Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 1987"
TL;DR: In this article, a strategy for in situ conservation of crop genetic resources whereby conservation efforts are linked to rural development projects in Third World countries is suggested for sustainable production by relying on the maintenance of biological and genetic diversity in these systems.
Abstract: A strategy is suggested for in situ conservation of crop genetic resources whereby conservation efforts are linked to rural development projects in Third World countries. We describe development projects that emphasize preservation of traditional farming systems and succeed in sustaining production by relying on the maintenance of biological and genetic diversity in these systems. Basing agricultural development efforts on indigenous knowledge, technology, and social organization can provide important guidelines for the design of cropping systems that allow lowincome farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops without dependence on external inputs and seed supplies. By incorporating landraces and wild relatives of crops into these cropping systems, major achievements in the conservation of crop genetic resources can be obtained.
378 citations
TL;DR: The Cactaceae contain many economically promising species primarily in the genus Opuntia, which appears to have its center of genetic diversity in Mexico where it is widely used as fodder, forage, fruit, and a green vegetable.
Abstract: The Cactaceae contain many economically promising species primarily in the genus Opuntia. This genus appears to have its center of genetic diversity in Mexico where it is widely used as fodder, forage, fruit, and a green vegetable. In southwestern United States, the prickly-pears have been considered as both weeds and valuable forage plants. During the frequent, unpredictable droughts, propane torches known as “pear burners” are used to singe the spines off cactus pads so that they can be eaten by livestock. Although spineless varieties of Opuntia can be consumed directly by domestic livestock, they are extremely susceptible to herbivory by wildlife. The Cactaceae possess Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, which can be four- to five-fold more efficient in converting water to dry matter than the most efficient grasses. Some Opuntia strains grow rapidly with fresh-fruit yields of 8,000–12,000 kg/ha/ yr or more and dry-matter vegetative production of 20,000–50,000 kg/ha/yr.
187 citations
TL;DR: Most peasant households in Zimbabwe use edible fruits of indigenous woody plants, and wild fruits, often the only source of fruit for households, are used mostly by children.
Abstract: Most peasant households in Zimbabwe use edible fruits of indigenous woody plants. Deforestation does not significantly affect availability of selected fruits, because people tend not to cut selected trees when clearing land for cultivation. A different range of species is used in the different natural regions of Zimbabwe. Fruit use mainly occurs in the periods of seasonal food stress, even though these seasons are not necessarily the periods of maximum fruit abundance. Wild fruits, often the only source of fruit for households, are used mostly by children. There is a significant trade in wild fruits.
140 citations
TL;DR: Comparative studies of the pulses of the Middle East and of their wild progenitors indicate that the pattern of pulse domestication is completely different from that of cereals in the same region.
Abstract: Comparative studies of the pulses of the Middle East and of their wild progenitors indicate that the pattern of pulse domestication is completely different from that of cereals in the same region. Wild legumes are not suitable for cultivation because of their conspicuous seed dormancy. Pre-adaptation of wild pulses for cultivation through loss of the seed dormancy mechanism apparently occurred in wild populations and may have been influenced by the gathering practices of man in pre-agricultural times. Pod indehiscence was of low value in pulse domestication and had evolved after the crop was well established and widespread.
108 citations
TL;DR: Taxonomic and evolutionary relationships between the Chilean cultivars ofSolanum tuberosum and the wild speciesS.
Abstract: Taxonomic and evolutionary relationships between the Chilean cultivars ofSolanum tuberosum and the wild speciesS. maglia are explored. Widely separated centers of origin are postulated for the Group Tuberosum and Group Andigena varieties of the common potato. The first group is believed to have been domesticated originally in the humid forest-lands of southcentral Chile, while the second appears to have arisen in the high, cold Andes of Peru and Bolivia. In connection with the origin of the Group Tuberosum varieties, a 13,000-yr-old specimen ofS. maglia from the archaeological site of Monte Verde, Chile, is illustrated and described for the first time. These remains, the oldest on record for any wild or cultivated potato species, are important in that they help to establish the area of southern Chile as one of two main centers for evolution of the common potato.
83 citations
TL;DR: The isozyme data suggest that maize and Z. mays var.
