National Agricultural Research Research Articles

Impact of Improved Maize and Bean Varieties on Household Income and Food Security in Uganda.

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and development partners have invested substantial resources in breeding maize and bean varieties over the years. However, the impact of the varieties on productivity, household income and food security is not well documented. This paper evaluated the ex-post impact of adopting NARO released bean and maize varieties over the last five years on the productivity, household income and food security in Uganda. Data were collected from 30 districts in Uganda through a cross-sectional household survey of 1445 households, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Using propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression models, the results showed that adoption of improved bean and maize varieties significantly increased crop productivity, household income and food security. This evidence suggests that there were tangible benefits from funding the development of bean and maize varieties in Uganda. The results indicate that although adoption of the improved bean and maize varieties increased productivity, it was still far below the research production output. This suggests that in addition to developing and disseminating the appropriate varieties, emphasis should be put on training farmers to use the complimentary inputs and practices to get the full benefit of the improved varieties.

Screening of Mung bean Germplasm for Resistance against Cercospora Leaf Spot under Natural Field Conditions

Mung bean is an excellent protein source pulse crop grown throughout the world. Punjab province accounts for 80% area and production of mung bean in Pakistan. Mung bean is cultivated on a large scale for its green manuring ability and grain consumption. Mung bean is prone to economically important fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora canescens is one of the most serious disease concerns in Pakistan. The pulses program at the National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad is trying hard to get the resistant germplasm against CLS. Sixty-eight advance lines/approved varieties were evaluated in the augmented design under natural field conditions. Forty-one advance lines/approved varieties were found resistant and twenty-five advance lines/approved varieties were found moderately resistant. Two advanced lines/approved varieties did not perform well and were susceptible to CLS infection. This data indicates that the germplasm at pulses program is excellent in resistance against CLS under natural field conditions in the Arid Zone and can serve as potential future varieties.

The Effect of Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic Acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) on Green Super Rice Seedlings for Submergence Tolerance

This internship reported titled as “The effect of Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) on green super rice seedlings for submergence tolerance” aimed to identify submergence tolerant rice genotypes and the role of two chemicals i.e. Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) in enhancing submergence tolerance of rice. The trial comprised a pot experiment that was conducted at the experimental field of National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) to evaluate the effect on various newly developed lines of green super rice for submergence tolerance. The experiment was designed in randomized complete block within three replications. The treatments consisted of eleven rice genotypes and two chemicals. Five plants of each genotype were transplanted in to pots which were then treated with ACC, AGNO3 or control (without any chemical). Both these chemicals were applied after one week of transplantation. The data were collected before submergence, after seven days of submergence and after fourteen days of submergence on various agronomic parameters including plant height, leaf length and number of leaves. The results indicated that plant height of genotype NRPC-7 resulted in the tallest plants among all the tested genotypes. Greater leaf length was observed in NRPC-9 in control treatments while maximum number of leaves under the treatment of ACC was observed in genotype NRPC-8. It was concluded that the above-mentioned genotypes were highly tolerated to submergence and can be used in breeding program for submergence tolerant variety development

Pod Yield Stability of Best Groundnut Varieties from National Agricultural Research Stations Program in West Africa

This study aimed to evaluate different varieties of groundnut introduced from four breeding programs in West Africa for their stability and adaptability in agro-ecological zones of Niger. The study used a randomized complete block design with three replicates at three locations. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among varieties and the effect of environment on pod yield was highly significant (P<0.001). GGE biplot analysis was used to identify the best varieties for each environment and assess the stability of the newly introduced varieties. The GGE biplot described all the observed variations and explained 98.42% of the total variation, indicating a strong genotype by environment interaction effect. The evaluation of varietal performance indicated that Pyr-370 and Rafeet Car thrived exceptionally well in Bengou and Magaria, respectively, while El_Tarna exhibited the highest performance at Tarna. Variety SH470P was the most stable and productive among the introduced varieties in the different environments, while ICGV86124 was stable but low yielding. On the other hand, the introduced varieties ICGV86024, ICGV-IS14857 and Pyr-370 demonstrated superior productivity, yet their performance inconsistency underscored inherent instability.

