Varietal Choice Research Articles

Internationalization, premiumization and diversity of the world's winegrape varieties

ABSTRACT This article reveals the extent to which national mixes of winegrape varieties (in terms of vineyard bearing area) have become more ‘internationalized’ and of arguably higher quality since wine globalization accelerated from the 1990s, and what that means for diversity of the varietal mix in the global vineyard and in consumer choice. It does so using an updated global database involving 800+ wine regions that account for 99% of the world's winegrape vineyard area and 1,700+ DNA-distinct prime winegrape varieties and 1350+ synonyms, for 2000, 2010 and 2016. It shows that vignerons’ winegrape varietal choices are narrowing in the various wine-producing countries of the world by converging on the major ‘international’ varieties, especially French ones. This is not inconsistent with the fact that wine consumers in most countries are enjoying an ever-wider choice range in terms of varieties, thanks to far greater international trade in wine associated with the current wave of globalization. Nor is it inconsistent with strengthening vigneron interest in ‘alternative’ and native varieties. The data also suggest the quality of the current global mix of varieties has been rising well above the average quality of the most-planted varieties as of 1990 or 2000.

Assessing the impact of nitrogen supplementation in oats across multiple growth locations and years with targeted phenotyping and high-resolution metabolite profiling approaches

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are a healthy food, being high in dietary fibre (e.g. β-glucans), antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Understanding the effect of variety and crop management on nutritional quality is important. The response of four oat varieties to increased nitrogen levels was investigated across multiple locations and years with respect to yield, grain quality and metabolites (assessed via GC- and LC- MS). A novel high-resolution UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS method was developed, providing improved metabolite enrichment, resolution, and identification. The combined phenotyping approach revealed that, amino acid levels were increased by nitrogen supplementation, as were total protein and nitrogen containing lipid levels, whereas health-beneficial avenanthramides were decreased. Although nitrogen addition significantly increased grain yield and β-glucan content, supporting increasing the total nitrogen levels recommended within agricultural guidelines, oat varietal choice as well as negative impacts upon health beneficial secondary metabolites and the environmental burdens associated with nitrogen fertilisation, require further consideration.

Exploring Smallholder Farmers’ Preferences for Climate-Smart Seed Innovations: Empirical Evidence from Southern Ethiopia

Rapid plant breeding is essential to overcome low productivity problems in the face of climatic challenges. Despite considerable efforts to improve breeding practices in Ethiopia, increasing varietal release does not necessarily imply that farmers have access to innovative varietal choices. Prior research did not adequately address whether varietal attributes are compatible with farmers’ preferences in harsh environmental conditions. With an agricultural policy mainly aiming to achieve productivity maximization, existing breeding programs prioritize varietal development based on yield superiority. Against this background, we estimated a multinomial logit (MNL) model based on choice-experiment data from 167 bean growers in southern Ethiopia to explore whether farmers’ attribute preferences significantly diverge from those of breeders’ priorities. Four important bean attributes identified through participatory research methods were used. The results demonstrate that farmers have a higher propensity toward drought-tolerant capability than any of the attributes considered. The model estimates further show the existence of significant preference heterogeneity across farmers. These findings provide important insight to design breeding profiles compatible with specific producer segments. We suggest demand-driven breeding innovations and dissemination strategies in order to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart and higher-yielding bean innovations that contribute to achieve the national and global sustainability goals in Ethiopia.

Characterization of 150 Wheat Cultivars by LC-MS-Based Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Unravels Possibilities to Design Wheat Better for Baking Quality and Human Health.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. aestivum) contributes to 20% of the human protein supply, delivers essential amino acids and is of fundamental importance for bread and pasta quality. Wheat proteins are also involved in adverse human reactions like celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy (WA) and non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics of aqueous flour extracts, we determined 756 proteins across 150 wheat cultivars grown in three environments. However, only 303 proteins were stably expressed across all environments in at least one cultivar and only 89 proteins thereof across all 150 cultivars. This underlines the large influence of environmental conditions on the expression of many proteins. Wheat cultivars varied largely in their protein profile, shown by high coefficients of variation across different cultivars. Heritability (h2) ranged from 0–1, with 114 proteins having h² > 0.6, including important proteins for baking quality and human health. The expression of these 114 proteins should be amenable to targeted manipulation across the wheat supply chain by varietal choice and breeding for designing healthier wheat with better quality. Further technical development is urgently required to assign functions to identifiable proteins labeled yet uncharacterized in databases and speeding up detection methods to routinely use proteomics in wheat supply chains.

