On-farm Diversity Research Articles

Molecular Characterization of a Cacao Germplasm Collection Maintained in Yunnan, China Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers

Cacao is an economically important crop, since it provides the raw material for the multibillion dollar global chocolate industry. Yunnan Province is in the far southwestern region of China where tropical agriculture makes up a significant part of the provincial GDP. There is great potential for cacao production in Yunnan, given the rapid increase of chocolate consumption in China. Understanding the genetic background of available germplasm is essential for effective genebank management and crop genetic improvement. The objectives of this investigation were to assess the genetic identity of the cacao germplasm maintained in Yunnan, China; and to quantify the level of genetic diversity in comparison with available diversity in international collections. Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers, we genotyped the cacao collection maintained in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan. Multivariate analysis and Bayesian assignment test, using 150 reference cacao accessions, showed that these introduced cacao germplasm accessions have a narrow genetic background and were mostly comprised of Amelonado hybrids. Of the 88 Yunnan accessions, 59% of the parentage is contributed by Amelonado and 17% by two Upper Amazon Forastero populations. The study demonstrated that these introduced cacao germplasm accessions have a narrow genetic background thus lacking multiple sources of resistance to major cacao diseases. The present results therefore suggest that new introductions are needed to enrich genetic diversity in this collection. An improved germplasm collection would serve as a foundation for broader on-farm diversity for cacao cultivation in Yunnan, as well as in other tropical regions of China.

Assessment on the current status of on-farm diversity and farmer’s perception for landraces crops at Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Assessment on the current status of on-farm diversity and farmer’s perception for landraces crops at Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Traditional Crops for Household Food Security and Factors Associated with on-Farm Diversity in the Mountains of Nepal

Traditional crops play an important role in household food security and livelihood needs of mountain communities, while at the same time safeguarding crop biodiversity for future generations. This study aims to analyse socioeconomic, farm-specific agro-ecological and market factors influencing cultivation and maintenance of crop diversity in Nepal. It used sample surveys of 328 households from mountains of Humla, Jumla, Lamjung and Dolakha districts in 2015. The sample survey was supplemented with participatory rural appraisals, field monitoring visits and local stakeholder consultations. Tobit regression model was used to assess factors driving household decisions to allocate area for production and maintenance ofon-farm diversity. Farm maintenance of crop diversity was related to household food sufficiency level of traditional crops. Factors influencing on-farm crop diversity and household food security varied with the crops, and mainly related with farmers’ age, family size, farm size, agro-ecosystem and market factor. Future research and development interventions need to focus on diversity rich solutions and technologies tailored to specific crops, socioeconomic, market and farm-agroecology of the households enhancing household food security and management of mountain crop biodiversity.

Impact and Opportunities of Agroecological Intensification Strategies on Farm Performance: A Case Study of Banana-Based Systems in Central and South-Western Uganda

Agroecological intensification (AEI) practices relying on on-farm diversity tend to close nutrient cycles and reduce dependency on external inputs in agricultural systems. These practices improve the productivity of banana-based systems in Uganda, but their extent of implementation differs between and within regions. However, the impact of AEI practices on a broader range of objectives including environmental and nutritional objectives, is hardly quantified. Additionally, recommendations to improve the farm performance, given these options, are lacking. We, therefore, analyzed the current farm performance for these broad range of objectives and explored optimal farm reconfigurations in two Ugandan districts, one in Central Uganda and one in Southwestern (SW) Uganda. Given the heterogeneity of smallholder farms, a farm typology based on the applied AEI practices was developed. It classified the subsistence farms in Central Uganda into two extreme groups with an average of 11.0 and 16.4 AEI practices applied per farm. Farms in SW Uganda were moderately intensified (i.e., 13.0 practices). The FarmDESIGN model revealed a higher species diversity, relatively higher profitability (2,039 – 3,270 $/ha/year) and nutritional yield on farms in Central Uganda. However, relatively high soil erosion levels (0.243 – 0.240) and negative nitrogen (N) balances (−72 to −50 kg N/ha/year) were indicative of unsustainable practices. In contrast, farms in SW Uganda were less diverse and more market oriented. Their commercial orientation allowed investments in soil fertility management, resulting in more sustainable [low soil erosion level (0.172) and positive N balance (5 kg/ha/year)], but less profitable (506 $/ha/year) systems. To improve farm performance, bananas and other perennials played a key role. Explorations with Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) hedgerow or Mucuna pruriens (Mucuna) cover crop increased on-farm mulch production, improved sustainability indicators and profitability. We conclude that AEI practices can improve farm performance, and a more intensive use would be beneficial. In addition, the FarmDESIGN model provides a useful tool for redesigning these farms, proposing different redesigns depending on farmers' objectives (profitability, productivity or sustainability), and for evaluating ex ante the impact of new agricultural measures on farm performance.

