局地气候条件下的土地利用空间格局分析——以湖南醴陵市为例

利用Landsat7 ETM+影像、土地利用现状图、地形图及多年平均的降水、气温、≥0℃积温、日照时数等气候指标的空间分布数据,借助RS/GIS软件,通过对各气候指标进行分级处理、空间叠加分析等过程,研究了局地气候条件下土地利用的空间分布特征.结果表明:①研究区林地覆盖率为54.7%,耕地占区域总面积的29.0%,其中水田和旱地的面积比为7.7:1;其他土地利用类型占研究区总面积的比例分别为园地1.7%,城乡居民用地7.4%,工矿用地0.8%,水域4.3%,未利用地2.1%.②局地气候条件下土地利用的空间分布具有较明显的规律性,表现为随气温升高和积温增加,林地分布比例减少,水田、旱地、园地、城乡用地等均呈增加趋势;降水分布对土地利用格局的影响相反,即随降水增加,林地比例增加,水田、旱地、城乡居民用地、工矿用地等则减少;日照时数对区域土地利用格局的影响并不显著,但在流域尺度上对土地利用结构的差异有贡献.     

基于计量地理模型的松嫩高平原土地利用特征及其空间布局

研究土地利用特征及其空间布局是实现区域土地合理开发和利用的基础。该文以松嫩高平原典型地域黑龙江省巴彦县为研究区,以2006年巴彦县土地利用变更调查矢量数据库为基础,运用计量地理模型和现代地理信息空间分析技术相结合方法,探讨使用土地利用总体组合类型、土地利用综合程度及各地类的区位意义,来表征巴彦县18个乡镇土地利用的数量特征,进而分析其空间布局特征等。结果表明:研究区土地利用的数量特征总体存在一定的差异性,土地利用组合类型表现为土地整体功能较弱,土地利用程度高低不一,各地类中耕地和水域的区位意义较为突出;空间格局的总体特征表现为各地类斑块的形状总体较为复杂,其中耕地、林地的形状较规则且分布集中连片,为该区域的景观基质,未利用地、其他农用地和园地的分布最为离散。     

基于地形梯度的冀西北山地丘陵区土地利用格局变化分析——以河北省怀来县为例

为研究山地丘陵地区土地利用格局在地形差异上的演变规律,明确自然和人文因素在土地利用变化中的作用,基于RS和ArcGIS空间分析技术,利用地形位指数和分布指数,研究了河北省怀来县1993—2013年土地利用变化在地形差异上的时空分异特征。结果表明:六种土地利用类型空间分布及其变化均受到地形因子的影响和制约。水域的优势位主要分布在高程为300~500m、坡度0°~6°以及地形位级别为二级的区域;建设用地和耕地多分布于高程为500~700m、坡度0°~6°以及地形位级别为一级的区域;园地的地形适应性强于耕地,其分布的区域相对于耕地更加广泛,林地和未利用地则主要分布于高程900 m以上、坡度6°以上的区域,林地在地形位较高的级别更有优势。该文为今后怀来县土地资源的合理利用和科学规划提供依据与指导。     

河北省海岸带土地利用空间格局

海岸带由于其特殊的地理区位,土地利用方式和结构迥异于内陆地区。为揭示河北省海岸带土地利用空间格局,以海岸线向陆地延伸10 km作为研究范围,通过土地利用相对优势度和综合利用程度两种方法分析了河北省海岸带土地利用结构现状、空间格局和集约化特征。结果表明:河北省海岸带土地利用的主要类型为水库/坑塘、旱地和建筑用地;水库/坑塘、河流/湖泊和建筑用地、未利用地向海特征显著,是海岸带的优势土地利用类型;海岸带土地利用的海陆梯度和高程分异特征明显,主要表现为主要土地利用类型由水库/坑塘和建筑用地向旱地和林地转变;集约化利用程度最高的区域在距海岸线0～6 km、高程10～50 m的空间范围内。在沿海开发热潮再次兴起的背景下,关注海岸带土地利用空间格局现状,对优化海岸带国土空间开发格局具有重要意义。     

