提高燃油经济性的拖拉机变速控制策略

为实现对液压机械无级变速拖拉机的最佳燃油经济性控制,分析发动机及液压机械无级变速器(hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission, HMCVT)对拖拉机燃油经济性的影响,研究拖拉机最佳燃油经济性无级变速控制策略,该文针对发动机和HMCVT二元调节无级变速拖拉机,分析了发动机燃油消耗率和变速器的效率变化特性,提出了以发动机有效燃油消耗率g_e与HMCVT传动效率η_b的比值g_e/η_b为指标的最佳燃油经济性无级变速控制策略及拖拉机负载反馈控制原理。采用参数循环算法,求算出拖拉机在负载特性场内任意工作点下的最佳发动机转速、转矩、HMCVT的最佳变速比,保证了二元协同调节下拖拉机最佳燃油经济性变速控制策略的工程实现。计算结果显示:最佳变速比的分布呈现梯田状,平台部分的最佳变速比对应HMCVT纯机械传动时的工作状态,此时HMCVT处于传动效率最高点,并且在变速器传动效率高于0.92的工作区,最佳变速比的分布比例高达72.84%。相比较一元调节下分别以g_e、g_e/η_b为指标、二元调节下以g_e为指标的3种变速控制策略,明显降低了拖拉机燃油消耗率。牵引功率范围内,当拖拉机在某一目标车速下稳定工作时,在基于g_e/η_b最小化的二元调节变速控制策略调控下,拖拉机更可能在较低油耗状态下工作。表明以g_e/η_b为指标的二元调节拖拉机最佳燃油经济性变速控制策略能够提高拖拉机在任意工况下的燃油经济性。     

拖拉机液压机械无级变速传动系统与发动机的合理匹配

利用发动机的试验测试结果，采用多项式拟合的方法建立了发动机模型，给出了关于发动机的最佳动力性和最佳燃油经济性的转速调节特性。在此基础上研究了发动机与无级变速传动系统的匹配机理。根据不同的作业项目，将拖拉机的作业工况分为3种模式，阐述了各种作业模式下发动机与无级变速传动系统匹配的实现方案。该研究对理解和设计拖拉机液压机械无级变速传动系统，提高拖拉机生产率，具有一定的意义。     

基于DF2204无级变速拖拉机的农机无人驾驶系统研制

针对农机无人化作业需求,该研究基于DF2204无级变速拖拉机和机器人操作系统（Robot Operating System,ROS）,研发了一种适于田间作业的农机无人驾驶自主作业系统。系统由控制、规划、安全和总线通信等模块组成。对DF2204无级变速拖拉机进行硬件改造与集成,设计满足农机无人驾驶要求的控制器局域网（Controller Area Network,CAN）总线协议和ROS与CAN总线通信的消息结构,包括5类控制帧和2类状态帧;设计了基于比例-积分-微分（Proportion Integration Differentiation,PID）控制器的横向跟踪与纵向速度控制算法。在北京密云试验田开展田间小麦播种实际作业试验。试验结果表明,消息结构满足50 Hz通信负载,横向跟踪平均绝对误差为2.96 cm,纵向速度平均绝对误差0.19 m/s。研究结果可为无级变速拖拉机的无人化升级改造提供参考,提高农机智能化水平和作业效率。     

谷物联合收割机油耗随机森林预测模型

近年来农业机械保有量不断增加,农业机械对化石燃料的消耗也不断增长。该研究以实现沃得4LB-150AA型号谷物联合收割机田间作业时的油耗预测为目的,基于收割机CAN(Controller Area Network)总线及GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System)终端采集的发动机工况数据、行驶工况数据,构建了发动机平均扭矩、发动机平均转速、平均速度、加速度均值、减速度均值、加速度方差、减速度方差7个指标,探索了7个指标与油耗之间的相关性,分析了收割机在不同区域的油耗差异,建立了基于随机森林的收割机油耗预测模型。结果表明:7个指标都与油耗存在相关性,其中发动机平均扭矩、发动机平均转速、平均速度与油耗的相关性较高,相关系数在0.6以上,其次是加速度均值、减速度均值、加速度方差、减速度方差,相关系数在0.4以上;并且不同区域的收割机作业油耗存在显著差异,其中单位面积产量高的区域油耗也相对较高;同时基于随机森林的油耗预测模型可以实现收割机作业时油耗的准确预测,均方根误差为0.14 L/h,平均绝对误差为0.24 L/h,决定系数为0.84。该研究提出的方法可为农机的工况优化及精准油耗监管提供参考。     