Abstract: Isozyme variation in 94 accessions of Mexican maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and 37 collections of Mexican annual teosinte (Z. mays ssp. mexicana and var. parviglumis) are compared. Variety parviglumis (a predominantly wild plant) shows a closer genetic relationship to maize than does ssp. mexicana (a weedy teosinte often found in maize fields). The isozyme data suggest that maize and Z. mays var. parviglumis share a more recent common ancestor than either of these taxa share with other members of the genus Zea. In this sense, the isozyme data support the theory that maize is a domesticated form of teosinte. Isozyme data provide no evidence for independent origin of Mexican maize races from different taxa of teosinte. Isozyme analysis suggests that gene flow between maize and ssp. mexicana exists, but that it is highly restricted and more probably goes from weed into crop. Maize and var. parviglumis are isozymically too similar and too variable to allow patterns of gene flow between them (if any) to be discerned. The maize- teosinte complex does not fit a model applied to some other crops in that (I) weedy teosinte (ssp. mexicana) does not appear to be a hybrid of the wild form (var. parviglumis,) and maize and (2) the weedy form does not act as a genetic bridge between wild form and crop.
82 citations
TL;DR: The argan tree, Argania sideroxylon Roem, of the family Sapotaceae, essential to the dwellers of southwestern Morocco and long admired by explorers and travelers, has remained little known to botanists and horticulturists outside its natural area.
Abstract: The argan tree, Argania sideroxylon Roem. & Schult. (A. spinosa (L.) Maire), of the family Sapotaceae, essential to the dwellers of southwestern Morocco and long admired by explorers and travelers, has remained little known to botanists and horticulturists outside its natural area. It is slow growing and long lived on calcareous soil. The young seedlings furnish almost the only forage for goats and other herbivores during several months of the year and the animals relish the flesh of the abundant fruits. The ejected seeds yield a yellow oil commonly consumed as human food. Among its constituents are four sterols, two methylsterols, and five triterpenic alcohols. The wood is hard, prized locally, and much used for fuel. Excessive exploitation of the tree has stimulated local moves toward conservation and cultivation. Argan seedlings are being grown experimentally at the U.S.D.A. Subtropical Horticulture Research Unit, Miami, and by Victor Wynne in Haiti, with a view to trial in semi- arid regions of near- Mediterranean climate. In English greenhouse culture, vegetative propagation has been achieved by cuttings and layers.
75 citations
TL;DR: Integrated development of palmyra products for local and export markets, as well as management/conservation measures, are needed both to maximize the economic value of the products and to assure sustained yield from native stands.
Abstract: The palmyra palm Borassus flabellifer,), a multipurpose tree of great utility, occurs extensively in Tamil Nadu state, India. Figuring in history, literature, and folklore of the state, it is exploited for food from the fruit and tuberous seedlings; beverage and sugar from the sap; fiber from the leaf and leafbase for brushes, cordage, weaving, and plaiting; trunk wood for construction and fuel; and numerous minor products. Increasing exploitation of the palmyra threatens the future supply of palm raw materials so important to rural populations. Integrated development of palmyra products for local and export markets, as well as management/conservation measures, are needed both to maximize the economic value of the products and to assure sustained yield from native stands.
74 citations
TL;DR: Comparative morphology suggests that foxtail millet spread to Europe and India as a cereal soon after its domestication, as well as to temperate Eurasia and the American corn belt, which is a weed of hybrid origin.
Abstract: Foxtail millet (Setaria italica,) is grown as a cereal in southern Europe and in temperate, subtropical, and tropical Asia. Its closest wild relative isS. italica ssp.viridis (green foxtail). Green foxtail is native to temperate Eurasia, but was introduced and became widely established as a weed in temperate and warmer parts of the Americas. Spontaneous and cultivatedS. italica cross to produce fertile hybrids. Derivatives of such crosses, resembling foxtail millet in some inflorescence traits but with efficient natural seed dispersal, accompany the cereal across its range of cultivation. Giant green foxtail of Europe and the American corn belt is a weed of hybrid origin. Foxtail millet was domesticated in the highlands of central China; remains of cultivated foxtail millet are known from the Yang-shao culture period dating back some 5,000 yrs. Comparative morphology suggests that foxtail millet spread to Europe and India as a cereal soon after its domestication. Three cultivated races are recognized. Moharia, from Europe and southwestern Asia, includes cultivars with 5–52 culms, each bearing several, small, more or less erect inflorescences. Cultivars in race maxima are characterized by plants with 1–8 usually unbranched culms that bear large inflorescences; they occur in Transcaucasian Russia and the Far East. Race indica is intermediate in culm number (ave. 6.6) and inflorescence size between races moharia and maxima, and is cultivated in southern Asia.
71 citations
TL;DR: Five breeding programs are outlined, each for a use to which the pejibaye may be put: palmito (heart of palm), whole fruit for human consumption, flour and meal production, oil production, and animal ration from residues or purposefully bred varieties.
