ICARDA Annual Report 2006

Citation:

ICARDA. 2007. ICARDA Annual Report 2006. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syria. vi+153 pp.

ISSN: 0254-8313

AGROVOC descriptors: Cicer arietinum; Lens culinaris; Vicia faba; Hordeum vulgare; Triticum aestivum; Triticum durum; Lathyrus sativus; Aegilops; Medicago sativa; Pisum sativum; Trifolium; Trigonella; Vicia narbonensis; safflower; feed legumes; clover; shrubs; fruit trees; goats; ruminants; sheep; livestock; agricultural development; dryland farming; farming systems; animal production; crop production; agronomic characters; biodiversity; biological control; disease control; pest control; pest resistance; drought resistance; genetic maps; genetic markers; genetic resistance; genetic resources; genetic variation; land races; germplasm conservation; plant collections; microsatellites; land use; pastures; grassland management; steppes; rangelands; reclamation; environmental degradation; irrigation; water harvesting; water management; harvesting; rural communities; rural development; social consciousness; training; human resources; development; malnutrition; nutritive quality; poverty; mechanical methods; remote sensing; research networks; research; resource conservation; resource management; seed production; stubble cleaning; Sunn pest; sustainability; temperature resistance; cold; vegetation; geographical information system; diffusion of information; agroclimatic zones; arid zones; semi-arid zones; international cooperation; Middle East; North Africa; West Asia; Central Asia and the Caucasus.

AGRIS category codes: A50, A01, E10, F01, F30, H10, H20, H60, L01, U30

All responsibility for the information in this publication remains with ICARDA. The use of trade names does not imply endorsement of, or discrimination against, any product by the Center. Maps have been used to support research data, and are not intended to show political boundaries. Contents

Foreword v

Highlights of the Year 1 ICARDA’s Research Portfolio 9 Key Features of ICARDA’s Research Stations 10

Mega-Project 1: Management of Scarce Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought in Dry Areas 11

Mega-Project 2: Integrated Gene Management: Conservation, Enhancement and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity in Dry Areas 29

Mega-Project 3: Improved Land Management to Combat Desertification 62

Mega-Project 4: Diversification and Sustainable Improvement of Crop and Livestock Production Systems in Dry Areas 67

Mega-Project 5: Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment in Dry Areas 76

Mega-Project 6: Knowledge Management and Dissemination for Sustainable Development in Dry Areas 89

International Cooperation North Africa Regional Program 97 Nile Valley and Red Sea Regional Program 99 West Asia Regional Program 101 Arabian Peninsula Regional Program 103 Highland Regional Network 105 Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional Program 111 Latin America Regional Program 113

Support Services Geographic Information Systems Unit 115 Computer and Biometrics Support Unit 115 Communication, Documentation and Information Services 117 Human Resources Development Unit 118

Annual Report 2006 iii Appendices Journal Articles 123 Graduate Theses Produced with ICARDA’s Joint Supervision 127 Agreements Signed in 2006 128 Restricted-Fund Projects 129 Collaboration with Advanced Research Institutes and Regional and International Organizations 135 Research Networks Coordinated by ICARDA 142 Financial Information 143 Board of Trustees 145 Senior Staff 147 Acronyms 150 ICARDA Addresses 152

iv Annual Report 2006 Foreword

ICARDA witnessed several important developments in researchers together: the number of farmers using micro- 2006. Of these, the Fifth External Program and catchment water harvesting systems to capture rainfall Management Review (EPMR) was the most significant, as in the steppe areas of Jordan has tripled; the terraced- it provided a comprehensive assessment of the Center's furrows system, which uses 30% less water, gained popu- global activities, as well as new insights and dimensions larity in the irrigated benchmark area in Egypt; and early that helped refine ICARDA's new Strategic Plan for 2007- sowing and supplemental irrigation attracted increased 2016. The EPMR coincided with a transition in the gover- farmer attention in the rainfed benchmark area in nance and leadership of ICARDA. Against the backdrop Morocco. of the EPMR recommendations, the staff, management and Board of Trustees took a fresh look at the Center's In order to leverage its international presence and achievements and lessons learned since it was estab- encourage wider dissemination of the International lished. Areas in need of strategic realignment were iden- Public Goods produced through its research, ICARDA tified to reposition ICARDA to meet the emerging chal- scaled up its participation in various international con- lenges driven by climate variability and change, popula- ventions, particularly the United Nations Convention to tion growth, globalization, and other factors in dry areas. Combat Desertification (UNCCD). ICARDA, together with ICRISAT, continued to lead the Oasis Consortium to com- The EPMR report highlighted the very positive feedback bat desertification, working with nine other CGIAR from ICARDA's stakeholders, commended the quality Centers and a number of national governments, and relevance of the Center's research, the sound finan- research centers and other partners. Among several ini- cial management, the strength of regional programs, the tiatives of the Center to contribute to the "International Center's strong relationships with NARS partners; and Year of Deserts," the most significant was an international acknowledged that ICARDA activities have had signifi- conference, which ICARDA co-sponsored with the cant impact on improving agricultural productivity and International Drylands Development Commission, livelihoods in the dry areas. Implementation of the EPMR Chinese Academy of Sciences, United Nations University, recommendations started in 2006. Tokyo, and other partners. The conference was held in Beijing, China, in February 2006. During the year, ICARDA continued to make rapid strides in its research and training activities. The Center ranked The Center continued to contribute to the rebuilding of "Superior" in the CGIAR Annual Performance agricultural research and human resources expertise in Measurement for 2006, based on a set of performance countries affected by war and conflict in the region, par- indicators, and was highest among the 15 sister centers ticularly Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian Authority. for its commitment to documenting impacts and build- Donor support for these efforts continued to be strong, ing an impact assessment culture of its research. enabling the Center and its partners to scale up their Eighteen improved varieties of wheat, barley, chickpea, efforts, with great success in strengthening agricultural lentil, grass pea and faba bean, developed jointly by research capacity to support national economic devel- NARS-ICARDA teams from ICARDA-generated opment. germplasm material, were released in 11 countries. Adoption of the varieties released earlier, and of ICARDA is indebted to Dr Margaret Catley-Carlson and improved technologies for water, land and livestock Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, who held the office of the Board management, continued to increase and was docu- Chair and Director General, respectively, until 7 May mented through socioeconomic and impact studies. 2006, for their vision and able governance and leader- New, strategic partnerships were forged to increase ship of the Center. Their contributions to the growth and ICARDA's efforts on crop diversification, particularly high- development of ICARDA are gratefully acknowledged. value crops and value-added crop and livestock products. In this context, studies on characterization of The achievements reported in this Annual Report would indigenous small-ruminant breeds were published to help not have been possible without the generous support of national researchers exploit the genetic potential of dif- a large number of donors to the Center (listed in ferent breeds available in the region. Appendix 7). ICARDA is grateful to all of them. The Center looks forward to continue working with a sharper Work at the water benchmark sites, aimed at improving focus on alleviating poverty and protecting the natural water-use efficiency, made substantial progress in bring- resource base, using modern tools of science, in collabo- ing local communities, policy makers and national ration with its partners in dry areas globally.

Guido Gryseels Mahmoud Solh Chair, Board of Trustees Director General Highlights of the Year

Change of Guard

The year 2006 marked a transition in the governance and leadership of ICARDA. The transition took place on the Center’s Presentation Day, held on 7 May and attended by several min- isters, ambassadors and other senior diplomats, donor representatives, leaders of national agricultural research systems, former ICARDA Board Chairs and Members, former ICARDA Directors General, and media representatives. Dr Margaret Catley-Carlson formally handed over the office of Board Chair to Dr Guido Gryseels. “Guido has a wealth of knowledge of the CGIAR System – his wide leadership experience in non-profit research and development sectors makes him an ideal candidate to serve in this position,” she said. Dr Margaret Catley-Carlson handed over the office of Board Chair to Dr Guido Gryseels (right). Dr Catley- Carlson served on the ICARDA Board from April 2001 to May 2006. Dr Gryseels joined the Board in 2003. He is the Director General of the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium.

Dr Gryseels joined ICARDA’s Board of Trustees in 2003. Until he took over as Board Chair, he In his farewell address, Prof. Dr Adel Dr Mahmoud Solh, incoming had been serving as a member El-Beltagy, outgoing Director Director General, highlighted the of the Executive, Nomination General, spoke of ICARDA’s areas that would receive priority. and Program Committees of the achievements in the past decade, Board. and his optimism for the future.

The distinguished audience at ICARDA’s Presentation Day, held on 7 May 2006.

Annual Report 2006 1 Highlights of the Year

Thanking the Board of Carlson said, “Of all the extraor- tural research and development Trustees and management of dinary things I will remember in the dry areas since 1972 when ICARDA for their trust in him, Dr when I think about your contri- he joined the Arid Land Gryseels said he was committed bution, I think I will most remem- Agricultural Development to ICARDA’s mission of alleviat- ber your skill in putting together (ALAD) Program in the Near ing poverty and hunger in dry a global network of people and East, the predecessor of areas of the developing world, institutions that really care about ICARDA.” and that he looked forward to changing the outlook for those Dr Solh returns to ICARDA further contributing to this mis- in dry areas. With your special after serving as Director of the sion by working with ICARDA magic, you turned that into a Plant Production and Protection and its partners. network of friends who laughed Division at the Food and On behalf of the manage- together, studied together, Agriculture Organization of the ment and staff of ICARDA, Prof. talked together and worked United Nations (FAO) for four Dr Adel El-Beltagy (outgoing together. Thank you Adel for years. Prior to that he had Director General) paid tribute to your immense contribution to served ICARDA with distinction Dr Catley-Carlson for her leader- ICARDA, for the quality of caring for nearly 16 years in various ship of the Board of Trustees. you brought to the Center’s capacities – as Lentil Breeder, “Maggie is a wonderful diplo- beautiful headquarters at Tel Regional Food Legume Breeder mat, has enormous capacity to Hadya, and for your passionate in North Africa, Regional absorb knowledge and transmit conviction that life can be bet- Coordinator of the Nile Valley it, and has held several positions ter for those in the world’s dry- and Red Sea Regional Program, of responsibility including her land areas.” and Assistant Director General current position as Chair, Global Responding to the tributes for International Cooperation. Water Partnership,” he said. He paid to him, Prof. Dr El-Beltagy Responding to Dr Catley- thanked her for taking excellent said, “I am overwhelmed by Carlson and addressing the care of the Center and its staff, your generosity. I have done Presentation Day guests, Dr Solh and for her active role in fund nothing more than what I should said, “I would like to thank the raising. have done, and indeed I should ICARDA Board of Trustees for Dr Mohamed Zehni, Vice- have done more.” He thanked their highly-valued confidence Chair of the Board, said, everyone for their support to him placed in me to fill this position. I “Maggie is endowed with great and to ICARDA. He thanked the would also like to express my experience, knowledge, and past and present Board Chairs appreciation to H.E. Dr Adel wisdom. Her human qualities of and Members and the former Safar, Minister of Agriculture and friendship and her love for the DGs for leading ICARDA to Agrarian Reform, Syria, for his region and its people are all become a dynamic and for- encouragement and continued unparalleled.” ward-looking Center. He con- support to ICARDA and to me Dr Catley-Carlson thanked cluded by urging everyone pres- personally. Through him, I would everyone for their support to her. ent to contribute to peace and like to convey my special thanks She thanked all those who have stability in the world. to H.E. Dr Bashar Al-Assad, been supporting ICARDA, noting Dr Catley-Carlson then intro- President of Syria, and his gov- that more than 10% of ICARDA’s duced Dr Mahmoud Solh as the ernment, for their unwavering revenue now comes from new Director General. support to ICARDA since its donors within the region. Welcoming Dr Solh, Dr Catley- establishment in 1977. I sincerely The Presentation Day also Carlson said: “Dr Solh is no hope to be up to the expecta- marked a transition of the stranger to ICARDA and there- tions of all stakeholders in meet- Director General from Prof. Dr fore I hardly need to introduce ing the challenges facing Adel El-Beltagy to Dr Mahmoud him to you. Being a Lebanese, ICARDA to contribute effectively Solh. Paying tribute to Prof. Dr El- he is a son of the soil, knowing to agricultural research and pro- Beltagy, who was retiring after the ICARDA region and its chal- vide quality science and tech- having served the Center for lenges well. He has been associ- nology necessary for the devel- more than 11 years, Dr Catley- ated with international agricul- opment of dry areas globally.

2 Annual Report 2006 Highlights of the Year

“The success of ICARDA in Robert Havener ICARDA Rated achieving its noble mission of alleviating poverty and hunger Memorial Lecture ‘Superior’ in CGIAR depends on the support of all stakeholders. The challenges of Series Launched Evaluation agriculture in the harsh environments of dry areas are diverse, At a dinner reception for the ICARDA was rated ‘Superior’, fol- and these can only be Presentation Day guests on 6 lowing a CGIAR evaluation of addressed effectively through May, ICARDA launched the the 2006 performance of all 15 strategic partnerships.” “Robert Havener Memorial CGIAR Centers. The rating was Lecture” series. Dr Ismail based on the results of the per- Serageldin, Director, Bibliotheca formance measurement system Farewell to Departing Alexandrina, Egypt, and former developed by the CGIAR and Chair of the CGIAR, delivered the World Bank, which consid- Board Members the first lecture entitled “From ered several indicators: research Glorious Past to Brilliant Future: outputs, impact, quality and rel- At a dinner reception hosted in Ten Commandments for Global evance of research, institutional honor of the Presentation Day Agriculture.” The lecture was and financial health, and stake- guests on 6 May, Dr Catley- much appreciated by the audi- holder perceptions of each Carlson and Prof. El-Beltagy paid ence. Center’s contributions. Also, tribute to the following Board ICARDA was ranked highest Members, who were completing among all CGIAR Centers for its their tenure, for their significant commitment to documenting contributions to the growth and impacts and building an impact development of ICARDA: Dr assessment culture of research. Gareyth Wyn Jones (U.K.), outgoing Chair, Program Committee and Member, Fifth External Program Executive Committee; Dr Seyfu Ketema (Ethiopia), outgoing and Management Vice-Chair, Program Committee Review of ICARDA and Member, Nomination Committee; Dr Abbas Keshavarz The Fifth External Program and (Iran), outgoing Chair, Management Review (EPMR) of Nomination Committee and ICARDA took place in two phas- Member, Executive and Dr Ismail Serageldin delivering the es: 22-28 April and 10-24 June Program Committees; and Dr first Robert Havener Memorial 2006. Between the two phases, Mohamed Bassam Al-Sibai Lecture. the Panel members visited the (Syria), outgoing Member, Audit, Center’s collaborative research Program and Executive activities with national partners Committees. Dr Catley-Carlson in several countries in the and Prof. El-Beltagy welcomed Dr Robert (Bob) D. Havener, Central and West Asia and North two new members to the Board: former Board Chair of ICARDA, Africa (CWANA) region. Dr Henri Carsalade (France), passed away on 3 August 2005. Member, Program Committee; He also provided leadership and Chaired by Prof. Dr Elias Fereres, and Prof. (Ms) Aigul Abugalieva guidance to other CGIAR cen- Professor of Agronomy at the (Kazakhstan), in absentia, ters and international organiza- University of Cordoba, and Member, Program Committee. tions in various capacities with great distinction. Researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, Scientific Research Council of Spain (IAS-

Annual Report 2006 3 Highlights of the Year

analyst. There were also two resource persons from the Science Council: Dr Peter Gardiner, Senior Officer; and Ms Jenny Nasr, Agricultural Research Officer. Dr Fereres presented a preliminary report and recommendations of the Panel to ICARDA management and senior staff on 22 June 2006.

Dr Elias Fereres (center), EPMR Panel Chair, presented the Panel recommendations to the management and staff of ICARDA on 22 June. With him Eighth International are Dr Guido Gryseels (left), Board Chair, and Dr Mahmoud Solh, Director Conference on General of ICARDA. Dryland Development CSIC), the Panel consisted of the Industry, Canberra; and Dr Juliet following members: Prof. Dr McKee, an economist based in The International Dryland Stephen Baezinger, University of Wellington, New Zealand. The Development Commission Nebraska, Lincoln; Prof. Dr Panel was assisted by two con- (IDDC) held its 8th International Ahmed Goueli, Secretary sultants: Dr Camilla Toulmin, Conference on Dryland General of the Council of the Director, Drylands Program, Development (ICDD) under the Arab Economic Unity and International Institute for theme “Human and Nature – Professor of Agricultural Environment & Development Working Together for Sustainable Economics, Cairo University; Dr (IIED), London; and Mr Frederick Development in the Drylands” in John Passioura, Division of Plant Kalema-Musoke, a financial Beijing, China, 25-28 February 2006. The conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and cospon- sored by the United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo, Japan; Arid Land Research Center (ALRC), Tottori, Japan; Dryland Research Institute (DRI), Nevada, USA; and Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (CAREERI), Lanzhou, China. The AAAID, CAS, CGIAR, COMSTECH, FAO and ICARDA supported the Commission in organizing the conference. Some 200 dele- The EPMR Panel with ICARDA senior management and scientists. Front row gates from 26 countries and five (left to right): Mr Frederick Kalema-Musoke, Consultant to EPMR Panel; Prof. international organizations par- Dr Stephen Baezinger, Panel member; Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, ICARDA ticipated in the conference. Director General; Dr Juliet McKee, Panel member; Prof. Dr Elias Fereres, Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, Panel Chair; Ms Jenny Nasr, from the Science Council Secretariat. Back President of the IDDC and row: Dr John Passioura (far right), Panel member; and Dr Peter Gardiner Director General of ICARDA, (third right), from the Science Council Secretariat. chaired the inaugural session.

4 Annual Report 2006 Highlights of the Year

Academician Prof. Dr Li Jiayang, Vice President of CAS, was the chief guest. The 8th ICDD was the first major event heralding the beginning of the UN Year of Deserts, said Prof. El-Beltagy. He thanked the Chinese Academy of Sciences for hosting the con- Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy (fourth from left), President of the IDDC and Director ference in Beijing. On behalf of General of ICARDA, chaired the inaugural session. Academician Prof. Dr Li the cosponsors, statements were Jiayang (fifth from left), Vice President of CAS, was the chief guest. Seated made by Prof. Dr Iwao Kobori from left to right: Prof. Wang Tao, CAS; Prof. Stephen Wells, DRI, USA; Dr from UNU, representing Prof. Dr Noureddin Mona, FAO; Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy; Prof. Dr Li Jiayang; Prof. Dr Hans van Ginkel, Rector, UNU; Dr Iwao Kobori, UNU; Dr Mohan Saxena, Executive Secretary, IDDC; and Prof. Noureddin Mona, FAO’s Dr Shinobou Inanaga, JIRCAS, Japan. Resident Representative for China, Korea and Mongolia; Prof. Dr Stephen Wells, Director CWANA-Plus – a New South- ICARDA-CIMMYT of DRI; and Prof. Dr Wang Tao, South Partnership Director of CAREERI. A statement Partnership: The on behalf of the Chairman of During the conference, at a spe- Global Rust Initiative the CGIAR, Dr Ian Johnson, Vice- cial plenary session, ICARDA and President of the World Bank, UNU announced the launching of a new south-south partnership The Global Rust Initiative (GRI) expressing his strong support for held its first workshop on 9-11 the conference and wishing the “CWANA-Plus.” The objectives of this joint initiative include sharing October at the Bibliotheca participants success, was read Alexandrina in Alexandria, by Dr Mohan Saxena, Executive expertise and facilities, training developing-country scientists, Egypt. The GRI is an international Secretary of the IDDC. R&D consortium led by ICARDA Academician Prof. Dr Li providing opportunities for a Masters’ degree program in inte- and CIMMYT, in partnership with Jiayang, in his inaugural address, the NARS of over 30 countries. It congratulated the IDDC for grated land management, and promoting best practices across was launched in September holding its 8th ICDD at the 2005, following the disastrous beginning of the UN Year of the vast CWANA region and neighboring dry areas in Western outbreak of a new strain of Deserts. He underpinned the wheat stem rust, Ug99, first iden- importance of the development China, South Asia, and sub- Saharan Africa. tified in Uganda in 1999. GRI is of dry areas for global food currently supported by USAID, security and for sustaining the CWANA-Plus will use the long experience and existing net- Canada and India. livelihood of people in the Wheat stem rust, caused by developing world. works of UNU and ICARDA to link centers of excellence in the fungus Puccinia graminis, The conference included caused huge losses and even three plenary sessions involving research and capacity building, identify gaps in research and famines in the first half of the 12 presentations; and seven 20th century. In 1950 it destroyed concurrent sessions, where 115 technology transfer, and select appropriate partners to reach nearly 70% of wheat plantations oral presentations were made in North America. The latest out- on 10 different themes. In addi- out to the poor who stand in need of support to fight desertifi- break caused heavy losses in tion, there were three poster ses- East Africa; small-scale farmers in sions in which 35 posters were cation and protect their livelihoods. Kenya lost half their crop. presented. Scientists fear the disease could spread to the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, because the pathogen spores can be trans-

Annual Report 2006 5 Highlights of the Year

resources with resistance to stem rust, develop new resistant varieties, identify suitable fungicides and methods for their optimal use, multiply seed of resistant varieties, and develop NARS capacity in rust research.

Dr Abdelsalam Gomaa (second left), representing the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Egypt, inaugurated the GRI meeting. Dr Director General of Mahmoud Solh (left), Director General of ICARDA; Dr Masa Iwanaga (second right), Director General of CIMMYT; and Dr Scott Christiansen, USAID OPEC Fund Visits representative, made opening statements. ICARDA

ported over long distances by ARS, Agriculture and Agri-Foods H.E. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, wind. Canada, the Indian Council of Director General of the OPEC Dr Abdelsalam Gomaa, rep- Agricultural Research, the Kenya Fund for International resenting the Minister of Agricultural Research Institute Development (OFID), visited Agriculture and Land and the Ethiopian Agricultural ICARDA on 22–23 June. He was Reclamation, Egypt, inaugurat- Research Organization are accompanied by Mrs Ikhlass ed the meeting. In their opening already actively involved in the Najib, Head of the Grants Unit, statements, Dr Mahmoud Solh, GRI. CIDA, FAO, USAID and the OFID. The objective of the visit ICARDA Director General and Dr World Bank are now fully aware was to obtain first-hand informa- Masa Iwanaga, CIMMYT Director of the potential threat from tion on ICARDA’s programs and General, emphasized the impor- Ug99. Strong links with all the facilities, and discuss the tance of partnerships in control- NARS in the CWANA region Center’s ongoing and future col- ling wheat stem rust. “The risk of already exist. laboration with OFID. a stem rust epidemic in wheat in The workshop was attended Dr Mahmoud Solh, Director Africa, Asia and the Americas is by 56 participants from 21 coun- General, briefed the visitors on real, and must be averted tries. the Center’s activities. After the before untold damage and Participants agreed to carry briefing, H.E. Al-Herbish human suffering is caused,” said out field surveys in all threatened addressed ICARDA’s senior man- Dr Solh. ICARDA, CIMMYT, USDA- countries, identify genetic agement and scientific staff. OFID was the first donor to come forward with a US$4 million support to ICARDA in 1980 for the construction of its new headquarters buildings. This funding helped ICARDA construct its Lab 1 and Lab 2, which have been serving not only ICARDA scientists but also a large number of trainees and graduate students. OFID has also supported ICARDA’s research programs in cereal improvement, participatory barley breeding, natural resource management, wind erosion, commu- Participants of the First Workshop of the Global Rust Initiative, held in nity-based seed production in Alexandria, Egypt, 9-11 October.

6 Annual Report 2006 Highlights of the Year

Sciences for the Developing Gulistan State University, Countries. Uzbekistan.

Dr Raj Paroda, Regional Dr Mustapha El Bouhssini, Coordinator, ICARDA-CAC and Entomologist, was appointed as Head, PFU-CGIAR, received a an Adjunct Faculty Member in gold medal and a certificate the Department of Entomology from the Government of at Kansas State University, USA. Armenia in recognition of “the outstanding contribution of the Dr Jan Valkoun, Head of Genetic CGIAR Consortium in CAC Resources Unit, received an towards the development of sus- award from CIMMYT for his con- H.E. Suleiman Al-Herbish and Dr tainable agriculture in Armenia.” tributions to world wheat conser- Mahmoud Solh at the entrance of vation and utilization. Lab 1. The plaque in the back- Dr John Ryan, Consultant Soil ground is inscribed with ICARDA's Fertility Scientist, won the 2006 Dr Ahmed Amri, Regional acknowledgment of OFID’s International Fertilizer Association Coordinator, West Asia Regional support to construct Lab 1 and Award. He was also re-elected Program; Dr Theib Oweis, Lab 2 buildings. as Chairman of Commission 3.3 Director, Management of (Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition) Scarce Water Resources and of the International Union of Soil Mitigation of Drought; and Dr Afghanistan, livestock improve- Sciences. Salvatore Ceccarelli, Barley ment (jointly with ILRI), the Breeder, received awards from Arabian Peninsula Regional the Government of Jordan Program (jointly with IFAD and Dr R.S. Malhotra, Senior for their contributions to strength- the Arab Fund), and sustainable Chickpea Breeder, received an ening partnership between management of scarce water honorary doctorate degree in Jordan and ICARDA. resources in WANA. agricultural science from the H.E. Al-Herbish then present- Tajik Academy of Agricultural Dr Khaled Makkouk, Regional ed an overview of OFID’s pro- Sciences, Tajikistan; and an hon- Coordinator, Nile Valley and Red grams and objectives. OFID has orary professorship from the Sea Regional Program, was provided grants and aid for a variety of projects and activities in developing countries, including assistance to member countries following natural disasters. The Fund contributes actively to HIV/AIDS interventions, in collaboration with UNESCO, WHO, and other organizations. He assured that the Fund would continue to support ICARDA’s programs in the future.

Honors and Awards

Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, ICARDA Director General (until 7 May) H.E. Suleiman Al-Herbish (third right, front row), Director General of OFID; was elected Chair of the Global Mrs Ikhlass Najib (second right, front row), Director of the Grants Unit, OFID; Forum on Agricultural Research, and Ms Rana Naimeh (third left) of OFID, with ICARDA Director General Dr and a Fellow of the Academy of Mahmoud Solh (center, front row) and other senior staff of the Center.

Annual Report 2006 7 Highlights of the Year

elected President of the national agricultural research Authority, Yemen, won the best Mediterranean Phytopatho- systems (NARS) as well as spe- poster award at the Second logical Union for a 3-year term. cialists worldwide, received the Triennial Conference of the award. Global Forum on Agricultural ICARDA’s collaborative research Research. on integrated management of A poster on “Protected Sunn pest in West and Central Agriculture in Yemen: More Dr Mohammed El Mourid, Asia won the CGIAR Award for Income for Farmers from Less Regional Coordinator of Innovative Partnership. Dr Water” by Dr Ahmed Moustafa, ICARDA’s North Africa Regional Mustapha El-Bouhssini, ICARDA Regional Coordinator, Arabian Program, was honored by the entomologist, and Drs Bruce Peninsula Regional Program; Ministry of Scientific Research, Parker and Margaret Skinner, and Abdul Wahed Mukred, Technology and Capacity from the University of Vermont, Amin Al-Kirshi, Mohammad Al- Building of Tunisia for his contri- who have been leading the Sadi and Mohammad Al- bution to science and technolo- partnership for over a decade in Dhubani of the Agricultural gy in Tunisia. collaboration with scientists from Research and Extension

Varieties Released in 2006

Variety Country of release Features

Barley Moronera INIA Peru Resistant to rust; adapted to high elevation, shallow soils; grain quality for processing INIA 411 San Cristobal Peru Resistant to yellow rust, moderately resistant to leaf rust

Faba bean Wadi-1 Egypt Early maturity, high yield, adapted to intensive cropping Gebelcho Ethiopia Large seeded Moti Ethiopia Large seeded

Lentil Cagil Turkey Wilt-resistant red lentil, suitable for mechanized harvesting Altin toprak Turkey Wilt-resistant red lentil, suitable for mechanized harvesting VL Masoor 507 India Bold seeded, good wilt resistance Masoor 2006 Pakistan High yield red lentil, resistant to rust and wilt complex BARI Masur-5 Bangladesh Combined resistance to rust and Stemphylium blight, suitable for mix- and intercropping BARI Masur-6 Bangladesh Combined resistance to rust and Stemphylium blight, suitable for mix- and intercropping

Winter and facultative wheat* Armcim Armenia High yield, resistance to yellow rust Gobustan Azerbaijan High yield, resistance to yellow rust

Chickpea Ejere Ethiopia Wilt-resistant, bold-seeded kabuli Teji Ethiopia Wilt-resistant, bold-seeded kabuli

Grass pea (Lathyrus) Ali Bar Kazakhstan High yield, low neurotoxin in seed Gürböz Turkey High yield, low neurotoxin in seed Hassyly Turkmenistan High yield, low neurotoxin in seed

*in collaboration with CIMMYT

8 Annual Report 2006 ICARDA’s Research Portfolio

On 1 January 2005, ICARDA imple- At the same time, a separate Geographic Information mented a realigned research portfolio Systems Unit (GISU) was established. GISU superseded the for- which consolidated its 19 research mer project on “Agroecological Characterization for projects into six Mega-Projects (MPs). Agricultural Research, Crop Management and Development The new portfolio was designed to be Planning.” The specific mandate of GISU is to address a coherent poverty-focused program ICARDA’s growing needs for spatial database development to address the key problems of the dry and analysis, and to deliver mapping products, resource areas, optimize synergy in research, databases, methodologies of spatial analysis and agroeco- and bring to bear on the Center’s col- logical characterization, training, and web portals for knowl- lective knowledge, expertise and edge dissemination. In carrying out these activities, GISU is resources in the most effective and closely linked with MP-1 and MP-3. efficient way. The MPs are well aligned with the System Priorities for CGIAR Research 2005-2015, and seek to contribute to the UN Millennium Development Goals related to agriculture.

With a multitude of cross-linkages and interactions, the six Mega-Projects are:

Mega-Project 1: Management of scarce water resources and mitigation of drought in dry areas Mega-Project 2: Integrated gene management: conservation, enhancement and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity in dry areas The global eco-geographic mandate of ICARDA Mega-Project 3: Improved land management to combat desertification The eco-geographic mandate of ICARDA covers the dry Mega-Project 4: Diversification and areas in developing countries globally. The dry areas are sustainable improvement of crop characterized by low, unpredictable rainfall, drought, deserti- and livestock production systems in fication, and acute water scarcity. Environmental resource dry areas degradation and human poverty are severe. As a result, rural Mega-Project 5: Poverty and liveli- to urban, as well as international migration is widespread, hood analysis and impact assess- threatening social, political and economic stability. ment in dry areas Mega-Project 6: Knowledge manage- The Millennium Ecosystem Assesment Report, published last ment and dissemination for sustain- year, reveals that, globally, desertification threatens over 41% able development in dry areas of the earth’s terrestrial surface. But it is in these dryland areas that about 2.1 billion people live, about one-third of the glob- The portfolio also includes an al population. Of these dry areas, the Central and West Asia ecoregional program entitled and North Africa (CWANA) region, which includes 35 coun- “Collaborative Research Program for tries, accounts for the major proportion, about 1.7 billion Sustainable Agricultural Development hectares of land. ICARDA’s work therefore focuses on the in Central Asia and the Caucasus,” for CWANA region and uses it as the platform to reach other which ICARDA is the convening parts of the world to address the problems of dry area Center. agriculture.

Annual Report 2006 9 ICARDA’s Research Portfolio

MP-1 incorporates research ping systems research in MP-4. ration with MP-3. There is exten- on drought preparedness and MP-2 links with MP-5 in research sive interaction with MP-5, which mitigation through the optimal targeting and adoption/ impact provides socio-economic input. management of water resources assessment. MP-5 is integrated with all and use of adapted crops and MP-3 has close links with the Mega-Projects and eco-regional crop varieties (linking with MP-2 Center’s GIS Unit in the assess- programs and contributes to the and GISU) and appropriate ment of land degradation. With implementation of socio-eco- cropping patterns (linking with respect to rangelands, MP-3 nomic and policy research, and MP-4). Greater emphasis is given focuses on land and vegetation in adoption and impact studies. to the dissemination of improved management while MP-4 adds MP-6 is linked with all Mega- options through integrated and the essential dimension of the Projects in promoting technolog- multidisciplinary research (linking management of small ruminants ical, institutional, and policy with MP-6) and the use of partic- that graze the rangelands and options for sustainable develop- ipatory research approaches at the development of diversifica- ment. the community level at selected tion options in degraded areas. The new portfolio ensures benchmark sites (linking with MP- Policy and institutional issues, key continuity of previous research 3 on land management). to combating land degradation, activities while accommodating Research on policies and institu- are addressed in collaboration new approaches and new tions in the project links closely with MP-5. research avenues. These with MP-5. MP-4 conducts water-use include: improved income gen- MP-2 links with MP-1 on efficiency work in agronomy eration from high-value crops water management and and protected agriculture in col- and by adding value to staple drought through genetic laboration with MP-1. Forage crop and livestock products; research on drought tolerance. legumes and cereal and pulse rehabilitating agricultural Research on genetic enhance- straws from MP-2 breeding/ research in conflict or post-con- ment of feed legumes con- selection programs are evaluat- flict situations; and closer align- tributes to the integrated ed for nutritive value in the small ment of agricultural research crop/livestock production sys- ruminant program. Improving with mainstream development tems research in MP-4. Activities rangeland productivity through programs through research for on Integrated Pest Management use of supplements such as feed development applications. within MP-2 also link with crop- blocks is carried out in collabo-

Key Features of ICARDA’s Research Stations ICARDA operates two experimental station sites in ICARDA and the Lebanese Agricultural Research Syria, including the main research station at Tel Institute (LARI) now share the use of the sites in Hadya, near Aleppo, and two sites in Lebanon. Lebanon. ICARDA uses these sites for commodity These sites represent a variety of agroclimatic con- research trials in winter, and for off-season ditions, typical of those found in the CWANA advance of breeding material and for rust screen- region. ing in cereals in summer.

ICARDA Sites in Syria and Lebanon

Sites Latitude Longitude Approx. Area Total precipitation (mm) elevation (m) (ha) 2005/06 season Long-term average Syria Tel Hadya 36.01° N 36.56° E 284 948 290.3 347.7 (28 seasons) Breda 35.56° N 37.10° E 300 95 236.9 272.7 (26 seasons) Lebanon Terbol 33.49° N 35.59° E 890 23 488.6 537.4 (26 seasons) Kfardane 34.01° N 36.03° E 1080 11 437.9 459.2 (12 seasons)

10 Annual Report 2006 Mega-Project 1 Management of Scarce Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought in Dry Areas

Introduction other Mega-Projects of ICARDA, Mega-Project 1 integrates research on drought preparedness and By definition, dry areas are water scarce. Rainfall is mitigation through the optimal management of highly variable and unpredictable, both spatially water resources and use of adapted crops and and temporally, increasing the risks and uncertain- crop varieties and appropriate cropping patterns. ties for farming communities. The Management of The research and capacity building in national pro- Scarce Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought grams on developing drought mitigation packages in Dry Areas Mega-Project (Mega-Project 1) focuses is conducted within a network with FAO, CIHEAM on strategic research on sustainably increasing and NARS. The drought network benefits from the water productivity, and has expanded its scope intergovernmental system of the FAO and the from the farm to the watershed and basin levels. strong Mediterranean partners of CIHEAM. Partnerships within the CGIAR’s Challenge Program on Water and Food and with IWMI have been Improved options for end-users are developed and established to achieve a complementary disseminated using integrated and multidisciplinary approach whereby ICARDA focuses on assessing research, and participatory approaches at the and improving on-farm water productivity and IWMI community level at selected benchmark sites. focuses on out-scaling to the basin level. Research on policy and institutions is implemented in collaboration with Mega-Project 5 across all Mega-Project 1 is placing increased emphasis on benchmark projects and activities with a view to the assessment of scarce water resources, including model the biophysical and socioeconomic compo- both fresh and marginal-quality water, and their nents of the system and develop improved policy sustainable allocation for various uses. By linking to and institutional options.

Growing more food with less water in Iran's Karkheh River Basin

ICARDA is helping to coordinate a limited water resources. Although the new Karkheh Dam will four-year project to improve water boost water supplies, the need to increase water productivi- use in the Karkheh River Basin, Iran. This is part of the CGIAR’s Challenge Program on Water and Food. The Karkheh Basin (Fig.1.1) is one of nine basins worldwide where the Challenge Program is working to sustainably improve the incomes and livelihoods of resource-poor communities by improving water management.

The Karkheh River Basin was chosen for two reasons. First, it is one of the most important agricultural areas in Iran. But annual rainfall is only 150 mm in the south and 750 mm in the north. A growing population and ris- ing per capita water consumption place huge demands on the basin's Fig. 1.1. The Karkheh River Basin in Iran.

Annual Report 2006 11 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

ters. The basin is mostly semi-arid but more arid in the south. This means that rainfed crops can only be grown in the upper northern part of the basin. Two- thirds of the population of around 4 million are rural and the per capita income from agriculture is US$230 per year, The project addresses problems such as waterlogging (left) and severe well below the poverty line. build-up of salt (right) in irrigated fields in the Karkheh Basin, Iran. Surface water provides nearly two-thirds of the water used for ty is so urgent that Iran has iden- Researchers, together with farm- irrigation. About 87% of the tified improving water productiv- ers, community leaders, local groundwater extracted is also ity (yield per unit of water used) institutions, extension staff, and used for agriculture. The current as a top priority in its agricultural policy makers, take a problem- plan is for the irrigated area strategy. solving approach. Because below the dam to expand more everyone participates, adoption than three-fold, from 1100 km2 The second reason that the rates for new ways of managing to 3400 km2. Since not all of the Karkheh Basin was chosen is water are high. And groups that additional need for irrigation because it is typical of basins in are often left out, such as water will be fulfilled by the new the arid to semi-arid Central and women, are instead fully dam, a lot less water will have to West Asian region. The lessons involved. be used to grow a lot more learned will therefore be adapt- crops. ed to other basins as far apart To tackle the challenge of as the Euphrates and the Amu improving water productivity, To determine ways to do this, Darya. the first step was to understand researchers looked at current how water was already being farming practices to pinpoint To improve farm and basin-wide managed and used. This meant areas where improvements water productivity and the man- doing a baseline study of the were needed. They found that agement of the natural resource entire basin to assess not only yields of the main crops in the base in the basin, researchers water supply and demand, but upper part of the basin, wheat selected four sites representing also upstream and downstream and barley (76%), and pulses both rainfed and irrigated farm- water quality and environmental (23%), are low: 920 kg/ha for ing. Work at these four sites issues. Researchers used com- wheat, 950 kg/ha for barley, focuses on: puter models, geographic infor- and about 500 kg/ha for chick- • Identifying options to pro- mation systems, and remote pea. Water productivity is also duce more crops with less sensing technologies to map low, as yields range from 0.3 to water in irrigated and rain- these features. This baseline 0.5 kg per cubic meter of water. fed farming, information will be crucial in This means that farmers make • Helping farmers adopt new showing the impact of new less than $50 per hectare. practices and technologies water management technolo- that raise water productivity, gies and also in developing One of the problems is that • Assessing and helping devel- effective plans, policies, rights, when autumn rains are late, op policies and systems for regulations, monitoring, and farmers sow their winter crops in managing water effectively, water-user groups in the basin. drier soil or delay sowing and and the young plants cannot get a • Helping institutions and com- The Karkheh River Basin has five good start before winter sets in. munity groups to develop sub-basins, spans seven Crop stands are poor and plants skills in resolving conflicts and provinces, and extends over are not hardy enough to resist managing water. more than 50,000 square kilome- the cold and frost. One solution

12 Annual Report 2006 The water benchmarks project

Research findings bear this out. Average cereal yields in the irrigated area (2300 kg/ha) and water productivity (mostly less than 0.5 kg/m3) are poor. For example, the overall efficiency of the traditional irrigation networks in the Dasht Azadegan area of the lower basin is only 14-23%. Researchers chose Sorkheh and Dasht Azadegan, two large irrigated areas below the dam, for on-farm irrigation experiments to find solutions to Poorly managed water conveyance structures and practices in the basin these problems. Researchers area: the bank of this irrigation ditch has been cut, to convey water across from the Agricultural Engineering the road to another field – creating problems of excess runoff. Research Institute in Karaj, the National Salinity Research is to use supplemental irrigation dam, water availability is already Center in Yazd, and the provin- so that crops can be planted improving, even though the irri- cial Agricultural Research early and get off to a good gation and drainage network is Centers (Dezful and Ahvaz start. But this means that farmers not yet finished. A wide range of Stations), are working here with need irrigation water, plus some crops grow in this part of the farmers to test improved irriga- way of getting the water to their basin but crop-water productivity tion systems, salt-tolerant crops, fields. Water and irrigation pipes and irrigation efficiency are poor. and new ways of managing or channels are expensive. Soil and water quality are at risk. water and salinity. Water losses from canals and irri- Scientists from Iran's Dryland gation furrows, poor drainage, Participatory research to Agricultural Research Institute, and salinity, especially in low- improve water management in working with farmers on their lying downstream areas (e.g. the Karkheh benchmark basin farms, are testing low-cost ways Dasht Azadegan), are severe. will provide valuable insights into of supplemental and deficit irri- Salinization is getting worse ways to improve the incomes gation, and improved agronom- because there is more irrigation, and livelihoods of resource-poor ic practices that use water effi- and also because the river, now communities in water-scarce ciently. This is helping poor farm- restricted by the new dam, no regions. ers improve water productivity in longer floods and washes excess the upper part of the basin. salt out of the soil. In the lower basin, below the new Early outcomes of the water benchmarks project in West Asia and North Africa

because they consider that technologies to improve man- The water benchmarks agement are not practical. The reasons for this vary and project include technical, socioeconomic and policy aspects. But the most important reason why new technologies are not Water scarcity in West Asia and used is because the communities who were supposed to North Africa is critical. Yet farmers benefit from them did not participate in the development do not manage water well process.

