APO Newsletter No. 29 - Bioversity International...1 IPGRI NEWSLETTER FOR ASIA, THE PACIFIC AND...

1 IPGRI NEWSLETTER FOR ASIA, THE PACIFIC AND OCEANIA No. 29

Editorial

In situ Conservation ofAgrobiodiversity On-farm:New ChallengesIn situ conservation is concerned withthe maintenance of species’populations in their natural habitats,either as wild plant communities or ascultivated plants in farmers’ fields aspart of existing agro-ecosystems. Thetraditional farming system is animportant source of crop geneticdiversity. The total genetic diversity in acrop genepool is the result of: (i) naturalprocesses unaided by humanselection, (ii) crop evolution, selectionand adaptation in farming systems inhighly variable and often marginalenvironments, and (iii) formal breedingleading to new genetic combinations.Another important feature of geneticdiversity within traditional farmingsystems is that it allows geneflowbetween crops and their wild relatives,in sites where these co-exist. On-farmconservation, therefore, is the processthat conserves not only the genesthemselves but also the farmingsystems and agro-ecosystems thatgenerate and maintain genetic diversity.

In situ conservation has the advantageof continuing evolution and adaptationof the material and conserving widerrange of diversity. In situ conservationcomplements ex situ conservation byway of: i) conserving the processes ofevolution and adaptation of crops totheir environments, ii) conservingdiversity at all levels – the ecosystem,between the species, and within

ContentsEditorial ................................... 1

Headquarters .......................... 3

Regional ................................. 4

National ................................... 8

COGENT Update .................... 12

Meetings/Trainings ................. 14

Interesting Books andPublications ...................... 16

Scientific Contributions ........... 21

Useful Names andAddresses ....................... 24

species, iii) improving the livelihood ofresource-poor farmers, iv) maintainingor increasing control and access offarmers over their genetic resources,and v) integrating farmers into thenational plant genetic resourcessystem for conservation.

In situ conservation aims to conserveboth genetic material and theprocesses that give rise to diversity ofgenetic material. For resource-poorfarmers, locally adapted plant materialmay be the only natural resourceavailable to meet their needs.

In situ conservation strategies alsopromote a broader range ofpartnerships in conservation anddevelopment efforts. On-farmconservation programmes empowerthe farmers to participate in researchand development. Farmers makedecisions in the process of planting,managing, harvesting and processingtheir crops that affect the geneticdiversity of the crop populations. Overtime, a farmer may modify the geneticstructure of a population by selectingfor plants with preferred agro-morphological and qualitycharacteristics. Farmer may influencethe survival of certain genotypes bychoosing a particular farmmanagement practice or by planting acrop population in a site with a particularmicro-environment. Therefore, in situ

No. 29 May-August 1999

INTERNATIONAL PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES INSTITUTE ISSN 1561-2473

About the NewsletterThe International Plant GeneticResources Institute (IPGRI), formerlyIBPGR, is one of the 16 Centres of theConsultative Group on InternationalAgricultural Research (CGIAR) with itsHeadquarters at Rome. IPGRI’s missionis to encourage, support and engage inactivities to strengthen the conservationand use of plant genetic resources world-wide with special emphasis on the needsof developing countries. IPGRI works inpartnership with other organizations,undertakes research and training, andprovides scientific and technical adviceand information. IPGRI operates in fivegeographical areas: Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA), the Americas, Europe, Centraland West Asia and North Africa(CWANA), and Asia, the Pacific andOceania (APO). APO Regional Office isbased in Serdang, Malaysia with officesfor East Asia and South Asia located inBeijing, China and New Delhi, India,respectively.

The APO Newsletter is produced thricea year and is mainly aimed at promotingthe overall concern on plant geneticresources, with emphasis on theirconservation and use. [Contd. on page 4]

NEWSLETTERFOR ASIA, THE PACIFIC AND OCEANIA

The information, opinions and designations in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of IPGRIThe IPGRI Homepage on the World Wide Web of Internet: http://www.cgiar.org/ipgri

No. 29 IPGRI NEWSLETTER FOR ASIA, THE PACIFIC AND OCEANIA 2

conservation of crop plants involves theconservation of local crop landraces on-farm with active participation of farmers.Strengthening capacity of farmers andlocal organizations will increase thecontrol of local communities over theirgenetic resources and also enhanceon-farm conservation.

Landraces are the crop cultivarsdeveloped by farmers over manygenerations of selection without applyingformal plant breeding inputs and are,therefore, considered as the productsof on-farm conservation. Diverselandraces provide food security tomajority of people in developingcountries and also act as primary sourceof breeding materials for developingmodern varieties. The continuing use oflandraces contributes to stable foodproduction and income, especially inmarginal environments where impact ofmodern varieties is limited. Therefore,the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) has recognized the continuedmaintenance of traditional cutlivars insitu as an essential component ofsustainable agricultural development.However, the science and practice of insitu conservation lag behind the policycommitments to its implementation.Fulfilling the objectives set forth in theCBD for in situ conservation will requirea global framework of scientificmethods, tested conservation practicesand tools, as well as a system fordisseminating useful experience andtools between countries and acrossagro-ecosystems.

IPGRI began to explore the potential ofon-farm conservation through a globalproject “Strengthening the scientificbasis of in situ conservation of agro-biodiversity on-farm”. The project startedin 1995 when national partners fromnine countries, namely, Nepal, Vietnam,Hungary, Morocco, Turkey, BurkinaFaso, Ethiopia, Mexico and Peru,technical advisors, donorrepresentatives, IPGRI and other CGIARCentres’ staff met to decide on the mainobjectives of supporting thedevelopment of a framework ofknowledge on farmer decision-makingprocesses that influence in situconservation of agricultural biodiversity.

This meeting also focused onstrengthening of the national partnersfor planning and implementation ofconservation programmes for agro-biodiversity, and broadening the use ofagro-biodiversity and participation in itsconservation by farming communities.

A second meeting of the project washeld in Rome in 1997 to discussmethodologies to understand on-farmconservation and agreed to collect andanalyze information on farmerperceptions by gender, age and ethnicgroup in six main areas. These areasare: socio-economic, cultural andbiological influences on farmer decision-making; farmer selection of agro-morphological characters; populationstructure of local cultivars;environmental selection by the agro-ecosystem; germplasm supply andstorage systems; and adding benefit toall stakeholders through participatoryplant breeding, seed networks, marketand non-market incentives, formal andinformal education and agriculturalpolicy.

Subsequently, the partners focused oninitial Participatory Rural Appraisal(PRA) of proposed sites and creating amulti-institutional, multi-disciplinaryframework for implementing in situconservation on-farm. Structured datacollection started primarily in mid 1998.In 1999, the project participants met inRome to integrate information collectedin participating countries within andamong thematic areas, to comparestrategies for creating nationalmanagement frameworks for in situconservation on-farm, to synthesizemethods used to enhance benefits fromlocal crop diversity to all stakeholders,to examine project progress inincreasing access, participation anddecision-making influence for differentgender, age and cultural groups, todiscuss documentation options of in situconservation on-farm, and to exchangeideas of good and bad practices forensuring the sustainability of in situconservation on-farm.

Recently, the third meeting for theproject was held from 5-12 July 1999in Pokhara, Nepal. The meeting was

attended by 85 participants comprisingscientists, technical advisors, donorsand representatives of the nine countrieswhere the activities have been initiatedunder the in situ project. The meetingwas jointly hosted by IPGRI, the NepalAgricultural Research Council (NARC),and the NGO-Local Initiatives forBiodiversity Research and Development(LIBIRD). The meeting included twodays of field visits in Nepal where thein situ project is being implemented. Aroadside drama was also performedwhere a local group of actors presenteda play in traditional Nepalese style todepict how lives of Nepalese are woveninto the agro-biodiversity around them.

The programme was formulated withthe idea that in situ conservationactivities should not aim to dissuadefarmers from adopting new cropcultivars that increase food security orincome, but rather to determine andunderstand the situations in which localcultivars are maintained by farmers,identify key factors which affect farmerdecisions to maintain local cultivars,understand how farmer decision makingaffects the genetic variation within croppopulations over a period of time, andfinally find ways to assist the continuedselection of local cultivars. If cropgenetic resources are going to beconserved on-farm, it must happen asa spin-off of farmers’ productive(development) activities. This meansthat in situ conservation must be seenin the context of development and itmust benefit the farmers.

Community participation can bestrengthened by several ways: i)sensitizing farming community andconsumers through public awareness,ii) developing markets for local products,iii) providing market incentives, iv)improving the local varieties, and v)adding benefits through market andpolicy incentives. The rationale behindthis is that the strategy for in situ cropconservation will only succeed ifindigenous communities and grassrootorganizations are involved at differentstages and their needs and problemsare shared and addressed. Thisrequires understanding of what they do,how they do and why they do it. On-


farm conservation will be strengthenedif the farming community is keen toparticipate in diversity fairs, monitor localcrop diversity through communitybiodiversity registers, select andexchange seed and planting materialsthrough participatory plant breeding.

However, it requires greatercollaboration between the formal sectorof plant genetic resources institutionsand the informal sector includingcommunity based organizations(CBOs) and this challenge will have tobe faced by all those engaged in on-

farm conservation efforts. The thirdmeeting of the project in Nepal hasdemonstrated a positive impact wheresuch synergies and collaboration areinstitutionalized and practised by formaland informal institutions jointly [BhuwonSthapit, IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia].

Headquarters

International Plant Genetic Resources Institute

Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships 2000

IPGRI has established the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Fund to

commemorate the unique contributions to plant science by

Academician Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov and Sir Otto Frankel.

The Fund aims to encourage the conservation and use of plant

genetic resources in developing countries through awarding

Fellowships to outstanding young scientists.

The Fellowships will enable the scientists to carry out relevant, innovative

research outside their own country for a period of between three months

and one year. The research should have a clear benefit to the applicant’s

home country. Awards can be held concurrently with other sources of

support. In the year 2000, a total of US$ 30,000 will be available for

awards which are intended to cover travel, stipend, bench fees, equipment,

conference participation or any other appropriate use. Holders are

encouraged to present the results of their research at an international

conference. This can take place within one year of termination of the

Fellowship.

Applications for the year 2000 are invited from developing-country nationals,

aged 35 or under, holding a masters degree (or equivalent) and/or doctorate

in a relevant subject area. Application forms in English, French and Spanish

may be obtained from: Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships, IPGRI, Via delle Sette

Chiese 142, 00145 Rome, Italy [Fax: (39) 06- 5750309 or Email:

[email protected] or http://www.cgiar.org/ipgri/institute/vavilov.htm] and

should be returned to that address.

Applications must be in English, French or Spanish and should include a

covering letter, completed application form, full curriculum vitae, research

proposal (maximum 1000 words which should include a clear statement

of objectives, methodology, materials and justification) and letter of

acceptance from the proposed host institute. The closing date for receipt

of applications is 30 November 1999. The successful applicants will be

informed by 31 March 2000 and are required to take up their Fellowships

before 31 December 2000.

IPGRI is an institute of the Consultative Group on

International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

Este anuncio está disponible en español. Cette annonce est

disponible en français

The Crucible ContinuesRefining Diverse Ideas:“2 nd Distilling Session”Convened

Five years after its inception meeting in1993, the Crucible Group convened itssecond session at IPGRI, HQ in Romefrom 14-17 June 1999. The first meetingof the Crucible Project brought togethera diverse group of experts to identifydistinct views, trends and concernsregarding the ongoing debate on theimpact of intellectual property protectionon biodiversity conservation and use.

The 30 members of the original Groupcame from19 countries and representeda wide cross-section of perspectives andpolitical persuasions. Drawn from thepublic sector, industry and civil society,they participated in the project in theirown capacities. Contrary toexpectations, this extremely diverseGroup reached consensus on 30recommendations relating to theapplication of intellectual propertyprotection to living organisms, the roleof the CGIAR and the desirable structureof an international system for theexchange of genetic resources. Thesewere published in the first report of theCrucible Group, 'People, Plants andPatents' which was released in 1994. Inthe ensuing years, the Group’s workcontinued, through a series of seminarsand workshops which were held inconjunction with FAO meetings and theConference of the Parties to theConvention on Biological Diversity.

With its debates and exchangesfacilitated through the use of the Internetand electronic mail, the close of thedecade finds the Crucible Group withan even more dynamic and broadermembership. What has not changed is


RegionalUpdate on IPGRI Projectsin APO Region

Strengthening the scientificbasis of in situ conservation

IPGRI coordinates a global projectentitled “Strengthening the scientificbasis of in situ conservation ofagricultural biodiversity”, supported bySwiss Agency for DevelopmentCorporation (SDC), Danish InternationalDevelopment Assistance (DANIDA) andInternational Development ResearchCentre (IDRC). The results achieved ina little over a year of project work werediscussed in the meeting of nationalpartners, Technical Advisory Committeemembers, donor representatives andconcerned IPGRI staff, held at Pokhara,Nepal from 5-12 July 1999. Issues suchas data integration, based on scientificdisciplines at site, national and global

levels were discussed. In differentsessions, the national partners madepresentations on identified topics,focusing on the methodology used,institutional framework and progressmade. In depth discussions held inWorking Groups on thematic topics werefacilitated by the Technical AdvisoryCommittee members and other IPGRIstaff. Outcome of the deliberations ofWGs was presented to the plenary andthe discussions that followed resultedin recommendations for the future. Themajor outcome of the meeting, besidesthe increased focus on multidisciplinarynature of the project, was the betterappreciation of the need to integratedevelopmental objectives to make rapidprogress in establishing scientific basisfor in situ conservation which is the mainobjective of the project [V. RamanathaRao, IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia].