油电混合机械液压式拖拉机动力系统节能性

针对大马力拖拉机在道路运输与田间作业过程中由于工况复杂、作业环境恶劣导致油耗高、节能效果差的问题,该研究采用油电混合动力匹配液压机械无级变速器（Hydro-Mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission, HMCVT）的方式,设计了一种油电混合-机液复合拖拉机动力系统,探讨了该系统的驱动模式与传动方式的实现原理并得到液压机械无级变速器的调速曲线;建立了动力系统的数学模型。为实现动力系统最佳性能,制定了整车控制架构,在此基础上提出HMCVT经济性速比控制策略、基于规则的工作模式划分策略和基于自适应等效因子的燃油消耗最小功率分配策略。为验证所提控制策略的可行性,在SimulationX仿真软件中建立系统动力学仿真模型,并基于测功机搭建试验台架进行测试,分别对拖拉机在犁耕、收获和运输3个典型工况下进行仿真与试验。结果表明,所设计的控制策略能够兼顾混合动力源的最佳扭矩分配与电池电量平衡,且动力系统能保持较高的系统效率（40%以上）,犁耕、收获和运输3个工况下油耗仿真值（2.59、6.56和1.69 L）与试验值（2.72、6.80和1.77 L）的误差均不超过5%,模型可靠。与德国农业协会公布的相近功率动力换挡拖拉机和无级变速拖拉机油耗数据相对比,本文所提的控制策略在3种工况下节油9%～20%。研究结果可为多工况作业条件下降低拖拉机能耗提供解决方案。     

拖拉机链式金属带功率分流无级变速箱换段品质分析

拖拉机链式金属带功率分流无级变速箱具有多个工作区段,带载换段时容易产生冲击甚至引起动力中断,是该类变速箱研发过程中迫切需要解决的问题。目前该领域研究较少,为了揭示各因素对链式金属带功率分流无级变速拖拉机换段品质的影响规律及作用机理,本研究对其换段过程进行了仿真研究。首先,阐述了所研究拖拉机链式金属带功率分流无级变速箱的传动原理,分别从无级调速特性、牵引特性、PTO功率和燃油经济性等方面对其可行性进行了计算分析;其次,构建了链式金属带功率分流无级变速箱换段液压系统的动力学模型并进行了试验验证,以此为基础,进一步构建了变速箱及拖拉机整机换段动力学模型;最后,给出了换段品质的3项评价指标,并对各因素对换段品质的影响规律及机理进行了仿真研究。仿真结果表明:该变速箱的传动特性与传统机械换挡变速箱相当,但燃油经济性优于传统机械换挡变速箱(低速重载工况下小时油耗降低约0.3 kg/h)和传统金属带无级变速箱(系统比油耗降低约20 g/(kW·h))。此外,较低的发动机转速(1 200 r/min)、适中的充油压力(5 MPa)、较高的充油流量(10 L/min)、理想换段点前换段(提前约0.2 s)与重叠时序换段(重叠约0.2 s)均可改善换段品质,而变速箱输出轴转动惯量、拖拉机质量以及负载等因素对换段品质的影响较为复杂,各项指标对其换段品质的评价并不统一,在拖拉机设计阶段需要综合考虑。链式金属带功率分流无级变速箱非常适合中小功率拖拉机传动,不仅经济,而且换段品质具有可控性,具有继续研究的价值,该研究结果可为中小功率无级变速拖拉机传动系统的设计提供理论支撑。     