On-farm rice diversity and farmers’ preferences for varietal attributes in Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar

ABSTRACTMyanmar falls within the center of the genetic diversity of many economically important crops, including wild and cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, the majority of the genetic resources of Myanmar, particularly local varieties, and their distribution remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to investigate the on-farm varietal diversity and the determinants of farmers’ variety choices in the Ayeyarwady delta in southern Myanmar, specifically for rainfed rice cultivation. Data from 150 randomly selected households, distributed across five townships, were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Households were located in three agro-ecological zones based on the predominant water type (fresh, brackish, and saline). The on-farm diversity appeared to be relatively high according to the number of varieties grown by the farmers. In total, 39 varieties were identified within the survey area. Only 34% of the interviewed farmers grew high-yielding varieties (HYVs) at least on a fraction of their land and the likelihood of adoption of HYVs decreased with length of farming experience, education, and soil fertility, but increased with total area sown under rice according to binomial regression model. From a policy perspective for the high adoption of HYVs, the establishment of a product profile for developing new rice varieties should give priority to farmers’ desired attributes and the vital features, such as resistance to environmental stresses or/and preferred qualitative rice properties, rather than solely considering increased yield.

How the Smart Food Concept Can Lead to the Transformation of Food Systems and Combat Malnutrition: Different Approaches in Africa, Globally, and a Case Study from Myanmar with Lessons Learnt for Creating Behavior Change in Diets.

Some of the biggest global issues are poor diets, environmental concerns, and poverty. To tackle malnutrition, fast-growing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, environmental concerns like climate change, land and water scarcity, and poverty, we need to incorporate dietary and on-farm diversity. These issues should be treated in unison, but also with more holistic solutions. Mainstreaming "traditional" Smart Foods back as staples across Africa and Asia is part of the "Smart Food" approach. Smart Foods are food items that fulfill the criteria of being good for you, the planet, and the farmer. Sorghum and millet were selected as the first Smart Foods and a participatory fun-filled approach was adopted to create awareness, to develop culturally acceptable products, and to bring about behavior change to improve adoption, dietary diversity, and nutritional status. Smart Food piloted these activities in Myanmar to understand its potential on the consumer market. Smart Food was promoted in different countries through social media competitions in Mali, cooking shows in Kenya and India, recipe development by popular chefs in Paris and London, as well as school feeding programs in Tanzania and India, and an international millet festival in Niger. As a case study in Myanmar, we compared two approaches to introduce Smart Food - one which directly introduces new products and one which takes a culturally sensitive participatory and inclusive approach. The later approach resulted in the development of 27 recipes, in contrast with the former approach, which accepted only 3 of the 13 products tested. The 27 products developed locally exhibited superior nutrient values compared to usual rice porridge. The Smart Food initiative is demonstrating the potential to make a difference in society and for the environment, thus contributing to a major impact on leading global issues such as dietary diversity, improved nutritional status, and adapting to climate change.

