Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 1990"
TL;DR: A log-linear model was applied to data based on independent interviews with 45 herbalists of the Luo of Siaya District, Kenya in order to establish criteria for evaluating the likely efficacy of specific remedies.
Abstract: Data based on independent interviews with 45 herbalists of the Luo of Siaya District, Kenya, comprised 1129 remedy reports and related to 330 species of plants. While 49% of the remedies were encountered only once we list here 66 remedies (49 taxa) that were confirmed through independent reports from three or more individuals. A log-linear model was applied to these data in order to establish criteria for evaluating the likely efficacy of specific remedies. A quantitative interaction effect was calculated for each remedy as a measure of its degree of confirmation. The validity of the values derived from the mathematical model is considered in relation to classical criteria for evaluating ethnomedicinal reports.
242 citations
TL;DR: Isozyme and chloroplast DNA studies have added substantially to the understanding of evolutionary relationships among extant races of maize and suggest that there are a small number of major racial complexes in Meso- and North America which have often evolved in response to environmental constraints associated with altitude.
Abstract: In this review, the contributions of isozyme and chloroplast DNA studies to questions surrounding the evolution of maize are summarized. These methods of analysis provide generally strong support for the hierarchical system of classification of Zea proposed by Iltis and Doebley (1980). Molecular evidence is fully congruent with the theory that teosinte is ancestral to maize and suggests thatZ. mays subsp.parviglumis was the ancestral teosinte taxon. Further, these data show that only those populations from the central region of the range of subsp. parviglumis resemble maize in both isozymic and chloroplast DNA constitution. Presuming no major changes in the distribution of subsp. parviglumis since the domestication of maize, these data would place the origin of maize in the Balsas River drainage southwest of Mexico City. Molecular systematic evidence provides no support for theories that maize was domesticated independently several times; however, this type of data can not disprove such theories. Analyses of isozyme and chloroplast DNA diversity in Zea provide evidence of limited gene flow between maize and teosinte, but are not consistent with models that postulate extensive genetic interchange between these taxa. Isozyme studies have added substantially to the understanding of evolutionary relationships among extant races of maize and suggest that there are a small number of major racial complexes in Meso- and North America which have often evolved in response to environmental constraints associated with altitude. Ultimately, molecular genetic studies may allow a resolution of the controversy surrounding the morphological evolution of the maize ear.
230 citations
Journal Article•
164 citations
TL;DR: The genusCucurbita consists of about thirteen species or species groups, and “Squashes” have been domesticated independently from five of these thirteen taxa.
Abstract: The genusCucurbita consists of about thirteen species or species groups. “Squashes” have been domesticated independently from five of these thirteen taxa. The wild ancestor for one domesticated squash was identified in the 1930’s, ancestors for two others were determined in the 1980’s, but the wild ancestors of the other two domesticates remain unknown.
154 citations
TL;DR: The fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), an important cucurbitaceous leaf and seed vegetable, is indigenous to the west tropical rainforest area from Bendel to Cross Rivers states of Nigeria (c. longitude 7°8° E and latitude 5°6° N) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), an important cucurbitaceous leaf and seed vegetable, is indigenous to the west tropical rainforest area from Bendel to Cross Rivers states of Nigeria (c. longitude 7°–8° E and latitude 5°–6° N). Though endemic to southeastern Nigeria, Telfairia is of local ethnobotanical importance in the folklore and the dietary and cropping systems of Igbos and their neighbours. There is no reported definitive ethnobotanical study relating to this cucurbit.Telfairia has long been important in the internal food trade of Igbos. Like other leaf vegetables, it is of low commerical value, but can in some cases provide an appreciable cash income to small farm families. Its leaves, succulent shoots, and seed kernels constitute the usual ingredients that are popular and regularly consumed in Igbo soups. Soups made of leaf vegetables are essential for consumption of starchy pastes of yam, cassava, or cocoyam, which are frequently consumed in the humid areas of Nigeria. Many good attributes account for the increasing importance of this chief vegetable among 30–35 million people in Nigeria.
