Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 2005"
TL;DR: Dunmire and Tierney as discussed by the authors described the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World and the history of these plants and their introduction to the modern world.
Abstract: Bill Dunmire previously collaborated with Gail Tierney in two delightful books on the plants and people of the southwestern United States (1995. Wild Plants of the Pueblo Province; 1997. Wild Plants and Native Peoples of the Four Corners). Alone Bill has written this engaging and information-packed volume on the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World. Much previously has been written of New World contributions to Old World lives. Now that has been balanced with details of the other part of the story. This book outlines the history of Spanish colonization in the New World and the arrival with them of their favorite plants. The story begins with the status of life in Spain on the cusp of American exploration and contrasts that with foods and worldviews in Mexico and what became the southwestern United States. Chapters 4–6 tell of the ‘‘pathways’’ to the New World between 1492 and 1521, with discussions of Spanish agricultural arrival and the associated trade systems and livestock. Then, it explains how the Spanish first brought their culture, religion, and plants into Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas before discussing either Florida or California. There is a Master Plant List (pp. 315–324), a Glossary, a Sources providing data supporting each chapter (pp. 329–342), a Selected Bibliography (pp. 343–362) of ca. 400 titles, and an Index. Most chapters are introduced with a map (13 total) showing the points needed for orientation and understanding movements by people. Also scattered throughout are sketches of tools and other items of the period, and many chapters end in discussions of individual cultivated plants, with drawings of each. All illustrations were created by Bill’s wife, Evangeline L. Dunmire. Most of the black-and-white photographs were taken by the author. The only color in the book is on the cover, featuring photos of the courtyard garden at the Parroquia de San Luis Obispo in Texcoco, grapes, plums, and a traditional farmer harvesting her safflower. The quality of these makes me wish that all pictures were in color. There are 12 tables providing various information on the plants pertinent to the individual chapters. The data packed into these tables on the 158 Old World species in the master list is wonderful. Nowhere else is there as much information about so many topics on these species and their arrival in the New World. Dunmire clearly worked long and hard on compiling these data and presents them in a lucid, compact format. Since the New and Old World plants became intermingled in indigenous and European-derived cultures, he has included pertinent New World species in the second part of the master list (57 spp.). Bill has a delightful twist that brings the history of these plants into the modern world in the Epilogue (pp. 309–314). He highlights two individuals, Anita Chavez and Rudy Perea, as representatives of traditional agriculture who continue growing many of the Mediterranean and American plants together in modern New Mexico. This is a thoroughly researched and readable book that will interest all readers of this journal. I strongly recommend it!
239 citations
TL;DR: This engaging and information-packed volume on the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World and the arrival with them of their favorite plants is a thoroughly researched and readable book that will interest all readers of this journal.
Abstract: Bill Dunmire previously collaborated with Gail Tierney in two delightful books on the plants and people of the southwestern United States (1995. Wild Plants of the Pueblo Province; 1997. Wild Plants and Native Peoples of the Four Corners). Alone Bill has written this engaging and information-packed volume on the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World. Much previously has been written of New World contributions to Old World lives. Now that has been balanced with details of the other part of the story. This book outlines the history of Spanish colonization in the New World and the arrival with them of their favorite plants. The story begins with the status of life in Spain on the cusp of American exploration and contrasts that with foods and worldviews in Mexico and what became the southwestern United States. Chapters 4–6 tell of the ‘‘pathways’’ to the New World between 1492 and 1521, with discussions of Spanish agricultural arrival and the associated trade systems and livestock. Then, it explains how the Spanish first brought their culture, religion, and plants into Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas before discussing either Florida or California. There is a Master Plant List (pp. 315–324), a Glossary, a Sources providing data supporting each chapter (pp. 329–342), a Selected Bibliography (pp. 343–362) of ca. 400 titles, and an Index. Most chapters are introduced with a map (13 total) showing the points needed for orientation and understanding movements by people. Also scattered throughout are sketches of tools and other items of the period, and many chapters end in discussions of individual cultivated plants, with drawings of each. All illustrations were created by Bill’s wife, Evangeline L. Dunmire. Most of the black-and-white photographs were taken by the author. The only color in the book is on the cover, featuring photos of the courtyard garden at the Parroquia de San Luis Obispo in Texcoco, grapes, plums, and a traditional farmer harvesting her safflower. The quality of these makes me wish that all pictures were in color. There are 12 tables providing various information on the plants pertinent to the individual chapters. The data packed into these tables on the 158 Old World species in the master list is wonderful. Nowhere else is there as much information about so many topics on these species and their arrival in the New World. Dunmire clearly worked long and hard on compiling these data and presents them in a lucid, compact format. Since the New and Old World plants became intermingled in indigenous and European-derived cultures, he has included pertinent New World species in the second part of the master list (57 spp.). Bill has a delightful twist that brings the history of these plants into the modern world in the Epilogue (pp. 309–314). He highlights two individuals, Anita Chavez and Rudy Perea, as representatives of traditional agriculture who continue growing many of the Mediterranean and American plants together in modern New Mexico. This is a thoroughly researched and readable book that will interest all readers of this journal. I strongly recommend it!
177 citations
TL;DR: Indigenous knowledge of pastoralists on use and management of their plant resources is a valuable source of information for conservation and sustainable utilization of the plant biodiversity and, hence, conservation based on indigenous knowledge is recommended.
Abstract: A survey of plant biodiversity and ethnobotanical studies was conducted in southern Ethiopia using an integrated approach of botanical collections, group discussions, interviews and questionnaires. Species richness, growth forms and uses of native wild plants are described. Borana pastoralists distinguished and named 86% of the plant species identified. A total of 327 plant species distributed among 197 genera and 69 families are documented: 40% are trees/shrubs, 30% forbs (non-woody plants other than grasses and sedges), 16% grasses, 10% climbers, 2% sedges and 2% succulents. Based on richness of species and usefulness, the most important families are Poaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae. Two hundred forty-eight species (76%) are used by Borana pastoralists, out of which 42% have multiple uses. Indigenous knowledge of pastoralists on use and management of their plant resources is a valuable source of information for conservation and sustainable utilization of the plant bio-diversity and, hence, conservation based on indigenous knowledge is recommended.