On-Farm Diversity Assessment and Participatory Varietal Evaluation of Cold-Tolerant Rice in Mid-Hills of Nepal

Drawing upon consequentially growing food insecurity in mid-hills attributed to poor adoption levels inter alia inflicted by narrow range of locally adaptive farmer’s preferred cold tolerant rice varietal options in national agricultural system, the present study was undertaken. We conducted on farm diversity assessment of 60 high altitude rice genotypes from ex-situ and on farm employing un-replicated diversity block in 2015. Subsequently, we identified eight promising locally adaptive genotypes as candidate genotypes based on the inferences of diversity block trial and evaluated them through participatory variety selection (PVS) using randomized block design in 2016 under on-farm conditions. Our studies revealed marked diversity among the Nepalese cold-tolerant rice genotypes. The UPGMA cluster analysis categorized the 60 genotypes into six distinct clusters. Strong positive correlation between grain yield and plant height; panicle length; straw yield and strong negative correlation between grain yield and 1000-grain weight was detected. PCA suggested traits viz., plant height, panicle length, days to 50% heading, and grain yield to be principal discriminatory characteristics of the cold-tolerant rice. Seto Kattike, Naulo Dhan, and Borang were most promising and adaptive genotypes whose eminence were justifiably corroborated and validated by farmer’s overall evaluation. The most valued farmer’s selection criteria were grain and straw yield, earliness, disease resistance, and stem borer tolerance. The findings bolster employment of novel and proven participatory plant breeding approach using diversity kits and IRD kits to expand and promote varietal choice options for immediate benefits to the farmers and facilitate rapid varietal release and registration.

English

Barley is one of the major cereal crops grown in Ethiopia. The diversity of barley landraces kept for generations in Ethiopia is nowadays subject to genetic erosion. This is true in North Gondar highlands of the country as well. This research was therefore initiated with the aim of studying the farm diversity status of barley landraces in Debark, Dabat and Wogera districts. A total of 180 randomly selected farmers from six villages were surveyed with a proportion of 30 farmers/village. Ecological models were employed to analyze the level of diversity. Genetic erosion models were employed to estimate the level of genetic erosion over a ten-year period of time. A total of 24 landraces were described by farmers of the studied sites. Of these, 18 of them are still under cultivation although their area coverage is declining from time to time. The landraces Abat gebs, Nech gebs and Tikur gebs were found to be the most common and widely grown. Debark district was found to have the highest richness (Margalef=2.45; Menhinick=1.43) followed by Wogera and Dabat districts. With regard to evenness as a measure of Shannon diversity index, Wogera district (E=0.85) showed the highest diversity followed by dabat (E=0.83) and debark (E=0.79). Simpson’s diversity index (D) also revealed the abundance of Nech gebs (0.66), Abat gebs (0.6) and Tikur gebs (0.52). The landraces Demo kises, Goreneje, Chankirme, Gabieaswelik, Amedo and Gero tal were found to be out of production in the last ten years and probably eroded. Genetic erosion and genetic integrity over ten years (2006-2016) was found to be 25 and 75%, respectively. The name given to landraces studied was found to be associated with certain characteristics or situations. Thus, policy makers and researchers should give attention to conservation of landraces of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for better use of genetic resources. Key words: On-farm diversity, genetic erosion, barley, landrace.

Benefit sharing mechanisms for agricultural genetic diversity use and on-farm conservation

