丘塘景观植被恢复与土壤养分空间分异规律研究

丘塘景观是一种生态经济结构较为优化的人工复合生态系统。根据在丘塘景观内不同斑块的土壤调查，研究土壤养分的分异规律，为退化丘塘景观的恢复提供理论依据，并且对于水肥的调配和植被的恢复都有重要的意义。结果表明：土壤有机质含量的变化是随着土壤深度增加而减少的，全氮的变化趋势同有机质一样，随土壤深度增加而递减。土壤全磷并没有遵循此规律，基本上各个不同斑块土层10～20 cm含量都大于其他土层。不同斑块表层变异系数最小，往生层基本呈现上升趋势。土壤养分水平空间变异为0～10 cm土层土壤有机质和全氮平均含量分布为：林带>果园>草地>鱼塘，全磷平均含量分布是果园>林带>草地>鱼塘。通过比较造林前(1986年)和造林后(2002年)的土壤养分结果表明马占相思林对下层土壤有显著的影响，土壤有机碳和全氮含量大大提高。     

半干旱黄土丘陵区不同坡位退耕还林还草地土壤养分的变异规律

在宁南山区黄土丘陵区开展了退耕还林还草工程效益监测研究,测定了不同坡位退耕还林还草地的土壤养分。对土壤养分单因子分析结果表明:在同一坡面上,随着坡位的降低,退耕还林还草地0—100 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、速效氮、速效磷平均含量增加;从不同坡位退耕还林还草地各层土壤养分含量来看,随着土层深度的增加,土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、速效氮、速效磷、速效钾含量在降低。说明半干旱黄土丘陵区林带间种植的苜蓿经营粗放,加剧了土壤养分的失调。     

石羊河尾闾(青土湖)水面形成后土壤养分的空间特征

通过测定青土湖不同土层、不同水面距离的土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、速效氮、速效磷和电解质,对比不同土层和水面距离的土壤养分差异,分析其空间变异性以及相关关系。结果表明：１）青土湖的土壤各养分含量均较低,水面形成的干扰改变了原状土壤的理化性质,水面的形成对土壤养分垂直分布的影响范围在0~40cm。;2）0-60cm土层深度的有机质、全氮、速效氮、全磷、全钾和土壤溶液电导率分别在距水面100-150m和300 m处达到最大值,在距水面200 m处为最小,呈波浪式变化,这种波浪式变化与其原湖泊沉积和区域气候环境相符合。;32）土壤养分含量存在显著空间变异性,各养分指标含量随土层深度变化规律明显,不同水面距离0～40cm土层土壤有机质、全氮等含量均比40~80cm高,土壤各养分含量除了土壤全钾含量在0~80cm、土壤全磷在60~80cm为弱变异外,其他均属于中等变异。;43）在0~40cm土层深度,有机质与全氮、全钾,速效氮、电导率呈正相关;电导率和速效磷、全磷呈正相关。青土湖的土壤各养分含量均较低,水面形成的干扰改变了原土壤的理化性质,水面的形成对土壤养分垂直分布的影响范围在0~40cm。     

石羊河尾闾(青土湖)水面形成后土壤养分的空间特征

通过测定青土湖不同土层、不同水面距离的土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、碱解氮、速效磷含量及电导率,对比了不同土层和水面距离的土壤养分差异,分析了其空间变异性以及相关关系。结果表明:1 0~60 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮、碱解氮、全磷、全钾含量和土壤溶液电导率值分别在距水面100~150 m和300 m处达到最大,在距水面200 m处为最小,呈波浪式变化,这种波浪式变化与其原湖泊沉积和区域气候环境相符合。2土壤养分含量存在显著空间变异性,各养分指标含量随土层深度变化规律明显,不同水面距离0~40 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮等含量均比40~80 cm土层高,土壤各养分除全钾含量在0~80 cm土层、全磷含量在60~80 cm土层为弱变异外,其他均属于中等变异。3在0~40 cm土层,土壤有机质与全氮、全钾、碱解氮、电导率呈正相关;电导率与速效磷、全磷呈正相关。青土湖的土壤各养分含量均较低,水面形成的干扰改变了原土壤的理化性质,其对土壤养分垂直分布的影响范围在0~40 cm。     