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the diversity of indigenous primitive and advanced Citrus species in Yunnan and the interaction of topography and climate with the geographic distribution of these species are discussed. But the authors suggest that the substantial portion of the Citrus gene pool represented in the rich diversity reported in recent Chinese surveys and the available natural dispersal mechanism provide strong evidence that China played a critical role in the origin and distribution of modern citrus species.
Abstract: The primitive center of origin of Citrus species has been a subject of speculation and discussion for some time. Japanese Citrus taxonomist Tanaka concluded that the center of origin was northeastern India and northern Burma. He ascribed a secondary role in the origin and distribution of Citrus species to Yunnan and surrounding areas of China on the basis of his belief that there were no important native species. These conclusions were based on incomplete information that was available over 30 yr ago, but important new evidence from Yunnan challenges Tanaka’s ideas on the origin of Citrus species. This report describes the diversity of indigenous primitive and advanced Citrus species in Yunnan and the interaction of topography and climate with the geographic distribution of these species. Numerous river systems arise in or traverse Yunnan and flow to Burma, Indo-China, and southern and central China, thus providing a natural plant dispersal mechanism. The authors suggest that the substantial portion of the Citrus gene pool represented in the rich diversity of indigenous species reported in recent Chinese surveys and the available natural dispersal mechanism provide strong evidence that Yunnan and nearby areas of China played a critical role in the origin and distribution of modern Citrus species.
124 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest the need for additional emphasis on genetic conservation of wild ancestors and their use in breeding programs and for a comparison of inter- gene pool vs. intra-gene pool crosses inbreeding programs.
Abstract: The genusPhaseolus (Fabaceae) consists of some 50 species, all of which are distributed in the Americas. Four of these contain cultigens.P. vulgaris (common bean),P. lunatus (lima bean),P. acutifolius (tepary bean),P. coccineus subsp.coccineus (runner bean); andP. coccineus subsp.polyanthus (no English vernacular name). Biochemical markers—phaseolin seed storage protein and isozymes—have provided new evidence on the organization of the first three species. Domestication has possibly caused a strong reduction in genetic diversity inP. vulgaris andP. acutifolius. BothP. vulgaris andP. lunatus cultivars result from at least two independent domestications, in Mesoamerica and in the Andes. These two species consist of two gene pools, each of which includes wild ancestors and their respective cultivated descendants. Our findings suggest the need for additional emphasis on genetic conservation of wild ancestors and their use in breeding programs and for a comparison of inter-gene pool vs. intra-gene pool crosses in breeding programs.
121 citations
TL;DR: The distribution of the previously described ‘B’ phaseolin appeared to be larger than formerly known as it extended not only in Colombia but also in Central America, and it is possible to correlate the ‘Sb’, “Sd”, and “B” phaseolin types with certain agronomic traits.
Abstract: Forty-one wild types and 41 cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from Meso-and South America were screened for variability of phaseolin seed protein using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) and two-dimensional isoelectric focusing SDS/PAGE. Wild accessions from the Andean region showed phaseolin types which had not been previously identified in wild material from that region. Other wild accessions from Argentina exhibited novel phaseolin patterns collectively designated as ‘J’ (‘Jujuy’) phaseolin types, and one accession from northern Peru exhibited a novel phaseolin type, the ‘I’ (‘Inca’) type. The ‘H’ and ‘C’ phaseolins, previously identified only in cultivars, were observed in several wild accessions from Argentina. Among cultivars, two minor variants of the ‘S’ phaseolin type were identified. The ‘Sb’ (‘S Brazil’) was characteristic of a limited number of cultivars from Brazil whereas the ‘Sd’ (‘S Durango 222’) predominated in cultivars of the Mexican central highlands. The distribution of the previously described ‘B’ phaseolin appeared to be larger than formerly known as it extended not only in Colombia but also in Central America. It is possible to correlate the ‘Sb’, ‘Sd’, and ‘B’ phaseolin types with certain agronomic traits.
117 citations
TL;DR: A trend towards a change in homegarden structure and function in response to the modernization process is noticed, as homegardens in villages in the outskirts of cities tend to have more ornamental species and commercial fruit plants than homegardENS in isolated villages.