Review of the use ofgermplasm in the Chinesegenebank

IPGRI supports the Institute of CropGermplasm Resources, Beijing, Chinato study the patterns of distribution anduse of germplasm conserved in thegenebank as well as to identifyconstraints in the use of the conservedgermplasm. As part of this projectactivity, a National Workshop on theUtilization of Crop GermplasmResources in China, was organized bythe Institute of Crop GermplasmResources/Chinese Academy ofAgricultural Sciences (ICGR/CAAS) inBeijing on 26-27 May, 1999. A total of21 persons including 12 PGR specialistsand 3 breeders participated in thismeeting. The participants presentedstatus reports, based on past 15 yearsof work on germplasm exchange and

About the NewsletterContd. from page 1

It provides information on plantgenetic resources activities carriedout by national programmes andother centres in the region.Information is also periodicallyabstracted from recent literature(books, periodicals etc.), and briefresearch contributions published.With over 2500 addressees on itsmailing list, the APO newsletter iswidely distributed to focus onIPGRI's mandate to advance theconservation and use of plantgenetic resources for the benefit ofpresent and future generations.

Participants of the In situ conservation meeting held at Pokhara, Nepal

the deep commitment shared by themembers to the conservation and useof plant genetic resources and theirconcern about decisions being taken atnational and international level thatcould put these resources at risk. TheGroup continues to work hard to identifyareas of consensus, and where this isnot possible, to describe its differencesclearly and cogently. Indeed, the Groupbelieves that the strength of itsmessages lies in the diversity of its

opinions. IPGRI and InternationalDevelopment Research Centre (IDRC)are co-convenors of the Crucible Group.

The Group now plans to publish a two-volume report expected to be releasedbefore the end of the year, the firstvolume providing an update andrecommendations on major issuesrelated to the ownership, conservationand exchange of plant geneticresources, and the second volume

containing a menu of options for legalmechanisms to address three keyissues: i) conservation and exchange,ii) the rights of indigenous and localcommunities including farmers andfarming communities, and iii) theencouragement of innovations in theconservation and enhancement of plantgenetic resources [For furtherinformation contact: Susan Bragdon,Senior Scientist for Law & Policy, IPGRI,Rome, Italy, [email protected]].


utilization for rice, wheat, maize, cotton,oranges, tea, mulberry, Chinesecabbage and cucumber. They alsodiscussed the problems and solutionsfor the use of crop germplasm. Someserious problems in undertaking the cropgenetic resources work were identified.These included insufficient financialsupport, inadequate setting-up ofresearch programmes, lack ofcharacterization and evaluation data,lack of germplasm enhancementprogrammes and lack of appropriatepolicies, etc. Some suggestions madeby the participants include: i)establishment of a national committeefor PGR to provide guidelines/policiesfor work on PGR and to coordinate allPGR activities; ii) facilitate fundingsupport on a sustainable basis for workon PGR; iii) establishment of “Centre ofgermplasm enhancement” andexperimental stations in differentecological regions; iv) analyzeadvantages and disadvantages of usinglocal germplasm; and v) more work ongermplasm enhancement [Based onGao Weidong. 1999. Report on theNational Workshop on the Utilization ofCrop Germplasm Resources in China.IPGRI Project Report, IPGRI-APO,Serdang].

Identification of duplicateaccessions in sweet potatofield genebank

IPGRI has been collaborating with theInternational Centre for Potato (CIP) onsweet potato genetic resources throughthe Asian Network for Sweet PotatoGenetic Resources (ANSWER) in theregion. Under this network, IPGRIsupported the work on identification ofduplicate accessions in field genebanksof sweet potato using morphological andmolecular markers. The work wascarried out by the Malaysian AgriculturalResearch and Development Institute(MARDI) with the objective of identifyingmorphological duplicates in the MARDIsweet potato collection and validatingthem with molecular markers. A total of246 accessions were studied and theresults showed that, while morphologicalcharacterization of sweet potatogermplasm is relatively easy andcheaper compared to molecular‘fingerprinting’, it is necessary to repeat

this exercise. “Duplicate” accessions canwell turn out to be morphologicallydifferent in the next season, due to highlevel of genotype x environmentinteraction. The use of several randomprimers in comparing different sectionsof the sweet potato DNA appears to beuseful in confirming true duplicates.Duplicates can only be identified withconfidence when all their phenogramsmatch regardless of the primer used.These studies showed that there are notrue duplicates in MARDI sweet potatocollections. The morphologicalcharacters did not match (studyconducted over two seasons) and theirphenograms using five primers did notshow complete similarity. However,RAPD study showed close geneticrelationships among some sweet potatoaccessions [Abstracted from Tan, S.L.,I. Salma and E. Nissila. 1999.Identification of duplicate accessions infield genebanks of sweet potato bymorphological characterization andmolecular markers. IPGRI ProjectReport. IPGRI-APO, Serdang].

Genetic diversity in locallyadapted sweet potatogermplasm

IPGRI is supporting the Plant GeneticResources Centre, Universiti PutraMalaysia (UPM) to study the use ofmolecular markers to measure geneticdiversity and genetic distance within andbetween sweet potato germplasm thatis locally adapted in different sub-regions of Southeast Asia. Due to theproblem of exchanging materials, workis focusing only on germplasm fromMalaysia (60 accessions) and Indonesia(56 accessions). DNA has beenextracted from all the 116 accessions,but RAPD analysis has been done onlyfor 20 so far. The analysis of theremaining accessions is in progress. Ofthe 54 oligonucleotides used in thisstudy, only 20 primers showed bandingpatterns with polymorphism. Furtherinvestigations are in progress[Abstracted from Mohd Said Saad.1999. The use of molecular markers tomeasure genetic diversity and geneticdistance within and between sweetpotato germplasm locally adapted indifferent sub-regions of Southeast Asia.IPGRI Project Report, IPGRI-APO,Serdang].

Jackfruit genetic resources inSouth and Southeast Asia

IPGRI supported the work on compilingand reviewing information on jackfruit(Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.)genetic resources in five countries,namely, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia,Indonesia and the Philippines.Information is provided on taxonomy,genetic resources, crop improvementand biotechnology, production and post-production practices, problems,prospects and R&D issues. Majorproduction constraints have beenidentified as: lack of superior varieties/types, non-availability of quality plantingmaterial, lack of knowledge on crophusbandry and post-harvest handlingand transport, small holdings, felling oftrees for fuelwood, and low price, etc.The priorities for research includesurvey, identification and selection ofmother plants to establish high yieldingsuperior clonal lines; assessment ofgenetic variation; development ofpropagation techniques including in vitromass multiplication; improvedproduction practices; value addition, andstudies on production economics andmarketing [Abstracted from Ghosh, S.P.1999. Status report on genetic resourcesof jackfruit in India and Southeast Asia.IPGRI Project Report. IPGRI-APO,Serdang].

Ecobiology of tartarybuckwheat in Southwest China

In order to promote conservation oftartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum(L.) Gaertn), a study to understand theecobiology of this species with supportfrom IPGRI is in progress at ChengduInstitute of Biology, CAAS.This work hasbeen in progress for about one yearand will be completed in February 2000.The investigations carried out so farinclude: distribution and characterizationof environment in which tartarybuckwheat and its wild relatives occur,and collecting of specimens and seeds.The work in laboratory includescomparison of appearance of seeds,dissection and scanning electronicmicroscopy (SEM) and allozymeanalysis of leaf samples. Nine of theten species that occur in China and onevariety of Fagopyrum are being studied.


Plans are also being made to studythe causes of variation in bitternessbetween seed samples from high andlow altitudes [Abstracted from ZhaoZuo-Cheng. 1999. Ecobiology andconservation of tartary buckwheat inSouthwest China. IPGRI Project Report.IPGRI-APO, Serdang].

TaroGen update

Collecting of taro germplasm is now wellunderway in Papua New Guinea (PNG)with three collecting teams working indifferent provinces. Collecting inSolomon Islands has been affected bythe ethnic problems but is in progressin some provinces. The nationalcollections in Samoa and Fiji are alreadyin tissue culture or field collections. InCook Islands and Tonga, taro varietiesfrom the outer islands are beingassembled in national collections.Collecting in Vanuatu is in progress.

Research on developing conservationtechnology for taro is continuing. Tarovarieties are being assembled in tissueculture to undertake the cryopreservationstudy. The in vitro pilot genebank projectstudy to compare genebank in tissueculture with that of field genebank iscontinuing in collaboration with MAFF,Fiji. The field genebank has beenestablished at Koronivia ResearchStation and it is expected that the invitro genebank will be established shortlyin the RGC. The work on seed storagewill start soon. Seeds for this study arebeing produced in PNG.

The feasibility report from the FarmSupport Association (FSA) indicates thatin situ conservation in Vanuatu may bepossible only in remote areas wherefarmers do not have ready access tomarkets. Arrangements have beenmade for the IPGRI specialist to visitthe region to develop the projectproposal in collaboration with FSA andMAFF, Fiji.

The data from two trials testing 12selected clones from cycle-2 populationin PNG were analyzed and seven lineshave been selected for on-farm trialswhich are currently under multiplication.The third and final batch of cycle-3population of approximately 3000seedlings is currently being evaluated

in the field. Fourteen lines from the firstbatch and 16 from the second batchwere selected. Genetic study toinvestigate horizontal resistance incultivar “Thailand” is also underway. InSamoa, 30 clones selected based onresistance to taro leaf blight and otheragronomic characteristics are beingmultiplied for further on-farm evaluation.The Palau cultivars showing resistanceto leaf blight are also being multipliedfor field evaluation. Nine of thesecultivars have been planted in a fieldtrial on a farm in the wet side of theisland [Abstracted from Param Sivan.1999. Taro Genetic Resources:Conservation and Utilization. ProjectReport, July 1999].

Conservation and use oftraditional vegetables inAsia and the Pacific

A regional workshop was convened bythe International Centre for UnderutilizedCrops (ICUC) in collaboration with FAOon PGR conservation and use oftraditional vegetables in Asia and thePacific. The workshop was held at thePhilippines Council for Agriculture,Forestry and Natural ResourcesResearch and Development (PCARRD),Los Baños, Philippines from 10-12August 1999, and was attended byrepresentatives from Bangladesh, China,India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, PapuaNew Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka,Thailand, and Vietnam besides IPGRIand AVRDC. Dr. Bhag Mal, South AsiaCoordinator, represented IPGRI.

The objectives of this workshop were:to assess the present status of geneticresources of traditional vegetables(including aquatic vegetables) and theiruse in the region; to identify gaps andthe need for conservation and utilizationof PGR; to evaluate their productionpotential; to assess the need for trainingin collecting, evaluation, documentationand conservation; to obtain a consensusand develop appropriate programmestrategy for promoting traditionalvegetables through the establishment ofa regional network on traditionalindigenous vegetable crops. Sub-regional status reports and countrypapers were presented. The followingimportant points/recommendations

emerged: i) The workshoprecommended establishment of anetwork UTVAPNET (UnderutilizedTraditional Vegetables Asia PacificNetwork) for which ICUC will providesecretarial support. The network willfunction on voluntary basis; ii) It wasagreed that the Indian Council ofAgricultural Research (ICAR) willundertake the role of regionalcoordination and Dr S. P. Ghosh, DDG(Horticulture), ICAR was elected as thechairperson of the Steering Committee;iii) Five crop species, namely, taro,amaranth, Momordica, lablab bean andIpomoea aquatica were identified aspriority species based on the followingcriteria: the species should beunderutilized, primary use as vegetable,wide adaptation and suitability to lowinputs, potential nutritional value andimportant in 4-5 countries; iv)Networking activities on taro relating toPGR are being undertaken by IPGRI.Five Southeast Asia and Pacificcountries also collaborate in a networkcalled TANSAO but this networkconcentrates on use of taro as a stapleand not as vegetable and, therefore,activities under UTVAPNET will becomplementary to those carried out byTANSAO; v) The participants stronglyfelt the need for standard descriptors ofthese crops and it was decided to seekIPGRI’s assistance for developing thedescriptors; vi) PGR collecting,evaluation, characterization andconservation activities together withproduction technologies will be carriedout as per the interest of individualcountries; and vii) The information/results of trials will be shared betweenthe participating countries.

UTFANET SteeringCommittee MeetingThe fifth UTFANET Steering Committeemeeting was held at PCAARD, LosBaños, Philippines on 12-14 August1999. The meeting was attended by theSteering Committee members andrepresentatives from IPGRI and FAO.Dr. Bhag Mal, South Asia Coordintor,represented IPGRI. The majordecisions/highlights of the meeting areas follows:


1. Dr N.I. Bhuiyan, Director, HorticultureResearch Centre, BARI,Bangladesh has been elected asthe Chairperson of UTFANETSteering Committee for a term oftwo years (July 1999 - June 2001).It was agreed that the Vice-Chairperson will be from Vietnam.

2. The workplan for three years for theproject ‘Germplasm evaluation,propagation and management ofjackfruit, mangosteen and pummeloin Asia’ was discussed and agreedby the country coordinators.

3. Initiation of another project ‘Thedevelopment of economically viableand socially acceptable marketingstrategies for underutilized fruits inAsia’ was agreed. The project willoperate in South and SoutheastAsian countries. The crops will bemandarin orange, jackfruit, guavaand Aonla (Indian gooseberry) forIndia, Bangladesh and Pakistan,durian and rambutan forPhilippines and Thailand, andmangosteen for Indonesia.

4. There will be a RegionalCoordinator to execute and monitorthe project activities. The RegionalCoordinator will be from the Asianregion and the Coordination officefor UTFANET will be the Regionaloffice of ICUC. India, thePhilippines and Pakistan offeredto host the coordination office.ICUC will develop the criteria forselection of the RegionalCoordinator.