Annual Report 2006 13 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

In Jordan, the National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer (NCARTT) is now using the participatory approach in new projects supported by GTZ – for example in the Yarmouk Development Project in the north of the country, and in the northern and southern badia. NCARTT has submitted a US$4 million proposal for a national project to disseminate project results to other areas in the badia to the Ministry of Environment as part of the Jordan National Action Plan to combat desertification. What is more, the Ministry of Agriculture and NCARTT will make the water benchmark area a permanent research site for the whole badia Working with the community in the badia water benchmark project area and will build a research and in Jordan. development station in the watershed. To deal with this problem, benchmark sites represent the ICARDA set up a project called three main agricultural environ- Community-Based Optimization ments in WANA: one for the drier Water harvesting in of the Management of Scarce areas (badia); the second for Water Resources in Agriculture in rainfed cropping systems; and the Jordanian badia West Asia and North Africa in the third for fully irrigated areas. Water harvesting is a way to 2004. This is known as the 'water The water benchmark areas are manage badia rangeland benchmarks' project. The project based on watersheds, deter- resources in a sustainable and is supported by the Arab Fund mined using remote sensing integrated way. By harvesting for Economic and Social techniques and geographic rainwater, farmers can grow Development (AFESD), the information systems (GIS) to inte- shrubs for fodder and drought- International Fund for grate biophysical and socioeco- tolerant fruit trees, conserve soil, Agricultural Development (IFAD), nomic factors. and rehabilitate natural vegeta- and the OPEC Fund for tion. A machine (Vallerani) International Development. The makes construction of water har- aim is to find the best ways of Early successes vesting bunds for micro-catch- helping farmers in WANA ments much easier. Now, three improve their production per unit Early outcomes of the water times as many farmers use water of water used, and so make a benchmark project indicate that harvesting, compared to before better income. the community-based approach the project. The government of is spreading to existing and new Jordan, keen to expand and To do this, scientists are working projects in WANA, and that scale up the project, has bought with farmers in three benchmark water policies are changing as a a powerful tractor to operate sites where water is very scarce. result of successes in the bench- the machine, and will use it for They involve communities in mark areas. constructing micro-catchments research, development, testing, in other parts of the country. and adapting technologies. The

14 Annual Report 2006 The water benchmarks project

crops on beds about 1.2 to 1.4 m wide. Early sowing and supplemental irriga- This made irrigation more efficient and reduced the costs. tion in Morocco Farmers could not over-irrigate because there were fewer fur- Late first rains are a major limita- rows to apply water to. When tion in rainfed cropping areas tested in farmers' fields and because they delay sowing. In compared with the convention- Morocco, and in most of WANA, al system, the terraced furrow the first rain may not arrive until system used 30% less water, a month after the best date for reduced the cost of pumping sowing. But, if wheat is sown in and labor for preparing land, irri- October or early November, gating, and weeding by about yields improve by 10-50%. 35%, while giving the same or Scientists at the Institut National higher yields. As the terraced fur- de la Rechèrche Agronomique rows used less water, crop-water (INRA) worked with farmers in productivity (the yield per unit of Tadla, Morocco, the water water used) increased by over benchmark site for rainfed 30%, and farmers' net income areas, to sow wheat early and increased by about 15%. apply 50-70 mm of supplemental Overall, the net return per unit of irrigation. Yields increased by water increased by about 20%. 30% with only 50 mm of supple- Micro-catchment water harvest- Many farmers have already mental irrigation . This means ing contours in the Jordanian adopted this system or are seek- that, for wheat, supplemental irri- badia. ing help to do so. Other devel- gation water productivity was opment projects in the Delta are between 1.1 and 1.4 kg/m3. taking up the system, as are six Terraced furrows other governorates in the Delta Crops in rainfed systems also and central Egypt where wheat become stressed in late spring systems in Egypt and faba bean are grown. when rains tail off. Supplemental Conventional furrow irrigation of wheat and other crops in the Nile Delta uses excessive amounts of water. This type of irrigation encourages weeds and so raises labor costs. In addition, applying large amounts of water leaches out nutrients. ICARDA scientists, working with the Agricultural Research Center in Egypt, therefore introduced terraced furrows to communities in the Irrigated benchmark area. Farmers in this area already use a furrow system and were readily persuad- ed to reduce the amount of Wheat crop in Morocco sown early in November with 40 mm of supple- water they applied, halve the mental irrigation (right) as compared with conventional sowing in number of furrows, and grow December.

Annual Report 2006 15 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

irrigation at this time greatly water allocation policies need ticipating in the analysis to increased both yields and water to change because water is cur- develop a more robust system productivity. Existing systems for rently allocated to fully irrigated that will give the highest return full summer irrigation can be crops. The Office Régionale de on the limited water available used for supplemental irrigation Mise en Valeur Agricole de for irrigation. Reallocating sur- instead. Tadla (ORMVAT), the agency face and ground water will be responsible for water allocation necessary to increase water pro- Applying supplemental irrigation in Tadla, is a partner in the rain- ductivity and improve drought- early in the spring means that fed benchmark area and is par- preparedness.

The 'Water Wand': a simple, cheap probe to detect soil wetting depth

In areas where water is scarce, The Water Wand farmers can grow better crops if they know how much water is in the Most of the instruments used to measure water in the soil are soil. So, tools that help them find out expensive. They are designed for high-value crops, large how far down rain or irrigation farms, and scientific research rather than for farmers in devel- water penetrates into the soil, how oping countries. much soil water is available to plants, and whether there are any The Brown Moisture Probe, originally developed in Montana, soil layers that prevent water filter- USA, is used by scientists and farmers to determine the depth ing down, are helpful. of soil wetted by precipitation or irrigation. Although this type of probe has been available for over 50 years, it is not com- monly used in the dry areas of WANA. So, scientists at ICARDA developed a simple hand-push probe, the Water Wand, based on the Brown Moisture Probe, so that farmers could quickly and easily measure soil moisture.

The probe is a stainless steel rod, 10 mm in diameter and 1.2 m long, with a spherical tip 15 mm in diameter, and a round handle. As the diameter of the tip is 5 mm more than the diameter of the rod, the probe penetrates wet soil but stops when it gets to dry soil. Rocks and gravel may also stop the probe, but can be differentiated from dry soil by a metallic click when the probe is tapped. The probe works on the prin- ciple that wet soil is less resistant than dry soil. Resistance to the probe increases rapidly as the soil becomes drier. The probe stops abruptly and begins to flex when it gets to dry soil or a compacted layer.

Scientists tested the Water Wand at ICARDA's Tel Hadya research station in deep heavy clay soil. They wetted four small basins once a week with four wetting regimes. They The Water Wand is a low-cost, measured water in the soil profile using neutron scattering (at easy-to-use probe for estimating 150 cm intervals) through tubes installed in the center of soil moisture and compaction. each basin.

16 Annual Report 2006 The water wand

In 2006, they measured the estimate the amount of soil depth of wetting at several water and extent of soil com- places in each basin twice a paction, and can thus manage week for three months by press- water more efficiently. If they ing the Water Wand firmly into know how much water is in the the ground until it stopped. To soil at the beginning of the measure how far water had planting season they can penetrated down into the soil, decide which crop to plant. they placed a hand on the Rainfall data for previous sea- probe at ground level and sons tells them how much rain removed the probe, noting how they can expect in the growing much of the probe was below season. Measuring soil water the surface. precisely is time-consuming and expensive. However, the tests There was a very strong correla- with the Water Wand show that tion between the depth of pen- the depth of wet soil is another etration by the Water Wand and measure of the amount of avail- the amount of soil water in the able soil water for plant use. four basins. On average, the Each field needs to be probed total amount of soil water (mm) separately because the varia- is about 3.2 times the depth of tions in soil texture, precipitation, Wand penetration (in cm). The previous crop and tillage prac- amount of water held by the tices, and topography all affect wet soil depends on soil texture, soil moisture. so this relationship applies only to the heavy clay soil at ICARDA. Rainfed cereals and legumes need adequate soil water at The Water Wand was tested at Penetration of the Water Wand crop establishment, and grain- ICARDA's Tel Hadya station, on to 120 cm in the heavy clay soil filling and ripening stages. So, uniform, deep, heavy clay soil. at Tel Hadya represents about the Water Wand is a very useful 400 mm of total soil water. The tool for farmers to estimate soil estimated volume of water in this water routinely during the grow- soil at the wilting point is 22%. ing season and schedule supple- and use that information to cut- Subtracting this amount (264 mental irrigation for these critical back, or cut-off, irrigation. mm) from the total amount (400 periods. mm) leaves 136 mm of soil water The probe has other uses, for available to plants in the 120-cm In irrigated fields, the probe can example to quickly check soils in profile. Further tests on fallow be used a few hours after irrigat- parks, gardens, and tree plant- fields and on wheat fields also ing to monitor the depth of ing holes for compacted layers show strong relationships water, or used before and after with minimal disturbance. If the between the amount of rainfall to estimate the amount of water probe penetrates the soil easily (or soil wetting) and the depth of that has been applied. this mean plants develop deep penetration by the Water Wand. Measurements across a field roots, water moves freely down help determine the uniformity of the soil profile (no hardpan), and irrigation. Farmers find it hard to the soil is easy to till. If the soil is Practical use of the determine the cut-off, or cut- wet and the probe still does not back, time of irrigation in long penetrate, this means that the probe furrows and borders. By probing soil is compacted near the sur- the lower end of the field while it face and prevents water infiltrat- By taking measurements with the is being irrigated, the farmer can ing and penetration of roots. probe across a field, farmers can monitor the depth of wetting

Annual Report 2006 17 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

Enhancing the productivity of high-magnesium soil and water resources

In 2006, ICARDA researchers continued work to overcome problems caused by soil and water containing high levels of magnesium in Central Asia. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Excess magnesium in soil leads to a severe degradation of soil structure, and thus lowers water infiltra- tion rates, hydraulic conductivities, and crop growth. More than 30% of the irrigated area in southern Kazakhstan has excess levels of magnesium: exchangeable amounts are generally 25-45%, and in some cases as high as 60%.

Plowing high-magnesium soils typically forms massive clods that High levels of soil magnesium have a negative impact on impede water flows down furrows hydraulic properties of soil, and plowing forms massive clods that and across irrigated fields, and interfere with water flow rates. leads to poor water distribution. The problem is compounded when productivity of high-magnesium soils in the Arys-Turkestan the magnesium content of water is canal command area and elsewhere in Central Asia at low higher than that of calcium. cost.

The Arys-Turkestan canal com- Phosphogypsum can be applied in winter before snowfall or mand area in southern Kazakhstan after preparing seedbeds, and is often incorporated into the is a typical example of an area soil by plowing. In low-rainfall years, harrowing the field is rec- where there is excess magnesium ommended to incorporate the phosphogypsum and reduce in soil and irrigation water. This has the risk of it being blown off by the strong winds common in led to a gradual fall in the yields of the region. Snowmelt and rainfall in winter make phosphogyp- cotton, with a large impact on sum dissolve more quickly and increase soil calcium levels. farm profitability, since farmers rely These processes can be further accelerated by irrigation. The heavily on cotton. Winter wheat calcium then replaces magnesium on the soil's cation (Triticum aestivum) yields are simi- exchange complex. The replaced magnesium is leached larly affected. deeper into the soil profile by excess irrigation or rainfall. In such ameliorated soils, there is greater water and air move- Adding enough calcium, often as ment, greater root penetration and seedling emergence, and gypsum or phosphogypsum, can less runoff and erosion. Water-use efficiency is increased and restore the productivity of high- the greater activity of plant roots improves crop growth and magnesium soils, by counteracting yield. the effects of magnesium. Phosphogypsum is widely available Applying phosphogypsum also improves soil nutrient availabili- in Kazakhstan and could increase ty. Studies have shown that 4.5 t/ha of phosphogypsum

18 Annual Report 2006 Enhancing productivity of high-magnesium soils

Table 1.1. Levels of phosphorus (P2O5, kg/ha) in the soil as affected by applying phosphogypsum. Figures in brackets represent the percentage increase from initial levels of P2O5. Phosphogypsum (4.5 t/ha) Phosphogypsum (8 t/ha) Soil depth (m) Initial soil Post-amendment Initial soil Post-amendment 0.0-0.2 82 106 (29) 88 141 (62) 0.2-0.4 75 89 (19) 87 112 (29)

increased phosphorus (P2O5) levels and thus improved the soil's and calcium levels gradually els by 29% and 19% respectively ionic balance and physical decrease 4-5 years after apply- in the top 0.2 m of soil and the properties. ing phosphogypsum. Under 0.2-0.4 m soil layer (Table 1.1). these conditions, booster appli- Applying more phosphogypsum The appropriate rate of phosph- cations of phosphogypsum are (at a rate of 8 t/ha) led to ogypsum addition to a high- needed to maintain desirable increases in phosphorus of 62% magnesium soil is crucial and magnesium levels and good and 29% in the same two soil lay- depends on the initial soil mag- crop yields. ers. Applying phosphogypsum nesium level. Applying phospho- also slightly increased soil potas- gypsum at below the actual sium levels, by 3-5%. requirement only partly amelio- rates the soil, while applying Applying phosphogypsum nearly more than is needed is costly for doubled cotton yields in long- farmers. term field studies (Fig. 1.2), partly due to better germination, and The effects of phosphogypsum better bud and boll formation. applied to a high-magnesium Cotton yields increased by 93% soil may last for several years. in the 4.5 t/ha phosphogypsum Studies by ICARDA researchers treatment and 114% in the 8 have shown that where high- t/ha treatment, compared with magnesium water is used to irri- the control. Adding phospho- gate ameliorated soils, the mag- gypsum increased calcium lev- nesium levels tend to increase

Excellent growth of cotton on a high-magnesium soil, after applying phosphogypsum.

The beneficial effects of phosphogypsum on cotton productivity on high-magnesium soils have been clearly demonstrated in farmers' fields. This is a practical economic recommendation for Central Asia that is also applicable to other crops such as Fig. 1.2. Cotton yields with phosphogypsum application rates of 0 (control), wheat. 4.5 and 8 t/ha on a high-magnesium soil in southern Kazakhstan.

Annual Report 2006 19 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

Watershed modeling to help decision-making on water use

Over many centuries and in many places in Tunisia, a wide range of small- to medium-sized water-gathering structures have been introduced to make the land productive. Water harvesting is especially important in the arid southeast, where the rainfall of 150-230 mm/year is too low for crop production.

There are many water users, from rainfed farmers in upstream areas and foothills, pastoralists that graze the downstream plains with camels, goats, and sheep, to groundwater users and providers that serve towns, tourism, and industries. The many users and changing socioeconomic conditions has led to demand for a man- Jessour water-harvesting system in Oum Zessar watershed, agement scheme at the water- Tunisia: olive trees prosper on the runoff water and sediments shed level to allow fair and produc- captured by the stone dike. tive partitioning of water between users. by developing check dams in the main wadis in the mid and downstream areas. These check dams slow runoff water, Traditionally, water-harvesting was improve groundwater recharge, and allow diversion of water confined to wadi-courses in the to newly established tabias. Migration of the younger genera- mountain zones, where local com- tion to towns and cities is reducing the labor available for munities built small stone dams to maintenance of traditional water-harvesting systems in capture water and sediments. The upstream areas, creating the potential for flooding disasters resulting fertile terraces, known as during large rainfall events. jessour, were planted with fruit trees and often with small rows of field To better understand the effects of the diverse natural and crops. During the last 50 years there man-made landforms on the water flows in these arid envi- has been a gradual extension of ronments, researchers from Tunisia, ICARDA, and Purdue cultivated fields, especially of olive University (USA), modified the GIS-based watershed model trees, along the mountain foothills, SWAT. Research focused on Wadi Oum Zessar (Fig. 1.3), a 340- and earthen dikes and diversions km2 watershed in southern Tunisia, which stretches from the on the gently sloping lands distrib- Matmata Mountains across the Jeffara Plain before it spreads ute the water among these so- its flood waters along the large salty plains (sabkhat) down- called tabias. stream and disappears into the Mediterranean Sea.

In the 1990s, the Ministry of The watershed model was adjusted for typical Mediterranean Agriculture invested in the system cropping conditions and special subroutines were developed

20 Annual Report 2006 Watershed modeling

to simulate the capture and use simulated the overall water bal- of runoff by different water-har- ance components well. vesting systems at the sub-watershed level. Basic data layers Evapotranspiration was the were constructed using avail- largest water user in the able maps, remote sensing upstream and midstream areas, images, and fieldwork. Thus, a using 80% of the average annual database containing parame- rainfall of 184 mm for the 12-year ters for the model was set up evaluation period. Around 13% and evaluated using historical of the rainfall percolated from runoff records. The modeling the predominantly shallow soils, improved understanding of the 5% recharged groundwater system and the water distribution through transmission losses from between different watershed the wadi beds, and 4% flowed uses. to the downstream plains. Fig. 1.3. Land use map of Oum Zessar Researchers are currently model- Typically for arid environments, watershed with olive trees on the jes- ing the effect of land use the great variation in rainfall in sour terraces (OLVM) and tabias changes on water use and pro- space and time made it difficult (OLVP) in the upstream and mid- ductivity in the watershed, using to accurately simulate all stream areas, and rainfed cereals the results of the established recorded runoff events. (CULT) and sparsely covered range- baseline scenario. However, the model captured lands (STPH, STPJ, STPP) occupying the behavior of the system and the remainder of the watershed.

Integrating water harvesting and soil conservation to combat desertification

In 2000 the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched a Sub-Regional Action Program (SRAP) to combat desertification and drought in West Asia. This program involves several national and international partners, including ICARDA. As part of the program, pilot projects were launched in Jordan and Lebanon.

Pilot project, Jordan

ICARDA has established a pilot project in cooperation with the National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer (NCARTT) at Fa'a, Mufraq province, in the north of Jordan. Low-cost check structures have proved effective in stopping The 15-km2 watershed, inhabited by 348 runoff water and retaining the soil it carries.

Annual Report 2006 21 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

construction. In the pilot project, the community built a pond and a mini dam, which together store about 6000 m3 of water. The cost was shared between the pilot project (60%), and the government and the community (40%). Villagers also used the water harvested to grow new crops brought in by the project, such as medicinal plants, which can be grown in home gardens and are quite profitable.

This nursery provides seedlings of medicinal and other valuable plants introduced by the project for the farmers to grow using harvested Pilot project, rainwater. Lebanon

households, is steeply sloping, and drought-tolerant shrubs Two pilot sites in the Lebanese gullied, and has shallow, easily helps communities rehabilitate mountains, Yemouneh and Deir eroded soils. Runoff in the upper rangeland and improve fodder El-Ahmar, were established in catchment is the main cause of supplies. cooperation with the Ministry of desertification, although only 160 Agriculture. These areas are mm of rain falls per year. Another method was strip crop- often affected by flash floods, ping, i.e. alternating strips of resulting in sheet and gully ero- Cultivation of barley on slopes crops and fallow, with the latter sion. Erosion reduces the soil's and the edges of gullies accel- acting as miniature rainwater capacity to store water, so it erates erosion. Soils are rapidly catchments. The ratio of retains very little moisture. losing fertility. Livestock produc- cropped to fallow area ranges Yemouneh is 1360 m above sea tion – a mainstay of the local from 1:1 to 1:3, depending on level, with significant snowfall economy – has declined the slope, soil type, and rainfall. and an average precipitation of because the rangeland no This system doubles or triples the 650 mm per year. The communi- longer provides enough grazing, amount of rainwater harvested, ty of 3500 people cultivates 541 and farmers cannot afford to giving much higher and more hectares of the 2950-hectare buy feed concentrates. stable yields. catchment. The other pilot site, Deir El-Ahmar (population Communities have tested sever- The project also introduced 15,000), is mainly community- al methods of preventing ero- techniques for building water managed rangeland and forest. sion. For example, planting cac- reservoirs. Small ponds are easy tus in rills and gullies to prevent to build, even on slopes. Farmers Twelve farmers built stone and them from expanding; and simply choose a suitable depres- earth structures to harvest water building check structures and sion and block off the lower end in their fields, which was then bunds to stop and divert runoff. with a masonary wall. On a used to irrigate fruit trees. These They also built parallel stone slightly larger scale, a low-cost structures also conserve soil. ridges, 5-10 m apart, to stop earthen dam can meet most of Similar small structures on steep runoff water and soil loss. These a community's needs for domes- slopes support shrubs and forest contour ridges collect runoff tic water, supplemental irriga- trees. from immediately upstream or tion, and livestock. The size of uphill and channel the water to the reservoir can be matched to The construction of ridges and 1000 fodder shrubs. The combi- the amount of runoff and the dikes was timed so that nation of well-designed ridges labor and material available for seedlings could be planted in

22 Annual Report 2006 Water harvesting and soil conservation

Small water reservoirs were built at project sites in Lebanon, to collect and store runoff water for use by livestock. the right season. Project staff demands for improvements are advised farmers on how to directed towards short-term eco- water the plants until they were nomic gains, and improving their established. The farmers planted livelihoods. fruit trees, including some seedlings of drought-tolerant The project found that in the trees, such as almond. pilot site areas, public and communal land was threatened Water reservoirs were construct- more by degradation than were ed at both Yemouneh and Deir private lands. The open access El-Ahmar. The reservoir at policy to rangeland causes Yemouneh, ointly managed by severe degradation. the community and the munici- pality, harvests and stores 5500 The Lebanese pilot study in par- m3 of water, which is used to ticular showed that land degra- water orchards and vegetables. dation cannot simply be The reservoir in Deir El-Ahmar explained by an increase in Simple water harvesting tech- holds 6000 m3. The efficiency of population pressure. Land niques provide water for irrigating the reservoir averages 75%, degradation on slopes happens fruit trees. meaning that 4500 m3 of water is when the land is neglected, or available for irrigation. In winter not farmed for want of labor. As the reservoir stores surplus water there is considerable out-migra- Rainwater harvesting is a useful which is then used for irrigation tion from the pilot area because way of improving the vegetation in summer. of unemployment, only major cover to combat desertification changes would attract people in environments similar to those to live in rural areas and work in in the pilot sites. A preliminary Lessons learned from agriculture. assessment shows that low-cost, simple technologies, such as the pilot projects The project concluded that those tested in the pilot sites, are appropriate rainwater harvest- easy to adopt and replicate. Although most members of the ing, together with soil conserva- These serve both productivity communities now acknowledge tion, can improve productivity and conservation, and thus are the fact that land degradation is and reduce soil erosion. sustainable. threatening their livelihoods, their

Annual Report 2006 23 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

Harvesting water in micro-catchments to combat desertification

More than half of the land area in Africa. The Vallerani implement makes an angled furrow and the eastern Mediterranean is piles up the excavated soil on the lower (downhill) side. This soil rangeland and most is degraded forms a ridge that stops or slows down runoff water. The imple- to some extent. To rehabilitate ment can be used either to create continuous furrows or inter- rangeland and provide more feed mittent ones. The effectiveness of the Vallerani implement was for animals by planting fodder compared with a similar Pakistani plowing implement that also shrubs, ICARDA scientists are work- creates continuous furrows, and with manual construction of ing with communities to test tech- intermittent semi-circular micro-catchments niques for harvesting runoff and directing it to individual plants. This Researchers and farmers then planted shrubs at the lowest is known as micro-catchment part of each micro-catchment, where the run-off water col- water harvesting. The three-year lected. Three shrub species were planted: Atriplex halimus, project, financed by the Swiss Atriplex leucoclada, and Salsola vermiculata. Researchers Development Cooperation (SDC), gathered and analyzed data on rainfall, vegetation cover, began in 2004 at three pilot sites, and the survival and growth rate of the shrubs. They also meas- two in Syria and one in Jordan ured soil water content (using 108 access tubes), and soil ero- (Table 1.2). sion (using 21 runoff collecting tanks, erosion measurement pins, Gerlach troughs, erosion bridges, and weirs). Researchers and farmers worked together to test the Vallerani Three main lessons have been learned from the pilot projects. plowing implement, pulled by a First, water harvesting can help to establish shrubs where there tractor, which constructs contour is very little rainfall and the likelihood of success would other- ridges and bunds mechanically wise be very slim. Second, water harvesting also improves the and which has already proved growth rate of shrubs significantly in higher rainfall sites (150-220 successful in large-scale water- mm) and, third, mechanizing construction improves the effi- harvesting projects in Central ciency of water harvesting.

Table 1.2. Characteristics of pilot sites in Syria and Jordan and details of micro-catchment water harvesting experiments conducted at each.

Description Qaryatein, Syria Sheikh Hilal, Syria Muhareb, Jordan Annual rainfall (mm) 120 220 152 Watershed area (ha) 300 50 60 Size of experimental site (ha) 100 12 13 No. of participating farmers 17 12 5 Techniques for making Vi, Vc, P, Manual Vi, Vc, Manual Vi, Vc micro-catchments tested† Spacing of ridges (m) 6 and 12 6 and 12 4 and 8 Total length of ridges created (km) 85 4 5 No. of shrubs planted 10,000 500 1200

†Vi = Vallerani implement used to make intermittent furrows (this creates small basins); Vc = Vallerani implement used to make continuous (unbroken) furrows; P = Pakistani implement used to make continuous furrows

24 Annual Report 2006 Harvesting water in micro-catchments

than in Qaryatein probably because the rainfall was higher.

In Muhareb, Jordan (65 km southeast of Amman), the soil- moisture content was highest in February and lowest in October following a long rainless period. In order of effectiveness, the best techniques for directing runoff to plants, in terms of soil- moisture content, were the In Syria, micro-catchments developed using the Vallerani plow collect Vallerani intermittent micro- rainwater (left) and support good production of shrubs (right). catchment (8 m spacing between ridges), followed by the Vallerani continuous micro- In the low-rainfall site of in March, and 16% in April com- catchment (8 m spacing) and Qaryatein, Syria (120 km east of pared to areas where water was the Vallerani intermittent micro- Damascus), water harvesting not harvested. catchment (4 m spacing). Soil added considerable amounts of erosion from rain splash was water to the soil. Runoff from The survival rate of shrubs was least in the unplanted control slope lengths of 6 m and 12 m excellent (97% for A. halimus, area (13.75 t/ha), more in the (the distance between ridges, 96% for S. vermiculata, and 93% test areas (20.75 t/ha), and even Table 1.2) was 5 and 8 liters per for A. leucoclada) and did not higher on ridges (24 t/ha) and in square meter respectively. After differ much between the various barley fields (30 t/ha). 24 hours of rainfall there was far water harvesting techniques. more soil moisture where shrubs When water harvesting raised The harvesting of runoff water were planted than in the catch- the soil-moisture content by less per unit area was most efficient ment area (Fig. 1.4). This means than 10%, there was no differ- in the 4-m spacing micro-catch- that the micro-catchments were ence in the performance of ments. These also trapped the successful in capturing runoff shrubs in the areas where water most soil per meter of slope. The and directing the water to the was harvested and those where survival rate of shrubs ranged plants where it was needed. The it was not. The survival rate of from 78% to 97% and there was survival rate for shrubs in the first shrubs in Sheikh Hilal was higher not much difference between year of the project was very good: 77-99% for Atriplex halimus. In the second year (2005/06) survival rates dropped, as the site received only 40 mm of rain – just one-third of the average. The survival rate was highest for shrubs grown in semi- circles and lowest for the Pakistani plow.

In Sheikh Hilal, Syria (50 km northeast of Salamieh), water harvesting improved the growth rate of shrubs significantly. The soil-moisture content for the areas where Fig. 1.4. Change in soil moisture 24 hours after rainfall in Qaryatein, Syria. water was harvested rose on an In the parts of the water-harvesting areas where the shrubs were planted, average by 16% in February, 14% soil moisture levels had increased far more than in the catchment area.

Annual Report 2006 25 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

Scientist measures shrub growth and productivity (left); improved feed supplies directly benefit livestock (right).

treatments. Plants produced rel- water harvesting can improve per hectare. This means that atively more biomass in water- shrub growth rates significantly. using the Vallerani equipment to harvesting treatments as com- The tractor with the Vallerani mechanize construction pared to the control, but again implement created micro- improves the efficiency of water there was not much difference catchments on 1.2 hectares per harvesting. However, the per- between the treatments. hour, and used 46.3 liters of fuel formance of the equipment in per hectare. A preliminary bene- shallow soils needs to be investi- This means that in higher annual fit-cost analysis showed an aver- gated further. Researchers will rainfall areas (150-220 mm), age net return of around US$30 study this in 2007.

Irrigation methods to improve water productivity of cotton in Syria

Water deficits in Syria are already Springs in several parts of the country have dried up. Rapid severe, and getting worse. expansion of irrigated land (supported mainly by groundwa- National water consumption is esti- ter extraction) and inadequacies in water delivery and use mated at 14.7 billion m3/yr. are the major causes. Estimated available water resources are 12.94 billion m3/yr, Agriculture accounts for 89% of the country's total water leaving an annual deficit of 1.73 consumption. The largest consumer is cotton, which uses 3.7 billion m3. Water balance in most billion m3/yr, or 30% of agricultural water. Cotton is the most basins is negative, except for important cash crop in Syria. Nearly one-fifth of the econom- coastal areas and the Euphrates ically active population derives all or part of its income from basin. For example, at Tel Hadya in cotton production and processing. However, over 95% of northern Syria, the water table has cotton in the country is grown using inefficient (even waste- fallen by 35 meters in 20 years. ful) methods of water management, such as low-efficiency

26 Annual Report 2006 Improving water productivity of cotton

surface irrigation and excessive water applications. ICARDA is working with Syrian partner institutions to develop and promote technologies to improve water- use efficiency in cotton irrigation.

Complementing national efforts

In 2001, the Syrian government adopted a modernization plan aimed at sustainable water resources and irrigation development. Old irrigation projects are being rehabilitated and mod- ernized. Farmers are being Improved irrigation management methods are available that can signifi- encouraged to adopt modern cantly increase water productivity in cotton. techniques like drip irrigation to improve on-farm irrigation efficiency, by providing tax-free 0.13-0.16 kg/m3 in Turkey, 0.23- ments by 35 to 55%; and that low-interest loans to cover the 0.39 kg/m3 in USA and drip irrigation combined with fer- initial capital costs. However, Argentina. The low water pro- tigation gave nearly 50% higher adoption of these technologies ductivity of cotton in Syria is a yields than conventional surface is growing only slowly. To com- major factor in the country's irrigation. plement national efforts to pro- water deficit, although a num- mote modern systems, ICARDA ber of low-cost, practical solu- A two-year cotton-wheat rota- researchers focused on ways to tions are available. tion experiment at ICARDA's improve existing, inefficient sur- principal research farm at Tel face-irrigation systems. Given the Field experiments at ICARDA Hadya showed that water widespread use of such systems, and Syrian research stations requirements of cotton could be the returns to such research are have clearly demonstrated the fully met with 7900 m3 of water potentially huge. potential for producing more using drip irrigation, and an cotton per unit of water – higher improved irrigation schedule Average seasonal irrigation for yields with the same amount of based on soil water depletion. cotton in Syria is about 15,000 water, or the same yield with less This corresponds to a water pro- 3 m /ha, and much higher appli- water – by sound irrigation and ductivity of 0.51 kg/m3 of seed cation rates are not uncommon. agronomic practices. One Syrian cotton (or 0.18 kg/m3 for lint) – In fact, seasonal water require- study showed that water pro- double the national average. ments for the crop are only 7000- ductivity of seed cotton can The experiment produced an 3 8000 m /ha. Because of over-irri- increase from 0.2 kg/m3 under average yield of 4008 kg/ha of gation, cotton water productivi- flood irrigation to about 0.4 seed cotton, which is the same ty in areas using traditional sur- kg/m3 under furrow irrigation, as the national average, but face irrigation is 0.07-0.09 kg of with irrigation efficiency increas- used less than half the water lint cotton per cubic meter of ing from 40% to about 65%. typically used by farmers in Syria. applied water. Compare this Another study in hot, dry central In other words, double the crop with water productivity in sur- Syria showed that drip irrigation per drop! face-irrigated fields elsewhere: could reduce irrigation require-

Annual Report 2006 27 Management of Water Resources and Mitigation of Drought

water savings. The other practice is deficit irrigation, which could help farmers manage limited water supplies and mitigate the effects of drought. At present, most farmers irrigate their crops with a view to maximize yield per unit of land. This strategy – maximum irrigation for maximum production – is both unwise and unsustainable in basins where water is being withdrawn faster than it is being replen- ished. But more sustainable alternatives such as deficit irrigation are perceived to be less profitable. Government incentives and policy support will be needed to encourage adoption. Farmer innovation in Syria: improved irrigation techniques and locally fabricated delivery systems. The Syrian government's irrigation modernization plan is expected to produce national Methods to improve improve irrigation efficiency. water savings of 2.9 to 4.1 billion These include use of furrow irri- m3/year. This would more than water productivity gation, lined canals to reduce wipe out the current national seepage, collapsible or solid deficit of 1.73 billion m3, and conduits for head ditch delivery, One important way to enhance could support expansion of irri- siphon tubes and gated pipes water productivity, particularly in gated land and/or meet other for better furrow flow control dry areas, is by improving irriga- demands such as for drinking and flexibility, land grading for tion scheduling, based on regu- and industry. Part of these sav- enhanced flow and distribution, lar monitoring of soil moisture ings will come from better irriga- and surge flow and cutback conditions during the season. tion efficiency. Water productivi- methods for improved furrow Most farmers in Syria lack the ty is expected to double, efficiency. Experience shows knowledge or the tools to moni- through adoption of drip irriga- that simple improvements can tor soil water depletion for prop- tion, improving the existing sur- produce significant benefits. er scheduling. Traditional meth- face irrigation methods, encour- ods, such as 'soil feel' and 'soil aging sound on-farm water Two other management prac- probe' are fairly effective, but management, and strengthen- tices are important. One is skip users must have sufficient experi- ing extension support. furrow (or alternate furrow) irriga- ence. A practical approach tion, where the farmer irrigates would involve considerable As water supplies become even only every alternate furrow. With effort by local agricultural exten- more scarce, efficient irrigation is half the furrows skipped, excess sion staff to compute and publi- critical – and so are targeted irrigation is automatically cut cize daily or weekly crop water policies to encourage resource- back. This technology requires requirements for the main crops poor farmers to adopt new irri- no capital or time investment in the area. gation and water management and can be easily implemented. technologies. Further testing in Syria is needed There are many examples of to quantify the large potential effective, low-cost methods to

28 Annual Report 2006 Mega-Project 2 Integrated Gene Management: Conservation, Enhancement and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity in Dry Areas

Introduction emerging from eastern Africa, also made good progress. The Integrated Gene Management Mega-Project (Mega-Project 2) seeks to contribute to the Mega-Project 2 links components of basic and improvement of livelihoods of resource-poor farmers strategic research with appropriate field evaluation through the conservation, improvement, and sus- across a diverse range of environments. The tainable use of agrobiodiversity and the adoption research portfolio includes the following activities: of improved varieties and associated technologies. stress tolerant (drought and heat) cereals (barley The project is also actively involved in formal and and wheat) and cool-season food and feed informal seed production systems, policy and institu- legumes for crop diversification; enhanced wheat tional research in support of in situ conservation of germplasm for water-use efficiency (in collabora- agrobiodiversity, and institutional strengthening and tion with CIMMYT); biofortified barley and lentils for capacity building. The project is fully involved in the improved nutrition and health (within the CGIAR Generation Challenge Program and the HarvestPlus Challenge Program); new traits through HarvestPlus initiative. gene discovery for crop diversity (with the Generation Challenge Program); improved The ICARDA-CIMMYT Wheat Improvement Program methodologies and tools for genetic improvement (ICWIP) in CWANA has established strategies and (such as participatory plant breeding, international guidelines on wheat networking with the NARS, joint crop information system (ICIS), doubled haploids, fundraising, and priority setting. ICWIP made signifi- etc.); integrated pest management (IPM) options cant progress in 2006. The Global Rust Initiative for the control of diseases and insect pests; and (GRI), formed by CIMMYT and ICARDA in response capacity building in NARS. to the threat of the new wheat stem rust (Ug99)

Exploring genetic variability in barley for drought tolerance

A major aim of ICARDA’s barley tion of Syrian and Jordanian barley landraces to find promis- breeding program is to produce ing material. high-yielding varieties which are adapted to dryland conditions and Scientists chose landraces from five barley-growing regions in resistant to drought. The wild pro- Syria and Jordan to study micro-satellite diversity. They used genitors, wild relatives, and lan- 48 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers on seven chromo- draces of barley are a rich reservoir somes. They found 368 alleles, and an average of 7.3 alleles of genes adapted to harsh environ- per locus. This means that there is a high level of polymor- ments. For example, landraces from phism in the collection as a whole. But polymorphism differed very dry countries are likely to carry between the seven chromosomes. For example, the mean genes for drought tolerance. So the number of alleles located on chromosome 1H was 3.8, where- program is now mapping the as the mean number on chromosome 6H was 12.3. Some of genetic diversity in ICARDA’s collec- the alleles only occurred in one country.

Annual Report 2006 29 Integrated Gene Management

The most frequent alleles in the Table 2.1. Frequency of alleles in Syrian and Jordanian barley Jordanian landraces were quite landraces. different from the most frequent Allele on locus Bmag353 Percent frequency of allele in the Syrian landraces (Table 2.1). A clear example of this is Syria Jordan allele 14 on the locus Bmag353, Bmag 353-1 7.10 18.30 which is common in Jordan Bmag 353-2 0 1.60 (40%) but rare in Syria (3.3%). Bmag 353-3 4.40 0 Bmag 353-4 11 1.60 The frequency of alleles was Bmag 353-5 18.70 6.60 used to determine the genetic Bmag 353-6 13.80 5 distance between landraces in Bmag 353-7 2.70 1.60 the five regions. The resulting Bmag 353-8 2.70 1.60 dendrogram shows that the bar- Bmag 353-9 14.30 1.60 ley landraces in each of the five Bmag 353-10 2.20 5 regions are genetically distinct and that genetic diversity in Bmag 353-11 12.15 0 Syrian landraces is much higher Bmag 353-12 7.10 16.60 than in Jordanian landraces (Fig. Bmag 353-13 5.50 18.30 2.1). The genetic differences in Bmag 353-14 3.30 40 these barley landraces will be Bmag 353-15 1.60 0 studied further in the search for novel genes that confer resistance to drought. The drought- resistance genes found will be used to improve barley germplasm for dryland barley production.

Use of SSR markers is providing Fig. 2.1. Dendrogram showing the genetic distance between barley new insights on genetic variability landraces from five regions in Syria and Jordan (South Jordan, North in barley for drought tolerance. Jordan/South Syria, West Syria, Central Syria and Northeast Syria).

30 Annual Report 2006 Participatory plant breeding

Varieties discarded in official testing perform surprisingly well in participatory plant breeding trials

In many developing countries farm- process can take up to 15 years and is a significant invest- ers often plant local landraces ment of time and resources. But, sadly, the new varieties rather than new varieties that have released very often have not been suitable for farmers in been formally released. This is partic- marginal environments; so most are rejected immediately ularly the case in marginal environ- after release and others after farmers have tried them for just ments. These less productive areas one year. can be quite diverse and need a range of varieties for specific envi- Three new barley varieties, ‘Tadmor’ and ‘Zanbaka’ (two ronmental niches. But most new vari- pure lines selected from the black-seeded ‘Arabi Aswad’ eties are bred for widespread use Syrian landrace) and ‘Harmal’ (a white-seeded pure line over major, fairly uniform farming from the cross Union/CI03576//Coho), were tested in ‘on- regions. Involving farmers in testing farm trials’ between 1983 and 1993. Subsequently, these new varieties that had previously three varieties were tested as part of ICARDA’s participatory been rejected in official testing for plant breeding (PPB) program. PPB trials differ from on-farm release showed that some of these trials in three ways. First, the trials all take place in farmers’ varieties performed unexpectedly fields. Second, normal farming practices for the area are well on farms in marginal areas. used. Lastly, farmers participate in evaluating the lines and decide which to select. As in the on-farm trials, two local lan- In Syria, the system of releasing new draces ‘Arabi Abiad’ (white-seeded) and ‘Arabi Aswad’ varieties is similar to that in many (black-seeded) were grown as checks. other countries. New varieties are tested in so-called ‘on-farm trials’, In the on-farm trials (Fig. 2.2) the yield of ‘Harmal’ was 7.5% though up to one-fifth of these often higher than the check ‘Arabi Abiad’ in 1983, as measured in take place on research stations. six locations, but nearly 8% less in 1985, as measured in five Even when trials are carried out in locations. Overall, across the 11 locations in the two years, farmers’ fields, it is the researchers ‘Harmal’ gave slightly inferior results to ‘Arabi Abiad’ (0.2% who determine the cultivation meth- lower) and was withdrawn without being submitted for ods – often different from those nor- release. mally used by farmers – and involvement of farmers is limited to making But, in 2001, ‘Harmal’ was introduced as a check in PPB trials. land available for the trials. In 34 trials over five years the grain yield of ‘Harmal’ was consistently higher than ‘Arabi Abiad’ and, when all characteris- New varieties are tested in on-farm tics were taken into account, it was nearly 12% better. trials for three years, then a report on agronomic performance, resistance The discrepancy in the results may be because ‘Harmal’ is to pests and diseases, and the quali- specifically adapted to the Salamieh area, Hama province, ty of the crop is submitted to the where the PPB trials took place. Here, between 2004 and variety release committee in the 2006, the area planted to ‘Harmal’ grew from 40 to over Ministry of Agriculture. If the new 1,000 hectares, indicating its popularity with farmers. variety is to be released, it is given a ‘Harmal’ also performed well in PPB trials in Jordan between name and becomes legal. Only 2001 and 2003, perhaps for the same reason. then may farmers test the variety and decide whether or not it is bet- Similar discrepancies between the results of on-farm and PPB ter than those they already grow. trials were observed in the case of ‘Tadmor’ and’ Zanbaka’. The whole selection and release In 26 on-farm trials over four years, the yields of ‘Tadmor’ and

Annual Report 2006 31 Integrated Gene Management

Farmers in the Raqqa and Hassakeh provinces of Syria, and in Gezira, Iraq, have a strong preference for black-seeded varieties of barley, such as ‘Tadmor’ and ‘Zanbaka’. Both varieties have been adopted to various degrees in these areas. Farmers are also using ‘Zanbaka’ in the driest parts of Aleppo province.

It is not yet clear why the results from the on-farm trials and the PPB trials are different. But the discrepancies may be due to a combination of factors, such as location (on-farm trials are usual- Fig. 2.2. Grain yield of 'Harmal' and 'Arabi Abiad' in on-farm trials in 1983 ly conducted on the best land in and 1985 and in participatory plant breeding (PPB) trials between 2001 the area), trial management and 2005. The grain yield of 'Harmal' was higher in PPB trials. (rotation and agronomic practices are optimized in on-farm tri- ‘Zanbaka’ were only 3.6% and yields of ‘Tadmor’ and als), and statistical methods (as 1.5% higher than the check, ‘Zanbaka’ in 55 trials over three those used to analyze on-farm ‘Arabi Aswad’, and so they too years averaged nearly 20% and trials do not take spatial variabili- were withdrawn without being 17% respectively more than ty into account). submitted for release. However, those of ‘Arabi Aswad’. when tested in PPB trials, the

Developing marker-assisted selection for resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus

In economic terms, Barley yellow Researchers from ICARDA’s Virology and Biotechnology dwarf virus (BYDV) is the most seri- Laboratories therefore investigated whether polymerase ous viral disease of cereals world- chain reaction (PCR) could be used to detect these genes – wide. Planting resistant or tolerant and which QTL markers were best. The aim was to allow the cultivars is the most effective way marker-assisted breeding of resistant barley lines. to limit losses from this disease. There are only a few genes that The study was conducted during three growing seasons from confer resistance in barley, such as 2002 to 2006. In the first season, 88 Ethiopian barley acces- Yd2 on chromosome 3H. In some sions from the Vavilov Institute and ICARDA genebanks were cultivars, several quantitative trait planted in the field, and all plants were inoculated with the loci (QTLs) for tolerance to BYDV BYDV serotype PAV using the virus-carrying aphid have been mapped in addition to Rhopalosiphum padi. Researchers assessed the plants’ BYDV Yd2. The Yd3 gene on chromosome concentration 30 days later using tissue-blot immunoassays. 6H may be the second most important gene for resistance to BYDV.