Screening of selected wheat cultivars for leaf rust resistance genes

ABSTRACT Genetic resistance is the most economical and efficient way to reduce production losses brought on by diseases. Plant breeders continuously incorporate new, dependable sources into their breeding materials to continue developing disease-resistant genotypes. Fourteen certified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (Bahawalpur-2000, NIFA-Bathor08, Fareed-2006, Haider-2002, Imdad-2005, Lasani-2008, Marvi-2000, Moomal-2000, Manther-2003, Pirsabak-2006, Iqbal-2000, Pirsabak-2004, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002) seeds from the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) were grown in pots. DNA obtained from fresh leaves of the wheat cultivars were screened for leaf rust resistance genes (i.e. Lr-51, Lr-47, Lr-46, Lr-37, Lr-36, Lr-35, Lr-34, Lr-28, Lr-25, Lr-19, Lr-13, Lr-9, and Lr-1 using PCR. Results showed that the Lr-47 gene was present in nine wheat cultivars, Lr-1 and Lr-28 in eight, Lr-5, Lr-9, and Lr-13 in three, and Lr-19 and Lr-37 in one cultivar. In the selected wheat cultivars, the resistance genes Lr-25, Lr-35, Lr-36, and Lr-46 were not observed. This study suggests cultivating wheat varieties Haider-2002, Iqbal-2000, Lasani-2008, Manther-2003, Pirsbak-2004, Pirsbak-2006, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002 for high level of resistance to rust and protection against high production losses. In future studies, phenotypic data alongside genotypic screening will improve the assessment of leaf rust resistance in wheat cultivars, leading to a better understanding of their disease resistance profiles.

The influence of gender specific decisions on household technology choice within the farming households in central Uganda

How households make decisions, who influences decision making and how members bargain over resources and opportunities greatly affects the livelihood and wellbeing of members within a given household. This study sought to understand gender specific decisions and their influence on household technology choice, packaging and adoption of agricultural technologies. Growing Bananas with Trees and Livestock (GBTL) technology system was implemented by National Agricultural Research Organisation and Bioversity International in three districts of Central Uganda: Kiboga, Nakaseke and Ssembabule. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA), typologies were created in which two distinct clusters of farming households were revealed. Using a bargaining model of technology adoption, three types of households were identified; male and female only, female only and male only headed households. For technology uptake, either a single component, two components or all components of a technology was adopted. Results indicated that Household size, age, land owned, labour and gender composition of the household positively influenced the adoption of the technology. Farm households were able to take up and adopt components of the technology that were equivalent to the available household resources. Technology choice and adoption was influenced by available land, labor and household objectives (food, income and nutrition security). Households' ability to avert the loss of production and/or assets was very varied and depended on household size. For non-business home expenses, decisions followed a gendered perspective where households with both male and female, had more participants involved in household decision making, households make decision jointly when it comes to purchases and sales. Banana plantations establishment and management was for the spouse. Livestock production was initiated and managed by the household heads. Individual decisions were influenced by age of the household head, livestock owner. Joint household’s decision making was significant on purchases, sales of inputs and outputs, land ownership, and were influenced by household size and farm size. This study brings out important policy implications that in order to ensure widespread adoption of improved technologies, there should be equitable access to complementary inputs, especially land and labour for females. And technology packaging should take into consideration the gender specific decisions for sustainable agricultural development. Key words: Decision making, Technology choice, adoption, Coffee banana farming system, Gender