Productivity impact of drought tolerant maize varieties under rainfall stress in Malawi: A continuous treatment approach

AbstractDrought tolerant (DT) maize varieties have received massive support in sub‐Saharan Africa because of their potential to protect smallholder farmers against drought‐related maize yield losses. Using four waves of household farm panel data from six districts in Malawi, we examine the impact heterogeneity of this technology on maize productivity using a continuous treatment approach. We find strong evidence of positive correlation between maize yield and adoption of DT maize varieties. On average, an increase by one hectare in the area allocated to DT varieties increases maize yield by 547 Kg/ha representing a 44% increase from the average maize yield of 1,254 Kg/ha for our sample. Our findings give evidence that DT maize technology has potential to protect smallholder farmers against drought‐related production losses. Policies that promote increased allocation of maize area to DT maize hold potential to enhance food security. Smallholder farmers especially in drought‐prone areas should be encouraged to allocate at least one‐third of the maize plot to DT varieties while breeders continue with the efforts of breeding a DT variety that is not only drought tolerant but also adapted to all weather conditions. More importantly, the government should ensure provision of timely ex ante weather information to guide farmers on decision‐making with respect to maize varietal choices.

High-resolution proteomics reveals differences in the proteome of spelt and bread wheat flour representing targets for research on wheat sensitivities

Wheat consumption can trigger celiac disease, allergic reactions and non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) in humans. Some people with NCWS symptoms claim a better tolerability of spelt compared to bread wheat products. We therefore investigated potential differences in the proteomes of spelt and bread wheat flour using nano LC–ESI–MS/MS on a set of 15 representative varieties for each of the two species. Based on the bread wheat reference, we detected 3,050 proteins in total and for most of them the expression was mainly affected by the environment. By contrast, 274 and 409 proteins in spelt and bread wheat, respectively, had a heritability ≥ 0.4 highlighting the potential to influence their expression level by varietal choice. We found 84 and 193 unique proteins for spelt and bread wheat, respectively, and 396 joint proteins, which expression differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) when comparing both species. Thus, about one third of proteins differed significantly between spelt and bread wheat. Of them, we identified 81 proteins with high heritability, which therefore might be interesting candidates for future research on wheat hypersensitivities.

Climate resilience and varietal choice: a path analytic model for rice in Bangladesh

PurposeRice is the primary staple crop in South Asia and is cultivated mainly on lowland ecosystems usually fed by the monsoon. With increasing climatic volatility, exclusively rain-fed rice paddies have experienced a triple threat in droughts, floods and salinity. This study investigates the linkages of these abiotic stresses on yield and subsequent farmer decisions on varietal choice.Design/methodology/approachA path analytic model is conceptualized where the relationship between yield (conditional on abiotic stresses) and the varietal choice decision is mediated by adaptation motive (latent construct) and market exposure (observed construct). The path model is validated using 2,523 observations from Bangladesh farmers to obtain parameter estimates for direct effects and mediated effects indicated above.FindingsFindings reveal that drought and flood impacts, in contrast to salinity impacts, are influential to both yield and varietal choice. The adaptation motive, however, is clear only in the case of salinity. Time preference of farmers and previous exposure to climate shocks predict adaptation motive substantively. The study reveals that market exposure is also a significant mediator of varietal choice in addition to the mediating effect of adaptation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study adopts a path analytic model which is able to capture direct, indirect and mediated effects between exogenous factors and varietal choice decision. While the models provide conclusive statistical evidence to the above hypotheses, within-area variations of behavior may not be captured adequately by the method.Originality/valueAnalyzing the complexity of varietal decision-making choice using a path analytical model is a novel contribution to the literature. The application itself is unique to the context applied. The findings complement the literature on varietal adoption in the context of climate resilient paddy systems.

Assessment of smallholder farmers’ awareness of bean fly (Ophiomyia spp.) and management practices in central and northern Malawi: Implications for resistance breeding

The production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in East and Southern Africa (ESA) regions falls short of the demand partly due to insect pests and diseases, and a lack of high yielding varieties. Bean fly (Ophiomyia spp.) is one of the most devastating field insect pests of common bean in ESA and the development of host plant resistance to bean fly is an important strategy to combat yield losses caused by this insect pest. A survey involving 195 farmers in Kalira, Chipuka, Champhira and Luwerezi Agricultural Extension Planning Area (EPAs) in Malawi was conducted to assess their awareness of bean fly and their varietal selection criteria. Only 45% of the respondent farmers were aware of the bean fly pest and practiced integrated insect pest management strategies that included the use of chemical and botanical insecticides, and cultural control methods. The level of education, previous bean fly experience and farmer's location significantly (P < 0.001) influenced their awareness of bean fly. Principal component analysis identified disease resistance (with a loading score of (0.87), grain yield (0.34), insect pest resistance (0.35), early maturity (0.48) and cooking time (0.14) as the most important traits that influence farmers' varietal choice. Implementation of strategies such as farmer field schools and on farm field trials relating to bean fly and also introduction of adult literacy learning centers will promote awareness of bean fly. Therefore, common bean breeding programs should integrate and prioritize selection for these traits in varietal design for successful adoption of new cultivars among farmers in these and similar ecologies.