Abstract: We studied species composition, similarity, and structure of homegardens in two Yucatecan Maya communities, Tixpeual and Tixcacaltuyub, Yucatan, Mexico. The number of gardens sampled per village was 20 and 22; total area sampled was very similar, 45,265 m2 and 40,150 m2; the number of trees and shrubs present was 5651 and 5603; and number of species was 135 and 133, respectively. Diversity was low for both sites (H′= 1.6), as were the correlation coefficients (r) for the species-area and individuals-area correlations. The relatively low values obtained for the structural parameters reflect the random pattern of plant incorporation to the gardens, the variability in the proportion of constantly used and not constantly used garden area, and a certain uniformity in the number of species used and number of individuals present, and the relationship between these parameters and garden size. All these reflect the uniqueness of each homegarden, which depends upon the cultural background of the owner. We noticed a trend towards a change in homegarden structure and function in response to the modernization process. Homegardens in villages in the outskirts of cities tend to have more ornamental species and commercial fruit plants than homegardens in isolated villages.
110 citations
TL;DR: Comparative analysis of leaf morphology and allozyme frequencies have demonstrated that Andean populations, both domesticated and free-living, represent an exceptionally homogeneous unit that is well differentiated from allied domesticates of coastal Chile(quingua) and freeliving populations of the Argentine lowlands (ajara).
Abstract: Traditionally viewed as an Andean grain crop,Chenopodium quinoa Willd. includes domesticated populations that are not Andean, and Andean populations that are not domesticated. Comparative analysis of leaf morphology and allozyme frequencies have demonstrated that Andean populations, both domesticated(quinua) and free-living(ajara), represent an exceptionally homogeneous unit that is well differentiated from allied domesticates of coastal Chile(quingua) and freeliving populations of the Argentine lowlands(C. hircinum). This pattern of relationships indicates that Andean populations represent a monophyletic crop/weed system that has possibly developed through cyclic differentiation (natural vs. human selection) and introgressive hybridization. Relative levels of variation suggest that this complex originated in the southern Andes, possibly from wild types allied withC. hircinum, with subsequent dispersal north to Colombia and south to the Chilean coast. Coastal populations were apparently isolated from post-dispersal differentiation and homogenization that occurred in the Andes. Other data point toward a center of origin in the northern Andes with secondary centers of genetic diversity subsequently developing in the southern Andes and the plains of Argentina. Comparative linkage of South American taxa, all tetraploid, with North American tetraploids of the subsection will eventually clarify this problem. While the possibility of a direct phyletic connection betweenC. quinoa and the Mexican domesticate(C. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae,) cannot be excluded, available evidence indicates that the latter represents an autonomous lineage that is associated with the basal tetraploid, C. b. subsp.berlandieri, through var.sinuatum, whereas South American taxa show possible affinities to either var. zschackei or var.berlandieri. An extinct domesticate of eastern North America,C. b. subsp.jonesianum, represents either another instance of independent domestication, possibly from subsp. b. var.zschackei, or a northeastern outlier of subsp.nuttalliae.
105 citations
TL;DR: In the first stages of potato evolution in the northern Andes, diploid cultivated species of theSolanum stenotomum complex were selected, in all probability, from wild progenitors in theS.
