利用高光谱指数进行冬小麦条锈病严重度的反演研究

通过选取不同条锈病抗性品种(高抗、高感、中间)进行田间不同梯度(对照、轻度、中度、重度)的接种试验，在接种后每隔7 d左右，同步测定了不同品种、不同处理的冠层光谱、单叶光谱和对应目标的病情指数以及叶面积指数、叶倾角等生物物理参数和叶绿素、SPAD数值等生物化学参数。通过对获取的光谱数据和生物物理参数和生物化学参数进行统计分析。研究结果表明，小麦被条锈病感染以后，叶片叶绿素含量急剧下降，通过研究叶片绿度值(SPAFD)值与叶绿素含量之间的关系，建立了叶片叶绿素含量和叶片SPAD数值之间的线性关系方程。通过在借鉴前人研究结果的基础上，通过筛选光谱指数，在冠层水平上构建作物冠层结构不敏感色素反演指数(CCII=TCARI/OSAVI)来反演全生育期不同处理的SPAD数值，此反演结果受品种类型、冠层结构和土壤背景的影响较小，线性方程的决定系数达到极显著的水平。在单叶水平选取归一化的光化学指数(NPRI)来反演单叶的病情指数(DI)，线性方程的决定系数达到极显著的水平。所以该文通过选取适当的高光谱指数进行冬小麦条锈病严重度的反演的理论和方法是可行的。且反演结果受不同品种、不同叶面积指数和土壤背景等的影响均较小。     

冬小麦灌浆期蚜虫危害高光谱特征研究

为了有效控制农业生产中麦蚜的危害,提高利用遥感技术对麦蚜监测预报的时效性,在冬小麦蚜虫发生的关键生育时期（灌浆期）,获取了26个地面调查点的蚜害等级和冠层光谱数据。对比分析了不同蚜害等级的冠层光谱,发现随着蚜虫危害程度的加重,在可见光、近红外和短波红外波段的冬小麦冠层反射率均逐渐减小。通过进一步筛选各波段范围的最敏感波段,初步构建了冬小麦蚜害高光谱指数,并建立了蚜害高光谱指数与蚜害等级的遥感反演模型。结果表明,该模型可以用来反演灌浆期冬小麦的蚜害等级,为高光谱遥感识别和监测冬小麦灌浆期蚜虫危害提供理论依据。     

基于冠层光谱的不同株型冬小麦籽粒蛋白质预测模型

冬小麦冠层光谱因不同株型而异，依不同株型建立模型是提高冬小麦蛋白质预测精度的重要途径之一。该研究利用ASD2500高光谱仪对不同株型冬小麦冠层光谱进行了测定，分析了冬小麦叶片叶绿素含量在冠层垂直方向上的变化及其与籽粒品质指标和冠层光谱特征参量间的相关性。结果表明，冠层叶绿素含量垂直梯度变化因不同生育时期和不同株型而异。同等条件下，其梯度以平展型品种大于直立型品种。并且，当将两种株型品种分别考虑时，第一二叶组之间叶绿素含量的差值(DCC)与小麦籽粒部分品质参数和冠层光谱特征参量具有显著的相关性。通过DCC可以间接地建立籽粒蛋白品质和冠层光谱特征之间的相关模型。通过研究筛选出预测籽粒蛋白质含量(GPC)的最佳时期为灌浆期，最佳光谱特征参量为560 nm的反射峰深度P_Depth560。并且，建立了不同株型品种GPC的预测模型并初步通过验证。     