153 citations
TL;DR: Parry et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the role of the World Trade Organization, United Nations, and World Bank in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise.
Abstract: An engrossing progress report by an economic and cultural geographer tackles the number one issue related to utilization of plant genetic resources today. The era of free and unencumbered access to new crop varieties appears to be passing (Koo et al. 2004). This development in intellectual property (IP) raises concerns about its implications for food production and human health. New global regulations are reshaping our cultural and natural environments. This work involves an investigation of the role that global institutions (World Trade Organization, United Nations, World Bank) play in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise. Debates about the function of the nation state and how its sovereignty is undermined by the emergence of these new global institutions are examined. Cross-cultural analysis of alternative forms of environmental regulation illustrates the culturally embedded nature of knowledge production. Indigenous folk, social movements, and NGO’s now play key roles in contemporary geo-political conflicts. The history of the development of global regulatory institutions and regimes in the post-WWII period, their intended purposes and operational structures, are followed by theoretical debates about the ‘transboundary’ nature of environmental issues and of the need for a global approach to their control. Case studies on genetic resources and IP rights, commodification of cultural property, food safety governance, and global regulation of specialized labor markets illustrate the impact that their regulations are having in shaping local environments. Henry Shands, head of the USDA’s Genetic Resources division, suggested that DNA extraction techniques are advancing so rapidly that it is now even possible to use dried herbarium specimens as sources of replicable DNA. This development has created consternation amongst the holders of scientific and academic collections. Parry investigates why these impacts are so geographically uneven and considers what powers nation states and non-state NGOs and indigenous groups have to mediate these effects through alternative, localized, systems of regulation. Koo et al. (2004:1,297) point out that concerns over IP seem to be diverting policy attention from more fundamental negative trends, notably, the slowdown of investment in agricultural R&D worldwide, especially research targeted to poor people’s food crops. This weakens domestic capacities to conduct agricultural R&D in many poor countries, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Parry’s outsider status provides her an opportunity to speak out without reprisal. It is undeniable that this subject is riddled with contradictions and qualms. All plants have genetic potential. There is a need to rank species according to the likelihood of exploitation, based on objective criteria. Gene bank collections of genetic resources must genuinely be accessible to all. Sites must be selected carefully. Access must not be denied for geopolitical reasons. Are farmer’s rights and benefits lost in bureaucratic considerations? Read Wolfgang’s (1995) report on challenges to patents on native technology from constituents of the neem tree. Who benefits under benefit sharing? The central government, or the descendants of those farmers whose efforts at crop selection and breeding over hundreds of generations, led to welladapted landraces? Suppose farmers whose successful discoveries are out of favor with the central government, their current status is problematic, or those are residents scattered in refugee camps or incarcerated as prisoners of conscience? Annoyingly, footnotes force readers to refer repeatedly to notes at the end of the volume. There are numerous typographical errors: spelling, hyphenation, superscripts, incorrect placement of information in tables, etc. Parry tackled a difficult subject with adroitness. She does not preach, but reports the facts and leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. Her compilation may irritate some; it will certainly provoke discussion. This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of our times.
144 citations
TL;DR: Some ecological and cultural aspects of the collection of wild plants for food are discussed, as well as the relationships between the food and medicinal uses of some species.
Abstract: This paper reports an ethnobotanical investigation, performed between 1999 and 2002, to determine the wild food plants traditionally used in the province of Madrid (central Spain). One hundred and twenty-three vascular species belonging to 31 families were at one time used as vegetables, wild fruits, in the making of beverages, as seasonings, or as other preparations. Wild vegetables formed the largest group, with Scolymus hispanicus, Silene vulgaris, and Rumex pulcher the most frequently cooked vegetables, and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum and Montia fontana the most commonly used in salads. Also common was the consumption of asparagus and several species of climbing plants such as Bryonia dioica, Tamus communis, and Humulus lupulus. Ethnobotanical novelties included Sonchus crassifolius, the young sprouts of which were used in salads, and Inula salicina, used to make herbal tea. Some ecological and cultural aspects of the collection of wild plants for food are discussed, as well as the relations...
134 citations
TL;DR: An ethnobotany study in collaboration with Q’eqchi’ Maya healers of Southern Belize led to a collection of 169 medicinal plant species, belonging to 67 different families, suggesting a well-defined medicinal tradition.
Abstract: An ethnobotany study in collaboration with Q'eqchi' Maya healers of Southern Belize led to a collection of 169 medicinal plant species, belonging to 67 different families. The data show the use of a majority of species from primary or secondary semi-evergreen rainforests of Southern Belize, rather than weedy species. The medicinal uses of the plants were grouped into 17 usage categories. The frequency of use for each plant and the informant consensus factor for each usage category reveals a consensus among the healers on the use of plant species as well as on the diseases treated. These results suggest a well-defined medicinal tradition.
126 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge among the indigenous population of Manus was undertaken in an attempt to compare, contrast, and draw conclusions regarding factors in maintaining indigenous knowledge of the local flora, supporting the theory that medicinal plant knowledge is particularly vulnerable to loss.
Abstract: Despite the fact that Manus Province is the most geographically isolated province of Papua New Guinea, research shows that the acculturation process, common among minority indigenous groups around the globe, has had detrimental effects on maintaining knowledge and customs. Analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge among the indigenous population of Manus was undertaken in an attempt to compare, contrast, and draw conclusions regarding factors in maintaining indigenous knowledge of the local flora. Four levels of knowledge (plants recognized, identified, identified as useful, and identified as medicinally useful) were used to examine the relationships between knowledge of the local flora and physical, geographical, and social variables of informants. Results showed significant differences in ethnobotanical knowledge based on informant gender, age, cultural subclass, and habitation locality. Low levels of medicinal plant knowledge were found among the Manus due to acculturation, supporting the theory that medicinal plant knowledge is particularly vulnerable to loss.
121 citations
TL;DR: This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of the authors' times.