Abstract: In the first stages of potato evolution in the northern Andes, diploid cultivated species of theSolanum stenotomum complex were selected, in all probability, from wild progenitors in theS. brevicaule complex. TetraploidSolanum tuberosum ssp.andigena arose by fusion of unreduced gametes of a parent in theS. stenotomum complex with those of an unidentified wild species having actinomorphic calyces. Unreduced male gametes of several diploid species fertilized eggs of ssp. andigena leading to extensive introgression.Solanum tuberosum ssp.tuberosum probably originated from a cross between ssp.andigena as staminate parent and an unidentified wild species which contributed cytoplasmic sterility factors encoded in mitochondria and/or plastids having a distinctive type of DNA. Derivatives of this hybridization, which may have occurred in northwestern Argentina, evolved to ssp. tuberosum in southern Chile and southern Argentina. In the 1570’s ssp.andigena was imported to Europe and spread from there to become a major crop with worldwide distribution. In the 1840's it was essentially eliminated by late blight,Phytophthora infestans.Solanum tuberosum ssp.tuberosum was introduced from Chile into North America and Europe in the late 1800's, and in turn achieved a worldwide distribution, filling the vacated agricultural niche of ssp.andigena. The differences between ssp.andigena and ssp.tuberosum in South America are sufficient that the two could reasonably be considered to be separate species. Since the 1960’s the two taxa have been hybridized often in breeding programs. Neotuberosum, a northern-adapted strain of ssp. andigena, has been selected to mimic ssp.tuberosum. Substitution back-cross products have been produced that have the chromosomal genes of ssp.tuberosum combined with cytoplasmic factors of Andean species. These breeding activities are blurring the distinctions between the two subspecies throughout much of the world, though they remain distinct in their native areas in South America.
TL;DR: Morphological, geographical, and archaeological evidence has led to the hypothesis that the domesticated sunflower was derived from a wild/weedy form of H. annuus possibly in the Midwest, and molecular evidence was concordant with this hypothesis, but conclusions as to the exact geographic origin were not allowed.
Abstract: The domesticated sunflower,Helianthus annuus, is an important economic crop, yet molecular data regarding its evolution are limited. Here we review morphological, geographical, archaeological, and molecular evidence pertaining to its origin and development. New isozyme and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) evidence is also presented. Morphological, geographical, and archaeological evidence has led to the hypothesis that the domesticated sunflower was derived from a wild/weedy form ofH. annuus possibly in the Midwest. Molecular evidence was concordant with this hypothesis. A high degree of enzymatic and cpDNA sequence similarity was observed between wild and domesticatedH. annuus, and domesticatedH. annuus contained a subset of the alleles and cpDNAs found in wildH. annuus. The extensive polymorphism in the wild plants and the virtual monomorphism in cultivated lines for both isozyme and cpDNA phenotypes further suggest a single origin of the domesticated sunflower from a very limited gene pool. In addition, Native American varieties of the domesticated sunflower were genetically more variable than other cultivated lines, possibly indicating that they gave rise to the other cultivated stocks. Molecular evidence did not, however, allow conclusions as to the exact geographic origin of the domesticated sunflower.
TL;DR: The amount of variability observed in the sample of the Andean potato population was superior to that present in North American and European varieties and supports the impression that a substantial amount of yet unexploited variability remains in Andean Potato populations.
Abstract: Isozyme markers were used to survey the genetic variability of non-bitter potatoes in 10 subsistence fields of Andean farmers at 3600-3850 m above sea level. Sixty-seven percent of the varieties were tetraploids corresponding to the speciesSolanum tuberosum ssp.andigena, 14% were triploids, probably corresponding to the speciesS. x chaucha, and 13% were diploids corresponding to the speciesS. stenotomum, S. phureja, andS. goniocalyx. The isozyme information served to determine the consistency of the folk naming system. We found a high degree of correspondence between farmer identification and electrophoretic phenotypes. The consistency of the folk system in electrophoretic terms depended on the farmer who was interviewed. The most common incongruity consisted of calling different electrophoretic phenotypes by the same variety name, leading to a slight underestimation of genetic variability present in the fields. The amount of variability observed in the sample of the Andean potato population was superior to that present in North American and European varieties. This was measured in terms of number ofalleles, number of electrophoretic phenotypes and percent of heterozygosity. This finding supports the impression that a substantial amount of yet unexploited variability remains in Andean potato populations.
TL;DR: In two Nepalese villages it was found that 66 plant species were being used for medicinal purposes, and at least 17 of the species prescribed could be expected on pharmacological evidence to produce the therapeutic effects attributed to them.
Abstract: In two Nepalese villages it was found that 66 plant species were being used for medicinal purposes. Although the treatment of patients by the medicine man, or “jhankri,” included extensive ritual elements, at least 17 of the species prescribed could be expected on pharmacological evidence to produce the therapeutic effects attributed to them. Some medicinal plants were also used as insecticides or piscicides. It was recognised in the villages that the use of these latter species as human food or animal fodder was limited by the presence of toxic constituents.
