Showing papers in "Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development in 2009"

Evolution, plant breeding and biodiversity

Abstract: This paper deals with changes in biodiversity during the course of evolution, plant domestication and plant breeding. It shows than man has had a strong influence on the progressive decrease of biodiversity, unconscious at first and deliberate in modern times. The decrease in biodiversity in the agricultures of the North causes a severe threat to food security and is in contrasts with the conservation of biodiversity which is part of the culture of several populations in the South. The concluding section of the paper shows that man could have guided evolution in a different way and shows an example of participatory plant breeding, a type of breeding which is done in collaboration with farmers and is based on selection for specific adaptation. Even though participatory plant breeding has been practiced for only about 20 years and by relatively few groups, the effects on both biodiversity and crop production are impressive. Eventually the paper shows how participatory plant breeding can be developed into ‘evolutionary plant breeding’ to cope in a dynamic way with climate changes.

Seed Legislation and agrobiodiversity: conservation varieties

Abstract: European seed policies and legislation have contributed to fostering a system in which fewer varieties are traded in ever bigger markets in accordance with the law of economy of scale. Informal seed systems have been marginalised and perceived as outdated in a scenario in which the agricultural system was being modernised. In 1998, however, the European Union recognised the need to conserve agricultural genetic resources and created a catalogue specially for registering what it called ‘conservation varieties’. In June 2008 an EU Directive was issued regulating the agricultural species involved. So what is this ‘new’ category of variety. What impact will it have in supporting the informal conservation initiatives in agricultural biodiversity and making them legitimate? This article sets out to address these questions by analysing the concept of conservation variety from when the phrase was coined up to the recent European directive 62/2008. After describing and evaluating the impact that the directive may have, Italian regulation on conservation varieties will be analysed focusing on synergies and diversities. Lastly, in the light of the International Treaty on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, attention will turn to the regulations in order to verify how they correspond.

Peasant seeds in Europe: stakes and prospects.

Abstract: The myth of technological progress in agriculture and then modern plant breeding have resulted in a separation of farming from breeding activities. Seed laws have also contributed to this outcome (e.g. by imposing strict rules for the entry of varieties in the official catalogue). Nowadays, some pioneers, among them farmers rejecting industrialized agriculture and more often practising organic agriculture, are proposing a different option. In Europe, since the beginning of this century, they have been organizing themselves in networks: the Reseau Semences Paysannes in France, the Red de Semillas in Spain and the Rete Semi Rurali in Italy. Their members are farmers, consumers and scientists working together in order to reconsider the scientific, technical and legal aspects of seed production. These new varieties are designated ‘peasant varieties’, a concept that encompasses two main aspects: the seed, the reproductive part of the plant linked to its terroir, and the variety, shaped by history and coevolved with farmers. Scientists working with these networks are developing participatory plant breeding projects, which aim to broaden agrobiodiversity by creating so called new peasant varieties. The basis of these projects comes from old local varieties and landraces conserved in seed banks. In Europe, the legal framework has evolved since the establishment of ‘conservation varieties’ by directive 98/95. The European research project Farm Seed Opportunities is under way to support new seed policies, in the light also of the different national contexts. The debate in Europe now offers a range of seed systems models. It is time to enlarge this debate to southern countries through the sharing of knowledge between farmers of the North and the South, aiming at conserving agrobiodiversity and promoting rural innovation.

Inventory of initiatives on seeds of landraces in Europe.

Abstract: One of the objectives of the Farm Seed Opportunities (FSO) project (www.farmseed.net) is to develop on farm breeding methodologies for the conservation and development of landraces, amateur and conservation varieties. The starting point for the development of these methodologies are the already existing experiences of farmers, small scale seed producers and researchers. To be able to draw on the expertise of these practitioners, we have selected five breeding initiatives for in depth case-studies. Prior to the selection of the five cases we carried out an inventory of all known initiatives within the European Economic Area. Results are presented in this article.

Aerobic rice: crop performance and water use efficiency

Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa) production largely depends on traditional flooded rice systems whose sustainability is threatened by a progressive decrease in water availability and a constant increase in rice demand due to strong demographic boom in world population A newly developed water-saving rice system is aerobic rice in which rice grows in nonflooded and unsaturated soil From 2001, at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, this system has been monitored to identify potentially promising varieties of rice able to grow as an irrigated upland crop and quantify yield potential and water use efficiency This study reports on the results of cultivating the upland rice variety Apo under different water conditions in 2004-2005 at the IRRI farm in both the dry and wet seasons The water treatments considered were: aerobic and flooded conditions, alternated flooded and aerobic conditions and aerobic after fallow Yield and water productivity were compared between aerobic and flooded treatment in both seasons, with the objective of analysing the differences between water treatments In the experiment the effect of different nitrogen (N) application is also considered The results indicate that the aerobic rice yield was lower than rice production under flood treatment, confirming that observed over past years Nevertheless, when the aerobic condition is alternated with the anaerobic condition, or a fallow period, the production under aerobic treatment provides good yields (respectively 42 and 44 ha-1) The fallow period was introduced to observe the response of rice grown under this management Water productivity was higher in aerobic fields, especially after fallow (088 g kg-1) The nitrogen application induced an increase in yield and water productivity, partially compensating for the lack of water in aerobic fields