5. The MoU between IPGRI andUTFANET was signed and theSteering Committee welcomedIPGRI as an Associate Member ofUTFANET.

6. The representative from IPGRIpresented IPGRI’s activities ontropical fruit species in the Asianregion. IPGRI was requested toexplore possibility of developingdescriptors for pummelo andmangosteen and also to organizea genebank-training course forscientists and technicians fromUTFANET member countries.

South Pacific Yam NetworkSouth Pacific Yam Networm (SPYN) hadits initial meeting in Vanuatu, 23-26February, 1999. The countrycoordinators from Fiji, Papua NewGuinea (PNG), Solomon Islands andVanuatu and the technical projectcollaborators participated. The newYam Project started under SPYN aimsto: i) characterize and evaluate yamgermplasm, rationalize collections andselect cultivars of interest, ii) developcryopreservation and in vitroconservation strategies, iii) promoteregional exchange of virus tested,selected genotypes for nationalagronomic evaluation of selectedcultivars, and iv) identify sources ofresistance to anthracnose. The role ofthe South Pacific Commission (SPC) inthe project is for pathogen elimination,particularly anthracnose and viruselimination, multiplication anddistribution of the elite yam germplasmfor national evaluation in thecollaborating countries. The SPCGermplasm Centre will also work in thearea of in vitro conservation andcryopreservation strategies [SPCAgricultural News, Vol. 8, No. 1, June/July 1999].

Bamboo and RattanActivitiesWork on bamboo and rattan, sponsoredby the Government of Japan hasprogressed further. Collaboration withINBAR was further enhanced. Some ofthe significant achievements arereported below:

Population variation in bambooin China

Through a project supported by IPGRI,population survey and genetic analysisof Phyllostachys pubescens andDendrocalamus latiflorus is beingcarried out by the Subtropical ForestryResearch Institute in China. Theobjective of this study is to understandthe pattern of phenotypic variation. Thisis done through a population surveyusing morphological traits, populationstructure and differences in habitatsand DNA analysis. Understanding theextent and distribution of population andgenetic variation is the basis forconservation efforts on these important

Public Awareness in Malaysian schoolAn Art Contest was held on 29 August1999 at the Puchong PerdanaSecondary School, Malaysia tocelebrate IPGRI's 25th Anniversary andto increase public awareness amongschool children about conservation ofbiodiversity. The theme of the contestwas 'The Importance of Biodiversity'.The winners are :

RM100 winners:Wan Hooi Yin (15 years)Woon Li Tien (14 years)

Chin Mee San (17 years)Kelly Chan Kah Lai (15 years)

RM50 winners:Ng Ching Li (17 years)Lee Siew Yee (13 years)Rosfarizan Bt Ramli (14 years)Wong Lee Chin (17 years)

IPGRI also provided the school with14 saplings of rare Malaysian fruittrees. Each tree will be cared for by aForm 1 class and the progress of eachtree will be reported on a web site.

Picture by Wan Hooi Yin


NationalCHINA

Seedless ponkan orangevariety released

‘Qianyang Wuhe Ponkan’ is a seedlessvariety of ponkan (Citrus ponkan)developed from bud mutant of theconventional ponkan (Chinese honeyorange) by the Hunan CitrusCooperative Research Group. Thevariety is characterized by vigorousgrowth, early maturity, high fruit yieldand wide adaptability. Studies ongrafting, artificial pollination andmorphological observations indicatedthat the variety does not produce anyseed in successive generations, whichmeans its seedless character isgenetically stable. The variety has verygood quality, meeting China's nationalcommercial standard of GB210-87 andZBB 31004-88, with a beautiful fruitshape, crisp flesh, good flavour and aproper ratio of sugar/acid. This varietyhas been approved for release by HunanCrop Variety Release Committee andwill be a desired orange variety to begrown in the country [Wu Shuling,Hunan Agricultural Research Newsletter,Hunan Academy of AgriculturalSciences, Vol.6, No.2, June 15, 1999].

Two research centresestablished at CAAS

To meet the challenges of populationincrease, food security, sustainable

agricultural development, andenvironmental protection in the 21stcentury, the Chinese Academy ofAgricultural Sciences (CAAS) hasestablished two important centres,namely, the Centre of Crop GermplasmResources and Crop Improvement, andthe Centre of Agricultural Resources andEnvironment.

These two centres will help to promotethe quality and diversity of food supply,as well as to increase the efficiency offood production.

Centre of Crop GermplasmResources and CropImprovement (CCGRCI)

CCGRCI has been established byintegrating the existing three institutes,namely, Institute of Crop GermplasmResources, Institute of Crop Breedingand Cultivation and Institute ofApplication of Atomic Energy. The newCentre specializes in crop geneticresources conservation andimprovement. The Centre has 2academicians, 11 PhD degreesupervisors and 195 senior scientists(38 Professors and 157 AssociateProfessors). The Centre is alsodesignated as the national centre forwheat and maize improvement, soybeanimprovement and quality testing andalso as the national genebank. TheCentre currently holds 355 000accessions as base collection, 493 items

of large equipments and 313 researchprojects including 160 projectssupported by central government and36 projects supported by internationalorganizations. For internationalcooperation, the partnership has beenestablished with CIMMYT, IAEA, IRRI,IPGRI, etc.

Operation: The Centre integrates the useof resources and expertise as well asthe research programmes from the threeinstitutes and functions as a nationalresearch organization with focus onscientific research and development,production and network activities.

Mission: The Centre’s mission is toexplore the new management model andoperating mechanism, to organize andcoordinate the research activities todevelop proposals for important nationalresearch projects and internationalcooperation and to coordinateprogramme development,implementation, assessment andmanagement for key researchprogrammes indicated in the tenth FiveYear Plan.

Objectives: The Centre aims atbreakthrough in key areas, such asdevelopment of science and technology,genetic resources enhancement,conservation and utilization, crop varietyimprovement, and promoting researchcapacity of the Centre to an internationalstandard.

bamboo species in China.

So far, the site selection, surveymethodology and field investigationsand collecting of samples for woodproperties as well as RAPD analysishave been completed. Seventeen plotsof P. pubescens and 4 of D. latiflorushave been sampled and investigated.Field survey data is being analyzed.Methodology for RAPD work has beentested and actual study is in progress[Abstracted from Fu Maoyi and JiangJingmin. 1999. Population survey andgenetic analysis of Phyllostachyspubescens and Dendrocalamuslatiflorus, IPGRI Project Report. IPGRI-APO, Serdang].

Population variation in bambooin Western Ghats, India

Population variability studies, supportedby IPGRI, in Bambusa bambos andDendrocalamus strictus were carried outby the University of Agricultural Sciences,Dharwad in Uttara Kannada district ofKarnataka, India, situated in the WesternGhats. The study area comprised of 18transects (200 × 20 m each) in case ofB. bambos and three transects in caseof D. strictus. Both species exhibitedremarkable variation in distribution andmorphometric characters. In B. bambos,the number of clumps per ha rangedfrom 58 to 350. The number of culmsper clump (15.3) was higher in Dandeli

forest range. The maximum clumpdiameter (2.67 m), culm height (21 m)and culm diameter (8.89 cm) wererecorded in Kulgi forest range. Thedistribution of D. strictus was quitedense (138.5 to 521.25 clumps ha-1).The maximum clump diameter (0.99 m),culm height (10.2 m) and culm diameter(4.19 cm) were recorded in Barchi forestrange. Elite clumps (11 in each species)have been identified for ex situconservation and mass multiplicationthrough tissue culture techniques[Abstracted from Patil, V.C. 1999.Studies on the genetic diversity andconservation of bamboo in WesternGhats of Karnataka, India. IPGRI ProjectReport. IPGRI-APO, Serdang].


Programmes: The programmes at theCentre include broadening andenhancing the germplasm base forwheat, rice, corn, soybean, millets andlegumes; developing high yielding, betterquality and resistant varieties of thesecrops; conserving, characterizing andevaluating germplasm and identifyingdesirable genes for use in breedingprogrammes; developing new breedingtechnologies, including biotechnology,molecular breeding and transgenicbreeding; developing techniques andmethods for cultivation in farmingsystems and adopting new technologiesin production [For details contact:Professor Yang Yansheng, DirectorGeneral, Centre of Crop GermplasmResources and Crop Improvement(CCGRCI), CAAS, 30 Bai Shi QiaoRoad, Beijing, 100081, China, Fax: 86-10-62184142].

Centre of AgriculturalResources and Environment(CARE)

CARE is composed of six researchinstitutes and has 549 staff including186 senior scientists and 1 academician.The Centre aims to promote researchin the areas related to agriculturalresources and environment, to enhanceresearch capability, and to supervise themanagement of resources andenvironment.

Mission: The Centre’s mission is tocoordinate and organize basic andapplied research on agriculturalresources and environment in therelevant institutes to: carry out the policyresearch and provide consultation onthe national or regional agriculturalresources and environmental issues;coordinate and organize the programmeplanning and application for the tenthFive Year Plan in the areas ofagricultural resources and environment;conduct national and internationalscientific exchange and training, andproduce high level publications includinga journal on agricultural resources andenvironment.

Major research areas: These includestudies on degradation of agriculturalenvironments and their protectionthrough integrated management;sustainable and effective use of

agricultural resources; sustainableagricultural development; equitableallocation and use of water resources,and economizing water for irrigation indry areas; strategy and plan forregionalized agricultural development;remote sensing application inagriculture; issues in ecologicalagriculture; and climate change andagriculture [For details contact:Professor Xu Yuexian, Director General,Centre of Agricultural Resources andEnvironment (CARE), CAAS, 30 Bai ShiQiao Road, Beijing 100081, China. Fax:86-10-62184142].

Rare, Endangered andEndemic Plant GermplasmBank (REEP)

Rare, Endangered and Endemic PlantGermplasm Bank (REEP) of The TypeCulture Collection, the ChineseAcademy of Sciences (TCCCAS) wasestablished in 1996. It is located atXishuangbanna Tropical BotanicalGarden, the Chinese Academy ofSciences. REEP is set up to devoteattention towards the collecting anddistribution of non-domesticated, rare,endangered and endemic plant speciesin China, especially in tropical andsubtropical areas. The items stored areseed and tissue culture strains. Seedsare conserved at –20°C, 4°C and 15°C.Seed is re-tested by germination andtissue culture strain inoculated at certainintervals. Research carried out withinlaboratories of Seed Physiology, TissueCulture and Isozyme Analysis supportsthe Bank by improving methods fordiagnosing storage behaviour of seedsand tissue culture strains, monitoringtheir storage characteristics, andevaluating the genetic variation duringstorage. Two senior consultants, MrZhao Junkai, senior engineer fromChinese National Crop Genebank atBeijing, and Dr Simon Linington, SeedBank Manager from the Kew Seed Bankof the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, U.Kare engaged for the bank managementand germplasm storage techniquedevelopment. The seed and tissueculture strains in REEP are availablefor distribution and exchange in Chinafree of charge and can be obtained bywriting to Professor Xu Zaifu, Director,

Xishuangbanna Tropical BotanicalGarden, CAS, Menglun, Mengla,Yunnan 6666303, China. Tel: 86-691-8715463; Fax: 86-691-8715070.

Establishment of NaturalProtected Area for WildRiceThe survey in the eastern coastland ofthe Guangdong Province has indicatedthat out of the wild rice habitats thatexisted in this region in the 1980s, onlya few remained in 1997. The wild ricehabitats distributed along the roads,near the paddy fields and smallchannels have almost disappeared.There were several wild rice habitats inHaifeng County with an area of 10 ha,but these have disappeared now.Fortunately, a habitat of Oryza rufipogonwith an area of 13 ha still occurs inHuilai County. This habitat is located ina waterlogged lowland which covers atotal area of 26.7 ha. Within this habitat,in an area of 7 ha, wild rice dominatesamong several weeds while in an areaof about 6 ha, weeds dominate ascattered population of wild rice. Thishabitat is probably the largest one forwild rice in the Guangdong Province,located in the coastal region with altitudeof 16.6 m and waterlogged all the yearround to 50-150 cm. During high rainfall,the depth of water goes upto 2 m for1-2 days. Around the habitat, there arehilly dry lands far from paddy fields.Therefore, there is less possibility ofcrossing with cultivated rice. Even ifcrossing takes place, the hybrid seedscan hardly germinate because they willmostly fall into the field with deep water.The wild rice occurring in this habitatis, therefore, genetically identical.Obviously, the habitat has specialcharacteristics for in situ conservationof wild rice, represented by a marginalpopulation of O. rufipogon. Consideringthe scientific and social importance ofthis site, there is need for urgent actionand effective policy to establish a naturalprotected area, otherwise this wild ricehabitat will disappear soon, resulting inirreversible loss [Pan Dajian and LiangNeng, Rice Research Institute,Guangdong Academy of AgriculturalSciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China.Tel: 86-20-87596577].


INDIA

Agricultural ResearchInformation System (ARIS)

India has established a fairly advancedNational Agricultural Research System(NARS). To strengthen informationmanagement within Indian NARS, anAgricultural Research InformationSystem (ARIS) has been started at theICAR to link its institutes (45), ProjectDirectorates (10), National ResearchCentres (30), All-India CoordinatedResearch Projects (86), StateAgricultural Universities (28) includingtheir Zonal Agricultural ResearchCentres (120), Central AgriculturalUniversities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras(KVKs) and several other research andregional stations. Besides the supply ofnetwork computer peripherals andconnectivity, the study of current status,training after installation and visit ofexperts to the centres are the regularactivities of the ARIS support team.

