En raison du climat tropical du pays,au Viet-Nam on peut faire plusieurs campagnes de riz paran,dont les principales sont les suivantes pour la région du Nord:—Campagne du cinquième mois,avec semis en Novem...En raison du climat tropical du pays,au Viet-Nam on peut faire plusieurs campagnes de riz paran,dont les principales sont les suivantes pour la région du Nord:—Campagne du cinquième mois,avec semis en Novembre,Décembre et récolte en Juin(ciquièmemois lunaire)展开更多
Cadmium(Cd)contamination is amajor environmental stressor that adversely affects crop germination and early development.This study assessed the impact of increasing Cd concentrations(0.125 to 1 g/L)on seed germination...Cadmium(Cd)contamination is amajor environmental stressor that adversely affects crop germination and early development.This study assessed the impact of increasing Cd concentrations(0.125 to 1 g/L)on seed germination and early seedling growth in three bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)cultivars:Achtar,Lina,and Snina.The results revealed a clear dose-dependent inhibitory effect of Cd.Germination percentage(GP)significantly declined with increasing Cd levels,while mean germination time was progressively delayed,particularly at higher concentrations.Vigor index(VI)also showed significant reductions,reflecting compromised seedling establishment.Morphological traits,especially shoot and root lengths,were negatively affected,with root systems exhibiting greater sensitivity.Growth inhibition indices indicated a stronger suppression in roots than in shoots,and tolerance index(TI)values demonstrated clear intervarietal differences,with Achtar displaying the highest tolerance and Lina the greatest susceptibility.Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among GP,VI,TI,and seedling length,and negative correlations with shoot and root growth inhibition.Principal component analysis further supported these patterns,effectively separating cultivar responses across treatments.Overall,this study highlights the phytotoxic effects of Cd on early wheat development and underscores the role of genetic variability in determining cultivar tolerance to heavy metal stress.展开更多
In 2023,the global soybean trade volume with China reached 99.41 million tonnes without any contribution from Africa.With its vast arable land,Africa has the potential to develop a strong soybean industry to increase ...In 2023,the global soybean trade volume with China reached 99.41 million tonnes without any contribution from Africa.With its vast arable land,Africa has the potential to develop a strong soybean industry to increase food security,create employment opportunities,and position itself as a key exporter to China.However,soybean growth and yield are stringently linked to nodulation and nitrogen gas(N_(2))fixation,as well as to photothermal effects.The soil bacteria that nodulate and fix N_(2) for soybean growth are absent in African soils,which is a major constraint to soybean cultivation.However,the breeding of promiscuous soybean varieties that freely nodulate and fix N_(2) with native rhizobia in African soils has been achieved.The photothermal constraint limiting soybean production in Africa has also been resolved with the discovery and testing of several genes regulating photoperiodism at the laboratory and field levels.Large-scale soybean production in Africa will nonetheless still require science,technology,and innovation(STI)partnerships for the easy transfer and/or exchange of biological materials for research among Chinese and African scientists.This study aims to identify opportunities to boost soybean production in Africa,with potential benefits including increased food security,enhanced economic growth,improved continental gross domestic product,reduced unemployment,and greater poverty alleviation through job creation while enhancing China-Africa trade.It also explores the advantages soybean production in Africa could derive from the China-Africa STI partnership under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC)Beijing Action Plan(2025-2027)and the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance(CAASTIA),which is implemented by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences.展开更多
The nationally registered rice varieties during 2006-2015 were analyzed and there were 49.4 varieties on average annually registered in the last decade. In terms of the structure of varieties, there was a decreasing t...The nationally registered rice varieties during 2006-2015 were analyzed and there were 49.4 varieties on average annually registered in the last decade. In terms of the structure of varieties, there was a decreasing trend for the proportion of three-line hybrid rice varieties but a rapid increase for that of two-line hybrid rice varieties. The percentage of rice varieties developed by scientific research institu- tions was decreasing but that developed by seed companies kept a rapid increase, indicating the commercial breeding conducted by seed companies has become a principal model in rice breeding. With regard to grain quality of varieties, the con- ventional rice varieties showed an increasing trend while the hybrid rice varieties had a decreasing trend in the proportion of high quality varieties, indicating hybrid rice needs improving more in grain quality in breeding programs.展开更多
Eleven grape cultivars were analysed to explore the variety differences of fresh grape phenolic profiles.The results showed that free phenolics were predominant in grape skins and pulps,and showed the higher antioxida...Eleven grape cultivars were analysed to explore the variety differences of fresh grape phenolic profiles.The results showed that free phenolics were predominant in grape skins and pulps,and showed the higher antioxidant activities than bound.In 11 cultivars,Muscat Kyoho extracts had the highest total phenolic content in skins(10.525 mg GAE g^(–1)FW)and pulps(1.134 mg GAE g^(–1)FW),and exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavening capacity(EC_(50)=11.7μg mL^(–1))and oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC)value(190.57μmol TE g^(–1)FW)of free phenolic in skin.In addition,the most abundant phenolics in grape skins were found to be flavonoids such as kaempferol in Kyoho skin(541.2μg g^(–1)FW),rutin,catechin and epicatechin in Muscat Kyoho skin(262.3,86.3 and 70.0μg g^(–1)FW,respectively).Furthermore,the principal component analysis showed a strong difference of phenolic profiles with the cultivars,existing forms and distributions.Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant linear correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity(P<0.05).Therefore,both skins and pulps were rich sources of bioactive phenolic compounds,and Muscat Kyoho was the ideal source among all samples.展开更多