32 Annual Report 2006 Malting barley for poverty reduction

A total of 107 plants from 19 accessions with mild symptoms and low virus concentrations were harvested individually and re-planted in greenhouses for further analysis. Five seedlings from each plant were tested for the Yd2 gene by PCR using the YLP-CAPS marker. Researchers found 38 plants from 14 accessions that lacked Yd2.

The 38 plants that lacked Yd2, Fig. 2.3. Resistance screening for Barley yellow dwarf virus, based on the five resistant parental lines with Yd3 gene on chromosome 6H, using marker-assisted selection. R+Yd3 rep- Yd2, and two susceptible resents resistant lines which have the Yd3 gene. R-Yd3 represents suscepti- parental lines were then tested ble lines which do not have the Yd3 gene. with a set of microsatellite markers closely linked to Yd3 on chro- In conclusion, the YLP-CAPS and and Yd3. PCR could also be mosome 6H. Some of the Bmac0018 markers enable quick used to identify resistance based parental lines harbored Yd2 detection of the Yd2 and/or Yd3 on new genes, other than Yd2 and/or Yd3. The marker genes in a genotype, respec- and Yd3, which will have great Bmac0018 was found to amplify tively. The PCR screening benefit for increased resistance a resistant allele in all 38 resistant method is rapid and efficient, in future varieties. plants (Fig. 2.3). Yd2 and Yd3 and if optimized could be used seemed to reduce the chance to screen thousands of barley of plants being infected by the lines for BYDV resistance at the viral isolate used. seedling stage, based on Yd2

Malting barley for poverty reduction

Malting barley accounts for 20% of the world’s barley production and is in great demand for making malt-based industrial products, mainly beverages and food products. Most malt is used for alcoholic drinks, such as beer and whisky, but malt and malt extracts are increasingly important in the baking and baby food industries. In Iran, for example, barley malt is mainly used to produce high-energy infant food and non-alcoholic beer. Global demand for beer is growing rapidly, particularly in many developing countries, making malting barley an important cash crop. This is important for poorer farmers in areas where barley may be the only possible crop, such as the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Andean region. Early generations of new malting barley varieties in Mexico.

Annual Report 2006 33 Integrated Gene Management

An ICARDA survey in Ethiopia’s varieties available worldwide including Brazil, Uruguay, Arsi Region showed that malting and collaborates with Argentina, and Mexico. barley is a multi-purpose crop, advanced research institutions grown as food for household and private companies. It has The barley line ‘V-Morales’ is a consumption and for sale. The developed low-cost screening product of this successful collab- thin hull makes it easier to dehull techniques to identify barley oration. It has better malting than traditional varieties, and it lines with good malting qualities quality and gave higher yields yields more flour. Thus, it has high in collaboration with the Al- than local varieties in several on- value for brewing malt and can Chark Brewery Company in farm trials in Mexico, Brazil, and also be used for traditional Syria. Peru. It also has high resistance foods. to the most important diseases, In 2000, ICARDA’s Latin America and will be registered as a ICARDA has a global mandate program worked with the agri- Mexican cultivar in 2007. to improve barley in developing cultural research branch of the countries, so one of the objec- brewer, Anheuser Busch Co., to In the coming seasons, newer tives of its Barley Improvement develop new barley varieties varieties will be identified and Program is to develop malting with improved malting quality provided to growers worldwide. varieties that meet the specific and multiple disease resistance, Varieties with better malting quality standards of breweries particularly to Fusarium head quality are expected to improve and also the needs of poor blight. The increased focus on incomes of some of the poorer farmers. The program has there- malting quality has enhanced farmers in developing countries. fore established a collection of collaboration with countries that most of the well-known malting primarily use barley for malt,

Deeper root penetration to improve drought tolerance in durum wheat

In durum wheat (Triticum turgidum University, Japan. This involves using a mixture of 40% paraffin var. durum), genetically improving and 60% petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a substitute for a hard drought resistance is the most soil layer. The method has been used by other researchers to important way to increase yield in screen the root penetration ability of rice, cotton, and wheat. the Mediterranean region. Extensive Wheat genotypes with a high root penetration ability can and deep roots are important for develop more roots in deep soil under hard soil conditions extracting residual moisture from than other genotypes. various soil layers. Compaction in the subsoil can limit deeper root The study looked at several landraces, improved cultivars, growth to subsoil layers. This reduces and one line of Triticum dicoccoides. The best landraces were water and nutrient uptake, above- found to be ‘Haurani’, ‘Jennah Khetifa’, and ‘Camadi Abu’ ground biomass, and grain yield. (Fig. 2.4). The best cultivars were ‘Korifla’ and ‘Omrabi 5’. One of ICARDA’s breeding objec- Triticum dicoccoides had a great ability to penetrate hard- tives, therefore, is to improve root pans. The lowest values for root penetration were found in the penetration to allow stable durum landraces ‘Kunduru’ from Turkey and ‘Oued Zenati’ from production in hardpan soils and Algeria, and in cultivars developed for favorable conditions, under drought conditions. ‘Belikh 2’, ‘Lahn’, and ‘Cham1’. Breeding using the best durum landraces is important to improve root penetration in A simple technique was adopted soils with hardpans, and thus drought tolerance through bet- from screenings at Hokkaido ter water extraction from deeper layers.

34 Annual Report 2006 Deeper root penetration to improve drought tolerance

from that of root number and hardpan penetration ability (chromosome 6AL), and so Rht genes may not control root traits. The root traits of tall landraces, such as ‘Jennah Khetifa’, can be introduced into high-yielding semi-dwarf cultivars.

This study showed the importance of QTL analysis in acquir- ing genetic information on complex traits, such as root traits. A QTL was found to be linked with root penetration ability on the long arm of chromosome 6A in Fig. 2.4. The ability of roots to penetrate soil hardpans in durum wheat durum wheat. This is a step landraces and cultivars, and Triticum dicoccoides. toward understanding the genetics of root penetration ability, and will speed up the A mapping population of ‘Jennah Khetifa’. The QTL for incorporation of this trait in future ‘Jennah Khetifa’ and ‘Cham1’ total root dry weight was linked varieties. was used to study the genetics to the Xgwm11 locus on chro- of root penetration ability. Seven mosome 1B, and contributed roots of the parent landrace 14% of variation in root dry ‘Jennah Khetifa’ penetrated the weight. The Xgwm11-allele also paraffin-Vaseline mixture, com- originated from ‘Jennah pared to only three roots of the Khetifa’. parent cultivar ‘Cham 1’. ‘Jennah Khetifa’ also produced Researchers also found that one greater total root dry matter, QTL on the short arm of chromo- shoot lengths, and numbers of some 4B accounted for 18.8% of tillers. the variation in plant height. This QTL was probably related to the Researchers found one major gene Rht-B1b, which was region of the genome (a quanti- derived from the semi-dwarf tative trait locus or QTL) control- wheat variety ‘Norin 10’, and ling root number and root pene- which has been identified as a tration ability on the long arm of gene for reduced height locat- chromosome 6A. This region was ed on chromosome 4BS. closely linked to the locus Xgwm ‘Jennah Khetifa’ is a tall (Rht- 427b, and accounted for 18.0% B1a) and ‘Cham1’ a semi-dwarf of variation in root number and (Rht-B1b) genotype. The genom- 16.1% for root penetration index. ic region for plant height (chro- Durum genotypes derived from Both these QTLs originated from mosome 4Bs) is thus different crosses with wild Triticum.

Annual Report 2006 35 Integrated Gene Management

Development of drought-tolerant synthetic bread wheat genotypes

Plant breeders at ICARDA have sequently died. Examination of the ‘Cham 6’ crosses indicat- developed synthetic bread wheat ed that the necrosis gene alleles – the genes that cause plant genotypes that are tolerant to tissues to die – from the two Ae. tauschii parents have differ- drought by crossing durum wheat ent effects on the plants. with goat grass (Aegilops tauschii). They will use these synthetic wheat genotypes to breed improved varieties tolerant to dry conditions.

In the 1994/95 growing season, researchers produced a number of triploid hybrid (hybrids with three sets of chromosomes) crosses of a local durum wheat ‘Haurani’ and goat grass. They planted the seeds of the hybrids and, after treating plants with colchicine to induce chromosome doubling, they obtained 78 seeds. They also obtained 12 seeds from two untreated hybrid plants. The seed was well-developed and fully viable and, when planted, produced vig- orous plants. These have the same Fig. 2.5. Selecting synthetic bread wheats for drought tolerance genomic structure, AABBDD, as from F1 crosses of durum wheat and goat grass backcrossed bread wheat. with bread wheats.

The A- and B-genome chromosomes of the synthetic bread All F1 plants of ‘Haurani’/ICAG 400073 synthetic hybrids died wheats derive from the durum at the seedling stage, whereas F1 plants of ‘Haurani’/ICAG wheat ‘Haurani’, which is well 400709 synthetic hybrids produced a single tiller and plant tis- adapted to semi-arid regions of sue died off progressively from the lower leaves to the flag Syria. The D-genome chromosomes leaf. In addition, the plants were completely self-sterile and, derive from the Ae. tauschii parents, when pollinated by ‘Cham 6’, no seeds set. However, collected from two hot, dry loca- researchers obtained 71 first-generation backcross seeds tions in northern Syria (rainfall 300 (BC1) by pollinating emasculated ‘Cham 6’ plants with pollen mm/year) and central Syria (rainfall from F1 hybrids. Three synthetic bread wheat phenotypes 162 mm/year). were produced from the first backcross: a normal phenotype, a phenotype with weak necrosis, and a phenotype with The new primary wheat synthetics lethal necrosis. From the ‘normal’ group, researchers selected were backcrossed with a spring plants that have short stalks and many spikes for use in breed- bread wheat ‘Cham 6’ and 10 win- ing programs. ter or facultative wheats (Fig. 2.5). All F1 combinations of the parents The amount of grain from the selected synthetic bread wheat set seed readily, but the plants sub- genotypes varied considerably when tested under four water-

36 Annual Report 2006 Winter wheat varieties for CAC

Table 2.2. Comparison of agronomic traits in three synthetic bread wheat genotypes and their spring bread wheat parent ('Cham 6'). Growth Trait Wheat genotype stage SW-8 SW-10 SW-15 Cham-6 Heading Shoot weight 763 710 1015 715 (g/m2) Leaf area index 3.35 3.34 3.80 4.33 Root weight in depth (g/m2) 0-30 cm 115 127 86 129 30-60 cm 31 27 39 41 Maturity Biomass (g/m2) 986 1068 1177 903 Grain yield 253 295 226 266 2 (g/m ) New synthetic bread wheat geno- Harvest index 25.7 27.8 19.2 26.1 types being tested at ICARDA’s Tel Hadya research station. deficit regimes over two years be because the synthetic bread (Table 2.2). Improved drought wheat genotypes have some Researchers will now compare tolerance in one genotype (SW- mechanism for transferring car- the three synthetic bread wheat 10) may derive from the effect bohydrate efficiently into the genotypes to develop genetic of the goat grass parent (Ae. seeds even when soils are dry. markers for drought tolerance, in tauschii) and/or durum wheat The genotypes also accumulate collaboration with the Japan parent as both are adapted to photosynthate after flowering. International Research Center dry conditions. The genotypes This means that these genotypes for Agricultural Sciences with high biomass did not always have drought-tolerance genes. (JIRCAS). produce more grain. This may

Facultative and winter wheat varieties for Central Asia and the Caucasus

ICARDA’s winter and faculta- Twelve varieties of winter and facultative wheat have been tive wheat research program is released (Table 2.3) in Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC). In developing broadly adapted, trials, these varieties consistently out-peformed local checks in disease-resistant, high-yielding terms of yield, grain quality and disease resistance. Some of the varieties for the CWANA region; new varieties are now grown over large areas. and also facilitating germplasm exchange among NARS. In Uzbekistan, ‘Dostlik’ performed particularly well, especially in Several cultivars developed the drier and salt-affected areas. In 2005, 7500 tons of seed was jointly by Turkey, CIMMYT, and produced and distributed to farmers in Syrdarya, Djizzak, ICARDA, as part of the Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khorezm provinces. By 2006, ‘Dostlik’ International Winter Wheat was being grown on over 20,000 ha. New varieties now occupy Improvement Program, are about 290,000 ha across the CAC – representing a significant now being released or tested increase in wheat production and yield, and major gains in food by State Variety Testing security. Commissions in the region.

Annual Report 2006 37 Integrated Gene Management

Table 2.3. Adoption (approximate area in 2006) of recently released varieties. The main factors winter and facultative wheat varieties in the CAC region. affecting the type of wheat cul- Country Variety Year Area (ha) tivars are latitude and altitude. of release in 2006 The frequency of winter wheat Armenia Armcim 2006 100 varieties increases at higher lati- Azerbaijan Azametli 95 2004 170,000 tudes and altitudes (Fig. 2.6). Azerbaijan Nurlu 99 2004 65,000 Spring wheats are sown in the Azerbaijan Gobustan 2006 5000 fall between latitudes 35°N and Georgia Mtsheta 1 2002 30 40°N (Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Egemen 2007 500 Turkmenistan). In Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyzstan Djamin 2004 3000 main wheat-growing areas are Kyrgyzstan Zubkov 2004 1000 at low altitudes (50 to 750 masl) Kyrgyzstan Azibrosh 2004 3000 and have mild winters. For high Kyrgyzstan Almira 2005 15 yields, wheat needs to be irrigat- Turkmenistan Bitarap 2004 25,000 ed. Facultative and winter Uzbekistan Dostlik 2002 20,000 wheats grow well in irrigated or high-rainfall areas with mild winters, for example, in Armenia. Georgia and southern Characterization of Kazakhstan, and 100% in The spring wheat type grew suc- winter wheat cultivars Ukraine. There were no winter cessfully in areas where the varieties in Azerbaijan. Spring average temperature in January wheat made up 20% of varieties was either below –7°C as spring Researchers characterized 111 in Turkmenistan, and 38% in planting (e.g. Northern wheat varieties from different Azerbaijan, but there were none Kazakhstan) or over 4°C as fall agroecological zones in CAC, in Armenia, Georgia, southern planting, while winter-type Russia, and Ukraine. They studied Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, wheats were distributed mainly growth habit (winter, facultative, or Ukraine. All countries except in areas with –7°C to 4°C. The spring), growth type (prostrate Ukraine had facultative wheat results indicate that geographi- versus erect), and resistance to yellow rust and leaf rust at ICARDA’s experimental farms at Terbol, in Lebanon, and Tel Hadya, in Syria. At Terbol, a two- year off-season summer evaluation clearly separated the varieties into three distinct types: winter, facultative, and spring. In the hot summer conditions at Terbol, the winter cultivars were prostrate, remained vegetative and failed to head, the facultative cultivars headed later than the spring types, and the spring cultivars were erect and headed normally.

Winter wheat cultivars made up 10% of varieties in Turkmenistan, 42% in Armenia, 50% in Fig. 2.6. Proportions of winter, facultative, and spring wheat varieties in Uzbekistan, 62% in Russia, 67% in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Russia, and Ukraine.

38 Annual Report 2006 Ug99: a threat to wheat production

cal variation in growth habit is closely related to temperatures in winter. High-altitude areas, with cold winters, require winter hardy varieties, although most of the wheat varieties grown in the region are classified as fall planted winter or facultative type.

Overall, 24% of the 111 wheat cultivars characterized were resistant to yellow rust and 4% were resistant to leaf rust. Cultivars from Azerbaijan (22%), Early maturing winter wheat line suitable for agricultural intensification in Kazakhstan (23%), Uzbekistan countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus (seed production field in (37%), Turkmenistan (20%), Kyrgyzstan). Ukraine (67%), and Russia (26%) showed resistance to yellow rust yellow rust and leaf rust. cultivars as parent material in but all varieties in Armenia, The characterization classified programs to improve resistance Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan were 111 wheat cultivars from CAC, to diseases and breed wheat susceptible. Varieties from Russia and Ukraine into three varieties adapted to the range Kazakhstan (8%), Uzbekistan types: spring, facultative and of agroclimatic conditions in (25%), and Russia (2%) were winter wheat. The study also wheat-growing areas in the resistant to leaf rust. Only one identified cultivars that are resist- region. variety, ‘Yuzhnaya 12’, from ant to yellow rust and leaf rust. Kazakhstan, was resistant to both Researchers will now use these

Ug99: a serious threat to global wheat production

For several decades wheat stem rust Arabian Peninsula. From there it is very likely to enter the Near has been controlled worldwide using East, South Asia and eventually East Asia and the Americas. genetically resistant wheat varieties, ICARDA and CIMMYT launched the Global Rust Initiative (GRI) and this has reduced the impact of in 2005 to deal with this new threat (see www.globalrust.org for this fungal disease. Changes in the more details). virulence of the rust have rendered some types of resistance ineffective. Stem rust could become a major threat in several countries However, resistant cultivars have including Yemen, Sudan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Large losses generally been developed before would greatly increase the cost of imports and threaten the significant damage was done. food security of millions of poor consumers whose main staple is wheat. The GRI is planning a series of projects to systemati- Worldwide, stem rust had been cally eliminate the world’s vulnerability to Ug99, and to main- largely under control but there are tain or enhance resistance to the widespread leaf and yellow several areas (‘hot-spots’) where it rusts. has suddenly reappeared. From East Africa a new threat has emerged The international spread of airborne rust diseases will be moni- and resistance has been overcome tored in the field. In addition, researchers will study the epi- by a new race of the disease known demiology of rust movement and will analyze rust races to as Ug99. Rust spores travel long dis- determine the origin of new, evolving pathotypes. This will pro- tances, so it is only a matter of time vide an early warning system for farmers growing potentially when Ug99 would cross to the susceptible cultivars.

Annual Report 2006 39 Integrated Gene Management

region, East Africa, North Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Latin America. Ug99 was not detected at 17 primary testing sites in Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan. Neither was it detected in the network of secondary testing sites in 19 countries in North Africa, Latin America, West, Central, and South Asia.

Fig. 2.7. Major wheat-growing areas and the occurrence and spread of Ug99. Its expected path is based on the movement of the virulent yellow rust Yr9 in the 1990s, which followed Route A. Ug99 was first recorded in Uganda in 1999, from where it moved to Kenya and Ethiopia in 2005 and Yemen in 2006. Scientists perceive that winds could spread the rust further along Route A, and along Routes B and C. A wheat plant damaged by rust.

Knowledge of which resistance may be short-lived. Third, the genes are effective in a region same cultivars are grown over Rust samples were also collect- will help breeders to incorporate large areas in several countries, ed and analyzed at special lab- and accumulate (pyramid) so impacts could be huge. oratories. Ug99 was detected in these genes in wheat Fourth, the same resistance samples collected along Route germplasm, and so develop cul- genes to several rusts are A (Fig. 2.7) in September and tivars that sustain resistance for deployed in multiple cultivars October 2006 in Yemen and longer. It may be necessary to grown in different countries. Sudan. A press release entitled test cultivars in rust hot-spots out- In 2006, researchers from “Dangerous wheat disease side the region, as the virulence ICARDA, CIMMYT and the jumps Red Sea: Devastating fun- for certain resistance genes may Cereal Rust Laboratory at gal pathogen spreads from east- already be present in the rust Minnesota (USDA-ARS) worked ern Africa to Yemen, following population. together to assemble an interna- path scientists predicted” was tional stem rust trap nursery. This internationally distributed. The Monitoring Ug99 evolution and was used to study the variability predicted paths (Fig. 2.7) are migration is a high priority for of stem rust in nature as well as being carefully monitored and four reasons. First, stem rust the presence or absence of steps are being taken by nation- spores can move freely over Ug99. The nursery consists of 60 al programs and the internation- long distances. Second, several cultivars and breeding lines of al community to limit the spread current cultivars have resistance bread wheat, durum wheat, of Ug99. GIS maps are being genes that are specific to partic- and barley, and was sent to col- developed to establish an early ular rust races, and so resistance laborators in the Nile Valley warning system.

40 Annual Report 2006 Resistance to Hessian fly

First sources of resistance to Hessian fly in Syria

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor, is a Table 2.4. Aegilops species resistant to Hessian fly in Syria. major pest of wheat in North Africa, North America, southern Europe, and northern Species Accession Country of Kazakhstan. The most practical solution to number origin this problem is to grow wheat varieties that Ae. ventricosa 401430 AECO96-8 Morocco are not affected by the fly. So, researchers Ae. ovata AECO96-17 Morocco at ICARDA are studying synthetic varieties Ae. ovata AECO96-19 Morocco of wheat, and its wild relatives from Ae. ovata AECO96-21 Morocco Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, to Ae. ovata AECO96-22 Morocco find resistant sources. Ae. ovata AECO96-23 Morocco Ae. ventricosa AECO96-28 Morocco In 2006, researchers screened 617 lines and Ae. ventricosa AECO96-31 Morocco accessions of wheat and its wild relatives Ae. ovata AECO96-43 Morocco (Aegilops and Triticum species) for their Ae. ovata AECO96-47 Morocco reactions to Hessian flies collected from Ae. ovata AECO96-49 Morocco Lattakia, in Syria. They put plants infested Ae. ovata AECO96-54 Morocco with mature pupae of the Hessian fly Ae. ovata AECO96-59 Morocco alongside seedlings at the one-leaf stage in cheesecloth tents. When the females Ae. ovata AECO96-61 Morocco emerged, they were allowed to lay eggs Ae. ovata AECO96-62 Morocco for two days. Twenty days after the eggs Ae. ovata AECO96-64 Morocco hatched, the plants were examined. Ae. triuncialis AECO96-68 Morocco Ae. ventricosa IC 400536 AECO96-74 Morocco Plants that were not resistant were infested Ae. longissima 400541 AECO96-78 Morocco with live larvae, dark green, and stunted. Ae. ovata 89E 124 AECO96-86 France On 29 of the 280 Aegilops accessions Ae. ovata 88E 211 AECO96-87 France (Table 2.4), all the newly-hatched larvae Ae. ovata 89E 149 AECO96-88 France were dead. This showed that these acces- Ae. ovata 89E 150 AECO96-89 France sions are resistant. The resistant plants were Ae. sp. AECO96-100 Morocco well developed and the leaves were light Ae. geniculata Recip99-1 Unknown green. Most of the resistant Aegilops Ae. speltoides var. speltoides IG46560 Syria accessions came from Morocco (Table Ae. speltoides var. speltoides IG46566 Syria 2.4). Aegilops ventricosa and Ae. ovata Ae. tauschii var. strangulata IG46897 Iran had the highest proportion of resistant accessions: 67% and 36%, respectively. Ae. tauschii IG46911 Iran

Table 2.5. Synthetic derived bread wheat lines resistant to Syrian Hessian fly under greenhouse conditions. Synthetic derived Cross/pedigree Percent resistant bread wheat lines plants SynBW-AYTSYN-27 Cupra-1/3/Croc1/Ae. squarrosa (224)//2*Opata 84 SynBW-AYTSYN-71 Cndo/R143//Ente/Mexi 2/3/Ae. squarrosa (Taus)/4/ 84 Weaver/5/SOM/6/Lagos-4 SynBW-AYTSYN-78 Cndo/R143//Ente/Mexi 2/3/Ae. squarrosa (Taus)/4/ 85 Weaver/5/SOM/6/Lagos-4 Synthetic-YT 02- 9 Altar 84/AAe. squarrosa (Taus)//Opata 99 Nasma (susceptible check) 0 Cando (resistant check) 100

Annual Report 2006 41 Integrated Gene Management

Only four of the 191 synthetic and synthetic derived bread grams in order to transfer Hessian derived bread wheat lines test- wheat lines identified are being fly resistance to wheat. ed were resistant (Table 2.5). The exploited by ICARDA’s durum resistant Aegilops accessions and bread wheat breeding pro-

TILLING: a powerful strategy for detecting mutations

ICARDA researchers have recently begun to use a new ‘reverse genetics’ strategy known as TILL- ING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genomes). Reverse genetics techniques are used to find or to produce mutations that help identify the function of a gene or protein.

TILLING involves inducing point mutations in DNA using chemicals, then rapidly screening the mutants (Fig. 2.8). Key to this is the analysis of plant phenotypes. Fig. 2.8. General procedure for creating a structured mutant population. In 2006, researchers at ICARDA M0 seed is treated to cause mutations. Researchers grow this first mutated developed a TILLING population (M1) seed into M1 plants, which produce M2 seed. A single M2 seed is for the Danish barley cultivar ‘Lux’ – taken from each M1 plant and grown into M2 plants. DNA is extracted using sodium azide to induce point from each M2 plant and its M3 seed, and archived for analysis and phe- mutations. When they compared notyping. 'Reverse genetics' screening is performed on pooled DNA the phenotypes of third-generation extracted from M2 plants and 'forward genetics' screening on M3 families. EMS = ethyl methane sulfonate. ID Mutants = identified mutants.

mutant plants (M3 plants, Fig. 2.8) with the parent cultivar, researchers found over 3.5% lethality. This means that more than 3.5% of the M3 plants were abnormal and would not survive to reproduce. The photo on left shows a white M3 plant containing no chlorophyll, a clear example of a mutation.

The value of using the TILLING technique in the detection of induced point mutations in the ‘Lux’ population was demonstrated by screening this population with two different dehydrin genes. This identified five independently induced mutations within this popula- M3 plants in a mutated population of tion of 9575 mutagenized barley plants. The results also showed that the barley cultivar 'Lux', which was the DNA sequencer system called ABI Prism 377 was suitable for this created (using TILLING) to detect type of use, as it detected point mutations in the ‘Lux’ population mutations. More than 3.5% were found to be abnormal when com- and within the two dehydrin genes. pared with unaltered plants of the parent cultivar based on four easily In the next step, researchers will backcross the mutated lines to visible traits. The abnormal white reduce background mutations and to investigate the phenotypic plants produced no chlorophyll. effects of the mutated gene.

42 Annual Report 2006 Farmers' choice – selecting better lentil varieties

Farmers' choice – the key to selecting better lentil varieties In rainfed farming systems in South Asia, West Asia, and North and East Africa, lentil is a major source of protein and nutrients for the poor. Lentil straw is an important animal feed. In addition, lentils sequester carbon, and improve soils by adding nitrogen and organic matter.

Because lentils are so important for food, animal feed, and soil health, ICARDA researchers are working with national crop improvement Farmers in Eritrea select lentil lines from ICARDA-supplied germplasm. programs to improve lentil varieties. Although several improved varieties of lentil approach has many advantages. Farmers select varieties adapt- have been released in many ed to their specific conditions and needs. This means more vari- countries over the past few eties – suited to many different farming niches – will be grown, decades, farmers have been thus increasing biodiversity. In addition, farmers are more likely to slow to adopt them. The rea- recommend, and give or sell seed, to their neighbors, speeding sons vary. Sometimes the new up the adoption of new varieties and impact at farm level. varieties are poorly adapted to farmers’ particular environ- Most importantly, this approach taps into farmers’ own skills, ments, or are vulnerable to honed over generations, in choosing varieties that suit them best. pests and diseases. In other The lentil breeding program at ICARDA involves farmers in select- cases the seed distribution sys- ing promising materials right from the start. The breeding program tems are ineffective, or there thus benefits from farmers’ first-hand knowledge of crops and are no extension services to cropping systems, local soil and weather conditions, and con- help farmers learn how to sumer and market preferences. This means the program is more grow the new varieties. Quite likely to produce varieties that farmers want, need, will use, and often, the preferences of farm- will pass on to other farmers. ers and consumers have been ignored. Participatory varietal selection: how it To select varieties that best meet farmers’ needs, ICARDA works researchers, together with their colleagues in national agricul- Over the past few years, the participatory varietal selection (PVS) tural research systems (NARS), approach has been tested in traditional lentil-growing areas in have now adopted a ‘farmer- Syria, Yemen, Eritrea, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The first step is the participatory’ approach to Farmer Initial Trial (FIT). These take place in two or three villages. selecting and disseminating The farmers grow 30-50 improved landraces and elite breeding improved lentil cultivars. This lines developed through cross-breeding, inter-planted with the

Annual Report 2006 43 Integrated Gene Management

local variety they normally plant, incorporate a seed multiplica- in four very different environ- using their usual cultivation tion component. The final stage ments chose X95S-136, a lentil methods. When the plants are is to propose the varieties for line that is highly resistant to rust mature, farmers, researchers, release. This means entering and Stemphylium blight, widely NGO staff, and extensionists them in the state variety testing adapted to different conditions, score the lines on characteristics program or getting them includ- and produces high yields. The such as time to maturity, canopy ed in national on-farm trials. line has recently been released height, seed characteristics, under the popular name seed and biomass yield, and so ‘Barimasur-5’ in Bangladesh. on. The grain yield and biomass Participatory varietal Finally, in Syria, five green lentil are measured after harvest. and seven red lentil lines, select- selection of lentil ed in FIT and FAT, are going for- The next step is the Farmer ward to on-farm trials. Advanced Trial (FAT). For these In three very different villages in trials 10-12 lines are selected on Yemen, farmers selected five The participatory varietal selec- two criteria: yield and farmers’ lines for testing, out of an initial tion approach is proving very ratings. The farmers’ key criterion 50 genotypes. Three of the lines effective for improving lentil. It is in selecting lentil varieties is the yielded nearly double the a method that works particularly quality of the grain. Other pre- amount of seed and two-thirds well for crops that are grown in ferred traits are strong plant more biomass than the local marginal environments. For such stands, resistance to diseases variety. In Eritrea, farmers select- crops, most seed is saved on- and, in the case of Syria, large ed two lentil lines, ILL 7978 and farm, as formal seed distribution amounts of straw. ILL 10013, from the 75 lines test- systems are either non-existent or ed. Seed of ILL 7978 is being mul- not effective. Participatory pro- The selected lines are then tiplied and will soon be released. grams have the additional grown in large plots in four to In Nepal, farmers were looking advantage of encouraging eight villages. These lines are for lentil that matures early and informal farmer-to-farmer sys- evaluated in the same way as would fit into the local tems that distribute seed of the for the initial trials and the best rice–lentil–maize cropping sys- new cultivars, which promotes two or three lines go on to the tem. They selected ILL 7164 and fast adoption. next step, the Farmer Elite Trial ILL 8006, both early-maturing (FET). These last trials take place varieties. In Bangladesh, farmers in eight or more villages and Combining resistance to common diseases in lentil

Biotic and abiotic stresses cause several diseases. This means that lentil varieties are needed that substantial yield losses to lentil are resistant to not just one disease, but to all the common dis- farmers worldwide. Among the eases within a particular production zone. biotic stresses, diseases – mainly caused by fungi – are the most Several national and international research organizations world- devastating. Fusarium wilt, rust, wide are gene mining – testing germplasm held in genebanks to and Ascochyta blight are par- identify genes that confer resistance to various diseases. Many of ticular problems in a wide range the 10,500 cultivated and wild relatives of lentil in ICARDA’s lentil of environments throughout the genebank harbor genes for resistance to diseases. For example, world. Other diseases, such as researchers recently screened 1500 accessions and found 34 root rots, stem rots, Botrytis new sources of resistance to vascular wilt. blight, and Stemphylium blight, are more localized. In most Techniques are now available to screen germplasm for suscepti- places, lentil is susceptible to bility to common diseases. All new germplasm and breeding lines

44 Annual Report 2006 Resistance to vascular wilt in lentil

at ICARDA’s Tel Hadya station are now screened systematically for resistance to Fusarium wilt. National agricultural research systems also systematically screen for common diseases, for example, for rust in Dholakuan and Pantnagar, in India, and Debre Zeit, in Ethiopia, and for Ascochyta blight in Horsham, Australia, and Islamabad, in Pakistan.

The resistant lines are now being used in breeding programs. Lines ILL 4605 and ILL 6002 are important donors for resistance genes A lentil field devastated by rust in the Indian state of Bengal. for rust and Stemphylium blight. ILL 5883, ILL 6994, and many ance to the most common dis- New lentil cultivars that are resist- other lines are sources of resist- eases in their area. For example, ant to more than one disease ance to vascular wilt. Some in Morocco and Ethiopia are already being grown by progress has been made in researchers need to develop farmers. For example, in Ethiopia, developing resistance to more lentil with combined resistance farmers are growing ‘Alemaya’, than one disease by incorporat- to rust and wilt; in Pakistan to a new variety resistant to rust ing genes from several different Ascochyta blight and wilt; in and wilt. In Morocco, farmers parents. northern India and western are growing ‘Abda’ and Nepal to wilt and rust; in eastern ‘Chaouya’, new varieties resist- Researchers in national pro- India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to ant to rust and wilt and, in grams are selecting resistant rust and Stemphylium blight; and Bangladesh, ‘Barimasur-4’, resist- lines from appropriate in West Asia to vascular wilt and ant to rust and Stemphylium germplasm and breeding mate- other root diseases. blight, and ‘Sital’, resistant to wilt rials supplied by ICARDA. They and root rots. are looking for sources of resist- Assessing resistance to vascular wilt in large- seeded lentil

Lentil vascular wilt, caused by Previous work at ICARDA has exploited resistance sources in small- the fungus Fusarium oxyspo- seeded red lentils and several resistant varieties have been rum f. sp. lentis, is one of the released. However, there are few sources of resistance in large- most important diseases seeded green lentils and resistant genotypes are being sought. affecting lentil production worldwide. Use of host plant Researchers therefore screened a collection of 257 large-seeded resistance is the most practi- lentils, including 41 breeding lines and 216 landraces originating cal and economic way of from 32 countries, in a well-developed wilt-sick plot at Tel Hadya, managing the disease and Syria. The collection was evaluated during the 2005/06 season in reducing yield losses. small replicated rows and compared with 'Precoz', a susceptible cultivar from Argentina.

Annual Report 2006 45 Integrated Gene Management

than 20% of plants were wilted, the accession was considered to be resistant.

Researchers found that 21% of the accessions were resistant. The greatest numbers of resistant accessions were found in materials from Chile (42% of the accessions tested) and Spain (12%), and in breeding lines developed at ICARDA (34%). There was no resistance in the 58 accessions from Iran and Syria, while only one of the 21 Turkish accessions Researchers have identified large-seeded lentil lines with a high level of was resistant. resistance to lentil vascular wilt disease. The resistant lines will be re-eval- Disease severity was evaluated disease score for each acces- uated, and confirmed sources of three times from flowering/pod- sion was the highest percentage resistance will be international ding to maturity as the percent- recorded in any of the replica- public goods, shared with lentil age of wilted plants. The final tions across evaluations. If less breeding programs worldwide. First sources of resistance to lentil leaf weevil

The lentil leaf weevil, Sitona crinitus, Table 2.6. Variation in damage to nitrogen-fixing nodules in is the main insect pest of lentil in wild relatives of lentil by lentil leaf weevil, Sitona crinitus. West Asia and North Africa. Adult weevils harm seedlings but the Accession Species Origin Percent worst damage is caused by the lar- nodules vae. These feed on the nitrogen-fix- damaged ing nodules, which means that ILWL 110 Lens nigricans Turkey 9 plants cannot fix atmospheric nitro- ILWL 166 Lens odemensis Syria 10 gen. Highly infested plants yield ILWL 136 Lens ervoides Syria 8 17.7% less straw and 14.1% less grain. ILWL 203 Lens odemensis Turkey 10 ILWL 207 Lens ervoides Croatia 10 Insecticides to control Sitona are ILWL 245 Lens orientalis Syria 10 effective but, because they are ILWL 254 Lens odemensis Syria 10 expensive, farmers do not use ILWL 258 Lens ervoides Turkey 9 them. The most practical solution is Susceptible control Lens culinaris Syria 56 to grow lentil varieties that are not affected by the weevil. However, to date, researchers have found no sions for resistance to Sitona under field conditions at Tel varieties of cultivated lentil that are Hadya, Syria. They found a large variation in the percentage resistant. So, they are now search- of damaged nodules among accessions. Eight accessions ing for resistant lines in wild relatives (Table 2.6) had significantly fewer damaged nodules (10% or of lentil. less) than the susceptible control (56%). All originate from West Asia, either from Turkey or Syria. Researchers will cross these To do this, between 2000 and 2006, lines to develop new lines of lentil that are resistant to the researchers screened 315 acces- weevil.

46 Annual Report 2006 Genetic variation in lentil

Genetic variation in cultivated and wild lentil

In 2006, ICARDA researchers polymorphisms (SNPs) and 6.5 haplotypes. Wild species had more SNPs conducted a study to inves- and more haplotypes than cultivated lentil. This means they are more tigate the relationships genetically diverse. Of the wild lentil, L. culinaris subsp. orientalis and L. between cultivated lentil lamottei showed the most variation (Fig. 2.9). and its wild relatives. The study also aimed to shed The neighbor-joining tree diagram shows the genetic relationships light on how lentil was between species. They formed seven distinct clusters (Fig. 2.10). Four domesticated. species, L. ervoides, L. nigricans, L. lamottei, and L. culinaris subsp. odemensis, each formed separate clusters. Mixtures of L. culinaris sub- Researchers sequenced species culinaris and orientalis formed two other clusters. One of these genetic markers. They chose contained accessions from West Asia and the second contained 135 accessions of cultivated accessions from North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe. The last cluster lentil and 179 of wild Lens. was made up of three L. culinaris subspecies from West Asia: culinaris, These represent the entire orientalis, and tomentosus. geographic range of the genus. First they extracted Gene sequencing showed that the Lens genus is genetically quite DNA from plants which they diverse and promises to be very effective for studying diversity in grew in the greenhouse. germplasm collections and patterns of domestication. The initial results Then, they compared genomic sequences in Medicago truncatula with those in Arabidopsis thaliana to determine the areas to sequence in order to locate the genetic markers. For all the accessions, they amplified and sequenced the DNA strands using the polymerase chain reaction technique, and compared the gene marker sequences. An analysis of gene length, number of segregating sites, number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity, nucleotide polymorphism, and nucleotide diversity determined the extent of genetic variation. Finally, to show the genetic relationships between accessions, they constructed a neighbor-joining tree.

Initially, six genes were sequenced for 3775 base pairs. On average genes Fig. 2.9. DNA sequence diversity in cultivated and wild accessions of had 14 single-nucleotide Lens.

Annual Report 2006 47 Integrated Gene Management

indicate that lentil became less genetically diverse with domestication. Groups of lentil that are genetically related show quite clearly on the neighbor-joining tree even though only a few gene sequences were analyzed.

Analyzing more gene sequences should allow more detailed relationships to be identified. These relationships, together with information on human migration and trade patterns, will provide valuable insights into lentil domestication. Fig. 2.10. Neighbor-joining tree of relationships between Lens species. L. culinaris subsp. culinaris is domesticated; all other taxa are wild.

Molecular characterization of wild and cultivated lentil

Genetic diversity within a op new, improved varieties. In 2006, researchers profiled genetic diversity crop species and its wild in lentil accessions from 15 countries and from ICARDA’s genebank (Table relatives is an advantage 2.7) using 14 lentil microsatellite primers previously developed by ICARDA. because plant breeders The accessions comprised 57 of cultivated lentil and 52 wild accessions can use genes from differ- from three subspecies (29 orientalis, 19 odemensis, and 4 tomentosus). ent lines, such as genes for disease resistance or toler- The size of the amplified fragments was 109 to 387 base pairs, and 244 ance to drought, to devel- alleles were detected. Twelve of the 14 microsatellite markers showed a

Fig. 2.11. Genetic diversity in the 109 lentil accessions studied at K=6 using structure software. The country codes (see Table 2.7) appear below the accession numbers. The analysis identified six clusters: wild lentil collected in clusters A, B and D; and cultivated lentil in clusters C, E and F. Accessions from South Asia collected in E in two genepools in cultivated lentil.

48 Annual Report 2006 New kabuli chickpeas for Ethiopia

high value of gene diversity. The Table 2.7. Genetic diversity in 109 wild and cultivated lentil acces- mean value of gene diversity in sions from 15 countries and from ICARDA’s genebank. the wild accessions was 0.69 (range 0.17 to 0.93), and in culti- Origin Country No. of accessions vated accessions 0.66 (range code Wild Cultivated 0.03 to 0.89). The number of alle- Turkmenistan TKM 1 0 les per marker varied from 4 to Syria SYR 24 4 29, and the numbers were Armenia ARM 1 0 greater in wild (10.9) than in cul- Turkey TUR 14 9 tivated lentil (8.1). An average of ICARDA ICA 0 18 9.5 alleles per locus was Iran IRN 3 1 observed. Lebanon LBN 1 0 Jordan JOR 1 2 Researchers then used structure Serbia & Montenegro SCG 0 1 analysis to identify relationships among the 109 accessions. Most India IND 0 12 of the wild accessions were Pakistan PAK 0 7 found in three populations (A, B, Uzbekistan UZB 3 0 and D; Fig. 2.11), while the culti- Cyprus CYP 1 0 vated lentil accessions were Tajikistan TJK 1 0 found in populations C, E, and F. Bangladesh BGD 0 3 The majority of accessions in Palestine PAL 2 0 population E originated from Total 52 57 South Asia (India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan). ICARDA breeding lines were distributed with Turkish in this mini-core collection and genepools. These alleles will be accessions in population C and using microsatellite markers indi- used in the future to develop with different origins in popula- cated that wild and cultivated improved varieties. tion F. The study of lentil diversity lentils were separated in two

New kabuli chickpeas for Ethiopia

ICARDA’s chickpea breeders Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center have been evaluating have developed a range of elite chickpea nurseries from ICARDA. The materials have been improved materials, that have tested for several seasons in different agroecological zones. Two been assembled into nurseries lines, in particular, performed consistently well in the mid- to high- and distributed to partners world- altitude areas where the bulk of Ethiopian chickpea is produced. wide. National research programs Both lines were part of an ICARDA international screening nursery (often in partnership with ICARDA) distributed to several countries in 1998. test this material, to identify genotypes adapted to agroecological One line, known as FLIP 97-263C, was bred at ICARDA’s Tel Hadya zones in their respective countries. research station in 1994. It was tested for six years in Ethiopia: three This approach has helped identify years on research stations, and three years on-farm, at nine loca- improved varieties for a range of tions across the country, yielding 25% more than the local check environments, and also strength- variety. The second line, FLIP 97-266C, was tested in 20 trials over ened national research programs three years, at eight locations. It gave a seed yield of 2747 kg/ha, in developing countries. 28% more than the local check variety and the highest in the trials.

Chickpea in Ethiopia is a good In 2006, the Ethiopian government released both varieties for culti- example. Researchers at the vation in mid- to high-altitude, semi-moist agroecological zones of

Annual Report 2006 49 Integrated Gene Management

the country. They were named large seeds (100-seed weight of Ethiopian institutions are now ‘Ejere’ (FLIP 97-263C) and ‘Teji’ 37.2 and 38.1 g), and therefore multiplying seed in large quanti- (FLIP 97-266C). fetch high prices on local and ties, with support from ICARDA. export markets. Both are resist- This will ensure that high-quality These are the first market-target- ant to Fusarium wilt disease, seed is widely available. Farmer ed kabuli types to be released in which is a major constraint in feedback on the field perform- Ethiopia. Apart from their high these areas. And both have a ance and profitability of the new yield and adaptation, the two plant height (Ejere 34 cm, Teji 40 varieties has been very positive, varieties have a number of desir- cm) suitable for mechanical har- and adoption is expected to able characteristics. Both have vesting. increase rapidly.