基于拖拉机整机效率最大化的液压机械无级变速规律

为了实现对拖拉机多段液压机械无级变速传动(hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission,HMCVT)在任意稳定行驶速度和许可牵引负载下经济性最佳的控制,该文对拖拉机经济性最佳的无级变速规律进行了研究。根据拖拉机能量传递的特点,考虑HMCVT在不同传动比下存在效率差异的特征,把研究拖拉机的经济性最佳转化为对整车效率最大的研究。在分析整机传动系统效率特性的基础上,针对效率最大的目标函数和约束条件,求解了整车效率数值,结果表明在任意目标车速和牵引负载下,优化后拖拉机整车效率在35%~40%之间,并得出了效率最大时HMCVT最佳传动比、发动机转速和转矩,确定了基于整车效率最大的拖拉机HMCVT传动变速原理。研究表明:基于整车效率最大化原则能够实现拖拉机在任意车速和牵引负载下的整车经济性最佳,根据整车效率最大化确定的拖拉机多段HMCVT经济性最佳无级变速规律,为下一步制定装备多段HMCVT的拖拉机的经济性最佳控制策略提供参考。     

基于参数循环算法的HMCVT燃油经济性多参数优化

为了使有液压机械无级变速器的中小型拖拉机获得更高的燃油经济性,使得拖拉机在任意工况下都能工作在整机经济性最佳的工作点上,该研究结合一种行星比连续可变的液压机械无级变速传动系统(hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission,HMCVT),提出以发动机燃油消耗率g_e与HMCVT传动效率η_b之比为拖拉机整机经济性目标函数,在考虑发动机转速、转矩和HMCVT变速传动系统中变量泵排量比调节的基础上,加入HMCVT变速传动系统中牵引式行星排的行星比这一辅助变量,对发动机工作点和HMCVT工作点进行多参数调节。然后采用参数循环算法对多参数调节中的控制参数进行优化,得到任意负载和目标车速下的最佳发动机转速、转矩和最佳HMCVT变量泵排量比和牵引式行星排的行星比。随后分析了不同作业车速下牵引式行星排的行星比对拖拉机整机经济性的影响,得到低、中、高3种车速工况下的最佳行星比及排量比,最后从HMCVT的传动效率和变速比两个方面验证多参数调控效果。结果表明,具有排量比和行星比双参数可调的液压机械无级变速传动系统能满足中小型拖拉机的犁耕作业,与国标相比牵引式行星排行星比的加入使拖拉机的燃油消耗率降低29.86%;行星比越大,拖拉机整机比油耗越低。本文提出的多参数控制策略能够保证拖拉机在宽速比和高效率区域下工作,且易于实时调控,研究结果可为推动无级变速拖拉机变速器开发应用和进一步改善拖拉机动力性与燃油经济性提供理论参考。     

无级变速拖拉机智能变速规律的研究

针对无级变速拖拉机经济性和动力性变速规律只能以固定模式控制拖拉机工作状态的局限性问题，以实现拖拉机瞬态过程的动力性和稳态过程的经济性为目标，建立基于驾驶员操作意图模糊推理的智能变速规律，并可实现瞬态动力性到稳态经济性的平稳过渡，使拖拉机获得最佳的综合性能，为开发智能化无级变速拖拉机提供理论依据。     

农业拖拉机用多段液压机械无级变速器设计

提出一种由单个普通行星排构成的简单高效拖拉机用多段液压机械无级变速器传动结构，分析了变速器的变速特性、转矩特性、平稳换段条件和液压功率分流比，通过装机实例表明其无级变速范围宽，在车辆常用工作速度段液压功率分流比低于20%，在与中耕、犁耕、运输作业对应的高、中、低速度区间可分别实现3个高效率纯机械档，有利于提高车辆的动力性和经济性。     

Soil-profile distribution of primary and secondary plant-available nutrients under conventional and no tillage

Nutrient distributions under no tillage (NT) compared with conventional disk-and-bed tillage (CT) management in the warm, humid region of the southeastern USA need to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary, to efficiently match crop demands. We determined soil-profile distributions of pH, N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu to a depth of 0.9 m at the end of 8.5 years of continuous CT and NT management on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–0.05 m depth, where soil under NT had lower pH, Fe, and Cu than under CT, but greater P, K, Zn, and Mn. Greater P and K under NT than under CT also occurred below the till-zone (0.15–0.3 m). At a depth of 0–0.3 m, soil under NT contained greater amounts of extractable P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu than under CT. Nitrogen fertilization had little effect on nutrient distributions, except resulting in greater extractable K at 0–0.05 m and greater nitrate at 0–0.15 m. Few changes in soil-profile distributions were observed for extractable S, Ca, Mg, and Na. Long-term continuous use of NT on this fine-textured, high-fertility (except for N) soil had no apparent adverse effects on nutrient distributions relative to CT, but enhanced conservation and availability of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu near the soil surface where crop roots proliferate.     

Assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures: Resolving the “wicked” problem of the Steller sea lion

“Wicked” problems are those that are complex and that change when solutions are applied. Many conflicts in conservation fall into this category. The study approached the problem of how to constrain the apparent wickedness of a problem in the conservation management of a species by using simple empirical indicators to carry out iterative assessment of the risk to a population and to document how this risk evolves in relation to the addition of new data and the implementation of management actions. Effects of high levels of uncertainty within data and also concerning population structure were examined through stochastic simulation and by exploration of scenarios. Historical trends in the example used, the Steller sea lion, showed rapid declines in abundance in some regions during the 1980s. The current total population is 130,000-150,000 Steller sea lions through Alaska and British Columbia and this number has been stable since about 1990 in spite of regional differences in population dynamics. Regional differences in the sequence of changes in the number of pups and non-pups, suggested that an internal re-distribution of juveniles could have happened between 1980 and 1990. Current productivity also appears close to the long-term mean. Stochastic population projection using various scenarios showed that, based upon this history, the risk of extinction for the population has declined and is below reasonable thresholds for considering the population to be endangered. The trends in risk suggest that management actions taken since 1990 have probably been effective. Consequently, the conservation management objectives for the Steller sea lion are probably being met. The approach provides a mechanism, based upon experience and scenario analysis, for exploring future policy options and may help to constrain the debate amongst stakeholders about the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different options.     

Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost

To evaluate the feasibility of long-term desert reforestation technology of mixed vegetation, cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) seedlings from indoor and outdoor nurseries were planted in the field adjacent to one seedling of potential legume nurse trees: mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata), yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), and blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida). Some of the planting holes were also supplemented with common dairy compost. Additionally, the combinations of legume tree–cactus were inoculated with either a consortium of desert arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB; the diazotroph Azospirillum brasilense Cd, and the phosphate solubilizer Paenibacillus sp.), or a mixture of all. The field experiments were evaluated periodically during 30 months for survival and growth. Cardons reared in an outdoor screen house survived better in the field than those reared in a controlled growth chamber and hardened later outdoors. Association with any legume nurse tree increased survival and enhanced growth of untreated cardons. For cardons growing alone, application of either compost, AM fungi, and all the treatments combined increased survival. For these plants, no treatment affected plant growth during the first 3 months after transplanting. Later, all treatments, except for AM fungi, enhanced plant growth. However, only 2 years after transplanting the enhanced growth effect of AM fungi was also significant. In the presence of the legume nurse trees, transient positive effects on cardon growth were recorded. General evaluation after 30 months of cultivation showed that the treatments positively affected cardon growth when growing alone or in combination only with mesquite amargo but not with the other two legume trees. This study proposes that young legume trees have the capacity to enhance survival and growth of cardon cactus, depending on the legume cactus combination. Additional treatments such as compost or PGPB can either amplify the effect or else attenuate it.     

Karyotypic and genome size variation in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea) and some wild relatives