On the bases of archaeological discoveries, the earliest domestication of rice has been confirmed in the middle and lower Changjiang River basin, while in the region wild rice populations are found in shallow swamps u...On the bases of archaeological discoveries, the earliest domestication of rice has been confirmed in the middle and lower Changjiang River basin, while in the region wild rice populations are found in shallow swamps under a climate with freezing winter cold. These findings lead us to-examine the past ideas about domestication and differentiation of rice. Historically, in 1930s two sub-species, indica and japonica, were proposed on the basis of sterility in F1 hybrids between them. Soon after that, the two types were classified by the associations of a number of genetically independent traits. The characteristic associations of traits have been explained by the hybrid sterility or reproductive barriers which were assumed to comprise a set of duplicate recessive lethal genes and to be an inner genetic mechanism to lead to the varietal differentiations In 1980s, the hybrid sterility between Indica and Japonica types was analyzed, and Indica, Japonica, and wide-compatibility type which gives fertile hybrids when cross to Indica and Japonica types, are proved to contain an allele, S5＇, S5＇ and S5^n, respectively at a locus on chromosome 6. And those gametes having Sj allele are found to be partially aborted in the hybrid genotypes of S5＇/S5＇ while no gamete abortion occurs in S5＇/S5^n and S5＇/S5^n genotypes. Since then, the gene S5^n has been used in hybrid rice breeding to obtain fertile and vigorous hybrids between subspecies, and the long-disputed problem of hybrid sterility has been solved. Also in such studies the characteristic association of traits found in each of vadetal groups is better explained by founder effects. On the other hand, a large number of native cultivars of rice were surveyed with enzyme polymorphism in 1980s and later with molecular markers. As a result, profound genetic diversity is found in cultivated rice as well as in wild rice. These findings seem to lead us to the idea of multiple independent domestications of rice. However, before reaching such a conclusion, at least two factors, i.e., long-distance-dissemination of some genotypes and the possibilities of introgression by local wild rice to primitive cultivars need to be examined. Taking the two factors as well as the historical events into consideration, it is considered here that the perennial japonica cultivars which are close to wild rice in the Changjiang River basin were disseminated to East India through Assam or along the Bengal Bay, where they were transformed under the introgressions of local wild rice and formed a secondary center, from which some genotypes seem to be disseminated to colonies in Southeast Asia under the influence of Hinduism. Later some of the genotypes were introduced into China and constituted so called Indica type. This may be a reasonable picture for the varietal differentiation.展开更多
A new doubled haploid (DH) rice population was established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chunjiang 06 (CJ-06) and susceptible indica TN1. Sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance of the DH rice lines ...A new doubled haploid (DH) rice population was established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chunjiang 06 (CJ-06) and susceptible indica TN1. Sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance of the DH rice lines were evaluated on the basis of non-preference response of WBPH immigrants and honeydew excretion by WBPH females, and appearance of watery lesions in the necrotic discoloration of leaf sheaths ovipositied by WBPH,respectively. Both the major gene resistance to WBPH, sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance, showed 1 (resistant): 1 (susceptible) segregation ratio in the DH population. Relative density of WBPH populations and damage scores in the DH population indicated combined functions of both the major resistance genes as well as QTLs affecting the host plant response to WBPH infestations. Thus, the newly developed CJ-06/TN1 DH population could be a useful material to analyze major genes and QTLs for WBPH resistance in japonica rice.展开更多
Eight-element contents of 653 unpolished rice samples harvested from Xingping experiment farm, Yunnan Province under the same ecological conditions were analyzed by ICP-AES method. The mineral elements content were cl...Eight-element contents of 653 unpolished rice samples harvested from Xingping experiment farm, Yunnan Province under the same ecological conditions were analyzed by ICP-AES method. The mineral elements content were closely related to low diversity, high-yielding, and multi-resistance breeding; The K, Mg, Ca and Mn content in high-yielding and resistant varieties were high, and other nutrients such as P, Fe, Zn and Cu were low, which was connected with the heredity and physiological mechanism of mineral nutrients. There is zonal distribution of mineral elements content from Yunnan rice, especially for P, Fe, Zn and Cu co-related with the diversity center, paddy versus upland, glutinous and non-glutinous, glume-hair versus nuda, rice color, rice flavor, soft rice versus non-soft rice, but it did not find any association with indica-japonica types. The results supported the ecological variety group view of 5-grade taxonomic system species-subspecies-ecological groups-ecological variety groups - varietal types' .展开更多
Whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) -resistance in a japonica / indica doubled haploid (DH) rice population established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chun]iang 06 and susceptible indica TN1, was comparativel...Whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) -resistance in a japonica / indica doubled haploid (DH) rice population established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chun]iang 06 and susceptible indica TN1, was comparatively evaluated through a field experiment based on the WBPH immigrant density and standardized seedbox screening test (SSST). All the susceptible DH lines in the field experiment behaved accordingly in SSST. However, 35 of resistant 66 lines (53%) in the field, were categorized to susceptible groups in SSST. Likewise, there were no significant differences in WBPH immigrant densities among 70 DH lines that were highly resistant to susceptible in SSST. The results revealed that SSST could not evaluate properly WBPH resistance in the DH lines. Four QTLs for WBPH-resistance phenotyped by the immigrant density were detected on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 11. Of them, the QTL on chromosome 4 was the most effective (LOD 21.8, variance 78%). Five QTLs associated with seedling mortality were mapped on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. In addition to the QTL (LOD 10.5, variance 68%) on chromosome 4, there was another major QTL (LOD 12.7, variance 71%) located on chromosome 5, which was SSST-specific but might be irrespective of the WBPH resistance traits.展开更多
This research attempts to devise a multistage and multiproduct short-term integrative production plan that can dynamically change based on the order priority and virtual occupancy for application in steel plants. Cons...This research attempts to devise a multistage and multiproduct short-term integrative production plan that can dynamically change based on the order priority and virtual occupancy for application in steel plants. Considering factors such as the delivery time, varietal compatibility between different products, production capacity of variety per hour, minimum or maximum batch size, and transfer time, we propose an available production capacity network with varietal compatibility and virtual occupancy for enhancing production plan implementation and quick adjustment in the case of dynamic production changes. Here available means the remaining production capacity after virtual occupancy.To quickly build an available production capacity network and increase the speed of algorithm solving, constraint selection and cutting methods with order priority were used for model solving. Finally, the genetic algorithm improved with local search was used to optimize the proposed production plan and significantly reduce the order delay rate. The validity of the proposed model and algorithm was numerically verified by simulating actual production practices. The simulation results demonstrate that the model and improved algorithm result in an effective production plan.展开更多
