水稻微分光谱和植被指数的作用探讨

通过两年两个不同品种水稻在不同供氮水平下的田间试验，测定了水稻冠层在生长过程中不同时期的高光谱反射率及对应的叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量，分析了微分光谱对消除水稻冠层光谱的背景影响和植被指数在农学参数测定中的作用。结果表明：由微分光谱所得的红边位置、红边斜率与盖度和供氮水平之间有一定的相关性，与叶面积指数、地上生物量及冠层叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量有显著相关；水稻多光谱植被指数RVI、NDVI与叶面积指数LAI及其地上部生物量之间有极显著相关性；高光谱植被指数及其变量与植被盖度、供氮水平、叶面积指数、地上生物量及叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量之间存在相关性。这表明，用微分光谱技术与植被指数方法来监测水稻的色素含量和长势应该是可行的。     

基于高光谱反射率的棉花冠层叶绿素密度估算

为了进一步提高棉花叶绿素密度高光谱估算精度,该研究以棉花冠层叶绿素密度以及冠层高光谱反射率为数据源,在分析叶绿素密度与原始高光谱反射率(R)、一阶导数光谱反射率(DR)、已有光谱指数及全波段组合指数相关性的基础上,采用线性及多元逐步回归技术构建了叶绿素密度高光谱诊断模型,系统对比分析了以上4种光谱形式用于棉花冠层叶绿素密度诊断的精度。结果表明:1)基于一阶导数光谱反射率的估算模型精度明显优于原始光谱反射率;2)基于比值指数或归一化指数形式的估算模型精度及稳定性要优于单波段或多波段的线性模型;3)单波段变量DR756、全波度组合比值指数DR635/DR643以及归一化指数(DR1055-DR684)/(DR1055+DR684)均可较好的实现叶绿素密度估算,其中由DR635/DR643为自变量的模型所得到棉花冠层叶绿素密度估算值与实测值拟合最好,相关系数达到0.821。该研究可为高光谱技术在棉花冠层叶绿素密度诊断中的更好应用提供参考。     

油菜红边特征及其叶面积指数的高光谱估算模型

在2003～2004年油菜生长季，选用6个油菜品种，设置3个氮素水平的小区试验。在不同发育期同步测定油菜冠层的光谱反射率及对应叶片的叶面积指数。利用油菜冠层的光谱反射率数据提取红边参数，分析其变化规律，油菜叶面积指数与红边参数的相关性，估算结果表明：油菜冠层红边一阶导数光谱具有“双峰” 现象，红边位置λ_red位于690～720 nm之间，在油菜生长旺盛期间出现“红边平台”，前期有“红移”，后期有“蓝移”现象；叶面积指数与冠层光谱红边参数λ_red、Dλ_red、S_red之间在开花前存在显著相关，但开花后相关性不显著；利用开花前的红边参数可以估算油菜的叶面积指数，开花后的红边参数不能用于估算油菜的叶面积指数；最后建立了不同时期和开花前油菜叶面积指数的估算模型。     

冬小麦冠层光谱红边特征分析

通过对不同N素营养水平冬小麦冠层光谱特性的田间试验研究,发现红边位移现象:在孕穗期前,红边随施N量增加向长波方向"红移";孕穗期后"红移"现象基本消失,继而发生"蓝移"。红边参数中红边斜率(dλred)与叶片N累积量(TN.D)、叶绿素含量(CHL.T)、叶绿素密度(CHL.D)的相关关系通过显著性检验,红边面积(∑dλ680~760)和叶片全N含量(N%)的相关关系通过显著性检验,红边位置(λred)、红边斜率、红边面积与叶面积指数有着密切关系,均通过极显著性检验,一些红边参数可作为小麦农学参数估测的简便方法。     

