Modelling the multiplier effect of a local food system

Received: February 1st, 2021 ; Accepted: May 10th, 2021 ; Published: May 13th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] of rural communities, benefits for local farmers and environment are expected outcomes of local food initiatives which are emerging as an opposition to the adverse social and economic effects of globalization. Local food networks diversify the rural economy, promote greater economic independence and local potential, improve the area’s image and reduce GHG emissions. The purchase of local food increases incomes of both the community and local producers, as well as increases employment and related multiplier effects at the local level, for example, increased value of new production, import substitution, increased incomes, and created additional jobs. Revitalisation of rural communities, benefits for local farmers and environment are expected outcomes of local food initiatives which are emerging as an opposition to the adverse social and economic effects of globalization It has been revealed that much of current research on local and regional food networks lacks a strong theoretical grounding and quantitative rigor; however, community development practitioners and planners need objective and research-based information for food system design and implementation in order to produce community or regional wellbeing. The aim of the paper is to develop the concept of an integrated assessment model of local food systems based on the analysis of the literature, which would provide a basis for empirical analysis. The analysis model contains dimensions of sustainable development, allowing us to assess not only direct effects (income, reduced greenhouse gas emissions etc.) but also indirect ones (economic, social and environmental resilience of local communities)

Flowering and fruit set in Japanese quince

The amount of flowers with defective pistils, drop of flowers after pollination, initial fruit set, drop of fruitlets and final fruit set were investigated for Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica). Pollen germination, pollen tube growth and fertilisation were studied at cross- and self-pollination. Embryo development was followed from fertilisation to mature fruit. The percentage of flowers with defective pistils was very high in most of the genotypes studied. This phenomenon seemed to be influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. In compatible (cross-) combinations, pollen tubes reached the base of the ovary within 2–5 days, and fertilisation took place 4–8 days after pollination. In incompatible combinations, pollen germination was slow, pollen tubes grew slowly and were often completely arrested in the style. The effective pollination period was estimated to be 3–5 days. The average initial fruit set was 21.1% (range 0–83.3%), whereas the final fruit set decreased to 10.4% (range 0–37.9%). During embryo development some deviations from normal development were observed, which may influence final fruit set