The characteristics of 48 rice varieties from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India were detected by morphological and biochemical markers. The grains of the selected rice varieties varied in their morphological （grain length,...The characteristics of 48 rice varieties from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India were detected by morphological and biochemical markers. The grains of the selected rice varieties varied in their morphological （grain length, grain width and grain weight） and biochemical characters （sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE）. Based on the presence of 70, 65, 60, 57, 37-39, 22-23, 13 and 10 kDa protein bands in the 48 rice varieties, seven types of profiles were identified. An unweighted pair group average method with arithmetic mean （UPGMA） dendrogram based on cluster analysis of genetic similarity of the protein bands showed two distinct groups with 1%-78% similarity coefficients. The presence of characteristic bands in selected varieties is a useful parameter for identification of rice germplasm.展开更多
The full-length of intact Zea mays gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene （ZmC4Ppc） is 6 781 bp. The products of PCR for this gene were not clear with poor repeatability, resulting in that it was difficult fo...The full-length of intact Zea mays gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene （ZmC4Ppc） is 6 781 bp. The products of PCR for this gene were not clear with poor repeatability, resulting in that it was difficult for marker-assisted selection （MAS） both in rice and maize. For selecting the markers for MAS, sequences presented only in maize rather than in rice were identified by BLAST, and used for primer design using Primer Premier 5.0. A pair of specific primer termed MRpc （Forward： 5＇ AAGCAGGGAAGCGAGACG 3＇, Reverse： 5＇ GATTGCCGCCAGCAGTAG 3＇） was used for selection of transformed rice, and ZmC4Ppc could be highly and constitutively expressed at each tested developmental stages in the transformed rice selected by using MRpc. Thus, MRpc was used for MAS of progenies carrying ZmC4Ppc gene in rice and some restorer lines with ZmC4Ppc （e.g. FPM881） derived from ZmC4Ppc-transformed Kitaake backcrossed with a restorer line Shuhui 881 were obtained. The analyses on genetic background, PEPCase activity, net photosynthetic rate, general combining ability （GCA） and specific combining ability （SCA） of FPM881 showed that similarity of genetic background reached above 95%, the PEPCase and net photosynthetic rate were higher than those of the control, and some of the progenies carrying ZmC4Ppc gene had better GCA and SCA for grain yield per plant, number of panicles per plant, and 1000-grain weight than those of the control. This suggested that the introduction of maize ZmC4Ppc gene via MAS and its stable expression could increase grain yield of rice and would likely provide a pathway for rice varietal improvement.展开更多
In mountain agriculture,early maturity,high grain yield and high biomass are generally considered as farmer preferred traits in rice crop in addition to a multiple set of traits collectively responsible for variety ad...In mountain agriculture,early maturity,high grain yield and high biomass are generally considered as farmer preferred traits in rice crop in addition to a multiple set of traits collectively responsible for variety adoption or rejection.The varieties tested only on station evaluation trials without taking the data from the farmers'fields by not including farmers as partners for variety evaluation are the reasons of low adoption of varieties.In this regard,a participatory methodology was followed by conducting a number of participatory trials in the farmers'fields during 2012-2014 in six districts of Kashmir Valley,India.The mother trials in the farmers'fields showed that the test variety SKUA-408 consistently and significantly out yielded Jhelum and farmers'variety followed by Shalimar rice 3(SR3).The other released varieties like SR1 and SR2 could not perform nicely in the farmers'fields because of late maturity.After making the t-test comparison of baby trials(paired plots),the mean yield superiority of test varieties SKUA-408,SR3,and SKUA-403 over farmers'variety during 2013 was around 23,25,and 22%,respectively,whereas in 2014 the respective yield advantage was recorded as 16.3,17.7,and 16.2%.In all districts,SKUA-408 and SR3 were significantly preferred by farmers(P〈0.05 or 0.01)in terms of pre-harvest traits namely,tillering ability and general phenotypic acceptability,early maturity and biomass and for post-harvest traits such as general cooking quality besides,the intention to grow the variety for next year.Adoption and dissemination of SKUA-408 began in 2014 from the farm-saved seed in the form of farmer to farmer seed exchange.Farmers are the end users of a variety so the decision by the farmers while judging the variety should be taken into consideration to make the varietal choice more effective for its widespread adoption.展开更多
To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （...To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （PgEO） with cowpea varietal resistance in the control of cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruehus maculatus Fabricius. Four cowpea varieties （Sokoto, Drum, Oloyin and Gwallam） were studied. Data collected included oviposition, progeny emergence, Reproductive Efficiency （RE） and Percentage Seed Damage （PSD）. At first filial generation, numbers of eggs laid on Oloyin variety treated with 25 μL PgEO per 25 g cowpea seeds （2.15） were significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained in untreated cowpea （3.61） and hexane-treated seeds （3.07）. C. maculatus RE on Oloyin （33.73） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than values obtained on other varieties （47.34-54.67） for seeds without PgEO; and were significantly greater than 0.00 observed on Oloyin seeds treated with 50 pL PgEO. PSD on Oloyin （6.63%） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained on Sokoto （10.04%） and Drum （9.79%） for seeds without PgEO, while there was no damage in Oloyin treated with 50 pL PgEO. Significantly （p〈0.05） lower F2 progeny emergence occurred on Oloyin （4.02） and Sokoto （4.71） compared with Drum （9.03） and Gwallam （6.07） from the untreated cowpea seeds. The results implied that application of PgEO to Oloyin gave better protection from infestation of C. maculatus than other varieties. Hence, combination of varietal resistance with PgEO for management ofbruchid could be an effective mean of improving cowpea food security.展开更多