Regional legislation in Italy for the protection of local varieties

Abstract: This article analyses the consequences of regional legislation in Italy on protecting local and autochthonous varieties In accordance with the objectives of the FAO treaty on plant genetic resources (ITPGRFA), these laws have emerged as one of the most interesting institutional attempts at Italian and European level towards enhancing and protecting agricultural biodiversity A description of the regional laws and their implementation highlights the importance of supporting farming systems that are close relationship with the territory and local communities, creating sufficient juridical space for the varieties that are not part of the ‘formal’ seed system

La photosynthèse du mil ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) en présence de contrainte hydrique et saline

Abstract: La surexploitation et le gaspillage de nos ressources en eau, en particulier dans le domaine agricole, privent d’eau d’autres zones entrainant ainsi la baisse de la production agricole. L’amelioration de l’efficience de l’irrigation – soit l’augmentation de la production pour chaque metre cube d’eau investi – est un objectif crucial pour l’avenir et doit donc devenir l’une des premieres priorites. Que ce soit l’irrigation deficitaire ou l’usage d’eaux saumâtres, l’utilisation de ces eaux peut s’accompagner de transformations morphologiques, physiologiques et biochimiques dont l’intensite depend de la plante. L’influence de contraintes hydriques et salines a ete etudiee sur la photosynthese de 3 ecotypes locaux de mil soumis a 3 doses de sel et a 3 niveaux d’irrigation. Les resultats ont montre que l’efficience photosynthetique du mil est meilleure en presence d’un leger manque d’eau ou en presence d’une salinite moderee et que seule une secheresse severe ou un exces d’eau sont contraignants pour la photosynthese de cette plante. Egalement, la photosynthese a presente une variabilite selon les ecotypes utilises.

Land Use limitations and management option for a Savanna Zone Alfisol

Abstract: A 50 by 50 m rigid grid survey of part of the Institute For Agricultural Research (IAR) farm in Zaria (11° 10’N and 7°35’E) was carried out to characterize the morphological, physical and chemical properties of soils at the site. Quick crosschecks in areas outside the rigid grid but having seemingly varying soil units was also studied in the field. Two soil units (‘Oxyaquic Vertic Paleustalfs / Gleyic Lixisol’ and ‘Aquic Kandiustalfs / Gleyic Lixisols’) were delineated. Soil samples were obtained from identified horizons of each pedon, air dried, sieved through 2.0mm sieve to obtain sub samples less than 2.0mm for laboratory analysis. Results obtained showed soils of the ‘Oxyaquic Vertic Paleustalfs / Gleyic Lixisol’ to have within its subsoil ‘Argillic’ pedogenetic features, mottling and ‘Gleyic’ properties, and no subsoil acidity problems. The subsoil has increasing clay with depth, and temporary stagnation of water. Soil condition in this unit would however be improved for sustainable crop production by liming and /or incorporation of farmyard manure, contour ridging and construction of field drainage ditches to conduct excess field and subsoil stagnated water away from the fields. Soils of the ‘Aquic Kandiustalfs / Gleyic Lixisols’ have ‘Kandic’ subsoil properties, ‘Gleyic’ and mottled subsoil horizons at shallow depths to the surface horizons, and exchange acidity (H++Al3+) values ranging between 0.6 and 1.4 cmolkg -1, suggesting acid soil problem in this unit. Also, extractable Zn values were very high and could adversely affect growth and production of crops. This problem would be corrected by liming, adequate drainage to remove stagnating subsoil and excess field water, and incorporation of farmyard manure to enhance the soils’ nutrient availability/exchange capacity, control soil acidity build up and improve aeration conditions in the plow layer.

Direct sale as a means for promoting the sustainable use of plant genetic resources: The case of the Tuscany Region

Abstract: Similarly to other Northern countries, Italy has witnessed a growth in recent years of forms of direct sale of agri-food products. These so-called short supply chains often open new opportunities for the development and conservation of rural areas which are not merely economic in nature. The case study described here presents the results of a survey conducted in the Tuscany Region the purpose of which was to understand if and how direct sale has a part to play in promoting more diversified agricultural systems and in increasing or maintaining agrobiodiversity. The support that the institutions provide for direct sale in this context can be considered as a form of implementation of the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) that Italy has ratified and which obliges its contracting parties to promote a sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

SWOT Analysis of Extension Systems in Southern African Countries

Abstract: This paper examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to extension systems in selected southern African countries of Malawi, Zambia, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana. This is predicated on the need for improved performance and reinvigoration of extension system for better services. Some of the strengths are development works to improve rural areas, extensive grassroots coverage, and use of committees for research and extension linkages, involvement of NGOs and private sector, and effective setting of extension administration units. On the other hand opportunities that can be explored are donor will fund well designed programme, expansion in the use of ICT, high involvement of farmers in extension planning, and potential for effective programme implementation. The threats to the extension systems are attempts to privatize extension services, weak feedback to research, and donor fatigue. The paper recommends that extension administrators, and policy makers should pay proper attention to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to extension systems with a view of making extension services truly more responsive to local concerns and policy.

