequency counts, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance. The results of the analysis showed that eight of the lead farmers were very satisfied with the new variety. High grain yield was obtained at the 10 on-farm sites due to the introduction of new variety. While the grain yields ranged from 0.7 and 2.9 tons/ha, the mean yield was 2.2 tons/ha. On average, the total variable costs and total revenues of farms per/ha were Birr 18135.90 and Birr 43414.00, respectively. The cost structure analysis revealed that the two highest production costs were labor (56%) and fertilizer (23%). Hence, labor appears to be the most important limiting factor of production in small-scale tef farming.

A Differentiated Approach to Plant Variety Protection in Africa

Several African countries and regional organisations are investing in the establishment of a plant variety protection system modelled on the UPOV 1991 Convention, which currently provides the strongest, international standard for plant variety protection. Whereas proponents argue that strong protection of breeder’s rights will incentivize breeding and the introduction of new varieties for farmers, opponents fear that the proposed legal framework is unsuitable for African countries as it may hamper traditional farming practices of using and exchanging farm-saved seed. These informal or farmer-managed seed systems supply more than 80% of the total food crop seed used by farmers. The challenge for African countries is to strike a balance between protecting the interests of breeders through the incentive function of plant breeder’s rights for the commercial market, and the leeway that needs to be provided to smallholder farmers that depend on informal sources for their seed security and survival. And to do so in a practical and legally enforceable manner. This paper explores how African countries and regional organisations can establish such balance through a differentiated approach to plant variety protection, which sets different levels of protection for different crops in relation to different categories of farmers.

Exploring the power of plants to overcome environmental stresses.

Global environmental changes (GEC) have become a threat for crop production. GEC causes drought, flooding, soil acidification, soil salinization, extremely low and high temperatures, and other adverse environmental conditions. All of these stressful factors affect both crop yield and quality, directly or indirectly. It is also estimated that the world population will reach nine billion by 2050, therefore there is a demand to increase crop production to feed an additional two billion people during the next 40 years. Approximately 50% of the total calories consumed by humans are provided by the three major crops of rice (23%), wheat (17%) and maize (10%). It is especially necessary, therefore, to increase the production of these three crops to solve food shortages. Given that increase of land suitable for agriculture cannot be expected in the future, producing more of the desired products per unit area of land will be an important task. There are a number of approaches for increasing crop yields per unit, but one of them is definitely to enhance crop tolerance to various stresses caused by GEC. Plants are very tough and have developed strategies to adapt to various environments during their long evolutionary process. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance is a prerequisite for enhancement of crop stress tolerance. In 2010, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan launched a project entitled “Integrated Analysis of Strategies for Plant Survival and Growth in Response to Global Environmental Changes” to address this issue. The objective of this project is to systemically elucidate the power of plants to overcome environmental stress at the molecular level and to comprehensively understand the molecular networks involved, by bringing together researchers from different fields. This project consists of three work packages, namely, “Survival Strategy”, “Growth Strategy” and “Mathematical Modeling”. The outputs from this project will contribute to protecting the global environment and ensuring sustainable food production through breeding plants (crops) with enhanced stress tolerance. Rice is an important staple food, which feeds nearly half of the world’s population. Although there has been great increase in rice yield during the past decades, there is still high potential to increase the yield by the introduction of new varieties with high yield and high stress tolerance. In this special issue, several important issues relating to stress tolerance in rice have been addressed. Cho and Oki describe the application of temperature, water stress, and CO2 in rice growth models. Todaka et al. review the dehydration-responsive element binding protein 1 (DREB1), which is an important transcription factor for drought and other stress tolerance. Ye et al. gave a review on the latest ABA signaling study under stress condition. Nishiuchi et al. and Horie et al. summarise recent understandings of water and salt stress in rice, respectively. Uraguchi et al. update our knowledge on Cd accumulation in rice, which is an important issue for food safety. We hope that these articles will help in better understanding of the mechanisms for stress tolerance in rice.