Field performance of whitebacked planthopper （WBPH）-resistance of four phenotypes was evaluated in Chunjiang 06 （C J-06） / TN1 DH rice lines, which were expressed by different combinations of sucking inhibitory an...Field performance of whitebacked planthopper （WBPH）-resistance of four phenotypes was evaluated in Chunjiang 06 （C J-06） / TN1 DH rice lines, which were expressed by different combinations of sucking inhibitory and ovicidal traits inherited independently from C J-06. WBPH established the highest populations in susceptible DH lines that had neither sucking inhibitorynor ovicidal resistance. Both immigration and subsequent population levels were kept below the damage-causing density in the sucking inhibitory DH lines even under a WBPH outbreak. WBPH could not build up populations in the DH lines having both the sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance. Although WBPH immigrated preferentially to non-sucking inhibitory DH lines with ovicidal resistance, subsequent population buildup was significantly suppressed. It was concluded that the differential performance to WBPH-resistance in CJ-06 / TN1 DH lines was primarily due to the sucking inhibitory trait, and complementarity to the ovicidal trait.展开更多
Pterocarpus erinaceus is a high socio-economic tree of African savannahs. It is overexploited due to technological qualities of its wood, forage value and medicinal uses. The main objective of this study is the assess...Pterocarpus erinaceus is a high socio-economic tree of African savannahs. It is overexploited due to technological qualities of its wood, forage value and medicinal uses. The main objective of this study is the assessment of the morphological variability within this species in Cote d’Ivoire, in sight of rational management. Fourteen morphological traits were used to appraise the variability within 144 trees in production from six sites (Yalo, Moyenne Marahoué, Kahanso, Kouassi-Ndawa, Ouarigué and Téguirdouo). The results indicate that the variability reaches 6.60 for the height of the fruit and 45.99 for the weight of the fruit. The results reveal also that there are three morphological groups of P. erinaceus in Cote d’Ivoire. Of the four traits that revealed a distinction among the three morphotypes, only the width of leaves and the number of leaflets enabled their complete distinction. Trees of group 1 have long leaves with a high number of leaflets and large fruits. Trees of group 2 have small leaves with a reduced number of leaflets and large fruits. Then trees of group 3 have intermediate value of width of leaves and number of leaflet and small fruits. The three morphological groups could be useful for varietal selection of P. erinaceus in Cote d’Ivoire.展开更多
Rainfed Aus rice is a popular conventional rice cultivation technique that through appropriate variety selection can accelerate the benefits of the farmer. On this context, an experiment was carried out at the researc...Rainfed Aus rice is a popular conventional rice cultivation technique that through appropriate variety selection can accelerate the benefits of the farmer. On this context, an experiment was carried out at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur1706 from April to August in 2014 to evaluate yield performance of some Aus rice varieties under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two sets of treatments: water regime as irrigated (irrigation when necessary) and rainfed (dependent on rainfall) in the main plot and 15 varieties into sub-plots. It was revealed that yield and yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by water regime, variety and their interaction. The traits like number of effective tillers and non-effective tillers·hill-1, number of filled grains and unfilled grains panicle-1, panicle length, test weight, grain yield and harvest index were higher in irrigated crops compared to rainfed. Considering the performance of yield, the highest grain yield recorded in BRRI dhan27 (irrigated-2.47 t·ha-1 and rainfed-2.26 t·ha-1) followed by BRRI dhan55 (irrigated-1.95 t·ha-1 and rainfed-1.88 t·ha-1), BRRI dhan48 and BRRI dhan43 under both irrigated and rainfed treatment. BRRI dhan27 ranked the top under both irrigated and rainfed conditions, however the relative yield was maximum in BRRI dhan55 (reduction was only 3.59%) followed by Nerica10. Hence, considering the yield stability and absolute yield performance, BRRI dhan27 may be considered favorably cultivable for Aus season in Bangladesh followed by BRRI dhan55, BRRI dhan48 and BRRI dhan43.展开更多
The experiment site at UAPB agronomy farm was left undisturbed for several years for organic rice experiment. Soil samples taken in September 2015 showed that the experiment site was deficient with plant nutrients (NP...The experiment site at UAPB agronomy farm was left undisturbed for several years for organic rice experiment. Soil samples taken in September 2015 showed that the experiment site was deficient with plant nutrients (NPK). Therefore, an organic fertilizer, Nature (8-5-5) was applied before planting mixture of crimson clover and winter wheat as cover crop in fall 2015. Biomass samples taken from the cover cropped land (CCL) and fallow land (FL) resulted in decrease in weed biomass by 33.36% and increase in total biomass by 46.78% in CCL than FL. Cover crops were incorporated one month before the rice sowing in June 2016. Fifteen rice cultivars were experimented for weed competition under water seeding cultivation method. Water seeding method was not effective to control the weeds as weeds dominated most of the rice plots since seedling stage. However, two rice cultivars namely Jasmine 85 and Rondo showed strong weed competition due to higher plant stand and better seedling establishment.展开更多
Wheat is a strategic crop for food security in Pakistan with predominance of smallholder farmers. Farmer-saved seed （FSS） is used nearly by 75% of farmers for wheat production. Frequent variety or seed replacement i...Wheat is a strategic crop for food security in Pakistan with predominance of smallholder farmers. Farmer-saved seed （FSS） is used nearly by 75% of farmers for wheat production. Frequent variety or seed replacement is uncommon even among large-scale farmers, and certified seed （CS） is mostly bought to verify the value of new varieties. Replacing old and obsolete varieties by new high yielding disease resistant varieties is key to transferring new genetic gains to farmers. For the first time in Pakistan, on-farm factorial experiments involving seven new and five old wheat varieties and their corresponding CS and FSS were conducted. A total of 49 farmers representing major wheat cropping patterns throughout the country participated in these trials in the 2014 and 2015 wheat growing seasons. Analysis of variance revealed that there was highly significant difference between wheat varieties and between seed classes. New variety ＋ CS gave 33.8% more grain yield as well as higher marginal return over farmers＇ variety ＋ FSS. Grain yield and returns from new variety ＋ FSS and farmers＇ variety ＋ CS were at par. Scientific knowledge generated in this research demonstrated that use of CS ＆new wheat varieties is best option, while growing new varieties with FSS is a second choice for the advantages accruing from their built-in genetic traits of economic importance over growing CS of old and obsolete varieties. Having more flexible seed system will help accelerate the delivery of new genetic gains to farmers＇ fields.展开更多