Better screening techniques for chickpea resistance to Ascochyta blight

Ascochyta blight is one of the most important diseases of chickpea worldwide. Host plant resistance is the major control method and the cornerstone of any integrated disease management package. To screen for resistance to Ascochyta blight, plants need to be artificially and uniformly inoculated with the fungus. Large quantities of spore suspensions prepared from fungal cultures grown on synthetic media are therefore required for field screening. This process is time-consuming and expensive for research programs in developing countries. Developing affordable and effective ways of screening for ICARDA researchers have been Ascochyta blight in chickpea: a trial comparing different methods of applying the disease-causing fungus at Tel Hadya, Syria. working to develop more affordable and efficient methods of producing and applying inoculum. also used a new disease index that considered both disease severity (on a 1-9 scale) and disease incidence (0-100%). A split-split-plot experiment was Researchers found significant effects due to cultivar, inoculum conducted to improve disease type and application time, and also significant interactions screening at ICARDA’s principal between the three. This showed that choice of inoculum and research station at Tel Hadya in time of application were both important. Infected crop debris Syria. Researchers tested different caused the highest levels of disease at all application times. cultivars (the highly susceptible ILC Early application of the spore suspension caused the second- 263 and moderately susceptible ILC highest disease level. Infected crop debris may continuously 482), different types of inoculum supply inoculum and sustain infection throughout the parasitic (infected seed, infected crop phase of the disease cycle. debris, and a spore suspension derived from infected seed), and There were clear advantages of an early application of infect- different inoculum application times ed crop debris when screening chickpea for Ascochyta blight (early, middle, and late application) resistance. This method is affordable and readily applicable for following plant establishment. They screening in developing countries.

50 Annual Report 2006 Resistance to leaf miner and cyst nematode in chickpea

New resistance to leaf miner and cyst nematode in chickpea

Chickpea is an important food legume in West Asia and North Africa, but destructive pests such as the chickpea leaf miner and cyst nematodes cause large crop losses. Although insecticides and nematicides are effective, farmers seldom use them because they are expensive and unsafe. A better alternative is to develop chickpea varieties that are resistant to these pests. ICARDA’s research has shown that just a few cultivated chickpea varieties are resistant to leaf miner, and none are resistant to chickpea cyst nematode.

Breakthrough in developing chickpea Dr Mustafa El-Bouhssini (left), Entomologist, and Dr R.S. Malhotra, Senior resistant to leaf Chickpea Breeder, examine improved chickpea lines for leaf miner resistance at Tel Hadya, Syria. miner

The few ICARDA chickpea seeds of these are now being multiplied for sharing with NARS in accessions (landraces) that are countries where chickpea is prone to leaf miner infestation. The resistant to chickpea leaf miner first set was sent to Mexico for evaluation in the 2006/07 season. either have small seeds or poor agronomic characteristics. So researchers successfully crossed Chickpea resistant to cyst nematode varieties with resistance to leaf miner with varieties that have ICARDA reseachers tested accessions of wild relatives of chickpea good agronomic characteris- for resistance to cyst nematode. They found some annual species tics. The transfer of leaf miner that were resistant and just one that could be crossed with a resistance from landraces to domesticated chickpea. improved varieties of chickpea is a breakthrough in chickpea Over the years, further crosses have produced two promising typi- breeding. cal kabuli chickpea lines resistant to cyst nematode. The bulked seed from each of these progenies has been evaluated (Table Researchers selected the best 2.9) and seed is available for use in breeding programs. seven lines (Table 2.8) and

Annual Report 2006 51 Integrated Gene Management

Table 2.8. Characteristics of seven chickpea lines resistant to leaf miner.

Line no. Accession Pedigree† Leaflet size Seed yield 100-seed Leaf miner number (kg/ha) weight (g) reaction (1-9 scale)‡ 75 FLIP 2005-1C ILC 3805/ ILC 3397 Normal 1407 34.0 3 109 FLIP 2005-2C ILC 3805/ ILC 5309 Intermediate 2045 21.0 3 136 FLIP 2005-3C ILC 5901/ ILC 3397 Very small 1446 33.8 2 137 FLIP 2005-4C ILC 5901/ ILC 3397 Intermediate 1076 33.2 2 142 FLIP 2005-5C ILC 5901/ ILC 3397 Very small 1406 32.2 3 181 FLIP 2005-6C ILC 5901/ ILC 5309 Intermediate 1939 25.4 3 199 FLIP 2005-7C ILC 3397/ ILC 5309 Normal 1353 45.0 4 †ILC 5901 and ILC 3805 = resistant, ILC 5309 = moderately susceptible, ILC 3397 = susceptible ‡ 1 = most resistant, 9 = highly susceptible

Table 2.9. Characteristics of two new chickpea lines resistant to cyst nematode.

Accession Days to Days to Plant 100-seed Nematode Seed yield Seed yield Flower Seed Seed number flowering maturity height weight (g) resistance (kg/ha) (kg/ha) in color color type (cm) score† in normal nematode (1-9 scale) conditions infested plot FLIP 2005-8C 66 98 32 24 3 944 1037 White Beige Kabuli FLIP 2005-9C 71 103 23 28 4 773 445 White Beige Kabuli ILWC 292* 72 105 21 16 2 489 320 Violet Brown Desi ILC 482** 66 102 29 28 8 1100 108 White Beige Kabuli * Resistant check, ** Susceptible check † 1 = most resistant, 9 = highly susceptible. These values are from a plot infested with cyst nematode.

New faba bean breeding lines with resistance to Orobanche

The parasitic weed broom- to Orobanche. To do this, researchers first developed four hybrid rape (Orobanche crenata) is bulk populations by crossing accessions resistant or tolerant to one of the main causes of Orobanche with high-yielding lines during the 1997/98 growing sea- low and unpredictable yields son. The first hybrid bulk population (HBP/S0/2000) was developed of faba bean in West Asia by crossing 16 Orobanche-resistant accessions identified by ICARDA and North Africa (WANA), with three improved faba lines and varieties: ‘Giza 402’ from Egypt, and in the Nile Valley region. and ‘Reina Blanca’ and ‘Aquadolce’ from Spain. Over the last few years, Orobanche has destroyed The second population (HBP/S0E/2000) was produced by crossing up to 80% of the faba bean eight accessions with five improved faba bean lines and varieties crop in WANA countries. developed by NARS (ILB 1814 from Syria, ‘Giza 4’ and ‘Rebaya 40’ from Egypt, ‘Aquadolce’ from Spain, and ‘Triple White’ from ICARDA has recently devel- Sudan). oped breeding lines resistant

52 Annual Report 2006 New faba bean breeding lines

The third population (S 98012) was developed from a double (four-way) cross of four parents from ICARDA, two with resistance to Orobanche (ILB 4348 and ILB 4392) and two (BPL 1179 and BPL 3011) with resistance to chocolate spot and Ascochyta blight.

The fourth population was a back cross (S 98019/2000) of two accessions from ICARDA, one parent with Orobanche resistance (ILB 4365) and the other with high yield potential (BPL 2282). New faba bean F8 breeding lines, with resistance to Orobanche, developed at ICARDA, compared with the local check (ILB 1814) in the middle, In the 1998/99 growing season, at Tel Hadya, 2005/06. the F1 crosses and parents of each population were raised in screenhouses. Off-type and dis- crosses were grown separately, Between 2000 and 2006, segre- eased plants were discarded. At as F2, in isolated plots, in open gating populations (F3 to F8) of maturity plants of each popula- field conditions to increase inter- the four groups (HBP/S0D/2000, tion were harvested and the crossing within each population HBP/S0E/2000, S 98012 and S seeds bulked. In the 1999/2000 through insect pollination. Some 98019/2000) were evaluated growing season the bulked of the F2 seed was used to iden- and their performance com- seeds of each population of tify new Orobanche-resistant pared with a susceptible local breeding lines. check (ILB 1814) under a heavy natural infestation of Orobanche Table 2.10. Average number and dry weight of Orobanche spikes, and at Tel Hadya, Syria, following the number of seeds and seed yield per plant of faba bean F8 lines at Tel pedigree method. Hadya, Syria, 2005/06. By counting the number of Group Population Orobanche/m2 No. of Seed Orobanche spikes per plant, name No. of No. of Dry seeds/ yield researchers were able to esti- lines spikes weight (g) plant (g/plant) mate the infestation rate. 1 HBP/S0D/2000 37 2.7 12.7 25.5 23.0 Counting the number of seeds 2 HBP/S0/2000 27 1.9 11.0 27.8 25.6 per plant and weighing them 3 S 98012 3 4.2 21.4 24.9 19.2 gave an estimate of yield. Seed

4 S 98019 23 4.3 19.5 26.3 22.1 from 90 F8 lines with the fewest Mean 3.4 16.2 26.1 22.5 Orobanche spikes and highest Local check (ILB 1814) 53.1 108.9 9.1 10.4 yield was grown to continue further selection (Table 2.10).

Annual Report 2006 53 Integrated Gene Management

New faba bean with early maturity and high yield

Faba bean (Vicia faba) is a major source of protein in many developing countries. It is also used for animal feed and as a break crop in cereal rotation systems to sustain soil fertility. However, various types of stresses cause yield losses estimated at over 50% worldwide. Two of the main abiotic stresses are drought and high temperatures – hence the importance of early maturing varieties that can be Participants of a traveling workshop discuss performance of a promising harvested before temperatures faba bean line. rise and drought sets in. screenhouses during 1994/95. Segregating generations (F2 to F4) were ICARDA has recently developed evaluated under natural conditions in the New Valley Research Station a new faba bean line that in the western desert of Upper Egypt, and compared with the parents matures early. To do this, (‘Reina Blanca’ and ‘Triple White’) and three check cultivars (‘Giza 40’, researchers first chose two ‘Giza 674’ and ‘Giza 429’) between 1995 and 1998. The F5 and F6 gen- improved faba bean accessions. erations were evaluated during the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 growing The first was ‘Reina Blanca’, from seasons. Spain, which combines multiple disease resistance – to chocolate One F6 breeding line (Line-2/F6/2000) flowered and matured 16 days spot, rust, and Alternaria leaf spot earlier than the P1 parental genotype (‘Triple White’), although its seed diseases – with high yields and yield was not significantly different from that of the three check cultivars drought tolerance. The second (‘Giza 40’, ‘Giza 674’ and ‘Giza 429’) and the P2 parental genotype accession was the early-maturing (‘Reina Blanca’) (Table 2.11). ‘Triple White’ from Sudan. Seed of this new early-maturing line is now being multiplied and was Researchers crossed ‘Reina released in 2006 to farmers as ‘Wadi 1’. The new variety is adapted to Blanca’ and ‘Triple White’ in the high temperatures in Egypt’s western desert and can also be sown Egypt during the 1993/94 season as a short-season crop preceding cotton in the intensive agricultural

and raised the F1 plants in areas of Upper Egypt.

Table 2.11. Performance of an early-maturing faba bean line (L-2/F6/2000) compared with parents (P1 and P2), New Valley Research Station, Egypt, 1999/2000.

Entries Days to 50% Days to 100-seed Seed yield flowering maturity weight (g) g/plant kg/ha L-2/F6/2000 34.67 118.00 87.30 68.85 5069 'Reina Blanca' (P1) 64.50 150.83 114.90 76.19 5208 'Triple White' (P2) 32.33 133.50 57.20 54.53 4025 'Giza 40' * 33.83 134.67 67.90 45.44 5394 'Giza 674' * 37.17 138.00 74.50 44.89 5092 'Giza 429' * 35.17 138.50 72.40 45.69 5325 LSD 0.05 0.97 1.20 5.16 6.60 750.01 * check varieties

54 Annual Report 2006 Management of aphid-transmitted viruses

Effect of storage conditions on detection of plant viruses with tissue blot immunoassay

Tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) is one of the fastest and cheapest tests for detecting plant viruses. It allows blotted samples to be easily sent from fields to far-away locations for processing.

In 2006, researchers assessed how the duration and temperature of storage or mailing affected TBIA’s ability to detect viruses. They cut stems of faba bean infected with Fig. 2.12. Detection of Faba bean necrotic yellow virus (A) and Bean yellow mosaic virus (B) using the tissue blot immunoassay in Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) infected faba bean tissues blotted on nitrocellulose membrane and Faba bean necrotic yellows and stored at room temperature for 9 years (A-2 and B-2), and at virus (FBNYV) and blotted them sev- 800C for 7 days (A-3 and B-3), as compared to the fresh blots (A-1 eral times on nitrocellulose mem- and B-1). brane. The blots were then stored at different temperatures and for What is more, both viruses were easily detected when mem- different periods of time. A BYMV branes were exposed to 80ºC for 10 days, although the reac- polyclonal antiserum and an FBNYV tion intensity fell as exposure time increased. monoclonal antibody were used in the test. It was clear that virus particles blotted on the nitrocellulose membrane were stable and withstood poor storage condi- Storage of up to nine years at room tions without significant effects on virus detection (Fig. 2.12). temperature did not affect the sen- This confirms that samples can be prepared close to the field sitivity of detection of either virus. and later processed at suitable facilities. Integrated management of aphid-transmitted faba bean viruses

ICARDA researchers tested a crop, and spraying leaves with mineral oil and the insecticide range of options for reducing Pirimcarb. the spread of aphid-transmitted faba bean viruses in field During 2005/06, virus incidence in mid-November plantings was 77% experiments in coastal Syria or less (depending on the treatment). This dropped to less than 5% during two growing seasons: when faba bean was planted later, in early December. Virus inci- 2004/05 and 2005/06. Testing dence decreased by 50-70% when seeds were treated with covered a number of man- Imidacloprid (1.4 g of active ingredient per kilogram of seed), com- agement components: pared with no treatment. Virus incidence decreased by 20% with a planting date, plant density, higher plant density of 33 compared to 22 plants/m2. seed dressing with the insecticide Imidacloprid, the Spraying leaves during the season with only Pirimcarb (0.2 g of planting of a wheat border active ingredient per liter), or only mineral oil (3%), or both com-

Annual Report 2006 55 Integrated Gene Management

Table 2.12. Virus incidence in early planting (mid-November) and late planting (early December) of faba bean field experiments in coastal Syria in 2005/06.

Wheat border Plant density Seed Virus incidence (%) (plants/m2) dressing with Foliar spray Imidacloprid Mineral Pirimcarb Pirimcarb (1.4 g a.i./kg oil (3%) 0.2 g a.i/l + mineral oil Without of seeds)† 0.2 g a.i./l) spray Early planting (mid-November) (control) Without 22 Non-treated 58.8 55.7 58.4 52.2 Treated 18.1 21.5 21.9 25.7 33 Non-treated 55.7 46.3 41.3 39.8 Treated 14.8 13.3 11.5 12.6 With 22 Non-treated 77.8 62.8 60.0 67.2 Treated 39.8 30.1 25.8 30.9 33 Non-treated 56.8 57.3 50.1 51.9 Treated 30.1 20.4 20.2 23.9 Late planting (early December) Without 22 Non-treated 1.5 2.6 0.8 0.6 Treated 2.5 0.0 1.6 2.5 33 Non-treated 0.6 0.5 1.7 2.4 Treated 0.0 1.1 1.0 0.0 With 22 Non-treated 2.5 0.6 1.1 3.2 Treated 1.6 0.4 1.4 0.6 33 Non-treated 2.5 0.4 0.0 2.1 Treated 0.9 2.6 0.6 1.7 † a.i. = active ingredient

bined, did not reduce the spread of persistently transmitted spread of persistently aphid- viruses, but did reduce non-per- transmitted viruses such as Faba sistent spread. In general, the bean necrotic yellows virus and natural incidence of viruses was Luteoviruses (Table 2.12). higher during the second grow- However, spraying with either ing season than during the first. mineral oil or a combination of Moreover, the virus incidence in Pirimcarb and mineral oil experimental plots was similar to reduced the spread of non-per- the situation in farmers’ fields. sistently aphid-transmitted viruses such as Bean yellow mosaic virus Researchers therefore conclud- and Broad bean wilt virus. ed that a combination of late planting, Imidacloprid seed Effect of seed dressing with The incidence of persistently treatment, and a plant density Imidacloprid insecticide on aphid-transmitted viruses was 2 aphid-transmitted faba bean of 33 plants/m are effective higher than that of non-persist- viruses under field conditions as management options to reduce ently aphid-transmitted viruses in compared to untreated plots virus disease in faba bean fields (foreground). both growing seasons. A wheat in coastal Syria. border did not reduce the

56 Annual Report 2006 Improving yield and nutritional quality of grass pea

Variability in Ascochyta fabae and sources of resistance in faba bean in Syria

Ascochyta blight in faba integrated disease management. Ascochyta-infected faba bean bean, caused by Ascochyta samples were therefore collected across Syria, and 184 fungal fabae, is one of the most samples were isolated and characterized morphologically. important fungal diseases Researchers found marked differences in colony color, spore size, affecting this crop in Syria. growth rate, and sporulation intensity. The disease is responsible for considerable yield losses. The disease-causing abilities (pathogenicities) of representative isolates were then tested in greenhouses on nine faba bean differen- The recent report in Syria of tial lines. Virulence varied significantly among isolates, with an the perfect or sexual stage of average disease severity of 2.0-6.3 on a scale of 1 to 9. Molecular A. fabae indicates that this characterization of the isolates is ongoing. pathogen’s population has great potential to evolve. It is The resistance of 50 Syrian faba bean landraces was evaluated necessary to understand vari- using an equal mixture of five isolates of the fungus. Only one ability in local pathogen accession (BPL 2761) was tolerant, with a disease severity of 4. BPL populations to develop 2761 is therefore potentially valuable for future breeding of resist- effective resistance in host ance to Ascochyta blight for Syrian conditions. plants – a key component of

Improving yield and nutritional quality of grass pea

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is known as neurolathyrism: an irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs. a popular feed and food crop The neurotoxin that causes this disease was identified as 3-(-N-oxa- in countries such as lyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). The level of β-ODAP in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, dry seeds varies widely, depending on genetic and environmental India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is factors. noted for its resistance to drought, flood, moderate ICARDA has a mandate to improve productivity of dryland agricul- salinity, and its low input ture and is placing special emphasis on improving yield and quality requirements. Being a legume, of grass pea. It has a large germplasm collection of Lathyrus grass pea fixes nitrogen from species from different parts of the world. Using this precious the air and improves the soil. resource, ICARDA is collaborating with national partners to develop When other crops fail under new grass pea lines with improved yield, adaptation, and nutritional adverse climatic conditions, quality by reducing β-ODAP to a level safe for human consumption. grass pea can be the only crop available for the poor ICARDA’s grass pea breeding program aims to reduce β-ODAP and their livestock. It can be concentration using three approaches: (1) evaluating germplasm very important during famines. to find material with low levels of the toxin, (2) creating hybrids, and (3) exploiting somaclonal variation (a plant breeding technique Although grass pea seeds are that induces variation during in vitro cell culture). tasty and protein-rich, over- consumption can cause a dis- Five years of screening showed that no accession from any Lathyrus ease of the nervous system species was free of β-ODAP, although some had low levels. This was

Annual Report 2006 57 Integrated Gene Management

species-related. In L. cicera seed, for example, the β-ODAP content was relatively low: 0.03–0.22% (0.16% on average). Grass pea seed displayed the greatest range: 0.09–2.4%, while L. ochrus accessions had the highest β-ODAP content (0.46–2.5%).

Researchers found four grass pea accessions with a low seed β-ODAP content of less than 0.1%. The level presumed safe for human consumption is less than 0.2%. A very interesting finding was that four accessions of a Improved grass pea lines with low β−ODAP levels, being tested at ICARDA. wild relative of grass pea, L. cilio- latus (underground Lathyrus), had very low β-ODAP contents: ODAP under local conditions. mm) and Breda (rainfall 237 less than 0.05% in dry seeds. Improved lines were selected in mm) in Syria. These lines main- β the F4 and F5 families with high tained their high yield and low - Analysis of a large number of yields and seed β-ODAP con- ODAP content under low-rainfall grass pea accessions revealed tents of less than 0.08%. conditions. that samples originating from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Recently, the exploitation of In collaboration with national Nepal, and Pakistan had high somaclonal variation of agricultural programs, four grass seed β-ODAP contents. Samples Ethiopian landraces has pro- pea cultivars were recently from North Africa, Syria, Turkey, duced somaclones that differ in released: ‘Waise’ in Ethiopia, and Cyprus had significantly characters like flower color, leaf ‘Ali-Bar’ in Kazakhstan, ‘Gürböz’ lower seed β-ODAP. size, seed color, pod length, and in Turkey, and ‘Hassyly’ in pod shape. This phenotypic vari- Turkmenistan. These cultivars Low-neurotoxin genotypes have ability will be a boon for grass could have a great impact on undesirable traits, such as late pea breeders in further improv- human and livestock nutrition in flowering, susceptibility to insects ing quality and yield. these resource-poor countries and diseases, and low yields. Somaclones with a β-ODAP con- with large semi-arid areas. Researchers therefore started a tent of less than 0.09% were also Since grass pea is an affordable hybridization program to developed. These were tested in legume for low-income families improve yield, adaptation, and different locations in Ethiopia to and a common part of many nutritional quality. This was done see whether the β-ODAP con- diets, the release of low β-ODAP by transferring the low neurotox- tent of the ripe seeds varied cultivars will remove the fear of in character to locally adapted from place to place. neurolathyrism in Ethiopia and germplasm from grass-pea-pro- other countries that produce ducing countries, such as To avoid out-crossing, improved grass pea. The improvements in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian national lines with a high yield potential quality and yields will increase program was supplied with a and low β-ODAP were tested by the welfare of many subsistence segregating population for test- ICARDA in 2005/06 in isolated farmers in areas where grass ing and selection for low β- areas at Tel Hadya (rainfall 290 pea is grown.

58 Annual Report 2006 Narbon vetch for low-rainfall areas

Narbon vetch: a feed legume for low-rainfall areas

Narbon vetch (Vicia narbo- during the severe cold of the 2004/05 season. In addition, narbon nensis) is one of the most vetch showed resistance to bird damage in its early growth stages, attractive legume species for and appears to be the most resistant in this respect of all the Vicia producing grain and straw as species tested. The high seedling vigor and early resistance to bird feed in dry areas. Despite the damage are major factors in establishing a good plant stand. Four diversity of species available, years’ assessment of improved narbon vetch lines showed that they few have been used as feed grew well when rainfall was less than 300 mm, at least on heavy crops in dry areas. Currently alkaline soils. The desirable characters of these promising lines are there are few legume crops cold and drought tolerance, wide adaptability, and yield stability. suitable for the relatively dry zones with annual rainfall of Differences between environments (i.e. sites and seasons) for grain 200-300 mm, and farmers yield and harvest index were significant. Mean grain yield varied grow continuous barley. from 0.9 to 1.9 t/ha at Tel Hadya in 2005/06 and 2002/03, respec- These areas suffer from over- tively. Mean harvest index (grain yield expressed as a percentage grazing and there is a clear of total biomass) varied from 30% at Breda in 2005/06, to 40% at Tel need for legume feed crops, Hadya in the 2003/04 cropping season. Variation among individual in line with ICARDA’s overall lines was also significant, as yields ranged from 0.96 t/ha for line # objective of developing sus- 2390, to 1.6 t/ha for line # 2239. Grain yield was not always related tainable farming systems. to total rainfall, as the low rainfall in 2004/05 and 2005/06 at Breda actually produced relatively high grain yields. Researchers therefore assessed the agronomic Narbon vetch is moderately susceptible to the parasitic weed potential of improved narbon broomrape (Orobanche crenata). Long-season environments vetch lines developed at favored severe attack by broomrape, eliminating the other advan- ICARDA during the last 10 tages of longer seasons on grain yield. The early-maturing lines were years. Trials were conducted also susceptible, but set seeds and formed pods before the worst at ICARDA’s Tel Hadya and effects of broomrape were seen. Grain yield was therefore strongly Breda sites. These broadly and negatively correlated (r = –0.75, P < 0.01) with days to flower- typify the physical conditions ing. These results indicate the need to search for earlier maturing of dry areas where farming systems are based on a mix of sheep, goat, and barley production. Nine improved lines were studied over four growing seasons from 2002/03 to 2005/06. Rainfall varied from 492 mm at Tel Hadya in 2002/03, to 237 mm at Breda in 2005/06.

Differences among lines for seedling vigor, winter growth, cold tolerance, and spring growth were small but significant. Improved lines had high seedling vigor, rapid winter This farmer in the Afrin area in Syria gows narbon vetch as an intercrop growth, and showed good in his olive orchard – improving soil fertility, benefiting the olive trees as cold tolerance, especially well as the succeeding crop.

Annual Report 2006 59 Integrated Gene Management

types with acceptable yields or mass yield, making narbon vetch vetch has great potential as a more resistance to broomrape. a valuable feed legume crop. supplementary animal feed in dry areas. The vetch is an ideal All lines tested did not perform Narbon vetch does not lose its feed legume for producing win- equally in the test environments. leaves following frost, unlike most ter stocks of straw to feed sheep The average grain yields across other feed legumes. Even with during the winter peak of feed environments of lines # 2391, rainfall in 2005/06 of 290 and 237 demand. More research is need- 2387, 2380, and 2383 were mm, and 42 and 18 nights of ed on improving the nutritional greater than the grand mean, frost, it still produced 0.9 and 1.2 value of the grain and straw and indicating they had wide adapt- t/ha of grain at Tel Hadya and lowering anti-nutritional factors. ability. The harvest index and Breda, respectively. It can there- The attributes of narbon vetch grain yield are likely to deter- fore be a major component of feed when other crops fail. It has give it huge potential in margin- mine the way farmers use feed upright growth and a high seed al low-rainfall areas, where other legumes. Crops like narbon retention, which facilitates legumes are not suitable. Its vetch with high grain yield and mechanical harvesting, unlike adaptability to adverse condi- harvest index can be dual-pur- many other Vicia species. tions, large seeds, and high propose, being used for grain and Narbon vetch’s crude protein tein content of grain and straw straw production. The improved content was 26–32% for grain make it a favorite among mar- lines with a high harvest index and 8.4–12% for straw. These ginal farmers. also had a potentially high bio- high values show that narbon International Crop Information System and International Nurseries Network

ICARDA’s International Crop breeding efforts. The faba bean database system follows the model of Information System and the International Crop Information System (ICIS), which has been International Nurseries developed by various research centers within the CGIAR, including Network continued to con- ICARDA. It will be one of the first systems to implement all three arms tribute significantly to inter- of the ICIS, as it includes the geneology management system, data national germplasm management system, and location information for GIS. The project is exchange, information dis- supported by the Australian Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. semination, and availability in 2006. Online tools and The CGIAR’s Generation Challenge Program supported the develop- resources were published, ment of the Genomic Laboratory Information Management System which are essential for and the Genomic Management System at ICARDA to integrate geno- browsing electronic data- typic and phenotypic data. These systems were judged the most bases on crop variety advanced within the CGIAR in May 2006 and are being tested at releases, crop information CIMMYT, IRRI, the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre in systems, and international Canada, and EMBRAPA in Brazil. nursery and trial field books. In 2006, ICARDA contacted more than 400 researchers and scientists The International Faba Bean on the International Nurseries Network contact list to notify them of the Information System was nurseries and trials available for 2006/07. There were 106 requests for begun in 2006 and is on 1943 cereal and legume nurseries and trial sets. In response, 1679 sets track for completion in 2007. of germplasm samples and special dispatches were sent to about 51 This will manage and inte- countries. These numbers are consistent with previous years’ grate data from around the germplasm sample distribution figures. Field results from our collabora- world on faba bean genetic tors internationally are expected to be returned to help improve resources, to help improve ICARDA’s germplasm improvement activities.

60 Annual Report 2006 Testing seed health

Testing seed health

In 2006, the ICARDA Seed Health important pathogens. This involves about 11,000 cereals and 3000 Laboratory continued to ensure legume genotypes annually. For international nurseries in 2006, that incoming and outgoing about 255 genotypes of faba bean and lentil were tested for seed was free of pests and seed-borne viruses, such as Broad bean stain virus, Bean yellow pathogens. ICARDA sends out mosaic virus, and Pea seed-borne mosaic virus. Testing for Barley large numbers of ‘international stripe mosaic virus was also conducted on 2400 barley and wheat nursery’ trials to collaborators genotypes according to the quarantine requirements of the worldwide. recipients.

Large quantities of seed were Only seed free of pathogens and pests was dispatched. During also sent to research projects to 2006 there were 272 seed shipments to 62 countries, of which 106 improve rural livelihoods and were international nursery requests from 48 countries. food security in Balochistan, Pakistan, where there has been severe and prolonged drought, Incoming seed and to Ninevah, Iraq, where long conflict has severely dis- ICARDA received 22 seed shipments from 13 countries in 2006, rupted agriculture. Two tons of and over 5500 cereal and about 1500 legume genotypes were barley, spring bread wheat, tested for the most important seed-borne pathogens and pests. durum wheat, faba bean, chick- The most frequently recorded pathogen on wheat was common pea, vetch, and lathyrus seed bunt (Tilletia caries and T. foetida); infection sometimes reached was sent to Ninevah, and one bunt ball level and required disinfection. Dwarf bunt (T. controver- ton of spring bread wheat, bar- sa) was also found on one shipment. Ascochyta and Fusarium ley, and cumin seed was sent to species were found on legumes at low rates. Balochistan. Before dispatching these materials, the seed health If needed, seeds were treated with fungicide before planting, as staff conducted comprehensive only incoming healthy genotypes are planted in post-quarantine tests to ensure they were free of fields or greenhouses for further observation. seed-borne pests and pathogens, which covered fungi, bacteria, nematodes, Inspecting ICARDA’s international viruses, parasitic weeds, and insects. The seeds were fumigat- nursery and seed multiplication fields ed and treated with appropriate broad-spectrum fungicides. The Seed Health Laboratory staff inspected about 200 hectares of cereal and legume crops intended for international distribution or The Seed Health Laboratory rou- for seed multiplication. Roguing was used to minimize pathogen tinely tests 100% of incoming incidence, when needed. and outgoing seeds for seed- borne pathogens. During 2006 In barley, the most frequent fungi were loose smut (Ustilago nuda) this covered more than 20,000 and barley stripe (Pyrenophora graminea). A few plots had cov- genotypes. ered smut (U. hordei). Wheat was infected mainly with common bunt (T. caries and T. foetida) and loose smut (U. tritici). In legumes, the main pathogen was Orobanche species. However, Outgoing seed in faba bean, Ascochyta fabae was found most frequently. Field inspection of post-quarantine fields showed the most com- Genotypes for international dis- mon cereal infections were common bunt and the loose smuts. tribution are tested for the most

Annual Report 2006 61 Mega-Project 3 Improved Land Management to Combat Desertification

Introduction pation is essential if the livelihoods – and security needs – of the people inhabiting drylands are to be improved without further degrading their environ- Desertification has been defined as land degrada- ments. Technology, institutional and policy options tion in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas resulting are required to prevent further land degradation from various factors, including climatic variations and build viable livelihoods. and human activities. The drylands cover some 41% of the global surface area and house around ‘Improved Land Management to Combat 2.1 billion people. More importantly, 72% of drylands Desertification and Increase Productivity in Dry are in developing countries and approximately half Areas’ (Mega-Project 3) aims to identify options for of the worlds’ poor live in drylands. Even by conser- rehabilitating degraded land resources and simulta- vative estimates of land already degraded, deserti- neously strengthening land management systems to fication affects more people than any other envi- control degradation and sustain future production ronmental problem. in order to contribute to sustainable livelihoods. Earlier definitions failed to emphasize that desertifi- Major elements of the Project include: develop- cation is a development problem and not specifi- ment and testing of an integrated approach to cally an environmental one. This is now clearly rec- natural resources management; understanding the ognized by the United Nations Convention to causes and driving forces of land degradation, Combat Desertification (UNCCD). For example, the including regional assessments of desertification; convention states that “national action programs, ‘best-bet’ technologies for managing land, water designed to combat desertification, must be fully and watersheds (linking to MP1), vegetation (linking integrated into other national policies for sustain- to MP2) and rangelands; policy and institutional able development”… “combating desertification is research (linking to MP5) to create an enabling really just part of a much broader objective: the environment for combating desertification; and sustainable development of countries affected by institutional strengthening and capacity building in drought and desertification”. integrated approaches to sustainable land management. Given the complexity of causal factors, an integrated approach including broad stakeholder partici- Tribal dominance: implications for rangeland management in Morocco

Overgrazing and the spread toral management and pastoral organizations show that custom- of cultivation are two of the ary access rights to rangelands are essential for successful collec- major causes of degradation tive management. In Morocco, the creation of the pastoral coop- of the rangelands of north- eratives took this into account and cooperatives reflect local east Morocco. The creation ethno-lineage systems. This means that members of cooperatives of pastoral cooperatives in all belong to the same social unit – tribe, fraction (sub-tribe), or 1988 aimed to improve the douar. use of rangelands. However, these cooperatives focused To get a better understanding of how different groups use the on improving services to pas- rangelands, researchers from ICARDA, the Institut National de toralists rather than on meas- Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Oujda, and the Centre de ures to prevent degradation. Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Previous experiences in pas- Développement (CIRAD) studied the area traditionally controlled

62 Annual Report 2006 Tribal dominance: implications for rangeland management

the territorial boundaries are not clear. While this ensures that livestock can graze the rangelands freely, it also means that the interests of different fractions conflict and that it is difficult to manage the rangelands collectively.

First, the research team mapped and characterized the Beni Guil rangelands. Rapid assessment by herders showed that half the rangelands were severely degraded. As expected, stocking rates were higher on better, non-degraded rangelands, par- Community structure and dynamics are important factors in the manage- ticularly in winter and spring ment of rangelands in north-eastern Morocco. when there was more forage on the non-degraded rangelands than on the degraded range- by the Northern Beni Guil tribe, spond with the nine major frac- lands. At these times livestock the present-day rural communes tions of the tribe, but herders of graze the best rangelands, so of Tendrara and Maatarka. Nine all fractions are still using the the stocking rate on these pastoral cooperatives corre- whole Beni Guil territory because rangelands is higher.

Table 3.1. Ranking of nine fractions (F) of the Beni Guil tribe, Morocco, according to their dominance of rangeland.

Population† Assets† Rangeland use† Rangeland characteristic Dominance index‡ (residents) (livestock) Cultivated area Stocking rate Degraded Appropriated domL domC (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) F2 5.8 8.0 9.3 18.1 43 13 1.00 0.87 Dominant/rangelands F8 18.9 28.7 12.2 15.7 45 19 0.96 0.00 F3 11.2 17.9 11.2 10.2 53 18 0.82 0.08 Dominant/cultivation F1 6.5 4.6 12.1 9.0 76 3 0.09 1.00 Dominant/relative F6 7.9 9.2 13.2 11.7 73 8 0.26 0.68 F4 7.2 6.5 22.4 9.5 61 15 0.46 0.73 Dominated/relative F7 10.5 6.5 6.3 6.2 66 13 0.30 0.11 Dominated/absolute F5 24.9 13.9 10.5 11.1 87 12 0.00 0.07 F9 7.1 4.7 2.8 8.4 82 14 0.02 0.03 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

†Distribution of variable according to the nine fractions (% of total) ‡Normalized value of the principal component factors in the principal components analysis domL: dominance through greater livestock numbers; domC: dominance through cultivation of large areas

Annual Report 2006 63 Improved Land Management to Combat Desertification

Table 3.2. Factor analysis of dominance of rangeland use for the Beni and F9) that are completely Guil tribe, Morocco. dominated in all aspects.

domL domC Understanding the origins of the Indicators of dominance bargaining power of the different fractions will be necessary to Livestock/population 0.378 0.024 improve the collective manage- Cultivated area/population -0.008 0.469 ment of these rangelands. So, Stocking rate/population 0.156 0.43 the research team then consid- Indicators/rangeland characteristics ered the pattern of dominance. To understand this really needs a Appropriated rangelands (%) 0.296 -0.432 sociological study but the Degraded rangelands (%) -0.41 0.002 team’s discussions with the lead- domL: dominance through greater livestock numbers ers of the nine fractions did give domC: dominance through cultivation of large areas some preliminary indications of the origins of power. Grazing dominance (domL) seems to be The survey results showed that total livestock, cultivate 9% of associated with historical power half the map’s polygons were the total cultivated area and struggles between fractions and used by a single fraction. These their livestock represents 18% of can be justifiably called domina- ‘fraction-appropriated range- the stocking rate on the range- tion, whereas cultivation domi- lands’ are significantly less lands. In addition, only 43% of nance (domC) happens by degraded than the rangelands the rangelands used by F2 are default, and is used by the that are used by more than one degraded and 13% are used weakest groups to ensure fraction. There are two reasons (appropriated) by F2 alone. access to the rangelands. for this. First, the ‘fraction-appropriated rangelands’ are less cul- In order to make quantitative Finally, the research team did a tivated than the other range- comparisons between the frac- regression analysis of the impact lands. Secondly, the stocking tions, researchers aggregated of fraction dominance on pro- rates are not only lower but are the indicators in a principal duction and livelihood strategies also stable throughout the year. components analysis. The analy- – such as feeding costs, fatten- The characteristics of these sis (Table 3.1) suggests that there ing activities, giving up breeding ‘fraction-appropriated range- are two types of dominance in livestock, seeking work off-farm, lands’ suggest that they are, in rangeland use. In the first and migrating. This took into fact, governed by informal rules, (domL), fractions own a greater account the composition and even though they are ‘officially’ share of the livestock popula- assets of households. open to all. tion, select the best rangelands, and are able to exclude other Overall, the level of dominance Next, the research team ana- fractions. In the second (domC), in cultivation (domC) had no lyzed how each of the nine the fractions cultivate extensive impact on individual strategies. fractions used the rangelands. areas to secure access to sur- Herders who belong to fractions The populations, livestock, cul- rounding pastures. Normalized that dominate the area by tivated area and stocking rate indexes provide the ranking of appropriating the best range- on the rangeland for each the fractions according to their lands (domL) are the least vul- fraction, were compared as level of dominance (Table 3.2) nerable as they are less likely to well as the average charac- and show that F2 dominates the quit breeding livestock and teristics of the rangelands used rangelands in all aspects, while migrate. These herders also have by each fraction. For example, other fractions only dominate in the lowest feeding costs and Table 3.1 shows that, although specific areas, such as overgraz- obtain the best price for their fraction 2 (F2) makes up only ing (F8 and F3) or cultivation lambs. This means that grazing 6% of the total Beni Guil popu- (F1). At the bottom of the rank- dominance is beneficial for frac- lation, they own 8% of the ing, there are two fractions (F5 tion members, whereas cultiva-

64 Annual Report 2006 Oasis consortium to combat land degradation

tion dominance makes no differ- need for clear boundaries con- ence. This might suggest that flicts with the need to keep a promoting initiatives to limit fur- certain degree of fuzziness in ther cultivation of the range- rangeland boundaries to allow lands would be easy as this livestock to graze freely. would have no impact on members of the fractions with weak- Following the creation of the est cultivation dominance. pastoral cooperatives, fractions in rural communes in Tendrara So, what are the prospects for and Maatarka, Morocco, now pastoral cooperatives? officially manage rangelands. Technological innovations have However, in reality, tribal frac- failed to combat rangeland tions compete for access to degradation. Most researchers, grazing that has traditionally development actors and some been open to all. And in this policy makers now recognize competition, all fractions are not Project studies are helping to the role of formal and informal equal. In the powerful fractions understand social dynamics and institutions. Recent approaches that dominate by selecting and their influence on technology promote a combination of com- appropriating the best range- adoption in rangelands. munity participation and decen- lands, herders are better off. This tralized management of natural means that the objectives of resources for managing forests, good natural resource manage- This suggests that, to be equi- watersheds, and rangelands. But ment and equitable access to table and effective, rangeland the implications of these resources are difficult to achieve management in Tendrara and approaches for tribes living in simultaneously. Even though cer- Maatarka has to be organized Maghreb rangelands have not tain fractions in effect prevent at the tribe level. The recently yet been fully addressed. For degradation of some range- created union of pastoral coop- example, for the success of lands by appropriating them for eratives offers a formal and community-based natural their use, by doing this they dis- functional framework for resource management, the advantage the pastoralists of addressing conflicts and starting resource and its users must first other fractions. negotiations. be clearly delineated. But the

A new consortium to combat land degradation

A new consortium brings togeth- predecessor, the Desertification, Drought, Poverty and er the research expertise of 11 Agriculture (DDPA) consortium. CGIAR research centers to tackle land degradation. Called the Oasis Consortium, it is co-con- Why Oasis is needed vened by ICARDA and ICRISAT. The Consortium brings together a broad, multidisciplinary range The drylands are home to one-third of humanity and some of of capacity, expertise, partner- the least developed nations. The poorest people in the drylands ships, and geographic experi- are farmers and pastoralists. They struggle valiantly and with ence in dryland degradation great ingenuity to eke out a living from fragile environments that and builds on the work of its are particularly vulnerable to degradation.

Annual Report 2006 65 Improved Land Management to Combat Desertification

The CGIAR Centers have invest- and developing countries to ing high-value crops and pro- ed significant effort in research assess land degradation, partic- cessing livestock products that in sustainable dryland develop- ularly in sub-Saharan Africa. capitalize on the particular ment. But these efforts are frag- advantages of dryland environ- mented and poorly coordinat- The second goal is to find a way ments. ed. of measuring the processes that cause soil and water erosion, Lastly, there is a great deal of flush away nutrients, and dimin- knowledge about how to man- An eight-year plan ish biodiversity – and then to age land successfully to prevent devise ways to prevent these degradation. The problem is with five goals happening. This effort is expect- how to share this knowledge ed to produce practical, proven with disadvantaged, isolated Scientists can help solve ways to use and recycle nutri- rural communities. The intractable problems only by ents and water, preserve dry- Consortium’s efforts towards this coordinating their efforts. The land agrobiodiversity, and to are expected to produce new Oasis Consortium aims to do just supplement nutrients and biodi- models for scaling-up better nat- this to tackle desertification. It is versity by bringing them in from ural resource management. a partnership between people external sources. These tools will working on the ground and sci- be used on farms throughout entists in advanced research Africa and Asia. institutions from many disciplines. Partnerships Already, the Consortium has The third goal is to find ways to consulted widely to set five change the policies, market The Oasis Consortium will build goals, which are expected to forces, and institutional arrange- on strong existing partnerships make a significant impact. ments that aggravate land with all the major stakeholders in degradation. This effort will pay desertification, such as UNCCD, The first goal is to develop an off in key policy changes and TerrAfrica, United Nations agen- effective way of assessing and better dryland management. cies (UNEP, UNDP, UNESCO), the measuring dryland degradation Sahara and Sahel Observatory, at appropriate scales. This The fourth goal is to find out regional NARS bodies, NGOs, means taking into account sub- what motivates dryland users to and funding agencies such as tle, long-term changes in the do things that degrade land. This GEF, IFAD, and USAID. The state of natural resources. It is a would help to find ways to Consortium will also make the complex task. And, in addition, change their perceptions so that most of other programs with par- economists need to assess the they become motivated to act allel aims that the CGIAR cost of ecosystem goods and in ways that lead to more sus- Centers are involved in. These services, taking into account the tainable, diverse, remunerative, include the Desert Margins needs of land users – especially and resilient dryland manage- Program (ICRISAT, sub-Saharan the poor – and the needs of ment. Here, the Consortium Africa), the Mashreq and national, regional and global expects that there will be a shift Maghreb project (ICARDA, North communities. Tackling this will from low-value to higher-value Africa and West Asia), and the produce much more effective farming, such as combining tree- CACILM project (ICARDA, tools for development agencies crops and livestock, and grow- Central Asia and the Caucasus).