Abstract: An engrossing progress report by an economic and cultural geographer tackles the number one issue related to utilization of plant genetic resources today. The era of free and unencumbered access to new crop varieties appears to be passing (Koo et al. 2004). This development in intellectual property (IP) raises concerns about its implications for food production and human health. New global regulations are reshaping our cultural and natural environments. This work involves an investigation of the role that global institutions (World Trade Organization, United Nations, World Bank) play in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise. Debates about the function of the nation state and how its sovereignty is undermined by the emergence of these new global institutions are examined. Cross-cultural analysis of alternative forms of environmental regulation illustrates the culturally embedded nature of knowledge production. Indigenous folk, social movements, and NGO’s now play key roles in contemporary geo-political conflicts. The history of the development of global regulatory institutions and regimes in the post-WWII period, their intended purposes and operational structures, are followed by theoretical debates about the ‘transboundary’ nature of environmental issues and of the need for a global approach to their control. Case studies on genetic resources and IP rights, commodification of cultural property, food safety governance, and global regulation of specialized labor markets illustrate the impact that their regulations are having in shaping local environments. Henry Shands, head of the USDA’s Genetic Resources division, suggested that DNA extraction techniques are advancing so rapidly that it is now even possible to use dried herbarium specimens as sources of replicable DNA. This development has created consternation amongst the holders of scientific and academic collections. Parry investigates why these impacts are so geographically uneven and considers what powers nation states and non-state NGOs and indigenous groups have to mediate these effects through alternative, localized, systems of regulation. Koo et al. (2004:1,297) point out that concerns over IP seem to be diverting policy attention from more fundamental negative trends, notably, the slowdown of investment in agricultural R&D worldwide, especially research targeted to poor people’s food crops. This weakens domestic capacities to conduct agricultural R&D in many poor countries, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Parry’s outsider status provides her an opportunity to speak out without reprisal. It is undeniable that this subject is riddled with contradictions and qualms. All plants have genetic potential. There is a need to rank species according to the likelihood of exploitation, based on objective criteria. Gene bank collections of genetic resources must genuinely be accessible to all. Sites must be selected carefully. Access must not be denied for geopolitical reasons. Are farmer’s rights and benefits lost in bureaucratic considerations? Read Wolfgang’s (1995) report on challenges to patents on native technology from constituents of the neem tree. Who benefits under benefit sharing? The central government, or the descendants of those farmers whose efforts at crop selection and breeding over hundreds of generations, led to welladapted landraces? Suppose farmers whose successful discoveries are out of favor with the central government, their current status is problematic, or those are residents scattered in refugee camps or incarcerated as prisoners of conscience? Annoyingly, footnotes force readers to refer repeatedly to notes at the end of the volume. There are numerous typographical errors: spelling, hyphenation, superscripts, incorrect placement of information in tables, etc. Parry tackled a difficult subject with adroitness. She does not preach, but reports the facts and leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. Her compilation may irritate some; it will certainly provoke discussion. This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of our times.
117 citations
TL;DR: This paper integrated bio-ecological and ethnographic methods to examine local wood use and cutting of mangrove forests in two areas of the Philippines and found that harvesting for construction wood, but not fuel-wood, is both species-and size-selective.
Abstract: Small-scale wood harvesting from mangrove forests is a commonplace yet barely studied phenomenon. This paper integrates bio-ecological and ethnographic methods to examine local wood use and cutting of mangrove forests in two areas of the Philippines. Findings reveal considerable site variation in cutting intensity, with heavier cutting typically closer to settlements and in forest stands that are not effectively regulated by government or private interests. Overall, cutting is responsible for almost 90% of stem mortality in both natural and plantation forests. Field measurements confirm ethnographic evidence indicating that harvesting for construction wood, but not fuel-wood, is both species- and size-selective. Mangrove management and conservation efforts can be made more effective by better understanding how local people are harvesting wood resources from these forests.
88 citations
TL;DR: In this article, commercial samples of lichens collected from different states of India were studied for their source and commercial use, 38 different lichen species were identified among samples offered for sale, and local traders coordinate the lichen collection and then sell the material to traders in the foothills, and from there it is processed and distributed to other parts of India and abroad.
Abstract: The diversity of Indian lichen flora has undergone a considerable decline in the last five decades. Among the various anthropogenic activities, overexploitation and selective removal of economically important lichens have become major threats to the lichen flora of the country. Commercial samples of lichens collected from different states of India were studied for their source and commercial use. Among samples offered for sale, 38 different lichen species were identified. The western Himalayas proved to be the main area for lichen collection, while some lichen species also come from the central and Western Ghats. Local traders coordinate the lichen collection and then sell the material to traders in the foothills, and from there it is processed and distributed to other parts of the country and abroad. Because lichens belonging to the families Parmeliaceae and Physciaceae are the ones most exploited commercially, they are recommended for inclusion in the CITES list.
80 citations
TL;DR: This book represents a monumental piece of work, not only in the compilation of many pieces of disparate information into a coherent whole, but also in the incredibly high quality of that information.
Abstract: The importance of the Fungi as a crucial component in ecosystem function, health, and maintenance has become better appreciated over the past decade or so. In order to better understand the role of fungi in the global community, it has been necessary to conduct basic surveys and inventories of species composition and abundance. Because the Fungi and fungus-like organisms traditionally studied by mycologists (e.g., water molds, slime molds) contain an amazing variety of life histories, ecology, and morphology, no single method of documentation is satisfactory for the entire kingdom. Thus, the editors brought together an international group of 88 mycologists to contribute state-of theart protocols for sampling methodologies and data analyses for fungi. After some introductory treatments that provide an overview of fungi, preservation of specimens and cultures, data management, diversity patterns, and molecular biology, the main part of the book covers the actual recommended protocols for sampling particular groups of fungi and their allies. These chapters are organized by technique and functional ecological units such as freshwater habitats, insect associated fungi, terrestrial macrofungi, coprophilous fungi, yeasts, lichens, endophytes, saprobes from soil, marine habitats, etc. Thus, subsets of the Ascomycetes, for example, are treated in several chapters since there are distinct protocols for collecting and identifying those taxonomic subsets based on criteria such as habitat, life history, or substrate preference. Otherwise, treatment by taxonomic group would have led to a major duplication of information. For the most part, the protocol chapters are fairly uniform across the board in that there are subsections devoted to taxonomy, diversity, distribution, collection, isolation, cultivation, documentation, manipulation, and preservation techniques. In some cases, identification keys are provided (e.g., parasites of nematodes and rotifers). Superb color photographs as well as half-tone photographs and/or line art are found in most treatments. At the end of the book there are four appendices describing moist chambers for fungal development; formulae for culture media, antibiotics, fixatives, mounting media, stains; a list of public and private herbaria housing fungal collections, fungus related websites; and a list of vendors for supplies and materials. This is followed by an illustrated glossary. All of the literature sources cited in the text is placed next, followed by an index. This book represents a monumental piece of work, not only in the compilation of many pieces of disparate information into a coherent whole, but also in the incredibly high quality of that information. This volume is timely given that discovery and naming of fungal biodiversity is of paramount global importance. Surely, the fundamental procedures laid out in this book will be of benefit to mycology and to mycologists and will be a stimulus to expand the boundaries of documenting fungal diversity. The contributors and editors are to be congratulated for bringing together an exceptional piece of work. This book will no doubt become a standard reference.