Abstract: Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) was domesticated and widely used in the lowland humid neotropics during pre-Colombian times. Several research programs are underway to study and improve the species for use by farmers in ecologically suitable regions. Five breeding programs are outlined, each for a use to which the pejibaye may be put: (1) palmito (heart of palm), (2) whole fruit for human consumption, (3) flour and meal production, (4) oil production, and (5) animal ration from residues or purposefully bred varieties. Yield estimates and breeding problems are discussed. It is certain that the pejibaye can again become an important crop for the humid tropics.
68 citations
TL;DR: Chemical studies of alcoholic extracts of the tubers of C. barbatus led to isolation of the labdane diterpene forskolin (coleonol), which has become an important research tool in studying the roles of the enzyme adenylate cyclase and cyclic-AMP in cellular physiology.
Abstract: Coleus barbatus (C. forskohlii) is used medicinally in Africa, Arabia, and Brazil. The root tubers of the plant are prepared and eaten as a condiment in India. Other Indian Coleus spp. are used in traditional Ayurvedic healing. Chemical studies of alcoholic extracts of the tubers of C. barbatus led to isolation of the labdane diterpene forskolin (coleonol), which has become an important research tool in studying the roles of the enzyme adenylate cyclase and cyclic-AMP in cellular physiology. The compound may eventually become a useful drug in treating hypertension, glaucoma, asthma, and certain cancers. This article summarizes the investigations ofC. barbatus.
TL;DR: Folk medicine practiced in southwestern Saudi Arabia has helped people prevent and cure various diseases and sicknesses such as rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, stomach problems, constipation, eye and ear problems, colds, fever, measles, bladder and urinary diseases, toothache, epilepsy, and skin allergy.
Abstract: Folk medicine practiced in southwestern Saudi Arabia has helped people prevent and cure various diseases and sicknesses such as rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, stomach problems, constipation, eye and ear problems, colds, fever, measles, bladder and urinary diseases, toothache, epilepsy, and skin allergy. The most common medicinal plants found in the region belong to the Leguminosae, Labiatae, Compositae, and Euphorbiaceae.
TL;DR: A principal components analysis of morphological, phenological, and agronomic metrical traits for 375 lines randomly selected from 15 landraces revealed a clinal pattern, with the northern and southern areas forming the extremes.
Abstract: Bean germplasm collections in northern Malawi revealed the existence of diverse landraces, which have probably been maintained by the local farmers as heterogeneous mixtures since the precolonial introduction of Phaseolus vulgaris into eastern Africa. The various seed types comprising these mixtures are known by an array of local names, reflecting farmer perceptions of seed color and pattern, eating quality, plant structure, origin, and other characteristics. A principal components analysis of morphological, phenological, and agronomic metrical traits for 375 lines randomly selected from 15 landraces revealed a clinal pattern, with the northern and southern areas forming the extremes. Genetic distances, based on the first six PCs, indicated greater between-area variability than within-area variability. Bean landrace diversity in Malawi is likely the result of a complex interplay among forces that generate variability such as outcrossing and human and environmental selection.
TL;DR: The 11 taxa of Juniperus with widespread distribution in the United States and with significant biomass production were investigated to determine their yields of cedarwood oil and the major components of commercial interest: alpha-cedrene, beta-cedene, thujopsene, cuparene, cedrol, and widdrol.
Abstract: The 11 taxa of Juniperus with widespread distribution in the United States and with significant biomass production were investigated to determine their yields of cedarwood oil and the major components of commercial interest: alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, thujopsene, cuparene, cedrol, and widdrol. Taxa examined wereJ. ashei, J. californica, J. erythrocarpa, J. deppeana, J. monosperma, J. occidentalis var.occidentalis, J. o. var.australis, J. osteosperma, J. pinchotii, J. scopulorum, andJ. virginiana. The volatile heartwood oils were removed by steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to determine their yields and composition. Cedarwood oil yields inJ. erythrocarpa andJ. scopulorum were comparable to those of the two species currently being utilized (J. ashei, J. virginiana).
TL;DR: In the past, Japanese barnyard millet was important in Japan as the staple food crop in districts where soil, weather conditions and irrigation systems were not suitable for paddy rice cultivation, and relieved people from starvation.