The agricultural genetic diversity is reducing at an accelerating pace. Benefit sharing mechanisms are well-known instruments to incentivize local genetic resource providers to maintain on-farm diversity and to avoid free-riding behaviour by multinational bioprospecting firms. We explore the role of these mechanisms in a setting where the output of bioprospecting activities (i.e. a modern seeds variety) competes, through an indirect channel (the release of a new modern crop variety), with traditional agriculture, but the latter is, in turn, necessary to conserve the genetic pool from which multinational firms could have access to adapted genetic traits for developing new modern varieties in the future. The on-farm diversity is fundamental to increase the option value of conservation. While gene banks guarantee the access to a large genetic pool, the preservation and selection of varieties in ecological niches by farmers ensures an evolutionary process of genetic adaptation from which extracting new useful traits in the future. Thus, we adopt a multistage game where a multinational firm anticipates the impact of its bioprospecting investments and price setting decisions on a local farmer incentives to conserve on-farm genetic diversity. We focus our attention on two benefit sharing mechanisms, namely profits sharing and technology transfers, and compare them with a benchmark featuring free genetic resources access. Our main conclusions suggest that incentives to conservation are the strongest under profit sharing, while a technology transfer produces a genetic erosion that is even higher than under free access. These results shed new light on policy design, especially in developing countries where agricultural genetic diversity is a strategic natural asset.

Morphological and genetic diversity of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Uganda.

Cocoa is among the top foreign exchange earners in Uganda's agriculture sector and has benefitted the livelihood of farmers involved in production. Although cacao cultivation was adopted in the early 1900s, little is known about the on-farm diversity of the crop. A total of 125 cacao landraces were surveyed from eight districts in the Central and Western Regions to evaluate the morphological and genetic diversity of cacao in Uganda. Passport data included site, tree, fruit and seed information. Trees were genotyped using 96 single nucleotide polymorphism markers on a Fluidigm platform. Low heterozygosity was detected in the germplasm in both the Central [observed heterozygosity (H o ) = 0.295, expected heterozygosity (H e) = 0.334] and Western Regions (H o = 0.317, H e = 0.322). Genetic variation in both regions was generally comparable but the regions could be differentiated from each other. Inbreeding was noted in the Central Region while a greater sharing of genetic material was observed in the Western Region. The morphological and genetic data indicated that the Ugandan collection was an interspersed group with low to moderate variation with some separation of the Central from Western regions. Ancestry analysis indicated that the majority of the accessions were hybrids of Marañon lineage but also had Amelonado and Iquitos genetic backgrounds. These findings are consistent with the history of the movement of cacao into Uganda. A core collection of 18 individuals to represent the genetic diversity as well as 12 additional trees with possible advantageous traits is proposed.

Integrating local knowledge with tree diversity analyses to optimize on-farm tree species composition for ecosystem service delivery in coffee agroforestry systems of Uganda

Coffee agroforestry systems deliver ecosystem services (ES) critical for rural livelihoods like food but also disservices that constrain livelihoods like fostering coffee-pests. Since such ES are tree-based, maximizing ES and limiting constraints requires knowledge on optimizing on-farm tree composition especially trees adapted to local conditions. The study was in three sites along a rainfall gradient in Central Uganda where we: assessed tree diversity in coffee agroforestry; ranked tree suitability for providing ES according to farmers’ knowledge; and then proposed an approach for optimizing on-farm tree composition for delivery of ES. We collected data on tree diversity and, farmers’ knowledge of tree species and the ES they provide. Farmers ranked ES in order of importance to their livelihoods (‘Needs rank’) and ranked trees according to suitability for providing ES. Using Bradley Terry modeling, we grouped trees into ‘ES groups’ according to suitability for providing different ES and ranked ‘ES groups’ according to tree diversity (‘Diversity rank’). Tree-suitability for providing ES and importance of ES to farmers varied with rainfall regime but tree diversity did not match farmers’ needs for ES. We propose the FaD–FaN (matching farm tree diversity to farmers’ needs) approach for optimizing tree species composition with respect to tree-suitability for farmers’ priority ES. Farmers locally prioritize ES needed and identify trees that best serve such ES. The approach then focuses on modifying on-farm tree diversity to match/suit farmers’ priority ES. The FaD–FaN approach caters for varying socio-ecological conditions; it’s adaptable for other coffee and cocoa-growing areas worldwide.