喀斯特石漠化及土地利用变化的地貌分异特征——以贵州省关岭贞丰花江石漠化综合示范区为例

[目的]探讨石漠化地区土地利用变化的地貌分异特征,揭示不同地貌条件下的土地利用时空变化的特征和规律,为石漠化地区土地的合理利用提供科学参照。[方法]以贵州省关岭贞丰花江石漠化综合示范区为例,运用GIS和RS技术,基于2005,2010和2013年3个时期的土地利用数据、石漠化数据和地貌数据,运用地形分布指数、土地利用程度综合指数,对研究区土地利用变化的地貌分异进行研究。[结果]①在2005—2013年间,喀斯特地区草地、建设用地、林地、未利用地和水域的面积有所增加,耕地、园地的面积在减少;石漠化的面积有所减少,石漠化程度正在逐渐减轻。②不同地貌条件下,每一个土地利用类型都有其存在的优势分布区;各土地利用类型的地貌分异基本稳定。③土地利用程度的地貌分异特征趋于稳定;2005—2013年,土地利用程度大小表现为:侵蚀台地峰丛洼地丘峰台地Ⅴ型峡谷溶蚀—侵蚀陡坡。④不同地貌条件下不同石漠化等级在各土地类型中的分布方面,由侵蚀台地、峰丛洼地、丘峰台地、Ⅴ型峡谷、溶蚀—侵蚀陡坡地貌的石漠化土地类型分布来看,石漠化主要发生在耕地、林地、园地和未利用地4种土地利用上,水域不存在石漠化现象;2005—2013年,石漠化在不同地貌条件的地类中总体呈较好转变。[结论]每一土地利用类型都有其分布的优势地貌区;不同地貌条件下,石漠化在不同土地利用类型上的分布存在差异,主要发生在耕地、林地、园地和未利用地4种土地利用类型区域。     

四川省宜宾市1980-2018年耕地时空格局变化及其驱动因素

[目的] 分析四川省宜宾市耕地时空演化特征及其驱动因素,为区域土地资源管理和农业发展规划提供决策参考。[方法] 基于土地利用数据和社会经济数据,借助土地利用转移矩阵、核密度分析、景观指数和PLUS模型,探究了宜宾市1980—2018年耕地的时空格局变化特征及其驱动机制。[结果] ①1980年以来,耕地面积呈持续减少趋势,共减少了247.92 km²,主要转出至建设用地与林地之中。②耕地的空间分布具有明显的差异性,呈“北密南疏”的空间分布格局,且空间密度逐年下降。③耕地的空间聚集程度不断下降,而分散程度持续增加,造成耕地破碎化程度加剧。④人口、GDP、道路等社会经济因素和高程、水域等自然环境因子是影响耕地变化的主要驱动力。[结论] 在高程、水域等自然因素的限制下,人口、经济和交通条件等社会经济因素共同作用,驱使耕地发生变化,面积持续减少,细碎化程度逐渐增加。     

珠江三角洲地区土地利用和景观格局变化研究

珠江三角洲是中国经济快速发展地区之一,土地利用发生剧烈变化。利用1990,2000,2006年3期遥感解译数据,借助GIS空间分析功能和景观格局指数,分析了珠江三角洲土地利用和景观格局时空演变过程。研究结果表明,1990—2006年,珠江三角洲土地利用发生变化的面积13 580.81km2,占土地总面积的32.93%,后6a变化速度明显快于前10a;城镇用地、农村居民点、其它建设用地快速扩张,水域面积显著增加,水田、旱地、林地面积快速减少;斑块数量显著增加,土地利用景观不断破碎,多样性增强。水田、旱地、林地、水域和城镇用地近圆指数较小,斑块形状复杂;分维数介于1.26～1.44,各地类形状趋向复杂,人类对其干扰不断增强;林地是整个区域土地利用格局的基质,分离度最小,水田、城镇用地、旱地和水域的分离度相对较小,呈现连片分布状态。     

