Sorghum Genetic Enhancement: Research Process, Dissemination and Impacts


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Bantilan M C S, Deb UK, Gowda CLL, Reddy BVS, Obilana AB and Evenson RE. (eds. ) 2004. Sorghum genetic enhancement: research process, dissemination and impacts. Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. 320 pp.
This volume covers 32 years of sorghum research across ICRISAT in partnership wi th NARS in Asia, Africa and Latin America and gives insights on the many facets of the research process, dissemination and impacts. The volume was completed through close collaboration among biological, natural and social scientists. The chapters document the f low of ICRISAT sorghum germplasm across regions and the genetic enhancement research process in partnership wi t h NARS. It elaborates on ICRISAT's contribution to NARS breeding programs through capacity building and the supply of useful germplasm, breeding materials, hybrid parents and cultivars. It assesses the impacts of ICRISAT-NARS partnerships in genetic enhancement research on sorghum. The contents include an introduction to the crop, trends in global sorghum production; conservation, utilization and distribution of sorghum germplasm; research-for-development targets; research processes and strategies in Asia, Africa and Latin America, its outputs and contributions to public and private sector institutions; applications of new tools, regional breeding and market-oriented needs of sorghum. Wi th the ultimate aim of increasing sorghum production worldwide, ICRISAT has readily made available its germplasm to NARS of developing and developed countries. Since NARS evaluation and selection of materials has led to the incorporation of ICRISAT germplasm into varieties released and grown in farmers' field, this book assessed the value of the germplasm to NARS and the seed sector. A systematic documentation and analysis of the use of ICRISAT germplasm is undertaken for understanding the role of its germplasm products in varietal development worldwide. Mechanisms to increase the efficiency of genetic enhancement research are explored through a better understanding of past activities and their impact on the development of new cultivars by ICRISAT and its partners. This facilitates exploitation of the wor ld germplasm base and helps identify means of achieving greater utility. Several chapters dealt wi th research partnerships and technology exchange, adoption of improved cultivars and lessons learned f rom adoption studies as wel l as critical factors influencing the uptake process. Important dimensions of the impacts of sorghum research are highlighted. Research benefits were measured in terms of increase in yields, reduction in per uni t cost of production, increase in stability in sorghum yield and improved food security. The nature, extent and determinants of sorghum research spillover effects across continents and agro-ecological zones were also examined and quantified. The concluding chapter presents future directions for partnership and a research strategy for sorghum research-for-development, suggesting new and innovative partnerships among all players (ICRISAT, NARS, public- and private-seed sectors and NGOs ) . This book serves as a valuable resource and wi l l be of significant interest to those working in plant breeding, crop science and agricultural economics.