Agroecological features of the new varieties soft winter wheat Yuvivata 60

The main factor, and cost-effective rapid increase in yield of all crops and raising its quality is an innovative process for the creation and introduction of new varieties. Overall condition of use in the production of new varieties is very unsatisfactory. For this year the country loses more than 1.5 mln. tonnes of grains of winter cereals. Currently, the requirements for soft winter wheat, as a factor of sustainable productivity, increase. Despite the obvious advances in breeding wheat varieties as genetic yield potential of more than 10 t/ha, the actual implementation of it is around 50 %. Therefore remains an urgent problem of developing varieties with high potential and implementation of evidence-based their growth. Thus, the genetic yield potential genotype implemented with a balanced exposure of a number of factors. The purpose of research – create a soft winter wheat variety with well-defined ecological and adaptive properties and high quantitative and qualitative indicators of grain yield, varieties show ability to withstand adverse abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors of the environment for future breeding. Stated agroecological characteristics of variety soft winter wheat Yuvivata 60 by economically valuable indicators. Performed a detailed description of the new variety wheat based on morphological and biological characteristics. Showing environmental features Yuvivata 60 (in terms of genotypic effect and degree of plasticity) under different conditions ecotops of Ukraine. For agricultural producers proposed of adaptive variety soft winter wheat Yuvivata 60, that will provide guaranteed high quality and grain yield.

Estimating the Efficiency of Maize Farmers in Ghana

A lot of investment has been made in the agricultural sector of Ghana to increase agricultural production through the introduction of new technologies. However, it has been observed that despite efforts being made by the government through the introduction of new varieties of maize the productivity of maize farmers is generally low. This study sought to assess the efficiency of farmers in the Nkoranza area. The study employed the stochastic frontier model by using a onestage process in Frontier computer programme and using cross-sectional data of the 2008 major cropping season. Socio-economic and management practices that influence technical efficiency were determined. Input elasticities as well as allocative efficiency of the farmers were also determined. A mean technical efficiency of 91 percent was obtained for maize farmers. There was a distinct variability in mean technical efficiency among farmers cultivating the improved variety and those cultivating the local variety. Variety of maize cultivated by the farmer, sex of the farmer, experience of maize farmer, distance of the farm from the farmers’ residence and number of times a farmer gets extension visits were found to have significant effect on technical efficiency. Allocatively, maize farmers were found to be over utilizing labour but under utilizing

English

Nineteen alfalfa varieties of seven different fall dormancy (FD) classes (2 to 8) over three years in five different eco-agricultural areas with mild climates in Henan Province of China was studied. The results showed that almost all of the varieties exhibited nearly perfect survival rates, while the variety ‘Siriver’ had a slightly lower survival rate of 98.5%. The variety ‘WL414’ (FD 6) produced the greatest average dry matter (DM) yield across the regions, while the lowest yield was found in ‘Golden Empress’ (FD 2). In addition, the total dry matter (DM) yields of the three years were affected by location and variety and there was significant location × variety interaction. The FD classes and total DM yields were significantly correlated, indicating that FD class should be used as one of the main criterion for alfalfa variety improvement or introduction of new varieties into a temperate region, such as Central China. Beside, special attention should also be paid to the selection of varieties suitable to local conditions because other factors have important influence on DM yields, including the characteristics of a varieties and environmental conditions.   Key words: Alfalfa varieties, fall dormancy, dry matter yield, temperate regions.