This study analyzed the impact of participatory plant breeding （PPB） and participatory variety selection （PVS） on the adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties （ISPV） in central Uganda. The study quantitatively...This study analyzed the impact of participatory plant breeding （PPB） and participatory variety selection （PVS） on the adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties （ISPV） in central Uganda. The study quantitatively assessed how the two approaches influence farmers＇ uptake of the improved sweetpotato varieties and also determined other factors influencing this adoption. This was done by estimating a robust standard errors logit model. Both PPB and PVS positively and significantly influenced the likelihood of adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties at 5% and 10% levels, respectively. Other variables that positively influenced the adoption are extension services, training in sweetpotato production, farming experience, and off-farm income of the household. Farmers who participated in the plant breeding and variety selection processes were 37 and 6.7 times more likely to adopt the improved sweetpotato varieties than those who had not, respectively. Farmers who were trained specifically in sweetpotato production were 8.8 times more likely to adopt the improved varieties than those who had not received this type of training.展开更多
文摘En raison du climat tropical du pays,au Viet-Nam on peut faire plusieurs campagnes de riz paran,dont les principales sont les suivantes pour la région du Nord:—Campagne du cinquième mois,avec semis en Novembre,Décembre et récolte en Juin(ciquièmemois lunaire)
文摘Cadmium(Cd)contamination is amajor environmental stressor that adversely affects crop germination and early development.This study assessed the impact of increasing Cd concentrations(0.125 to 1 g/L)on seed germination and early seedling growth in three bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)cultivars:Achtar,Lina,and Snina.The results revealed a clear dose-dependent inhibitory effect of Cd.Germination percentage(GP)significantly declined with increasing Cd levels,while mean germination time was progressively delayed,particularly at higher concentrations.Vigor index(VI)also showed significant reductions,reflecting compromised seedling establishment.Morphological traits,especially shoot and root lengths,were negatively affected,with root systems exhibiting greater sensitivity.Growth inhibition indices indicated a stronger suppression in roots than in shoots,and tolerance index(TI)values demonstrated clear intervarietal differences,with Achtar displaying the highest tolerance and Lina the greatest susceptibility.Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among GP,VI,TI,and seedling length,and negative correlations with shoot and root growth inhibition.Principal component analysis further supported these patterns,effectively separating cultivar responses across treatments.Overall,this study highlights the phytotoxic effects of Cd on early wheat development and underscores the role of genetic variability in determining cultivar tolerance to heavy metal stress.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1201300)the Nanfan Special Project of CAAS(YBXM2428 to Tianfu Han).
文摘In 2023,the global soybean trade volume with China reached 99.41 million tonnes without any contribution from Africa.With its vast arable land,Africa has the potential to develop a strong soybean industry to increase food security,create employment opportunities,and position itself as a key exporter to China.However,soybean growth and yield are stringently linked to nodulation and nitrogen gas(N_(2))fixation,as well as to photothermal effects.The soil bacteria that nodulate and fix N_(2) for soybean growth are absent in African soils,which is a major constraint to soybean cultivation.However,the breeding of promiscuous soybean varieties that freely nodulate and fix N_(2) with native rhizobia in African soils has been achieved.The photothermal constraint limiting soybean production in Africa has also been resolved with the discovery and testing of several genes regulating photoperiodism at the laboratory and field levels.Large-scale soybean production in Africa will nonetheless still require science,technology,and innovation(STI)partnerships for the easy transfer and/or exchange of biological materials for research among Chinese and African scientists.This study aims to identify opportunities to boost soybean production in Africa,with potential benefits including increased food security,enhanced economic growth,improved continental gross domestic product,reduced unemployment,and greater poverty alleviation through job creation while enhancing China-Africa trade.It also explores the advantages soybean production in Africa could derive from the China-Africa STI partnership under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC)Beijing Action Plan(2025-2027)and the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance(CAASTIA),which is implemented by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences.
基金Supported by Social Undertaking and People's Livelihood Guarantee Science and Technology Innovation Fund(cstc2016shms-ztzx0013cstc2016shms-ztzx0032 and cstc2016shms-ztzx0017)~~
文摘The nationally registered rice varieties during 2006-2015 were analyzed and there were 49.4 varieties on average annually registered in the last decade. In terms of the structure of varieties, there was a decreasing trend for the proportion of three-line hybrid rice varieties but a rapid increase for that of two-line hybrid rice varieties. The percentage of rice varieties developed by scientific research institu- tions was decreasing but that developed by seed companies kept a rapid increase, indicating the commercial breeding conducted by seed companies has become a principal model in rice breeding. With regard to grain quality of varieties, the con- ventional rice varieties showed an increasing trend while the hybrid rice varieties had a decreasing trend in the proportion of high quality varieties, indicating hybrid rice needs improving more in grain quality in breeding programs.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2016YFD0400203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31471576)
文摘Eleven grape cultivars were analysed to explore the variety differences of fresh grape phenolic profiles.The results showed that free phenolics were predominant in grape skins and pulps,and showed the higher antioxidant activities than bound.In 11 cultivars,Muscat Kyoho extracts had the highest total phenolic content in skins(10.525 mg GAE g^(–1)FW)and pulps(1.134 mg GAE g^(–1)FW),and exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavening capacity(EC_(50)=11.7μg mL^(–1))and oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC)value(190.57μmol TE g^(–1)FW)of free phenolic in skin.In addition,the most abundant phenolics in grape skins were found to be flavonoids such as kaempferol in Kyoho skin(541.2μg g^(–1)FW),rutin,catechin and epicatechin in Muscat Kyoho skin(262.3,86.3 and 70.0μg g^(–1)FW,respectively).Furthermore,the principal component analysis showed a strong difference of phenolic profiles with the cultivars,existing forms and distributions.Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant linear correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity(P<0.05).Therefore,both skins and pulps were rich sources of bioactive phenolic compounds,and Muscat Kyoho was the ideal source among all samples.
