Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Evolutionary breeding (EB) refers to a technique in which mass selec-
tion is used, favored by natural selection, concentrating largely on high-
yield genotypes [13]. Participatory plant breeding (PPB) refers to selection
methods which were developed in response to meet the needs of low-input
producers who were largely without suitable varieties for adverse condi-
tions, more recently this technique has also benefi ted organic producers
[13]. This method of selection, which occurs on-site, resulting in 'island
effects' with signifi cant, but specifi c, local adaptations that improve crop
stability, farm sustainability, and increase local marketing opportunities
[12,152].
Evolutionary participatory breeding (EPB) is a marriage of both tech-
niques aforementioned, driven by natural selection on genetically diverse
populations in order to utilize genetic variability, and consequently the
ability to adapt to unpredictable stresses, with active site-specifi c, on-farm
variety selection. Both participatory breeding programs mentioned em-
phasize communication between breeder and producers with the selection
of genotypes including the knowledge and expertise of local farmers. The
goal of these programs is to produce varieties that are well suited to the
environment and production practices, ultimately increasing the sustain-
ability and profi tability of low-input systems. Participatory breeding strat-
egies have been successful in developing improved varieties that are able
to adapt to the low-input production environment, and are more locally ac-
cepted than modern varieties. Trocuhe et al. [29] found that producers can
consistently select varieties that are best suited to the production environ-
ment, adding that inclusion of local producers to breeding programs will
greatly benefi t food production in limiting systems. Initial participatory
breeding programs have successfully led to the development of variet-
ies of a global signifi cance including barley [26], sorghum [29,34], maize
[158], and wheat [153]. Several new programs have also been initiated and
have begun to include locally valued crops such as common bean, cassava,
and potato [159].
It is fact that improving yields in low-input systems will likely not re-
sult in improvement in the availability or use of just one limiting resource,
but will require concomitant improvements of several production limita-
tions. This may require advanced breeding techniques, from genetics and
statistics stand points, to achieve superior genotypes and varieties that