On-farm crop diversity for sustainability and resilience in farming - A review

Modern intensive monocropping system is becoming unproductive, pest ridden, loss incurring, and resource depleting and hence turning out to be untenable. Lack of discrimination in input use by farm managers and overall poor management are accelerating degradation and desertification processes, and loss of biodiversity particularly add in endangered regions. While, properly designed diverse and strategically located tree/seasonal crop based land use systems can contribute to ecologic services by mitigation land degradation, climate change and desertification, while conserving natural resources and biodiversity. Besides providing, diverse goods and services, on-farm diversity can be considered as an adoptive strategy in areas climatically and biologically vulnerable. Being a potential C sink, tree based land use systems can also mitigate negative impacts of CO2 emission. As green belt/bank these have an important role in maintaining air, water and soil quality in mining and industrial areas. The so-called cellulosic feedstocks can be grown on marginal land, enhance soil fertility by promoting the growth of various soil organisms, and provide a climate- friendly source of energy. There are plenty of underexploited but potential plant species which can find niche in the existing agroecosystems with substantial addition to total production while contributing sufficiently to ecological services. These needs to be identified and useful models are developed for specific situations.

On-Farm Diversity and Market Participation Are Positively Associated with Dietary Diversity of Rural Mothers in Southern Benin, West Africa.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to test the extent to which, under different opportunities for market participation, the diversity of plant species rural households grow or collect (on-farm diversity), and the variety of foods mothers purchase (market diversity) are associated with their dietary diversity.MethodsRural households from three districts in southern Benin were interviewed during dry (n = 472) and wet (n = 482) seasons between 2011 and 2012. Villages within districts and their households were selected randomly according to market accessibility, with a mother selected from each household. Information on on-farm diversity was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Market diversity was obtained through a 7-day food frequency questionnaire that elicited if foods were purchased. Dietary diversity was derived from a quantitative 24-hour food recall. A system of three simultaneous equations via a Generalized Methods of Moments was estimated to address potential endogeneity between dietary diversity and on-farm diversity and market diversity.ResultsResults show rich on-farm diversity with more than 65 different edible plant species grown or collected by households. More than 70% of foods consumed by mothers were purchased in 55 market places. More than 50% of mothers met minimum dietary diversity with at least 5 food groups consumed. Diagnostic tests indicated the existence of endogeneity. Econometric results showed that on-farm and market diversities were positively associated with mothers’ dietary diversity (p < 0.05) once market opportunities, seasonality and other socioeconomic factors were controlled for.ConclusionResults provide evidence of a positive relationship between on-farm diversity and dietary diversity among participant mothers. They demonstrate the important contribution of market diversity to their dietary diversity. Links among these three facets of diversity suggest that production for self-consumption and food purchases complement rather than replace each other in their contribution to dietary diversity and thus dietary quality.

Influence of Seasonal On-Farm Diversity on Dietary Diversity: A Case Study of Smallholder Farming Households in Western Kenya

ABSTRACTThis study explored the associations between dietary patterns and farm diversity as well as socioeconomic variables during two seasons in rural Western Kenya. As a mean of two surveys, the average dietary diversity scores (DDS) of households and women were low, implying low household economic access to food and low women’s dietary quality. The Food Consumption Score (FCS) showed that acceptable levels of food consumption were realized over seven consecutive days in the 2014 survey by the majority of households (83%) and women (90%). While there was no strong association between the food scores and seven farm diversity indicators, both food scores were significantly associated with the household’s wealth status, ethnicity of both the household head and the spouse, and the education level of the spouse. For holistic household food and nutrition security approaches, we suggest a shift from a focus on farm production factors to incorporating easily overlooked socioeconomic factors such as household decision-making power and ethnicity.