TL;DR: Dunmire and Tierney as discussed by the authors described the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World and the history of these plants and their introduction to the modern world.
Abstract: Bill Dunmire previously collaborated with Gail Tierney in two delightful books on the plants and people of the southwestern United States (1995. Wild Plants of the Pueblo Province; 1997. Wild Plants and Native Peoples of the Four Corners). Alone Bill has written this engaging and information-packed volume on the arrival and impact of plants that the Europeans brought to the New World. Much previously has been written of New World contributions to Old World lives. Now that has been balanced with details of the other part of the story. This book outlines the history of Spanish colonization in the New World and the arrival with them of their favorite plants. The story begins with the status of life in Spain on the cusp of American exploration and contrasts that with foods and worldviews in Mexico and what became the southwestern United States. Chapters 4–6 tell of the ‘‘pathways’’ to the New World between 1492 and 1521, with discussions of Spanish agricultural arrival and the associated trade systems and livestock. Then, it explains how the Spanish first brought their culture, religion, and plants into Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas before discussing either Florida or California. There is a Master Plant List (pp. 315–324), a Glossary, a Sources providing data supporting each chapter (pp. 329–342), a Selected Bibliography (pp. 343–362) of ca. 400 titles, and an Index. Most chapters are introduced with a map (13 total) showing the points needed for orientation and understanding movements by people. Also scattered throughout are sketches of tools and other items of the period, and many chapters end in discussions of individual cultivated plants, with drawings of each. All illustrations were created by Bill’s wife, Evangeline L. Dunmire. Most of the black-and-white photographs were taken by the author. The only color in the book is on the cover, featuring photos of the courtyard garden at the Parroquia de San Luis Obispo in Texcoco, grapes, plums, and a traditional farmer harvesting her safflower. The quality of these makes me wish that all pictures were in color. There are 12 tables providing various information on the plants pertinent to the individual chapters. The data packed into these tables on the 158 Old World species in the master list is wonderful. Nowhere else is there as much information about so many topics on these species and their arrival in the New World. Dunmire clearly worked long and hard on compiling these data and presents them in a lucid, compact format. Since the New and Old World plants became intermingled in indigenous and European-derived cultures, he has included pertinent New World species in the second part of the master list (57 spp.). Bill has a delightful twist that brings the history of these plants into the modern world in the Epilogue (pp. 309–314). He highlights two individuals, Anita Chavez and Rudy Perea, as representatives of traditional agriculture who continue growing many of the Mediterranean and American plants together in modern New Mexico. This is a thoroughly researched and readable book that will interest all readers of this journal. I strongly recommend it!
TL;DR: This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of the authors' times.
Abstract: An engrossing progress report by an economic and cultural geographer tackles the number one issue related to utilization of plant genetic resources today. The era of free and unencumbered access to new crop varieties appears to be passing (Koo et al. 2004). This development in intellectual property (IP) raises concerns about its implications for food production and human health. New global regulations are reshaping our cultural and natural environments. This work involves an investigation of the role that global institutions (World Trade Organization, United Nations, World Bank) play in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise. Debates about the function of the nation state and how its sovereignty is undermined by the emergence of these new global institutions are examined. Cross-cultural analysis of alternative forms of environmental regulation illustrates the culturally embedded nature of knowledge production. Indigenous folk, social movements, and NGO’s now play key roles in contemporary geo-political conflicts. The history of the development of global regulatory institutions and regimes in the post-WWII period, their intended purposes and operational structures, are followed by theoretical debates about the ‘transboundary’ nature of environmental issues and of the need for a global approach to their control. Case studies on genetic resources and IP rights, commodification of cultural property, food safety governance, and global regulation of specialized labor markets illustrate the impact that their regulations are having in shaping local environments. Henry Shands, head of the USDA’s Genetic Resources division, suggested that DNA extraction techniques are advancing so rapidly that it is now even possible to use dried herbarium specimens as sources of replicable DNA. This development has created consternation amongst the holders of scientific and academic collections. Parry investigates why these impacts are so geographically uneven and considers what powers nation states and non-state NGOs and indigenous groups have to mediate these effects through alternative, localized, systems of regulation. Koo et al. (2004:1,297) point out that concerns over IP seem to be diverting policy attention from more fundamental negative trends, notably, the slowdown of investment in agricultural R&D worldwide, especially research targeted to poor people’s food crops. This weakens domestic capacities to conduct agricultural R&D in many poor countries, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Parry’s outsider status provides her an opportunity to speak out without reprisal. It is undeniable that this subject is riddled with contradictions and qualms. All plants have genetic potential. There is a need to rank species according to the likelihood of exploitation, based on objective criteria. Gene bank collections of genetic resources must genuinely be accessible to all. Sites must be selected carefully. Access must not be denied for geopolitical reasons. Are farmer’s rights and benefits lost in bureaucratic considerations? Read Wolfgang’s (1995) report on challenges to patents on native technology from constituents of the neem tree. Who benefits under benefit sharing? The central government, or the descendants of those farmers whose efforts at crop selection and breeding over hundreds of generations, led to welladapted landraces? Suppose farmers whose successful discoveries are out of favor with the central government, their current status is problematic, or those are residents scattered in refugee camps or incarcerated as prisoners of conscience? Annoyingly, footnotes force readers to refer repeatedly to notes at the end of the volume. There are numerous typographical errors: spelling, hyphenation, superscripts, incorrect placement of information in tables, etc. Parry tackled a difficult subject with adroitness. She does not preach, but reports the facts and leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. Her compilation may irritate some; it will certainly provoke discussion. This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of our times.
