Crop Genetic Diversity in the Field and on the Farm: Principles and Applications in Research Practices

by Devra I. Jarvis, Toby Hodgkin, Anthony H. D. Brown

Overview

Based on twenty years of global research, this is the first comprehensive reference on crop genetic diversity as it is maintained on farmland around the world. Showcasing the findings of seven experts representing the fields of ecology, crop breeding, genetics, anthropology, economics, and policy, this invaluable resource places farmer-managed crop biodiversity squarely in the center of the science needed to feed the world and restore health to our productive landscapes. It will prove to be an essential tool in the training of agricultural and environmental scientists seeking the solutions necessary to ensure healthy, resilient ecosystems for future generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300220827
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	03/01/2016
Series:	Yale Agrarian Studies Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	416
File size:	11 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Devra Jarvis is principal scientist, Bioversity International, and adjunct faculty of Washington State University, Pullman. Toby Hodgkin is coordinator of the Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research and honorary research fellow, Bioversity International. Anthony H. D. Brown is honorary research fellow with CSIRO Plant Industry. John Tuxill is associate professor at Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Western Washington University. Isabel López Noriega is legal expert for Bioversity International. Melinda Smale is professor of international development, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University. Bhuwon Sthapit is senior scientist for In situ Conservation at Bioversity International.

Table of Contents

Foreword Cristián Samper ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction and Overview 1

Chapter 2 The Origins of Agriculture, Crop Domestication, and Centers of Diversity 13

Chapter 3 Plant Genetic Resources, Conservation, and Politics: A History of International and National Developments Supporting the Conservation and Use of Crop Diversity 35

Chapter 4 Diversity and Its Evolution in Crop Populations 64

Chapter 5 Measuring Diversity in Crops 91

Chapter 6 Abiotic and Biotic Components of Agricultural Ecosystems 126

Chapter 7 Diversity in, and Adaptation to, Adverse Environments On-Farm 154

Chapter 8 Who are the Managers of Diversity? Characterizing the Social, Cultural, and Economic Environments 191

Chapter 9 Measuring the Values of On-Farm Diversity 212

Chapter 10 Policy and Genetic Diversity On-Farm 232

Chapter 11 Farm, Community, and Landscape: Genetic Diversity and Selection Pressures at Different Social, Spatial, and Temporal Scales 255

Chapter 12 Strategies for Collaboration and Intervention 283

Chapter 13 Conclusions: Traditional Varieties and Agricultural Productivity 313

Appendix A Software Packages Useful for Analyzing Molecular Data 327

Appendix B Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Resources Available on the Internet 329

Appendix C A Selection of PPB Champions Through the Ages 330

Glossary 333

References 351

About the Authors 381

Index 383

Editorial Reviews

Sound and original scholarship. Retaining crop genetic diversity is important to the future of human civilization, and this book provides a good, modern general reference to the science of crop genetic diversity.”—Tim Murray, Washington State University

Tim Murray

The wisdom and hard work of millions of farmers since the advent of agriculture are finally acknowledged and explained in this landmark book, which is a must-read for every student or practicing agronomist, ecologist, environmentalist, and conservationist. The authors need to be congratulated for a detailed account of the value of and the need for conserving traditional varieties, which is the key element for transforming the present dead-end agriculture into a sustainable model based on diverse genetic crop makeup, complemented by diverse cropping systems.”—Hans R. Herren, Co Chair IAASTD

Hans R. Herren

The definitive text that puts crop genetic diversity and agrobiodiversity in the context of evolutionary biology and adaptation to rapid changes in the Anthropocene. . . . an essential tool in training young scientists to produce the information and solutions that will contribute to healthy and resilient ecosystems for future generations.”—From the Foreword by Cristián Samper

Cristián Samper

This skillfully written work makes the various fields of genetics, ecology, economics, anthropology, and public policy accessible to a wide audience.”—Choice

Choice

A comprehensive, wide-ranging, and authoritative text by a virtual ‘dream team’ of scholars on the subject of on-farm crop genetic diversity. A great resource for students and researchers around the globe who are concerned with the future of agriculture and food security.”—Christine Padoch, Center for International Forestry Research

Christine Padoch

The definitive text that puts crop genetic diversity and agrobiodiversity in the context of evolutionary biology and adaptation to rapid changes in the Anthropocene. . . . an essential tool in training young scientists to produce the information and solutions that will contribute to healthy and resilient ecosystems for future generations.”—From the Foreword by Cristián Samper

Cristián Samper