Preface

The 6th International Conference on Chemical Engineering, Food and Biotechnology (ICCFB2023) The 6th ICCFB - International Conference on Chemical Engineering, Food and Biotechnology was successfully held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam during September 29th-30th, 2023. The scientific conference was organized by the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, and co-organized by PetroVietnam University.During the 6th ICCFB, the emerging technologies and scientific advancements in the fields of Chemical Engineering, Food and Biotechnology were disseminated. It served as a platform for strengthening partnership between academia and industry. The scientific papers submitted to the conference were categorized into three sections (Sustainability, Green Technology and Process Safety Engineering; Material Sciences, Environmental Engineering; Agriculture, Biotechnology and Food Technology) and carefully reviewed with a double-blind process. All the accepted papers were presented in the conference.The plenary speeches were given to make the conference more productive and precious.• Prof. Nobuyuki Kijima, Institute of Food Research, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan - What is the major impact of antibiotic-application to agricultural field? • Prof. Won-Chun Oh, Hanseo University, Korea - Recent advances in CO2 reduction applications: progress, challenges and perspectives.• Prof. Suresh Sagadevan, University of Malaya, Malaysia - Nanocomposite photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.• Prof. Sanggono Adisasmito, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia - Energy Transition and Carbon Capture Process for Coal-Fired Power Plants in Indonesia.We thank all distinguished guests, authors, participants for their contributions to make a successful conference and look forward to the 7th ICCFB in 2025.List of Steering Committee and Editors are available in this pdf.

Scoping study of research trends on Nili Ravi buffalo applying scientometric analysis and network visualization

The study elucidates scientometric analysis of published scientific communications on Nili Ravi buffalo in journal(s) for having an appraisal of status-quo of the research and scientific activities. Metadata of 383 articles retrieved from Scopus were analysed to identify the most productive author(s), institution(s) vis-a-vis countries and to ascertain their collaboration trends. Keyword based analysis was performed to provide an overview of the strength areas of research on Nili Ravi for better comprehension. The results revealed that the research efforts on Nili Ravi were discernible after the year 2005. All except 1.30% articles have been an outcome of the collaborative authorship. There were only few productive authors with ≥10 records, but others contributed on the subject occasionally. Nearly 90% of the articles have been contributed by Pakistan and its' authors have worked in close collaboration with scientists from United Kingdom, United States of America, China, Canada, and South Korea. They also have conjoint symbiosis on academic/research endavours on Nili Ravi with experts from Austria, Netherlands, India, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Twelve leading institutions contributed to ≥10 articles. Publication outcome of the Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan; Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan and Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan has higher Relative Citation Impact (RCI), making it obvious that their publication(s) have wider acceptance amongst scientific populace. Most productive vis-à-vis impactful journals publishing articles on Nili Ravi have also been identified.

Training Needs of the National Agricultural Research System Scientist of Bangladesh

Knowledge, skills and attitude are components for increasing the job efficiency and performances of the employees for increasing productivity in an organization that can achieve through training. Scientist requires knowledge, abilities and skills for better performance that can identified through training need assessment, which is lacking in National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in Bangladesh. Assessing training needs through proper methods is of paramount importance in this regard. Agricultural researches mainly conducted by the researchers of the 13 national research institutes work under the coordination of the Bangladesh Agricultural Council (BARC). The objective of the present study was to identify the types of training needs for the NARS scientists of mono-crop and multi-crop organizations. The empirical data were collected from 25 September to 01 November 2022 from the individuals through online survey and face to face sessions on the training need assessments (TNAs) in each of the NARS institutes. During the TNA sessions, job and task analyses exercised, and skill-gap analyses conducted to identify the types of training required for the scientists. The present article highlighted the training needs which are significant to design training programs in achieving scientist’s efficiency, and lead to achieve objectives of the organizations.

Performance of Direct-Seeded Upland Rice-Based Intercropping Systems Under Paired Rows in East-West Orientation