TL;DR: The eastern Andes seems to be a secondary center of variability, probably not the primary site of domestication of the cultivated tomato, and high levels of cross-pollination estimated for the Bajo Mayo (and other parts of the central area) are compatible with this hypothesis.
Abstract: Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme and closely allied biotypes of the species are widely distributed as wild or feral forms in the eastern Andean foothills of the Ceja de la Montana, Peru and equivalent areas of Bolivia and Ecuador. As assayed by allozymic variation at 20 loci and five monogenic morphological loci, the extent of their genetic variation, although relatively low, is sufficient to provide clues as to their hybridity, phylogeny, and possible affiliations with cultivated tomatoes. According to interviews with agronomists, growers, and aboriginals, this entity is seldom cultivated and is not considered indigenous. The level of genetic variation is higher in the central San Martin-Ayacucho region and decreases northward and southward. Tarapoto (Bajo Mayo, Departamento San Martin) is a district of high variability for fruit shape, size, and color, although within the range of allozyme variability for the central region. Allele substitution for a few genes could account for this variation, which grades continuously to the small fruits of var. cerasiforme. Introgression between the latter and introduced cultivars could account for this complex. Rather high levels of cross-pollination estimated for the Bajo Mayo (and other parts of the central area) are compatible with this hypothesis. The presence of several variant alleles in the central region and throughout the coastal populations of var. cerasiforme and ofL. pimpinellifolium suggests an affiliation between them, the latter presumably ancestral. According to the total evidence, the eastern Andes seems to be a secondary center of variability, probably not the primary site of domestication of the cultivated tomato.
TL;DR: A survey among herbalists, herb sellers, tribal priests, and local people recorded medical and other uses of 52 species of plants in Kwara State, Nigeria as discussed by the authors, and pointed out the importance of plants to tribal groups and modern people of central Nigeria.
Abstract: The people of Kwara State, central Nigeria, depend on natural plant resources of their forests for food, medicine, pastoral, domestic, and other cultural and religious needs. This area, one of multi-ethnic status, has remained ethnobotanically unexplored until recently. Our survey among herbalists, herb sellers, tribal priests, and local people recorded medical and other uses of 52 species of plants. This first-hand information points out the importance of plants to tribal groups and modern people of central Nigeria.
TL;DR: The extensive use of wild plants and animals suggests that the tribes of northeastern India rely heavily on forest resources, and the importance of conserving these in the light of rapid conversion of rainforests is emphasized.
Abstract: A total of 171 plant species used by the Nishis, the Hill M iris, the Sulungs, and the Apatanis of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India; 12 animal species used by the Nishis were identified. Of the total plant species recorded 38% of the total were leafy vegetables and 28% were edible fruits. Others were used for food, liquor, medicine, household goods, traditional dresses, dyes, tattoos, fish and animal poisons, or for salt extraction. The Sulungs use starch obtained from the pith ofMetroxylon sagu as a staple food. The extensive use of wild plants and animals suggests that the tribes of northeastern India rely heavily on forest resources. The importance of conserving these in the light of rapid conversion of rainforests is emphasized.
TL;DR: This paper examines the events that have led to the current status of selection, development, and breeding of cacao and examines alternative approaches suggested.
Abstract: There are, at the present time, effectively no long-range, ongoing programs in any tropical country of the western hemisphere dedicated to the improvement of cacao (Theobroma cacao, Sterculiaceae). While some effort is currently made to obtain new acquisitions of cacao cultivars exhibiting desirable characteristics and to maintain genepools of these trees, there are few data from field trials to prove and substantiate these qualities. In addition, there is a growing concern regarding the disparities between predicted yields of cacao trees through the use of “hybrid” seed and from actual production under field conditions. This has stimulated an awareness of the current inadequate understanding of the genetics of cacao and the lack of comprehension as to which cultivars, under distinct ecological conditions, are precocious, resistant to disease, or heavy bearing, or indeed demonstrate those traits vital to the success of farming programs adapted to today’s market conditions. This paper examines the events that have led to the current status of selection, development, and breeding of cacao. Alternative approaches are suggested.
