机械活化甘蔗渣制备羧甲基纤维素及性能表征

为进一步提高甘蔗渣的利用率,获得高取代度的羧甲基纤维素,该文采用自制搅拌磨对甘蔗渣进行机械活化预处理,以不同活化时间的甘蔗渣为原料,氯乙酸为醚化剂,氢氧化钠为催化剂制备羧甲基纤维素。以羧甲基纤维素的取代度为评价指标,分别探讨机械活化时间、固液比、氢氧化钠与氯乙酸摩尔比、反应时间、反应温度、水与底物比等因素对甘蔗渣羧甲基化反应的影响。并采用红外光谱（Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,FTIR）、X-射线衍射（X-ray diffraction,XRD）、氢核磁共振谱（1HNMR spectroscopy,1HNMR）对甘蔗渣和羧甲基化产物表征。结果表明,机械活化对甘蔗渣羧甲基化反应具有明显的强化作用,经机械活化预处理后的甘蔗渣比原甘蔗渣更容易进行羧甲基化反应,取代度随着活化时间的延长先增大后减少。机械活化破坏了甘蔗渣中木素对纤维素的包裹作用,结晶结构受到破坏,降低纤维素的结晶度,醚化化试剂更容易渗透到甘蔗渣内部使纤维素发生羧甲基化反应,降低了对固液比、氢氧化钠/氯乙酸比、H2O/底物比、反应时间、反应温度的依赖性,提高了反应活性。在固液比为1∶18 g/mL,氢氧化钠/氯乙酸（摩尔比）为2∶1,H2O/底物比为1∶1 mL/g,75℃醚化2.0 h条件下,制得甘蔗渣羧甲基纤维素的取代度高达1.521,黏度为13 mPa·s。研究结果将为制备高取代度羧甲基纤维素提供依据和基础数据。     

影响甘薯淀粉磷酸单酯取代度的因素研究

以磷酸二氢钠和磷酸氢二钠为酯化剂对甘薯淀粉进行酯化反应，研究不同因素对淀粉磷酸单酯取代度的影响。结果表明：甘薯淀粉磷酸单酯的取代度随酯化剂用量、反应温度、反应时间以及催化剂用量的增加而增大，随pH值升高先增后减，酯化剂配比和真空度对其影响不明显。固定酯化剂配比，制备甘薯淀粉磷酸单酯的最佳工艺条件为：反应温度130～140℃，反应时间2～3 h，pH值5.5～6.0、酯化剂的配比3∶1，催化剂用量为淀粉质量的4%～6%。     

小麦秸秆纤维素均相醚化制备羧甲基纤维素工艺优化

为了利用小麦秸秆通过均相反应制备羧甲基纤维素(CMC,carboxymethyl cellulose),采用氢氧化钠和过氧化氢回流加热法制备小麦秸秆纤维素。以加入氧化锌的氢氧化钠/尿素/硫脲体系为溶剂,采用冻融循环法溶解小麦秸秆纤维素,利用正交试验获得了该溶解体系的最佳组成。在溶解了小麦秸秆纤维素的氢氧化钠/尿素/硫脲/氧化锌的体系中,以氯乙酸钠为醚化剂制备CMC,并对其进行红外光谱分析和取代度(degree of substitution,DS)测定。结果表明:在固液比为1∶20 g/mL,质量分数为10%NaOH,反应温度为85℃,回流3.5 h和固液比为1∶30 g/m L,质量分数为3%H_2O_2,反应温度为85℃,回流3 h处理小麦秸秆,纤维素提取率最高为84.61%,同时能较好的脱除半纤维素和木质素;最佳溶解体系为:质量分数为7%NaOH,11%硫脲,5%尿素,0.05%氧化锌,0℃时,最大溶解度为2.880 1 g。红外光谱试验表明小麦秸秆纤维素与微晶纤维素特征吸收峰基本一致,醚化反应生成的CMC与商品CMC的特征吸收峰基本一致。CMC的取代度受纤维素用量、温度和氯乙酸钠与纤维素葡萄糖单元(AGU,anhydroglucose unit)的摩尔比影响,随纤维素用量和氯乙酸钠与纤维素AGU的摩尔比增大而提高,随醚化温度的增加先增大(55℃)后降低。研究结果为以小麦秸秆为原料,经NaOH和H_2O_2处理获得纤维素,溶解在加入氧化锌的氢氧化钠/尿素/硫脲体系中,与氯乙酸钠经过均相醚化反应合成取代度较高的CMC提供参考。     