黄土丘陵沟壑区山地苹果林土壤干化及养分变异特征

揭示不同树龄苹果林土壤剖面水分特征及土壤养分演变规律,探明土壤干化引起的养分失衡原因,对黄土高原丘陵沟壑区苹果林地土壤水分、养分科学管理以及果园合理施肥具有重要现实意义。以陕北米脂县为研究区,选取不同树龄山地苹果林为研究对象,分别测定了7 a、10 a、18a、25 a、30 a和41 a苹果林地0~1 000 cm土层土壤湿度和0~300 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量,分析测定了深度范围内土壤干化情况、各养分指标丰缺状况及其随种植年限和土层深度的变异特征及不同树龄苹果林地60~300 cm土层土壤水分与养分的相互关系。结果表明:黄土丘陵沟壑区不同树龄山地苹果林深层土壤均出现严重或强烈干化,0~1 000 cm土层平均土壤含水量随树龄增加呈先增加后降低再略有增加趋势。该地区不同树龄苹果林0~300 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮和碱解氮含量均处于极缺状态,全磷、速效磷含量较缺,速效钾含量中等。幼龄期果树土壤水分与有机质、全氮、碱解氮相关性显著,而盛果期及衰退期果树土壤水分与各养分含量相关性不显著。建议不同树龄果园除应采取蓄水保墒措施外,尤其应注重有机肥和氮肥投入,适当增施磷肥,可少施或不施钾肥。相较于由干化引起的养分失衡,该地区土壤干化问题更应引起关注。     

三江源区草地退化与人工恢复对土壤理化性状的影响

以三江源区不同退化程度的天然草地及不同恢复年限的人工草地为研究对象,系统分析土壤理化性质随取样深度的动态变化。结果表明:(1)人工草地土壤含水量及全氮、全钾、全磷、速效钾、速效磷的含量随恢复年限均表现出先减小后增大的"V"形变化趋势;(2)随着退化程度增加,退化草地土壤中含水量逐渐降低,全氮、全钾、有机质、速效钾含量未表现出逐渐降低趋势,而草地的裸斑面积、土壤及养分的流失量逐渐增加;(3)人工草地及退化草地土壤中全氮、速效钾、有机质含量均随着取样深度增加而逐渐降低,草地恢复年限和退化程度基本不影响养分在土壤中的空间分布;(4)人工草地建设使退化草地有机质、全氮、全钾的含量增加,尤其有利于0-4cm的土壤养分增加。因而,人工草地建设可以作为三江源区退化草地土壤恢复的措施之一。     

青藏高原东缘“黑土型”退化草甸人工草地改良的土壤养分响应

以青藏高原东缘的高寒草甸区"黑土型"退化草甸为例,研究了人工草地建设对"黑土型"退化草甸的土壤养分改良效果。结果表明,人工草地建植年限和土壤深度对土壤养分均表现了显著作用;随着人工草地建立年限的增加,土壤有机质在0-10cm呈显著增加,在10-20cm为不显著增加趋势,而在20-30cm则呈现了显著的下降趋势,0-10cm和10-20cm土层的土壤全氮和全磷均呈显著增加趋势,而20-30cm的全氮和全磷则呈现一定的下降趋势;速效氮和速效磷则在3个土层均呈现了显著的下降趋势,且随着土层深度的增加也呈显著的下降趋势。在高寒地区的"黑土型"退化草甸上进行人工草地建设,有利于退化草地土壤养分条件的改善,可以为后期草地群落的良性演替和发展提供一个良好的土壤养分生境。     