文摘On the bases of archaeological discoveries, the earliest domestication of rice has been confirmed in the middle and lower Changjiang River basin, while in the region wild rice populations are found in shallow swamps under a climate with freezing winter cold. These findings lead us to-examine the past ideas about domestication and differentiation of rice. Historically, in 1930s two sub-species, indica and japonica, were proposed on the basis of sterility in F1 hybrids between them. Soon after that, the two types were classified by the associations of a number of genetically independent traits. The characteristic associations of traits have been explained by the hybrid sterility or reproductive barriers which were assumed to comprise a set of duplicate recessive lethal genes and to be an inner genetic mechanism to lead to the varietal differentiations In 1980s, the hybrid sterility between Indica and Japonica types was analyzed, and Indica, Japonica, and wide-compatibility type which gives fertile hybrids when cross to Indica and Japonica types, are proved to contain an allele, S5＇, S5＇ and S5^n, respectively at a locus on chromosome 6. And those gametes having Sj allele are found to be partially aborted in the hybrid genotypes of S5＇/S5＇ while no gamete abortion occurs in S5＇/S5^n and S5＇/S5^n genotypes. Since then, the gene S5^n has been used in hybrid rice breeding to obtain fertile and vigorous hybrids between subspecies, and the long-disputed problem of hybrid sterility has been solved. Also in such studies the characteristic association of traits found in each of vadetal groups is better explained by founder effects. On the other hand, a large number of native cultivars of rice were surveyed with enzyme polymorphism in 1980s and later with molecular markers. As a result, profound genetic diversity is found in cultivated rice as well as in wild rice. These findings seem to lead us to the idea of multiple independent domestications of rice. However, before reaching such a conclusion, at least two factors, i.e., long-distance-dissemination of some genotypes and the possibilities of introgression by local wild rice to primitive cultivars need to be examined. Taking the two factors as well as the historical events into consideration, it is considered here that the perennial japonica cultivars which are close to wild rice in the Changjiang River basin were disseminated to East India through Assam or along the Bengal Bay, where they were transformed under the introgressions of local wild rice and formed a secondary center, from which some genotypes seem to be disseminated to colonies in Southeast Asia under the influence of Hinduism. Later some of the genotypes were introduced into China and constituted so called Indica type. This may be a reasonable picture for the varietal differentiation.
文摘A new doubled haploid (DH) rice population was established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chunjiang 06 (CJ-06) and susceptible indica TN1. Sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance of the DH rice lines were evaluated on the basis of non-preference response of WBPH immigrants and honeydew excretion by WBPH females, and appearance of watery lesions in the necrotic discoloration of leaf sheaths ovipositied by WBPH,respectively. Both the major gene resistance to WBPH, sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance, showed 1 (resistant): 1 (susceptible) segregation ratio in the DH population. Relative density of WBPH populations and damage scores in the DH population indicated combined functions of both the major resistance genes as well as QTLs affecting the host plant response to WBPH infestations. Thus, the newly developed CJ-06/TN1 DH population could be a useful material to analyze major genes and QTLs for WBPH resistance in japonica rice.
文摘Eight-element contents of 653 unpolished rice samples harvested from Xingping experiment farm, Yunnan Province under the same ecological conditions were analyzed by ICP-AES method. The mineral elements content were closely related to low diversity, high-yielding, and multi-resistance breeding; The K, Mg, Ca and Mn content in high-yielding and resistant varieties were high, and other nutrients such as P, Fe, Zn and Cu were low, which was connected with the heredity and physiological mechanism of mineral nutrients. There is zonal distribution of mineral elements content from Yunnan rice, especially for P, Fe, Zn and Cu co-related with the diversity center, paddy versus upland, glutinous and non-glutinous, glume-hair versus nuda, rice color, rice flavor, soft rice versus non-soft rice, but it did not find any association with indica-japonica types. The results supported the ecological variety group view of 5-grade taxonomic system species-subspecies-ecological groups-ecological variety groups - varietal types' .
文摘Whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) -resistance in a japonica / indica doubled haploid (DH) rice population established from a cross between WBPH-resistant japonica Chun]iang 06 and susceptible indica TN1, was comparatively evaluated through a field experiment based on the WBPH immigrant density and standardized seedbox screening test (SSST). All the susceptible DH lines in the field experiment behaved accordingly in SSST. However, 35 of resistant 66 lines (53%) in the field, were categorized to susceptible groups in SSST. Likewise, there were no significant differences in WBPH immigrant densities among 70 DH lines that were highly resistant to susceptible in SSST. The results revealed that SSST could not evaluate properly WBPH resistance in the DH lines. Four QTLs for WBPH-resistance phenotyped by the immigrant density were detected on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 11. Of them, the QTL on chromosome 4 was the most effective (LOD 21.8, variance 78%). Five QTLs associated with seedling mortality were mapped on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. In addition to the QTL (LOD 10.5, variance 68%) on chromosome 4, there was another major QTL (LOD 12.7, variance 71%) located on chromosome 5, which was SSST-specific but might be irrespective of the WBPH resistance traits.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.51274043)。
文摘This research attempts to devise a multistage and multiproduct short-term integrative production plan that can dynamically change based on the order priority and virtual occupancy for application in steel plants. Considering factors such as the delivery time, varietal compatibility between different products, production capacity of variety per hour, minimum or maximum batch size, and transfer time, we propose an available production capacity network with varietal compatibility and virtual occupancy for enhancing production plan implementation and quick adjustment in the case of dynamic production changes. Here available means the remaining production capacity after virtual occupancy.To quickly build an available production capacity network and increase the speed of algorithm solving, constraint selection and cutting methods with order priority were used for model solving. Finally, the genetic algorithm improved with local search was used to optimize the proposed production plan and significantly reduce the order delay rate. The validity of the proposed model and algorithm was numerically verified by simulating actual production practices. The simulation results demonstrate that the model and improved algorithm result in an effective production plan.