碳基固体酸催化剂加压催化合成生物柴油

为了减少生物柴油制备过程中传统催化剂对环境的污染,开发新型固体催化剂具有重要意义。该文以纤维素为原料,采用碳化-磺化法制备了碳基固体酸催化剂,并利用SEM(scanning electron microscope)、BET比表面积测试法、XRD(X-ray diffraction)和NH3-TPD(NH3-temperature programmed desorption)对其结构进行表征。研究了碳基固体酸催化剂催化棕榈酸和甲醇通过酯化反应制备生物柴油的工艺条件,考察了不同醇酸摩尔比、反应时间、反应温度及催化剂用量对转化率的影响,并对比了加压条件下碳基固体酸催化剂与浓硫酸和对甲苯磺酸的催化活性。试验结果表明,当醇酸摩尔比10:1,反应温度110℃,反应时间2 h,碳基固体酸催化剂用量为棕榈酸质量的5%时,转化率可达到98.11%。在加压条件下,碳基固体酸的催化活性高于浓硫酸和对甲苯磺酸,且催化剂在使用4次后,转化率仍在60%以上。通过GC-MS分析得出制备的生物柴油甲酯质量分数为93.8%。该研究为纤维素基碳基固体酸制备生物柴油提供了依据。     

非均相固体碱催化剂制备生物柴油的工艺优化

以菜籽油为原料,运用Mg/Al复合固体作为碱性催化剂制备生物柴油.采用五因子二次正交旋转组合设计,研究醇油比,催化剂用量,反应时间,反应温度,搅拌强度五个因子对生物柴油得率的影响,利用SAS8.1中的响应面分析程序RSREG建立并分析了五个因子对得率影响的数学模型.结果表明,所得回归方程达显著水平,拟合情况良好;五个因子对得率的影响大小依次是催化剂用量>醇油比>搅拌速度>反应时间>反应温度.最佳反应温度为70℃,催化剂用量为6%,醇油比5:1,反应时间8h,搅拌强度500r/min,生物柴油的得率可达90%,其指标基本达到美国的ASTM标准和德国的DINE标准.     

微波预处理对玉米秸秆的组分提取及糖化的影响

为了分离得到玉米秸秆中的半纤维素、木质素,改善纤维素的酶水解可及性,对玉米秸秆进行了二步微波预处理法研究.考察了秸秆粒径、液固比、碱及甘油用量、微波功率与处理时间对半纤维素和木质素得率的影响;探讨了预处理后秸秆的酶水解性能.得到的优化预处理条件为:玉米秸秆粒径40～80目;微波-碱预处理功率116.7 W/g、时间10 min、液固比20 mL/g、碱用量150％(质量分数);微波-甘油预处理功率66.7 W/g、处理时间30 min、液固比20mL/g、甘油质量分数100％.试样结果表明:经微波预处理后每10 g玉米秸秆最终可得到2.48 g半纤维素、0.95 g木质素,3.55 g还原糖;二步微波预处理不仅能够提取出玉米秸秆中的半纤维素、木质素,而且提高了纤维素水解的酶可及性,实现了组分的分离.     