Micro Propagation of Several Potted Anthurium Accessions Using Spathe Explants

The introduction of new varieties and production system of anthuriums has faced some problems due to the lowmultiplication rates in conventional vegetative and genotypic alteration problem in reproductive propagation. Sincethen, in vitro propagation technique became important to be investigated. The research was carried out fromSeptember 2006 to August 2007 at the Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute. A complete factorialexperiment was designed to accomplish two chronological in vitro activities. The first step dealt with differentincubation sites, i.e. dark and light conditions for callus induction of three potted anthurium accessions, namelyclone no. SM. 001, cv. Alphine and cv. Bonito. The best callus obtained from the incubation treatment were then,transferred into defined media with different formulations to get free-callus plantlets in the second steps. Theresults showed that more progressive callus development from spathe explant was detected on the media ofmodified Nitsch and Nitsch + 1 mg/l 2,D + 1 mg/l Kin + 1 mg/l BA stored at dark after 60 days incubation. After 45days transferring the callus in the same media on light conditions, torpedo-shaped callus was detected. Completeplanlets were obtained after 75 days reculturing the buds in Nitsch and Nitsch medium containing 2,4 D withvarious BA concentrations. Clone SM. 001 and cv. Bonito showed higher number of visible shoot and rootdevelopments compared to cv. Alphine. In general, better shoot and root developments and higher planlets survivedafter acclimatization were observed on the BA concentrations of 2 and 3 mg/l.

Simulazione dell'impatto economico delle innovazioni biologiche in aziende orticole meridionali

This paper analyses the potential economic impact, at farm level, of introducing new varieties of vegetable crops in southern horticultural farms. Economic analysis is focused on the areas where the early adopters will probably be located, chosen by applying an economic statistics indicator, and preceded by a study of the structural characteristics of the farms in the areas in question, according to their ability to influence the rate of adoption of innovations. Moreover, a field survey was developed in order to discover the latent demand for these kinds of innovation also in terms of technical compatibility. The analysis is based on a quantitative evaluation by applying a budget simulation by means of which the elasticity coefficient of the main economic indicators with respect to yield is estimated. An assessment of price break-even point, quantity, variable costs and fixed costs completed this analysis of the economic impact. The results show that farmers are very interested in these types of innovation, which fit in nicely with how their businesses are structured. They appreciate the positive impact that the introduction of new varieties can have; on the one hand, reducing production costs while increasing net income in all three scenarios (conservative, intermediate and favorable), and on the other, offering wide margins between break-even point and the current levels of the variables most capable of influencing the economic performance of their businesses.

ON-FARM ASSESSMENT OF CLONAL INTRODUCTION OF ROOT CROPS DIVERSITY IN VANUATU, MELANESIA

SUMMARYEx-situ collections of vegetatively propagated root crops are difficult to maintain in developing countries. On-farm conservation could be a solution but is more complex for vegetatively propagated than for sexually propagated species. In Vanuatu, a Melanesian archipelago where yam, taro, sweet potato and cassava are staples, a study was undertaken to develop an on-farm conservation system based on the geographic distribution of allelic diversity. Two years after the introduction of new varieties, a survey was conducted with 449 farmers located on 10 different islands. In order to evaluate on-farm conservation efficiency, qualitative and quantitative investigations were conducted and data were analysed. The conclusion was that farmers do enrich their varietal portfolios with introduced exotic genotypes thus broadening the narrow genetic bases of some species. Nevertheless, no local varieties were lost. Significant geographic distribution of clones of new varieties throughout the archipelago also took place via spontaneous, informal distribution to farmers' relatives. These encouraging results point to the potential impact of the geographic distribution of allelic diversity on smallholders' varietal portfolios. On-farm conservation appears to be an appropriate strategy for the conservation of root crop germplasm diversity in Vanuatu. Potential applications for transfer of the methodology to other locations are discussed.

An open economy general equilibrium model with heterogeneous producers, a homothetic utility function and endogenous elasticity

Recent monopolistic competition models have identified three main sources of the gains from trade: (1) the introduction of new varieties for consumers, (2) an improvement in efficiency through the exit of low-productivity firms, and (3) a reduction in firms’ markups through import competition. In this paper, we extend Feenstra (Economics Letters, 78(1):79–86, 2003) to develop a model with producers heterogeneous in productivity to capture these gains. Here, firm markups are decreasing with market share, and trade introduces new varieties to consumers and reduces the market share of domestic firms. This reduces markups and profits and forces low-productivity firms to exit. This pro-competitive effect on the distribution of productivity contrasts with the conventional export-driven mechanism in a constant elasticity setup. We can usefully extend this model for further study because of the homotheticity of the utility function and the tractability of the model.