Advances in cultivar choice, hazelnut orchard management, and nut storage to enhance product quality and safety: an overview.

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a major species of interest for nutritional use within the Betulaceae family and its nuts are widely used throughout the world in the chocolate, confectionery, and bakery industries. Recently its cultivation has been expanded in traditional producer countries and established in new places in the southern hemisphere, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Introducing hazelnut in new environments could reduce its productivity, lead the trees to experience eco-physiological disorders, and expose the crop to high pressure from common and new pests and diseases. Thus, new approaches in cultivar choice guidance, in the sustainable orchard management and even in nut storage and kernel quality evaluation are urgently required to improve the hazelnut production and processing chain. The main objective of this study was to systematize the published information regarding recent findings about the cultural operations that directly influence nut and kernel quality, support varietal choice for new plantations, and list the recent advances in nut storage and in quality and safety evaluation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Varietal adaptations matter for agricultural water use – a simulation study on grain maize in Western Switzerland

Climate change is altering agricultural production conditions. Adaptation measures to reduce negative impacts of climate change and utilize emerging potentials may involve the increased use of irrigation water. With increased irrigation water consumption, water use conflicts and resource constraints may occur and aggravate under climate change. Estimates of expected changes in irrigation water demands are of great value to anticipate if and where such issues may arise. This study presents an analysis of projected changes in irrigation water demand and grain yield of maize subject to variation in cultivar choice, sowing dates, soil depth and texture, as well as climate projection uncertainty and crop model parameterization uncertainty. Study results suggest that varietal choice opens up a large scope for adaptation of future grain maize productivity with important implications for agricultural water use. Assuming that no mitigation measures are taken (RCP8.5), the cultivation of late-maturing varieties in combination with earlier sowing can be considered a suitable adaptation choice, even allowing for increasing yield levels until mid-century. However, with this adaptation choice, irrigation water demands could be expected to increase by up to 40% until the end of the century. While absolute estimates of irrigation water demands are strongly dependent on soil depth (and to a much smaller degree on soil texture), change signals of irrigation water demands were largely unaffected by variation in soil parameters. However, estimates of future changes in irrigation water demands are subject to large uncertainties originating from climate projection uncertainties, implying possible increases in irrigation water demands between <10% and>60%. Increases in irrigation water demands could be constrained by cultivating early-maturing varieties at the expense of lower production potentials. Selection and breeding efforts steered towards early varieties with extended grain filling duration may help to increase yield potentials.

Sprachnormbezogene Akkommodation in der Hochschullehre

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between accommodation processes and social norms in varietal choice within tertiary education in Austria. The investigation consists of (a) a content analysis of metalinguistic statements in semi-structured interviews and (b) a variable rule analysis of actual language variation in university lectures.The findings show that there are norms prescribing that listeners must have at least be able to comprehend a particular variety, whereas accommodation to actual language use does not appear to be required to the same extent. However, the norms depend strongly on group membership: while there is a norm prescribing the use of the standard variety in the presence of speakers of German as a foreign language, there is no such norm for Austrians vis-à-vis people from Germany, although speakers from both groups may lack the ability to understand the respective nonstandard varieties. This difference can be explained by the sociocultural context and differing language attitudes.

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.