With the active participation of ARIS inthe recent years, the use of computersand related technologies have increasedsignificantly throughout the NARS. Majorobjectives of the ARIS Network are: i)

conducting yield trials in various DistrictAgricultural Farms and farmers’ plotsin Kerala during the past 10 years.

Cassava: The two varieties released incassava, viz., Sree Jaya (CI-649) andSree Vijaya (CI-731) are selections fromindigenous germplasm. They have theunique features of early maturity (6-7months), good culinary quality and areespecially suitable for lowland cultivationas a rotation crop in rice based croppingsystem. Sree Jaya gives 26-30 t/ha rootyield, while Sree Vijaya yields 25-28 t/ha. The former possesses white fleshtubers with 24-27% starch, while thelatter has yellow flesh tubers with 27-30% starch. Both possess low tolerablelevels of cyanogen, 40-60 ppm, and arepreferred as directly edible varieties bythe farmers and local consumers. Bothare erect, late branching varieties withsessile, easily harvestable tubers andare characterized by showing floweringand seed set.

Yams: In India, the edible yams belongto two species, viz., Disocorea alata(greater yam) and D. esculenta (lesseryam). Seven varieties have already beenreleased through clonal selection,including two indigenous species andthe introduced species D.rotundata fromCTCRI for cultivation in the yam growingareas of the country. The new variety,Sree Shilpa, released in 1998 is a hybridvariety developed through selection froma cross between the germplasmaccession ‘Da-140’ and the releasedvariety ‘Sree Keerthi’. Incidentally thisis the first hybrid to be released in thecrop anywhere in the world. It hasshown 15% increase in dry matter overSree Keerthi (33-35%) and is at par inyield (28 t/ha). The tubers are oval,smooth, medium in size, having easyharvestability and good culinary quality.The variety has been found suitable forcultivation in coastal and interior plainsof Kerala. Besides otheragromorphological characters, it showsregular flowering and seed set.

Elephant foot yam: Sree Padma, thenew variety of Amorphophallus releasedin Kerala is a selection from theindigenous germplasm from Wynaddistrict of Kerala. The crop matures in8-9 months, gives an average corm yield

The 1999 Tyler Prize forEnvironmental Achievement has beenconferred on Dr Te-Tzu Chang whohas made monumental contributionstowards solving the problems of foodproduction. He is the world authorityon rice who spent major part of hiscareer in the capacity of a plantbreeder, geneticist, and Head of theInternational Rice Germplasm Centreat the International Rice ResearchInstitute (IRRI) for conservation andutilization of rice. His research on theevolution and genetic variation of ricehas led to major advances in plantbreeding including disease resistanceand the innovative use of the “semi-dwarfing” gene to develop highyielding varieties of rice that helpedlaunch the “Green Revolution” in the1960s. His contributions resulted inthe development of new high yieldingrice varieties which boosted foodproduction and prevented rice

effective information sharing withoutduplication of research, ii) researchdocumentation storage and retrieval, iii)dissemination of research findings andbetter coordination among research anddevelopment agencies, iv) Informationexchange at all levels to supportadministration in policy-making. To meetARIS objectives, four applicationsoftwares have been developed at theICAR headquarters. For details contact:Dr S.S. Tomar, Assistant DirectorGeneral (ARIS), ICAR, Krishi Bhavan,New Delhi 110 001 [ICAR News, April-June 1999].

PGR activities at CentralTuber Crops ResearchInstitute (CTCRI)

Promising varieties of tubercrops identified

Evaluation and utilization of geneticstocks of tuber crops has resulted inthe identification of four new varieties;two in cassava, one hybrid variety ingreater yam (Dioscorea alata), and oneclonal selection in elephant foot yam(Amorphophallus paeoniifolius). Thesewere released for cultivation in KeralaState. The varieties were selected after

Dr Te-Tzu Chang Receives Tyler Prize

shortages in tropical Asia and LatinAmerica over the past three decades.

Dr Chang was the first to foresee thedanger of genetic erosion and tookmeasures to preserve theseirreplaceable resources. He mobilizedefforts in 14 Asian nations and severalAfrican nations to undertake massivefield collections of nearly 40 000rice specimens, many on the brink ofextinction and found only in remoteparts of the world. This increasedIRRI’s holdings to over 80 000samples, the largest collection for asingle crop, ensuring futuregenerations’ access to this rich geneticresource. Over the years, Dr Changhas generously shared his expertisein genetic conservation withagricultural research centres in China,India and Taiwan. As an outstandingscientist, he has received severalinternational honours.


cuttings was achieved by treating themwith Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) (500, 1000and 2000 ppm). Air layering in 2-yearold plants was reported with 88% rootingin July and 50% rooting in November,and with 100% establishment of plantsin the field.

Micropropagation with a multiplicationrate of 5-6 shoots was observed in apreliminary trial. WPM supplementedwith cytokinins (BAP 3mgl- +Kin 1mgl-)induced multiple shoots from nodalsegments of mature trees.

At present, Germplasm Conservatory ofthe IISR, Calicut, has hundreds ofrooted/layered quality Chinese cassiaplants and the future programme of theinstitute includes interspecifichybridization of C. cassia and C. verumto upgrade the later. For details, contact:B. Krishnamoorthy, Senior Scientist,Indian Institute of Spices Research,Calicut (Kerala) 673 012 [ICAR News,Vol.5, No.1, Jan-March 1999].

PGR Conservation andUse at VivekanandaParvatiya KrishiAnusandhan Sansthan

Vivekananda Parvatiya KrishiAnusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS),Almora is a pioneer research institutein hill agriculture, committed to evolvesustainable agriculture productiontechnology to meet the needs of thefarmers of north western Himalaya.Realizing the paramount importance ofagro-biodiversity in improving thegenetic potential of crops, VPKAS hasmade systematic efforts to harness it.As a result, the institute has a richcollection of germplasm (Table 1).

Concerted efforts made by cropbreeders of this institute to harness thepotential of available geneticbiodiversity, directly or indirectly, haveresulted in the development of 23 highyielding varieties of 13 crops. Theseinclude rice: VL Dhan 8, VL Dhan 206;finger millet: VL Mandua 101, VLMandua 204, VL Mandua 124; barnyardmillet: VL Madira 8, VL Madira 29, VLMadira 21; lentil: VL Masoor 4; fieldpea: VL Matar 1; gruns: VL Gruns 5;

of 42 t/ha and possesses yield potentialof 80 t/ha at a spacing of 90 x 90 cm.It was found to yield 37% higher thanthe released variety Gajendra. Thecorms have 12.5% starch and are freefrom acridity. The variety was found toflower and set seed on pollination andis being used for genetic improvementin the crop.

Testing and popularization ofreleased varieities

A concerted programme formultiplication of healthy plantingmaterials of root and tuber crops wasinitiated during 1998 in collaborationwith the Departments of Agriculture inthe states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.The programme envisagespopularization of released varieties bysupplying healthy planting sets/vinesand tubers to the farmers so as tosubject these varieties to selection byfarmers and their preferential adoptionto suit their specific needs.

In vitro conservation of rootand tuber crops germplasm

Work is in progress in building up Invitro Active Genebank (IVAG) of rootand tuber crops using slow growthcultures. A total of 500 cultures ofcassava, 70 of sweet potato and 80 ofDioscorea have been conserved invitro.

[Dr S. Edison, Director, Central TuberCrops Research Institute, Sreekariyam,Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, Kerala].

'Sree Jaya 649' – A high yielding cassava variety

Conservation andimprovement of Chinesecassia

Chinese cassia (Cinnamomum cassia(L.) Bercht. & Presl. syn. C. aromaticumNees) indigenous to China, is animportant tree-spice and is generallypropagated through seeds. A total of35 Chinese cassia plants, collected froma private estate at Anamalai hills(Western Ghats), near Valparai,Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, are beingmaintained at the National Conservatoryof Chinese cassia germplasm at theIndian Institute of Spices Research(IISR), Calicut.

Crop Improvement programme inChinese cassia aims at selection of highyielding and better quality varieties. Theaccessions were evaluated formorphological characters and qualityparameters. The performance of theaccessions was found relatively goodin plains, like Peruvannamuzhi (30 mabove msl). Two accessions showedhigh bark-oleoresin (>10%) and 3accessions showed high bark-oil (>4%)and higher cinnamaldehyde content (85-90%). Taking into consideration theoverall chemical and flavour profiles,besides regeneration capacity, 3promising lines have been selected, andthey are being tested in pre-releaseevaluation trials.

Vegetative propagation of Chinesecassia by cutting and layering has beenstandardized. Rooting of semi-hardwood

(Contd. on page 13)


Recent Activities

Participation in the ADB Phase2 project

The Pacific island countries (PIC),namely, Cook Islands, Kiribati, MarshallIslands and Tuvalu have agreed toparticipate in the Asian DevelopmentBank (ADB) Phase 2 project which aimsto collect, characterize and conservevaluable coconut genetic resources in20 countries of the Asia-Pacific region.The national project leaders are Mr TiaraMataora (Research Officer, TotokoituResearch Station), Mr TokintekaiBakineti (Agroforestry Officer, Ministryof Natural Resources Development), MrHenry Capelle (Agroforestry Officer,Ministry of Resources and Development)and Mr Sam Panapa (Plant ProtectionOfficer, Ministry of Natural Resourcesand Environment), respectively. MrJean-Pierre Labouisse of CIRAD andcurrently Head of the Coconut Division,Vanuatu Agricultural Research andTraining Centre (VRTC), is the overallproject coordinator. He successfullyorganized training on the “StandardizedResearch Techniques in CoconutBreeding (STANTECH)” involving theabove-mentioned four project leaders atVRTC from 30 June–9 July 1999. It isexpected that these PIC countries willcollect and conserve the germplasm andwill also send and receive germplasmfrom other countries to be used fordeveloping improved varieties andhybrids.

Future Activities

Training workshop on technicalwriting, seminar presentationand public awareness

A training workshop on “Technicalwriting, seminar presentation and publicawareness” will be held on 30 Augustto 4 September 1999 at the SoutheastAsian Centre for Graduate Study andResearch in Agriculture (SEARCA), LosBaños, Philippines. The workshop willbe funded by both ADB and IFAD, andjointly organized by SEARCA andIPGRI/COGENT. The main topics for

the course will include lectures oneffective report writing and seminarpresentation by Mr Paul Stapleton.Head, Editorial and Publications Unit,IPGRI, Rome; project proposalformulation by Dr Pons Batugal,COGENT Coordinator, and Dr DimyatiNangju, Technical Adviser, ADB andpublic awareness strategy formulationand implementation by Dr RuthRaymond, Senior Scientist, PublicAwareness, IPGRI, Rome. Theworkshop will be attended by projectleaders of the ADB and IFAD fundedprojects in 16 countries andrepresentatives from partnerinstitutions.

Data analysis course

A training course on data analysis willbe conducted on 6–10 September 1999at SEARCA, Los Baños, Philippines.The project leaders of the ADB andIFAD funded projects will participate inthe course. The lectures will be deliveredby Dr P.N. Mathur (IPGRI, APO-NewDelhi), Ms Connie Reano of the Instituteof Plant Breeding, Philippines, andothers on genetic diversity analysis,basic statistical concepts, principles ofexperimental design and analysis ofgermplasm evaluation trials. The courseis funded by both ADB and IFAD, andjointly organized by SEARCA andIPGRI/COGENT.

IFAD funded project-secondannual meeting

The second annual meeting of the IFAD-funded project entitled "Sustainable useof coconut genetic resources forenhancing the income and nutrition ofsmallholders in Asia and the Pacific"will be held on 13–15 September 1999in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Themeeting will review the 1998/1999accomplishments and 1999/2000 workplans of the 14 countries involved.Reports will be presented on farmerparticipatory research to promote multi-purpose uses of the coconut, to identifysuitable varieties, and to apply thesefindings in strategies for coconutgermplasm conservation. Reports will

also be presented on projects forincreasing coconut-based farmingincomes. The meeting will be attendedby project leaders of the IFAD-fundedproject from 14 countries, donors andrepresentatives from IPGRI and partnerinstitutions. It will be hosted by the OilPlant Institute (OPI) and funded by IFADand IPGRI.

ADB funded project-secondannual meeting

The second annual meeting for Phase2 of the ADB funded project entitled“Coconut genetic resources and

human resources strengthening in Asiaand the Pacific” will be held on 16 –18 September 1999 in Ho Chi Minh

City, Vietnam. The meeting will reviewthe 1998/1999 accomplishments and1999/2000 proposed workplans of the

20 countries involved in coconutprojects. Progress reports of thehuman resource development

component will also be presentedtogether with reports on thebiotechnology and embryo culture

research activities. Three hostcountries will also present reports onthe activities of the respective

International Coconut Genebanks(ICG). The meeting will be attended byproject leaders, donors, and

representatives from IPGRI andpartner institutions. It will be hosted bythe Oil Plant Institute and funded by

ADB and IPGRI. A field trip to thecoconut growing Ben Tre Province willbe organized on 19 September 1999,

in conjunction with the annual projectmeetings in Vietnam. It will be a goodopportunity for the participants to visit

the Coconut Research Station,research projects and various sectorsof the coconut industry in Vietnam.

8th Steering Committee meeting

The COGENT Steering Committee (SC)determines programme priorities andoversees the various COGENT

activities. The SC comprises of tenrepresentatives from COGENT’s 35member countries, i.e. two each from

COGENT Update


(Contd. from page 11)

the five sub-networks, namely, SouthAsia, Southeast Asia, South Pacific,

Africa and the Indian Ocean, and LatinAmerica and the Caribbean. TheCOGENT Coordinator, who acts as the

ex-officio member, and the ExecutiveDirector, APCC are non-votingmembers.