Production diversity and dietary diversity in smallholder farm households

Undernutrition and micronutrient malnutrition remain problems of significant magnitude in large parts of the developing world. Improved nutrition requires not only better access to food for poor population segments, but also higher dietary quality and diversity. Because many of the poor and undernourished people are smallholder farmers, diversifying production on these smallholder farms is widely perceived as a useful approach to improve dietary diversity. However, empirical evidence on the link between production and consumption diversity is scarce. Here, this issue is addressed with household-level data from Indonesia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Malawi. Regression models show that on-farm production diversity is positively associated with dietary diversity in some situations, but not in all. When production diversity is already high, the association is not significant or even turns negative, because of foregone income benefits from specialization. Analysis of other factors reveals that market access has positive effects on dietary diversity, which are larger than those of increased production diversity. Market transactions also tend to reduce the role of farm diversity for household nutrition. These results suggest that increasing on-farm diversity is not always the most effective way to improve dietary diversity in smallholder households and should not be considered a goal in itself. Additional research is needed to better understand how agriculture and food systems can be made more nutrition-sensitive in particular situations.

Variability of On-Farm Food Plant Diversity and Its Contribution to Food Security: A Case Study of Smallholder Farming Households in Western Kenya

Traditional mixed agroforestry farms are regarded as sustainable agroecological systems contributing to agrobiodiversity conservation and household food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, in Kenya little is known on the level of agrobiodiversity of these mixed farms and its contribution to food and nutrition security. A case study was conducted to assess food plant and livestock diversity and to identify the biophysical and socioeconomic factors influencing food plant diversity in 30 smallholder farms in Western Kenya. The survey identified six livestock species and 59 food plant species. Higher food plant species richness was found on farms managed by wealthier households and older household heads. However, households with high on-farm food plant richness and diversity were not more food secure than households managing species-poor farms. The nonsignificant relationship between food security and agrobiodiversity during the time of this case study may have resulted from the fact that the surveyed 30 families sourced significant proportions of their food from markets and did not fully depend on their farms for food, particularly for spices and condiments, fruits, and animal source foods. Therefore, we suggest a diversification of farms through livestock and fruit tree farming for improving dietary diversity and incomes of the surveyed households.

Community Perspectives on the On-Farm Diversity of Six Major Cereals and Climate Change in Bhutan

Subsistence Bhutanese farmers spread across different agro-ecological zones maintain large species and varietal diversity of different crops in their farm. However, no studies have been undertaken yet to assess why farmers conserve and maintain large agro-biodiversity, the extent of agro-ecological richness, species richness, estimated loss of traditional varieties and threats to the loss of on-farm agro-biodiversity. Information on the number of varieties cultivated by the farmers for six important staple crops were collected from nine districts and twenty sub-districts spread across six different agro-ecological zones of the country to understand farmers reasons for maintaining on-farm crop diversity, estimate agro-ecological richness, species richness and the overall loss of traditional varieties, to know the famers’ level of awareness on climate change and the different threats to crop diversity. The results from this study indicated that an overwhelming 93% of the respondents manage and use agro-biodiversity for household food security and livelihood. The average agro-ecological richness ranged from 1.17 to 2.26 while the average species richness ranged from 0.50 to 2.66. The average agro-ecological richness indicates a large agro-ecological heterogeneity in terms of the different species of staple crops cultivated. The average species richness on the other hand shows that agro-ecological heterogeneity determines the type and extent of the cultivation of the six different staple cereals under consideration. The overall loss of traditional varieties in a time period of 20 years stands at 28.57%. On climate change, 94% of the farmers recognize that local climate is changing while 86% responded that they are aware of the potential impacts of climate change on their livelihoods. Climate change and associated factors was considered the most imminent threat to the management and loss of on-farm agro-biodiversity. The results from this study indicate that on-farm agro-biodiversity conservation, development and utilization programs have to be more specific to the different agro-ecological zones considering the agro-ecological heterogeneity. Attention has to be given to individual crops that have low average species richness and high percentage of loss of traditional varieties. The impact of climate change could offset the traditional seed system which primarily supports the persistence of on-farm agro-biodiversity in several ways.

Genetic diversity and parentage in farmer selections of cacao from Southern Sulawesi, Indonesia revealed by microsatellite markers.