Agro-morphological diversity of Nepalese naked barley landraces

BackgroundNaked barley is a traditional, climate-resilient and highly nutritious crop of the high mountains of Nepal. Knowledge of agro-morphological diversity among the naked barely genotypes is fundamental for their efficient utilization in plant breeding schemes and effective conservation programs. The primary objective of this study is phenotypic characterization and diversity assessment of naked barley landraces in Nepal for pre-breeding purposes.MethodologyData on quantitative and qualitative traits of 25 naked barley landraces from diversity blocks established across the four mountainous locations of Nepal (Humla, Jumla, Dolakha and Lamjung) were subjected to calculation of descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis (UPGMA cluster analysis/principal component analysis). Frequency distribution of various categories of qualitative traits and Shannon–Weaver diversity indices were computed.ResultsThe UPGMA cluster analysis using both quantitative and qualitative traits individually categorized the 25 naked barley landraces in five clusters in each case with no distinct regional grouping patterns in such a way that the landraces from same or adjacent regions of origin and collection amassed in different clusters. NGRC04894, Lamjung Local, NGRC02306, NPGR1579, NGRC02327 and NPGR1579 exhibited morphoagronomical superiority and potentiality for utilization as genitors in crop improvement programs. Principal component analysis revealed the quantitative traits, viz. grain yield, plant height and earliness, and qualitative traits, viz. grain color, overall phenotypic performance, lemma awn/hood and lemma awn barbs, to be the principal discriminatory characteristics of the Nepalese naked barley landrace collection. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) ranged from 0.32 to 0.99 with a mean value of 0.73, inferring tremendous diversity in the collection for the qualitative traits.ConclusionThe marked diversity observed among the Nepalese naked barley landraces could be utilized in crop improvement for various traits. The information generated complements the robust breeding program of competitive, stable and climate-resilient varieties of end users’ preferences in different mountainous agro-ecologies and also bolsters the employment of innovative and proven participatory plant breeding approach using diversity kits and informal research and development kits to expand and promote the varietal choice options for expeditious benefits to the farmers in the high mountains, considering that only one naked barley variety, viz. Solu Uwa, has been released in Nepal to date.

Effect of Water Regime on Growth Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) During Different Vegetative Phases

AbstractPlant growth and yield of cereal crops are seriously affected in drought‐prone environments, hence effective agricultural means are needed. This paper aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of supplemental irrigation, at different phenological phases, on theoretical yield components of two varieties (GTA‐Dur and Vitron) of durum wheat under field conditions. Field experiments included six water regime treatments: crop evapotranspiration ‘ETc’ throughout the wheat‐growing season (i.e. adequately irrigated); rainfed conditions (no irrigation); and four supplemental irrigation treatments (T1–T4) applied respectively at the beginning of four phenological phases of wheat growth (tillering, heading, flowering and grain filling). Yield components were significantly influenced at the beginning of the cropping season, while the components expressed in weights were influenced at late cropping. Theoretical grain yield of the variety Vitron increased by 33% at T1, 84.3% at T2, 424% at T3, 902% at T4 and 1100% at ETc. Water productivity (WP) increased by 45–70% in irrigation treatments compared to rainfed conditions. Our findings stress that the consistency between appropriate water regime and adequate varietal choice increases WP and crop productivity, and improves irrigation water conservation. Complementary irrigation substantially improves the valorization of water by crops in water‐limited areas such as hot arid and semi‐arid regions. © 2018 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Farmers' participatory selection of new rice varieties to boost production under temperate agro-ecosystems

In mountain agriculture, early maturity, high grain yield and high biomass are generally considered as farmer preferred traits in rice crop in addition to a multiple set of traits collectively responsible for variety adoption or rejection. The varieties tested only on station evaluation trials without taking the data from the farmers' fields by not including farmers as partners for variety evaluation are the reasons of low adoption of varieties. In this regard, a participatory methodology was followed by conducting a number of participatory trials in the farmers' fields during 2012–2014 in six districts of Kashmir Valley, India. The mother trials in the farmers' fields showed that the test variety SKUA-408 consistently and significantly out yielded Jhelum and farmers' variety followed by Shalimar rice 3 (SR3). The other released varieties like SR1 and SR2 could not perform nicely in the farmers' fields because of late maturity. After making the t-test comparison of baby trials (paired plots), the mean yield superiority of test varieties SKUA-408, SR3, and SKUA-403 over farmers' variety during 2013 was around 23, 25, and 22%, respectively, whereas in 2014 the respective yield advantage was recorded as 16.3, 17.7, and 16.2%. In all districts, SKUA-408 and SR3 were significantly preferred by farmers (P<0.05 or 0.01) in terms of pre-harvest traits namely, tillering ability and general phenotypic acceptability, early maturity and biomass and for post-harvest traits such as general cooking quality besides, the intention to grow the variety for next year. Adoption and dissemination of SKUA-408 began in 2014 from the farm-saved seed in the form of farmer to farmer seed exchange. Farmers are the end users of a variety so the decision by the farmers while judging the variety should be taken into consideration to make the varietal choice more effective for its widespread adoption.