Production potential of rice based intercropping systems with legumes in Uganda is little known. Studies were conducted at Ikulwe Station of the National Agricultural Research Organisation to evaluate upland rice-based intercropping systems under paired-rows in the EW direction. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications was adopted during 2022 and 2023 with 8 pure stand and intercropped treatments. Adjustment from conventional planting to paired rows recorded high rice height and significant 1000 seed weights. In 2022 the 2 pure rice treatments produced significantly more tillers and panicles but legume intercrops reduced numbers of rice tillers and panicles. Intercropping significantly reduced the beans height (48%) and soybean pods (41%) during both years and also reduced the pods filling for beans (66%), groundnuts (36%) and soybeans (18.3%) during 2022. Although paired rice did not influence rice yield during both years, lower mean yield for rice (19.8%), beans (35%), groundnuts (33%) and soybeans (30.5%) were recorded. Lower legume intercrop yields were similarly recorded for beans (70%), groundnuts (73%) and soybeans (62%) during 2023. Partial (p) land equivalent ratios (LER) for intercrops were not significant and less than unity, but the one for rice intercropped with beans increased to more than unity (1.06) during 2023. All combined LER for rice-legumes were more than unity and the pLER of sole crops was 1.0. Rice + beans recorded high area time equivalent ratio during the 2 years while high relative equivalent yield and monetary advantage indices were recorded under rice + soybeans. Rice was more aggressive than other crops and intercropped treatments recorded higher Total Rice Grain yield equivalent (TRGYE) than sole rice. Rice + soybeans (2022) and rice + beans (2023) scored higher TRGY. The findings suggest that farmers can intercrop soybean in rice under paired rows in EW orientation for more benefits.

Fortification or biofortification: complimentary strategies or duplication of effort?

Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a global concern, with the most common deficiencies being vitamin A, iron, zinc and B vitamins (folate and B12). Addressing this requires strategies that are scalable and equitable such that they reach all members of a population irrespective of socioeconomic status and geography. Fortification and biofortification offer potential large-scale solutions, however each have strengths and limitations depending on the context, particularly the cultural and political factors that may create barriers or opportunities for effectiveness. Planning how to target scarce resources for maximum impact requires an in-depth knowledge and understanding of local food systems and market dynamics, alongside strong government policy and legislative support. A food fortification programme was launched in Pakistan in 2016, supported by UK Aid and designed to address the high prevalence of vitamin A, iron and zinc deficiency, particularly in women and children. In the same year, the first zinc biofortified variety of wheat, Zincol-2016, was released in Pakistan, supported and developed through the HarvestPlus programme in collaboration with the Pakistan National Agriculture Research Centre. This review explores the challenges faced by fortification and biofortification, initiated independently, (but around the same time) in Pakistan.

Molecular detection of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus viroid-III (CVd-III), and Citrus viroid-IV (CVd-IV) in Palestine

Citrus hosts various phytopathogens that have impacted productivity, including viroids. Missing data on the status of viroids in citrus in Palestine were not reported. This study was aimed to detect any of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus viroid-III (CVd-III), and Citrus viroid-IV (CVd-IV) in the Palestinian National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) germplasm collection Field inspections found symptoms such as leaf epinasty; vein discoloration, and bark cracking on various citrus varieties. RT-PCR revealed a significant prevalence of CVd-IV; CEVd and CVd-III (47%, 31%, and 22%; respectively). CVd-III variants with 91.3% nucleic acid sequence homology have been reported. The sequence of each viroid were deposited in GenBank as (OP925746 for CEVd, OP902248 and OP902249 for CVd-III-PS-1 and -PS-2 isolates, and OP902247 for CVd-IV). This was the first to report three of citrus viroids in Palestine, appealing to apply of phytosanitary measures to disseminate healthy propagating materials free from viroids.

Response of Thirteen Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Cultivars to Severe Stripe Rust (Puccinia Striiformis f. Sp. Tritici) Attack

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici has become an increasing threat for wheat crops worldwide. In Romania, stripe rust showed in 2023 increased adaptation to higher temperatures and different virulence at various sites. We analyzed the response to this new stripe rust variant of twelve winter wheat cultivars released by the National Agricultural Research & Development Institute Fundulea - Romania and one historical check, at six locations that reported higher attacks in 2023. Cultivars showed significantly different disease scores, ranging from resistant to very susceptible. Four of the five resistant cultivars were related and probably carry the same resistance gene(s) and only one had a different genealogy. All the other eight cultivars were medium-susceptible and susceptible. This underlines the need for more diversity of resistance to stripe rust in the breeding program. Resistance gene Yr18, present in two of the tested cultivars did not offer a sufficient protection against stripe rust. Average grain yield was significantly correlated with stripe rust scores averaged over the six sites (r=-0.85). However, cultivars with similar disease scores had different yields, as illustrated by large deviations from the regression of yields on stripe rust scores. These deviations might reflect differences in yielding potential and/or in tolerance to the disease. Cumulating these traits with genetic resistance deserves attention in breeding programs.