水土保持措施对坡耕地土壤养分时空变异影响

以水保林地、水平梯田及地埂植物带组成的水土保持措施体系和无水保措施布置坡耕地为研究对象,结合传统统计分析和ArcGIS地统计分析方法,研究不同深度土壤养分随时间及空间(垂直和水平)变化特征。结果表明,(1)所选研究区内土壤有机质、全氮、全磷和有效磷含量均随着土层深度的增加而降低,同一坡位高度,有水土保持措施坡耕地土壤养分含量比无措施坡耕地高,且土壤养分在垂直方向上相对均匀分布。(2)从各水土保持措施对不同深度土壤养分含量的影响来看,在水土保持体系内,0~15 cm和15~30 cm土壤有机质含量依次为:水保林地>水平梯田>地埂植物带,全氮、全磷和有效磷含量依次为:地埂植物带>水平梯田>水保林地。在无措施对照区,土壤有机质、全氮和有效磷含量两层次均顺坡逐渐增高,而全磷两层次分布均呈:中坡位无措施区>下坡位无措施区>上坡位无措施区。不同深度土壤有机质、全氮、全磷和有效磷含量均随月份变化先增加后损失,但其变化程度因水土保持措施不同而不同。(3)经统计分析表明,水土保持措施区0~15 cm土壤有机质和全氮变异系数大于无措施对照区,但土壤全磷和有效磷变异系数正好相反;无措施对照区15~30 cm土壤有机质、全氮、全磷和有效磷变异系数大于水土保持措施区。水土保持措施与不同深度土壤养分之间均呈极显著正相关关系,0~15 cm和15~30 cm土壤全氮和有效磷之间均呈显著正相关,而0~15 cm和15~30 cm其他各指标关系间均呈极显著正相关关系。     

黄土丘陵沟壑区柠条人工林地土壤养分特征研究

为了促进黄土丘陵沟壑区人工柠条群落的更新,以定西市巉口镇龙滩流域的人工柠条群落为研究对象,对其5种平茬处理方式(全部平茬、隔株平茬、隔行平茬、隔株隔行平茬、未平茬)下3个土层深度(0～20、20～40、40～60 cm)的8个土壤养分指标(pH值、有机质含量、全氮含量、全磷含量、全钾含量、碱解氮含量、有效磷含量、速效钾含量)进行了测定和分析研究。结果表明:平茬方式对土壤养分的影响不明显,不同平茬方式间土壤养分含量差异不显著;土层深度对土壤养分的影响很明显,不同土层间土壤养分含量差异显著,尤其是有机质、全氮和碱解氮含量,而且土壤养分含量总体上呈现出随着土层深度的增加而下降的趋势,养分呈一定的表聚效应。     

不同干扰对黄土区典型草原土壤理化性质的影响

以黄土区云雾山典型草原为研究对象,分析4种干扰方式(封育、封育+施肥、封育+火烧和放牧)对土壤理化性质的影响。结果表明:(1)在0-50cm土层,封育、封育+施肥、封育+火烧地的土壤容重随土层深度的增加而增加,放牧地的土壤容重随土层深度的增加而减少。其中,在0-20cm土层,放牧显著高于其他3种干扰方式,封育+施肥显著低于其他3种干扰方式;(2)在0-50cm土层,4种干扰方式的土壤含水量随土层深度的增加而增加,依次为封育+火烧>封育+施肥>封育>放牧;(3)在0-50cm土层,4种干扰方式的土壤有机质、全氮和速效钾含量随土层深度的增加而减少;火烧地的全磷含量随土层深度增加而减少,其他3种干扰方式的全磷含量呈现先增加后减少的趋势。在0-30cm土层,4种干扰方式土壤养分(有机质、全氮、全磷和速效钾)含量为封育+施肥>封育+火烧>封育>放牧,且放牧会导致0-10cm所有养分含量显著降低(P<0.01)。(4)4种干扰方式,有机质与全氮、全磷和速效钾呈极显著的正相关关系(P<0.01)。     

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.