TL;DR: The literature since 1920 has been reviewed for further properties of the medicinal papilionoid legumes mentioned by Standley, as well as some of their allies, and the results are presented here.
Abstract: Trees and shrubs of Mexicoby P. C. Standley (1920-1926) gives medicinaluses and poisonous properties for a variety of plants. The literature since 1920 has been reviewed for further properties of the medicinal papilionoid legumes mentioned by Standley, as well as some of their allies, and the results are presented here. It is hoped that this review will not only provide a useful update to Standley’s work, but will also draw attention to certain species which have been little studied since Standley’s time.
TL;DR: In the remaining six species, GC/MS analysis enabled us to demonstrate that sweetness is attributable, in each case, to the presence of high concentrations of the phenylpropanoids, trans-anethole and estragole, either alone or in combination.
Abstract: Field inquiries and organoleptic tests for sweet taste led to the procurement of samples ofPiper marginatum (dried leaves),Tagetes filicifolia (fresh whole plants),Osmorhiza longistylis (fresh roots),Foeniculum vulgare (fresh aerial parts),Myrrhis odorata (fresh whole plants),Ocimum basilicum (fresh aerial parts), andIllicium verum (dried fruits). Follow-up laboratory studies of the leaves ofPiper marginatum demonstrated that trans-anethole (a phenylpropanoid) was the major sweet constituent of this species. In the remaining six species, GC/MS analysis also enabled us to demonstrate that sweetness is attributable, in each case, to the presence of high concentrations of the phenylpropanoids, trans-anethole and estragole, either alone or in combination.
TL;DR: Examination of herbarium specimens collected from throughout South America and of living specimens collected in Ecuador has revealed that plants are infected by the systemic, ascomycetous fungusBalansia cyperi.
Abstract: At least two species of Amazonian sedges (piripiri, i.e., Cyperus articulatus andC. prolixus, Cyperaceae) are widely utilized for various medicinal purposes, including birth control and induction of labor, and in hallucinogenic preparations. Examination of herbarium specimens collected from throughout South America and of living specimens collected in Ecuador has revealed that plants are infected by the systemic, ascomycetous fungusBalansia cyperi. This fungus is classified in the Clavicipitaceae and is known to infect only six species ofCyperus, including both North and South American species. Pure cultures of the fungus were obtained from two species of piripiri from Ecuador andC. virens from southern USA, and grown in submerged liquid culture. Extracts of the liquid medium revealed several unidentified ergot alkaloids. Current and past pharmacological uses of ergot alkaloids are consistent with uses of piripiri, suggesting a fungal basis for the ethnobotanical utilization of piripiri in Amazonia.
TL;DR: In this paper, a small-scale industry based on the harvest of wild palms from Acrocomia mexicana (Arecaceae) was observed in Honduras, where trees are selected, felled, and tapped by cutting a small trough into one section of the crownshaft.
Abstract: Production of “vino de coyol” (palm sap wine) fromAcrocomia mexicana (Arecaceae) was observed in Honduras. Trees are selected, felled, and tapped by cutting a small trough into one section of the crownshaft. The sap is collected, bottled, allowed to ferment for 24 h, and sold. The resulting beverage contains 12.86% alcohol but has little nutritional value. This is an example of a small-scale industry based on the harvest of wild palms
TL;DR: Chayote, a lesser-known member of the gourd family, is gaining in popularity and importance as a food crop worldwide and is worthy of being more widely used because it has good nutritional properties and a firm delectable fruit flesh texture and can be prepared in a variety of ways for consumption.