The 8th Steering Committee meetingwill be held on 20 – 22 September

1999 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.The meeting will be attended by theSC members and representatives from

partner institutions. The meeting willreview progress of the five COGENTregional networks, and projects and

activities of COGENT, IPGRI andcollaborating partner institutions. It will

also discuss the COGENT work andaction plan 1999 and draft plan for2000. The meeting will be funded by

IPGRI/COGENT [Dr Pons Batugal,COGENT Coordinator, IPGRI-APO,Serdang, Malaysia].

French bean: VL Bauni Bean 1, VL LataBean 17, VL Rajma 63; groundnut:Sulamit; sweet potato: VL Sakarkand6, VL Sakarkand 19; buckwheat: VLUgal 7; maize: VL Makka 4, VL Makka42; and onion: VL Piaz 3. Efforts are inprogress to exploit desirable attributesof native or exotic genetic resourcesthrough recombination breeding usingdesired genotypes to further enhanceand sustain the productivity of majorhill crops to meet the food demand ofthe region. Efforts are also underway toinstall medium term storage facilities atthe institute. [Drs. V.S. Chauhan andR.K. Sharma, VPKAS, Almora 263 601(U.P.), India].

JAPAN

Laboratory of PlantGenetic Diversity, NIAR

The major research objectives of theLaboratory of Plant Genetic Diversity atthe National Institute of AgrobiologicalResearch (NIAR) are: i) exploration andcollecting of plant genetic resources inJapan and overseas, ii) analysis ofdiversity in plants, iii) detection of themechanisms controlling reproductivebarriers of plants, iv) exploration andcollecting of PGR possessing useful

characteristics , v) QTL analysis for fieldresistance to rice blast and seedlingemergence.

Recent research studies

Exploration and collecting of rice inVietnam: Since 1994, joint explorationsby NIAR, Japan and Vietnam have beenconducted for collecting rice germplasm.By 1998, seven exploration missionshad been undertaken for collecting ricelandraces in northern and centralVietnam. Most of the accessions werecollected in mountainous regions andwere maintained by minority tribes. Theywere analyzed for field characteristicsand biochemical characteristics such asesterase isozyme patterns, SDS-PAGEpatterns of seed protein and reaction ofseeds to phenol. Accessions fromnorthern provinces showed widevariation in isozyme types.

Distribution of the genes controllinghybrid breakdown and intraspecificdifferentiation in Asian rice: Hybridbreakdown is one of the reproductivebarriers found in the progeny of thecrosses between different varieties inAsian rice. Hybrid breakdown iscontrolled by a set of genes hwd1 andhwd2. These genes were analyzed tounderstand the mechanisms of

Table 1. Hill crop germplasm maintained at VPKAS, Almora

Crop Group Indigenous Exotic Unknown Total

Cereals 2231 2276 376 4883

Legumes 698 742 61 1501

Vegetables 508 - - 508

Spices and condiments 67 4 - 71

Millets and underutilized spp. 1528 126 60 1714

Fodder and agroforestry spp. 16 16 33 65

Total 5048 3164 530 8742

intraspecific differentiation in Asian rice.The gene hwd2 was preferentially foundin japonica rice, while it was not frequentin indica rice cultivars. The function ofhwd2 is to be investigated, tounderstand its evolutionary role in Asianrice.

QTL analysis for field resistance to riceblast disease: Japanese upland ricecultivars are potential gene donors forfield resistance. QTL mapping of genesfor field resistance to blast in Japaneseupland rice was investigated using RFLPmarkers. Five QTLs were detected on 4chromosomes. Two out of 5 QTLs,which were located on chromosome 4,played a major role in the expression offield resistance in Japanese upland rice.

Genetic differentiation and geographicaldistribution of barley germplasm :Genetic variation and phylogeneticrelationships among global accessionsof barley germplasm were studied usingRAPD markers. They were divided intothree major groups. Group A comprisedaccessions from all over the world andindicated the westward distribution ofbarley from West Asia to Europe acrossEthiopia and the Mediterranean region.In Group A, sub-groups existedaccording to the spike morphology.Group B consisted of the accessionsfrom East Asia and Central Asia andGroup C consisted of hull-less formsfrom Central Asia and the Caucasusregion.

Geographical distribution of Wx allelesfor low amylose content in endospermof foxtail millet: From accessions offoxtail millet (Setaria italica), anintermediate type between glutinousand non-glutinous starch types wasfound, and the amylose content ofendosperm was lower in thesevarieties. To clarify the genetic controlof low amylose content in foxtail millet,


Meetings/Trainings

Table 1. Germplasm distributed to different agencies

Category Before 1995 During 1996 Total

National Research Stations 40 369 16 445 56 814

Extension units 16 - 16

Colleges 6 090 1 610 7 700

Seed companies 2 635 - 2 635

International research institutes 979 2 387 3 366

Others 342 - 342

Total 50 431 20 442 70 873

low amylose varieties from thePhilippines, Taiwan and Thailand werereciprocally crossed with glutinous andnon-glutinous varieties. Segregation forstarch properties in F2 populationssuggested that lowering amylosecontent in endosperm starch of foxtailmillet be controlled by alleles at theWx loci.

NEPAL

NARC-IRRI Collaboration

A workshop on strengtheningcollaboration between the NepalAgricultural Research Council (NARC)and the International Rice ResearchInstitute (IRRI) for rice improvement inNepal was held in Kathmandu from 4-6 February 1999. About one hundreddelegates attended this meeting whichwas divided into four different groups,namely, Varietal Improvement,Germplasm Collection andConservation, Crops and ResourcesManagement, and Human ResourceDevelopment. The delegates had in-depth discussions on various issuesrelated to rice improvement. It wasstressed that collaboration betweenNARC and IRRI should focus on thefollowing programme areas: i) crop andresources use in the rice wheat system,ii) varietal improvement for droughttolerance, better quality and pestresistance including germplasmcollecting and conservation, iii)technology sharing and policy support,and iv) rice-based livestock agriculturethrough linkages with the InternationalLivestock Research Institute (ILRI) andInternational Crops Research Institutefor the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).MoU between NARC and IRRI will bedeveloped for further collaboration anddevelopment of action plan [NARCNewsletter, Vol.6, No.1, January-March1999].

National Conference onWild Relatives ofCultivated Plants

This conference was organized by theGreen Energy Mission, Nepal at theNepal Agricultural Research Council(NARC) on 2-4 June 1999. Theconference was supported by IPGRI-APO, International Centre for IntegratedMountain Development (ICIMOD),NARC, Ministry of Science andTechnology, Action Aid, Nepal,CIMMYT, Lutheran World Federationand LI-BIRD. The meeting wasattended by 100 participants. The topicscovered highlighted the status of wildrelatives and one session encompassedIPR, Farmers' Rights and Food Securityissues. Work on IPGRI in situconservation project was also presented.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

PGR Studies at theNational Institute forAgricultural Science andTechnology

The PGR activities at the NationalInstitute for Agricultural Science andTechnology focused on: i)characterization, evaluation, andutilization of plant genetic resources,

and ii) conservation of plant geneticresources facing extinction.

A total of 5476 seed samples and

vegetative materials of different cropswere collected from indigenous sourcesor introduced from abroad in 1996.

These included 993 indigenous and4543 exotic accessions. By 1996, 77325 accessions of different crops have

been evaluated to investigatemorphological, physiological, and agro-economical traits at corresponding crop

breeding stations with a characterizationratio of 57.3%.

The RDA Genebank maintains 135 005

accessions in long-term and/or medium,short-term storage rooms. These consistof rice, wheat, barley, legumes, coarse

grains, industrial crops, forage cropsand others. By 1996, 70 873 accessionshave been released to national research

stations, educational institutes, seedcompanies and individuals at home andabroad (Table 1).

Future research programmes aim at: i)establishment of network system onPGR, ii) further characterization,

evaluation, and regeneration of PGR,and iii) systematic conservation ofvegetatively propagated crops.

BHUTAN : National TrainingCourse on Plant GeneticResources Documentation inBhutan

IPGRI-APO organized a national trainingcourse on PGR documentation at

Semtokha from 10-18 August 1999jointly with National BiodiversityProgramme (NBP) of the Ministry ofAgriculture, Royal Government ofBhutan. Fifteen participants fromdifferent Divisions of the Ministry of

Agriculture and related agenciesparticipated in this course to learnvarious softwares which can be usedfor documenting the plant geneticresources. The course covered a widerange of topics: introduction to


genebanks and documentation systems;developing, implementing andmaintaining genebank documentationsystems; regeneration, multiplicationand characterization of germplasm;analysis for genebank database; dataexchange and use of the concept ofData Interchange Protocol (DIP);developing electronic germplasmcatalogues using DIPVIEW; some basicstatistical concepts and use of Excelfor statistical analysis, etc. Theparticipants found this training usefuland it is expected that the PGRresearchers in Bhutan will be able todevelop a software programme that canbe adopted throughout the country as astandard system for plant geneticresources documentation.

Forthcoming MeetingsPHILIPPINES : CGIARWorkshop on ‘ImprovingHuman Nutrition ThroughAgriculture: The Role ofInternational AgriculturalResearch Centres, InternationalRice Research Institute, LosBaños, 5-7 October 1999.

The objective of the workshop is to bringthe international nutritionists andinternational agricultural communitiestogether in order to evaluate currentpartnerships and to identify promisingareas for future partnerships. This willbe achieved through the presentationand discussion of recent results fromwithin the CGIAR on efforts to enhance

the nutrition impact of internationalagricultural research. In particular, theresults of 4 years of work evolving fromthe CGIAR Micronutrients Project willbe prominently featured. This projectseeks to breed staple food crops thatare rich in micronutrients and involves4 CGIAR centers (IFPRI, IRRI, CIMMYTand CIP), the University of Adelaide,the USDA laboratories at CornellUniversity and the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley.

CHINA : InternationalSymposium on Desertification,Lanzhou City, 6-11 October1999.

The Third World Academy of Sciences(TWAS) and Chinese Academy ofSciences (CAS) are jointly organizingan International Symposium on‘Desertification in the DevelopingCountries’. The symposium will be heldfrom 6-11 October 1999 in Lanzhou Cityof China. The Institute of DesertResearch of the Chinese Academy ofSciences (CAS) and International Centrefor Research and Training onDesertification Control (ICRTDC) will bethe host institutions. The programme willconsist of paper presentations, scientificexchange, and field trip to desertresearch experiment station [For detailscontact: Prof. Wang Tao, Institute ofDesert Research, Chinese Academy ofSciences, 260 Donggang West Road,Lanzhou, China; Fax: +86-931-8889950Tel: +86-931-8847805 E-mail:[email protected]].

SRI LANKA : GlobalBiodiversity Forum – South andSoutheast Asia, Ministry ofForestry and Environment,Colombo, 24-26 October 1999.

This workshop will be convened by theWorld Conservation Union (ICUN) andUnited Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) in collaboration with theSecretariat of the Convention onBiological Diversity (CBD). The mainobjective of the Global BiodiversityForum (GBF) will be to provide aregional perspective and to feed thedeliberations of the 5th meeting of theSubsidiary Body on Scientific, Technicaland Technological Advice (SBSTTA) tothe CBD being held in January 2000 atMontreal, France. The regional GBF willfocus on: ecosystem approach toconservation with special reference toarid and semi-arid ecosystems(including arid mountains) and coastaland marine ecosystem; sustainable useof biodiversity; alien invasive species;biodiversity friendly practices andtechnologies; developing andimplementing national biodiversitystrategies and action plans andexamples from Southeast Asia [Forfurther information contact: Dr P.Balakrishna, GBF-SSEA Coordinator,IUCN – The World Conservation Union,South and Southeast Asia RegionalBiodiversity Programme, 48 VajiyaRoad, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka; Tel: 94-74-510517; Fax: +94-1-580500; Email:[email protected]].

INDIA : InternationalSymposium on Citriculture atthe National Research Centre forCitrus (ICAR), Nagpur 440070,Maharashtra, 23-27 November1999.

This symposium is being organized bythe Indian Society of Citriculture,Nagpur, Maharashtra; Indian Council ofAgricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhiand the National Research Centre forCitrus, Nagpur, Maharashtra. The themeof the symposium will be ‘Citrus for 21st

century’. The five technical sessions willstress on: citrus improvement, citrusbiotechnology, integrated productionsystem, integrated pests and diseasemanagement, and post-harvesttechnology. Poster presentations,

Documentation training organized at Semtokha, Bhutan


Interesting Books & Publications

satellite meetings and special lectureson topical issues will be arranged. Thesymposium aims at taking stock of workdone on citrus in global perspective andto exchange views to facilitate futureresearch needs for sound citrus industryat national/international level [For moredetails contact, Dr Shyam Singh,Director, National Research Centre forCitrus, Nagpur 440 070, India].

THAILAND : SecondInternational Conference onVetiver (ICV-2). Phetchaburi,Thailand, 17-21 January 2000.

This conference will be organized bythe Office of the Royal DevelopmentProjects Board of Thailand incollaboration with the ChaipattanaFoundation, to commemorate the SouthCycle Birthday Anniversary of HisMajesty, the King of Thailand. The mainobjective of the conference is to stressthat vetiver grass is one of the simpleand low cost solutions to deal with abroad and ever increasing range ofenvironmental problems. Theconference theme thus is ‘Towards thenew millennium; an era of practical andeconomical methods of vetiver utilizationfor environmental conservation andprotection’. The deliberations will coveraspects on new techniques for itsutilization, conservation, environmentalprotection and dissemination/exchangeof knowledge among the different vetivernetwork units.

PHILIPPINES : InternationalRice Research Conference: RiceResearch for Food Security andPoverty Alleviation, IRRI, LosBaños, Laguna, 31 March – 3April 2000.