Abstract: Two species are included in barnyard millet:Echinochloa utilis andE. frumentacea. These differ from each other in their genomic constitution and phylogeny. The former species originated fromE. crus-galli probably in eastern Asia, and is grown in Japan, Korea, and the northeastern part of China; the latter originated fromE. colona probably in tropical Asia, and is grown in Pakistan, India, and Nepal. “Japanese barnyard millet” is suggested as a suitable English common name forE. utilis; “Indian barnyard millet,” forE. frumentacea. In the past, Japanese barnyard millet was important in Japan as the staple food crop in districts where soil, weather conditions and irrigation systems were not suitable for paddy rice cultivation. When the rice crop suffered serious cool weather damage, the millet relieved people from starvation, especially in northeastern Japan. But the acreage devoted to the millet gradually decreased during and after the 1880s. Only the northern part of Iwate Prefecture is an exclusive Japanese barnyard millet cropping region at present. The breeding of cool- weather- resistant rice varieties and improvements in rice- growing techniques are mainly responsible for the decrease in acreage of the millet.
TL;DR: Experiments determined that outcrossing does occur at a low level among beans in Malawi and can result in the generation of many new seed phenotypes, a foundation for understanding the generation and maintenance of variability in these bean landraces.
Abstract: Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) landraces in northern Malawi were found to be heterogeneous for many qualitative and quantitative traits. An earlier 21- character evaluation of 25 lines in 15 landraces found significant differences in all characters among lines and among landraces. The present study has concentrated on two factors that are likely to be involved in the generation and maintenance of this heterogeneity: seed- handling practices and natural outcrossing. Seed- handling practices during harvest, storage, and marketing at the village, local market, and national levels were found to result in physical and usually nonselective mixing of many seed types. Experiments determined that outcrossing does occur at a low level among beans in Malawi and can result in the generation of many new seed phenotypes. A scenario was developed integrating seed- handling practices and outcrossing that lays a foundation for understanding the generation and maintenance of variability in these bean landraces. The process whereby landrace heterogeneity arises and the ways it is maintained, if understood, should assist plant breeders in the development of improved germplasm for subsistence farmers.
TL;DR: This report is the first comprehensive one to appear in the west on seaweeds as food in China and reports on 74 species in 36 genera, which are larger than those reported for any ethnic group in the world.
Abstract: Coastal peoples of China are consumers of seaweeds, which rank as favored “vegetables” and are introduced into several kinds of cooking methods in the same way that westerners might use onions (raw, fried, steamed, boiled, used alone, or mixed with other vegetables). Descriptions for preparation of 24 species are provided; a table gives the names of all species known to be used as food in China at this time. Although thousands of workers are involved in growing the seaweed crops of the brown alga Laminaria and the red alga Porphyra, many thousands more become part of the total activity of gathering the 74 species in 36 genera that form an important part of the Chinese diet. These numbers of species of edible algae are larger than those reported for any ethnic group in the world. This report is the first comprehensive one to appear in the west on seaweeds as food in China.
TL;DR: The basket-weaving industry on the edge of the Okavango Swamps in northwestern Botswana is dependent on natural populations of the palmHyphaene petersiana as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The basket-weaving industry on the edge of the Okavango Swamps in northwestern Botswana is dependent on natural populations of the palmHyphaene petersiana. Commercialization of the basket industry has led to changes in the population structure of the palms. The mean size of palm leaves has decreased and the resource has been depleted in the vicinity of swamp villages. Plants used to dye the palm fibres for basketry are becoming scarce. Through use of alternative raw materials and development of new crafts both natural resources and the incomes of the village craftspeople could be sustained.
TL;DR: Three species of edible tubers endemic to and domesticated in the Andes were studied for their nutritional value and show a high amount of variation in both percent protein and quality of essential amino acids, indicating that previous published Andean tuber crop food values may need revision.
Abstract: Three species of edible tubers endemic to and domesticated in the Andes were studied for their nutritional value. Collected samples ofOxalis tuberosa, Ullucus tuberosus, andTropaeolum tuberosum show a high amount of variation in both percent protein and quality of essential amino acids. A protein difference of120% is present amongT. tuberosum cultivars and a protein difference of 300% is present among the three species. The data indicate that previous published Andean tuber crop food values may need revision. The introduction of "improved" crop varieties and less nutritious foodstuffs threatens the base ofcultivar diversity that has been selected by Andean agriculturists over centuries. This rapid erosion of Andean tuber diversity indicates the importance of identifying and conserving Andean tuber cul-tivars throughout the Andes.
TL;DR: Experiments with material collected at different Oaxacan sites confirmed that the mint has white (rather than blue) flowers with a purple calyx and that flowering is induced by short day length.
Abstract: Salvia divinorum Epling & Mtiva-M. is one of the vision-inducing plants used in ritual curing by the Mazatec Indians of central Mexico. The present status of research is summarized. Experiments with material collected at different Oaxacan sites confirmed that the mint has white (rather than blue) flowers with a purple calyx and that flowering is induced by short day length.
