Grasses of the Brachiaria genus are now highly important forages in tropical America. The book discusses their taxonomy, application of molecular techniques for genetic improvement, exploitation of Brachiaria spp. for improving the productivity and sustainability of pasture-based livestock production in the lowland tropics, the biology and agronomy of Brachiaria, and the ecological risks involved in introducing exotic species to the American savannas. The need to compile widely scattered literature and outline future research priorities brought researchers to CIAT in 1994 for a workshop, coordinated by CIAT and EMBRAPA, and one of the few on forages that has been supported by the private sector. 288 p. 16.5 x 23.5 cm. Also available in Spanish. 

Keywords: Brachiaria; Biology; Agronomy; Plant anatomy; Germplasm; Pests of plants; Plant diseases; Plant physiology; Plant breeding; Biotechnology

ISBN:958-9439-57-8

[The Potential of the Cratylia Genus as Leguminous Forage] The Cratylia genus comprises drought-tolerant legumes that are rich in proteins. It can be exploited as food for humans and fodder for animals living in semiarid areas such as Northeast Brazil. This ecologically plastic genus (characterized by homeostasis during development) is also adapted to the Brazilian Cerrados and certain niches in the Amazon Basin. Brazil currently has programs to study this native germplasm to prevent its genetic erosion and to strategically increase the country's offer of products for its population's direct or indirect consumption. This would reduce the high use (already at 80%) of exotic species. A symposium was held in July 1995, in Brasilia, DF, under the sponsorship of EMBRAPA, CENARAGEN, and CIAT, and with the participation of other institutions. Its theme was the collaboration for research on aspects ranging from the genus's geographical distribution, through applying biotechnology for its improvement, and final uses. 

Keywords: Cratylia; Feed legumes; Evaluation; Agronomic characters; Nutritive value; Case studies; Tropical zones; Brazil; Colombia; Mexico; Central America

[Genotype-by-Environment Interaction in a Collection of the Legume Desmodium ovalifolium: Proceedings of the First Workshop, held 19 March 1996 at CIAT, Cali, Colombia] Desmodium ovalifolium as a forage legume and cover crop has great potential for tropical America. It is adapted to acid low-fertility soils, has a stoloniferous growth habit, and tolerates heavy grazing and shade. However, the forage has high tannin contents, making it indigestible and leading to poor animal performance. Consequently, it has been relatively neglected in recent research, and little is known about this species or of the factors that influence its acceptability and nutritional quality. A collaborative project, financed by Germany's GTZ, was initiated in 1995 to study the genotype-by-environment interaction in a selected collection of D. ovalifolium. The project held its first workshop on 19 March 1996 at CIAT to review the state of knowledge on D. ovalifolium in general, discuss activities conducted so far (to 1995), and plan future activities. The workshop also aimed to integrate the project's participants and different initiatives, report on preliminary results, and promote collaboration both within the project and with people as yet uninvolved. These proceedings bring together the 20 presentations given during the workshop. 

Keywords: Desmodium ovalifolium; Feed legumes; Genotype environment interaction; Genetic variation; Agronomic characters

ISBN:0

[Seeds of tropical forage species: Concepts, cases, and approach to research and production] These proceedings of the eighth meeting of the RIEPT Advisory Committee explain the evolution of seed supply as a series of events and efforts that begins as a research theme and finishes as a commercial activity. Between these two "areas of action" is one of transition. Three complementary phases were thus established to serve as a basis for the proceedings' structure: multiplication and use of seed by researchers, activities in the transition area, and seed production and marketing. 370 p. 15 x 22 cm.  

Keywords: Feed crops; Seed; Seed production; On-farm research; Technology transfer; Innovation adoption; Development projects; Small enterprises; Seed industry; Marketing; Research networks; Tropical zones

ISBN:958-9183-70-0

The attributes of Arachis species as forages, for soil improvement, and for improving A. hypogaea (the common peanut) are discussed in 17 chapters on taxonomy, germplasm resources, plant physiology, diseases and pests, nutritive value, and agronomic use. The book is notable for including much previously unpublished data. 228 p. 17 x 24 cm. Also available in Spanish. 

Keywords: Arachis; Taxonomy; Germplasm; Plant breeding; Plant physiology; Nutritive value; Disease control; Pest control; Farming systems; Nitrogen fixation; Animal production; Seed; Tropical zones

ISBN:958-9183-96-4

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