不同氮营养冬小麦冠层光谱红边特征分析

利用FieldSpec FR2500光谱仪测定了不同氮素处理冬小麦冠层光谱,分析其红边特征变化规律及与农学成分的相关关系。结果表明,波长550 nm、680 nm、980 nm、1100 nm与350～680 nm和750～1100 nm可作为氮素营养诊断的敏感特征点与波段范围。随着施氮量的提高,拔节期、抽穗期以及灌浆期的红边位置（REP）、红谷位置（Lo）与光谱反射率一阶微分极大值（FD_Max）均增大,红边宽度（Lwidth）则有减小的趋势。总体上看,施氮与无氮处理在整个生育期均存在较大差异,施氮处理之间差异较小。冠层反射光谱的红边位置、红谷位置、随生育期向长波方向移动,呈现红移现象;从抽穗期开始逐渐减小,呈现蓝移现象。冬小麦红边参数中红边位置与农学组分之间的相关性优于其他参数,除与地上部生物量正相关显著外,与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶绿素含量、叶可溶性蛋白含量、叶鲜重、叶含氮量均呈正相关且达到极显著水平。红谷位置则与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶绿素含量、叶鲜重以及SPAD值呈极显著正相关;与可溶性蛋白呈显著正相关。红边宽度与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶氮含量、叶绿素含量以及叶鲜重均呈极显著正相关;与可溶性蛋白含量呈显著正相关。反射率一阶导数极大值与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶鲜重呈极显著正相关,与叶含氮量极显著负相关。通过红边参数与农学组分稳定良好的数学关系,可以对农学组分进行预测估算。     

高光谱数据估测稻麦叶面积指数和叶绿素密度

该研究利用高光谱遥感技术分析水稻和小麦两种作物不同生育期的冠层光谱及其叶面积指数和叶绿素密度的变化,比较高光谱植被指数与两种作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度之间的关系,最后确定估算两种作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度最佳植被指数。结果表明：水稻和小麦两作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度在整个生育期内的变化规律基本一致,即先升高后下降的趋势,但两作物叶绿素密度与叶面积指数最大值出现的时期不同;稻麦两作物在整个生育期内的光谱反射率曲线,在可见光区域（400～700 nm）变化无明显规律,在近红外区域（700～1 000 nm）,生育前期反射率由低到高,到生育后期则由高到低,其中最大值分别出现在抽穗期和灌浆期左右;通过14种植被指数与两作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度相关性比较分析得知,二次修正土壤调节植被指数（MSAVI2）与水稻农学参数相关性最好,相关系数r＞0.91,而小麦在800 nm处的光谱反射率(R800)与其农学参数相关性最好,相关系数r＞0.92;并利用线性回归的方法,建立了估算两作物叶面积指数和叶绿素密度的模型,决定系数R2＞0.85。这样为不同环境条件下（水作和旱作）农作物的动态监测和科学管理及决策提供了技术支持。     

无人机高光谱遥感估算冬小麦叶面积指数

为探讨利用低空无人机平台和高光谱影像对冬小麦叶面积指数进行遥感估算，该研究以拔节期冬小麦小区试验为基础，对原始冠层光谱进行一阶导数和连续统去除光谱变换，并在此基础上提取任意两波段组合的差值光谱指数（Difference Spectral Index，DSI）、比值光谱指数（Ratio Spectral Index，RSI）和归一化光谱指数（Normalized Spectral Index，NDSI），以最优窄波段光谱指数进行叶面积指数估算模型的构建。结果表明，最优窄波段指数的构成波段主要位于红边区域，最优窄波段指数与叶面积指数均呈现非线性关系；光谱变换显著提升了光谱变量与叶面积指数的相关性，其中连续统去除光谱所获取的NDSI（738，822）光谱指数与叶面积指数的相关性最佳；窄波段光谱指数和随机森林回归算法的叶面积指数估算模型精度最高，其相对预测偏差为2.01，验证集的决定系数和均方根误差分别为0.77和0.27。基于随机森林回归算法的无人机高光谱叶面积指数估算模型能够准确地实现小区域的叶面积指数遥感填图，为后期作物长势、变量施肥等提供理论依据。     