文摘The characteristics of 48 rice varieties from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India were detected by morphological and biochemical markers. The grains of the selected rice varieties varied in their morphological （grain length, grain width and grain weight） and biochemical characters （sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE）. Based on the presence of 70, 65, 60, 57, 37-39, 22-23, 13 and 10 kDa protein bands in the 48 rice varieties, seven types of profiles were identified. An unweighted pair group average method with arithmetic mean （UPGMA） dendrogram based on cluster analysis of genetic similarity of the protein bands showed two distinct groups with 1%-78% similarity coefficients. The presence of characteristic bands in selected varieties is a useful parameter for identification of rice germplasm.
文摘The full-length of intact Zea mays gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene （ZmC4Ppc） is 6 781 bp. The products of PCR for this gene were not clear with poor repeatability, resulting in that it was difficult for marker-assisted selection （MAS） both in rice and maize. For selecting the markers for MAS, sequences presented only in maize rather than in rice were identified by BLAST, and used for primer design using Primer Premier 5.0. A pair of specific primer termed MRpc （Forward： 5＇ AAGCAGGGAAGCGAGACG 3＇, Reverse： 5＇ GATTGCCGCCAGCAGTAG 3＇） was used for selection of transformed rice, and ZmC4Ppc could be highly and constitutively expressed at each tested developmental stages in the transformed rice selected by using MRpc. Thus, MRpc was used for MAS of progenies carrying ZmC4Ppc gene in rice and some restorer lines with ZmC4Ppc （e.g. FPM881） derived from ZmC4Ppc-transformed Kitaake backcrossed with a restorer line Shuhui 881 were obtained. The analyses on genetic background, PEPCase activity, net photosynthetic rate, general combining ability （GCA） and specific combining ability （SCA） of FPM881 showed that similarity of genetic background reached above 95%, the PEPCase and net photosynthetic rate were higher than those of the control, and some of the progenies carrying ZmC4Ppc gene had better GCA and SCA for grain yield per plant, number of panicles per plant, and 1000-grain weight than those of the control. This suggested that the introduction of maize ZmC4Ppc gene via MAS and its stable expression could increase grain yield of rice and would likely provide a pathway for rice varietal improvement.
基金a project“Participatory Plant Breeding and Strengthening Local Seed System in Kashmir Valley”funded by Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana(RKVY,SKAGR-RKVY-1),India
文摘In mountain agriculture,early maturity,high grain yield and high biomass are generally considered as farmer preferred traits in rice crop in addition to a multiple set of traits collectively responsible for variety adoption or rejection.The varieties tested only on station evaluation trials without taking the data from the farmers'fields by not including farmers as partners for variety evaluation are the reasons of low adoption of varieties.In this regard,a participatory methodology was followed by conducting a number of participatory trials in the farmers'fields during 2012-2014 in six districts of Kashmir Valley,India.The mother trials in the farmers'fields showed that the test variety SKUA-408 consistently and significantly out yielded Jhelum and farmers'variety followed by Shalimar rice 3(SR3).The other released varieties like SR1 and SR2 could not perform nicely in the farmers'fields because of late maturity.After making the t-test comparison of baby trials(paired plots),the mean yield superiority of test varieties SKUA-408,SR3,and SKUA-403 over farmers'variety during 2013 was around 23,25,and 22%,respectively,whereas in 2014 the respective yield advantage was recorded as 16.3,17.7,and 16.2%.In all districts,SKUA-408 and SR3 were significantly preferred by farmers(P〈0.05 or 0.01)in terms of pre-harvest traits namely,tillering ability and general phenotypic acceptability,early maturity and biomass and for post-harvest traits such as general cooking quality besides,the intention to grow the variety for next year.Adoption and dissemination of SKUA-408 began in 2014 from the farm-saved seed in the form of farmer to farmer seed exchange.Farmers are the end users of a variety so the decision by the farmers while judging the variety should be taken into consideration to make the varietal choice more effective for its widespread adoption.
文摘To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （PgEO） with cowpea varietal resistance in the control of cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruehus maculatus Fabricius. Four cowpea varieties （Sokoto, Drum, Oloyin and Gwallam） were studied. Data collected included oviposition, progeny emergence, Reproductive Efficiency （RE） and Percentage Seed Damage （PSD）. At first filial generation, numbers of eggs laid on Oloyin variety treated with 25 μL PgEO per 25 g cowpea seeds （2.15） were significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained in untreated cowpea （3.61） and hexane-treated seeds （3.07）. C. maculatus RE on Oloyin （33.73） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than values obtained on other varieties （47.34-54.67） for seeds without PgEO; and were significantly greater than 0.00 observed on Oloyin seeds treated with 50 pL PgEO. PSD on Oloyin （6.63%） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained on Sokoto （10.04%） and Drum （9.79%） for seeds without PgEO, while there was no damage in Oloyin treated with 50 pL PgEO. Significantly （p〈0.05） lower F2 progeny emergence occurred on Oloyin （4.02） and Sokoto （4.71） compared with Drum （9.03） and Gwallam （6.07） from the untreated cowpea seeds. The results implied that application of PgEO to Oloyin gave better protection from infestation of C. maculatus than other varieties. Hence, combination of varietal resistance with PgEO for management ofbruchid could be an effective mean of improving cowpea food security.
基金JIRCAS International Collaborative Project Fund(B33102-331)Grant Project of Zhejiang Province for International Collaboration(2002AA217111)supported this work
文摘Field performance of whitebacked planthopper （WBPH）-resistance of four phenotypes was evaluated in Chunjiang 06 （C J-06） / TN1 DH rice lines, which were expressed by different combinations of sucking inhibitory and ovicidal traits inherited independently from C J-06. WBPH established the highest populations in susceptible DH lines that had neither sucking inhibitorynor ovicidal resistance. Both immigration and subsequent population levels were kept below the damage-causing density in the sucking inhibitory DH lines even under a WBPH outbreak. WBPH could not build up populations in the DH lines having both the sucking inhibitory and ovicidal resistance. Although WBPH immigrated preferentially to non-sucking inhibitory DH lines with ovicidal resistance, subsequent population buildup was significantly suppressed. It was concluded that the differential performance to WBPH-resistance in CJ-06 / TN1 DH lines was primarily due to the sucking inhibitory trait, and complementarity to the ovicidal trait.