Abstract: Chayote (Sechiumedule, Cucurbitaceae), a lesser-known member of the gourd family, is gaining in popularity and importance as a food crop worldwide. It is unique among cultivated cucurbits by bearing single-seeded fruits and exhibiting vivipary. Chayote, adaptable to a wide range of climatic conditions, can be grown with relative ease. In addition to its fruits, it yields tender shoots for use as vegetable greens, vines as ornament for fences or as animal fodder, and edible subterranean storage roots. It is worthy of being more widely used because it has good nutritional properties and a firm delectable fruit flesh texture and can be prepared in a variety of ways for consumption. Chayote (Sechiumedule, Cucurbitaceae) ist einer der weniger bekannten Gattungen der Cucurbitaceae, obwohl sie immer mehr populaer und wichtig weltweit als Nahrungsmittel wird. Die Pflanze ist einzigartig unter kultivierten cucurbits wegen ihrer einsamigen Fruchte und ausgeschossene Samen innerhalb einer Frucht (vivipary). Chayote, der sich zu abwechselnden Klimabedingungen anpassen kaun, lasst sich leicht anbauen. Zusatzlich zu der geernten Fruchten kann man die weichen Triebe als Gemuse verwenden, sowie die Rebstocke als Hofschmuch oder als Futtermittel verwerten. Ausserdem sind die unterirdischen Wurzeln, die kohlenhydraten speichern konnen, sind essbar. Die kultivation der Pflanze sollte aufgrund ihrer nahrhaften Bestandteile und ihres schmackhaften Fruchtfleisches, das vielfaltig zum Verbrauch zubereitet werden kann, verbreitet werden.
TL;DR: It is quite apparent from the papers given at this symposium that molecular biology is now making great contributions to the authors' understanding of the origin and evolution of crop plants, and some people, however, are still proposing that a wild maize was the progenitor (see Goodman 1987).
Abstract: It is quite apparent from the papers given at this symposium that molecular biology is now making great contributions to our understanding of the origin and evolution of crop plants. I should point out, however, that the more traditional approaches still have something to offer as was exemplified by Newstrom's paper on the chayote. I do not intend to examine all of the papers in any great detail; rather I prefer to see how some of them relate to two more general topics-(l1) the diffusion of crops between Middle America and South America and (2) the beginnings of domestication in eastern North America. In 1965 I reviewed all of the major crops of the Americas (Heiser 1965) and additional information was incorporated in later papers (Pickersgill and Heiser 1977; Heiser 1979). Although studies in the last two decades have given us a much better understanding of the early history of some of the plants, most of what I wrote in 1965 still holds. Surprisingly few of the crops of Mexico reached South America in prehistoric times and even fewer had penetrated Mexico from South America, particularly so if we accept an independent domestication of some crops in the two areas, such as species of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. and P. lunatus L.) which I suggested in 1965. Evidence for such has been presented here by Gepts. For some crops it was difficult to determine if their movement from one area to the other occurred in the preor post-historical period, and this is still true for some of them. Maize (Zea mays L.) is nearly always central to any discussion of prehistoric American agriculture, so it is most appropriate that I begin with it. In 1965, although it was clear that maize had one origin in Middle America, the question of a separate origin in South America was still maintained as a possibility. Bonavia and Grobman (1 9 89) still hold to a separate South American origin of maize, but I think that it is clearly one of the few Middle American plants to have reached South America from Middle America in prehistoric times. As Doebley has told us in this symposium, maize is derived from teosinte and moreover, as a result of his studies, we can now be fairly certain as to which of the teosintes gave rise to it. Some people, however, are still proposing that a wild maize was the progenitor (see Goodman 1987). Recently Lathrap (1987) has stated that among the "proto-crops" that flowed from tropical South America north were cotton and cacao. He cites Pickersgill and Heiser (1977) for cotton but, as they point out, there is no evidence for an interchange of the cultivated cottons (Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L.) between Mexico and Peru in prehistoric times. For cacao he cites Marcos (1 9 73). However, I would still maintain my 19 65 assignment of the domestication of cacao to Middle America. My principal sources at the time were Sauer (1 9 51) and Cuatrecasas (1 964). The extensive and most valuable review of the early literature by Patiiio (1 9 63) also supports this position. Although wild Theobroma
TL;DR: The range of pollen and seed fertility, as well as the inheritance of male-sterility, leaf pubescence, and crispness, indicates that no one character can be used to identify M. x gracilis, but all characters can be explained from M. arvensis x M. spicata.