O raro NARC-G1 alho: quantificação comparativa de alicina com perfil morfo-bioquímico e genético

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an important cash food crop, and the biotechnology industry has considerable interest in the plant because of its medicinal importance. These medicinal properties are attributed to organosulphur compounds as the accumulation of these compounds varies according to genotype, locality, light quality, and cultivation practices. In this study, we compared a newly developed garlic variety NARC-G1 by National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan with three different garlic cultivars and highlighted the distinctive attributes like phenotypic characteristics, the content of allicin, elemental profile, and gene polymorphism. Phenotypic analysis showed NARC-G1 has significantly higher bulb weight (66.36g ± 18.58), single clove weight (5.87g ± 1.041), and clove width (17.41mm ± 0.95) which directly correlates to the size of the garlic. The analytical analysis showed the highest allicin content (4.82 ± 0.001) in NARC-G1. Genotyping of the alliinase in all four cultivars showed indels in the gene resulting in distinguishable changes in organosulphur compounds' profile. NARC-G1 is unique from other garlic cultivars and could be the best choice for mass production with proper cultivation and irrigation management. Moreover, for Pakistan NARC-G1 could be a potential contender to earn the industrial benefits with inland cultivation instead of importing garlic alleviating the economic burden.

THE CONTROL OF WEEDS PRESENT IN THE RAPE CROP FROM NARDI FUNDULEA

This paper present the results obtained at National Agricultural Research and Development Institute Fundulea, during 2020-2022, according to the herbicide treatments: : Galera Super (40 g/l aminopyralid +240 g/l clopyralid+80 g/l picloram), Galera Super (40 g/l aminopyralid +240 g/l clopyralid+80 g/l picloram), Korveto (5g/l halauxifen-metil+ 120g/l clopyralid), postemergently (rape, BBCH 12-13 in autumn) and postemergently (rape, BBCH 33-39 in spring) applied for the weeds controlling from the rape crop. The main objective of this work focused on the study of the selectivity and effectiveness of the application of herbicide treatments to combat the weeds present in the rape crop.The herbicides must be correlated with the infestation degree of weed, the spectrum and dominance of weeds, the time of application, the technical potential for efficacy, the local climatic conditions.

Lupinus mutabilis Breeding in the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia: A Review

Lupinus mutabilis, also known as tarwi or chocho, is an important agricultural species that has been cultivated in South America since ancient times. Tarwi is native to the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador and has very high protein content. Despite its high nutritional value and promotion efforts by regional researchers and breeders, tarwi is not a widely cultivated crop in its center of origin. In this review, we present the work carried out by public breeding programs of L. mutabilis at national agricultural research institutes, universities, and other institutions in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The main breeding method used in the Andes to improve local landraces has been mass selection to adapt lines to specific environments. At least 25 cultivars or ecotypes have been selected and released over the last 40 years using this breeding system. Nevertheless, breeders are currently struggling to develop new varieties that are high yielding, suitable for mechanized harvesting, have a low content of alkaloids or other anti-nutritional properties, and resistant to anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum). Therefore, it is necessary to reassess the potential of this crop and invest in its research to incorporate new techniques and breeding strategies to optimize the development of new varieties in the Andes which address the current cultivation challenges of the species.