66 Annual Report 2006 Mega-Project 4 Diversification and Sustainable Improvement of Crop and Livestock Production Systems in Dry Areas

Introduction and diversifying current agricultural production systems; increasing and diversifying outputs; improving the safety, quality and marketability of produce; Within developing-country dry areas, the majority of and adding value through agri-processing of pri- the rural population is involved in the agricultural mary products, while sustaining the resource base. sector, with crops and livestock both contributing It aims to contribute to the development of produc- significantly to the livelihoods of the poor. Mega- tive and sustainable systems that enhance nutrition Project 4 focuses on enhancing income-generating and livelihoods and generate opportunities for rural options for the rural poor from crops and livestock, agri-business development and increased employ- especially small ruminants; improving, intensifying ment.

Greenhouses increase farmers' incomes in Yemen and Afghanistan

Increased income from high-quality cucumber crops in Yemen

Farmers in Yemen’s rainfed terraces produce many food crops, but their returns are low. This has contributed to a rural exodus – particularly by men seeking other employment – and a decline in the maintenance and productivity of terraced lands. Attempts to encourage farmers to remain on the land have been successful only where irrigation water is available and cultivation of cash crops is possible.

A two-year project funded by the Greenhouse production of cash crops is helping to increase farm French-Yemen food aid program aims incomes in Yemen. to introduce and promote affordable, sustainable systems of protected agriculture that use water efficiently to By increasing water-use efficiency and therefore farmers’ produce high-value crops in Yemen’s incomes, the project is helping to maintain terraced lands mountain terraces. It involves installing and conserve natural resources. This supports the simple greenhouse structures at 35 Government of Yemen’s rural development and food securi- pilot sites. ty policies.

Annual Report 2006 67 Diversification of Crop and Livestock Systems

An economic analysis showed Producing high- that, compared with open-field quality cash crops production, cucumber production in greenhouses yields four in Afghanistan times the outputs and five times the net income per unit of land. To speed up rural development Equally important, it provides in Afghanistan, ICARDA devel- nine times the net return per unit oped a three-year project for of water. transferring intensive cash-crop production systems to farmers. By developing local capacity in The project, which began in protected agriculture tech- Fig. 4.1. Average cucumber yields January 2004 and ended in niques, the project sought to and income per square meter in March 2006, was supported by ensure that its outcomes were open fields versus greenhouses in USAID. sustainable. By March 2006, 364 Yemen, 2005. US$ 1 = YER 197 people had received training in (approx) The participants – 35 farmers in Afghanistan. A series of eight six provinces – increased their training manuals were also pub- incomes by as much as 135% lished in the local language, Simple greenhouses have using the protected agriculture covering greenhouse installation, already been installed at 17 pilot system to produce high-quality climate control, drip irrigation, sites and ICARDA has provided cash crops. Seeing the success crop nutrient and management technical support for the partici- of their neighbors, many more needs and vegetable produc- pating farmers. Project staff farmers have requested training tion methods. carefully studied the farmers’ from ICARDA in the greenhouse socioeconomic profiles before technology. In April 2006, 30 In 2005, a Protected Agriculture installing the greenhouses, and farmers in Kunduz agreed to pay Center (PAC) was established in production records were collect- 50% of the cost of the green- Kabul to conduct research and ed on a routine basis. houses in exchange for techni- provide training, technical sup- cal support from ICARDA and an port and advisory services. Training is a key component of on-the-job training course (21-27 Demonstration greenhouses at this project. Using the train-the- April 2006). the center have helped to trainer approach, ICARDA staff generate farmer interest and and consultants have improved knowledge among extension agents, agricultural engineers, and technicians. The project gave farmers on-the-job training and developed five handouts in Arabic on protected agriculture.

The first year yielded very promising results. Farmers using greenhouses to grow cucumber generated good income while increasing water and nutrient use efficiency and yields per unit of land (Fig. 4.1).

Dr Ahmed Moustafa (left), Coordinator of ICARDA’s Arabian Peninsula Regional Program, demonstrates protected agriculture technologies to Afghan farmers.

68 Annual Report 2006 Effect of lower cost feed on lamb meat quality

promote adoption. The first har- port from ICARDA to continue vest – 1.7 tons of cucumber from the project and expand it to one greenhouse – was pro- other provinces, and to support duced in only 75 days, generat- the formation of a protected ing returns of U$1200. agriculture growers’ association in Afghanistan. A workshop at PAC on greenhouse manufacturing tech- The greenhouse technology has niques helped to reduce green- had significant impact on grow- house costs by 40% by promot- ers’ incomes, while enabling ing the use of locally available farners to use marginal land, materials. Fifteen Afghan techni- and reduce labor and water Fig. 4.2. Comparison of net income cians received training at this requirements. This provides sub- from poppy and greenhouse workshop, supporting the sus- stantial evidence that the tech- cucumber in Afghanistan, over one tainability of the project. nology is economically viable in year of production. Figures are The project also organized six the context of Afghan agricul- based on one jerib of poppy (2000 other workshops and seven ture. This is very important in light m2) and one greenhouse (270 m2) farmer field schools. The final of the need to find suitable liveli- of cucumber, and were derived workshop, held on 19 March hood alternatives for poppy from interviews with farmers and a 2006, brought together 65 growers. While Afghanistan’s socio-economic study. national and international ban on poppy cultivation is a experts, 17 farmers, and repre- positive development, it has seri- sentatives of the Afghan govern- ous implications for the rural with farmers in poppy-growing ment, the FAO, Kabul University, economy. Poppy farmers and areas, the net profits from green- the French embassy, and many people who harvest poppy – a house production of high-quality international development and highly labor-intensive process – cash crops can easily replace – agricultural research agencies. have lost a major source of and surpass – the profits from The participants requested sup- income. According to interviews poppy cultivation (Fig. 4.2).

Effect of lower cost feed on the quality of meat from Awassi lambs

The high cost of feed reduces al feed. In the second, community-based participatory trial, they profits for small farmers fatten- tested the most promising least-cost diet on three fattening farms ing lambs in intensive produc- in the Khanasser valley, northern Syria. tion systems in Syria. Less expensive feeds of equal or Weaned male Awassi lambs were used for both on-station and better quality can boost farm- on-farm fattening trials. In the on-station trial, two least-cost diets ers' incomes. and one traditional diet were fed to lambs for 90 days. In the on- farm trial, lambs were fed the best least-cost diet (as determined ICARDA researchers com- by the on-station trial) for 72 days and compared with lambs fed pared the effects of cheaper the traditional diet (Table 4.1). The least-cost diets included feeds (least-cost diets) and molasses and wheat straw treated with urea. These ingredients are traditional costly feeds on available locally and are cheaper than traditional ingredients, but meat quality. They conducted farmers are unfamiliar with them. two fattening trials in 2003/04. In the first, on-station trial, they The fasting lambs (kept without feed, but given water) were fed lambs two least-cost diets slaughtered at the slaughterhouse in Aleppo, the carcasses kept and a control diet of tradition- at 2°C for 35 hours, and the Longissimus dorsi muscles extracted.

Annual Report 2006 69 Diversification of Crop and Livestock Systems

Table 4.1. Ingredients of diets in on-station and on-farm fattening trials.

Awassi ram lambs in the on-farm fattening trial in Khanasser Valley, northern Syria.

ness of meat from lambs fed least-cost diet 2 and the control diet the same. However, they rated meat from lambs fed The pH of the meat was record- respectively, after slaughtering least-cost diet 1 more tender ed at slaughter, and at 35 hours (p<0.0001) and in on-farm trials, than meat from lambs fed the and 72 hours after slaughtering. 6.6, 5.8, and 5.76 (p<0.0001). control diet (p=0.032) (Fig. 4.3). One Longissimus dorsi muscle from each lamb was immediate- The meat was cooked for 70 The evaluation of the meat from ly stored at –20°C; the other was minutes in a circulating water lambs in the on-farm trials pro- stored for 72 hours at 2°C after bath at 70°C core temperature duced very similar results to that slaughtering, and then at –20°C of meat, then cut into small from lambs in the on-station tri- until evaluation. cubes, and evaluated by a als. The panel detected no dif- panel of 27 men and women. ference in smell and taste The pH of meat samples from They ranked the meat for tender- between the meat from lambs on-station (average 5.99) and ness, juiciness, taste, and smell fed the least-cost diet and the on-farm trials (average 6.05) did on a scale of 1 (low) to 6 (high). meat from lambs fed the control not differ significantly. Changes diet (p>0.426). Similarly, there in the pH of meat samples from The panel detected no differ- was no difference in juiciness both trials were normal, and fell ence in smell, taste, and juiciness and tenderness between ani- as the meat aged and the sug- between the meat from lambs mals fed different diets on farms ars were converted. In on-station fed the two least-cost diets and 1 and 2 (p>0.381). However, on trials, the pH was 6.17, 5.97, and the control diet in on-station tri- farm 3, the meat from lambs fed 5.84, at 0, 35, and 72 hours, als. The panel rated the tender- the control diet was considered

Left to right: Evaluating the lamb carcasses; preparation; and evaluation of meat samples

70 Annual Report 2006 Adding value to yogurt-making

least-cost diets gained weight at the same rate or faster than those fed the traditional diets. The low-cost diets did not affect the aging or taste of the meat. This means farmers need not be concerned that least-cost feed will lower the quality of meat. By using lower-cost feeds they will raise their profits.

Farmers were enthusiastic about the low-cost feeds, in particular with the use of molasses. Fig. 4.3. Percentage of high scores (4 to 6) for meat quality of lambs fed However, at present there is no two least-cost diets and a control diet in on-station trials. Control = tradi- system to deliver molasses to tional diet; diet 1 and diet 2 = least-cost diets. farmers, although it is readily available. ICARDA has encouraged farmers, the feed industry, more juicy and tender than Researchers also measured the and the government to look at meat from lambs fed the least- increase in weight of lambs fed ways to remove this constraint. cost diet (p<0.003). different diets. Lambs fed the

Simple changes to yogurt-making add value in northern Syria

Yogurt is widely consumed in Participatory workshops in both communities to identify problems in West Asia, either by itself or in yogurt production involved both male and female farmers. Women local dishes. In Syria, resource- were invited because it is the women who collect milk and process poor farmers produce most of dairy products. A series of training workshops was then held for the yogurt. For example, farmers on the basics of hygienic milk production and improving sheep farmers in the El-Bab yogurt processing. area of northern Syria derive 48% of their income from milk The traditional way of making yogurt is very prone to contamina- and yogurt. tion. Farmers reported that the yogurt was often sour, had a poor texture, crumbled, and had a yeast flavor. All these lowered the To improve milk processing quality and market value of the yogurt. Another problem was that and yogurt production, the yogurt was not firm and collapsed when transported. ICARDA researchers used a participatory approach to To overcome the problem of yogurt collapsing on the trip from farm test simple new technologies to market, farmers tested three starters that produce firm yogurt in two communities, Abu- and compared them with the starter they normally use. One of the Jabar and Bugaz, in El-Bab, new starters produces yogurt with a very mild flavor and high viscos- Syria. Farmers here produce ity, the second, a yogurt with a mild flavor and medium viscosity, yogurt and cheese from and the third, a yogurt with a strong flavor and medium-to-low flocks averaging 49 milking viscosity. ewes in semi-intensive crop- livestock production systems.

Annual Report 2006 71 Diversification of Crop and Livestock Systems

Farmers identify problems in making yogurt and choose Yogurt made by traditional methods and transported methods of improving processing at a participatory over bumpy roads loses its firm texture. workshop.

The viscosity of the three types of Adults preferred the strongly fla- and high viscosity fetched the yogurt was measured using a vis- vored yogurt made with the tra- lowest price (22 SYP/kg). Farmers cometer after mechanically ditional starter. However, chil- could cover the cost of trans- shaking the yogurt for 15 min- dren preferred the mild and very porting yogurt to market (5 SYP utes. Firmness was measured with mild yogurt produced with the per 2.5-kg bucket) by changing a texture analyzer, using a 20- new starters. The crucial test was from the traditional starter to the mm cylinder probe to penetrate how the yogurt sold in the mar- starter that makes strongly fla- 25 mm into the yogurt. Farmers ket. Farmers' net incomes vored medium-low viscosity then evaluated the yogurts and increased by 18% from yogurt yogurt (Fig. 4.4). tested market reactions. made with the new starters. Strongly flavored, medium-to- Farmers opted to make yogurt The new starters increased vis- low viscosity yogurt fetched the with the new starters that pro- cosity by 60-72% compared to highest market price (30 Syrian duced a firm product and yogurt made with traditional pounds (SYP)/kg), followed by increased their income by 18%. starters. The new starters also pro- mild flavored medium viscosity The participatory approach and duced yogurt that was 20- yogurt (27 SYP/kg), and the tra- market evaluation were key to 30% firmer and could be trans- ditional yogurt (25 SYP/kg). finding a solution and testing the ported without collapsing. Yogurt with a very mild flavor new technology.

Farmers and their families test Fig. 4.4. Income and transport costs for local and strong flavored yogurt. yogurt types made with a tradi- A bucket contains 2.5 kg of yogurt (US$ 1 = SYP 50.5). tional starter and new starters.

72 Annual Report 2006 Zero-till direct sowing

Zero-till direct sowing improves returns in cereal-legume rotations

Dryland farming systems in the five years 2002-2006. Conservation shallow tillage for wheat after CWANA are becoming lentil and deep tillage for lentil after wheat ('conservation shallow- more intensive, which is deep' in Table 4.2) gave the highest wheat grain yields in most years, threatening the region’s when compared to conventional tillage. This system also gave the soils and water supplies. highest mean straw yields for wheat. However, zero-till systems have been developed Wheat also did well in the zero-till direct sowing system with the plant that reduce soil erosion, residue left, especially in the driest season (2005/06). In dry years the boost soil fertility, and plant residue prevents moisture loss from the soil, but in wetter years it improve the water-holding creates problems for the direct sowing drill machines. capacity of soil. Likewise, conservation tillage prac- Mean lentil straw yields were significantly higher under zero-till direct tices aim to retain plant sowing. This was particularly the case under zero-till direct sowing with residues from previous residue in the driest season (2005/06). There was very little difference in crops for the same rea- lentil grain yield between conservation and conventional tillage sys- sons. These systems can tems and zero-till direct sowing (Table 4.2). also give farmers higher yields and higher returns. These results show that in cereal-legume rotations in dryland farming systems, yields are higher for conservation tillage (when shallow tillage ICARDA researchers inves- is used for the rotation's cereal crop and deep tillage is used for the tigated zero-till and con- legume crop) than for conventional systems (where deep tillage is servation tillage systems used for both cereal and legume crops in the rotation). In fact, most and compared them with farmers in Mediterranean lowlands are already using this 'shallow- conventional tillage sys- deep' conservation tillage system in cereal-legume rotations. tems in wheat-legume rotations. They conducted trials for five years on different systems: (1) conservation tillage with shallow tillage for wheat and deep tillage for lentil; (2) conventional tillage (deep for both wheat and lentil); (3) conservation tillage with shallow tillage for both wheat and lentil; (4) zero-till direct sowing leaving plant residues; and (5) zero-till direct sowing with plant residues removed.

Table 4.2 shows the average grain and straw yields for wheat and lentil for the Long-term field experiments have provided valuable information on zero- five tillage systems over till systems, helping to devise practical recommendations for farmers.

Annual Report 2006 73 Diversification of Crop and Livestock Systems

Table 4.2. Average grain yield of wheat and lentil in two conservation In the dry season of 2005/06, tillage, one conventional tillage, and two zero-till direct sowing tillage sys- when rainfall from October to tems, Tel Hadya research station, Syria. The means are for the five-year December was less than half the period 2002-2006, for wheat-legume rotations. rainfall in the other years, the plants grown in the zero-till sys- Mean crop yield (t/ha) tem did well even though they Tillage system Wheat Lentil were sown at the same time as Grain Straw Grain Straw plants in the other systems. The 1. Conservation (shallow-deep) tillage 3.96 6.73 1.15 1.48 plants grown in the conservation 2. Conventional (deep-deep) tillage 3.85 6.05 1.14 1.69 and conventional systems, how- 3. Conservation (shallow-shallow) tillage 3.58 5.61 1.10 1.48 ever, did not do well. This means 4. Zero-till direct sowing (residue left) 3.29 5.13 1.07 1.81 that sowing crops early with zero-tillage is likely to give higher 5. Zero-till direct sowing (residue removed) 3.33 5.83 1.12 1.83 yields. For every day gained by Standard error† 0.09 0.21 0.05 0.06 early planting with zero-tillage, † Differences between tillage systems were significant for wheat grain yield, wheat straw yields are likely to increase by 20 yield and lentil straw yield at p<0.01, but were not significant for lentil grain yield kg/ha compared with conventional tillage. Zero-till direct sowing, however, In very dry seasons, for example may give farmers higher returns, the 2005/06 season, yields from The value of sowing early with particularly when residues are zero-till direct sowing can be zero-tillage was confirmed by removed (Table 4.3). Lentil net much better than from conven- zero-till direct sowing trials with returns were higher under zero-till tional tillage systems. During chickpea and wheat at direct sowing, with or without these particular trials, zero-till ICARDA's Tel Hadya research residues, than under conserva- plots were sown at the same station in 2005/06. Chickpea tion or conventional systems. time as the other tillage-treat- yielded 78% more grain, and Wheat net returns were also ment plots, so as not to intro- wheat 44% more grain, com- higher under zero-till direct sow- duce another factor (sowing pared to conventional tillage ing with the residue removed. date) into the trial. Normally, systems. These directly-sown So, zero-till direct sowing with the sowing would be earlier in zero- zero-till crops took advantage of residue removed gave farmers till than in conventional tillage the moisture available in the soil the highest net returns. But systems because seed is drilled from winter rains in their early whether or not farmers can use directly and there is no need to growth stages and developed this system depends on whether prepare the land first. This means deep root systems. Then, during zero-till drill equipment is avail- that the plants emerge early, the dry period later in the crop- able in their area for them to covering the soil and reducing ping season, they drew moisture use. evaporation losses.

Table 4.3. Input costs and net returns (Syrian Pounds/ha) under two conservation, one conventional, and two zero- till direct-sowing tillage systems, at Tel Hadya research station. The means are for the five-year period 2002-2006. Wheat Lentil Wheat-lentil Input Income Net Input Income Net rotation cost return cost return Net return 1. Conservation (shallow-deep) tillage 12,205 44,573 32,368 15,569 22,308 6,739 19,554 2. Conventional (deep-deep) tillage 13,378 43,324 29,946 15,566 23,273 7,707 18,827 3. Conservation (shallow-shallow) tillage 13,065 40,253 27,188 14,240 21,676 7,436 17,312 4. Zero-till direct sowing (residue left) 11,430 36,968 25,538 14,226 23,004 8,778 17,158 5. Zero-till direct sowing (residue removed) 11,479 41,826 30,347 14,255 23,764 9,509 19,928 1US$ = 50.5 Syrian pounds

74 Annual Report 2006 Zero-till direct sowing

tillage after wheat turns the plant residues into the soil and makes sowing legume seed more successful. Yields are not as high with local implements for zero-till, such as 'ducks-foot' and local drills, as with modern machinery. Ideally, zero-till direct sowing drills should be manufac- tured by local workshops.

As well as saving time and fuel, zero-tillage improves soil structure, makes effective use of soil moisture, and gives higher yields, particularly in dry years. Zero-till also preserves precious topsoil. Studies show that for each ton of wheat produced under conven- Direct-drilling equipment from India, originally designed for rice, is being tional tillage systems, 12 tons of adapted for use in wheat and intercropping systems. topsoil is lost compared with about 0.5 tons under zero-till systems. In addition, zero-till gives from deep in the soil profile. option is to shallow till when farmers in dryland farming sys- When farmers do not have the planting cereals after legumes tems higher returns from cereal- equipment for zero-till direct and deep till when planting legume rotations. sowing, then the next best legumes after cereals. Deep

Annual Report 2006 75 Mega-Project 5 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment in Dry Areas

Introduction needs, and choice of livelihood strategies) in relation to agriculture and its environment, including patterns of adoption and impacts of improved Poverty, in its broadest sense (income poverty, technologies. Another important dimension is water poverty, educational opportunity, gender understanding the structure, conduct and perform- equity, and vulnerability) is widespread in the dry ance of domestic markets for agricultural com- areas, particularly in the CWANA region. A deeper modities across different countries to evaluate the understanding of the determinants of poverty, and implications of market imperfections for small farm- of the livelihood strategies adopted by rural com- ers. Efforts are directed toward the involvement munities, is necessary to continually refine the tar- and active participation of end-users in research geting of ICARDA's research, enhance and track its program development, testing and verification, in impact, and identify pathways out of poverty. order to maximize relevance and adoption of new Mega-Project 5 seeks to contribute to the iden- options and pathways by individuals, communities tification of research pathways to implement tech- and institutions. Frameworks and methodologies for nological, institutional, and policy options to reduce participatory and community-based research are rural poverty in the dry areas globally. This is being being developed and implemented in partnership done through, among other approaches, improved with NARS to enhance the impact on rural liveli- characterization of the rural poor (assets, context, hoods. depth and duration of poverty, vulnerability, basic

Improving food security and alleviating poverty in arid agriculture, Balochistan

Sustainable market-oriented agricultural production can improve the livelihoods and food security of rural people in Balochistan province, Pakistan. To develop appropriate farming practices for this arid area, ICARDA is working to test new technologies with national research organizations, such as the Arid Zone Research Center (AZRC), Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Technology Transfer Institute (TTI), and the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC).

In the districts of Mastung, Qilla Saifullah, and Loralai, researchers are focusing on improving the management of scarce water resources, improving range management and livestock productivity, H.E. Oweis Ghani (second left), Governor of Balochistan, visiting improving crop productivity, and demonstrations of protected agriculture at the Agricultural introducing agro-processing. Research Institute, Quetta.

76 Annual Report 2006 Lamb market value chains

In 2006, protected agriculture, using greenhouses, was shown to optimize the use of scarce water resources. Farmers tested cucumber in three protected plots for one season, and the harvest fetched good prices. The net farm income was estimated to be US$99.20, while the income per cubic meter of water used was US$2.88.

Researchers also found that introducing improved wheat, Field day in Dasht, Mastung District, Balochistan, 14 May 2006. barley and lentil varieties that are tolerant to drought and community-based seed enter- jam gave a net benefit of Rs 250 cold, and high-value crops such prises. Three mobile seed-clean- (US$4) from 7 kg of apples – a as olive, almond, pistachio and ing machines shipped from Syria valuable addition to family pomegranate, improved farm to Akhtarzai, Duki, and Dasht incomes. Both vegetables and productivity. mean that high-quality seed can fruits are plentiful in this area so be produced. Farmers have there is the potential to process One high-yielding, cold- and been trained to operate, main- produce to sell in markets. In drought-tolerant wheat variety tain, and manage the Dasht, women decided to start was sown in demonstration plots machines. processing apples, as second- on farmers' fields, and five vari- grade fruit suitable for jam mak- eties were tested on-station. A Women and two trainers in ing is abundant. wheat variety developed Siddiqabad, Nali Wali Zai, and between 1985 and 1995 was Dasht were taught better meth- In addition, five field days held in also tested. One barley variety ods of drying surplus vegetables, Akhtarzai, Siddiqabad, and from ICARDA and two barley so they do not have to buy cost- Dasht gave farmers the opportu- varieties developed earlier were ly fresh vegetables during the nity to see demonstrations of distributed to farmers. Three lentil winter season when produce is improved crop varieties under varieties from ICARDA and one scarce. both irrigated and sailaba con- developed earlier were distrib- ditions (rainfed farming with uted to farmers for demonstra- Women in Dasht were also bunds for water harvesting). The tion plots. Varieties that proved taught how to make apple jam, field days also directly involved successful in on-farm trials are which was especially liked by communities in evaluating the now being distributed through children. The returns from making new varieties.

Analyzing lamb market value chains in Aleppo, Syria

Sheep production is a major income families in rural areas – and is an important source of economic activity in Syria. It pro- foreign exchange. vides over 30% of the total value of agricultural production, Over the past 20 years, the total value of sheep exports has employs 20% of the total work- grown at the rate of 14% per year. The sustained shift from tradi- force – including many low- tional, extensive lamb production systems to semi-industrialized,

Annual Report 2006 77 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

specialized fattening systems has had a significant impact on productivity and income. Today, all marketed lambs are fattened in intensive systems. Nonetheless, an information gap in the lamb marketing systems has limited policy action to improve the competitiveness and performance of the sector, as well as the welfare of breeders and market agents.

In collaboration with Aleppo University, ICARDA conducted a lamb market study (November 2005 to March 2006) focusing on Aleppo province. This province has the single largest sheep population in Syria (2.2 million head, Fig. 5.1. Weekly sheep markets surveyed in Aleppo province. representing 17% of the country's total sheep population) and is a The project staff conducted 14 small weekly markets in its dis- major domestic and export mar- rapid rural appraisal surveys and tricts and sub-districts (Fig. 5.1, ket. The study aimed to analyze semi-structured interviews in 16 Table 5.1). The interviewees the Aleppo sheep market struc- sheep markets. These were the included a random sample of ture and business practices, province's two main markets market agents, including breed- identify marketing channels, and Neqarien and Jebrien (located ers, fatteners, traders, intermedi- determine market competitive- 15 km east and 12 km southeast aries, slaughterhouse operators, ness. of Aleppo city respectively) and butchers and exporters. The

Table 5.1. District and sub-district sheep markets in Aleppo province.

District Sub-district Market Distance to Business day Services Number of Business volume size (ha) Aleppo (km) intermediaries Afrin 0.50 70 Tuesday na 15 300 Jendayres 0.25 90 Monday na 13 250 Rajo 0.30 100 Saturday na 15 250 Al Bab 3.00 35 Thursday S, Sc 12 600 Qbbasien 0.30 45 Monday Sc 10 250 Dayr Hafer 1.20 50 Thursday Sc 45 250 Manbej 2.00 80 Saturday Sc 100 2000 Al Khafseh 1.50 100 Thursday Sc 75 1500 Maskaneh 4.00 85 Tuesday Sc 65 1200 Ein Al Arab 3.00 175 Sunday na 40 2500 Sorrien 1.50 120 Wednesday na 120 1800 A'zaz 0.30 55 Tuesday F, Sc 15 500 Al Safira 3.00 45 Monday F, Sc 100 800 Jabal Sam'an Al Atareb 0.20 30 Sunday na 20 500 Aleppo (Neqarien) 10.00 15 Every day V, F, Sc 60 7000-10000 Aleppo (Jebrien) 1.00 12 Every day V, S, Sc 50 5000 V: Veterinary unit, S: Stall, F: Fence, Sc: Scale, na: not available Source: Market survey

78 Annual Report 2006 Lamb market value chains

information analyzed included weight of about 50-60 kg. Market secondary markets to make a market value chains, channels, agent preferences are reflected profit. About 25 of these traders costs, margins and structure, in their roles and activities. For are active in Aleppo. A third and business practices, including instance, fatteners prefer to fat- type of trader, called qbanji, fattening, transactions, partner- ten weaned lambs in intensive buys fattened lambs, processes ships and profitability. systems over several production them at state-run slaughterhous- cycles (or batches) over a 90- es and sells the carcasses to Around the markets there are day period, with starting weights butchers. About 100 such traders many lamb fattening enterprises of 25-30 kg and finishing live are reported in Aleppo. (khan), where unsold animals weights of 55-60 kg per lamb. Although there is only one gov- were also kept. The sub-district ernment slaughterhouse in bazaars are generally small with The many kinds of traders have Aleppo province, used for lambs no fences or sheep stalls, with diverse functions (Fig. 5.2). Small- and culled ewes, a number of the exception of Maskaneh. scale traders (known as muareq) private slaughterhouses exist in However, there is a relatively buy and sell animals at the same Al-Marjeh and Qarleq. large number of players. For market. There are some 200 example, in Al Khafseh and small-scale traders reported in Aleppo has 40 exporters who Maskaneh there are 75 and 65 Aleppo province. Although they ship lambs to the Gulf markets. intermediaries, respectively. deal with all sheep types (see As shown in Fig. 5.2, intermedi- Table 5.2), they are mainly aries or dallalin (singular dallal) The structure of the lamb fatten- involved in the sale of ewes for mediate almost all transactions, ing value chain is shown in Fig. meat. Other traders, known earning 50 Syrian pounds per 5.2. Sheep breeders supply the locally as shahiin, buy weaned head as a commission. There are lambs to fatteners who prepare lambs and ewes at the primary about 60 intermediaries in them to reach the slaughter markets and transport them to Aleppo, which gives an indica- tion of the competitiveness of Activities Agents the market. Because these traders cannot keep animals for long periods and do not have Breeding Breeder fattening facilities, their small profit margins may turn into net losses as prices fluctuate. Feeding Muareq (speculating Dallal Shahiin (speculating over time) over space) The structure of the market, the large number of sellers and buy- Sale to ers, and the very small margins intermediary Fattener that dealers gain demonstrate the competitiveness of the Aleppo markets and the Fattening Exporter Qbanji absence of concentration of market power in the hands of a few. Processing Export markets Slaughter- house (Gulf States) The study also found that there is weak institutional capacity in Retail Butcher terms of animal health monitoring. Diseases can be transmitted at the market place as animals Consumer from different places meet and mix. Intermediaries enforce the return of sick animals to the seller Fig. 5.2. Market value chain in Aleppo province. as part of the transaction agree-

Annual Report 2006 79 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

Table 5.2. Sheep type and their prices on the Aleppo market.

Sheep type Unit Price (SYP) Female yearling kg 97 Female lamb (< 1 year) kg 102 Male lamb (< 1 year) kg 125 Fattened lamb kg 115 Culled ewe, old or out of production kg 85 Ewe without lamb Head 4130 Ewe with new born lamb Head 6000 Pregnant ewe Head 4500 Productive ram Head 9500 Unproductive/old ram kg 105 Sheep market in Aleppo province, Source: Market survey, average prices (2002-2006). Syria. 1 US$ = 50.5 SYP (Syrian pounds).

ment, which is considered quali- markets would provide valuable Finally, the study highlighted the ty assurance for the buyer. information for policy makers, pro- strong business partnerships ducers and traders. Yet payments between exporters and fatteners, The study also showed there for lambs at the Aleppo markets which help capital flow to the were weaknesses in the record- are not made at the time of pur- sector, linking producers to mar- ing of transactions and prices. chase, but rather two weeks to kets. Understanding these vertical Price information is critical for pro- one month later. This practice is alliances along the value chain is duction and marketing decisions. also a disadvantage for fatteners, essential for promoting them as Continuous recording of lamb particularly resource-poor small- instruments that can improve rural prices at primary and secondary scale fatteners. livelihoods.

Improving farmers' food security and incomes in Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, and Yemen

The project "Technology ed information on seeding rate, Generation and Dissemination planting date, fertilizer rates, for Sustainable Production of weed and pest control, irrigation Cereals and Cool-Season Food requirements, tillage, and Legumes" funded by IFAD for the improved crop varieties. Nile Valley and Red Sea region was completed in March 2006. Researchers assessed the The goal was to improve food impact of technologies on the security and farm household livelihoods of rural households income through developing and using indicators such as crop transferring technologies to productivity, employment, family Researchers planning a joint farmers to improve the yields income level and its distribution, assessment of the impacts of and yield stability of wheat, faba household food security, and improved wheat and legume bean, chickpea, and lentil in poverty. In collaboration with technologies in Egypt, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the national agricultural Sudan and Yemen. Yemen. The technologies includ- research programs, 915 house-

80 Annual Report 2006 Assessing impacts on food security and incomes

Table 5.3. Adoption rate of wheat and faba bean technologies holds in nine locations were (percent of farmers). interviewed using a pre-tested formal questionnaire and strati- Technology Wheat Faba bean fied random sampling. The component Egypt Sudan Yemen Egypt Sudan Ethiopia national programs' capacities in Variety 68 62 91 100 8 71 impact methodologies, survey Sowing date 74 53 15 44 8 22 techniques, data analysis, and Weed control 68 66 na 100 80 100 reporting were strengthened by Pest control na 64 na 100 63 45 two regional training workshops. No. of irrigations 88 17 19 na na na Seed rate 65 17 20 58 25 4 The adoption of the technologi- Fertilizer 58 44 22 50 0 15 cal packages was selective. na = not applicable Some elements such as sowing methods, improved varieties, Table 5.4. Impact of improved technology packages on crop pro- and pest control were more ductivity. Yields obtained by adopters and non-adopters, and per- widely adopted (Table 5.3). centage increase brought by adoption. Effect on crop productivity Yield (t/ha) The recommended technologies Crop Country Technology Adopters Non- Increase improved crop productivity. In all component adopters (%) countries and for nearly all crops Faba bean Egypt Variety 3.3 2.8 18 and technology components, Seed rate 3.4 2.8 21 yields obtained by farmers who Weed/pest control 3.3 3.0 10 adopted all or some compo- Full package 3.4 3.0 13 nents of the package were high- Faba bean Ethiopia Variety 1.7 1.2 42 er than those of non-adopters. Weed 1.6 1.5 7 The only exception was faba Fertilizers 1.5 1.6 -7 bean, where weed control in Seed rate 1.7 1.6 6 Sudan, and fertilizer application Tillage 1.4 1.6 -12 and tillage in Ethiopia generated Faba bean Sudan Variety 2.7 2.5 8 lower yields for adopters. Improved varieties were impor- Seed rate 3.5 2.6 35 tant in increasing yields, espe- Weed control 2.6 2.8 -7 cially in Ethiopia where rainfed Pest control 2.7 2.7 0 agriculture predominates. Wheat Egypt Variety 6.0 5.2 15 Depending on the crop and the Seed rate 6.0 5.2 15 country, the yield differences Sowing date 6.0 5.2 15 between adopters and non- Weed control 5.9 5.4 9 adopters varied between 8% No. of irrigations 5.7 5.6 2 and 70% (Table 5.4). Full package 6.1 5.2 17 Wheat Yemen Variety 3.0 2.1 43 An appropriate seeding rate Seed rate 3.2 2.8 14 was important, increasing faba Fertilizer rate 3.2 2.1 50 bean yields by 6% in Ethiopia No. of irrigations 2.2 3.0 27 and 35% in Sudan. Using the rec- Chickpea Ethiopia Variety 1.8 1.1 63 ommended sowing date Seed rate 2.0 1.5 25 increased wheat yields by 15% in Lentil Ethiopia Variety 1.7 1.0 70 Egypt and lentil yields by 135% in Sowing date 2.0 0.85 135 Ethiopia. Econometric estimates Weed control 1.6 1.00 62 of crop production functions for Ethiopia and Egypt confirmed

Annual Report 2006 81 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

the net effect of improved vari- and Yemen, although the direc- technologies in Sudan, Ethiopia, eties and other inputs on crop tion of change in total produc- and Egypt, respectively, the low productivity increases. tion costs per hectare was not Gini coefficient indicated less clear. In Egyptian wheat produc- inequality. Inequality was high Impact on employment tion, as a result of higher yields for wheat in Egypt and chickpea Labor requirements were clearly and lower labor costs, returns for in Ethiopia, and researchers are reduced for certain operations, adopters were US$300/ha higher studying this issue in more depth. especially plowing chickpea than for non-adopters. For the and lentil in Ethiopia, and har- wheat package, adopters in Household food security vesting lentil in Ethiopia and Egypt had average net returns improvement wheat in Yemen. There was a of US$1190/ha, compared to The per capita production of substantial increase in labor US$830 for non-adopters: an each crop was an indicator of required for lentil sowing and increase of 43%. In Sudan, the project's impact on the food weeding, chickpea weeding corresponding figures were security of farm households. It and harvesting in Ethiopia, and US$510 and US$134 per hectare: was calculated by dividing the for wheat irrigation in Yemen. an increase of 280%. household's total production for Compared with traditional prac- the specific crops by household tices, the overall effects of the Similarly, for lentil and chickpea size. The project has clearly recommended plowing, sowing, in Ethiopia and faba bean in improved food security among weeding, irrigation, and harvest- Egypt, farmers who adopted the adopting farmers. On average, ing methods reduced the labor technologies had net returns per per capita faba bean produc- required by 1.5% and 7.8% for hectare of US$451, US$551, and tion in non-adopting households chickpea and lentil in Ethiopia, US$962, respectively. These were was 428 kg in Egypt and 138 kg but increased it by 44% in 17% to 173% above those in Sudan (both under irrigation), Yemen. Thus, the package did obtained by non-adopters in and 44 kg in Ethiopia (under not give a uniform employment each country (Fig. 5.3). rainfed conditions). Households outcome for all crops and coun- who adopted the technology tries. The Gini coefficient was used to had yields that were higher by estimate the equality aspect of 8% in Sudan, 13% in Egypt, and Impact on household income increases in income. Among 42% in Ethiopia. In Yemen, per The recommended technologies households that adopted capita wheat production was reduced labor costs in Ethiopia wheat, lentil, and faba bean 188 kg, representing an increase of 38%.

In conclusion, impact indicators showed the project was effective in increasing crop productivity, farm income, and food security, and in reducing poverty among technology adopters. Such positive impacts should stimulate wider adoption and greater impacts over time. The study also provided important information on the main constraints to wider dissemination of the technologies to farmers.

For example, in Yemen, the most important constraints are that Fig.5.3. Impact of faba bean technology on farm income. farmers cannot afford the full

82 Annual Report 2006 Improving livelihoods in North Africa

package, extension agencies weakness of extension services; ers were still experimenting with are weak, and competition and a shortage of policy meas- components of the technology, exists between wheat and cash ures in the areas of input and given the variations in adoption crops such as potato and onion. output markets, credit, and rates between countries. Risk For farmers in Egypt, the con- financial support. aversion may be important in straints are the unavailability of farmer decisions not to attempt inputs, such as improved seeds After the project's lifespan of the full package early in the and fertilizers, at the right time; four years, it was clear that farm- adoption process.

A sustainable livelihoods approach to improving livelihoods and preserving natural resources in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia

Making a living in most mountain The sustainable livelihoods approach has five main thrusts. The communities is hard. In develop- first is to get more out of the assets that communities and ing countries in particular, infra- households already have, such as water, local plant genetic structure, education, health, and resources, skills, equipment, inputs, and access to credit. The other government support rarely second looks at improving the social assets of communities and reach mountain communities. households, for example access to credit and extension servic- These communities, therefore es. The third thrust is to find new livelihood options, for example need to turn the challenges of diversifying into higher value products, and the fourth to their environment into opportuni- empower vulnerable groups, such as women and young peo- ties, for example by making the ple. The fifth area is to establish links, such as to market chains most of their particular climates by and mountain development policies. The Maghreb Mountains exploiting high-value crops and Project, as it is known, looked at various ways to improve the products. To deliver high quality livelihoods of mountain communities in these five areas. products, however, they need to improve production and market- Lghil Ali, in Algeria, is typical of mountain communities. Although ing dramatically. the area is arid, there are many small springs and streams – natural assets – which could be used more effectively. The team of Mountain communities in Algeria, villagers and researchers tested ways to harvest water and Morocco, and Tunisia teamed up carry it from springs or water sources to the fields. They made with ICARDA and NARS 'straw pockets' to irrigate vegetables and 'buried stone pockets' researchers in a three-year action to irrigate fruit trees. These are traditional Mediterranean tech- research project to improve their niques that have recently been resurrected and tested success- livelihoods and manage natural fully in Tunisia. To make even better use of water, the team resources better. The communi- restored old irrigation channels and put in pipes from remote ties, Lghil Ali in the Biban moun- springs to fields. These improvements led to greater yields of fruit tains (Algeria), Ouled H'lel in and vegetables. Kouriminie (Tunisia), and Aît Bazza in the Middle Atlas and Anouggal In Aît Bazza, Morocco, a survey of local barley and maize vari- in the High Atlas (Morocco), are eties turned up two promising varieties of farmers' maize. A very different, so the sustainable study of medicinal and herbal plants also came up with a list of livelihoods approach served as a species with commercial potential, for example, thyme, common framework for the proj- oregano, artemisia, and rosemary. To make the most of these ect across the four areas. plant genetic assets, farmers will need to learn how to grow

Annual Report 2006 83 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

Mountain areas do have opportunities to diversify and develop new sources of income. Their unique climate is one area where they have an advantage. For example, they can specialize in late-season crops that fill the gap when main crops in the lowlands are over. By growing new varieties, farmers can get good prices in both local and export markets. They do, however, need to improve production and marketing dramatically to deliver high quality produce.

In Ouled H'lel (Tunisia) and Anouggal (Morocco), there are significant opportunities to brand honey as a specialized product. The project is helping farmers intensify production by introducing high- Farmers would need to improve value vegetable crops such as peas. honey production by managing their hives better, training young these species intensively, and could open up possibilities, rep- bee keepers, and extending the how to process the products (by resentatives of credit and gov- range of plants bees feed on. extracting essential oils, etc.), ernment development agencies Another possibility for diversifying and how to market them. met with farmers in Lghil Ali to tell into new sources of income is to them about opportunities produce goat cheese. The research teams also looked offered by government institu- at the main crops in the different tions. communities to see where they could be improved. In Aît Bazza, Although there has been great this meant finding better ways to progress in setting up local grow potato. In Anouggal, it development support organiza- meant looking at fruit trees and tions, these still need help to bee keeping. Here, because learn how to plan and manage apples are a commercial crop, projects, and to encourage production needs to be market- democratic representation and oriented and take advantage of empowerment. In Ouled H'lel, the specific benefits of the there are no longer any tradi- mountain environment for grow- tional community organizations, ing apples. In this case farmers so helping to build community- need better technologies, tech- based organizations really paid nical assistance, and training. off. They now operate independently but will still require Honey is a local product with great When they looked at the social support for some time. In potential for improving incomes. capital of communities, Anouggal, the combination of researchers found that formal giving information to farmers, and informal (customary) organi- training, technical assistance, Empowering vulnerable groups is zations and institutions seldom participatory field trials, and a significant challenge. For worked together. To demon- exchange visits, proved valuable example, for women to make strate that working together in building social capital. profits from their skills in weaving

84 Annual Report 2006 Low-cost durum wheat technology

local wool and goat hair, major commercialization were quite changes will be needed. Only different. But, despite the differ- with high-quality design and ences, both communities face strong marketing will they be similar challenges – how to dif- able to penetrate over-crowded ferentiate their products, how to markets for handicrafts. manage cash flow, and how to store apples properly. Between Perhaps most importantly, moun- them, the communities have tain communities need good considerable experience. links with markets for their prod- Sharing locally generated solu- ucts. Commercialization of all tions could make a big differ- high-value products depends on ence in these areas, which tend meeting quality standards. In to be ignored by government Anouggal, researchers looked at extension programs. Farmer-to- market chains for fruit and wal- farmer and community-to-com- nuts, and the feasibility of label- munity knowledge and technol- ing and certifying mountain ogy transfer make good sense. products. At present, fruit and walnuts are either sold to visiting Labeling and certification would traders or at the weekly market. also do a lot to promote moun- The volume of production is low tain products. Pressure from the and roads are bad, so there are European Union for agricultural just a few traders who more or products to comply with interna- less have a monopoly and keep tional quality standards means Bejaya, Algeria: a woman prices low. Nonetheless, these that these regulations will come processes red pepper into spice to traders are also often farmers' sooner or later. So, measures generate income. sole source of inputs, credit, and can be taken right now to label other items, so the situation is not and pilot mountain brands simple. under such schemes as the ter- almonds, wool, and meat, are roir of origin. already eligible for at least one Another study compared market of these schemes. Nonetheless, chains for apples, rural infrastruc- There are three promising even with labeling and certifica- ture, and the role of traders in avenues: the territorial mark, the tion, farmers will need better Anouggal and Taddarine, two bio-label for niche products, and production, processing, and villages that are agro-climatical- conventional trademarks. Many marketing skills before they can ly and demographically similar. products, for example olive oil, depend on these products to For various reasons patterns of honey, walnuts, apples, cherries, improve their livelihoods.