The International Rice Research

Conference 2000, as part of IRRI’s 40th

Anniversary celebrations, will focus onthe irrigated ecosystem and provide aforum for rice scientists to presentresearch results and exchange ideas.The topics to be covered include:increasing yield potential in irrigated rice;breaking the barrier; exploitation andutilization of heterosis in rice; breedingfor abiotic stress tolerance, durable host-plant resistance; integrated nutrient andpest management, water and weedmanagement in direct seeded rice andimpart techniques on food security andpoverty alleviation [For details contact:Dr Shaobing Peng, Chair, OrganizingCommittee, International Rice ResearchConference 2000, International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI), PO Box 3127,1271 Makati City, Philippines. Fax: 63-2-891-1292; Email: [email protected]].

MALAYSIA : InternationalConference on Science andTechnology for Managing PlantGenetic Diversity in the 21 st

Century, KL Hilton International,Kuala Lumpur, 12-16 June 2000.

The conference will be supported by theMinistry of Science, Technology andEnvironment, Government of Malaysia,the FAO, the Palm Oil ResearchInstitute of Malaysia (PORIM), ForestResearch Institute, Malaysia (FRIM),and the International Plant GeneticResources Institute (IPGRI). Theconference will deliberate on thefollowing themes amongst other PGRissues: technologies for conservation,role of bio-informatics in conservation,on-farm management of plant geneticresources, in situ conservation of wildspecies, the deployment andmanagement of genetic diversity inagro-ecosystems, implications of gene-

transformation techniques for decisionson what to conserve ex situ, GISapplication for genetic resourcesmanagement, application of genomicsciences for a better understanding ofgenepools and germplasmenhancement and pre-breeding [Fordetails contact: Ms Patti Sands,Programme Assistant to the DeputyDirector General (Programmes),International Plant Genetic ResourcesInstitute (IPGRI), Via delle Sette Chiese142, 00145 Rome, Italy. Email:[email protected]; Fax(39)0651892249].

CHINA : InternationalSymposium on BiotechnologyApplication in HorticulturalCrops, Beijing, China, 4-8September 2000.

The Symposium will be sponsored bythe Chinese Society for HorticulturalScience (CSHS), the International PlantGenetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) andthe International Potato Centre (CIP)Liaison Office in Beijing. It will besupported by the Department ofInternational Cooperation and theDepartment of Science and Education,Ministry of Agriculture and the ChinaAssociation for Science and Technology.The theme of the Symposium“Biotechnology Benefiting Mankind” willdeal with the topics of biotechnologysuch as tissue culture, cell fusion, genetransformation and molecular markerswith focus on horticultural crops [Formore information contact: Dr FangZhiyuan, Secretary General of CSHS,Institute of Vegetable and Flowers,Chinese Academy of AgriculturalSciences, 30 Baishiqiao Road, Beijing,100081, China. Fax: 86-10-62174123,E-mail: ivfcaas@public3. bta.net.cn].

Azad, A.K. and N.Haq. 1999.Germplasm Catalogue of Jackfruit inBangladesh. ICUC, Institute of Irrigation

and Development Studies, University ofSouthampton, Southampton S0 17 1BJ.30 p. [ISBN: 085342687-1].

Bangladesh is rich in genetic diversityof jackfruit. An attempt has been made

to characterize and evaluate thisdiversity through field survey andlaboratory analysis carried out during1997-98. This catalogue includesinformation on 70 accessions with theirpassport data and importantmorphological characters such as thefruit, pulp and seed. The study wascarried out with support from the

Department of InternationalDevelopment, U.K. The germplasm ismaintained at the Horticultural Research

Centre, BARI, Joydebpur, Bangladesh

Arora, R.K. and K.W. Riley (eds.).1998. Proceedings of the Asia-PacificConsultation on Plant GeneticResources, 27-29 November 1996,


IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. IPGRIOffice for South Asia, New Delhi, India.

139 p. [ISBN: 92-9043-397-3].

This publication deals with thedeliberations of the Asia-PacificRegional Consultation organized byIPGRI, 27-29 November 1996 incollaboration with ICAR/IARI, New Delhi.The meeting was co-sponsored byIPGRI, FAO, IRRI and ICRISAT. Thescientific presentations have beencovered in four sessions: Session-I,Analysis of recent fora from an Asia-Pacific perspective; Session-II, Statusof PGR networks; Session-III, Keyissues on conservation and use of PGR,and farmers’ rights and benefit sharing;and Session IV, Mechanisms forregional collaboration. Therecommendations have beensummarised respectively under differenttopics covered during presentations. Inall, 22 papers, 3 abstracts, and a key-note address, provide an overall viewof the current status of plant geneticresources in this highly diverse region.

Batugal, P.A., V. Ramanatha Rao andC. Bong (eds.). 1998. PromotingMultipurpose Uses andCompetitiveness of the Coconut.Proceedings of a Workshop, 26-29September 1996, Chumphon,Thailand. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,Malaysia. 190 p. [ISBN: 92-9093-392-5].

These proceedings are based on thedeliberations of a COGENT workshopheld to discuss alternative uses forcoconut which can help increase itscompetitiveness. Researchers from 12countries working on new alternativecoconut products presented theirresearch findings. Twenty presentationsmade in the workshop covered broadtopics such as the problems andpotentials; farmers, researchers andindustry viewpoints; potential valueadded products and uses; enhancingincome and competitiveness; varietalpreferences and directions for researchproposal development. IFAD hassubsequently funded a project entitled‘Sustainable use of coconut geneticresources to enhance the income andnutrition of small holders in the Asia-

Pacific region’, as was recommendedby this workshop.

Batugal, P.A. and V. Ramanatha Rao(eds.). 1998. Coconut Breeding.Papers presented at a Workshop onStandardization of Coconut BreedingResearch Techniques, 20-25 June1994, Port Bouet, Cote d’Ivoire.IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia. 150 p.[ISBN: 92-9043-3833].

These proceedings comprising 16papers, contain the details of thecoconut breeding programmes in South,and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Africaand Latin America/Caribbean. Most ofthese papers were updated in 1998 andreflect modifications giving latestresearch techniques adopted. Thepublication, thus, will be useful tococonut breeders to produce improvedcoconut varieties for resource-poorfarmers.

Batugal, P.A. and F. Engelmann(eds.). 1998. Coconut embryo In vitroCulture. Papers presented at aWorkshop on Embryo Culture, 27-31October 1997, Banao, Guinobtan,Albay, Philippines. IPGRI-APO,Serdang, Malaysia. 164 p. [ISBN: 92-9043-385-x].

These proceedings are the outcome ofa workshop on coconut embryo in vitroculture. The 25 papers presented dealwith latest findings in this field. Theinformation is covered in 2 parts; Part-I reviews the status of research oncoconut embryo culture and identifiesresearch gaps; and Part-II stresses oncoordinated research to addressidentified research gaps. Thecollaborative efforts are expected to leadto broad application for in vitro methodsin collecting and safely exchangingcoconut diversity.

Broadbent, P., S.R. Sykes, K.B.Bevington and D. Hailstones (eds.).1999. Proceedings of CitrusGermplasm Conservation Workshop,Brisbane, 6-7 October 1997. AustralianCentre for International AgriculturalResearch, Brisbane, Australia. 198 p.[ISBN: 07347 1026 7].

This workshop was jointly organized by

NSW Agriculture and CSIRO PlantIndustry and sponsored by theAustralian Centre for InternationalAgricultural Research and theInternational Plant Genetic ResourcesInstitute. IPGRI was represented by DrV. Ramanatha Rao and Dr F.Engelmann. These proceedings dealwith 18 papers presented under threedifferent topics: germplasmconservation, germplasm evaluation andcountry statements/reports. The 5papers in germplasm conservationsection dealt with conservation strategy,cryopreservation and in vitro culture,safe collecting and exchange of citrusgermplasm, citrus pests and diseases;database system for citrus, and the needfor network; germplasm evaluationincluding characterization by phenotypesand molecular markers, scion androotstock evaluation; and countryreports/statements from Australia,China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal,Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Therecommendations of the workshopstressed on the need to develop andpromote in-country networking foreffective conservation and use of citrusgenetic resources; to publish a directoryof fruits and nuts including citrus;developing citrus germplasm database;develop guidelines for conservation anduse of citrus germplasm based on needsof in-country citrus industries; urgeACIAR to support setting up of a CitrusGenetic Resources Network/WorkingGroup to carry out molecularcharacterization; need for a regionalagency/mechanism to facilitatepropagation of healthy budwood andother planting material for preservationof citrus germplasm; more work oncryopreservation and in vitro, andpractical adoption of technologies; longterm preservation of citrus seeds;developing practical citrus geneticresources conservation strategy; needfor HRD and greater public awareness;wider dissemination of proceedings ofthe workshop to generate interest andawareness among general public, policymakers and citrus industry.

Jain, S.K. and V. Mudgal. 1999. AHandbook of Ethnobotany. BishenSingh Mahendra Pal Singh, 23-A, New


Connaught Place, Dehradun 248 001,India. 309 p. [ISBN: 81-211-0197-8].

This book deals with the concept, scope,methodology and practical aspects of

ethnobotany. It is intended forpostgraduate students interested in thisdiscipline. The contents are covered in

eight chapters that provide details onethnobotany as an organizedinterdisciplinary science, its areas of

investigation, sources of data andmethods of study, preparation for fieldwork, collection of information, plant

species and study of material, inventoryof resources through diverse studies etc.The book also lays emphasis on

emerging concerns on IPR,bioprospecting, participatorymanagement vis-à-vis role of

ethnobotany.

Mathur, P.N., V. Ramanatha Rao andR.K. Arora (eds.). 1998. LathyrusGenetic Resources Network:Proceedings of IPGRI-ICARDA-ICARRegional Working Group Meeting, 8-10 December, 1998. National Bureauof Plant Genetic Resources, NewDelhi. IPGRI Office for South Asia, New

Delhi. 85 p. [ISBN: 92-9043-394-9].

These proceedings are the outcome ofthe meeting of a Working Group which

reviewed progress, reaffirmed concernand interest of the participatory countriesin Lathyrus and worked out the

modalities of the Lathyrus GeneticResources Network (LGRN). In all, 13papers including country status reports

and other specific topics were presentedthat covered all aspects of R&D effortsin Lathyrus, an underutilized legume,

and laid stress on the conservation anduse of its genetic resources in Asia andAfrica.

Pareek, O.P., Suneel Sharma and R.K.Arora. 1998. Underutilized EdibleFruits and Nuts: An Inventory ofGenetic Resources in their Regionsof Diversity. IPGRI Office for SouthAsia, New Delhi, India. 235 p. [ISBN:

92-9043-367-1].

This book presents an inventory ofunderutilized edible fruits and nuts

covering the 12 regions of diversity ofcultivated plants. Part-I, the introductory

chapter deals with the distribution ofimportant underutilized fruits and nutsoccurring in different regions of diversity

and provides information on their usesas a source of food, nutrient, proteinand vitamins, raw material for industry,

as valuable genepools for cropimprovement, and their role in providingsustainable income to farmers. Part-II

deals with the inventory. For eachregion, species are listed alphabeticallyand information on their botanical name,

English and popular name, briefdescription, distribution and use isprovided. An appendix lists selected

species of fruits and nuts, providinginformation on their nutritive value. Thebook is well illustrated with photographs

and line drawings. This publication willbe useful to researchers, teachers andstudents.

Paudyal, K.P. and N. Haq. 1999.Germplasm Catalogue of Pummeloin Nepal. ICUC, Institute of Irrigation

and Development Studies, University of

Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ,

44 p. [ISBN: 0854 32688-x].

This catalogue is the outcome of a

research programme funded by the

Department of International

Development, U.K. It deals with 140

accessions of pummelo from different

agro-ecological regions of Nepal. It

provides passport data, including soil

characteristics and information on

characterization and evaluation – growth

habit, tree shape, tree age, tree height,

trunk diameter, canopy volume, leaf

lamina/petiole wing, flowering period,

fruit number and fruit characteristics,

pulp and juice characteristics, seed

characteristics, maturity period and

information on diseases and pests. The

germplasm collection has been

maintained in Dhankota in the mid-hills

and in Tarahara in tarai region.

Rao, A.N., V. Ramanatha Rao and J.T.Williams. 1998. Priority Species ofBamboo and Rattan. IPGRI-APO,

Serdang, Malaysia. 95 p. [ISBN: 92-

9043-491-5].

This is a revised edition of an earlier

publication on ‘Priority Species of

Bamboo and Rattan’ published by

INBAR in 1994. Information is provided

on the need for genetic conservation of

bamboo and rattan, criteria for selection

of species, and on major priority

species. Part I deals with bamboo and

Part II with rattan. About 70 taxa of

bamboo are accorded high priority,

rating their value for utilization,

environmental rehabilitation, domesti-

cation, and need for genetic

conservation and further survey.

Eighteen more taxa have been added

as important and information on them

updated. Likewise, 7 taxa of rattan have

been accorded high priority for action

and 2 taxa deserve more importance

based on criteria as used for bamboos.

Each species has been briefly described

with information on its origin, climate,

soil, current research, and untapped

potential – conservation, use and

research needs. Geographic distribution

maps are also included.

Periodicals / Reports

ATREE. Report 1997-99. Ashoka Trustfor Research in Ecology and the

Environment. No.17, 2nd Main,Amarjyothi Layout, Cholanagar,Bangalore 560 032, India. 18 p.

