Browsing by Author "Rodomiro Ortiz"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Breeding crops for reduced-tillage management in the intensive, rice-wheat systems of South Asia
(2007) A.K. Joshi; R. Chand; B. Arun; R.P. Singh; Rodomiro Ortiz
The importance of reduced tillage in sustainable agriculture is well recognized. Reduced-tillage practices (which may or may not involve retention of crop residues) and their effects differ from those of conventional tillage in several ways: soil physical properties; shifts in host-weed competition; soil moisture availability (especially when sowing deeply or under stubble); and the emergence of pathogen populations that survive on crop residues. There may be a need for genotypes suited to special forms of mechanization (e.g. direct seeding into residues) and to agronomic conditions such as allelopathy, as well as specific issues relating to problem soils. This article examines issues and breeding targets for researchers who seek to improve crops for reduced-tillage systems. Most of the examples used pertain to wheat, but we also refer to other crops. Our primary claim is that new breeding initiatives are needed to introgress favourable traits into wheat and other crops in areas where reduced or zero-tillage is being adopted. Key traits include faster emergence, faster decomposition, and the ability to germinate when deep seeded (so that crops compete with weeds and use available moisture more efficiently). Enhancement of resistance to new pathogens and insect pests surviving on crop residues must also be given attention. In addition to focusing on new traits, breeders need to assess germplasm and breeding populations under reduced tillage. Farmer participatory approaches can also enhance the effectiveness of cultivar development and selection in environments where farmers' links with technology providers are weak. Finally, modern breeding tools may also play a substantial role in future efforts to develop adapted crop genotypes for reduced tillage. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Wheat genetic resources enhancement by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
(2008) Rodomiro Ortiz; Hans-Joachim Braun; José Crossa; Jonathan H. Crouch; Guy Davenport; John Dixon; Susanne Dreisigacker; Etienne Duveiller; Zhonghu He; Julio Huerta; Arun K. Joshi; Masahiro Kishii; Petr Kosina; Yann Manes; Monica Mezzalama; Alexei Morgounov; Jiro Murakami; Julie Nicol; Guillermo Ortiz Ferrara; J. Iván Ortiz-Monasterio; Thomas S. Payne; R. Javier Peña; Matthew P. Reynolds; Kenneth D. Sayre; Ram C. Sharma; Ravi P. Singh; Jiankang Wang; Marilyn Warburton; Huixia Wu; Masa Iwanaga
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) acts as a catalyst and leader in a global maize and wheat innovation network that serves the poor in the developing world. Drawing on strong science and effective partnerships, CIMMYT researchers create, share, and use knowledge and technology to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems and sustain natural resources. This people-centered mission does not ignore the fact that CIMMYT's unique niche is as a genetic resources enhancement center for the developing world, as shown by this review article focusing on wheat. CIMMYT's value proposition resides therefore in its use of crop genetic diversity: conserving it, studying it, adding value to it, and sharing it in enhanced form with clients worldwide. The main undertakings include: long-term safe conservation of world heritage of both crop resources for future generations, in line with formal agreements under the 2004 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, understanding the rich genetic diversity of two of the most important staples worldwide, exploiting the untapped value of crop genetic resources through discovery of specific, strategically-important traits required for current and future generations of target beneficiaries, and development of strategic germplasm through innovative genetic enhancement. Finally, the Center needs to ensure that its main products reach end-users and improve their livelihoods. In this regard, CIMMYT is the main international, public source of wheat seed-embedded technology to reduce vulnerability and alleviate poverty, helping farmers move from subsistence to income-generating production systems. Beyond a focus on higher grain yields and value-added germplasm, CIMMYT plays an "integrative" role in crop and natural resource management research, promoting the efficient use of water and other inputs, lower production costs, better management of biotic stresses, and enhanced system diversity and resilience. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.