文摘Pterocarpus erinaceus is a high socio-economic tree of African savannahs. It is overexploited due to technological qualities of its wood, forage value and medicinal uses. The main objective of this study is the assessment of the morphological variability within this species in Cote d’Ivoire, in sight of rational management. Fourteen morphological traits were used to appraise the variability within 144 trees in production from six sites (Yalo, Moyenne Marahoué, Kahanso, Kouassi-Ndawa, Ouarigué and Téguirdouo). The results indicate that the variability reaches 6.60 for the height of the fruit and 45.99 for the weight of the fruit. The results reveal also that there are three morphological groups of P. erinaceus in Cote d’Ivoire. Of the four traits that revealed a distinction among the three morphotypes, only the width of leaves and the number of leaflets enabled their complete distinction. Trees of group 1 have long leaves with a high number of leaflets and large fruits. Trees of group 2 have small leaves with a reduced number of leaflets and large fruits. Then trees of group 3 have intermediate value of width of leaves and number of leaflet and small fruits. The three morphological groups could be useful for varietal selection of P. erinaceus in Cote d’Ivoire.
文摘Rainfed Aus rice is a popular conventional rice cultivation technique that through appropriate variety selection can accelerate the benefits of the farmer. On this context, an experiment was carried out at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur1706 from April to August in 2014 to evaluate yield performance of some Aus rice varieties under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two sets of treatments: water regime as irrigated (irrigation when necessary) and rainfed (dependent on rainfall) in the main plot and 15 varieties into sub-plots. It was revealed that yield and yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by water regime, variety and their interaction. The traits like number of effective tillers and non-effective tillers·hill-1, number of filled grains and unfilled grains panicle-1, panicle length, test weight, grain yield and harvest index were higher in irrigated crops compared to rainfed. Considering the performance of yield, the highest grain yield recorded in BRRI dhan27 (irrigated-2.47 t·ha-1 and rainfed-2.26 t·ha-1) followed by BRRI dhan55 (irrigated-1.95 t·ha-1 and rainfed-1.88 t·ha-1), BRRI dhan48 and BRRI dhan43 under both irrigated and rainfed treatment. BRRI dhan27 ranked the top under both irrigated and rainfed conditions, however the relative yield was maximum in BRRI dhan55 (reduction was only 3.59%) followed by Nerica10. Hence, considering the yield stability and absolute yield performance, BRRI dhan27 may be considered favorably cultivable for Aus season in Bangladesh followed by BRRI dhan55, BRRI dhan48 and BRRI dhan43.
文摘The experiment site at UAPB agronomy farm was left undisturbed for several years for organic rice experiment. Soil samples taken in September 2015 showed that the experiment site was deficient with plant nutrients (NPK). Therefore, an organic fertilizer, Nature (8-5-5) was applied before planting mixture of crimson clover and winter wheat as cover crop in fall 2015. Biomass samples taken from the cover cropped land (CCL) and fallow land (FL) resulted in decrease in weed biomass by 33.36% and increase in total biomass by 46.78% in CCL than FL. Cover crops were incorporated one month before the rice sowing in June 2016. Fifteen rice cultivars were experimented for weed competition under water seeding cultivation method. Water seeding method was not effective to control the weeds as weeds dominated most of the rice plots since seedling stage. However, two rice cultivars namely Jasmine 85 and Rondo showed strong weed competition due to higher plant stand and better seedling establishment.
文摘Wheat is a strategic crop for food security in Pakistan with predominance of smallholder farmers. Farmer-saved seed （FSS） is used nearly by 75% of farmers for wheat production. Frequent variety or seed replacement is uncommon even among large-scale farmers, and certified seed （CS） is mostly bought to verify the value of new varieties. Replacing old and obsolete varieties by new high yielding disease resistant varieties is key to transferring new genetic gains to farmers. For the first time in Pakistan, on-farm factorial experiments involving seven new and five old wheat varieties and their corresponding CS and FSS were conducted. A total of 49 farmers representing major wheat cropping patterns throughout the country participated in these trials in the 2014 and 2015 wheat growing seasons. Analysis of variance revealed that there was highly significant difference between wheat varieties and between seed classes. New variety ＋ CS gave 33.8% more grain yield as well as higher marginal return over farmers＇ variety ＋ FSS. Grain yield and returns from new variety ＋ FSS and farmers＇ variety ＋ CS were at par. Scientific knowledge generated in this research demonstrated that use of CS ＆new wheat varieties is best option, while growing new varieties with FSS is a second choice for the advantages accruing from their built-in genetic traits of economic importance over growing CS of old and obsolete varieties. Having more flexible seed system will help accelerate the delivery of new genetic gains to farmers＇ fields.
文摘This study analyzed the impact of participatory plant breeding （PPB） and participatory variety selection （PVS） on the adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties （ISPV） in central Uganda. The study quantitatively assessed how the two approaches influence farmers＇ uptake of the improved sweetpotato varieties and also determined other factors influencing this adoption. This was done by estimating a robust standard errors logit model. Both PPB and PVS positively and significantly influenced the likelihood of adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties at 5% and 10% levels, respectively. Other variables that positively influenced the adoption are extension services, training in sweetpotato production, farming experience, and off-farm income of the household. Farmers who participated in the plant breeding and variety selection processes were 37 and 6.7 times more likely to adopt the improved sweetpotato varieties than those who had not, respectively. Farmers who were trained specifically in sweetpotato production were 8.8 times more likely to adopt the improved varieties than those who had not received this type of training.
