基于傅里叶变换近红外光谱的籽棉含水率无损检测

为了实现对籽棉含水率的快速、无损检测，该研究采用傅里叶变换近红外光谱技术建立籽棉含水率定量检测模型。首先探究了籽棉样本密度对于光谱曲线的影响，该研究发现样本密度大小对光谱曲线影响显著，密度越小光谱信号越强，当样品密度不低于0.0886 g/cm³时，光谱曲线变化趋于平稳。通过采集籽棉样本在3900～11000 cm^-1波数范围的吸光度光谱数据，并应用了9种预处理方法对原始光谱数据进行处理。发现一阶导数结合消除趋势（first derivative- detrending，FD-DT）预处理方法在偏最小二乘回归（partial least squares regression，PLSR）模型建立时表现最佳。使用了竞争自适应重复加权法（competitive adaptive reweighted sampling，CARS）、信息增益法（information gain，IG）、连续投影法（successive projections algorithm，SPA）和相关系数（correlation coefficient，CC）等算法，来获取最佳的特征波长。构建PLSR和支持向量机（support vector machine，SVM）的籽棉水分含量预测模型，比较不同分析算法，确定了FD-DT-CARS-PLSR和FD-DT-CARS-SVM两种算法组合作为最佳预测模型，预测集决定系数（R²_P）分别为0.933和0.931，预测集均方根误差（root mean square error，R_MSE）分别为0.480和0.500，剩余预测偏差（residual prediction deviation，R_PD）分别为3.88和3.85。研究结果表明，利用近红外光谱技术可以无损和准确地检测籽棉样本的含水率。     

傅立叶变换近红外光谱法检测白酒总酸和总酯

该文研究白酒总酸和总酯的快速检测技术，通过解析不同白酒样品的近红外光谱图，对光谱数据进行不同的处理，结果表明：用一阶导数预处理光谱，谱区选择6102～5446 cm^-1，利用人工神经网络与傅立叶变换近红外光谱相结合,采用内部交叉验证法建立模型，效果较好。其中，总酸模型的决定系数为96.73%，内部交叉验证均方根差为0.048 g/L；总酯模型的决定系数为99.58%，内部交叉验证均方根差为0.085 g/L；进一步对总酸和总酯的模型进行验证和评价，结果表明总酸模型验证集的相关系数为99.2%,预测标准偏差为0.074 g/L；总酯模型验证集的相关为99.7%,预测标准偏差为0.134 g/L，表明建立的模型可靠，预测效果好,能满足白酒生产中总酸和总酯的快速检测要求。     

近红外光谱分析法测定菜籽油中芥酸的含量

采用多通道PDA型近红外光谱仪，应用偏最小二乘法建立了菜籽油中芥酸含量与近红外透射光谱的校正模型，讨论多项式求导及平滑的窗口宽度和相关系数法筛选有效波长对校正模型的影响，并对10个预测集样品利用预测相关系数R_p和预测均方根误差RMSEP指标进行了预测精度分析，结果发现：在使用全谱数据进行偏最小二乘回归建模时，一阶7点求导及平滑的预处理方法结果最佳，此时建模效果为：R_p=0.739，RMSEP=1.659；在此基础上通过相关系数法筛选波长后的建模效果为：R_p=0.958，RMSEP=0.963。后者R_p提高29%，RMSEP减少42%。由此可得出多项式求导及平滑法和相关系数法相结合对校正模型稳健性，预测精度都有较大提高的结论。研究证明：多通道近红外光谱仪快速测测菜籽油中芥酸含量的方法是可行的。     