Detailed karyotypes and 4C DNA amounts have been studied in five cultivars of Cajanus cajan and 20 species belonging to Cajanus, Rhynchosia, Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx. C. cajan shows intraspecific variability and its karyotype is most similar to that of C. cajanifolius (sect. Cajanus) in the morphology and number of satellite chromosomes and the lack of any correlation between chromosome size within the complement and asymmetry. Karyotypes of C. lineatus and C. sericeus belonging to sect. Atylia are similar with respect to maximum r-index and the ratio of longest and shortest chromosomes in their respective complements. C. acutifolius (sect. Frutocosa) is distinct in having a very low ratio (1.44) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes, while in C. albicans, C. goensis, C. scarabaeoides (sect. Cantharospermum) there is no chromosome pair with r-index >2.0. C. mollis and C. volubilis (sect. Volubilis) show similarity with regard to ratio between the longest and the shortest chromosomes and a distinct chromosome pair with an arm ratio of 2.7 and C. platycarpus is distinct (sect. Rhynchosoides) in having the smallest ratio (1.36) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes. 4C DNA amounts in Cajanus and Rhynchosia vary between 3.28 pg to 11.69 pg and 4.92 pg to 11.13 pg respectively, while in Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx these vary between 4.70 and 7:06 pg. In the genus Cajanus karyotypic features and 4C DNA amounts agree with the sectional classification and bring out a close relationship between C. cajan and C. cajanifolius. This is supported by studies based on seed protein patterns, isozyme analysis, trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor patterns, RFLP and RAPD data and crossability relationships. A clear relation between DNA amount and abnormalities effecting the extent of pairing and recombination in interspecific hybrids shows the importance of this study in developing future breeding programme involving C. cajan and its wild relatives that are of potential value.     

Effect of some fungicide seed treatments on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybean [Glycine max. (L) Merr.]

Several commercial fungicide seed treatments were evaluated for their possible effect on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on seeds and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans in a greenhouse and a field experiment. quinolate Pro (carbendazim and oxine copper), Vitavax 200FF (carboxin and thiram), and Monceren (pencycuron) had a small effect or no effect on the survival of B. japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans. They can thus be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation. Germipro UFB (carbendazim and iprodione), Apron 35J (metalaxyl), and Tachigaren (hymexazol) decreased B. japonicum survival and the nodulation and yield of soybeans and thus cannot be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation.     

Einfluss der düngungsmethoden auf die entwicklung von zuckerrübenkrankheiten

Während neunjähriger (1994-2002) Untersuchungen in der Versuchsanstalt Ba?cyny (Fahlerde, Fall-Gleyboden, ausgebildet aus leichtem Lehmboden) wurde der Befall mit Krankheiten an der Zuckerrübe in Abhängigkeit von der Düngungsmethode bewertet. Folgende Methoden wurden angewendet: A - Mineraldünger, B - Stalldung und Mineraldünger, C - Stroh-, Gründung und Mineraldünger, D - Kompostdünger und Biopräparate (ökologische Düngung). Auf den Objekten A, B, C wurden bei konstanter Phosphor-Kalium-Düngung die Stickstoffgaben von 0 bis 180 kg.ha^?1 differenziert. Auf dem ökologischen Objekt D ohne Mineraldünger wurden statt Stickstoff die Biopräparate P₅₀₀ und P₅₀₁ verabreicht. Der geringste Befall von Krankheiten wurde an der Zuckerrübe auf jenem Objekt festgestellt, das mit Kompost und den Biopräparaten gedüngt worden war. Im Rahmen der konventionellen Düngungsmethoden wurde allgemein die höchste Intensität der Krankheiten an der mit Stroh, Gründung und Mineraldünger gedüngten Zuckerrübe beobachtet. Ausnahmen von dieser Regel bildete das Vorkommen von echtem Mehltau und Keimlingsfäule. Auf den Objekten A, B, C nahm die Intensität der Krankheiten mit der Steigerung der Stickstoffgabe zu. Auch die auf Objekt D verabreichten Biopräparate stimulierten die Entwicklung der Krankheiten. The effect of various fertilization methods on the diseases of sugar beet was estimated on the basis of nine-year studies (1994-2002) conducted in the Experimental Production Farm in Ba?cyny on loess-based, sedimentary-gley, light-clay soil. The following fertilization methods were applied: A - mineral fertilization, B - mineral and manure fertilization, C - straw, green manure and mineral fertilization, D - ecological compost and biodynamic preparations fertilization. In the objects A, B and C fertilized with phosphorus and potassium, various doses of nitrogen ranging from 0 to 180 kg/ha^?1 were used. In the ecological object D, where mineral fertilization was not used, biodynamic preparations P₅₀₀ and P₅₀₁ were applied instead of nitrogen. The lowest ratio of the diseases of sugar beet was observed in the object fertilized with the compost and biodynamic preparations. In view of the conventional fertilization methods, generally the highest incidence of diseases was noted in the sugar beet fertilized with straw, green manure and mineral fertilizers. The exception was the occurrence of powdery mildew and the black leg. In objects A, B and C the incidence of the diseases increased with the increase in nitrogen doses. The applied biodynamical preparations in the object D stimulated the development of diseases too.     