TL;DR: Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers were used to compare the relative genetic diversity of native chile landraces to the genetic diversity found in commercially available cultivars in the United States as well as landrace from Mexico.
Abstract: Four hundred years of chile (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) cultivation, together with concerns about losing genetic resources in their native agrohabitats, provide the pretext for collecting and preserving landraces of this species in New Mexico. The molecular analysis of these accessions provided a powerful means by which their genetic structures were characterized. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers were used to compare the relative genetic diversity of native chile landraces to the genetic diversity found in commercially available cultivars in the United States as well as landraces from Mexico.
TL;DR: It is found that Q'eqchi' Maya healers of southern Belize generally recognize and treat epilepsy/seizures, headache, madness, fright, fright (susto), depression, numbness, insomnia, and stress with herbal remedies.
Abstract: Plant Use by the Q’eqchi’ Maya of Belize in Ethnopsychiatry and Neurological Pathology. Economic Botany 59(4):326–336, 2005. Neurological and mental health disorders are extremely debilitating, and sufferers in developing countries often rely on traditional practitioners for these medical needs. Few studies have focused on botanical remedies used in this context, although these offer interesting treatment alternatives. The present study investigated plant use for the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders by Q'eqchi' Maya healers of southern Belize. We found that these healers generally recognize and treat epilepsy/seizures, headache, madness, fright (susto), depression, numbness, insomnia, and stress with herbal remedies. Quantitative analyses showed that there is selection for the use of certain species and botanical families, namely for species of the Pteridophyta division and for plants from the Piperaceae family. This study denotes the importance and selectivity of plant use by Q'eqchi' healers of southern Belize for the treatment of neurological and mental conditions and points to a possible underrepresentation of these disorders in the ethnobotanical literature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present data obtained from surveys on 16 farms where ADE was present in the region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and found that while the most market-oriented farms retained high species richness, homegardens located on them contained higher proportions of commercially interesting species.
Abstract: Homegardens may serve as reservoirs of agro-biodiversity on highly fertile, anthropogenic Amazonian Dark Earth (ADE) soils of the Amazon basin. However, as these soils are used more intensively for market-oriented agriculture, we suspected a decrease in their agro-biodiversity. We present data obtained from surveys on 16 farms where ADE was present in the region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. When farms were separated into two groups by market orientation, species richness on the farms was not significantly influenced by market orientation, but there was less dominance (i.e., more diversity) for homegardens in the low-market orientation group (P < 0.1). The proportion of native species was not affected by market orientation. Hence, while the most market-oriented farms retained high species richness, homegardens located on them contained higher proportions of commercially interesting species.
TL;DR: This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of the authors' times.
Abstract: An engrossing progress report by an economic and cultural geographer tackles the number one issue related to utilization of plant genetic resources today. The era of free and unencumbered access to new crop varieties appears to be passing (Koo et al. 2004). This development in intellectual property (IP) raises concerns about its implications for food production and human health. New global regulations are reshaping our cultural and natural environments. This work involves an investigation of the role that global institutions (World Trade Organization, United Nations, World Bank) play in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise. Debates about the function of the nation state and how its sovereignty is undermined by the emergence of these new global institutions are examined. Cross-cultural analysis of alternative forms of environmental regulation illustrates the culturally embedded nature of knowledge production. Indigenous folk, social movements, and NGO’s now play key roles in contemporary geo-political conflicts. The history of the development of global regulatory institutions and regimes in the post-WWII period, their intended purposes and operational structures, are followed by theoretical debates about the ‘transboundary’ nature of environmental issues and of the need for a global approach to their control. Case studies on genetic resources and IP rights, commodification of cultural property, food safety governance, and global regulation of specialized labor markets illustrate the impact that their regulations are having in shaping local environments. Henry Shands, head of the USDA’s Genetic Resources division, suggested that DNA extraction techniques are advancing so rapidly that it is now even possible to use dried herbarium specimens as sources of replicable DNA. This development has created consternation amongst the holders of scientific and academic collections. Parry investigates why these impacts are so geographically uneven and considers what powers nation states and non-state NGOs and indigenous groups have to mediate these effects through alternative, localized, systems of regulation. Koo et al. (2004:1,297) point out that concerns over IP seem to be diverting policy attention from more fundamental negative trends, notably, the slowdown of investment in agricultural R&D worldwide, especially research targeted to poor people’s food crops. This weakens domestic capacities to conduct agricultural R&D in many poor countries, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Parry’s outsider status provides her an opportunity to speak out without reprisal. It is undeniable that this subject is riddled with contradictions and qualms. All plants have genetic potential. There is a need to rank species according to the likelihood of exploitation, based on objective criteria. Gene bank collections of genetic resources must genuinely be accessible to all. Sites must be selected carefully. Access must not be denied for geopolitical reasons. Are farmer’s rights and benefits lost in bureaucratic considerations? Read Wolfgang’s (1995) report on challenges to patents on native technology from constituents of the neem tree. Who benefits under benefit sharing? The central government, or the descendants of those farmers whose efforts at crop selection and breeding over hundreds of generations, led to welladapted landraces? Suppose farmers whose successful discoveries are out of favor with the central government, their current status is problematic, or those are residents scattered in refugee camps or incarcerated as prisoners of conscience? Annoyingly, footnotes force readers to refer repeatedly to notes at the end of the volume. There are numerous typographical errors: spelling, hyphenation, superscripts, incorrect placement of information in tables, etc. Parry tackled a difficult subject with adroitness. She does not preach, but reports the facts and leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. Her compilation may irritate some; it will certainly provoke discussion. This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of our times.
TL;DR: Parry et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the role of the World Trade Organization, United Nations, and World Bank in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise.
