Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg

Despite its widespread distribution and use, little work has been done on characterization, evaluation and description of breadfruit germplasm. This publication describes the genetic resources of breadfruit and provides an in-depth look at the current status of breadfruit conservation and the extent of ex situ germplasm collections, especially in the Pacific Islands. Chapters cover the following topics: taxonomy, botany, evolution and domestication, properties and uses, conservation and genetic diversity, breeding, production, ecology, agronomy, and limitations, prospects and research needs. Two appendices detail research contacts and research centres, both by country. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Sago palm, Metroxylon sagu Rottb.

The true sago palm, Metroxylon sagu, has been described as mankind's oldest food plant with the starch contained in the trunk used as a staple food in southeast Asia. This booklet provides an overview of existing knowledge of the genus, with emphasis on genetic resources. Chapters cover the following topics: taxonomy, botanical description, centres of diversity, properties and uses, genetic diversity and folk taxonomy, breeding, production areas, ecology, agronomy and technology, limitations, prospects, and research needs. Two appendices are supplied listing: (1) existing collections; and (2) research workers. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentus Moench

Following a general account of the crop, including importance and distribution, physiology, diseases, genetics and breeding, and the need for unconventional breeding methods, information is reviewed on in vitro methods, including the composition of culture media, establishment of callus culture, organogenesis, plant regeneration and transfer, culture of apical buds, protoplast culture, genetic stability in callus and plants, and biochemical studies using in vitro systems. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Yam bean, Pachyrhizus DC.

For P. erosus, P. ahipa and P. tuberosus, descriptions are given of the taxonomy, botany, morphology, ecology, reproductive biology, agronomy, N fixation, chemical composition, nutritive value, uses, origin of the cultivated species (with descriptions of the wild species P. ferrugineus and P. panamensis) and geographical distribution, genetic resources and breeding, and future prospects. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Black nightshades, Solanum nigrum L. and related species

The black nightshades (Solanum nigrum and related species in sect. Solanum) are worldwide weeds of arable land, gardens, rubbish tips, soils rich in nitrogen, in moderately light and warm situations which occur from sea to montane levels. They are, however, also widely used as leafy herbs and vegetables, as a source of fruit and for various medicinal purposes. Therefore, human consumption of their leaves and fruits as food is widespread, particularly in Africa and SE Asia. Unfortunately, there is widespread confusion over the precise identification of the taxa involved, especially in those areas in which the species are most commonly used as food sources. This monograph attempts to identify the species related to the black nightshade more accurately, by providing an identification key, descriptions of the taxa most widely reported to be of dietary and/or ethnobotanical use in various Asian, African and Indonesian countries, listing some of the many vernacular names used for the species, recording precise uses of the various species and presenting some information on their genetic resources. Two appendices are included listing (1) research contacts and centres of research, and (2) gene banks maintaining collections. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Coriander, Coriandrum sativum L.

A large part of this book describes the genetic resources and variation of coriander and there is also information on uses, composition and crop production. Chapters cover the following topics: taxonomy and names of the species; brief description of the crop; origin of the species and centres of diversity; composition and uses (including for essential oils and fatty oils, and as a medicine, spice and vegetable); genetic resources; diversity of the species; conservation techniques and methods used in ex situ collections; breeding; ecology and agronomy; diseases and insect pests; areas of production and consumption; prospects for research, conservation and development of coriander; and crop limitations and prospects. Particular attention is drawn to publications on the breeding and genetic resources of coriander that were published in the former Soviet Union and have gone unnoticed in western countries. There is an appendix giving addresses of individuals and institutes working with coriander. Much of the basic material used in compiling this book was provided by the germplasm collection of the Gatersleben Genebank in Germany. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Carob tree Ceratonia siliqua L.

The carob tree has been grown since antiquity in most countries of the Mediterranean region, and has spread in recent times to parts of the world with a Mediterranean climate such as California, Arizona, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and India. This monograph describes the genetic resources of carob and reviews various aspects of its taxonomy, botany, origin, ecology, properties, uses, diversity and breeding. In addition, a full account of the crop production areas, agronomy, limitations, market, prospects and research needs is presented. It is hoped that this work will contribute to the conservation of the diversity of the cultivated carob and its wild relatives. Three appendices are supplied giving: (1) a cultivar description; (2) a list of centres of research and gene banks; and (3) a basic descriptor list for carob. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Niger, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.

Indigenous in Ethiopia where it is grown in rotation with cereals and pulses, niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an important oilseed crop supplying 50% of Ethiopian oilseed production. It is also grown in India in marginal areas where it contributes a small but important part of oilseed production (3%). This monograph describes the genetic resources of niger and reviews various aspects of its taxonomy and nomenclature, botany, reproduction, evolution and domestication, uses, diversity and breeding. In addition, a full account of crop production areas, ecology, agronomy, pests and diseases, technology, limitations, prospects and research needs are considered. Three appendices are included presenting: (1) descriptors used to characterize and evaluate Ethiopian accessions; (2) current niger research efforts tabulating information under the headings: scientist, institute, country and research area; and (3) centres of crop research, breeding and genetic resources. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Cat's whiskers Cleome gynandra L.

Cat's whiskers (Cleome gynandra) grows as a weed in most tropical countries, but is a semi-cultivated, popular tropical leafy vegetable in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa especially in most countries in eastern and southern Africa. This book presents information on its genetic resources in a series of chapters on the following topics: taxonomy, botany, origin and centre of diversity, properties and uses, characterization, evaluation and conservation, breeding, production, ecology, agronomy, and limitations, prospects and research needs. An appendix details researchers and institutions working on indigenous leafy vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Grass pea, Lathyrus sativus L.

The grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) has over the past decade received increased interest as a plant that is adapted to arid conditions and contains high levels of protein. This monograph describes the genetic resources of grass pea and reviews various aspects of its taxonomy, botany, origin and centres of diversity, properties and uses, characterization, evaluation and conservation, breeding, production, ecology, agronomy, and limitations, prospects and research needs. The activities and remit of the proposed Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network are discussed. Three appendices detail (1) centres holding collections of grass pea, (2) research contacts and (3) acronyms and abbreviations. In addition to a list of references, a further reading list is supplied. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International