白粉病胁迫下小麦冠层叶绿素密度的高光谱估测

为了明确病害胁迫下作物生长特征及其危害程度,基于大田小区和盆栽小麦白粉病接种试验,在病害胁迫下不同生育时期测定群体光谱及叶绿素密度。综合分析群体光谱反射率、一阶微分及传统光谱特征参数与冠层叶绿素密度间关系,建立病害叶绿素密度估算模型并检验。结果表明,随病情指数增加,叶绿素含量下降,不同感性品种均如此,对白粉病易感品种的危害较重。病害冠层叶绿素密度与红光600～630nm和红边690～718nm的反射率及红边长波段(718～756nm)的一阶微分间相关性最显著。在传统植被指数中,以SDr/SDb和VOG3为变量的估测模型拟合精度较高,决定系数R2分别为0.752和0.723,模型检验相对误差(RE)最小,RE分别为18.0%和18.6%。利用红边区域(680～760nm)波段差异特性,选取680、718和756nm波段新建红边角度指数(REAI),较传统植被指数的模型拟合精度更高,归一化角度指数NDAI(α,β)和比值角度指数RAI(α,β)的R2分别为0.783和0.776,模型检验误差更小,RE分别为16.8%和17.5%。因此,NDAI(α,β)是估测病害小麦冠层叶绿素密度的可靠指标,对利用该模型监测小麦光合潜力和病害影响评价具有积极意义。     

微分光谱遥感及其在水稻农学参数测定上的应用研究

通过不同氮素营养水平的水稻田间试验,解析了水稻冠层微分光谱对消除背景(湿土、水面)信息的影响,证实微分光谱在消除背景信息的影响方面起到了很好的作用。用微分光谱确定出最优的波段宽度应小于10nm;将微分光谱应用于农学参数测定,存在红边位移现象,在孕穗期之前,红边随施氮量增加向长波方向移动“红移”;孕穗期之后“红移”现象基本消失,而发生“蓝移”。红边参数(红边、红边振幅、红边振幅与最小振幅的比值、红边峰值面积)与上层叶片的叶绿素含量、LAI有着密切的关系,而与叶片中的叶绿素b、类胡萝卜素之间相关性不明显。一些红边参数可作为水稻叶绿素含量、LAI测定的简捷方法。从而证实了利用微分光谱测定一些农学参数的可行性     

不同生育期水稻叶面积指数的高光谱遥感估算模型

2011年和2012年通过大田试验,利用便携式野外光谱仪实测水稻冠层不同生育时期的高光谱数据,同时使用SUNSCAN冠层分析系统采集水稻冠层叶面积指数（LAI）;采用光谱微分技术和统计分析技术,分别分析高光谱反射率及其植被指数与LAI之间的关系,建立LAI估算模型并进行模拟结果对比。结果表明：水稻抽穗-成熟期,利用光谱值的对数形式对LAI值的模拟效果较好,分蘖-抽穗期利用光谱反射率模拟LAI变化过程的效果不理想。 在利用各种植被指数估算LAI方法中,水稻分蘖-抽穗期以修改型土壤调整植被指数MSAVI[758,805]对LAI的估算效果最好,模拟值与实测值的相关系数通过了0.01水平的显著性检验（R=0.7754）,估算精度较高。在抽穗-成熟期,也以修改型土壤调整植被指数MSAVI[758,817]对LAI的模拟效果最好,模拟值与实测值的相关系数通过了0.01水平的显著性检验（R=0.6488）,估算精度较高。说明修改型土壤调整植被指数（MSAVI）能更好地模拟水稻不同生育期的叶面积指数,按照分蘖-抽穗期、抽穗-成熟期两个生育阶段分别建立水稻冠层LAI的高光谱估算模型能够提高LAI估算的准确度,研究结果也证实了分生育阶段建模的必要性。     

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.