Abstract: An engrossing progress report by an economic and cultural geographer tackles the number one issue related to utilization of plant genetic resources today. The era of free and unencumbered access to new crop varieties appears to be passing (Koo et al. 2004). This development in intellectual property (IP) raises concerns about its implications for food production and human health. New global regulations are reshaping our cultural and natural environments. This work involves an investigation of the role that global institutions (World Trade Organization, United Nations, World Bank) play in constructing new commodities (genetic resources, cultural products, and types of specialized labor) and in modifying the market economies to which they give rise. Debates about the function of the nation state and how its sovereignty is undermined by the emergence of these new global institutions are examined. Cross-cultural analysis of alternative forms of environmental regulation illustrates the culturally embedded nature of knowledge production. Indigenous folk, social movements, and NGO’s now play key roles in contemporary geo-political conflicts. The history of the development of global regulatory institutions and regimes in the post-WWII period, their intended purposes and operational structures, are followed by theoretical debates about the ‘transboundary’ nature of environmental issues and of the need for a global approach to their control. Case studies on genetic resources and IP rights, commodification of cultural property, food safety governance, and global regulation of specialized labor markets illustrate the impact that their regulations are having in shaping local environments. Henry Shands, head of the USDA’s Genetic Resources division, suggested that DNA extraction techniques are advancing so rapidly that it is now even possible to use dried herbarium specimens as sources of replicable DNA. This development has created consternation amongst the holders of scientific and academic collections. Parry investigates why these impacts are so geographically uneven and considers what powers nation states and non-state NGOs and indigenous groups have to mediate these effects through alternative, localized, systems of regulation. Koo et al. (2004:1,297) point out that concerns over IP seem to be diverting policy attention from more fundamental negative trends, notably, the slowdown of investment in agricultural R&D worldwide, especially research targeted to poor people’s food crops. This weakens domestic capacities to conduct agricultural R&D in many poor countries, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Parry’s outsider status provides her an opportunity to speak out without reprisal. It is undeniable that this subject is riddled with contradictions and qualms. All plants have genetic potential. There is a need to rank species according to the likelihood of exploitation, based on objective criteria. Gene bank collections of genetic resources must genuinely be accessible to all. Sites must be selected carefully. Access must not be denied for geopolitical reasons. Are farmer’s rights and benefits lost in bureaucratic considerations? Read Wolfgang’s (1995) report on challenges to patents on native technology from constituents of the neem tree. Who benefits under benefit sharing? The central government, or the descendants of those farmers whose efforts at crop selection and breeding over hundreds of generations, led to welladapted landraces? Suppose farmers whose successful discoveries are out of favor with the central government, their current status is problematic, or those are residents scattered in refugee camps or incarcerated as prisoners of conscience? Annoyingly, footnotes force readers to refer repeatedly to notes at the end of the volume. There are numerous typographical errors: spelling, hyphenation, superscripts, incorrect placement of information in tables, etc. Parry tackled a difficult subject with adroitness. She does not preach, but reports the facts and leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. Her compilation may irritate some; it will certainly provoke discussion. This book is essential reading for all researchers involved with plant genetic resources—including field botanists, botanical gardens, gene banks, breeders, chemists, pharmacologists, and everyone interested in using plant germplasm—because it critically assesses one of the fundamental issues of our times.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the socioeconomic and institutional factors that explain the development, persistence, and decline of Forest Garden Systems (FGS), a range of forest management systems between pure extraction and plantations.
Abstract: There is a range of forest management systems between pure extraction and plantation systems. Such “intermediate systems” range from wild forests modified for increased production of selected products to anthropogenic forests with a high-density of valuable species growing within a relatively diverse and complex structure. These systems, classed here as “Forest Garden Systems” (FGS), have important socioeconomic and ecological benefits, and yet they have been largely overlooked by researchers, development practitioners, and policy makers. Based on case examples and the authors’ experience, this paper analyzes the socioeconomic and institutional factors that explain the development, persistence, and decline of FGS. These systems combine productivity and biodiversity values and are important components in the diverse economic systems of their managers. As such, the model warrants increased attention to protect existing values, to support the adaptation of existing systems to changing circumstances, and to inform the development of new models of integrated forest management
TL;DR: In this article, the authors quantitatively compare land use between higher and lower villages, and between villages with and without roads, and suggest that Tibetan land use reveals trade-offs between high, remote villages and lower village near roads; in contrast, lower villages have road and market access, an extended growing season and modern technology, but limited access to land and many other natural resources.
Abstract: Collaborating Authors: Bee Gunn, Wayne Law, George Yatskievych, Wu Sugong, Fang Zhendong, Ma Jian, Wang Yuhua, Andrew Willson, Peng Shengjing, Zhang Chuanling, Sun Hongyan, Meng Zhengui, Liu Lin, Senam Dorji, Ana, Liqing Wangcuo, Sila Cili, Adu, Naji, Amu, Sila Cimu, Sila Lamu, Lurong Pingding, Zhima Yongzong, Loangbao, Bianma Cimu, Gerong Cili, Wang Kai, Sila Pingchu, Axima, and Benjamin Staver.TIBETAN LAND USE AND CHANGE NEAR KHAWA KARPO, EASTERN HIMALAYAS. Economic Botany 59(4):312-325, 2005. Tibetan land use near Khawa Karpo, Northwest Yunnan, China, incorporates indigenous forest management, gathering, pastoralism, and agriculture. With field-based GIS, repeat photography, and Participatory Rural Appraisal we quantitatively compare land use between higher and lower villages, and between villages with and without roads. Households in higher elevation (> 3,000 meters) villages cultivate more farmland (z = -5.387, P ≤ 0.001), a greater diversity of major crops (z = -5.760, P < 0.001), a higher percentage of traditional crops, and fewer cash crops (z = -2.430, P = 0.015) than those in lower elevation villages (< 2,500 meters). Villages with roads grow significantly more cash crops (z = -6.794, P ≤ 0.001). Both lower villages and villages with roads travel farther to access common property resources. Historical analyses indicate agricultural intensification in valleys, an increase in houses, new crop introduction, hillside aforestation, cessation of hunting, glacial retreat, and timberline advance within the past century. We suggest that Tibetan land use reveals trade-offs between high, remote villages and lower villages near roads. Higher villages offer abundant land and access to natural resources but short growing seasons and little market access; in contrast, lower villages have road and market access, an extended growing season, and modern technology, but limited access to land and many other natural resources.