Appearance of konzo in South-Kivu, a wartorn area in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Konzo is an upper motor neuron disease characterized by sudden-onset and irreversible spastic paraparesis occurring in nutritionally compromised people. It is associated with consumption of insufficiently processed cyanogenic-toxic cassava. Cassava, the main caloric source in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been safely consumed for decades in the Eastern Province of South-Kivu. However, in the context of long-lasting war and violent conflicts, cases of spastic paraparesis resembling konzo appeared in a populous area (Burhinyi). Two field surveys (2003 and 2005) identified 41 subjects meeting clinical criteria of konzo and suffering from (chronic) malnutrition. Their urinary thiocyanate concentrations (median 129, range 20–688, SD 146 μg/L), and cyanogen levels (median 20 ppm, range 5–300 ppm, SD 73 ppm) in cassava roots from their household stocks were high. The source of cyanogenic-toxicity was unprocessed fresh cassava roots during harvest period, but probably also insufficiently processed roots. This first report of konzo in South-Kivu concludes that occurrence of konzo was triggered by food shortages because of the longstanding state of insecurity. Contributory factors included the introduction of new varieties of (bitter) cassava, but konzo may actually be caused by a combination of factors that are yet to be understood.

THE GENETIC RESOURCES OF TEMPERATE FRUIT TREES IN THE TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL ZONES OF ASIA, THEIR CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION FOR BREEDING

ISHS VIII International Symposium on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics THE GENETIC RESOURCES OF TEMPERATE FRUIT TREES IN THE TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL ZONES OF ASIA, THEIR CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION FOR BREEDING

PREDICTION MODELS FOR CHILLING AND HEAT REQUIREMENTS TO ESTIMATE FULL BLOOM OF ALMOND CULTIVARS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY OF CHILE

In the past, Chilean almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill)) production was traditionally associated to marginal lands with a low level of productivity and technology. Nevertheless, during the past few years the orchards destined to reach high yield and quality have increased. To reach this, the introduction of new varieties of almond trees which makes it necessary to perform studies on the phenology under the new conditions. The chilling and heat requirements to reach a certain phenological stage can be determined by predictive temperature models. However, these models were developed in different climate zones, and for different species and cultivars. Thus, models as the Utah Model are more appropriate for cold areas and the Dynamic Model are more reliable for warmer zones. In this sense, the objective of this study was to estimate the chilling and heat requirements for almond trees phenology by means of predictive models, developed in different conditions from the Chilean production areas. During the seasons 2003, 2004 and 2005 different chilling models were evaluated in three cultivars of almond trees, in three unwatered-land areas in the Central Valley of Chile (34°30'S;71°15'W). The cultivars in study were 'Desmayo Largueta', 'Nonpareil' and 'Ferragnes'. The methodology described by Ashcroft et al. (1977) was used. This method considers that the winter chilling enough to break dormancy, is which generates a lower variation in the heat requirements to reach full bloom (FB). The following chilling models were used: a) number of hours under 7.2°C (Weinberger, 1950), b) Utah (Richardson et al., 1974), c) North Carolina (Shaltout and Unrath, 1983), d) Florida (Gilreath and Buchanan, 1981) and e) the Dynamic Model (Fishman et al., 1987). For the heat accumulation (growing degree hours, GDH) from end of dormancy to full bloom, the used model was the Utah (Richardson et al., 1975). The results for the chilling requirements to break dormancy for 'Desmayo Largueta', 'Nonpareil' and 'Ferragnes' were: 230, 360 and 240 chill units (CU) for the North Carolina model; 280, 300 and 440 CU for the Florida model; and 220, 260 and 260 CU for Utah model, respectively. For the Dynamic Model the determined requirements were 28, 23 and 32 chilling portions, respectively for the three cultivars. The models which presented less variation to estimate the GDH for full bloom were the Utah, North Carolina and Dynamic Models.