昼夜不对称增温对冬小麦花后冠层反射光谱特性的影响

全球变暖具有明显的昼夜不对称性,温度升高影响冬小麦的生长发育,也改变了其冠层的光谱反射特性。为了研究昼夜不对称增温对冬小麦冠层反射光谱特性的影响,在南京采用开放式田间增温系统,开展昼夜不对称增温的人工控制试验,利用FieldSpec Pro FR光谱仪测定了2个冬小麦品种扬麦15和徐麦31的冠层反射光谱,分析了冬小麦开花后冠层光谱反射率和一阶导数光谱,比较了2种增温方式对冠层反射光谱特性的影响。结果表明,与CK相比,昼夜不对称增温处理(白天增温1℃,夜间增温3℃,T2)的冬小麦冠层反射率,在近红外波段的下降最为显著,且以开花期的冬小麦冠层近红外波段反射率降低幅度最大。昼夜对称增温处理(白天增温2℃,夜间增温2℃,T1)下的冬小麦冠层反射率变化与T2处理后的变化相似,但其反射率降低幅度小于T2处理。在开花期,扬麦15在CK、T1、T2处理下近红外波段反射率分别为0.70、0.61、0.55,而徐麦31在CK、T1、T2处理下近红外波段反射率分别为0.65、0.60、0.52。由一阶导数光谱可以发现,T1、T2处理下,扬麦15红边位置由738 nm变为花后20 d的731和730 nm,俆麦31表现相同的规律。T1和T2处理也使得红边峰值下降,在开花期红边峰值下降幅度最大,且T2处理下降幅度较T1处理更大。与光谱反射率变化相对应,T1和T2均使2品种的叶绿素质量分数和叶面积指数(leaf area index,LAI)显著降低,以T2处理降低幅度最大。因此,昼夜不对称增温影响了冬小麦LAI、叶绿素质量分数、细胞结构和衰老程度,进而表现出冬小麦冠层反射光谱反射率的下降。     

水稻冠层光谱反射特征及其与叶面积指数关系研究

在水稻试验小区,通过人为控制的方法造成施N水平的差异,对水稻整个生长期内冠层光谱进行了比较系统、密集的测定,并测定了水稻几个重要生育期的叶面积指数。结果表明:随着施N水平的提高,水稻冠层光谱在各生育期呈现出一定的规律性,在近红外部分(760 ~ 1220 nm),冠层光谱反射率随着施N水平的提高而升高,而在可见光部分(460 ~ 710 nm),水稻冠层的光谱反射率反而逐渐降低。冠层光谱经差异显著性检验发现:水稻灌浆期以前,对施N水平最为敏感的波段是绿光(560 ~ 610 nm)和近红外(710 ~ 760 nm)部分;转换为归一化植被指数(NDVI)以后,差异最显著的是 (R760 - R560) / (R760 R560)。对叶面积指数与冠层光谱反射率的相关分析结果表明:在水稻抽穗期以前,叶面积与冠层光谱反射率相关性较差;而抽穗期以后,二者有较好的相关性。     

小波法反演条锈病胁迫下冬小麦冠层叶片全氮含量

为监测条锈病胁迫下冬小麦的氮素营养状况,该文通过野外试验测量了感染条锈病的冬小麦冠层光谱数据和相应叶片全氮(leaf total nitrogen,LTN)含量,分析了冬小麦条锈病病情指数(disease index,DI)与LTN之间的关系,对冠层光谱进行了连续小波变换(continuous wavelet transform,CWT)处理得到小波系数,并选择一些高光谱指数,分别利用支持向量机(support vector machine,SVM)回归方法构建了小波系数、高光谱指数与冬小麦LTN含量之间的反演模型。研究表明,随着冬小麦DI增大,LTN含量逐渐减小,相关系数为-0.784;CWT处理得到的小波系数为自变量构建的反演冬小麦LTN含量的模型精度普遍高于高光谱指数为自变量的模型精度,其中以Mexican Hat小波函数处理得到的小波系数423(4)建立的反演模型为最优模型,RMSE为0.315,RE为7.62%。因此,该研究表明可以联合应用CWT与SVM方法对条锈病胁迫下冬小麦LTN含量进行反演,且具有较高的估测精度。该研究成果对小麦作物病害预防、指导作物施肥具有重要现实应用意义。     