黄土丘陵山区土地利用空间自相关格局及其影响因素分析——以晋城市长河流域为例

为揭示黄土丘陵山区土地利用空间自相关格局与自然和人文因素的耦合关系,以晋城市长河流域为研究区,分析流域土地利用全局和局部空间自相关格局,利用GIS、灰色系统关联分析软件定量了各类用地与高程、坡度、坡向、有效土层厚度、与水域距离、人口密度、路网密度、距居民点距离的关联度及相关性。结果表明:距离权重为0.5 km时,流域内各土地利用类型整体呈现空间聚集性特征,表现出全局空间正自相关特性;空间正自相关性随着距离的增加而逐渐减弱。耕地、草地的用地分布呈明显的H-H,L-L聚集趋势,林地、水域和建设用地的空间分布呈明显的H-H聚集趋势。各格网耕地占比与有效土层厚度因子之间的关联排序最高;各格网林地占比与距居民点距离因子之间的关联排序最高;各格网草地占比与距水系距离因子之间的关联排序最高;各格网水域占比与距居民点的距离因子之间的关联排序最高;各格网建设用地占比与人口密度因子之间的关联排序最高。     

川北地形过渡带地形因子对土地利用与景观格局变化的影响

[目的]基于地形特征分析不同用地类型时空分布变化,不仅能解释土地利用时空变化规律,并能更进一步为优化土地利用结果,生态环境保护奠定基础。[方法]基于四川省北部江油市2003,2010,2018年3期遥感影像,运用土地利用转移矩阵法,分析不同用地类型之间的转化情况;接着利用地形位指数法、分布指数法,分析地形因子影响下不同用地类型分布指数变化特征;之后利用移动窗口法,探究景观格局中斑块密度与Shannon多样性指数时空变化规律;最后结合双变量空间相关性分析,分析地形因子与景观指数间的空间相关性特征。[结果](1)在2003—2010年期间,水田面积减少最多(减少面积2 238.98 hm~2),建设用地面积增加最多(面积增加3 360.36 hm~2);在2010—2018年期间,水田面积减少1 175.84 hm~2,建设用地面积增加1 614.78 hm~2;2003—2010年期间江油市土地利用的变化量整体高于2010—2018年。(2)北部山区主要由旱地转移为林草地,南部平原地区主要为水田转移为建设用地,中部丘陵区域旱地和水田相互转化强烈。(3)随时间变化,旱地和未利用地优势等级向中地形位等级靠拢;低地形位等级上建设用地、水田和水域优势度逐渐降低,并具有优势等级向较高地形位等级扩展趋势。(4)山区河流沿岸以及山地平原交汇处斑块密度与Shannon多样性指数较高,且呈线性分布;随时间变化,丘陵区域斑块密度增加,主城区附近Shannon多样性指数呈下降趋势。(5)高—高聚集区主要表现为向山地丘陵交汇处聚集;城区附近景观指数因受其他因素影响较多,导致该区域景观指数与地形位指数呈现出不显著相关性。[结论]在地形过渡带区域,不同地貌对于各类用地变化的影响在时空上存在差异性,其地形因子与景观指数的空间相关性差异明显。     

杭州市土地利用变化及生态风险评价

[目的]分析浙江省杭州市土地利用变化并对其生态风险评价,为保护该地区生态安全,合理开发土地资源和制定科学有效的规划提供理论依据。[方法]基于杭州市土地利用格局变化,构建生态风险指数,分析生态风险的时空变化及生态风险对土地利用的响应特征。[结果](1)土地利用变化主要表现为:耕地减少和建设用地剧增;耕地、林地向建设用地转移,水域、草地向耕地、林地转移;土地利用强度减缓。(2)杭州市生态风险增加,生态风险值与土地利用呈明显正相关;中生态风险区占主导地位,高生态风险区主要分布在市辖区、杭州湾,西南部的淳安县中心,生态风险等级区以此为中心向周围递减。(3)生态风险等级以低—高等级转移为主,生态风险等级上升,年均转换速率呈下降趋势。(4)生态风险对土地利用变化的响应弹性时空分异较大,市区、建德市、桐庐县响应系数下降,其风险源和风险因子趋于多样化;其他单元的响应系数上升,土地利用对区域生态风险呈正响应弹性。[结论]杭州市土地利用格局时空变化明显,土地利用的快速变化加剧了杭州市的生态风险。     

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.