TL;DR: The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology.
Abstract: Agroecology deals with the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems, and represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. The book by Clements and Shrestha elaborates on several aspects of this ‘new’ approach, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges. Each chapter is written by different contributors mostly based in the US. The presentation is rather dull, and the reader has to know his/her ropes: a lot of terms are used without introduction or further explanation. This might limit the number of potential readers. The book hesitates between being a text book that could be used in class (but then it is not complete nor didactic enough), and being a collection of papers dealing with all or most issues that are still pending, and here also I am afraid the book is not complete. The big question of whether and how agroecology will feed the world is not addressed: economic and financial cost/benefit and the economics of agroecology are nowhere discussed. If agroecology has to become the guiding principle of international agriculture for the near future, then it should also be able to address such issues as drought and salinity stress, or depleted soils—these themes, however, are only touched upon very superficially when dealing with other subjects. Moreover, Third World agriculture only receives marginal attention, whereas rice, which is by far the most important (tropical) crop, is only dealt with in relation with soil microbiology, and not as a crop. The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology. Some capita selecta are interesting reads, but the overall impression remains that this theme deserved better.
TL;DR: The ethnobiological evolution of "canh chua c~ 16c" in Vietnamese migrations is presented at the 9th International Congress of Ethnobiology.
Abstract: plications (http://www.ethnobotanyj oumal.org/ vo12/I1547-3465-02-055.pdf) University of Hawai'i, Honolulu 2:55-71. (15) Nguyen, N. T. 2000. Taro diversity and use in Vietnam. Pages 12-17 in D. Zhu, P. B. Eyzaguirre, M. Zhou, L. Sears and G. Liu, eds., Proceedings of the Symposium of Ethnobotanical and Genetic Study of Taro in China: Approaches for the conservation and use of taro genetic resources, 10-12 November 1998, Laiyang Agricultural College, Laiyang, Shangdong, China. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome. (16) Brown, D. 1988. Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family. Timber Press, Portland, OR. (17) Matthews, EJ. 1998. Wildtype taro, and the recent history of cultivated taro in Cyprus and Hawai'i. Pages 99-108 in Proceedings of 1998 TASAE (Tsukuba Asian Seminar on Agricultural Extension): Application of Biological Resources for the Innovation of Agricultural and Environmental Education in Asian-Pacific Countries. Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba. (18) Kuebel, K. R. and A. O. Tucker. 1988. Vietnamese culinary herbs in the United States. Economic Botany 43:413-419. (19) Sterling, R. 2000. World food Vietnam. Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, Hawthorne, Australia. (20) Ng6, B. and G. Zimmerman. 1986. The classic cuisine of Vietnam. Penguin Group, New York. (21) Routfiier, N. 1989. The foods of Vietnam. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, New York. (22) Courtenay, W. R., J. D. Williams, R. Britz, M. N. Yamamoto, and P. V. Loiselle. 2004. Identity of introduced snakeheads (Pisces, Channidae) in Hawai'i and Madagascar, with comments on ecological concerns. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers Number 77. (23) St. John, H. 1973. List and summary of the flowering plants in the Hawai'ian Islands. Pacific Tropical Botanical Gardens, Lawai, Kaua'i. (24) Staples, G. W., and D. R. Herbst. n.d. A tropical garden flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. (25) Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, and S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. (26) Nguyen, M. T. 2004. Some like it hot . . . and sour. The ethnobiological evolution of "canh chua c~ 16c" in Vietnamese migrations. Paper presented at the 9th International Congress of Ethnobiology. University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. 13-17 June 2004.
Abstract: Agroecology deals with the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems, and represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. The book by Clements and Shrestha elaborates on several aspects of this ‘new’ approach, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges. Each chapter is written by different contributors mostly based in the US. The presentation is rather dull, and the reader has to know his/her ropes: a lot of terms are used without introduction or further explanation. This might limit the number of potential readers. The book hesitates between being a text book that could be used in class (but then it is not complete nor didactic enough), and being a collection of papers dealing with all or most issues that are still pending, and here also I am afraid the book is not complete. The big question of whether and how agroecology will feed the world is not addressed: economic and financial cost/benefit and the economics of agroecology are nowhere discussed. If agroecology has to become the guiding principle of international agriculture for the near future, then it should also be able to address such issues as drought and salinity stress, or depleted soils—these themes, however, are only touched upon very superficially when dealing with other subjects. Moreover, Third World agriculture only receives marginal attention, whereas rice, which is by far the most important (tropical) crop, is only dealt with in relation with soil microbiology, and not as a crop. The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology. Some capita selecta are interesting reads, but the overall impression remains that this theme deserved better.
TL;DR: Isozyme analyses were conducted to study the geographic variation of Capsicum frutescens L. in Southeast and East Asia, and to investigate its dispersal routes into Japan as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Isozyme analyses were conducted to study the geographic variation of Capsicum frutescens L. in Southeast and East Asia, and to investigate its dispersal routes into Japan. Eight enzymes (EST, FM, G6PD, GR, ME(A), PGI, PGM, ShDH) were variable among accessions of C. frutescens in Southeast and East Asia. Accessions from the Ryukyu Islands were closely related to those in Indonesia, whereas accessions from the Bonin Islands showed exactly the same isozyme patterns as those from Indonesia and Northern Thailand. Accessions in the Ryukyu Islands were different from those in the Bonin Islands, suggesting that there may be two independent dispersal routes into Japan. One route was from Indonesia via the Philippines or Taiwan, or directly to the Ryukyu Islands, and another was from Indonesia via the Mariana Islands, or other islands in the Pacific, to the Bonin Islands.
TL;DR: In this paper, Clements and Shrestha discuss the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems and represent a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges.