Prospects for control of Pythium damping-off of lettuce with Trichoderma,Gliocladium and Enterobacter spp.

Summary Damping-off of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) caused by Pythium ultimum was studied in pots containing a non-sterile potting mix in the glasshouse. Fifty P. ultimum sporangia g^-1 compost reduced the plant stand to 15% and shoot dry weight to 18%, but this reduction was totally prevented by applying Trichoderma harzianum at 2×10⁵ viable propagules g^-1 potting mix. Gliocladium virens and Enterobacter cloacae also alleviated the damping-off. E. cloacae did not adversely affect the action of the fungal antagonists. The co-existence of the bacterial and fungal antagonists was revealed on the root surface and inner surface of the testa by scanning electron microscopy, indicating the compatibility of the biocontrol agents.     

细菌、真菌及植物氮营养信号研究进展

氮素吸收代谢是所有生物生命活动的核心部分,因此,各种生物对氮的吸收与同化过程都有精细的调节。这种调节依赖于生物对体内氮素状况信号及体外（生长介质中）氮素信号的感受。过去几十年中,在细菌、真菌中已经对氮素营养信号有了较好的研究,而植物中则相对缓慢,但也有了一定的认识。本文重点比较细菌、真菌及植物中氮信号系统的组成,以期为进一步认识植物中的氮信号接受与转导系统提供启示。     

Aircraft operations near concentrations of birds in Antarctica: The development of practical guidelines

Aircraft operations have the potential to disturb and to impact negatively on bird life. A gradient of increasing behavioural response is evident in birds when exposed to increasing aircraft stimulus. The most major disturbance is likely to lead to impacts on the health, breeding performance and survival of individual birds, and perhaps bird colonies. A process of revision to policies on aircraft operations contained in management plans for a number of specially protected areas in Antarctica by the United Kingdom, accompanied by consultations made within the scientific community through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and with operational interests through the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) resulted in new guidelines being adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties in June 2004. The principal recommendations of the guidelines are that bird colonies should not be overflown below 2000 ft (∼610 m) above ground level and landings within 1/2 nautical mile (∼930 m) of bird colonies should be avoided wherever possible. These guidelines are less stringent and less specific than those that were recommended by the SCAR specialist group on birds, and represent a compromise to accommodate operational needs. While the adoption of clear and consistent guidelines for the operation of aircraft in Antarctica is welcome in that this provides practical advice that is likely to reduce incidences of close aircraft/bird encounters, there remains insufficient knowledge of the interactions between aircraft and birds in Antarctica, and the consequent impacts on individual birds and on bird populations. It is important, therefore, that the guidelines adopted are considered interim, and should be kept under scrutiny with revisions made as new and improved research results appear.     

Potential of wild species for genetic enhancement of some semi-arid food crops

Discovery and incorporation of genes from wild species provide means to sustain crop improvement, particularly when levels of resistance in the cultigens are low and virulent strains of pests and pathogens overcome the host plant resistance. The extent of utilization and the potential of the wild genepool for genetic enhancement were reviewed in five important food crops viz. sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut grown in the semi-arid tropics. Introgression from compatible wild germplasm in the primary gene pool resulted in transfer of new cytoplasmic male sterility systems in pearl millet and pigeonpea, development of high protein, cleistogamous flower and dwarf pigeonpea lines and foliar disease resistant groundnut cultivars. Utilization of wild species in secondary and tertiary gene pools has been generally limited due to sterility, restricted recombination or cross incompatibility. Nevertheless, these species are extremely important as they contain high levels of resistance to several important biotic and abiotic stresses. Several of them, like those belonging to the Parasorghum section and the rhizomatous Arachis species are sources of multiple resistances and hold great promise to sustain crop productivity.