The Ashoka Trust for Research inEcology and the Environment (ATREE)was established in 1996 and its work

focuses on conservation andmanagement of biodiversity. ATREE isworking in the Western Ghats and the

Eastern Himalayas. Mapping of geneticdiversity has been carried out in aonlaand sandalwood. Species richness

maps have been assembled forDalbergia, Dipterocarpus and orchidspecies. ATREE is associated in

developing conservation plans for themedicinal plants of South India. Centresof high genetic diversity have been

identified for bamboos in the WesternGhats. The pattern of changes(disturbance levels) in the forests of

Biligiri Rangaswami Temple WildlifeSanctuary has been studied. ATREEhas also organized two workshops as


part of their HRD programme, one ofthis was on GIS and Remote Sensing

techniques in natural resourcesmanagement.

CGIAR. Annual Report 1998. TheImpact of Knowledge. ConsultativeGroup on International Agricultural

Research, CGIAR Secretariat, TheWorld Bank, 1818 H Street, NWWashington DC 20433, USA. 44 p.

This annual report briefly deals with theactivities of the CGIAR. A conciseinformation is given on each research

centre. The role of CGIAR as aknowledge catalyst for development hasbeen highlighted – in sowing the seeds

of green revolution and in alleviatinghunger and poverty, and the impact oflong-term public goods research;

CGIAR: Pioneer of Global KnowledgeNetwork. It presents the findings of theThird Systems Review and assessing

system capabilities for the 21st century.

CENTERPOINT. 1999 (Vol.17, No.1,April 1999). Newsletter of the Asian

Vegetable Research and DevelopmentCentre. AVRDC – OPC: PO Box 42,Shanhua, Taiwan 741; Republic of

China. 4 p. [ISSN: 0258-3070].

This issue contains an interesting articleon peri-urban vegetable production that

could fill up the nutrition gap. The overallaim of this programme is to improveperi-urban and homestead vegetable

production, increase income andimprove nutrition by increasing the year-round vegetable production and

supplying to large cities. Information isalso given on successful networks suchas the Southeast Asia Vegetable

Research Network (AVNET) and SouthAsia Vegetable Research Network(SAVERNET).

Ethnobotany. 1998 (Vol.10, Nos. 1&2).Society of Ethnobotanists. NationalBotanical Research Institute,Lucknow 226 001, India. Published byDeep Publications, A3/27A, DDA Flats,Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110 063.

152 p. [ISSN: 0971-1252].

This half-yearly periodical is devoted toethnobotanical research. This issue

contains articles on several plants likemyrtle, plants used in worship,

medicines/folk-remedies etc. Interestinginformation is given on the ethnobotanyof rattan species in Arunachal Pradesh,

on the home gardens of Assam, andon some Indian plants used in LatinAmerican ethnomedicine.

FAO/IPGRI. 1999 (No.117, March1999). Genetic Resources Newsletter.IPGRI, Via delle Sette Chiese 142,

00145 Rome, Italy. 64 p. [ISSN: 102D– 3362].

This quarterly issue contains a reviewarticle on ex situ strategies forcomplementary conservation of Asian

sweet potato. Another interesting articlefor APO region is on sustainableconservation and use of crop genetic

resources for food security andagribusiness in Malaysia. Among shortcommunications, interesting information

is available on ecological diversity ofcold-tolerant rice in Yunnan, China, andon core collection of maize germplasm

in Brazil.

ICMAP News. 1999 (No.6, April issue).Newsletter of the International Council

for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.ICMAP, C/o. IUBS, 51 Boulevard deMontmorency, F-75016, Paris, France.

28 p.

This Newsletter of the InternationalCouncil for Medicinal and Aromatic

Plants (ICMAP) is published withsupport from the FAO. It providesinformation on M&AP work undertaken

by the member organizations, newregulations, country reports andmeetings organized. Information is also

provided on the forthcoming events andnew information sources. The issuecontains interesting information on new

regulations on Guidelines for GoodAgricultural Practices (GAP) ofMedicinal and Aromatic Plants, and on

Medicinal Plants of India – Guidelinesfor National Policy and ConservationProgramme.

INIBAP. 1999. Networking Bananaand Plantain. Annual Report – 1998.International Network for the

Improvement of Banana and Plantain,Montpellier, France. 64 p. [ISSN: 1029-

2209]

This report highlights INIBAP

programme activities for 1998, reflectingits role in coordinating global PGRresearch on banana and plantain,

strengthening collaboration andpartnership, and facilitating exchange ofmaterial, information and

documentation. Significant breakthroughin research have been made. For thefirst time, Agrobacterium transformation

has been successful using embryogeniccell suspensions, opening the way forthe introduction of larger gene

constructs and better control over geneexpression. In cryopreservation, acombination of three techniques now

allows the successful regeneration ofcryopreserved meristems from allgenomic groups of bananas. INIBAP-

ASPNET’s activities have beenhighlighted such as MoU with APAARI,Musa collecting and characterization in

India, characterization in China, MusaGermplasm Information System (MGIS),and the meetings and trainingsorganized.

UPWARD Fieldnotes. 1998 (Vol.7,No.2, December 1998). CIP-UPWARD

MCPO Box 3127 Makati City, 1271,Philippines. 28 p.

This is published by The User’s

Perspective with Agricultural Researchand Development (UPWARD) Network,and provides information on its

activities. This issue has a special focuson sweet potato utilization; Asian trendsand opportunities, presenting results of

studies conducted in Japan, China,Indonesia and the Philippines. Twoarticles present regional perspective –

one on ‘Raw materials for starch in Asia:some economic considerations’ and thesecond on ‘Sweet potato: facts around

the world’.

MSSRF. 1999. Enlarging the Basis ofFood Security: Role of UnderutilizedSpecies. Proceedings of theInternational Consultation organizedby the Genetic Resources PolicyCommittee (GRPC) of the CGIAR at


the M.S. Swaminathan ResearchFoundation, Chennai, India from 17-19 February 1999. M.S. SwaminathanResearch Foundation, 3rd Cross Street,Taramani Institutional Area, Taramani,

Chennai 600 113, India. 34 p.

This consultation was organized by

MSSRF in close collaboration with

IPGRI and the CGIAR/GRPC. These

proceedings present summary of the

principal recommendations made at the

consultation for a follow up by

concerned IARCs and NARS. The

detailed proceedings will be published

separately. The workshop stressed on

underutilized species germplasm

conservation, policies, germplasm

enhancement, system approaches,

information, impact, systemwide

synergies and partnerships etc. The

recommendations of different Working

Groups – Africa, Asia, Latin America,

West and North Africa (WANA) have

been synthesized, followed by critical

analysis presenting concerns where

CGIAR can contribute in areas of public

awareness; conservation including

technology/methodology for crop

improvement; natural resource

management research; processing and

marketing, policy formulation, priority

setting, networking/partnership

information systems. The next step will

lay emphasis on the follow up by the

Genetic Resources Policy Committee

(GRPC/TAC), GRPC/Global Forum on

Agricultural Research (GFAR) and on

Systemwide initiative. Finally, “Summing

up” by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan clarifies

as to what exactly is required to be done

by different partners.

MUSARAMA. 1998 (Vol.11, No.2,December 1998). INIBAP Pare

Scientifique Agropolis-II 34397,

Montpellier Cedex 5, France. 41 p.

This issue provides abstracts of 219

references on banana and plantain

arranged under different heads such as

general aspects, botany, genetics,

breeding, growth and development,

ecology, climate and soil, biochemistry,

multiplication, planting, maintenance

and management; nutrition; plant

protection; diseases, pests etc;

harvesting, transport, packing, post-

harvesting, physiology of growth,

storage, ripening; processing, uses,

production systems, agro-economics;

producing countries, world trade and

research.

PROSEA Newsletter. 1999 (No.22,April 1999). Plant Resources of

Southeast Asia – PROSEA Network

Office, c/o. Herbarium Bogoriense,

RDCB-LIPI PO Box 332, Bogor 16122,

West Java, Indonesia.

Information is provided on PROSEA

books on medicinal and poisonous

plants; spices; cryptogams; stimulants;

plants producing exudates; essential-oil

plants. While other volumes are under

preparation, the book on essential oil

plants has been published in January

1999.

SEEDLING. Vol.16, No.2. 1999. GRAIN

25. Pral, E.08010. Barcelona, Spain.

40 p. [ISSN 1002-5154].

This issue contains an interesting article

on ‘Reclaiming diversity, restoring

livelihoods’ based on studies carried out

by the Deccan Development Society

Programme run by women farmers in

dry areas of western Andhra Pradesh,

India. The article explains as to how

women have set up an innovative and

highly successful decentralized and

community-managed system for

producing, storing and distributing

coarse grains at local level. Local food

security, community resilience and

biodiversity have been dramatically

enhanced in the process.

The Vetiver Newsletter. 1999 (No.20,April 1999). The Vetiver Network, 15

Wirt Street NW, Leesburg Virginia

20176, USA. 64 p.

This issue provides report on vetiver

activities being carried out by Australia,

China, Europe and the Mediterranean,

Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa,

Tanzania and Vietnam. In view of the

world-wide importance of vetiver grass

in soil conservation, an international

conference on ‘Vetiver and the

Environment’ is proposed to be

organized at Phetchaburi, Thailand, 17-

21 January 2000.

WWF-UNESCO-RBG-KEW. 1998.People and Plants Handbook, Issue4, Measuring Diversity, December1998. Gary J. Martin, General Editor,

PPH B.P.262, 40008 Marrakech-Medina,

Morocco. 40 p.

This publication of the WWF-UNESCO-

KEW, People and Plants Initiative is

produced with financial support from the

European Commission, the John D. and

Catharine J. Mac Arthur Foundation,

U.K National Lottery Charities Board and

the U.K Department for International

Development (DFID). This issue deals

with ‘Measuring Diversity’ – methods of

assessing biological resources and local

knowledge. It brings together

information on local knowledge and

management of biological resources,

conservation and community

development. Highlights of research

work undertaken in this field by

international programmes, resources

centres, networks and NGOs have been

summarized. Among other articles,

interesting information on durian has

also been included.

National Programmes

are requested to

contribute short

research articles, news/

notes or other

important information

on PGR related topics

for inclusion in the next

issue of the Newsletter.

Please send your

contributions to any of

the three

IPGRI-APO Offices.

[See addresses on page 24]


Scientific Contributions

Table 1. Salient characteristics of promising muskmelon cultivars

Cultivar Fruit Fruit TSS Location Salient featureslength girth (%)(cm) (cm)

Local-7 11.0 8.0 16 Prodatur Small, round, fully netted, attractive green colour and creamflesh

Local-8 11.0 8.0 11 Prodatur Small to medium, round, green smooth surface, green flesh,good taste and free from PM, DM and Alternaria

Local-9 30.0 25.0 6 Rajvarpet Large size, oblong, reddish green patches on the fruit, smoothsurface, white flesh and free from PM,DM and Alternaria

Local-10 24.0 19.0 15 Rajvarpet Oval to oblong, light yellow, smooth surface and salmon flesh

Local-11 22.0 11.0 11 Rajvarpet Oblong, reddish yellow, smooth surface, good taste, attractivecream flesh and free from PM,DM and Alternaria

Local-12 25.0 18.0 15 Rajvarpet Medium fruit, round smooth surface and orange green rind,salmon flesh and free from PM,DM and Alternaria

Local-15 22.0 14.0 16 Rajvarpet Oblong, yellowish green, big size, fully netted cream flesh andfree from PM,DM and Alternaria

Local-16 29.0 13.0 15 Rajvarpet Round, orange fruit, fully netted, salmon flesh and free fromPM,DM and alternaria blight

Local-17 19.0 14.0 12 Rajvarpet Round, greenish orange, stripped fruit, smooth surface, creamflesh and free from PM,DM and Alternaria

Sarbathi 17.5 43.5 6.0 Cuddapah Round fruit, fine netts, sandal colour on rind, cream flesh,Anora attractive fruit.

Sidhavatum 16.0 33.5 12.0 Sidhavatum Round, golden yellow colour, cream flesh, smooth surface,Local-1 very good taste, grown under river bed conditions

Sidhavatum 22.0 45.0 9.0 Sidhavatum Round, golden yellow skin, fine netted, cream flesh, grownLocal-2 under river bed conditions

PM – Powdery Mildew; DM - Downy Mildew

Collecting and Evaluationof Muskmelon Germplasmin Andhra Pradesh

An exploration was undertaken to collectwild and cultivated muskmelon(Cucumis melo) germplasm fromCuddapah district of Andhra Pradeshduring April 1996. A total of 32muskmelon samples were collectedfrom four different locations, namely,Prodatur, Rajvarpet, Cuddapah andSidhavatum in Rayalseema region,covering almost 150 km2 in the interiorarea where predominantly muskmelonwas cultivated. The population sampledmethod was used and samplesseparated into two different groups:Group I – Matured and ripened fruits

directly collected from the farmers' fieldof rice fallow crop, Group II – Maturedand fully ripened fruits collected fromriver bed area where this crop iscommonly cultivated.

Rice fallow crop (Group I): The cropwas grown in clay soil where flood plainswere available and in few cases cowpeawas growing along sides of the bundsof the rice field. Extensive cultivation ofmuskmelon was observed in the warmerregion of Cuddapah for its luscious fruitvalued as dessert. The varieties andraces collected were oval to oblong andround in shape and fruit ground colourvaried from light green to yellowishcream with light green stripes. Somesamples showed little furrows on the

fruit and smooth surface. Fruits had verygood flavour and taste, seed cavity wasless and seeds tightly packed in thecavity. The flesh colour ranged fromcream to salmon yellow with lightmargin.

Out of the 32 germplasm collected,Local-8 from Prodatur and sixaccessions from Rajvarpet, namely,Local-9, 11,12,15,16 and 17 were foundto be free from powdery mildew, downymildew and Alternaria leaf blight in thefield. Fruit weight ranged from 100 g to1.5 kg with good keeping quality.