Abstract: Agroecology deals with the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems, and represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. The book by Clements and Shrestha elaborates on several aspects of this ‘new’ approach, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges. Each chapter is written by different contributors mostly based in the US. The presentation is rather dull, and the reader has to know his/her ropes: a lot of terms are used without introduction or further explanation. This might limit the number of potential readers. The book hesitates between being a text book that could be used in class (but then it is not complete nor didactic enough), and being a collection of papers dealing with all or most issues that are still pending, and here also I am afraid the book is not complete. The big question of whether and how agroecology will feed the world is not addressed: economic and financial cost/benefit and the economics of agroecology are nowhere discussed. If agroecology has to become the guiding principle of international agriculture for the near future, then it should also be able to address such issues as drought and salinity stress, or depleted soils—these themes, however, are only touched upon very superficially when dealing with other subjects. Moreover, Third World agriculture only receives marginal attention, whereas rice, which is by far the most important (tropical) crop, is only dealt with in relation with soil microbiology, and not as a crop. The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology. Some capita selecta are interesting reads, but the overall impression remains that this theme deserved better.
TL;DR: In this paper, Clements and Shrestha discuss the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems and represent a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges.
Abstract: Agroecology deals with the application of ecological principles in agroecosystems, and represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. The book by Clements and Shrestha elaborates on several aspects of this ‘new’ approach, focusing on soil-related issues, pest, disease and weed problems, and their integrated management, the integration of livestock in agriculture, the potential role of transgenic plants in such systems, and future research and teaching challenges. Each chapter is written by different contributors mostly based in the US. The presentation is rather dull, and the reader has to know his/her ropes: a lot of terms are used without introduction or further explanation. This might limit the number of potential readers. The book hesitates between being a text book that could be used in class (but then it is not complete nor didactic enough), and being a collection of papers dealing with all or most issues that are still pending, and here also I am afraid the book is not complete. The big question of whether and how agroecology will feed the world is not addressed: economic and financial cost/benefit and the economics of agroecology are nowhere discussed. If agroecology has to become the guiding principle of international agriculture for the near future, then it should also be able to address such issues as drought and salinity stress, or depleted soils—these themes, however, are only touched upon very superficially when dealing with other subjects. Moreover, Third World agriculture only receives marginal attention, whereas rice, which is by far the most important (tropical) crop, is only dealt with in relation with soil microbiology, and not as a crop. The conclusion is that the book is quite incomplete, and sometimes even too superficial to be a good introduction to the theme of agroecology. Some capita selecta are interesting reads, but the overall impression remains that this theme deserved better.
TL;DR: Agarwal et al. as discussed by the authors examined the abundance and Aboriginal use of botanical non-timber forest products in the Gwich'in Settlement Area in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Abstract: This paper examines the abundance and Aboriginal use of botanical non-timber forest products in the Gwich'in Settlement Area in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Informants indicated that wild berries are important to Gwich'in diets and an important factor in culture and traditional land use. People collected mostly cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus), blueberries (Vaccinium uliginosum), and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). The total quantities collected were estimated to be greater than other published accounts of berry gathering by northern Aboriginal peoples in North America. The total collected by the 450 households in the year 2000 was about 16,000 L. Inventories of wild berries on the landscape suggest that substantial quantities could be collected for commercial production, although the between-year supply can show considerable variation.
TL;DR: Based on its alkaloid content, I. vomitoria is the best-supported candidate source of cassina, and the alkaloids provide a chemical basis for the evaluation of both taxa as sources of the beverage.
Abstract: Indigenous people of southeastern North America drank cassina, a stimulant and emetic decoction that the colonial British termed “black drink.” Though most authors cite Ilex vomitoria Ait. as the botanical source of cassina, confusion persists because some researchers identify the source as I. cassine L. To clarify the link between plant and product, the methylxanthine alkaloid contents of I. vomitoria and I. cassine were compared. Since methylxanthines (i.e., caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) have pharmacological properties congruent with the recorded effects of cassina consumption, the alkaloids provide a chemical basis for the evaluation of both taxa as sources of the beverage. Methylxanthine levels are higher in I. vomitoria than in I. cassine, and the principal alkaloid of the former is caffeine. Based on its alkaloid content, I. vomitoria is the best-supported candidate source of cassina.
TL;DR: In this paper, a forest valuation technique that provides essential data in a very short time on local resource use that can serve as a foundation for integrated conservation and development programming was tested by comparison with an intensive six-month technique.
Abstract: Effective conservation programs require data on both biodiversity and resource use. The rapid loss of biologically diverse areas adds urgency to the task. This study tests a forest valuation technique that provides essential data in a very short time on local resource use that can serve as a foundation for integrated conservation and development programming. This rapid interview method was tested by comparison with an intensive six-month technique. The data analyzed included the number of plant and animal species used and the calculated value in dollars per hectare per year ($/ha/yr) of different forest types for 67 families in three communities in the northern Peruvian Amazon. While the rapid ethnobiological method gave an accurate list of the most widely used species, accurate data on the quantities collected of these species and their relative values were substantially different from those in the long-term study. At present, the rapid survey is recommended only when necessary to provide data on the most useful species in order to prevent imminent forest destruction. We urge continued study of rapid methods to improve the accuracy of this potentially important conservation tool.
TL;DR: In this article, carbonized wood remains from five late prehistoric sites (A.D. 1300-1530) in the Upper Mantaro Valley, Peru, are presented, and the wood assemblage recovered is diverse.
Abstract: Data from carbonized wood remains from five late prehistoric sites (A.D. 1300–1530) in the Upper Mantaro Valley, Peru, are presented. The wood assemblage recovered is diverse. We illustrate and describe the twelve main morpho-types, one of which is more than likely to have been imported from the eastern slopes of the Andean mountains into the Mantaro Valley. The Inka conquest of the area created a change in socio-political power and also brought about a shift in the way wood species were utilized. From the Wanka II to the Inka occupations we find an increase in the Buddleja, Polylepis, Alnus, and Colletia morpho-types; all of these species are reported as being cultivated by the Inka and possibly by pre-Inka inhabitants of the valley. A quantitative analysis shows higher amounts of wood in the elite dwellings of both the Wanka II and Wanka III times, suggesting a social aspect in the way this valuable Andean commodity was distributed and used.