磷营养胁迫对冬小麦冠层光谱的影响

因为磷素重要的营养作用,其胁迫的存在影响冬小麦的正常生长。借助地面遥感仪器获取冬小麦在磷营养胁迫下的多个生育期里的冠层光谱数据并对其影响特征进行了分析。利用因子分析方法提取主因子与含有丰富信息的光谱变量,并结合极显著水平(0.01)的均值比较与检验过程考察了冬小麦冠层光谱,确定了对磷营养胁迫敏感的光谱波段:760nm,810nm和870nm与950nm,并在此基础上结合冬小麦对磷素的吸收利用特征选定了运用冠层光谱敏感波段反射率探测和区分磷营养胁迫的关键生育期:拔节期。结果同时表明,对冬小麦磷营养胁迫而言,近红外区间(760nm~1100nm)光谱反射特征的区分能力要强于可见光区。本文同时指出了研究与发展利用遥感技术进行营养胁迫监测的方法和着重点。     

不同生育期冬小麦光谱特征对叶绿素和氮素的响应研究

研究测定了不同施氮水平条件下冬小麦冠层在七个典型生育期叶片叶绿素、地上部分全氮含量以及冠层光谱,分析了单波段反射率、可见光和近红外波段组合而成的归一化植被指数(NDVI)、比值植被指数(RVI)与相应时期叶片叶绿素和地上部分全氮含量的相关性。结果表明,施氮量增加,两个农学参量、冠层近红外波段反射率都随之增加,但当施氮量增加到300kg hm-(2一次性施入)时,上述各项指标均降低;整个生长期中孕穗期在近红外区域反射率最高,与可见光波段反射率相差最大;除分蘖期外,其它时期单波段510nm～1100nm反射率、NDVI、RVI与叶绿素和全氮含量显著相关,植被指数的相关性较单波段高,且从分蘖期到乳熟期,相关性逐渐增强;整体来讲,可见光中560nm、660nm和近红外760nm、1100nm和1200nm组合的NDVI在各生育期与两个农学指标的相关性较好,选择NDVI(560,760)可以准确拟合叶片叶绿素和地上部分全氮含量。     

冬小麦条锈病单叶光谱特性及严重度反演

对冬小麦条锈病胁迫不同严重度(0、1%、10%、20%、30%、45%、60%和80%)的单叶进行光谱测定,其光谱特征明显,随严重度增加,单叶光谱反射率在可见光550～740 nm处增加,差异显著;而近红外平台750～1340 nm反射率也呈上升趋势,差异不显著;中红外1350～1600 nm反射率上升,差异显著.反射率与严重度相关系数在376～1600 nm范围内基本成正相关,达到极显著相关的敏感波段区域为446～725 nm与1380～1600 nm.入选了493、666 nm和1430 nm与严重度的相关系数最高的单个波段,利用相关性最好的666 nm和相关性最弱的758 nm波段组合设计了光谱角度指数SAI(Spectral Angle Index),与严重度建立的模型相关系数较高.并利用连续统去除法对540～740 nm特征反射峰进行归一化定量分析,吸收深度(Depth)与吸收面积(Area)与严重度呈极显著相关,设计的吸收面积指数AAI(Absorption Area Index)与严重度相关系数最好,可较好地反演单叶严重度.结果表明,条锈病单叶光谱特性明显,利用其光谱反射率可以很好的估算单叶严重度,建立的模型具有很高的反演精度.结果对深入研究冬小麦条锈病害遥感监测机理提供了理论依据.     

基于高光谱的中国干旱区棉花遥感估产（英）

该文测定了棉花盛蕾期至吐絮后期各时期冠层的高光谱反射率以及产量,并对棉花产量与冠层光谱植被指数进行相关分析。结果表明：棉花各生育期可见光波段、近红外波段及短波红外波段光谱反射率与产量间分别呈显著负相关、显著正相关与显著负相关。根据棉花冠层光谱波形特征,利用植被红边波段560 nm反射峰、670 nm吸收谷、近红外波段890 nm反射峰、980和1?210 nm两个弱水汽吸收谷、短波红外1?650和2 200 nm反射峰,设计归一化差值光谱指数,并与棉花产量进行相关分析,上述波段组合定义的归一化差值光谱指数与产量在各生育期均达显著或极显著相关。VARI_700抗大气植被指数在各生育期均达极显著相关。     

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.