Indonesia is the third largest cocoa-producing country in the world. Knowledge of genetic diversity and parentage of farmer selections is important for effective selection and rational deployment of superior cacao clones in farmers’ fields. We assessed genetic diversity and parentage of 53 farmer selections of cacao in Sulawesi, Indonesia, using 152 international clones as references. Cluster analysis, based on 15 microsatellite markers, showed that these Sulawesi farmer selections are mainly comprised of hybrids derived from Trinitario and two Upper Amazon Forastero groups. Bayesian assignment and likelihood-based parentage analysis further demonstrated that only a small number of germplasm groups, dominantly Trinitario and Parinari, contributed to these farmer selections, in spite of diverse parental clones having been used in the breeding program and seed gardens in Indonesia since the 1950s. The narrow parentage predicts a less durable host resistance to cacao diseases. Limited access of the farmers to diverse planting materials or the strong preference for large pods and large bean size by local farmers, may have affected the selection outcome. Diverse sources of resistance, harbored in different cacao germplasm groups, need to be effectively incorporated to broaden the on-farm diversity and ensure sustainable cacao production in Sulawesi.

English

Analysis of spatial diversity, temporal diversity and coefficient of parentage (COP) were carried out along with measurements of agronomic and morphological traits to explain on-farm diversity of modern varieties or landraces of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum durum L.) grown by farmers in Ethiopia. Farm level surveys showed low spatial diversity of wheat where only a few dominant varieties appeared to occupy a large proportion of wheat area. The five top wheat varieties were grown by 56% of the sample farmers and these varieties were planted on 80% of the total wheat area. The weighted average age of wheat varieties was high with an average of 13.8 years for bread wheat showing low temporal diversity or varietal replacement by farmers. The COP analysis showed that average and weighted diversity of bread wheat was 0.76 and 0.66, respectively variance component analysis showed significant variations for agronomic characters such as plant height, grain yield, and yield components (kernels spike-1, thousand seed weight) among modern varieties and/or landraces. The principal component analysis explained better the variation among varieties and landraces. Cluster analysis based on agro-morphological traits grouped modern varieties and landraces into separate clusters. The present study describes the diversity of wheat crop available on the farm using different indicators. The variation among modern varieties and landraces offered opportunities for using genotypes with desired agronomic characters in plant breeding to develop varieties suitable for different agro-ecological zones in the country. &nbsp; Key words: Ethiopia, wheat, genetic diversity, spatial diversity, temporal diversity, coefficient of parentage, landraces. &nbsp

On-Farm Diversity and Genetic Erosion of Tetraploid Wheat Landraces in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to document wheat landraces that were and and Dandi districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia; and to investigate the extent of genetic loss and its causes. Survey was carried out in three Peasant Associations of Ambo District and four Peasant Associations of Dandi District from 2007 to 2008. Three to five farmers’ group per Peasant Association containing 5 to 12 individual farmers per group were used for group discussions from September to December was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire prepared by researcher from August to October 2008. In total 20 diverse tetraploid wheat landraces were identified in the study areas. However, presently 4 to 5 landraces are cultivated. Genetic erosi 62% in Ambo and Dandi district, respectively. The landraces differ concerning morphology, adaptation and end-uses. Some landraces exhibit broad adaptation that enables them to be cultivated in a wider area over different districts. Specific adaptation to various soil conditions, e.g. water logging and poor soil fertility, and short rainy season play key roles for the predominant cultivation of specific landraces over others in sensitive environmen Preferences for end-use products and market prices also display major impacts on the continuous cultivation of tetraploid wheat. The causes for the loss of landraces varieties were expansion of improved bread wheat varieties, low soil fertility and poo landraces, and shorter rainy season. Among the available varieties, predominantly grown in both districts, due to its higher price in the market for its brewing quality. Diverse farmers’ indigenous knowledge supported continu conservation of landrace varieties.