TL;DR: A spodographic analysis of millet from prehistoric Japan and Cytotaxonomic studies on the two cultivated species and the wild relatives in the genus Echinochloa.
TL;DR: Pereira de Sousa, E. 1949, ContribuivSes para o conhecimento da flora de Guin6 Portuguesa, Vol.
TL;DR: Investigations have demonstrated that the plants can be grown successfully in an arid region of the United States, at least under experimental conditions, and that a healthy seed crop can be expected in about 4.5 years.
Abstract: The marama bean, Tylosema esculentum, is a drought- tolerant legume native to southern Africa. Its seeds are comparable to soybeans in protein content and quality, its oil content approaches that of peanuts, and the plants might be desirable as a forage legume. Although the marama bean has great potential as an arid land crop in the United States, studies of the species are extremely limited. The current investigations have demonstrated that the plants can be grown successfully in an arid region of the United States, at least under experimental conditions, and that a healthy seed crop can be expected in about 4.5 years.
TL;DR: Its distribution is largely confined to the Zambezian phytogeographical region of Africa, centered on the nutrient- poor Kalahari sands of southeastern Angola and northeastern Namibia, and the estimates of annual nut production range from ca.
Abstract: Ricinodendron rautanenii provides an easily stored sweet-tasting fruit containing a nut whose seed is rich in fat, protein, and minerals. Its distribution is largely confined to the Zambezian phytogeographical region of Africa, centered on the nutrient- poor Kalahari sands of southeastern Angola and northeastern Namibia. There the estimates of annual nut production range from ca. 250 kg/ha to 800 kg/ ha. In this subhumid summer-rain climate this tree flowers in late spring and the fruits fall in autumn. A significant proportion of the nuts are still edible after having lain on the ground for a year. The nuts were traditionally a staple food for the subregion’s rural populations.
TL;DR: Eight natural populations ofVigna radiata var.sublobata— wild relative of cultivated urd and mung beans—were sampled from different ecozones of Palney Hills, an eastward offshoot of Western Ghats of Tamilnadu, India, and some populations are as good as or even superior to the cultigens.
Abstract: Eight natural populations ofVigna radiata var.sublobata— wild relative of cultivated urd (V. mungoj and mung (V. radiata,) beans—were sampled from different ecozones of Palney Hills, an eastward offshoot of Western Ghats of Tamilnadu, India. Photosynthetic efficiency, protein content, seed weight, and amino acid composition were determined for it and the cultigens. Some populations ofV. radiata var.sublobata are as good as or even superior to the cultigens. The wild relative is a potential donor of desirable traits to urd and mung beans.
TL;DR: Red squill (Urginea maritima, Liliaceae) was introduced to North American agriculture during World War II as discussed by the authors and it is a good producer of a rodenticide and of flowers for the cut-flower trade.
Abstract: Red squill(Urginea maritima, Liliaceae) was introduced to North American agriculture during World War II. Experimental plantings were started at Ensenada, Baja California, and later moved to La Jolla, California, as a USDA Agricultural Research Service project. In 1960 ARS turned the red squill bulbs over to four private groups. Cultivation and increase of clonal germplasm were continued by the Gentry Experimental Farm, which in 1979 was joined by collaborators for more complete studies in chemistry, propagation, and marketing. Scilliroside was confirmed as the principal toxicant. A high-performance, liquid-chromatographic method for assaying the glycosides and aglycones was developed. Growth trials in southern California established the species as well adapted to the California climate. Test plantings in Arizona indicate it as successful on irrigated, well-drained soils. It is a good producer of a rodenticide and of flowers for the cut-flower trade. Our studies indicate it could be a profitable new crop on the dry-farmed grain lands of southern California.
TL;DR: The grapefruit (C. paradisi) is an apomictic hybrid of the shaddock (Citrus grandis) and the grapefruit grapefruit as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Attempts by the early colonial settlers of Barbados to plant orchards of shaddock (pummelo,Citrus grandis) from seedlings gave rise to the grapefruit(C. paradisi), an apomictic hybrid. Early botanists misidentified the grapefruit as a variety of shaddock, confusing it with a second hybrid growing on Jamaica. The botanist who first named the species, James Macfadyen, is shown here to have described the wrong fruit as a result of such misidentifications. Citrus historians of the 20th century have been unable to confirm the existence of a legendary Captain Shaddock, said to have brought the first seeds of the shaddock to Barbados. The present authors have found a basis for the legend, identifying a Captain Chaddock who traded in the West Indies in the 17th century. In addition, they have rectified the misidentifications of the grapefruit by early botanists that have confused the literature up to the present.