Effet des arbres sur la diversité de la végétation herbacée dans les parcours communautaires du Nord - Sénégal (Afrique de l’Ouest)

Abstract: La composition specifique des pâturages herbaces a ete etablie sous et hors des arbres de Acacia raddiana, Balanites aegyptiaca, Zizyphus mauriatiana en region sahelienne du Nord - Senegal, a partir des inventaires de la flore et des releves de vegetation. Ils ont ete soumis a differentes methodes d’analyse multivariee (AFC, ANOVA, Comparaison de moyennes…). Les resultats ont permis de distinguer nettement les releves effectues sous les arbres de ceux de la zone hors des arbres ; il existe ainsi un effet couvert. Celui-ci est comparable quels que soient l’espece ligneuse, le type de sol et/ou de parcours. L’effet arbre est associe a un cortege floristique compose d’especes dites « exclusives », des especes indifferentes ou des especes « communes » aux differents biotopes. Le nombre d’especes indicatrices du couvert des arbres ou especes sciaphiles est nettement plus eleve que celui des especes heliophiles. La richesse specifique est ainsi significativement plus importante sous l’arbre.

Tibetan hulless barley dehydrin , dhn4 , cloning and transforming into tobacco

Abstract: A dehydrin, dhn4 , cDNA fragment has been obtained via RT-PCR from Tibetan hulless barley( Hordeum vulgere L. var. nudum Hook. f.). It indicated that dhn4 encoded a YSK2 type dehydrin (DHN4). One Y segment (VDEYGNP), one S segment (SGSSSSSSS) and two K segments (RKKGIKEKIKEKLPG and EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG) were identified in the deduced amino acid sequence of dhn4 . The secondary structure of DHN4 protein predicated with software Anthepro 5.0 is prone to ?-helix, and the tertiary structure predicated by SWISS-PORT indicated intrinsically unstructured. The coding region of the dhn4 cloned into pBI121 binary vector with the 35S promoter was transformed into the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain DHA105. The Agrobacterium mediation was transformed dhn4 into the leaf disc of tobacco and then the tobacco plantlets with kanamycin resistant were regenerated using callus induction mediums supplemented with kanamycin and carbencillin. The regenerated plants were transferred into plots with peat moss and grown in the greenhouse. The inserting dhn4 of regenerated plants were identified separately by PCR, PCR southern blot and DNA sequencing using the gnomic DNA.

Incentives for agrobiodiversity within the European Union: the role of Rural Development Plans

Abstract: The conservation of ecosystems and their services is fundamental for a sustainable economy and social development within the European Union. Incentives for the continuous on-farm use of biodiversity have become an integral part of EU support for regional and rural development in recent years. Furthermore, as a signatory of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the EU Commission set itself the objective of stemming the decline of agricultural biodiversity not only in Europe but internationally. At European level, the measures aimed at achieving these objectives pass through the Common Agricultural Policy and are contained within the Rural Development Plans. This article provides a general framework of the implementation of these policies for the 2007-13 plan with particular reference to the situation in Italy, and dwells the extent to which they correspond to the objectives of the Treaty.

Variability of agro-silvo-pastoral systems in Tuscany, Central Italy

Abstract: The variability of climates, soils and management intensity present in Tuscany has favoured the development of diversified and sometimes complex agro-silvo-pastoral systems. This research has investigated the variability of systems organized in all the Provinces of the regional territory. The number of resources that compose the systems is higher in farms located on mountains and high hills than in farms of plains, and it is higher in large farms than in little units. The variability of resources favours the maintenance of landscape beauty and the integration of rural economy with farm services offered to tourists. The conservation of resource variability and their valorisation by integration of rural activities and town economy can be advised also in developing countries in order to increase farmers incomes.

Results of a project on development of agro-forestry systems for food security in Carrefour region, Republic of Haiti.

Abstract: Haity has a notable problem of food security, 48% of people have not sufficient food availability, food prices has doubled from 1980 and 1990 and further increased 5 times between 1991 and 2000. Water availability and quality is another problems to be added to food insufficiency. Food deficiency is mitigated by natural food resources in rural areas where many different species are cultivated together but it can be extreme in the towns. Agricultural systems are not efficient and, at the same time, enhance soil and genetic erosion. A development project has been implemented to increase food security over the long term in the geographical area of Carrefour rural area, this comprises a research aimed to increase national food production introducing complex agro-forestry systems. The project has investigated problems and solutions, actions have been started to increase food production, including agronomic training of local farmers, organization of small farmers including legal protection on land tenure, introduction of low input modern agroforestry systems that can diversify food production through the year and reduce soil and genetic erosion. After these results, an intervention project has been approved and funded by EU, then delayed due to the recent civil war, finally it is giving positive results now. The same approach used for this project can be spread in the rest of the Republic of Haiti and, hopefully, to other world regions that have similar problems.