Dynamic regional model of the US apple industry: Consequences of supply or demand shocks due to pest or disease outbreaks and control

The apple industry is the largest temperate tree fruit crop in the United States and like other plant crops it is subject to pest or disease outbreaks. In this study we examine the economic impacts of pest or disease outbreaks on producers (in different regions) and on consumers (domestic and or international) using a dynamic regional model of the apple industry. The model divides US apple production into four regions that are subject to idiosyncratic production methods, varietal choice, and consumption patterns. Using this type of model the outcomes and impacts on various stakeholders in the apple industry; producers, consumers, and market intermediaries, such as fruit packers or processors, can be measured. Shocks, representing pest or disease outbreaks on tree population dynamics or fruit yields or their consequences on consumer (international and or domestic) markets to pest or disease outbreaks or controls, enter the model exogenously. The outcomes show heterogeneous impacts by type of shock, due to industry structure and regional allocation of apples to fresh or processed markets, on consumer, intermediary, and producer welfare.

Melitz Meets Milk: The Impact of Quota Abolition on EU Dairy Export Competitiveness

AbstractPrevious studies of EU milk quota abolition usually assume perfect competition (PC) in the dairy industry, despite evidence to the contrary. We use a global computable general equilibrium framework with an imperfectly competitive (IC) model variant, which offers insights into structural change (i.e. scale of output, firm entry/exit) and varietal diversity in the dairy industry. A heterogeneous‐firm Melitz extension enriches our analysis by endogenising the decision‐making process of domestic firms when exporting (or not) to specific foreign markets. The results from a PC CGE model variant are found to be consistent with respected market outlooks and official data. Furthermore, PC and IC variants generate broadly similar trends – a result corroborated in a previous study of Italian dairy firms. Our IC model prediction of a ‘shakeout’ among EU dairy firms is tentatively supported by actual observations. Finally, as an industry characterised by significant product innovation, increased extra‐EU export orientation by remaining dairy firms increases varietal choice, which further boosts EU dairy exports compared with the PC model variant.

The Influence of Soil Quality and Market Orientation on Manioc (Manihot esculenta) Varietal Choice by Smallholder Farmers along the Lower Tapajós River, Pará, Brazil

The Influence of Soil Quality and Market Orientation on Manioc (Manihot esculenta) Varietal Choice by Smallholder Farmers along the Lower Tapajós River, Pará, Brazil

Smallholder Maize Varietal Choice and Implications on Food Grain Supply and Incomes: Evidence from Semi-Arid Areas in Southern-Eastern Zimbabwe

In Sub-Saharan Africa, many seed varieties have been developed only to be rejected by farmers. This study examined the relationship between quantities of seed maize used, maize grain supply and household income in Bikita district, a semi-arid area in Zimbabwe. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method. Findings showed that Seed-co varieties, SC513 and SC411, were commonly used and were sourced from agro-dealers. Farmers’ perception of yield risk was an important choice factor determining seed quantities (p<0.05). These findings indicate the need for on-farm approaches that promote long-term maize seed use. Keywords : maize seed, farmer choice, seeming unrelated regression, semi-arid, Zimbabwe,

Effects of municipal solid waste- and sewage sludge-compost-based growing media on the yield and heavy metal content of four lettuce cultivars.

Compost has been recently suggested as an alternative to peat for the preparation of growing substrates in soilless cultivation systems. However, some physico-chemical properties of compost may reduce plant performance and endanger the quality of productions, in particular for possible heavy metal accumulation in edible parts. This study aims at evaluating the suitability of a municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and a sewage sludge compost (SSC) as components of growing media for the soilless cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Heavy metal content of SSC complied with legislation limits but, in MSWC, it exceeded (Cu, Pb) or was very close (Cd, Zn) to safe limits. A greenhouse experiment was carried out by cultivating four lettuce cultivars ("Maximus," "Murai," "Patagonia," and "Aleppo") in pots containing a mixture of MSWC and perlite (MSWC + P), SSC and perlite (SSC + P), or peat and perlite (peat + P), the latter used as control. Plant biometric parameters measured after 72days of growth revealed that the yield of plants cultivated on SSC + P was similar to control plants, independently of the cultivar. Conversely, MSWC + P suppressed in general the biomass production, especially for Murai and Patagonia cultivars. Compared to peat + P, both compost-based substrates reduced the leaf accumulation of heavy metals, with a major effect in Maximus plants. The levels of Cd and Pb in the edible part were always below the safe limits imposed by European regulation. Therefore, risks of heavy metal intake in food chain associated with the replacement of peat with compost in the growing media are negligible, even when a compost with a significant amount of heavy metals is used. Besides compost quality monitoring, also an appropriate varietal choice is crucial to obtain good yields and safe products.