Low-cost durum wheat technology for North Africa and West Asia In most Mediterranean coun- third of global durum consumption and area, and yet Algeria, tries, durum wheat is an Morocco and Tunisia are net importers, with Algeria alone important part of the diet for accounting for 40% of world imports. ICARDA has been working to both rural and urban people. improve durum yields for many years, and in 2006 completed a The five countries of Algeria, four-year project known as the Integrated Research and Durum Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Economics Network (IRDEN) project, which was funded by IFAD. Turkey account for over one-

Annual Report 2006 85 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

The project aimed to improve Project activities were grouped agro-ecology. In North Africa, the livelihoods of the small-scale into five areas (Table 5.5). Staff traditional varieties that are very farmers who depend on rainfall characterized communities and old (50 years or more) or moder- to grow durum in semi-arid worked at two pilot sites in each ately old (20 years or more) still regions. These farmers' yields country. They raised awareness cover more than 60% of the total fluctuate greatly, but are often of the new technology options durum wheat area. Farmers are, low because of frequent through field days, farmer work- however, switching to the new, drought, high temperatures, dis- shops, and constant contact higher yielding varieties made eases, and insect pests. The with farmers. available through the project. IRDEN project built on the suc- This was shown by the increasing cesses of another IFAD-funded In terms of the project's impact, farmer requests for seed of the project, called WANADIN, which grain yields from the improved new varieties and a rapid rise in ran from 1996 to 1999 in these technologies varied according the multiplication of seed of five countries. to farmer, location, and variety. improved cultivars in the areas However, the average improve- covered by the project, espe- The IRDEN project promoted ment in yields, as compared cially by lead farmers in the proj- participation by involving farm- with those from traditional farm- ect communities (Table 5.6). ers and their families, ing practices, was 30-100% in researchers, extension staff, local Algeria, 20-40% in Morocco, 20- Farmers bought all the quality administration, the seed sector, 30% in Syria, 5-10% in Tunisia, and seed that was produced, indi- business entities, development 15-80% in Turkey (Fig. 5.4). In cating the tremendous impact agencies, and other stakehold- some cases, for instance the use of the project over a short time ers. ICARDA coordinated the of varieties resistant to Hessian fly period. The lead farmers played project. The Center selected in Morocco, the yield advan- a key role, multiplying seed and germplasm, provided scientific tage was over 300%. selling it at competitive prices information and training, and with payment options that were catalyzed collaboration among As farmer awareness of the more advantageous than the institutions in the five countries. technologies increased there ones offered by certified seed NARS in Morocco and Turkey was a gradual shift to adopting sellers in the formal sector. tested the germplasm locally. them, with a rate that varied The project demonstrated that it depending on the country and is viable for communities in these

Table 5.5. Activities of the Integrated Research and Durum Economics Network (IRDEN) Project, 2003-2006.

Theme/activity Countries Outcome Technology transfer Algeria, Morocco, Increased farmer awareness Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and adoption of new technology

Seed production Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia Quality seed produced on-farm and distribution and marketed to communities at a reasonable price

On-farm value-adding Algeria, Syria, Tunisia Durum end-products produced on-farm and technologies marketed in cities

Back-up research Morocco, Turkey Germplasm with improved drought tolerance and quality made available to NARS through ICARDA Capacity building Algeria, Morocco, Syria, - Farmer participation and acceptance of new Tunisia, Turkey technologies - Improved technical competence of farmers and extension and research staff - Network of durum researchers - Improved flow of information

86 Annual Report 2006 Low-cost durum wheat technology

Increased exchange of expertise and information among researchers from the five countries is another positive impact of the project. It also produced a number of publications – including 8 refereed journal articles, 17 brochures, 13 workshop presentations and 3 newspaper articles. Furthermore, 15 students from Tunisia, and one each from Morocco and Syria, conducted research projects or theses on related topics. Fig. 5.4. Average on-farm grain yield of durum wheat in 2006 for improved versus traditional technologies at two target sites in each of the five countries participating in the IRDEN project.

countries to establish small-scale Breeders are therefore working seed enterprises. Although seed to transfer these characteristics processed on-farm may not to modern, high-yielding vari- meet the standards of certified eties. In other countries, the new seed, the difference in yields is varieties – such as 'Douma-1' negligible and economically and 'Bohouth-7' in Syria, and insignificant. 'GTA Dur', 'Ouarsenis', and 'Sersou' in Algeria – already pos- Farmer-made durum end-products, The project also boosted aware- sess good quality attributes. valued by consumers, help to ness of the importance of improve livelihoods in rural com- exchanging information among Research also showed that con- munities. farmers and forming groups of sumers prefer on-farm process- common interest. In addition, ing of durum end-products (e.g. participatory research helped to couscous) to standard commer- Looking ahead, there is a need shed light on how the value of cial processing and are willing to to assess the adaptability to dry durum wheat end-products can pay higher prices for what they areas of the technologies that be enhanced. For example, perceive as better quality. The are currently available – and to although the variety 'Biskri' is an fact that this processing is done adjust them, taking into consid- old cultivar in Tunisia, consumers by women adds a gender equi- eration the specific environmen- prefer its characteristics. ty dimension to this activity. tal and socioeconomic constraints of these areas. In North Table 5.6. Quality seed of durum wheat cultivars produced and dis- Africa, drought is a quasi-perma- tributed to farmers in target communities at start-up (2003) and end nent threat that can have disas- (2006) of the IRDEN project (in tons). trous consequences, including total crop loss. Drought mitiga- Country 2003 2006 tion options based on technolo- Algeria <1 197† gies that include crop rotation, Morocco <1 40 reduced tillage, water harvest- Tunisia <1 320 ing, and supplementary irrigation †197 tons were produced by lead farmers; an additional 153 tons were produced by will lessen the negative effect of other farmers low rainfall in dry areas.

Annual Report 2006 87 Poverty and Livelihood Analysis and Impact Assessment

Mapping poverty through links to resource endowment

Many countries use poverty To test this new kind of poverty mapping, researchers integrated macro- mapping to design policies level socioeconomic statistical data and micro-level environmental data in that aim to reduce income a case study in Syria. disparities. However, poverty mapping is based on At the national level (macro level), researchers used the Agricultural large-scale household sur- Resource Potential Index (ARI) to measure ownership of – or access to – veys, which are expensive. natural resources. This index takes into account resources such as irrigation Yet many countries in water, climate, topography, and soils. Then, they used these ratings to esti- CWANA have databases mate Agricultural Productivity Coefficients (APCs) which indicate agricultur- that contain statistics, such al production. They plotted the results on a map of Syria divided into 49 cli- matically uniform sub-regions. as those on agricultural production, prices, and popu- In each sub-region, the distribution of the productivity index correlated with lations, that could provide the distribution of the resource potential index. Income from different live- data for calculating agricul- stock enterprises was also mapped and incorporated with estimated land- tural incomes and compil- use coefficients. Per capita income was calculated on rural population ing maps of rural poverty. density. The final set of maps shows total and per capita income distribu- The major disadvantage tions from rainfed agriculture, from irrigated agriculture (Fig. 5.5), and from though is that the data is livestock, with and without the resource index. quite generalized and it would only be possible to calculate average incomes over large areas. Poverty 'hot spots' would not show up.

Many studies show that rural poverty correlates strongly with ownership of resources, such as land, water, animals, and machinery. They also show that rural poverty correlates with agroecological variables, such as cli- Fig. 5.5. Aggregated (left) and resource-based disaggregated (right) income mate, soil, and water for irri- from irrigated agriculture. gation. Despite awareness of these linkages, relatively These new poverty maps suggest that rural poverty hotspots in Syria are few studies in CWANA have likely to be found in marginal, resource-poor areas. However, they also investigated the influence occur in areas where there are more resources, but where population pres- of 'resource poverty' on sure reduces the per capita income, for example in the Euphrates Valley. human poverty and actually used this information to To cross-check the results, researchers compared total agricultural income identify poverty 'hot spots'. of the Khanasser area in northwestern Syria estimated by this method with So researchers deduced the results of a recent survey. There was overall agreement, although esti- that it should be possible to mates of per capita income at the village level were somewhat higher map poverty by combining than incomes indicated by the survey. Further validation of the method agricultural statistical data came from household-level nutritional surveys in the same area, which with agroecological infor- showed that child malnutrition also coincided with areas endowed with mation. few resources.

88 Annual Report 2006 Mega-Project 6 Knowledge Management and Dissemination for Sustainable Development in Dry Areas

Introduction fer. KMD seeks to develop a new paradigm to guide scientists as they benefit from – and build on – local knowledge, to generate demand-driven, ICARDA established a Knowledge Management feasible, pro-poor knowledge. Thus, KMD is and Dissemination (KMD) Program in 2005, in designed as a practical approach that aims to response to concerns about the cost-effectiveness capitalize and add value to ICARDA's past work, and impact of public investment in pro-poor and maximize benefits from its future research. research. The program's primary task is to integrate Activities include development of TIPOs knowledge management and dissemination into (Technological, Institutional and Policy Options), ICARDA’s overall research and capacity building individually and in 'packages', and provision of agenda. The KMD Program aims to enhance equi- training in various disciplines. table learning, sharing, and access to knowledge in order to contribute to ICARDA's goals of food security, poverty reduction, and the preservation of nat- The KMD Program also includes the Seed Unit, ural resources. which is mandated to assist national programs maintain genetic purity of important varieties, pro- Specifically, the Program looks for ways to convert duce high-quality source seed for multiplication research outputs into national, regional or interna- programs, provide training and technical backstop- tional public goods (IPGs), that can be scaled up ping, and help promote an informal seed sector, and widely applied to benefit the rural poor. But it is such as community-based seed production, for the much more than simply an aid to technology trans- benefit of farmers.

Improving women's livelihoods in Afghanistan and Pakistan through better dairy goat production

A three-year project supported by Project staff are using secondary data sources, rapid rural IFAD is helping poor women in appraisal (RRA) and surveys to select and characterize sites. marginal and post-conflict areas of Community leaders and women have demonstrated their Afghanistan and Pakistan to interest in participating in the project and establishing improve their livelihoods by build- women's organizations where they do not already exist. ing their skills and knowledge in Over the three years, the project will benefit 3,000 women. dairy goat production, milk pro- For the first year, 575 women from 29 villages in four districts cessing and marketing. in four provinces – Nangarhar and Baghlan in Afghanistan, and Punjab and Balochistan in Pakistan – have been select- Begun in June 2006, the project ed. involves multidisciplinary teams of scientists and practitioners – from Training is built into all project activities. This includes training ICARDA, FAO, the national pro- at the local, national, and regional levels. Orientation work- grams of both countries, NGOs shops (2-3 days each) are held in each village to explain from Afghanistan, and Pakistan's the roles and responsibilities of the female facilitators and National Rural Support Program. participating women and to tell them about the project's The teams are working with objectives. women in targeted communities, using community-based, participa- Project staff are gathering and recording local and scientific tory approaches. knowledge on goat production systems. This is based on

Annual Report 2006 89 Knowledge Management and Dissemination

systems, identify problems, and assess potential impact. Before carrying out the livelihood analysis, a training workshop was held. Market studies also began in mid-2006, using a range of research methods.

Participatory research and dissemination is focusing on improving local dairy-goat breeds, the use of feed concen- Project implementation is managed by specially trained women trates, introducing improved fod- coordinators. der crops, planting fodder trees, and vaccination and de-worm- secondary data, the knowledge for improving dairy goat systems ing. Does and bucks will be and experience of ICARDA sci- are in the following areas: selected based on breed char- entists, and the findings of the breeds; nutrition and feeding; acteristics and the overall condi- technical committees, the RRAs, health; fodder and rangeland; tion of the flock. The relevant and the meetings with commu- milk processing; and marketing. institute or agency will provide nities and women's groups. From quarantine facilities, and animals the information already collect- During the first year, the project will be tested for brucellosis and ed the researchers have shown also conducted a baseline sur- tuberculosis and vaccinated that the major technical, institu- vey and a gender-based liveli- against enterotoxemia and tional and policy options (TIPOs) hood analysis to characterize peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development

The International Assessment of The initiative aims to assess how agricultural knowledge, sci- Agricultural Science and ence, and technology can be used more effectively to Technology for Development reduce hunger and poverty, to improve nutrition, health, and (IAASTD) is a unique, global rural livelihoods, and to help make development equitable process that integrates local and and sustainable in environmental, social and economic terms. indigenous knowledge with institu- It is analyzing lessons from the past, assessing how the world tional and peer-reviewed scientific may change over the next 50 years, and providing options for knowledge. Developed through action. consultations involving countries from all regions of the world, and The IAASTD is managed through a Secretariat shared by the over 400 participants, the IAASTD World Bank, UNEP, FAO, UNESCO, and four regional institutes. covers crops, livestock, fisheries, The IAASTD has an intergovernmental governance structure, forest products, biomass, com- which resembles that of the Intergovernmental Panel on modities, and other non-food Climate Change (IPCC), but contains a Bureau similar to the crops. The Assessment is being con- Millennium Ecosystem Assessment's Board of Directors. ducted over the period 2005 to 2007, and ICARDA has been The IAASTD will produce one global assessment report, a glob- involved from the start. al summary for decision makers, and a synthesis report. In addition, for each of five world regions, a sub-global assess-

90 Annual Report 2006 International assessment of agricultural science and technology

ment report and a sub-global summary for decision makers will be produced. ICARDA acts as the coordinator and focal point for the sub-global assessment for the CWANA region.

The first four chapters of the CWANA sub-global assessment report cover the following: setting the scene, historical and current issues, the plausible future, and looking forward (to examine how policies, institutions Opening session of the 3rd authors' meeting of the IAASTD's CWANA and other factors can influence assessment, held at ICARDA-Cairo, December 2006. Left to right: Dr Khaled the development and applica- Makkouk, Coordinator, ICARDA-NVRSRP; Dr Hans Herren, IAASTD Co-Chair tion of agricultural knowledge, and Director of the Millennium Institute; Dr Haniya El-Etribi, President, science, and technology). The Agricultural Research Center; and Dr Ahmed Sidahmed, Director, KMD, fifth and final chapter examines and ICARDA Focal Point for IAASTD. the role of agricultural knowledge, science, and technology in meeting development and early- or mid-career authors with report, which is again reviewed sustainability goals. This report, as fresh ideas. The latter may well by experts and governments. well as the CWANA summary for be the people implementing The final report is then prepared. decision makers, will be translat- future changes arising from the Finally, the governments review ed into Arabic and French. IAASTD's findings. and approve the summary for Around 60 independent experts, decision makers. who are participating as volun- Six of ICARDA's senior scientists teers, are helping to write the and directors are contributing to ICARDA has already held three CWANA chapters, and their the process. One is the official authors' meetings for the names will appear on the Focal Point, one is a 'co-ordinat- CWANA sub-global assessment. reports. The CWANA team is a ing lead author' (having overall These took place in November multi-disciplinary group made up responsibility for the chapters), 2005 (at ICARDA headquarters), of well-known experts with valu- and four are 'lead authors' of in June 2006 (Amman, Jordan), able experience, as well as designated sections of the and in December 2006 (Cairo, assessment chapters. There are Egypt). also 'contributing authors' who prepare technical information in The final drafts of the chapters, the form of text, graphs, and global and sub-global sum- data for assimilation by the lead maries for decision makers author. (SDMs), and the synthesis report will be submitted to the IAASTD Coordinating the CWANA sub- Secretariat in November 2007 global assessment report is com- and then to governments and plex, as the IAASTD process civil society organizations. The involves six stages. Authors initial- last step will be the Final Bureau ly prepare a first draft of the and Plenary Meeting in January report. This is then reviewed by 2008 in Nairobi, where the chap- Participants of the 3rd authors' experts and the governments ters will be accepted, the SDMs meeting of the IAASTD's CWANA involved in the IAASTD. Authors approved, and the synthesis assessment, held at ICARDA-Cairo. then prepare a second draft report adopted.

Annual Report 2006 91 Knowledge Management and Dissemination

Establishing village-based seed enterprises in Afghanistan

In the absence of formal seed-sup- neurial farmers who were willing to invest in local seed production ply systems in Afghanistan, ICARDA and marketing. VBSEs were then successfully set up in 21 districts of has set up 21 farmer-led seed pro- the target provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and duction and marketing units. These Parwan. village-based seed enterprises (VBSEs) are producing high-quality Each VBSE comprises 10 to 15 members, giving a total of 254 farmer seed of improved crop varieties entrepreneurs. They multiply, clean, treat, and market seed of the and making it more readily avail- improved crop varieties identified by ICARDA and its partners as able to farmers. appropriate for local seed production and marketing within and beyond the target districts and provinces. They also provide quality Developed under the assurance for the seed they supply. Rehabilitation of Agricultural Markets Program (RAMP), which is ICARDA and the agricultural development and extension services of funded by the United States the Ministry of Agriculture helped the VBSE members prepare busi- Agency for International ness plans and market surveys. They also gave the members training Development (USAID), these alter- in the technical, financial, and management aspects of the enter- native seed-delivery efforts ensure prises. In 16 training courses, 606 farmer-entrepreneurs as well as the availability, accessibility, and other stakeholders (from the ministry and NGOs) gained the knowl- use of seed. They also encourage edge and skills needed to ensure that the VBSEs performed well, and farmer-to-farmer diffusion and the were profitable and sustainable. The project also organized 29 field adoption of new crop varieties. days, as well as on-site field demonstrations to show how well the This, in turn, will raise crop yields, improved varieties performed. In total, 1692 farmers received direct increase and diversify farm income training, while an estimated 2786 additional farmers were reached in support of viable rural through extension agents. economies, and make rural households more food-secure. The proj- Each VBSE has allocated, on average, more than 20 hectares of ect, which is fully integrated with land for producing quality seed of wheat, rice, mung bean, and RAMP's work to develop markets, potato. The seed enterprises are now fully operational, with a total of has made remarkable achieve- 1460 hectares cultivated in 2006. This area is distributed among crops ments during the three years it has as follows: 46% wheat, 23% rice, 20% potato, and 11% mung bean. run. During 2006, 9855 tons of quality seed were produced, mechanically processed, packaged, tested for quality, stored, and sold directly to The project consulted many differ- farmers, development agencies, and NGOs. Over the three years of ent stakeholders and held in-depth the project, the VBSEs produced a total of 15,049 tons of wheat, rice, discussions with groups of entrepre- potato, and mung bean seed (Table 6.1).

Table 6.1. Seed produced by village-based seed enterprises (VBSEs) set up by ICARDA in Afghanistan. Cropping No. of active Seed production (tons) season VBSEs Wheat Rice Potato Mung bean Total 2003/04 6 753 525 na† na† 1278 2004/05 17 2188 651 752 325 3916 2005/06 21 3533 2352 3784 186 9855 Total 6474 3528 4536 511 15,049 † VBSEs did not produce the seed of these crops

92 Annual Report 2006 Village-based seed enterprises in Afghanistan

These low-cost, village-based seed production and marketing enterprises optimize the delivery and diffusion of seed of new varieties. They complement formal seed systems, and offer an alternative that is effective in reaching poor farmers in marginal areas who are beyond the reach of the formal public and private sectors. Farmers do not have to travel long distances, follow formalities, or even have cash in hand to obtain quality seed from the VBSEs. They are able, on the other hand, to identify the crop varieties they prefer, often making in-kind payments. What is more, the seed comes from trustworthy sources, such as Properly cleaned and packaged seed ready for marketing by VBSEs in fellow farmers in their communi- Afghanistan. ties.

Researchers also assessed the the lifetime of the project. VBSEs' seed production capacity Key to creating awareness and Another key to survival is keep- and profitability. They found a exposing farmers to the new ing costs low and profit margins total net income of US$0.85 mil- varieties were farmer field days reasonable, to make it possible lion from the 17 enterprises that and demonstrations of technical to offer quality seed at afford- were active in 2004/05 and packages. These opened up able prices. US$2.3 million from the 21 enter- markets for the seed produced prises active in 2005/06. by the VBSEs. Continued technical support will be needed to allow the VBSEs to The VBSEs provided a continuous Although the project was very sustain their success over time, flow of quality seed of improved successful, seed demand assess- and develop into more formal varieties at affordable prices, ments showed that some farm- business entities. The majority of enabling other farmers to ers do not value quality seed the members still need to improve their yields and because low prices for their har- enhance their capacities in busi- incomes. By the end of 2006, vests and precarious farming ness organization and financial average yields for the target conditions increase risks and management, seed quality crops had risen by an estimated uncertainty. Over time, this assurance, and seed promotion 10%. A total of 245,066 families could undermine the VBSEs' suc- and marketing. (1,960,528 individuals) benefited cesses and sustainability. For this from the quality seed. The multi- reason, seed promotion and plier effect of increased yields is marketing activities should be at expected to reach far beyond the center of seed operations.

Annual Report 2006 93 Knowledge Management and Dissemination

Impacts of emergency seed and fertilizer supply in Afghanistan

In 2006, ICARDA analyzed the social and institutional effects of supplying emergency seed and fertilizer in Afghanistan, and evaluated its economic impacts. The supplies were distributed in 2002 by the Future Harvest Consortium to Rebuild Agriculture in Afghanistan, which is led by ICARDA, with financial support from USAID.

The Consortium's relief efforts aimed to help overcome the widespread food shortages Afghanistan was facing. These had resulted from decades of civil war and sev- An ICARDA staff inspecting a plentiful grain harvest following emer- eral years of drought in the late gency seed distribution in Afghanistan. 1990s, which had led to displace- ment of people and disruption of traditional farming systems. The After the relief operations had ended in 2002, questions efforts also aimed to quickly remained unanswered. Was seed actually needed in the farm- improve food and livelihood secu- ing communities? Did the large-scale introduction of seed from rity by ensuring timely access to outside contribute significantly to yield increases that translated seed so as to revive agriculture, into food security or at least economic gains for the beneficiar- the main source of income for the ies? Have there been social or institutional impacts at the com- poor. munity or village level? Did aid contribute in any way to agricultural reconstruction and the long-term development of the sec- The Consortium provided 3500 tons tor? of emergency wheat seed for distribution to returned refugees, To answer these questions, ICARDA researchers used a participa- internally displaced people, or tory impact assessment framework, based on discussions with farmers who had lost their seed stakeholders and focus groups, and surveys of beneficiary stocks. It trained farmers to locally households. It applied a partial equilibrium economic surplus multiply more than 5000 tons of method to estimate gains and losses, as well as secondary esti- quality seed of adapted wheat mates of demand and supply elasticity and impact attribution varieties, then used effective deliv- based on expert opinions. Simulations helped to estimate the ery systems to distribute the seed economic impact of the 100% and 50% yield losses reported in a immediately to farmers. It also few communities. brought in 53 tons of foundation seed of new germplasm for on-sta- The results showed that seed and fertilizer were just two of many tion testing and large-scale evalu- household needs at the time. Because of their limited time ation. The International Fertilizer frame, the relief operations did not directly contribute to Development Corporation (IFDC) strengthening networks among farmers, farmer organizations, also distributed 50 kg of diammoni- and seed vendors. It also did not reinforce self-help mechanisms um phosphate (DAP) and 50 kg of among beneficiaries. Furthermore, women farmers were not urea fertilizer to needy farmers. specifically targeted because of the socio-cultural conditions

94 Annual Report 2006 Impacts of emergency seed and fertilizer supply

that existed. Nonetheless, at the yielded positive gains of US$117 targeted by relief efforts about household level, there was an when supply was relatively more the purpose of those efforts can average wheat yield increase of elastic (0.4). Based on the total enhance performance in the 41% in the sample. Provincial number of beneficiaries, the net aftermath of conflicts or disas- sub-samples showed yield social gain estimated was ters. Similarly, intensive short-term increases of 2% in Kunar, 5% in between US$21.8 and US$37.3 training for village institutions Bamyan, 21% in Herat, 38% in million, which is greater than the and even NGO staff and facilita- Uruzgan, 46% in Samagan, 47% project's cost. Surplus estimates tors would be appropriate in in Badakshan, 49% in Parwan, were highly dependent on the such situations. Third, and ideally, and nearly 58% in Ghazni. choice of elasticity. relief operations should include systematic monitoring and eval- Net gains per household aver- The results showed a wide range uation. This would produce indi- aged from US$168 to US$287, of household-level outcomes cators that can be used by a with demand and supply elastic- resulting from the distribution of wide range of stakeholders, ity calculated at –0.1 and 0.228 seed and fertilizer in Afghanistan. including implementing agen- respectively. There was a varia- The wide range of surplus esti- cies, researchers, policy-makers, tion in gains across provinces, mates across households indi- and trainers. explained by differences and cates that the poverty, food changes in grain and straw insecurity, and vulnerability that Understanding the lessons prices, as well as in yields. When prevailed in the country at the learned from these interventions wheat supply was assumed to time of the relief operations may can help improve the capacity be more elastic (0.4), estimated have worsened without the of other emergency systems to surpluses ranged from US$95 to interventions. respond to crises effectively. US$161 per household, repre- Because of the realities and senting a substantial injection of Several lessons were learned. conditions in Afghanistan, con- wealth under the precarious First, it is important to take ade- tinuing aid is needed to rebuild conditions that prevailed in quate pre-emptive measures. agriculture, achieve lasting food Afghanistan. Crop failures expe- For example, if local seed-securi- security, and improve the liveli- rienced by beneficiaries translat- ty stocks had been in place, this hoods of the poor. This should ed into an average loss of US$60 would have limited depend- include seed-system strengthen- per household when demand ence on external (sometimes ing to sustain long-term develop- and supply were less elastic. On uncertain) seed sources. ment in this country, which is the other hand, consumption Second, educating the people highly dependent on farming.

Seed treatment and foliar spray for reducing Ascochyta blight

Ascochyta blight, caused by Seeds of a susceptible local check ('Baladi'), and moderately toler- the fungus Ascochyta rabiei, ant ('Ghab-2') and highly tolerant ('Ghab-3') kabuli chickpea vari- is a major disease of chick- eties were inoculated with a spore suspension of a mixture of fungal pea worldwide. In 2006, pathotypes I, II, and III at a rate of 800,000 spores/ml. The seeds ICARDA conducted a green- were then treated with two systemic fungicides: Vitavax 200 FF (20% house experiment to evalu- carboxin + 20% thiram) and Dividend 30 FS (difenoconazole) and ate the combined effects of grown in a greenhouse. When 10 cm high, chickpea seedlings were host plant resistance and sprayed twice with the foliar fungicides Bra (chlorothalonil) or Ort seed treatment in reducing (azoxystrobin). After 24 hours the seedlings were artificially inoculat- yield loss and the number of ed with an A. rabiei spore suspension of pathotype III, at a rate of foliar sprays needed. 500,000 spores/ml. Plants were covered with plastic cages to main-

Annual Report 2006 95 Knowledge Management and Dissemination

tain relative humidity at more than 80%, and the temperature was kept at 20°C for 72 hours. A second fungicide spray was applied before flowering.

The effect of disease inoculation on initial germination and emergence, the effect of seed treatment on infection during early vegetative growth, and the effect of one or two foliar sprays on biological yield and disease severity (using a 1-9 scale, where 1 = least severe and 9 = most severe) were assessed at later Fig. 6.1. Percentage germination of healthy and inoculated seed with the growth stages (Figs 6.1 and 6.2). fungus Ascochyta rabiei for three chickpea cultivars with varying levels of tolerance that were treated with two fungicides (Vitavax and Dividend). Seed dressing with systemic fungicides significantly increased the germination of infected seeds in the local check and 'Ghab-2' only. The germination rates for the local, moderately and highly tolerant varieties were, respectively, 73%, 92%, and 100% for treated infected seeds, compared with 57%, 83%, and 97% for non-treated infected seeds. The overall mean germination for Fig. 6.2. Effects of two fungicides (Vitavax and Dividend) on Ascochyta infected seeds treated with rabiei disease severity on three chickpea cultivars with varying levels of Dividend 30 FS and Vitavax 200 tolerance, scored 45 days after germination. Local: susceptible; 'Ghab-2': FF was 94% and 92%, respectively, compared with 88% for the moderately tolerant; 'Ghab-3: highly tolerant. Disease severity score: control. 1=most severe, 9=least severe. Control: no fungicide.

Seed dressing with Vitavax signifi- were significantly better than with trols, compared with 4.74 g/plant cantly reduced Ascochyta blight Dividend. Both fungicides (99.2% increase) for two sprays severity up to 45 days after emer- increased biomass significantly in with azoxystrobin, and 3.94 gence (Fig. 6.2). The mean dis- plants from infected seeds, but g/plant (65.5% increase) for two ease severity score for plants of there was no significant differ- sprays with chlorothalonil. the susceptible local check and ence between fungicides. the moderately tolerant 'Ghab-2' Apart from significant protection was 6.25 and 5.86 from treated Foliar applications of chlorotha- against pre- and post-emer- seeds, compared with 7.00 and lonil or azoxystrobin significantly gence damping-off seedling dis- 6.62 for non-treated seeds, reduced Ascochyta blight, and eases, the fungicides also pre- respectively. the low disease severity scores vented early vegetative infec- were consistent with increased tions by Ascochyta blight. The biological yields from healthy biomass. Disease severity ranged Moreover, seed treatment result- seeds treated with Vitavax and from 6.93 in controls to 2.56 for ed in both significantly stronger Dividend were 4.02 and 3.53 two sprays with azoxystrobin, and vegetative growth and conse- g/plant, respectively, while the 3.48 for two sprays with quently higher biomass yield. yield of non-treated plants was chlorothalonil. The biomass was 3.72 g/plant. Yields with Vitavax 2.38 g/plant in non-sprayed con-

96 Annual Report 2006 International Cooperation

ICARDA cooperates with NARS, regional and international organiza- North Africa Regional Program tions, civil society organizations, advanced research institutions and The North Africa Regional Program (NARP) coordinates other partners worldwide to pursue ICARDA’s activities in Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and its research and training agenda. Tunisia, and is administered through the Center’s Regional Activities that promote partnerships Office in Tunisia. The objectives of the program are to con- with NARS within ICARDA’s man- tribute to poverty alleviation, natural resources conservation, date region, including networks improved crop and livestock productivity, diversification of (see Appendix 6) and capacity production systems and incomes, human resources capacity building, are outlined below. building, and networking in the region. Collaborative projects with advanced research institutes, th regional and international organiza- 25 Anniversary of Collaboration between Tunisia tions and other partners are listed in and ICARDA Appendix 5, and the results of joint research with them, as well as To celebrate the 25th anniversary of collaboration with between ICARDA and its NARS part- ICARDA, the Tunisian national program organized a scientific ners, are presented in the research forum on 13 March. H.E. Mohamed Habib Haddad, Minister of section of this Annual Report. Agriculture and Water Resources, Tunisia, and Prof. Dr Adel El- ICARDA’s research activities at Beltagy, outgoing Director General of ICARDA, opened the its headquarters and collaborative forum. Dr Mahmoud Solh, incoming Director General of projects with the NARS cover the entire spectrum from basic and strategic research to applied and adaptive research and, finally, to technology transfer. ICARDA promotes its partnership with NARS through six Regional Programs: North Africa, Nile Valley and Red Sea, West Asia, Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and Latin America. A Highlands Regional Network addresses the problems of agriculture in highland H.E. Mohamed Habib Haddad, Minister of Agriculture and Water areas. Resources, Tunisia, addressing participants at the opening session of the Tunisia-ICARDA 25th Anniversary celebration. From left to right: Prof. Dr Abdelaziz Mougou, President of IRESA; Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, outgoing Director General of ICARDA; H.E. the Minister; H.E. Prof. Dr Abderrazak Daaloul, State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources; and H.E. Mabrouk Bahri, President, Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fishing.

ICARDA, was present. Twelve Tunisian scientists were recognized by ICARDA for their outstanding contributions to the Tunisia-ICARDA collaborative program. H.E. Haddad presented Dr El-Beltagy with a plaque and a certificate in recognition of his contributions to agricultural research and development in Tunisia. ICARDA’s Regional Programs.

Annual Report 2006 97 International Cooperation

Collaborative Projects Bilateral projects with Mauritania Morocco – is in its second year. The Management of Rangeland Collaborative activities included Regional projects and Improvement of Livestock the collection and conservation The following collaborative (PADEL) project, funded by of germplasm, agronomic man- regional projects were imple- AfDB, is in its second year. agement of selected herbal and mented in 2006: (i) Sustainable ICARDA provides backstopping medicinal plants, identification Management of the Agro- in the areas of participatory and of market opportunities (both Pastoral Resource Base in the community approaches, soil and local and international) and Maghreb, Phase II, funded by water conservation, alternative constraints, scientific visits and SDC (covers Algeria, Libya; livestock feed resources and training. Mauritania, Morocco and rangeland management, as well Tunisia); (ii) Regional Program to as human resources develop- Backstopping IFAD development Foster Wider Adoption of Low- ment through on-the-job training projects in North Africa Cost Durum Technologies and visits to North African coun- NARP organized a traveling (IRDEN), funded by IFAD (covers tries. All activities are implement- workshop for technicians from Algeria, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia ed at a pilot site, Kiffa East, 600 Taourirt Taforalt (PDRTT: ORV- and Turkey); (iii) Improving the km east of Nouakchott. MAM Moulouya) to Syria and Livelihoods of Rural Communities Jordan in collaboration with the and Natural Resource Improved soil and water conser- M&M national teams in these Management in the Mountains vation technologies (stone con- countries. of the Maghreb Countries, fund- tour ridges, semi contour-bench ed by SDC; (iv) Scarce Water in terraces and dikes) and forage The M&M team in Tunisia, in col- WANA; (v) Assessing Potential of and rangeland species were laboration with IFPRI, conducted Water Harvesting and introduced. Of the 72 forage, field research on the empower- Supplemental Irrigation in food and rangeland plant ment of agropastoral communi- WANA; (vi) Mashreq and species introduced, 30 were suc- ties in the Tataouine region. This Maghreb (M&M) Project, Phase cessfully planted in nurseries in was funded through an IFAD III: Developing Sustainable Ten Souilem, Nouakchott, and grant, “Social Capital Livelihoods of Agropastoral represent an in situ genebank Assessment: Empowering Communities of West Asia and that will help improve forage Communities”. North Africa, funded by IFAD and rangeland productivity. and AFESD (covers Iraq, Jordan, Workshops and Lebanon and Syria in Mashreq, Bilateral projects with Morocco Algeria, Libya, Morocco and The INRA-ICARDA-ARS/USDA Coordination Meetings Tunisia in Maghreb); and (vii) project on medicinal plants – Livestock Health and Market Biological Diversity, Cultural and NARP helped organize several Opportunities, funded by IFAD Economic Value of Medicinal, workshops and coordination and implemented in collabora- Herbal and Aromatic Plants in meetings. These included tion with ILRI.

Bilateral projects with Tunisia/USDA/ARS ICARDA provides backstopping for three USDA-funded projects: (i) Small Ruminants, Phase II, with ILRI; (ii) GIS for Watershed Management in the Arid Regions of Tunisia, Phase II; and (iii) Biological control of weeds. Participants of the M&M III Regional Coordination, Planning and Steering Committee meetings, held in Tunis.

98 Annual Report 2006 Nile Valley and Red Sea Regional Program

regional and international work- Mauritania; with the Swiss Morocco. A project proposal on shops on natural resources man- Ambassador in Algeria to sup- IPM of Septoria spp. was devel- agement and policies for sus- port the continuation of SDC oped in collaboration with tainable livelihoods, desertifica- Maghreb Mountains; and with Tunisia tion and the international policy the World Bank to backstop the imperative, reform of national PDRC-funded Rural and agricultural research systems, Community Development Nile Valley and medicinal and aromatic plants, Project in Mauritania. post-harvest technologies, Red Sea Regional biotechnology, and oasis agri- NARS culture. The regional technical Contacts were initiated with Program coordination and planning partners in sub-Saharan Africa to meetings of M&M Phase III, investigate opportunities for col- IRDEN, SDC Mountain and laboration. ICARDA representa- The Nile Valley and Red Sea REMAV projects were held in tives visited CORAF and CERAAS Regional Program (NVRSRP) Algiers. Annual national coordi- in Senegal and attended the operates through ICARDA’s nation meetings were held in workshop on West and Central Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt. Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Africa Priorities organized by Its overall objective is to increase Morocco, and Tunisia to review CORAF in Senegal in November, the incomes of smallholder farm- results of collaborative research and the NEPAD-AU Conference ers in the region by improving and develop workplans for next on Food Security in Africa, in the productivity and sustainabili- year. More than 4000 scientists, Abuja in December. NARP also ty of production systems, while research mangers, and exten- contributed to the first CGIAR conserving natural resources sion agents attended the meet- Medium-Term Plan for West and and enhancing the research ings, in addition to representa- Central Africa. A project on irri- capacity of national scientists in tives from FAO, OSS, UNDP, IRD, gated forage production in Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, AOAD and NGOs. Mauritania was submitted to the and Yemen. Kuwait Fund.

Enhancing Partnership with A collaborative program on Collaborative Projects NARS and Donors human capacity building was finalized with ARC-Libya. Several collaborative projects were in operation during the Donors Proposals will be developed for year. These included: Discussions were held with USDA collaboration with Libya in water Improvement of food legumes on the development of project management and water har- and cereal crops, Natural proposals on medicinal plants vesting, improving wheat pro- resources management, Control for Tunisia and the Atlas ductivity, improving the produc- of wild oats in cereals and other Mountains in Morocco; with the tivity of small ruminants, and winter crops, and Barley partici- Ambassador of Japan in Tunisia value-added animal products. patory breeding in Marsa for collaboration in Tunisia and Matrouh in Egypt; Strengthening North Africa; with the Spanish A bilateral agreement of collab- client-oriented research and Agency of International oration with Algeria was final- technology dissemination for sus- Cooperation in Nouakchott for ized, covering research on tainable production of cool-sea- collaboration in economic stud- wheat, livestock, water manage- son food and forage legumes in ies and participatory approach- ment and agricultural policies; Ethiopia; Irrigation Benchmark es as well as opportunities for human resource development; site in Egypt and a satellite site in diversification of cropping sys- and enhancement of research Sudan; Technology generation tems in irrigated areas; with GTZ infrastructure. and dissemination for sustain- for impact assessment of natural able production of cereals and resources management A new Memorandum of cool-season legumes in the Nile research at community level in Understanding was signed with

Annual Report 2006 99 International Cooperation

Valley countries, funded by Workshops and program included a special ses- IFAD, in Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan Coordination Meetings sion on the completed IFAD proj- and Yemen; and the Water for ect, where a detailed impact Food Challenge Program in NVRSRP helped organize several assessment study in the four Eritrea. workshops and meetings. The countries involved in the project topics included: biotechnology was presented and discussed. The wheat Global Rust Initiative and genetic engineering, analy- The role of these countries in the (GRI) was launched in collabo- sis of adoption and impact GRI was also discussed. ration with Egypt, Ethiopia, data, global authors’ meeting of Sudan and Yemen. IAASTD, intellectual property rights in relation to participatory National and Regional plant breeding, scaling up/out Traveling Workshops with New Project Proposals agricultural technologies, and NARS meetings of the irrigation bench- A project proposal on mark site and the GRI. NVRSRP A Wheat and Food Legumes “Improving the livelihoods of also played an active role in Traveling Workshop was held in rural communities in the Nile developing a joint CGIAR MTP the newly reclaimed land in El- Valley and Red Sea region: inte- for Eastern and Southern Africa. Bostan and Noubaria (Western grated and sustainable man- Delta) in Egypt. A Cereals and agement of croplands and National coordination meetings Food Legumes Traveling rangeland/livestock, and water were held with Egypt, Sudan, Workshop was held in Sudan, in resources” was submitted to and Eritrea. Over 170 scientists which farmers and researchers IFAD for funding. Another pro- and senior government officials from Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and posal on “Improving the liveli- participated. The NVRSRP Yemen participated. A Cereals hoods of the resettled people of Regional Coordination Meeting and Food Legumes National the New Hamdab scheme and was held at ICARDA headquar- Traveling Workshop was held in other resettlement schemes of ters in November. Over 30 scien- Yemen. A Barley Traveling the Merowe Dam project tists from Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Workshop was conducted in through sustainable crop, live- Sudan and Yemen, in addition Egypt. stock and land (soil+water) man- to ICARDA scientists, participat- agement” was submitted by ed. The meeting reviewed ARC, Sudan to the Government achievements of the previous Human Resource of Sudan. year and developed plans for Development the 2006/07 growing season. The Several training courses were conducted in 2006, in Cairo and at ICARDA headquarters, to improve the skills of researchers and enhance regional cooperation. These included non-degree courses, short courses and individual training. The activities were tailored to meet specific needs of the national programs. ICARDA supported a training visit by an Eritrean scientist to the Weeds Research Central Laboratory, ARC, Egypt. In collaboration with the Central Participants of the NVRSRP Coordination Meeting, held at ICARDA Laboratory for Agricultural headquarters. Climate (CLAC), Egypt, a train-

100 Annual Report 2006 West Asia Regional Program

improve income through value- added products such as burghul and frike. The project on improved livelihoods and market opportunities for poor farmers in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, implemented in Jordan and Syria, identified the main diseases of small ruminants, marketing channels for live animals, and constraints to the control of trans-boundary animal diseases.