Abstract: Employing nine clones ofMentha arvensis and four clones ofM. spicata, 932 F, hybrids were synthesized and compared to 20 clones ofM. x gracilis. Two clones ofM. x gracilis with 60 somatic chromosomes were matched to a selected F1 hybrid. The other 18 clones ofM. x gracilis had somatic chromosome numbers of 60, 72, 84, and 96, and while these chromosome numbers appeared in the F1 progeny, morphological matches correlated with their correct chromosome numbers were not synthesized. The range of pollen and seed fertility, as well as the inheritance of male-sterility, leaf pubescence, and crispness, indicates that no one character can be used to identifyM. x gracilis, but all characters can be explained fromM. arvensis x M. spicata.
TL;DR: Wild relatives of the authors' present crop plants, although agronomically undesirable, may have acquired many desirable stress-resistant characteristics as a result of their long exposure to nature’s stresses.
Abstract: Wild relatives of our present crop plants, although agronomically undesirable, may have acquired many desirable stress-resistant characteristics as a result of their long exposure to nature’s stresses. Early U.S. collection activities for wild forms ofBeta were conducted by George H. Coons (USDA-ARS) in 1925 and 1935. These collections were mainly wild forms of the sectionBeta, with major emphasis on leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) resistance. Little was done with this collection until 1976, when John McFarlane (USDA-ARS) transferred it to Salinas, California, to regenerate seed for preservation. Unfortunately, about half of the collection had lost germinability. Immunity to Rhizomania, a devastating root disease discovered in California in 1983, was discovered in several accessions of the Coons’ collection by E. D. Whitney. Interestingly, these same accessions subsequently have been found to exhibit Erwinia root rot resistance, sugar beet root maggot tolerance, and moderate leaf spot resistance. The value of wild germplasm is not always apparent immediately. Needs change and the value of wild germplasm may not be realized for years.
TL;DR: The history of economic botany is briefly discussed in this paper, where the relationships between economic plants, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and ethnobotany are discussed as well as the regional approaches to economic botanical around the world and by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Abstract: The history of economic botany is briefly discussed. Economic plants are defined as those plants utilized either directly or indirectly for the benefit of Man. Indirect usage includes the needs of Man’s livestock and the maintenance of the environment; the benefits may be domestic, commercial, environmental, or aesthetic. The relationships between economic botany, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and ethnobotany are discussed as well as the regional approaches to economic botany around the world and by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in particular.
TL;DR: In this article, the ability of Eichhornia crassipes and Sphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) to ameliorate acid mine water discharged from coal operations was evaluated under greenhouse conditions.
Abstract: Tests were conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the ability of Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) and Sphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) to ameliorate acid mine water discharged from coal operations. In addition, the survivorship and growth rate ofE. crassipes (water-hyacinth), cultured in toxic acid mine water, were determined. The results of both short-and long-term studies indicated thatE. crassipes readily reduced levels of heavy metals in acid mine water while the plants exhibited few signs of toxicity. Patterns of reduction of pollutants, for bothE. crassipes andS. quinquefarium indicated that treatment efficiency could be improved by the periodic harvesting of plants. It is suggested that the ease with which water-hyacinths can be introduced into wetlands and harvested cannot be economically duplicated with other plants currently in use in treating acid mine water.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors visited a factory on the coast of Ecuador that was founded in 1926 and still produces buttons of vegetable ivory on a large scale, with 80 employees producing about 5000 lb of buttons a month; these are exported to Japan, West Germany and Italy.
Abstract: Buttons made of vegetable ivory were once in great demand in industrial parts of the world. Vegetable ivory is the hard white seed endosperm from palms of the genusPhytelephas (Arecaceae). After World War II, ivory nuts were largely replaced by plastics. Recently the authors visited a factory on the coast of Ecuador that was founded in 1926 and still produces buttons of vegetable ivory on a large scale. Eighty employees produce about 5000 lb of buttons a month; these are exported to Japan, West Germany, and Italy. The production is described step by step and the future of vegetable ivory is discussed briefly.