Research on carbon balance in Japan

The article presents an overview of scientific publications on the subject of the study «carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems», made for the territory of Japan and indexed in the Scopus database for the period 2017-2021. Within this theme, the areas with the highest number of articles are highlighted: carbon fluxes in soils, carbon stocks in above ground phytomass (mainly studies of the ecosystems of Hokkaido), features of carbon dioxide sequestration by various plant species typical for Japan, as well as the carbon balance dynamics associated with deforestation, reforestation and natural phenomena such as typhoons. The most active in publishing activity scientific and academic institutions were identified (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute; National Agriculture and Food Research Organization; Hokkaido University).

Effects of Intercropping on Maize and Soybean Yield Performance, Land Equivalent Ratio, and Maize Leaf Area in Conservation Agriculture

Maize-soybean intercropping systems as a conservation farming practice are receiving increased focus from the scientific community. This is because of the advantages of intercropping, especially nutrient benefits through cereal-legume interactions, alternative sustainable methods to manage biotic stress (pests, diseases, weeds), and crop failure risk management due to erratic weather. In addition, smallholders in developing countries commonly use intercropping to produce crops. In Uganda, 40% of smallholder farmers are practicing intercropping yet no adequate location-specific information is available to inform their practice. Farmers who adopted conservation farming practices did not mulch their maize due to drudgery associated with collecting mulch. This study evaluated the effect of two tillage methods (T1 = Conventional tillage using ox drawn mould board plough, T2 = Minimum tillage using ox drawn ripper) and five soil cover practices (SC1 = Mulched Maize, SC2 = Control no mulch, SC3 = Two rows of soybean in between one row of maize, SC4 = One row of soybean in between one row of maize, SC5 = Sole soybean) on maize and soybean yield performance. The trials were established for 4 rainy seasons on a sandy loam ferrosol at National Agricultural Research Organization Institute in Lira, Uganda. Soil cover practice had a significant effect on maize and soybean crop Yield. Mulching significantly increased maize yield and LAI. The LER for both intercropping partterns were above 1.2. Tillage methods were not significantly different in determining crop performance. The practice of minimum tillage should also be adopted because it enhances the positive effects of soil cover (intercropping). We recommend farmers to adopt the intercropping pattern of one row of soybean in between maize row spaced at 75 × 30 cm for better LER, and crop performance. This intercropping pattern maximizes on available resources to deliver better output in conservation farming. Maize crop generally performed better during first season as compared to second season. We recommend farmers to utilize the first rains as the main maize production season.

Intra-household discrete choice experiment for trait preferences: a new method

Crop trait and varietal preferences are socially shaped, varying by gender, experience, and on-farm roles. This drives preference heterogeneity, between households but also within households. Adhering to the common practice of only interviewing the household head as a representative of households, leads to breeding programs collecting trait preferences that do not represent the experiences of other members within that household. This dearth of data on trait preferences of multiple household members could be hindered by the lack of robust and agile methods to collect this data. Here we present a method that explores intra-household differences between husbands and wives in trait preferences through choice experimentation, coupled with questions that capture decision-making, experience and time spent on farm to explore how these drive preferences. Dissecting crop management into three dimensions, we explore what drives intra-household heterogeneity in varietal preferences between husbands and wives, as well as, decision-making, crop experience and time spent working on the crop. We present preliminary results from testing this combined protocol with 270 cowpea growing households (540 respondents) in Senegal. The findings from this work hold promise to inform crop breeding programs on the value of intra-household analysis for trait priority setting, while offering a new method which is applicable by National Agricultural Research Organizations globally.

La expansión de la palma aceitera en Ecuador desde la revolución verde, 1961-2021

This article focuses on the scientific, political and entrepreneurial networks that favored the expansion of the oil palm in Ecuador (1961-2021) during the Green Revolution period, which involved the promotion of crops for industrial transformation. The purpose is to highlight the articulation that emerged around the oil palm and the relationship between the National Agricultural Research Institute (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIAP) and the National Association of Palm Producers (Asociación Nacional de Cultivadores de Palma, ANCUPA). The analysis is based on data from the INIAP archives at the INIAP-Santa Catalina Experimental Station. The main conclusion is that palm expansion responded to a cultural assemblage of power relations in which physical, social, financial, scientific and technical elements converged.