The Mashreq-Maghreb III project Cereal and legume traveling workshop participants at a farmer's field in on developing sustainable liveli- Ribat El-Kalaa village,Yemen. hoods of agropastoral communities of WANA, during its first year ing course on greenhouse man- despite difficult political condi- of implementation in Iraq, agement was offered to six par- tions. Lebanon, Jordan and Syria in ticipants from Afghanistan. A 2006, selected collaborating postgraduate student from communities, provided training Yemen underwent one month of Collaborative Projects on community participatory training in biotechnology at the approaches, and finalized com- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Collaborative projects with NARS munity action plans for technol- Research Institute (AGERI), ARC, made significant progress during ogy out-scaling. Egypt. Over 50 researchers from the year. The IRDEN project to the Nile Valley and Red Sea foster adoption of low-cost The Badia Benchmark Site, countries participated in various durum wheat technologies in established in Jordan, provided courses at ICARDA headquar- the WANA region, implemented valuable information on rainwa- ters. in Turkey and Syria, demonstrat- ter management at the water- ed to farmers integrated pack- shed and plot levels and on ages including improved, high- mechanization of water harvest- West Asia yielding varieties, and options to ing structures. Over 350 hectares Regional Program

The West Asia Regional Program (WARP) of ICARDA promotes regional cooperation in research, capacity building and information dissemination in Cyprus, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and the lowlands of Turkey. WARP, which operates from ICARDA’s regional office in Amman, Jordan, continued to provide germplasm nurseries, technical support, and training to all countries in the region – At the 13th Jordan-ICARDA Biennial Coordination Meeting, ICARDA and including Iraq and Palestine, Jordanian scientists were recognized for their contributions.

Annual Report 2006 101 International Cooperation

were planted to local shrubs ICARDA and the National also introduced varieties of oats, (mainly Atriplex halimus and Center for Agricultural Research oilseed crops and other forage Salsola vermiculata) in various and Technology Transfer (NCAR- species for the diversification of water harvesting trials. A TT) continued their efforts in par- farming systems in Iraq. Vallerani machine was acquired ticipatory barley breeding. This for mechanization and extension approach was extended to A comprehensive proposal for of water harvesting techniques. other crops including wheat, strengthening seed systems Joint experiments by ICARDA chickpea and lentil. Several (both formal and informal seed and the Jordan University of promising lines were selected production) was developed. Science and Technology (JUST) with full farmer participation and ICARDA continued to supply Iraq on water harvesting techniques discussions are under way for the with breeder and foundation for shrub and fruit tree planta- release and seed production of seed of most released varieties tions, are in their third season. these lines. of field crops; 30 tons were sup- These experiments are part of plied in 2005/06. thesis research by graduate students, on plant population Rebuilding Agricultural Under the joint ICARDA-ACIAR- dynamics. Research in Iraq, Palestine Iraq project on crop germplasm and management for improved and Lebanon The Sub-Regional Action production of wheat, barley, pulse crops and forage legumes Program for West Asia of the ICARDA is executing six projects UNCCD Pilot Project ended in in Iraq, several verification and in Iraq including capacity build- demonstration trials were con- Jordan and Lebanon in June ing projects funded by AHEAD, 2006. Pilot sites established by ducted in different agroclimatic ACIAR, JICA and FAO. The zones of Ninevah province, with the project have successfully Center continued to supply full farmer involvement. These tri- demonstrated the benefits of cereal and legume nurseries als helped identify the best water harvesting techniques in requested by Iraqi breeders. adapted varieties, demonstrate limiting soil erosion and securing Nineteen promising lines were the benefits of minimum tillage adequate water supplies for fruit identified: six of bread wheat, and appropriate agronomic trees, field crops and shrubs, in three of durum wheat, four of packages, and highlight the areas prone to desertification. barley, three of lentil, and one possibilities for crop diversifica- each of chickpea, Vicia sativa tion. These efforts are supported The cereal leaf miner, and V. dasycarpa. ICARDA has by back-up research conducted Syringopais temperatella, has become a serious pest of wheat and barley in Jordan, particularly in the last two seasons. Infestations, that were apparent- ly restricted to northern Jordan in 2005/06, have spread to southern Syria. More than 10% of cereal fields in southern Jordan are completely damaged; and fields in the north have suffered economic losses. ICARDA will supply a germplasm nursery to be tested for resistance. A concept note was prepared and Dr Mahmoud Solh (second left), ICARDA Director General, meets a dele- submitted to potential donors for gation from Mosul University, Iraq, during their visit to ICARDA. Left to right: the study of the insect’s biology Dr Obay Saied Al-Dewachi, President; Dr Nazar Majeed Qibi, Vice and ecology, and development President for Scientific Affairs; Dr Mohammed Tayeb Al-Layla, Dean, of an IPM control package. College of Engineering.

102 Annual Report 2006 Arabian Peninsula Regional Program

More than 27 persons were coordinates ICARDA’s activities trained at ICARDA. Three stu- in seven countries: Bahrain, dents (two PhD, one Masters) Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi are conducting their field work Arabia, the United Arab Emirates at ICARDA. and Yemen. Collaborative activities include research, capacity Over the years, ICARDA has pro- building, and human resource vided germplasm, technical backstopping and training to Lebanon. Researchers from the Center’s Terbol and Kferdan sta- H.E. Talal Al-Sahily (center), Minister tions and from headquarters, of Agriculture, Lebanon, with the have been directly involved. The participants of the 9th Lebanon- recent war has severely affect- ICARDA Biennial Coordination ed agriculture in many parts of Meeting. the country. During the 9th Biennial Coordination Meeting, by ICARDA and Australian scien- the Lebanese Minister of tists. Four zero-till seeders were Agriculture and the Director purchased from India. General of ICARDA stressed the need to develop more collabo- Indigenous forage crops grown rative projects to rehabilitate Over the last three years ICARDA with minimum water on a farmer's agriculture in the South and the has conducted agricultural field in the UAE. needs assessments and devel- Beqa’a valley, ensure efficient use of water resources, and halt oped a comprehensive program development in water resource land degradation. for the rehabilitation of agricul- management, forage and ture in Iraq. Several key meetings rangeland management, pro- were held in 2006: with the Other capacity building efforts tected agriculture, and date Minister of Agriculture, with Iraqi by the regional program includ- palm improvement. The pro- delegations, and with interna- ed a series of three training gram is implemented through tional donors including the World courses organized jointly by offices in Dubai, UAE and Bank, USAID, AusAID, JICA and ICARDA, Wageningen Muscat, Oman. ICARDA’s others, to develop joint projects. International and SPCRI-Iran, conducted in November and Muscat office, which was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Salim bin During the 2005 and 2006 sea- December 2006 in Karaj, Iran. Hilal Al Khalili, Oman’s Minister of sons, ICARDA trained 146 Iraqis The courses attracted partici- through projects funded by pants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Agriculture and Fisheries, on 28 AHEAD, JICA and FAO; and Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, March 2006, focuses on the another 70 persons through the Morocco and Oman. The cours- Center’s date palm project. ACIAR and Mashreq-Maghreb es covered conservation of projects. These included three plant genetic resources, informal Previous APRP projects, which PhDs and one MSc students. seed production, and seed poli- were funded by AFESD, IFAD More than 52 Iraqi scientists visit- cy/legislation issues. and the OPEC Fund, were suc- ed ICARDA or attended work- cessful in developing suitable shops organized by the Center. and sustainable technologies for Arabian Peninsula enhancing natural resources ICARDA continued to provide management. The new projects support in agricultural research Regional Program focus on enhancing rural liveli- and development to the hood and natural resource man- Palestinian Authority with help agement by transferring these from the UNDP Programme of The Arabian Peninsula Regional technologies to end-users, Assistance for Palestinian People. Program (APRP) organizes and strengthening national institu-

Annual Report 2006 103 International Cooperation

backstopping. A socioeconomic study at the end of the first season showed that pilot farmers had significantly increased their incomes.

On-farm research and demonstration plots for increasing water-use efficiency were continued at the Mikhtan dam site in Yemen. The activities include efficient water utilization for the production of high quality cash crops under protected agricul- Introducing soilless production techniques to growers in Oman. ture, and the adoption of modern irrigation techniques (bub- blers) to irrigate grape vine fields. tions, enhancing human indigenous forage species as resource capacity, and using fodder and pasture crops with information technology and net- minimum use of water. On-farm New Partnerships working. research on indigenous forage crops continued to progress in A Memorandum of 2006. Farmers are now growing Understanding was signed Collaborative Projects indigenous forage Buffle grass between ICARDA and Al (Cenchrus ciliaris) using high Sulaiteen Agricultural and Water-use efficiency, fodder water-use efficiency techniques. Industrial Complex in Qatar, to supplies, and land degradation Seed production of indigenous expand cooperation between are all important issues in the species has been enhanced the two institutions in agricultural Arabian Peninsula. To address with the establishment of Seed research and production. these, a technology package Technology Units and the techni- has been developed in collabo- cal backstopping provided by A joint proposal was developed ration with NARS for producing the Regional Program. with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Protected agriculture technolo- Resources, Kuwait, for rehabilita- gy packages – soilless culture tion of degraded rangelands in (hydroponics) and Integrated Kuwait with a special focus on Production and Protection indigenous species. Many range- Management, IPPM – were land areas in Kuwait were badly developed, tested at research affected by oil leaks and oil well centers, and transferred to grow- explosions during the Gulf war. ers in Arabian Peninsula coun- The proposal is expected be tries. funded by local donors and oil companies in Kuwait. To increase farmers' income and support rural development, 18 new greenhouses were installed Feedback from Donors at farmers' sites in Taez, Yemen, with financial support from the An IFAD consultant visited the IPPM techniques for producing French-Yemen Food Aid Regional Program in May to high quality cash crops have Program. ICARDA, in collabora- evaluate its activities and been transferred to farmers in the tion with AREA, provided growers achievements. His report high- mountain areas of Yemen. with technical information and

104 Annual Report 2006 Highland Regional Network

lighted the program’s success in Human Resource secured from drought-tolerant, collecting valuable indigenous Development low-productivity crops such as germplasm, identifying potential barley, as well as fruit trees and indigenous forage species, A number of on-the-job training vegetables, and from flocks of increasing water-use efficiency courses on greenhouse installa- small ruminants that move to though soilless production in tion and production of high mountain pastures in the sum- greenhouses, capacity building, quality cash crops were organ- mer. Most farms lie on sloping and strengthening institutions ized by APRP in Egypt, Yemen land, and soil erosion is a major and NARS networks in the and Pakistan (Quetta). A total of problem, especially in areas that Arabian Peninsula. The report 40 farmers, researchers, exten- have become degraded as a strongly recommended a new sion staff and NGO personnel result of overgrazing and other project to transfer the technolo- participated. inappropriate farming practices. gy packages to farmers, especially in Yemen and Oman. Yet these regions are rich in agrobiodiversity. Farmers pre- Highland Regional dominantly use landraces of var- Workshops and ious crops, and natural habitats Coordination Meetings Network contain a diversity of forages as well as wild relatiives of cultivated crops. The second Steering Committee Highlands (> 800 masl) cover Meeting of the Protected over 40% of the agricultural land From its early days and until mid- Agriculture Project in Taez, in CWANA, and are home to the 2004, ICARDA operated a Yemen, was held in Sana’a in most disadvantaged segment of Highland Regional Program, March. The second Technical the region’s population. The which included countries in Coordination and Steering harsh environment and poor North Africa, West Asia, and Committee Meeting of the proj- accessibility, to a large extent, CAC. Because those countries ect “Development of explain why these areas have fall within the geographic man- Sustainable Date Palm often been neglected by date of other ICARDA Regional Production Systems in the GCC national and international R&D Programs, it was decided to Countries of the Arabian organizations. Harsh conditions consolidate this research within Peninsula” was held in Muscat. promote out-migration and land the framework of a Highland abandonment. Subsistence is Research Regional Network

Growers install a greenhouse in Farmers participating in a field day in Afghanistan. Quetta, Pakistan, with help from ICARDA researchers.

Annual Report 2006 105 International Cooperation

(HRN). The HRN contributes to provinces. These four projects 630 tons of tomato, 294 tons of improving rural welfare in the were successfully completed okra, 63 tons of groundnut, and highlands of CWANA through during 2006 and a high impact is 81 tons of cotton, with an aver- sustainable improvements in expected. The fifth project, sta- age yield 51% higher than farm- agricultural productivity. ICARDA ple crops development, is fund- ers’ fields. Assuming an adoption staff are located in Iran and ed through USAID’s Alternative rate of 10% in the five target Afghanistan, while work in Turkey Livelihood Program (ALP). The provinces, the improved vari- is coordinated from the head- project is active in Kunar, eties of wheat, rice, potatoes, quarters. Laghman and Nangarhar onions and tomatoes will gener- provinces, and will continue until ate additional income of November 2008. US$19,386,876. In addition, the Afghanistan benefits from improved agronomic practices such as seed The highland collaborative rate, fertilizer and irrigation in the research program in Afghanistan same provinces are worth an is managed through ICARDA’s estimated US$26,265,000. office in Kabul. This office also coordinates the activities of the ICARDA established 21 Village- Future Harvest Consortium to Based Seed Enterprises (VBSEs) – Rebuild Agriculture in farmer-led seed production and Afghanistan, and provides tech- marketing units aiming to pro- nical and logistic support to duce and rapidly disseminate ICARDA’s DfID-funded program quality seed of adapted crop varieties, both local and on Research on Alternative Wheat threshing at Chawki improved. ICARDA provided Livelihood Fund (RALF). Village-Based Seed Enterprise in technical assistance, stock seed, Kunar, Afghanistan. and agricultural machinery to Collaborative Research run these enterprises in a sustainable and profitable manner; ICARDA works closely with In the demonstration plots proj- and also trained VBSE members national and provincial research ect, ICARDA successfully to diversify crop production in and extension institutions of the achieved all the deliverables by their respective communities Afghanistan Ministry of establishing 966 on-farm demon- and beyond. Collectively, the Agriculture, Irrigation and strations of nine important crops VBSEs produced over 5000 tons LIvestock (MAIL). There are five (wheat, rice, mung bean, pota- of quality seed of wheat, pota- ongoing projects: demonstra- to, onion, tomato, okra, ground- to, rice, tomato, onion and tions and promotion of new nut, and cotton) in 27 districts of mung bean in three years, and technologies; village-based five target provinces. More than also participated in the evalua- seed production; protected agri- 8000 farmers were trained over a tion of new varieties from inter- culture technology for cash crop period of three years. The national nurseries. production; production and demonstration plots produced marketing of seed and ware 668 tons of wheat, 270 tons of Surveys were conducted on potato (a joint project with the paddy rice, and 154 tons of seed demand and supply, and International Potato Center, mung bean pure seed. By inter- the results used to develop tai- CIP); and development of staple facing with the village-based lor-made business plans for each crops. The first four projects were seed production project, this VBSE. Performance and prof- funded through USAID’s pure seed was made available itability analysis showed that Rebuilding Agricultural Market to producers who multiplied it on quality seed production at com- Program (RAMP) and imple- about 15,000 ha. The demonstra- munity level is profitable in mented in Ghazni, Helmand, tion plots also produced 1313 Afghanistan because the Kunduz, Nangarhar and Parwan tons of potato, 959 tons of onion, demand for such seed is high. It

106 Annual Report 2006 Highland Regional Network

is estimated that over 245,000 families will benefit from seed production of the different crops. ICARDA scientists have prepared ‘by-laws’ for seed producers’ associations in local lan- guages that have been adopted by all VBSEs. The VBSEs are registered as legal entities either with MAIL under the Cooperative Law or with the Afghan Investment Support Agency and will continue to produce and market seed with technical support from ICARDA.

ICARDA scientists worked with their counterparts in MAIL to suc- A smile of success: "I am helping the community by reducing suffering cessfully introduce protected and pain while earning a licit income without guilt," said Gul Agha of agriculture technology that Helmand (left) while marketing his products in Kabul. enables farmers to use marginal lands in water-deficit areas. forms of support to acquire MAIL staff, and for multiplication Building on previous work, 42 greenhouses – indicators of the of improved varieties. Four greenhouses were installed on rapid adoption of protected improved varieties (‘Kufri farmers’ land and in MAIL prem- agriculture technology. Over 300 Chandarmukhi’, ‘Desiree’, ‘K. farmers, and staff from MAIL, Badshah’, ‘K. Phukraj’) were cul- extension services and NGOs tured in vitro to produce basic were trained in greenhouse seed. Thirty-three village stores installation and maintenance, were constructed, and were production methods for veg- used to store about 140 tons of etable cash crops, and produce seed potato. The stores reduced marketing. storage losses from 50 to 5% in all the target provinces. It is important to develop an efficient system for producing and The Alternative Livelihood marketing potato seed, Program - East (ALP-E) is being because this is an important sta- implemented in Kunar, Laghman ple in Afghanistan. ICARDA, in and Nangarhar provinces. Potato field day in Afghanistan. collaboration with CIP, has ICARDA scientists, in partnership worked on clean seed produc- with MAIL provincial depart- tion, multiplication and market- ments, are engaged in develop- ises. Impressed by the success ing of potato seed to reduce ment of staple crops through and profitability of the technolo- dependency on imported seed adaptive research, participatory gy, 30 farmers in Baghlan, and ware potato. Seed produc- demonstration, and village- Kundus, and Takhar provinces er groups in five RAMP target based seed production. invested their own funds (half provinces produced and mar- Promising lines were selected the cost of greenhouses) to keted more than 1500 tons of from research trials, and will be have greenhouses installed. high quality clean seed/ware further developed and tested for Another 200 farmers have potato of improved varieties. A eventual release. To enhance requested subsidies, credit, cost- micro-propagation facility was the adoption of improved vari- sharing mechanisms or other established and used for training eties, the project established 400

Annual Report 2006 107 International Cooperation

demonstrations in farmers’ fields, New Project Under the joint Turkey/CIMMYT/ using a participatory approach ICARDA International Winter to achieve rapid dissemination Building on the success of its Wheat Improvement Program of improved varieties and associ- greenhouse project, ICARDA (IWWIP), germplasm is devel- ated management techniques. developed a new project to oped and tested in Turkey and Twelve new VBSEs were also install 200 greenhouses in three Syria and then dispatched to established for staple crops, in provinces. This was approved for other sites in areas that produce addition to the 21 established in funding by the Counter Narcotic winter and facultative wheat. A past years. Trust Fund of the Government of total of 100 sets of international Afghanistan. nurseries for different ICARDA Two RALF-funded projects are crops were provided to partners exploring viable alternatives to in Turkish research institutes and reduce farmers’ dependence Turkey universities for testing. on opium poppy cultivation. One project, “Improved Rural ICARDA also has strong collabo- A number of projects were jointly Incomes from Better Forage ration with the Southeastern implemented by ICARDA and Production and Sale of Milk Anatolia Project (GuneyDogu the Turkish national program in Products”, examined the possi- Anadolu Projesi, GAP). GAP is winter and facultative wheat bility of growing high-yielding mainly a development project improvement, legume improve- and nutritive forage legumes in operating under the Prime ment, adoption of low-cost North-Eastern Afghanistan, and Minister’s Office to promote agri- durum technologies (IRDEN of mechanizing yogurt produc- culture and improved rural liveli- Project), and the use of naturally tion by using simple, locally pro- hoods in the country’s occurring fungi to control Sunn duced equipment. Another Southeastern Anatolia region. pest. RALF-funded project, Within the framework of the “Cultivation of Mint as a Viable Alternative Livelihood in East and North-East Afghanistan”, continued to be active in Helmand, Kunduz, and Nangarhar. The project has established four mint-water production associations, including one for women, that are successfully producing and marketing mint-water in Helmand, Kabul, Kunduz and Nangarhar provinces. The export of mint-water to Peshawar (Pakistan) by the Nangarhar- based association was a new milestone. The project is working to establish a mint-water production facility in the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, to Participants of the GAP-ICARDA project planning meeting. Left to right: encourage agribusiness entre- Ahmet Tokdemir, GAP-ICARDA Coordinator; Manzoor Qadir, Marginal preneurship among the graduat- Water Management Specialist, ICARDA; Moussa Mosaad, GAP-ICARDA ing students. Project Coordinator; Refet Yilmazoglu, GAP Regional Director, Sanliurfa; William Erskine, Assistant Director General (Research), ICARDA; Mehmet Acikgoz, Group Director of Agriculture, Forest and Economic Development, GAP, Sanliurfa; Abdoul Aziz Niane, ICARDA Seed Unit researcher; and Ashutosh Sarker, ICARDA Lentil Breeder.

108 Annual Report 2006 Highland Regional Network

ICARDA-GAP collaboration, improved technologies (adapted wheat, barley, lentil, and chickpea varieties along with improved production practices) are being transferred through on-farm trials in cooperation with progressive farmers. ICARDA also provided fodder shrub seedlings, seeds of eight Atriplex species, and new forage legumes for testing. The introduced material is monitored and evaluated by GAP staff, local extension personnel, and ICARDA scientists.

The Technical Planning Meeting Participants of the 14th Iran-ICARDA Coordination and Planning Meeting. of the GAP-ICARDA Project was held in Sanliurfa in October. Legumes Improvement Meeting More than 17 new varieties of Achievements of the previous was held at DGAR in Ankara to wheat, barley, food legumes season were reviewed, and the review the results of 2006 and and oilseed crops have been workplan for the 2006/07 season finalize the 2007 workplan for released; over 230 persons was revised. GAP requested new lentil and chickpea. (including 46 MScs and PhDs) research activities on marginal have been trained. water use and water harvesting Five Turkish scientists from the Efforts to further strengthen techniques to be included in the Ministry of Agriculture and GAP activities of the Dryland revised plan. An IWWIP meeting visited ICARDA for training on Agricultural Research Institute was held in Ankara to review the Utilization of Expert Systems in (DARI) resulted in an increase of results of 2005/06, and finalize Agricultural Research and its experiment stations to 12, rep- the workplan for 2006/07. This Production, Agroecological resenting different agroecolo- was followed by the IWWIP Zoning of Turkey, and Drought gies from warm to cold environ- Steering Committee Meeting, Mitigation Methodologies. ments, and the introduction of which was hosted by DGAR. A research on oilseed and feed Two training courses were con- legume crops to diversify the ducted in Turkey: Methodology predominant cereals-based of Estimation of Agroecological farming systems. More than Zones, and Crop Improvement 150,000 hectares are now sown Research Impact Assessment. An to rapeseed. Several winter- IWWIP traveling workshop in hardy chickpea lines were Turkey attracted 46 participants selected. from 18 countries. ICARDA’s collaboration with the Seed and Plant Improvement Iran Institute (SPII) included the supply of wheat and barley ICARDA’s collaboration with the germplasm for irrigated condi- various institutions of the tions in different environments. Agricultural Research and The Center also provided sup- Education Organization (AREO) port to the Seed and Plant ICARDA and Iranian scientists vis- in Iran has led to several Certification Research Institute iting farmers’ fields in Dezful, Iran. achievements over the years. for training, establishment of

Annual Report 2006 109 International Cooperation

seed health laboratories, and attracted multi-institutional col- drafting of national legislation on laboration and the involvement variety registration and seed of a national NGO (CENESTA). certification. Rapid adoption of the improved varieties and production packages contributed Pakistan to the wheat self-sufficiency that Iran reached in 2004 and contin- Collaborative Projects ues to maintain. ICARDA’s collaborative projects in Pakistan operate through its Collaborative Projects country office in Islamabad, and H.E.Oweis Ghani, Governor of cover both highland and low- Balochistan (4th from right), Several collaborative projects land areas. The following proj- opened the meeting. With him are continued to operate in Iran dur- ects were in operation during (right to left): Dr David Doolan, ing the year. A regional program the year: Barani Village FAO Representative; Mr Nasser was launched in Dezful on Development Project; FAO- Alam Khan, Director General, Irrigated Spring Wheat ICARDA project on Food AZRC; Additional Chief Secretary Improvement for Lowlands, Security/Poverty Alleviation in of Balochistan; and Dr Adel Aboul focusing on wheat germplasm Arid Agriculture, Balochistan; Naga and Dr Kamel Shideed of enhancement and bed planting Rehabilitation of Agricultural ICARDA. irrigation techniques. Discussions Livelihoods of Women through were initiated between ICARDA, Dairy Goat Production in CIMMYT and SPII to develop a Marginal and Post-Conflict Areas monitored and results were regional program for Winter of Afghanistan and Pakistan; encouraging. The work on breed Wheat/Facultative Wheat and Integrated Market-Oriented improvement in goats and cat- Improvement for irrigated areas. Feed and Livestock Production tle for meat production led to a SPII’s expertise continued to be in Central and South Asia. used to monitor rust epidemics significant improvement in live- and virulence (mainly yellow Barani Village Development weight of offspring of local x rust) in Iran and neighboring Project improved crossbreeds. Atriplex countries. In collaboration with Emphasis was placed on sustain- and Acacia spp. showed prom- the University of Vermont, USA, able seed production and distri- ise under saline conditions. ICARDA continued to work with bution of improved varieties of FAO-ICARDA project on Food NARS in Iran, Turkey and Syria to wheat, mung bean and fodder Security/Poverty Alleviation in monitor Sunn pest populations crops. An informal seed produc- Arid Agriculture, Balochistan and develop an IPM package tion model was tested for its Current activities include devel- based on biological control economic viability. Seed pro- opment of micro-catchment using entomopathogenic fungi duction of sorghum and millet water harvesting on 15 ha of to reduce the use of pesticides. appeared to be less profitable communal land in Mastung dis- Spineless cactus technology was than berseem, oats and maize. trict. About 700 meters of the introduced in collaboration with Farming communities have conveyance system of three the University of Tehran. shown interest in using mixed farmers was lined with low-cost feed instead of traditional cot- materials. In collaboration with ICARDA and Iran have been tonseed cake to increase milk five farmers, six diversion struc- operating two projects within the yield. Trials conducted by farm- tures were rehabilitated. These Water Challenge Program, in the ers showed an increase in milk structures will improve soil mois- Karkheh River Basin watershed. yield of buffaloes. ture and crop productivity on 20 One project is on water produc- hectares of farmland. tivity, the other on livelihood The performance of low-cost resilience. Both projects have water regulating structures was

110 Annual Report 2006 Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional Program

Six wheat varieties (Local, GA- 2002, AZRI-96, Bhakar, Sham-6 and K-98) were planted at different sites. Farmers rated K-98 and Sham-6 as promising. Four lentil varieties (ILL-8081, Sheraz-96, ILL8076 and ILL-4400) were planted at three sites under floodwa- ter conditions. Farmers preferred ILL-8081 and Sheraz-96 due to their deep red, medium-sized seeds.

Almond, pistachio and olive seedlings (varieties with low water requirements) were introduced from ICARDA and planted at all sites. Establishment Men and women facilitators at Siddiqabad, in a practical training session rates were 58-86% for almond on how to collect data. plants, 14-61% for pistachio and around 96% for olive. Livestock Feed Project project sites in Balochistan were Development of community- The project was initiated at two trained in drying vegetables based seed enterprises is in locations (rainfed and irrigated) (okra, egg-plant, tomato) and progress. Three seed cleaning in 2006. The main emphasis is on making apple jam. and treatment machines were improving livelihoods through used to treat 14 tons of wheat marketing of milk, meat and fod- seed during 2006. Improved der with community participa- Central Asia and wheat, barley and lentil varieties tion. Scientists from six institutions were planted on 31 ha for train- are involved in the project. the Caucasus ing farmers in seed entrepre- neurship. Coordination Meetings Regional Program The annual planning and coordi- Three plastic greenhouses (270 nation meetings of all four proj- m2 each) were installed in farm- ects brought together national The Central Asia and the ers’ fields. The cucumber crop researchers as well as donor rep- Caucasus (CAC) Regional harvested from the greenhouses resentatives. Program, established in 1998, yielded a profit of 25%. covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Human Resource Development Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Women’s Livelihood Dairy Goat Six male facilitators from inte- Uzbekistan in Central Asia; and Project grated research sites and six Armenia, Azerbaijan and A total of 225 women in 15 vil- women from ARI, Quetta attend- Georgia in the Caucasus. The lages were selected to under- ed the Site Facilitators Workshop Program has established strong take collaborative research. Five on Facilitation Skills and Record linkages with the NARS in a national and provincial research Keeping Methods. Four women range of areas: germplasm institutions are collaborating in facilitators participated in a improvement, plant genetic this project. Strong linkages have training course on food process- resources, soil and water man- been developed with ongoing ing jointly organized by ICARDA, agement, integrated feed and projects in the area, such as FAO and the Agricultural livestock production, socioeco- BVDP in Barani area and FAO/ Research Institute, Ternab, nomics and policy research, and UNDP in Balochistan. Peshawar. Women from the two human resource development.

Annual Report 2006 111 International Cooperation

project for strengthening wheat breeding programs in collaboration with ICARDA, approved by the Center for Science and Technology in Uzbekistan; a project on Sustainable Livestock and Rangeland Biodiversity Management to Combat Natural Resource Degradation and Improve Rural Community Livelihoods in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, submitted to GEF for funding; a project on Crop Diversification with Food Legumes for Improving Income and Nutrition of the Rural Poor, and Participants of the Ninth ICARDA-CAC Regional Program Planning Meeting, Sustainable Productivity of held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, April 2006. Cereal-Based Cropping Systems in South and Central Asia, jointly developed by ICRISAT, ICARDA, Collaborative Projects New Projects AVRDC and APAARI, submitted to IFAD for funding; the CACILM Multi-country Partnership Good progress was made in col- In order to further widen the Framework Support Project, laborative research projects. A scope of the Program’s activi- approved by ADB for funding new barley variety ‘Adel’ was ties, new projects were devel- under the first phase of CACILM released in Kyrgyzstan. A new oped. These included the follow- (ICARDA is the lead center for genebank facility was inaugurat- ing: a Challenge Program the Sustainable Land ed in Kazakhstan. Proposal for CAC; a new 3-year

In addition, trials continued on more than 50 technologies for on-farm water management, conservation tillage and crop diversification. The results have led to the outscaling of phosphogypsum application for remedi- ation of magnesium-contami- nated soils on more than 100 hectares in southern Kazakhstan, and contributed to a dramatic rise in the area sown under alternative crops in Kyrgyzstan (common bean) and Kazakhstan (rapeseed). The adoption of direct sowing of winter wheat into standing cotton increased in Uzbekistan. Participants of the workshop on Community Action in Integrated and Market-Oriented Feed and Livestock Production in Central and South Asia, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

112 Annual Report 2006 Latin America Regional Program

participated in the 28 farmers’ field days organized during the year. A Farmers’ Fair, the first such event in Central Asia, was organized jointly with IWMI and several other international and national research institutions at the University of Gulistan in Uzbekistan. Over 400 farmers attended.

Human Resource Development

Capacity building efforts included training programs for scientists, extension staff, farmers and government representatives. More than 100 participants from all eight CAC countries attend- A practical session on machine operation and calibration in Tashkent, ed these events. The training Uzbekistan. programs covered various areas such as yellow rust manage- Management Research and Soil Fertility Management, ment, PGR documentation, Component under this project); and Creation of Bright Spots; socioeconomic and policy a project on Sustainability of and a Regional Planning research, seed improvement, Wheat and Rice on Saline Lands Workshop for the IFAD-funded regeneration methodologies, as of the Aral Sea Basin, jointly project on Community Action in well as an English language developed by IWMI, ICARDA Integrated and Market Oriented course for 22 young NARS and IRRI; and a concept note Feed-Livestock Production in researchers. on Conservation Agriculture for Central and South Asia. Sustainable Land Management in Central Asia, jointly developed Other important events included by ICARDA and CIMMYT. a technical meeting on CAC Latin America Regional Inventory and PGR Information Network, an interna- Regional Program Coordination Meetings tional workshop on Improving and Networking Conservation Tillage Machinery The Latin America Regional for Irrigated Agriculture, a Program (LARP) operates from Several regional planning and National Seed Policy Forum, the ICARDA’s Mexico office. Its key coordination meetings were Third Regional Conference on objective is to partner with NARS, organized during 2006, including Yellow Rust, the Second Central NGOs and private companies in the ninth ICARDA-CAC Regional Asian Cereals Conference, and the region through collaborative Planning Meeting; a National a Regional Workshop on PGR research projects, human Coordination Meeting on PGR Documentation. A large number resources capacity building and Documentation and Regional of national scientists participat- networking. During the year the PGR Strategy; the Steering ed in these events. program expanded collabora- Committee Meetings of the two tion in several areas, especially ADB-funded projects on Water More than 1000 farmers, exten- legumes and water manage- sion workers, and researchers ment.

Annual Report 2006 113 International Cooperation

Collaborative Projects ters to get acquainted with ongoing research and explore The collaborative program with new areas of collaboration. EMBRAPA in Brazil has been in Many of the methodologies operation since 2001. It includes learned had direct application development of barley adapted to their programs in Mexico. An to the Central Region (Cerrado). ICARDA scientist visited Mexico New barley lines were tested to identify appropriate and promising high-yielding vari- germplasm. Meetings with eties are in the final stage of legume breeders and supporting testing for malting quality. agencies were also organized in the States of Mexico and Collaborative research in Sonora. There are good opportu- Barley fair for farmers in Mexico. Mexico was expanded in 2006. nities for support in legume Besides the development of research in the region. adapted feed, forage and malting barley varieties, a new proj- A project to promote barley in thesis for a local student. A ect was initiated on faba bean northwest Mexico was continued Barley Fair – the first in the State and chickpea improvement. in collaboration with the local – was organized for farmers. Faba bean and chickpea farmers’ association. The pro- Barley evaluation experiments breeders from ICAMEX in Mexico ject’s participatory approach were established and field days State visited ICARDA headquar- served as the subject of an MSc organized.

114 Annual Report 2006 Support Services

Geographic Information Systems Unit

In 2006 the Geographic During the year, the Unit also mainstreamed its methods for imple- Information Systems Unit menting land suitability models in a GIS environment through col- (GISU) supported ICARDA's laboration with research institutes in Maragheh, Iran (Dryland research agenda with map- Agricultural Research Institute, DARI) and Ankara, Turkey (Central ping applications in the Research Institute for Field Crops, CRIFC). These methods aim to areas of water resources, assist these countries in their drive to match crops and cropping poverty, and crop diversifica- systems to the biophysical potentials and constraints of their tion. A case study in Syria, diverse agroecological zones. reported in the MP1 section, describes a methodology for The Unit was heavily involved in various training activities. It provid- outscaling the biophysical ed scientific coordination and lectures in the joint CIHEAM- potential for supplemental ICARDA Advanced Training Course on 'Characterizing spatial vari- irrigation. In the MP5 section ability for agricultural planning and site-specific crop manage- a new approach to poverty ment in Mediterranean conditions', held in Zaragoza, Spain, 7-17 mapping is reported that, March 2006. It provided technical support to both ICARDA and building on the concept of CRIFC teams involved in the joint project 'Agroecological zoning resource poverty, combines of Turkey'. It organized an introductory course on GIS software for macro-level socioeconomic ICARDA staff. It hosted a technician of Tottori University, Japan, with micro-level environmen- and a GIS analyst of the National Agricultural Planning tal determinants of rural Commission, Damascus, for on-the-job training in operational GIS poverty. methods. In addition, the Unit provided specialized lectures in other training events at ICARDA.

Computer and Biometrics Support Unit

The major focus of the scanning and risk analysis were carried out on the computer net- Computer and Biometrics work. Support Unit (CBSU) during 2006 was to improve IT securi- Particular attention was directed towards strengthening the net- ty in the Center. Within the works of the ICARDA outreach offices in Cairo, Kabul and scope of the CGIAR ICT-KM Tashkent and to establish connectivity to the Oracle Applications project on 'Enterprise security in a secure manner. and business continuity', considerable effort was made to High availability of network and services (Exchange, Proxy/ISA, File maintain and enhance the Servers, Intranet) was achieved with an uptime of 99%. Old file overall IT security by imple- servers were phased out smoothly. CBSU staff successfully decom- menting security standards. missioned the old Proxy server and transferred data to the new This reduces losses caused by ISA server, without disruption, leading to significantly improved viruses and external attacks, network performance. In all, six new servers were installed for the and helps ICARDA move library, Oracle Applications, Intranet, GRU, and photolibrary. The towards CGIAR common CGIAR Live Communication Server was installed. ICARDA School standards. Documents and was assisted in organizing network and servers and installing an diagrams were created for IT e-mail system. Orientation was provided to the new school net- assets and resources. work administrator. A new Travel System linked to Oracle Vulnerability, penetration Applications was developed and implemented by a contractor. On-line budget entry was also implemented.

Annual Report 2006 115 Support Services

More than 1000 user requests were serviced. A new 100KVA UPS in the main building and an old 66 KVA UPS in Laboratory 3 were installed.

A 1 Mbit/sec link to Aleppo University was established. The Unit maintained ICARDA Intranet, 'Water Benchmarks of CWANA' and 'RALF Electronic Database' websites. The ICARDA Intranet was moved to a new server.

A CGIAR Performance Measurement System was developed on the request of the CGIAR Secretariat. Data loading for the Project Manager system was updated. The new Payroll System for daily staff at headquarters was developed and is being implemented. In a joint seeding with combinations of dose-response relationships in effort with GISU, a new GIS shrub species; harrowing, irriga- insecticides; and germination Intranet website was developed; tion and other management studies on salsola. A technical the ICARDA online node for the factors; and range nurseries of report on modeling spatio-tem- GeoNetwork project is in its final shrub species. poral covariance structures in phase. barley trials was prepared and Statistical analyses were carried ten manuscripts were reviewed. Biometrics advisory support was out on a large number of provided to both ICARDA and datasets. These included interna- CBSU conducted two biometrics NARS researchers. Support was tional nurseries, trials of lentil and courses for 18 participants, deliv- provided on a number of spe- other crops to evaluate efficien- ered lectures in four courses cialized software programs for cy of experimental designs, heri- organized by ICARDA Mega- molecular data analysis. tability and gain due to selec- Projects for 65 participants, and Computing modules were devel- tion; comparing drought versus assisted six non-degree individ- oped for analyzing multi-factors core collections of bread wheat; ual trainees. Ten MSc and PhD in CRD and one-way augment- wheat yield loss due to YR and students in genetics and plant ed design. ST; evaluating species diversity; breeding, agronomy and socio- olive productivity models; mois- economics from Bangladesh, Experimental designs were ture variability and its effect on Canada, Ethiopia, Mexico, offered for various experiments: barley yield; the benefits of Sudan and Syria used biometrics evaluating photosynthesis activi- phosphogypsum treatment; support to pursue their studies. ty under drought stress; lentil cereal and forage yields from An M.Sc. student from Sudan yield response to variety and compost trials with crop rotations completed his thesis work. agronomic practices; tillage sys- to evaluate tillage and nitrogen tems under crop rotations; direct factors; safflower experiments;

116 Annual Report 2006 Communication, Documentation and Information Services

Communication, Documentation and Information Services Publications and website GreenPeace Magazine met management, program directors and senior scientists, and gained a good overview of ICARDA's ICARDA produced a wide work. A team from Singing Nomads Productions, Australia, filmed range of publications in 2006, ICARDA's work on genetic resources conservation. targeted at various audiences. They included, among others: The regional and international media continued to provide posi- the corporate annual report; tive coverage of ICARDA's work. The clippings are posted on the 'The Week at ICARDA'; a spe- Center's website (www.icarda.org/Media.htm). Key stories cial issue of Caravan on appeared in a number of regional newspapers and magazines. Deserts and Desertification; several newsletters for regional seed networks; an illustrated book on the architectural history of Aleppo; '25 years of cooperation between ICARDA and Syria' (in Arabic); and a series of documents for the External Program and Management Review (EPMR). The publications were distributed widely to NARS and other partners worldwide. A large number of posters were produced for presentation at scientific conferences and book fairs. In addition, over 110 journal articles, conference papers and abstracts were processed for publication or presentation.

The Center's website continued to be popular. The English version of the site received almost 30,000 hits per day on Multimedia products average, during the year. An RSS service was set up to pro- Major emphasis was placed on developing and strengthening e- vide users with quick updates. learning resources. Lectures in training courses were re-processed into e-learning modules. Two pilot modules were prepared: 'Business planning for seed enterprises' and 'Variety management Media and public and seed quality'. Both are now available online and on CD-ROM. awareness Video coverage was provided for several key events such as the Visits by international journalists ICARDA Presentation Day, the 25th anniversary of ICARDA-Tunisia and photographers helped collaboration, and two large-scale farmers' field days in Al- raise the Center's profile. Two Hassakeh and Idleb provinces in Syria. Key addresses and speech- journalists from the es were compiled on video.