River bed system of cultivation (GroupII): The plant grows in hot and dry regionand requires a plentiful supply of water.It was often grown on sandy river bed,


hardly suited to any other crop. Thebeds were divided into plots after theriver receded and was liberally manured.Seeds were sown in the nurseries duringJanuary–March and seedlingstransplanted in the manured plot. Thefruits were ready for harvest in 3-4months and picked when fully ripened.

This type of river bed system ofcultivation was being followed inSidhavatum area of Cuddapah districtof Andhra Pradesh. The fruits wereround, very big in size, with goldenyellow rind, and very fine netts on oneside of the fruit and cream to white fleshwith very good taste. The fruits had lowkeeping quality and were available inthe market from April to June.

Table 1 gives details on the importantcharacteristics of some promisingaccessions, based on evaluation of 32samples collected during the mission.

The longest fruit (30 cm) was observedin the line collected from RajvarpetLocal-9, and Sidhavatum Local-2recorded the highest fruit girth (45 cm),followed by Sarbathi Anora fromCuddapah. The highest TSS wasrecorded in two lines, viz., ProdaturLocal-7 and Rajvarpet Local-15 (16%),followed by Rajvarpet Local-10 andLocal-15 (15%). The Sidhavatumideotype of muskmelon had mediumvine length, early maturity and mostlycream and yellow flesh. As a result, itcould be concluded that muskmelongermplasm explored exhibited a patternof genetic variability appropriate forobtaining good genetic gains in aselection programme. [Dr M.Pitchaimuthu and Dr O.P. Dutta,Division of Vegetable Crops, IndianInstitute of Horticultural Research,Bangalore 560 089, India].

Genetic Diversity inEggplant

Brinjal or Eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) is a native vegetable of India.Enormous variability exists in its growthhabit, spiny or non-spiny nature, foliageshape and colour, floral makeup, fruitshape, size and colour, yield and yieldrelated characters. In order to study thisvariability, collection of a good number

of germplasm from different sources/areas/states was started in 1994. A totalof 325 accessions were collected andeach entry of eggplant was given anaccession number under a ‘BS’ series.Based on fruit shape, the collectedgermplasm was divided into 105 long,103 round, 97 oblong and 20 oval fruitedaccessions. Further, based on fruitcolour, the accessions were groupedinto 54 green, 6 white, 20 variegatedand 245 purple/dark purple.

These 325 accessions were grown infield and five plants in each accessionwere used for recording data on 18characters. Twenty two promisingaccessions were identified whichexhibited variation in fruit shape, fruitcolour, days to 75 per cent flowering(63-79), days to first fruit-set (70-85),days to first fruit harvest (83-105), daysto seed maturity (129-159), plant height(65-111 cm), spread of plant (50.0-151.5cm), number of primary branches (3-14), number of flowers/cluster (3-6),number of fruits/cluster (1-5), numberof clusters/plant (11.3-41.9), averagefruit weight (67-525g), number of fruits/plant (11.1-63.5), fruit length (16-34 cm),fruit width (2.2-12.0 cm), fruit length-width ratio (1.7-6.66) and average fruit-yield/plant (2.5-5.99 kg). The datacollected on different characters relateonly to those accessions, which haveshown promise particularly for yield andyield related characters. Breeders canexploit these for commercial use.

The accession BS-298 has given thehighest average fruit yield/plant (3.985kg) followed by BS-321, (3.50 kg), BS-2 (3.25 kg), BS-307 (3.25 kg), BS-31(3.15 kg) and BS-47 (3.00 kg). All theseaccessions have given an average fruityield of 3 kg and above per plant. Theseaccessions are solitary fruited exceptBS-2 and BS-31 which have clusteringor partially clustering habit and havegiven higher yield because of thecombined effect of more number ofclusters /plant and higher average fruitweight. In case of BS-31, though thenumber of clusters/plant was relativelylow but its yield was high because ofcluster bearing habit of the plant, whichcontributed to the total yield. Takingthese results into consideration, a

breeder should make efforts to combinethese attributes judiciously in order toselect the right plant for higher yieldduring the selection process. [DrsNarendra Singh, Gyanendra Singh andT.S. Kalda, Division of Vegetable Crops,Indian Agricultural Research Institute,New Delhi 110 012, India].

Conservation of TropicalFruit and Vegetable CropsGermplasm in EasternIndia

The Central Horticultural ExperimentStation (CHES), Ranchi of the IndianInstitute of Horticultural Research, isidentified as one of the lead centres foraugmentation, conservation anddocumentation of genetic resources intropical fruits, vegetables andornamental crops. As a result ofintensive survey conducted all over India,this Station has made successfulattempts in augmentation of plantgenetic resources in fruits, vegetablesand ornamental crops and promotedtheir improvement. The germplasmholdings at CHES, Ranchi, are givenbelow : Fruits crops (715): mango (290),guava (30), banana (115) aonla/Emblicaofficinalis (8), Annona spp. (9), bael/Aegle marmelos (10), litchi (49), papaya(102), jackfruit (51), ber/jujube (29),pomegranate (10), peach (6), tamarind(6); Vegetable crops: (1829), brinjal(550), cauliflower (140), beans (role &bush type) (320), chillies (20), tomato(350), pointed gourd (78), cucumber(75), ridge gourd (72), other cucurbits(70), peas (154); Ornamental crops:(366), rose (165), Chrysanthemum (15),bougainvillea (6), Hibiscus (10), Coleus(20), other ornamentals (150).

Characterization : All the gremplasm offruit and vegetable crops are beingcharacterized/evaluated for a set ofagro-morphological and economiccharacteristics. The stable genotypes forvarious traits including high yielding,good quality fruits have been identifiedin mango, litchi, jackfruit, grapes,banana, citrus, aonla and custard apple(Table 1) for commercial exploitation inthis region.

In case of vegetable crops, a numberof promising varieties were identified


Fruit variability in eggplant

Table 1. Promising genotypes of fruits identified for commercial exploitationin the region

Crops Varieties

Mango

Early maturity Gurujeet (Zarda), Bombay Green, Zardalu and Rani Pasand

Medium maturity Himsagar, Langra, Safeda Malda, Gopal Bhog, MahmoodBahar and Dashehri

Late Maturity Amrapali, Sipia, Chausa, Fazli and Bangalore

Dwarf & regular Amrapali and Latra

bearer

Sucking type Lucknow Safeda and Nasik Pasand

Litchi

Early maturity Green Ajhauli, Trikolia, Rose Scented and Shahi

Medium maturity China, Swarna Roopa, Purbi and Bedana

Late maturity Late Bedana, Kasba and Longia

Fragrant pulp Rose Scented and Shahi

Small Seeded Late Bedana, Bedana, Swarna Roopa, Tirkolia and Longia

Guava

High yielding Sardar and Allahabad Safeda

Good quality, Arka Mridulasoft seeded

Banana

Table type Dwarf Cavendish and Alpan

Vegetable type Bhos and Battisa

Pineapple Kew

Citrus

Sweet orange Kodur Sathgudi

Mandarin Nagpur Santra and Kinnow mandarin

Aonla Kanchan and NA-7

Passion fruit Kaveri

based on evaluation and studies onstability parameters for commercialexploitation.

These include: tomato (ARTH-4, ARTH-3, CHRT-4, CHTH-1, Vaishali, MTH-6and BRH-2); brinjal (Swarna Shree,CHRBH-1, CHRBH-2, CHBR-3, CHES-309, Arka Navneet, Pusa Hybrid-6, PantRituraj and Mukta Keshi); capsicum(Arka Gaurav, Arka Mohini, Arka Basantand California Wonder); chilli (Arka Lohitand Pusa Jwala); cabbage (Pride ofIndia, Golden Acre, Pusa Synthetic,Pusa Drumhead, Shree Ganesh Gol andBSS-31); cauliflower (Early Kunwari,Maghshobha, Pusa Deepali, Deepalika,Improved Japanese, Pusa Snowball K-1 and Snowball-16); okra (ArkaAnamika, Arka Abhay and ParbhaniKranti); onion (Arka Niketan and ArkaKalyan); pea (Arka Ajit, Arkel, NDVP-1,NDVP-5 and Azad P-1); French bean(CH-913, Arka Komal, Pusa Parvati andPant Anupama); pole bean (Birsa Priya,CH-829 B, CH-1127 and DVFB-1);cowpea (Pusa Barsasti and ArkaGarima); parwal (Swarna Rekha,Swarna Alukik, EL-1, Hybrid-1 andHybrid-2); watermelon (Arka mainik,Arka Jyoti and Sugar Baby); cucumber(Swarna Poorna, Priya and PusaSanyog); bottle gourd (Arka Bahar);bitter gourd (Arka Harit, Priya, KalyanpurSona, MC-84 and Pusa Hybrid-1);pumpkin (Arka Suryamukhi); ridge gourd(CHRG-1 and CHRG-2).

Utilizing the available genetic resources,several divergent lines were identifiedfor hybridization programme. As aresult of sound breeding programme,several improved varieties both in fruitand vegetable crops have beendeveloped at this Station. Nineimproved varieties have been releasedfor cultivation which have madetremendous impact and helped toimprove the income of farmingcommunity.These include SwarnaRoopa in litchi, Swarna Reha, SwarnaAlaukik in parwal (pointed gourd),Swarna Poorna, Swarna Swetha andSwarna Ageti in cucumber, SwarnaManjari in ridge gourd, and SwarnaShree and Swarna Mani in eggplant.

In addition to the above releasedvarieties, the research station has alsodeveloped a number of improved lines

and hybrids which are currently undermulti-locational testing under the AllIndia Coordinated VegetableImprovement Project [Dr Mathura Rai,

V.S.R. Krishna Prasad, N.N. Reddy andI.S. Yadav, Central HorticulturalExperiment Station, IIHR, Plandu, PO:Rajaulatu, Ranchi 834010, Bihar, India].


APAARIAsia-Pacific Association ofAgricultural Research Institutions

FAO of the United NationsRegional Office for Asia and the PacificMaliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road

Bangkok 10200Thailand

ATREEAshoka Trust for Research inEcology and the Environtment

PB No. 2402HA. Far PostHebbal

Bangalore 560024India

LIBIRDLocal Initiatives for BiodiversityResearch and Development

PO Box 324, Nadipur, PokharaNepal

INBARAnynan Building No. 10Asian Games Village

Chaoyang DistrictP O Box 9799Beijing

P.R. China

IPGRIInternational Plant Genetic ResourcesInstituteVia delle Sette Chiese 142

00145 RomeItaly

Useful Names & AddressesPROSEAPROSEA Network OfficeHerbarium BogorienseJalan Jr. H. Juanda 22P.O. Box 332, Bogor 16122Indonesia

SPCSouth Pacific CommissionPrivate Mail BagSuvaFiji

Department of AgricultureRoyal Government of BhutanPO Box 1252, ThimphuBhutan

Dr Pons A. BatugalSenior Scientist,COGENT CoordinatorIPGRI Regional Office for Asia,the Pacific and OceaniaPO Box 236, UPM Post Office43400 SerdangSelangor Darul EhsanMalaysia

Dr S.D.G. JayawardenaDirector General of AgricultureDepartment of AgriculturePeradeniyaSri Lanka

Dr M. NakagahraNational Institute of AgrobiologicalResearchKannondai 2-1-2Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305Japan

IPGRI Office for South Asiac/o NBPGR, Pusa Campus,New Delhi 110012, IndiaTelex: 31-77257 NBGR INTel: (91-11)5731845, 5786112, 5819899Fax: (91-11)5731845Email: [email protected]

IPGRI Regional Office for Asia, thePacific and OceaniaPO Box 236, UPM Post Office43400 Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan,MalaysiaTel: (603)9423891; Fax: (603) 9487655Email: [email protected]

IPGRI Office for East Asiac/o CAAS, No. 30 Bai Shi Qiao Road,Beijing 100081, P.R. ChinaTelex : 222720 CAAS CN, Tel : (86-10)62183744Fax: (86-10) 62174159Email: [email protected]


The Newsletter is produced byDr Bhag Mal, Coordinator and Dr R. K. Arora, Hon. Research Fellow, IPGRI Office for South Asia, with support from: Dr Ken Riley,Regional Director (until 3 June 1999), Dr V. Ramanatha Rao, Senior Scientist (GD/Conservation) and Interim Regional Director, DrPons Batugal, COGENT Coordinator, Dr Paul Quek, Documentation/Information Specialist at the IPGRI Regional Office for Asia, thePacific and Oceania; Professor Zhou Ming-De, Coordinator and Mr Zhang Zongwen, Associate Coordinator at the IPGRI Office forEast Asia, and Dr P. N. Mathur, Associate Coordinator at the IPGRI Office for South Asia. The addresses of these offices are:

Dr M.S. SwaminathanChairmanMS Swaminathan ResearchFoundation (MSSRF)Taramani Institutional AreaChennai 600113India

Dr R.S. ParodaDirector General ICAR &Secretary DAREIndian Council of Agricultural ResearchKrishi BhawanNew Delhi 110001India

Dr V. Ramanatha RaoSenior Scientist (GD/Conservation)and Interim Regional DirectorIPGRI Office for Asia, the Pacific andOceaniaPO Box 236, UPM Post Office43400 SerdangSelangor Darul EhsanMalaysia

Professor Yang YanshengDirector GeneralCentre of Crop GermplasmResouces and Crop Improvement(CCGRCI)CAAS, 30 Bai Shi Qiao RoadBeijing 100081P.R. China

Professor Xu YuexianDirector GeneralCentre of Agricultural Resouces andEnvironment (CARE)30 Bai Shi Qiao RoadBeijing 100081P.R. China

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