机械活化玉米淀粉的微生物降解性能

为了提高玉米淀粉的微生物降解反应活性,采用搅拌球磨机对玉米淀粉进行机械活化,以活化时间为60 min的玉米淀粉和原淀粉为原料,酒曲为降解试剂进行微生物降解反应,并以降解产物的葡萄糖值（Dextrose Equivalent,DE）为评价指标,分别研究了糊化温度、pH值、淀粉浓度、降解时间、降解温度、酒曲培养液用量等因素对降解产物中葡萄糖值的影响,并采用扫描电镜对淀粉降解过程中的颗粒进行形貌观察。结果表明,机械活化预处理能提高玉米淀粉微生物降解反应液中葡萄糖的含量,且活化淀粉未经糊化就能直接被微生物降解,降解60 min时的DE值为36.76%,与原淀粉相比,提高了27.80个百分点。说明机械活化作用破坏玉米淀粉紧密的颗粒表面和结晶结构,有效地提高了微生物降解反应活性。     

菜籽油酯交换制备生物柴油的工艺研究

为提高生物柴油的转化率和纯度，以菜籽油为原料，研究在KOH催化剂作用下与甲醇进行酯交换反应制备生物柴油的工艺，考察了甲醇用量、催化剂用量、反应温度和反应时间等操作条件对酯交换反应的影响。结果表明，该反应最适宜的工艺条件为：甲醇用量为菜籽油质量的20%，催化剂用量为菜籽油质量的1.2%，反应温度为65℃，反应时间为90～120 min；菜籽油制备的生物柴油品质达到美国ASTM和德国DINE生物柴油标准，其生物柴油的转化率为94.89%。若充分开发中国南方可利用的冬闲田和边际土地约1000万hm²种植油菜，按照此工艺条件加工菜籽油，则每年可加工生产生物柴油740万t，具有广阔的发展前景。     

纤维素酶水解棕榈壳制取乙醇研究

先将棕榈壳置于多功能水解反应器中于200℃,4.0 MPa,液固比15∶1,搅拌转速500 r/min条件下纯水预处理5 min,半纤维素和纤维素含量分别从21.74%,45.42%变为2.35%,47.63%,再以一定比例混合预处理液与棕榈壳残渣,研究液固比,温度,加酶量和时间对棕榈壳糖化工艺的影响,结果表明液固比为16∶1最合适,低温37℃比高温50℃更有利于棕榈壳的糖化,从长时间看,加酶量并不完全与原料转化率成正相关,以小于10 FPU/g为宜。糖化效果取决于β-葡萄糖苷酶对葡萄糖的耐受性以及预处理效果。采用酿酒酵母对糖化液发酵,乙醇得率为77%。通过电镜扫描发现,预处理与酶解后的残渣的结构比原料明显疏松,长条状晶束结构有着不同的程度的破坏,但木质素结构破坏较小。     

利用动物脂肪酯交换反应制备生物柴油的试验研究

该文以牛油为原料,在KOH的催化作用下与甲醇酯交换反应制备生物柴油.采用正交试验与人工神经网络相结合的试验方法,考察了醇油摩尔比、催化剂用量、反应时间和反应温度等操作条件对酯交换反应的影响,得到了最优工艺条件,即反应温度 70°C,醇油摩尔比10.5:1,催化剂用量1.1%(占油脂质量的百分数),反应时间90 min.经试验验证,利用神经网络优化后的酯交换率达到94.16%,高于正交试验的结果93.17%.     

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.     

The abundance of heterocystous blue-green algae in rice soils and inocula used for application in rice fields

Summary Algal populations were quantified (as colony-forming units [CFU] per square centimetre) in 102 samples of rice soils from the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Portugal, and in 22 samples of soil-based inocula from four countries. Heterocystous blue-green algae (BGA) were present in all samples. Nostoc was the dominant genus in most samples, followed by Anabaena and Calothrix. In soils, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 1.0 × 10² to 8.0 × 10⁶ CFU/cm² (median 6.4 × 10⁴) and comprised, on average, 9% of the total CFU of algae. Their abundance was positively correlated with the pH and the available P content of the soils. In soil-based inocula, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 4.6 × 10⁴ to 2.8 × 10⁷ CFU/g dw (dry weight), comprising only a moderate fraction (average 13%) of the total algae. In most soils, the density of indigenous N₂-fixing BGA was usually higher than that attained by applying recommended rates of soil-based inoculum. Whereas research on the practical utilization of BGA has been mostly directed towards inoculation with foreign strains, our results suggest that attention should also be given to agricultural practices that enhance the growth of indigenous strains already adapted to local environmental conditions.Maître de Recherches ORSTOM (France), Visiting Scientist at IRRI