基于光谱指数与机器学习算法的土壤电导率估算研究

土壤盐分是干旱区土壤盐渍化评价的重要指标。以新疆维吾尔自治区渭干河-库车河三角洲绿洲为例，基于土壤电导率 (Electrical conductivity，EC) 及可见光-近红外 (Visible and near infrared, VIS-NIR) 光谱数据，通过蒙特卡洛交叉验证 (Monte Carlo cross validation, MCCV) 确定364个有效样本。采用原始光谱 (Raw reflectance, R) 及其经过微分、吸光度 (Absorbance, Abs)、连续统去除 (Continuum removal, CR) 等6种预处理后的数据构建光谱指数。基于遴选出的21个最优指数，采用BP神经网络 (Back propagation neural network, BPNN)、支持向量机 (Support vector machine, SVM)、极限学习机 (Extreme learning machine, ELM) 三种算法对EC进行估算，并引入偏最小二乘回归 (Partial least squares regression, PLSR) 进行比较。结果表明：在基于R与6种光谱预处理数据构建的21个最优光谱指数之中，R_FD_RSI (R₁₉₁₃，R₂₁₄₂) 表现最佳 (r = 0.649) ；与PLSR相比，机器学习算法能够显著提高模型的估算精度，R²提高了34.55%。三种机器学习算法模型中，ELM表现最优 (R² = 0.884, RMSE = 3.071 mS?cm^-1, RPIQ = 2.535) 。本研究中所构建的光谱指数在兼顾遥感机理的同时能深度挖掘更多的隐含信息，并且基于机器学习算法的土壤EC估算模型精度显著提高，为干旱区土壤盐分定量估算提供了科学参考。     

精料补充料中肉骨粉含量的近红外光谱检测

为了保证饲料安全，精料补充料中肉骨粉的检测是十分必要的。该文探讨了精料补充料中肉骨粉含量的近红外光谱分析方法，123个样品作为校正集，采用偏最小二乘法(PLS)，分别对光谱进行散射校正和卷积平滑、一阶微分、二阶微分预处理建立校正模型，以最大的决定系数(R²)和最小的标准差(RMSEC)为选择依据，通过比较，以多元散射校正和卷积平滑处理与二阶微分相结合的处理效果最好，其预测值与测量值的决定系数(R²)和标准差(RMSEC)分别为0.9751和0.437。34个样品作为检验集进行外部验证，决定系数(r²)和标准差(RMSEP)分别为0.9749和0.420，平均绝对误差和相对误差分别为0.326和13.89％。结果表明，利用近红外分析技术可以检测精料补充料中肉骨粉的含量。     

斑潜蝇虫害叶片受害程度对其近红外反射光谱的影响

为探索实现作物虫害自动监测的方法，采用图像处理和光谱分析技术，测定了斑潜蝇虫害叶片的近红外反射光谱，计算了虫害叶片的破损率，对其破损率和干鲜比与近红外分光反射率的关系分别进行了回归分析。结果表明：在某些波段，叶片的破损率和干鲜比均与近红外分光反射率有较好的相关性。叶片的干鲜比与近红外分光反射率关系的决定系数：黄瓜为R²=0.79(在1452 nm)，番茄为R²=0.70(在1450 nm)。叶片的破损率与近红外分光反射率关系的决定系数，黄瓜为R²>0.81(在1436～1468 nm)，番茄为R²>0.69(在1436～1466 nm)。试验和分析结果证明斑潜蝇虫害叶片的虫害程度能很好地被近红外光谱信息反映。     

烤烟成熟鲜烟叶生化组分高光谱估算方法筛选

为实现实时无损快速预测鲜烟叶的品质生化组分、筛选估算生化组分最佳的方法，使用ASD Fieldspec FR2500对烤烟成熟鲜烟叶进行了反射率、透射率光谱测定和常规生化组分分析。对可见近红外波段(350～1650 nm)单波段光谱和选用已有100种光谱指数共两类光谱参量进行了与生化组分之间线性函数、幂函数、指数函数共3种形式相关分析和基于决定系数的筛选。结果表明，对于叶绿素a、叶绿素b、类胡萝卜素、钾估算方法分别是Gitelson and Merzlyak2(GM₂) (R²=0.81)、光化学指数2(PRI₂) (R²=0.80)、Gitelson and Merzlyak2(GM₂) (R²=0.83)、1420 nm吸收峰开始位置(λs₁₄₂₀) (R²=0.67)的线性拟合最优。对于总糖、比叶重、氮、烟碱最优方法分别是在532 nm反射率一阶微分线性拟合(R²=0.54)、在1423 nm透射率线性拟合(R²=0.45)、在666 nm反射率倒数对数一阶微分的幂函数拟合(R²=0.44)，在1135 nm反射率倒数对数二阶微分的线性拟合(R²=0.20)。通过筛选的光谱方法可以评估烟叶的品质状况。     

