Food Legume Nurseries: International Nursery Report 1986/87

Abstract

The main objective of the program is to provide a mechanism for the multi-location testing of the genetic material of chickpea, faba beans, and lentils originating from national and International programs. The testing aims at evaluating genotypic performance for both seed yield and reaction to biotypes of locally occurring pests and diseases. It is hoped that through such testing, firstly, it will prove possible to identify both superior genotypes which are adapted to specific environments and genotypes which have a wide adaptation. Secondly,that the performance data from a number of widely differing environments will help the breeder to reduce the number of seasons required for evaluation prior to cultivar release. In addition the program will permit the dissemination of elite germplasm and segregating populations to interested scientists, who can exercise their own selection to develop superior cultivars well adapted to their conditions.

Through the distribution of agronomic trials, it is hoped that agronomic research on these legumes will be encouraged and the information on optimum agronomic practices for different agro-ecological conditions would become available.

This report summarises the data received from various yield trials, screening nurseries, disease nurseries, and agronomy trials conducted by the cooperating scientists during the 1986/87 season.