基于红外光谱技术的蜂蜜理化性质快速检测

该论文以116个蜂蜜样品为对象，考察蜂蜜理化指标间的相关性，并采用红外光谱技术结合偏最小二乘回归法建立快速定量模型，探讨模型对蜂蜜理化性质指标的定量能力，比较近、中红外光谱在定量检测中的能力，从数据层融合角度考究光谱融合对定量精度的提升。主要研究结论如下：蜂蜜的部分理化性质间具相互关联性，色差、电导率和pH两两呈正相关，pH和可滴定酸，水分与黏度之间彼此呈负相关；近红外光谱技术（near-infrared spectrum，NIR）和中红外光谱技术（mid-infrared spectrum，MIR）对果糖、葡萄糖、还原糖、果糖/葡萄糖、水分、黏度、pH和色差具有良好的定量分析能力（R²＞0.9），对电导率、蔗糖、麦芽糖和可滴定酸的精度和模型相关系数尚可接受；二者单独对淀粉酶值、脯氨酸的定量结果较差，通过数据融合后，脯氨酸精度有所提升（Rc 0.825，Rp 0.664，RMSEC 38.68，RMSEP 49.57），淀粉酶值无优化（Rc 0.799，Rp 0.695，RMSEC 2.57，RMSEP 3.02）。MIR对糖的定量分析精度略优于NIR。研究证明将近、中红外光谱用于蜂蜜部分理化指标的快速定量是可行的，数据融合对模型产生积极影响，但仍存在很多理论和算法问题需要解决。     

近红外光谱法快速测定土壤碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量

运用偏最小二乘法(PLS)和人工神经网络(ANN)方法分别建立了0.9 mm筛分风干黑土土壤碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量预测的近红外光谱(NIRS)分析模型。使用偏最小二乘算法建立的碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾校正模型的决定系数R²分别为0.9520、0.8714和0.7300，平均相对误差分别为3.42%、13.40%和7.40%。人工神经网络方法建立的碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾校正模型的决定系数分别为0.9563、0.9493和0.9522，相对误差分别为2.67%、6.48%和2.27%，测试集仿真的相对误差分别为5.44%、16.65%和7.87%。结果表明，人工神经网络方法所建立的校正模型均优于偏最小二乘法所建模型；用近红外光谱分析法预测土壤碱解氮含量是可行的，而速效磷、速效钾模型的测试集样品仿真的相对误差较大，其预测可行性还需做进一步研究。     

长江中下游地区夏季温室黄瓜冠层温度模拟与分析研究

根据作物冠层能量平衡原理，建立了以温室内温度、湿度、冠层净辐射等为变量的温室作物冠层温度的模拟模型，并利用实测资料对模型的可靠性进行了检验，同时就温室内部温度、冠层净辐射、蒸腾速率对冠层温度的影响进行了敏感性分析。结果表明：模型能较好地预测长江中下游地区温室作物冠层温度，模型对该地区夏季(2002年6月24至7月12日，梅雨季节)温室内作物冠层温度预测值与实测值的决定系数(R²)和标准误(SE)分别为：0.8321，0.0037℃；建立的温室内部温度、相对湿度、净辐射和作物蒸腾速率的多元线性回归模型，其决定系数(R²)和标准误(SE)分别为：0.9996，0.8829℃；通过敏感性解释因子的分析表明，作物冠层温度对温室内部温度最为敏感，室内温度是预测冠层温度的主要因子。     

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.