Annual Report 2006 117 Support Services

Library and accessible to all ICARDA users Training Documentation Services through the Open Public Access Catalog. NewGenLib allows The Center continued to con- The library added to its collec- computerization of all library tribute to help strengthen NARS tion over 380 books, 910 issues of activities, and networking of pro- capacity to document, manage journals and Annual Reports, gram libraries at headquarters and disseminate information. and updates of AGRIS databas- and regional offices. ICARDA staff offered lectures on es on CD-ROMs. It fulfilled 1700 Considerable progress was science writing, PowerPoint pre- requests for literature searches made on ICARDA's digitization sentations, pre-press technology, and other services, from NARS project, which aims to consoli- web design and other aspects scientists and other researchers. date information from a vast to trainees from different The Virtual Library (CD-ROM number of reports, technical CWANA countries. A two-week library) on the Intranet received papers and other publications training course was conducted over 1200 hits (average of 100 into a comprehensive search- in November for 12 participants per month), and was enriched able database. from eight countries. The training with additional links to useful ref- covered modern library man- erence sources. ICARDA continued to work with agement systems, NewGenLib, professional associations, region- and management of electronic ICARDA's new library system, al fora, and other agencies to documents and web databases. NewGenLib, was made fully strengthen library and documen- operational. Records of the tation services in the CWANA library database were moved to region. the new system, and are now

Human Resources Development Unit

During the year, ICARDA In 2006, 13 training courses were offered at headquarters offered training opportunities (accounting for about 44% of total participants) and 17 at in- to 568 national scientists from country, regional and sub-regional locations, in close collabora- 42 countries from the tion with NARS. In its continued efforts to respond to the evolving CWANA region, Asia, Asia- training needs of NARS, the Human Resources Development Unit Pacific, Europe, and from (HRDU) also facilitated and coordinated implementation of train- CGIAR Centers. In addition, ing courses for several externally funded projects. 60 national scientists from developing as well as devel- During the year, 13 training courses and workshops were held at oped countries have been ICARDA headquarters, attended by 175 participants from 24 conducting their graduate countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, research training for MSc and Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, PhD degrees jointly between Pakistan, Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, ICARDA and their parent uni- Uzbekistan and Yemen. These courses covered various areas, versities. More than 25% of all including crop improvement, integrated crop and livestock pro- ICARDA training participants duction, water management and supplemental irrigation, in 2006 were women. biotechnology, including genetic transformation and detection of ICARDA continued to gradu- GMOs, experimental design and data analysis, field plot tech- ally decentralize its training niques, livelihood characterization and impact assessment, soil activities by offering more analysis, seed processing, storage and marketing, seed sector lib- courses outside headquar- eralization, utilization of expert systems, information and library ters. management systems, scientific writing and data presentation. Seventeen training courses and workshops were held at locations

118 Annual Report 2006 Human Resources Development Unit

outside ICARDA, and were greenhouse management, seed Cornell University, Khartoum attended by 310 participants production, processing and test- University in Sudan, and Aleppo, from 30 countries: Afghanistan, ing, quarantine, impact assess- Damascus and Tishreen universi- Albania, Algeria, Armenia, ment, and scientific writing. ties in Syria. Inter-Center collabo- Azerbaijan, Egypt, Eritrea, ration was also strengthened Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Collaboration extended beyond through participation in the Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, NARS to cover several universi- Inter-Center Training Group, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, ties, CGIAR Centers, and region- exchange of training databases, Oman, Palestine, Spain, Sudan, al and international centers and participation in CGIAR Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, globally. These included JICA, reviews on training and human Turkey, Uganda, USA and ACIAR, CLAES, GAP, CIHEAM, resources development. ICARDA Uzbekistan. These courses cov- University of Vermont, UNESCO, was actively involved in many ered various areas, including ASDW-Trieste, Italy, GCSAR-Syria, CGIAR activities including the hybridization techniques, crop MAWM and IWM-Uzbekistan, Global Open Food and management, integrated pest CRIFC-Turkey, CIMMYT, the Agricultural University, Virtual and disease management, Global Rust Initiative, NARI- University, distance education, technologies to combat salinity, Eritrea, FAO, AREO-Iran, e-learning and knowledge man- participatory and community- Wageningen University, The agement and dissemination. based approaches, GIS analysis, Generation Challenge Program,

Annual Report 2006 119 Appendices Appendix 1 – Journal Articles

The following list covers journal articles published in chapters and papers published in conference pro- 2006 by ICARDA researches, many of them in col- ceedings, is available on ICARDA's web site: laboration with colleagues from national programs. www.icarda.org A complete list of publications, including book

Abang, M.M., M. Baum, S. Ceccarelli, S. Grando, Baum, M. and M. Madkour. 2006. Development of C.C. Linde, A. Yahyaoui, J. Zhan, and B.A. transgenic crops and their risk assessment. Arab McDonald. 2006. Differential selection on Journal of Plant Protection 24(2): 178-181. Rhynchosporium secalis during parasitic and saprophytic phases in the barley scald disease Belgacem, A.O., M. Chaieb, M. Neffatil, and J. cycle. Phytopathology 96(11): 1214-1222. Tiedeman. 2006. Response of Stipa lagascae R. and Sch. to protection under arid conditions of Abang, M.M., M. Baum, S. Ceccarelli, S. Grando, southern Tunisia. Pakistan Journal of Biological C.C. Linde, A.H. Yahyaoui, J. Zhan, and B.A. Sciences 9(3): 465-469. McDonald. 2006. Pathogen evolution in response to host resistance genes: Evidence from Bouajila, A., S. Haouas, M. Fakhfakh, S. Rezgui, M. El- field experiments with Rhynchosporium secalis on Ahmed, and A. Yahyaoui. 2006. Pathotypic diver- barley. Phytopathology 96(6): S2. sity of Rhynchosporium secalis (Oudem) in Tunisia. African Journal of Biotechnology 5(8): Abang, M.M., P. Brunner, C.C. Linde, A.H. Yahyaoui, 570-579. M. Baum, and B.A. McDonald. 2006. Detecting immigration in field populations of Cross, J.M., M. von Korff, T. Altmann, L. Bartzetko, R. Rhynchosporium secalis using assignment tests. Sulpice, Y. Gibon, N. Palacios, and M. Stitt. 2006. Phytopathology 96(6): S2. Variation of enzyme activities and metabolite levels in 24 Arabidopsis accessions growing in Akem, C., M. Bellar, and B. Bayaa. 2006. carbon-limited conditions. Plant Physiology 142: Comparative growth and pathogenicity of geo- 1574-1588 graphical isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on lentil genotypes. Plant Pathology Journal 5(1): 67- Dutilly Diane, C. 2006. Gestion collective des par- 71. cours en zone agro-pastorale: Le cas de Ait Ammar (Maroc). Afrique Contemporaine No.219- Alary, V. 2006. L'adoption de l'innovation dans les 2006/3. pp. 103-117. (Fr) zones agro-pastorales vulnérables du Maghreb. Afrique Contemporaine No.219-2006/3. pp. 81- Elloumi, M., V. Alary, and S. Selmi. 2006. Politiques et 101. (Fr) stratégies des éleveurs dans le gouvernorat de Sidi Bouzid (Tunisie centrale). Afrique Ali, Abdelbagi M., Hala. M. Mustafa, Izzat S.A. Tahir, Contemporaine No. 219-2006/3. pp: 63-79. (Fr) Abdalla. B. Elahmadi, Mohamed S. Mohamed, Mohamed A. Ali, Asma M. A. Suliman, M. Baum, Furman, B.J. 2006. Methodology to establish a com- and Abu Elhassan S. Ibrahim. 2006. Two doubled posite collection: Case study in lentil. Plant haploid bread wheat cultivars for irrigated heat- Genetic Resources – Characterization and stressed environments. Sudan Journal of Utilization 4(1): 2-12. Agricultural Research 6: 35-42. Furman, B.J., M. Ambrose, C.J. Coyne, and B. Barrios, E., R.J. Delve, M. Bekunda, J. Mowo, J. Redden. 2006. Formation of PeaGRIC: An interna- Agunda, J. Ramisch, M.T. Trejo, and R.J.Thomas. tional consortium to coordinate and utilize the 2006. Indicators of soil quality: a south-south genetic diversity and agro-ecological distribution development of a methodological guide for link- of major collections of Pisum. Pisum Genetics 38: ing local and technical knowledge. Geoderma 32-34. 135: 248-259.

Annual Report 2006 123 Appendix 1

Guo, P., G. Bai, R. Li, G. Shaner, and M. Baum. 2006. Kumari, S.G., K.M. Makkouk, and N. Attar. 2006. An Resistance gene analogs associated with improved antiserum for sensitive serologic detec- Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat. tion of chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus. Journal of Euphytica 151(2): 251-261. Phytopathology 154(3): 129-133.

Hohnwald, S., B. Rischkowsky, A.P. Camarao, R. Kumari, S.G., I. Muharram, K.M. Makkouk, A. Al-Ansi, Schultze-Kraft, J.A. Rodrigues Filho, and J.M. King. R. El-Pasha, W.A. Al-Motwkel, and A. Haj Kassem. 2006. Integrating cattle into the slash-and-burn 2006. Identification of viral diseases affecting bar- cycle on smallholdings in the Eastern Amazon, ley and bread wheat crops in Yemen. using grass-capoeira or grass-legume pastures. Australasian Plant Pathology 35(5): 563-568. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 117(4): 266-276. La Rovere, R., A. Aw-Hassan, F. Turkelboom, and R. Thomas. 2006. Targeting research for poverty Ilbeyi, A., H. Ustun, T. Oweis, M. Pala, and B. Benli. reduction in marginal areas of rural Syria. 2006. Wheat water productivity and yield in a Development and Change 37(3): 627-648. cool highland environment: Effect of early sowing with supplemental irrigation. Agricultural Li, Rong-hua, Guo Pei-pol, M. Baum, S. Grando, and Water Management 82(3): 399-410. S. Ceccarelli. 2006. Evaluation of chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters as indicators Katerji, N., J.W. Van Hoorn, A. Hamdy, M. Mastrorilli, of drought tolerance in barley. Agricultural C. Fares, S. Ceccarelli, S. Grando, and T. Oweis. Sciences in China 5(10): 751-757. 2006. Classification and salt tolerance analysis of barley varieties. Agricultural Water Management Liu, X., J.P. Fellers, C.Y. Zhu, N.S. Mutti, M. El-Bouhssini, 85(1/2): 184-192. and M.S. Chen. 2006. Cloning and characterization of cDNA Sencoding carboxypeptidase-like Khalaf, S.A., O. Abdalla, I.A. Hassan, and F. Jaby El- proteins from the gut of Hessian fly larvae Haramein. 2006. Comparison of grain quality [Mayetiola destructor (Say)]. Insect Biochemistry characteristics of some Iraqi and CWANA select- and Molecular Biology 36(8): 665-673. ed bread wheat cultivars. Dohuk University, Iraq. 9(1). Maccaferri, M., M.C. Sanguineti, V. Natoli, J.L.A. Ortega, B.M. Salem, J. Bort, C. Chenenaoui, E.D. Khan, M.A., R. Ansari, B. Gul, and M. Qadir. 2006. Ambrogio, L.G.D. Moral, A.D. Montis, A. El- Crop diversification through halophyte produc- Ahmed, F. Maalouf, H. Machlab, M. Moragues, J. tion on salt-prone land resources. CAB Reviews: Motawaj, M. Nachit, N. Nssarellah, H. Ouabbou, Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, C. Royo, and R. Tuberosa. 2006. A panel of elite Nutrition and Natural Resources 1(048) :1-8. accessions of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) suitable for association mapping studies. Kharouf, S., F.M. Azmeh, A. Yahyaoui, and M.S. Plant Genetic Resources 4(1): 79-85. Hakim. 2006. Distribution and physiologic races of wheat yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis West f. sp. Makkouk, K.M. and S.G. Kumari. 2006. Molecular tritici) in Syria during the cropping seasons 1999- diagnosis of plant viruses. Arab Journal of Plant 2000 and 2000-2001. Journal of Damascus Protection 24(2): 135-138. University for Agricultural Sciences 22(1): 363-376. (Ar). Mangione, D., S. Senni, M. Puccioni, S. Grando, and S. Ceccarelli. 2006. The cost of participatory bar- Klewinghaus, A., F. Turkelboom, and A. Skowronek. ley breeding. Euphytica 150(3): 289-306. 2006. A GPS/GIS-integrated approach to the assessment of current soil erosion by water – Masri, Z. and J. Ryan. 2006. Soil organic matter and experiences from Mediterranean NW-Syria. related physical properties in a Mediterranean Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie NF 142 wheat-based rotation trial. Soil and Tillage (Supplement): 281-305. Research 87(2): 146-154.

124 Annual Report 2006 Journal articles

Muehlbauer, F.J., S. Cho, A. Sarker, K.E. McPhee, plant analysis diagnostic norms. Communications C.J. Coyne, P.N. Rajesh, and R. Pond. 2006. in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 37(1): 181-198. Application of biotechnology in breeding lentil for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Rossi, C., A. Cuesta-Marcos, I. Vales, L. Gomez- Euphytica 147(1/2): 149-165. Pando, G. Orjeda, R. Wise, K. Sato, K. Hori, F. Capettini, H. Vivar, X. Chen, and P. Hayes. 2006. Murtaza, G., A. Ghafoor, and M. Qadir. 2006. Mapping multiple disease resistance genes using Irrigation and soil management strategies for a barley mapping population evaluated in Peru, using saline-sodic water in a cotton-wheat rota- Mexico, and the USA. Molecular Breeding 18(4): tion. Agricultural Water Management 81(1/2): 98- 355-366. 114. Ryan, J., S. Masri, and M. Qadir. 2006. Nutrient moni- Mustafa, Hala M., Abdelbagi M. Ali, Izzat S.A. Tahir, toring of sewage water irrigation: Impacts for soil M. Baum, and Abu Elhassan S. Ibrahim. 2006. quality and crop nutrition. Communications in Soil Effect of temperature on anther culture of some Science and Plant Analysis 37(15): 2513-2521. Sudanese wheat genotypes. Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research 6: 65-68. Ryan, J. and A. Rashid. 2006. Application of soil and plant analysis for applied research and develop- Nan, Z. B., A. M. Abd El-Moneim, A. Larbi, and B. ment in West Asia and North Africa: an interna- Nie. 2006. Productivity of vetches (Vicia spp.) tional center's perspective. Communications in under alpine grassland conditions in China. Soil Science and Plant Analysis 37(15): 2185-2198. Tropical Grasslands 40 (3): 177-182. Sabbouh, M., I. Hassan, W. Choumane, M. Baum, Osman, A.E., F. Bahhady, N. Hassan, F. Ghassali, and G. El-Amir. 2006. Genotyping and assess- and T. Al Ibrahimi. 2006. Livestock production and ment of genetic diversity in Pisum accessions, economic implications from augmenting using AFLP markers. Tishreen University Journal for degraded rangeland with Atriplex halimus and Studies and Science Research 28(3):207-225. Salsola vermiculata in northwest Syria. Journal of Arid Environments 65(3): 474-490. Sabaghpour, S.H., A.A. Mahmodi, A. Saeed, M. Kamel, and R.S. Malhotra. 2006. Study on chick- Oweis, T. and A. Hachum. 2006. Water harvesting pea drought tolerance under dryland conditions and supplemental irrigation for improved water of Iran. Indian Journal of Crop Science 1(1-2), pp: productivity of dry farming systems in West Asia 70-73. and North Africa. Agricultural Water Sabaghpour, S.H., R.S. Malhotra, R. Sarparast, M. Management 80(1/3): 57-73. Safikhani, S.H. Alizadeh, A. Jahangeri, and G. Khalaf. 2006. Registration of 'Arman' – a kabuli Qadir, M., A.D. Noble, S. Schubert, R.J. Thomas, and chickpea cultivar. Crop Science 46(6): 2704-2705. A. Arslan. 2006. Sodicity-induced land degradation and its sustainable management: Problems Sarker, A. and W. Erskine. 2006. Recent progress in and prospects. Land Degradation and the ancient lentil. Journal of Agricultural Science, Development 17: 661-676. Cambridge 144(1): 19-29.

Qadir, M., S. Schubert, A.D. Noble, M. Saqib, and Sarker, A. and W. Erskine. 2006. Genetic variation in Saifullah. 2006. Amelioration strategies for salinity- root traits and nutrient acquisition of lentil geno- induced land degradation. CAB Reviews: types. Journal of Plant Nutrition 29(4): 643-655. Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 1(069): 1-12. Sato, T., O.S. Abdalla, T.Y. Oweis, and T. Sakuratani. 2006. Effect of supplemental irrigation on leaf Rafique, E., A. Rashid, J. Ryan, and A. Bhatti. 2006. stomatal conductance of field-grown wheat in Zinc deficiency in rainfed wheat in Pakistan: northern Syria. Agricultural Water Management Magnitude, spatial variability, management, and 85(1/2): 105-112.

Annual Report 2006 125 Appendix 1

Sato, T., O.S. Abdalla, T.Y. Oweis, and T. Sakuratani. 2006. Genotypic and temperature effects on 2006. The validity of predawn leaf water potential wheat grain yield and quality in a hot irrigated as an irrigation-timing indicator for field-grown environment. Plant Breeding 125: 323-330. wheat in northern Syria. Agricultural Water Management 85(1/2): 223-236. Trissi, A.N., M. El Bouhssini, J. Ibrahim, M. Abdul Hai, B.L. Parker, W. Reid, and F. Jaby El-Haramein. Serra, G., D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. 2006. Effect of egg parasitoid density on the pop- Mujawer, and D. Scott. 2006. Sabkhat al-Jabbul, ulation suppression of Sunn pest, Eurygaster inte- a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria. griceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), and its result- Sandgrouse 28 (2): 127-141. ing impact on bread wheat grain quality. Journal of Pest Science 79(2): 83-87. Shaaban, S.D., A. Wahbi, A. Sarker, and H. Ghazal. 2006. The efficiency of some legumes and cereal Tullu, A., L. Buchwaldt, M. Lulsdorf, S. Banniza, B. genotypes to phosphorus availability. Emirates Barlow, A.E. Slinkard, A. Sarker, B. Tar'an, T. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 18(1): 22-27. (Ar) Warkentin, and A. Vandenberg. 2006. Sources of resistance to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum trun- Siddique, K.H.M., C.L. Hanbury, and A. Sarker. 2006. catum) in wild Lens species. Genetic Resources Registration of Ceora grass pea. Crop Science and Crop Evolution 53(1): 111-120. 46: 986. Upadhyaya, H.D., B.J. Furman, S.L. Dwivedi, S. Sidle, R.C., A. Ziegler, J.N. Negishi, A. Rahim Nik, R. Udupa, C.L.L. Gowda, M. Baum, J.H. Crouch, H.K. Siew, and F. Turkelboom. 2006. Erosion processes Buhariwalla, and S. Singh. 2006. Development of in steep terrain--Truths, myths, and uncertainties a composite collection for mining germplasm related to forest management in Southeast Asia. possessing allelic variation for beneficial traits in Forest Ecology and Management 224(1-2): 199- chickpea. Plant Genetic Resources-- 225. Characterization and Utilization 4(1): 13-19.

Singh, M., S. Grando, and S. Ceccarelli. 2006. von Korff, M., H. Wang, J. Léon, and K. Pillen. 2006. Measures of repeatability of genotype by loca- AB-QTL analysis in spring barley: II. Detection of tion interactions using data from barley trials in favourable exotic alleles for agronomic traits northern Syria. Experimental Agriculture 42(2): introgressed from wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. 189-198. spontaneum). Theoretical and Applied Genetics 112(7): 1221-1231. Singh, M., K. Chabane, J. Valkoun, and T. Blake. 2006. Optimum sample size for estimating gene Vyshpolsky, F.F., K. Mukhamedjanov, U. Bekbaev, M. diversity in wild wheat using AFLP markers. Qadir, and A. Karimov. 2006. Application of phos- Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 53(1): 23- phogypsum for the amelioration of sealed soils of 33. Southern Kazakhstan. Bulletin of Agricultural Science of Kazakhstan 3:37-40. (Rus). Singh, M., T. Oweis, M. Pala, and A. Sarker. 2006. Tempo-spatial covariance structure of lentil yield Watanabe, N., A.S.G.M. Masum Akond, and M.M. and water use efficiency from supplemental irri- Nachit. 2006. Genetic mapping of the gene gation trials. Environmetrics 17(7): 753-762. affecting polyphenol oxidase activity in tetraploid durum wheat. Journal of Applied Stoddard, F.L., C. Balko, W. Erskine, H.R. Khan, W. Genetics 47(3): 201-205. Link, and A. Sarker. 2006. Screening techniques and sources of resistance to abiotic stresses in Winslow, M. and R. Thomas. 2006. Warning signs for cool-season food legumes. Euphytica 147(1/2): a global future? Regional aspects--Desertification 167-187. in the Middle East and North Africa. Entwicklung and Landlicher Raum 4: 10-12. (En). Tahir, I.S.A., N. Nakata, A.M. Ali, H.M. Mustafa, A.S.I. Saad, K. Takata, N. Ishikawa, and O.S. Abdalla.

126 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 2 – Graduate Theses Produced with ICARDA's Joint Supervision

MSc Theses Khoja, S. 2006. Mechanisms of Younis Sultan, M. 2006. Study of resistance to chickpea leaf the effect of the combination of Iraq, Mosul University miner (Liriomyza cicerina Rond.). bio and chemical fertilizers on Jameel Mohamed, M. 2006. (En). lentil using Diagnosis and Selecting resistant Iraqi local cul- Recommendation Integrated tivars for fungal growth and System (DRIS). (En). mycotoxins production. (En). PhD Theses Syria, Aleppo University Iraq, Mosul University Morocco, Tetouan, Abdelmalek El-Khalifeh, M. 2006. Common Ibrahim, D. 2006. Agrobacterial Essaadi University root rot of wheat in Syria and mediated transformation of Aboukhalid, R. 2006. Studies on DNA variability within Fusarium chickpea plant. (En). genetic diversity of sugar beet spp. as a major pathogen. (Ar). (Beta vulgaris L.) using Jordan, Jordan University microsatellite molecular markers. Washington International (En). Shakhatrah, Y. 2006. Genetic University diversity assessment among Akintunde, N.A. 2006. Databases Jordanian wild barley (Hordeum Syria, Aleppo University – Pre and post relational synthe- spontaneum) genotypes and Hussein, L.O. 2006. The role of sis. 187 p. (En). relationship with morphological micro-catchment water harvest- traits revealed by SSR molecular ing techniques in combating markers. (En). desertification in Hama and Homs Syrian steppe. 113 p. (Ar).

Annual Report 2006 127 Appendix 3 – Agreements signed in 2006

Agreements of coopera- of Agriculture and Land Syria Reclamation, Arab Republic of tion with international and 18 September 2006. regional organizations Egypt, and ICARDA concerning Cooperation with Central Memorandum of Understanding 5 January 2006. Agreement Laboratory for Agricultural Expert for Networks, Library and between the Global Forum on Systems (CLAES) and Animal Information Systems Agricultural Research (GFAR) Production Research Institute Connectivity, 2006-2010, and ICARDA regarding man- (APRI), Agricultural Research between ICARDA and the agement procedures of the Center, for development of an University of Aleppo. funds deposited in the ICARDA Expert System for small ruminants bank account for GFAR. in dry areas. Tajikistan 5 October 2006. Memorandum 29 January 2006. Memorandum Pakistan of Understanding between of Understanding between the 5 August 2006. Memorandum of ICARDA and the Tajik Agrarian Fund for Integrated Rural Understanding between ICARDA University, Tajikstan. Development of Syria (FIRDOS) and the University of Agriculture, and ICARDA. Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Agreements of coopera- Sultanate of Oman tion with national govern- 7 May 2006. Memorandum of ments and institutions Understanding between ICARDA and Al Sulaiteen Agricultural and Egypt Industrial Complex (SAIC) in Qatar. 7 May 2006. Letter of Agreement between the Ministry

128 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 4 – Restricted-Fund Projects

ICARDA's research program is implemented through the donor to specific activities) and project-specific six Mega-Projects, as detailed in the Center's grants. The financial contributions by the respective Medium-Term Plan. Restricted projects are those donors are reported in Appendix 7. Reports on the activities that are supported by restricted funding activities listed are encompassed in the appropriate that is provided separately from the Center's unre- sections of the body of this Annual Report. stricted core funding. Restricted funding includes During 2006, the following Restricted-Fund Projects donor-attributed funding (core funds allocated by were operational.

AFESD (Arab Fund for • Genetic resource conserva- ance, epidemiology and inte- Economic and Social tion, documentation and uti- grated management of faba Development) lization in Central Asia and the bean, chickpea and lentil dis- Caucasus eases • Technical assistance to • Plant health management for • Collaborative barley breeding ICARDA's activities in Arab faba bean, chickpea and for low rainfall environments countries (training Arab lentils • Durum industry development-- nationals and support to Arab • Host resistance, epidemiology Collaboration with ICARDA to national programs). and integrated management accelerate cultivar improve- • Options for coping with of faba bean, chickpea and ment for adaptation across all increased water scarcity in lentil diseases production regions agriculture in West Asia and • ACIAR Project Planning North Africa. Meeting for Crop Grain Foods Cooperative • Developing sustainable liveli- Improvement in Iraq Research Centre Ltd. hoods of agropastoral com- • Ensuring productivity and • Genetic manipulation of puls- munities of West Asia and food security through sustain- es for improved flavor and North Africa able control of yellow rust of color. wheat in Asia • Novel germplasm for food • Better crop germplasm and and malt barley products ADB (Asian Development management for improved production of wheat, barley Bank) DPI (Department of Primary and pulse and forage • Enabling communities in the Industries) legumes in Iraq Aral Sea basin to combat • Digitizing International Trials land and water resource GRDC (Grains Research and degradation through the cre- Development Corporation) ation of 'bright' spots AUSTRIA • Improving rural livelihoods • Technologies for the targeted through efficient on-farm exploitation of the N.I. Vavilov • Production diversification and water and soil fertility man- Institute of Plant Industry (VIR), income generating options for agement in Central Asia ICARDA and Australian bread small-scale resource poor live- wheat landrace germplasm stock farmers of the dry areas: • CIPAL (Coordinated The case of lamb fattening in AUSTRALIA Improvement Program for WANA Australian Lentils) ACIAR (Australian Centre for • Coordinated improvement of International Agricultural BRAZIL chickpeas in Australia – Research) Northern Region module EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de • Lentil and Lathyrus in the • Faba bean improvement – Pesquisa Agropecuaria / cropping systems of Nepal: Northern Region Brazilian Agricultural Research improving crop establishment • Technologies for the targeted Corporation and yield of relay and post- exploitation of cereal and rice-sown pulses in the terai pulse landraces • Cooperative activities and mid hills. • Associate Expert in host resist- between ICARDA and EMBRAPA

Annual Report 2006 129 Appendix 4

BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL • Strengthening livelihood EC (European resilience in upper catch- Commission) • Improving access to ICARDA ments of dry areas by inte- genebank data through grated natural resources man- EC 6th Framework International SINGER agement Cooperation (INCO) • Improving on-farm agricultural • Improving durum wheat for CANADA water productivity in the water use efficiency and yield Karkheh river basin stability through physiological CIDA (Canadian International and molecular approaches Development Agency) (IDuWUE) • Global Rust Initiative CGIAR ICT-KM PROGRAM • Consultative Workshop on • Utilization of Intelligent Systems Participatory Plant Breeding CGIAR-Canada Linkage Funds for Plant Protection (CONPAB) • Exploiting the wheat genome • Characterization and molecu- to optimize water use in lar mapping of drought toler- Mediterranean ecosystems ance in chickpea CGIAR SYSTEMWIDE PROGRAMS (TRITIMED) Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan CGIAR Collaborative Program for EC 6th Framework Program • Off-season evaluation of Central Asia and the Caucasus • Waste water use and recy- Ascochyta blight reaction in • Program Facilitation Unit cling by using new generation chickpea greenhouse systems, adapted SLP (Systemwide Livestock to the requirements of the Program) Mediterranean partner coun- CGIAR CHALLENGE tries PROGRAMS • Low-toxin grasspea for improved human and live- Generation Challenge Program stock nutrition and ecosys- FAO (Food and Agriculture • Commissioned research tems health in drought-prone Organization of the United • Allele mining based on non- areas in Asia and Africa Nations) coding regulatory SNPs in bar- • Enhancing livelihoods of poor ley germplasm livestock keepers through • Preparation of the proceed- • Durum wheat Quantitative increased use of fodder in ings of the International Sunn Trait Loci research Syria Pest Conference and follow- up activities for the develop- HarvestPlus IWMI Comprehensive ment of IPM strategies for Assessment Program Sunn Pest • Identification of barley • Applied research component • Assessment of water harvest- germplasm accessions with of project GCP/PAK/095/USA β ing and supplemental irriga- high concentration of - "Food Security/Poverty tion potential in arid and carotene, iron and zinc Alleviation in Arid Agriculture semi-arid areas of West Asia • Identification of lentil Balochistan – Pilot Project and North Africa germplasm accessions with Phase" β high concentration of - • Technical Cooperation carotene, iron and zinc DENMARK Program (TCP) "Training on Orobanche weed manage- Challenge Program on Water • Integrated disease management in leguminous crops" and Food ment to enhance barley and • TCP "Sustainable agriculture • Improving water productivity wheat production in Eritrea practices in the drought - of cereals and food legumes affected region of in the Atbara river basin of Karakalpakstan" Eritrea • TCP "Improvement of cereals,

130 Annual Report 2006 Restricted-fund projects

leguminous, oil and forage FAO/GFAR (Food and BMZ (Federal Ministry for crops seed production": Agriculture Organization of Economic Cooperation and Coordination and implemen- the United Nations/Global Development) tation of activities related to • Post-Doctoral Fellow in the establishment of an effi- Forum on Agricultural Analysis of allelic gene expres- cient and integrated seed Research) sion in ICARDA-mandated production system • Support to the CAC Regional crops • TCP "Strengthening seed sup- Agricultural Information ply in the ECO region with System special emphasis on Central • Regional Meeting on Need GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY Asia" Assessment for Agricultural TRUST • Expert Group Meeting on Research for Development Harnessing Biotechnology and (ARD) in the Central Asian • Inventory of ex-situ collections Genetic Engineering for and Caucasian (CAC) Region of Annex 1 crops in Central Agricultural Development in • Oat and Vetch Network for Asia and the Caucasus (CAC) the Near East and North the Maghreb Countries • Establishment of a Regional Africa (REMAV) 2006 meeting Plant Genetic Resources • Workshop to strengthen Information Network for the national plant breeding and CAC Region biotechnology capacity FRANCE • Improving the facilities of through policy advice for genebanks in the CAC countries in the Caucasus and CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Region Central Asia (Armenia, Internationale en Recherche • Organization of a workshop to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Agronomique pour le develop a global ex situ con- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Développement) servation and utilization strate- Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, • Joint appointment of a CIRAD gy for food legumes (chick- Turkmenistan and Turkey) Research Fellow on institution- pea, lentils, faba beans and • Regional Meeting on Need al options for rangeland man- grass pea) Assessment for Agricultural agement • Development of a global Research for Development strategy for the ex situ conser- (ARD) in the Central Asian Service of Cooperation and vation of barley and Caucasian (CAC) Region Cultural Action of the French • Workshop about the methods Embassy in the Republic of GEF/UNDP (Global Environment of negotiation in Tunis Yemen Facility/United Nations • Applied research to focus on Development Program) approriate methods of stand • Supporting rural development • PDFB - combating desertifica- establishment under rainfed and food security in the ter- tion in South Asia: the agricul- conditions of key forage races of Yemen: Adoption of ture-environment nexus species for Syria and KSA sustainable protected agricul- • Organization of the "assess- ture technology for the production of cash crops in the ment and design strategies to GCC (Gulf Cooperation strengthen national plant Taez Region breeding and biotechnology Council) workshop" for countries in the • Development of sustainable Caucasus GERMANY date palm production systems • Applied research to focus on • Exploration of genetic in the GCC countries of the approriate methods of stand resources collections at Arabian Peninsula establishment under rainfed ICARDA for adaptation to cli- conditions of key forage mate change species for Syria and KSA

Annual Report 2006 131 Appendix 4

IDRC (International • Social capital assessment in • Food legume germplasm Development Research the area of Southern Region improvement for increased Centre) Development Project, Tunisia systems productivity: • Linking the Virtual Information Chickpea improvement • Strengthening seed systems and Communication Centre • Barely activities in Ethiopia for food security in Afghanistan (VICC) serving Mexico • Institutionalizing participatory Investment and Grant Projects plant breeding within national with FIDAMERICA JAPAN plant breeding systems: costs • Institutional contract: rural Japan Attributed Funding and benefits sector performance assess- • Workshop on "Participatory ment and rural finance sector • Improving income of small- plant breeding varieties: own- review for Afghanistan scale producers in marginal ership, access and benefits • Community action in integrat- agricultural environments: • Recognition, access, and ed and market oriented feed- small ruminant milk production benefit sharing in participato- livestock production in and milk derivatives, market ry plant breeding programs in Central and South Asia opportunities and improving Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Eritrea • Program for rehabilitation of value added returns agricultural livelihoods of women in marginal post-con- JICA (Japan International IFAD (International Fund for flict areas of Afghanistan and Cooperation Agency) Agricultural Development) Pakistan • Third Country Training • Program for strengthening Program in Crop research and development to IFPRI (International Food Improvement and Seed Technology improve marketing of small Policy Research Institute) ruminant products and • Japanese Technical income generation in dry • Organization of a workshop Cooperation Project for areas of Latin America on Reorienting Research Enhancing Human Resources • Program to foster wider adop- Management and Agricultural Development in Iraq tion of low-cost durum tech- Innovation Systems in Central • JICA volunteer in research on nologies Asia and the Caucasus small ruminant genetic • Program for enhancing food diversity. security in the Nile Valley and Red Sea region: Technology INDIA JIRCAS (Japan International generation and dissemination • Lentil improvement research Research Center for Agricultural for sustainable production of Sciences) cereals and cool-season food • Evaluation of drought tolerant legumes IRAN wheat germplasm • Small ruminant health – • Scientific and technical coop- • Post-doctoral Fellow in improved livelihood and mar- eration and training drought physiology ket opportunities for poor farmers in the Near East and North Africa region ITALY KOREA • Community-based optimiza- Italy Attributed Funding RDA (Rural Development tion of the management of Administration) scarce water resources in • Durum wheat germplasm agriculture in West Asia and improvement for increased • Collaboration in barley North Africa productivity, yield stability and research • Developing sustainable liveli- grain quality hoods of agropastoral com- • Barley germplasm improve- munities of West Asia and ment for increased produc- North Africa tivity

132 Annual Report 2006 Restricted-fund projects

LIBYA PAKISTAN UNITED KINGDOM Agricultural Research Center • Cooperation in the applied DFID (Department for • Collaboration in agricultural research component of the International Development) research and capacity build- Barani Village Development Competitive Research Facility Project (BVDP) ing • Integrated pest management of Sunn Pest in West Asia SWITZERLAND • Management of Research in MAURITANIA Alternative Livelihoods Fund • Technical assistance to Projet SDC (Swiss Agency for (RALF), Afghanistan Gestion des Parcours et Development and Cooperation) • Cultivation of mint as a viable alternative livelihood in East Développement de l'Elevage • Associate Expert in poverty and North East of Afghanistan (PADEL) analysis • Improved rural incomes in • Sustainable management of Afghanistan from better pro- the agropastoral resource duction and sales of milk MOROCCO base in the Maghreb products MCGP (Morocco Collaborative • Communal management and Grants Program) optimization of mechanized micro-catchment water har- • Barley improvement in the UNCCD (United Nations vesting for combating deserti- arid and semi-arid areas of fication in the East Convention to Combat Morocco Mediterranean region Desertification) • Introgression of selected genetic disease resistance Global Mechanism of the ZIL (Swiss Centre for International into durum wheat for the rain- UNCCD Agriculture), ETHZ (Federal fed areas of Morocco Institute of Technology) • Regional Environmental • Reinforcement of plant genet- Management Officer, ic resources conservation and • Research Fellowship project Tashkent utilization at Settat gene bank on improving resistance to • Development of a facilitation • Development of an integrat- barley scald unit for the establishment of a ed natural resources manage- Regional Program for ment framework for sustain- ETHZ (Federal Institute of Sustainable Development of able agriculture in Central Technology) the Drylands of West Asia and Morocco • Improving small ruminant pro- North Africa • Integrated pest management ductivity in dry areas through • Convening the Designing in the cereals /food legumes cost-efficient animal nutrition Integrated Financing cropping systems in Morocco and improved quality of milk Strategies (DIFS) - North Africa and dairy products Training Workshop OPEC FUND FOR INTERNA- TIONAL DEVELOPMENT THE NETHERLANDS UNCCD Sub-Regional Action Program (SRAP) for West Asia • Institutionalization and scaling- • Tailor Made Training: the up of participatory barley improvement of farmers • Integrated natural resources breeding in WANA based seed production management program to • Management of scarce water scheme and revitalizing infor- combat desertification in resources in agriculture in the mal seed production Lebanon and Jordan (pilot WANA region • Training Programme on plant projects) genetic resources and seeds: policies, conservation and use

Annual Report 2006 133 Appendix 4

UNESCO impact of agricultural USAID IPM CRSP (Integrated Pest research on rural livelihoods Management Collaborative • Sustainable Management of and poverty alleviation Research Support Program), Marginal Drylands (SUMA- Sub-contract with Prime MAD) - Khanasser Valley USAID RAMP (Rebuilding Contractor Michigan State Integrated Research Site, Syria Agricultural Markets Program), University • Sustainable Management of Afghanistan Marginal Drylands (SUMA- • Ecologically-based participa- MAD) - Zeuss Koutine site, • Village-based seed enterprise tory and collaborative IPM Tunisia development in Afghanistan research and capacity build- • Basic research on the elabo- • Demonstrating new technolo- ing program in Central Asia ration, elucidation and imple- gies in farmers' fields to facili- mentation of the principles for tate rapid adoption and diffu- USDA/ARS (United States the biological control of Sunn sion Department of pest populations in • Introducing protected agricul- Agriculture/Agricultural Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz ture for cash crop production Research Service) in marginal and water deficit Republic • Collection of plant genetic areas of Afghanistan • Fifth International SUMAMAD resources in the Central Asian • Clean seed production, multi- Workshop and Caucasus region plication and marketing for increased potato production USDA/FAS (United States in Afghanistan UNITED STATES OF Department of AMERICA Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural USAID ALP (Alternative Service) USAID (United States Agency for Livelihoods Program), International Development) Afghanistan • Biological diversity, cultural Linkage Funds and economic value of • Promoting improved produc- medicinal, herbal and aro- • Cooperation with University of tion of staple crops California, Davis: Evaluation of matic plants in Morocco • Biological diversity, cultural pulse genetic resources USAID • Cooperation with University of and economic value of Delaware: Using information • Global Rust Initiative medicinal, herbal and aro- technology for improving matic plants in Tunisia water use efficiency USAID Cereal Comparative • Research on improving pro- • Cooperation with Washington Genomics Initiative, Sub-con- ductivity of oats as a priority State University: Rust and tract with Prime Contractor forage species in Tunisia Stemphylium blight resistance University of Minnesota • Biological control of weeds with plant pathogens in lentil • Mining wild barley in the • GIS for watershed manage- • Cooperation with University of Fertile Crescent: a genomics ment in the arid regions of Vermont: Sunn pest biocontrol approach for exploiting allelic Tunisia • Cooperation with Yale diversity for disease resistance University: Assessing the in barley

134 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 5 – Collaboration with Advanced Research Institutes and Regional and International Organizations

CGIAR CENTERS AND Network on Drought Agricultural Development in REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL Management for the Near CAC, coordinated by ICARDA ORGANIZATIONS East, Mediterranean and Central Asia (NEMEDCA FAO (Food and Agriculture Drought Network). Organization of the United ACSAD (Arab Center for Studies • ICARDA is a member of Nations) of Arid Zones and Dry Lands) FAO/CIHEAM SARD • ICARDA and FAO are co- (Sustainable Agriculture and • Joint workshops, conferences sponsors of AARINENA Rural Development) Mountain and training • ICARDA participates in FAO's Mediterranean Network • Exchange of germplasm. AGLINET cooperative library • Collaboration in research on • Collaboration in integrated network, AGRIS and CARIS. water use efficiency natural resource manage- • ICARDA cooperates with FAO • Collaboration in mapping ment for combating desertifi- in the production of the adaptation of barley to cation in Syria, Jordan, Yemen Arabic version of the agricul- drought environments. and Lebanon tural multilingual thesaurus • Joint training courses and • Collaboration in regional pro- AGROVOC information exchange gram for sustainable develop- • ICARDA participates in FAO's ment of drylands in WANA Global Animal Genetic CIMMYT (International Maize Resources program and the and Wheat Improvement CIAT (International Center for FAO/CIHEAM Cooperative Center) Tropical Agriculture) Research Network on Sheep • ICARDA and CIMMYT have and Goats, Genetic • ICARDA participates in the formalized their collaboration Resources Sub-Network Systemwide Programme on within the ICARDA-CIMMYT • ICARDA cooperates with the Participatory Research and Wheat Improvement Program FAO Commission on Plant Gender Analysis (PRGA), for Central and West Asia and Genetic Resources coordinated by CIAT North Africa • Jointly organized regional • ICARDA is participating in • An ICARDA barley breeder workshops on "Technical HarvestPlus (Challenge was seconded to CIMMYT Support to the International Program on Biofortified Crops • CIMMYT participates in the Treaty on Plant Genetic for Improved Human CGIAR Collaborative Research Resources for Food and Nutrition), led by CIAT and Program for Sustainable Agriculture: Creating an IFPRI Agricultural Development in Intersectoral Dialogue on • CIAT is the managing center Central Asia and the Plant Genetic Resources for Theme 2 of the Challenge Caucasus (CAC), coordinated Conservation" Program on Water and Food by ICARDA. • ICARDA is a member of the and collaborates in the proj- • ICARDA is participating in the FAO/CIHEAM SARD Mountain ect led by ICARDA on Generation Challenge Mediterranean Network strengthening livelihood Program (Unlocking Genetic • ICARDA participates in the resilience in the Karkeh River Resources in Crops for the Inter-agency Task Forces con- Basin in Iran Resource Poor) led by CIMMYT vened by the FAO-RNE (FAO and IRRI Regional Office for the Near CIHEAM (International Center for East) Advanced Mediterranean CIP (International Potato Center) • FAO-RNE, ICARDA and Agronomic Studies) CIHEAM are co-conveners of • CIP participates in the CGIAR • CIHEAM, ICARDA and FAO- the NEMEDCA Drought Collaborative Research RNE are co-conveners of the Network Program for Sustainable

Annual Report 2006 135 Appendix 5

• FAO-RNE and ICARDA coordi- ment and utilization of intelli- nated by IPGRI, in both plant nate the Oat-Vetch Regional gent systems in plant protec- and animal genetic resources Network (REMAV). tion • IPGRI participates in the • FAO-RNE and ICARDA collab- CGIAR Collaborative orate in applied research to IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Program for improve and maintain seed Research Institute) Sustainable Agricultural quality for fodder shrubs and Development in CAC • ICARDA is participating in grass species used for range- • ICARDA collaborates with HarvestPlus, led by IFPRI and land rehabilitation IPGRI in two sub-regional net- CIAT • Collaboration in a project on works on genetic resources • ICARDA participates in the food security and poverty (WANANET and CATN/PGR) System Wide Program on alleviation in Balochistan, • ICARDA participates in devel- Collective Action and Pakistan opment of the SINGER project Property Rights (CAPRi) coor- • Collaboration in a Technical coordinated by IPGRI and dinated by IFPRI. Cooperation Program on contributes data to the core • IFPRI participates in the CGIAR Orobanche control in food SINGER database Collaborative Research legumes Program for Sustainable • Collaboration in a Technical IRRI (International Rice Research Agricultural Development in Cooperation Program on con- Institute) CAC servation agriculture in • IRRI participates in the CGIAR Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan ILRI (International Livestock Collaborative Research ICBA (International Center for Research Institute) Program for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Biosaline Agriculture) • ICARDA participates in the CAC Systemwide Livestock • Collaboration in research on • ICARDA is participating in the Program coordinated by ILRI salinity management in agri- Generation Challenge • ILRI participates in the CGIAR culture Program, led by IRRI and CIM- Collaborative Research MYT Program for Sustainable ICRISAT (International Crops • IRRI is the Managing Center of Agricultural Development in Research Institute for the Semi- ICARDA's projects in Iran and CAC Arid Tropics) Eritrea within Theme 1 on • ILRI and ICARDA share a joint water productivity of the • ICRISAT participates in the position on animal epidemiol- Challenge Program on Water CGIAR Collaborative ogy and Food Research Program for • ILRI and ICARDA cooperate in Sustainable Agricultural a joint project on small rumi- IWMI (International Water Development in CAC, coordi- nant health, improved liveli- Management Institute) nated by ICARDA hoods and market opportuni- • ICARDA and ICRISAT are co- ties in the Near East and North • IWMI participates in the conveners of the Consortium Africa CGIAR Collaborative on Desertification, Drought, Research Program for Poverty, and Agriculture IPGRI (International Plant Sustainable Agricultural (DDPA) Genetic Resources Institute) Development in CAC • ICARDA and ICRISAT are part- • ICARDA is participating in the • ICARDA hosts and services the ners in a study of yield gaps Challenge Program on Water IPGRI Regional Office for within the Comprehensive and Food, coordinated by Central and West Asia and Assessment of Water IWMI North Africa (IPGRI-CWANA). Management of the • ICARDA serves on the Steering • ICARDA participates with Systemwide Program on Committee of the Systemwide other CG Centers in the Water Initiative on the Systemwide Genetic • Collaboration in the develop- Comprehensive Assessment of Resources Program, coordi-

136 Annual Report 2006 ARIs and regional/international partners

Water, coordinated by IWMI improved production of cere- • Novel barley germplasm for • IWMI and ICARDA share a als and legumes in Iraq food and malt joint position on marginal • Joint evaluation of barley water use germplasm for low rainfall and Department of Primary Industries • IWMI and ICARDA are part- salt stressed environments (DPI), Tamworth Centre for Crop ners in a joint research project • Development of micronutri- Improvement on salinity in Central Asia. ent-dense barley germplasm • Durum wheat improvement. • ICARDA is participating in the and micronutrient analysis • Chickpea improvement CGIAR Consortium for Spatial • Identification of legume virus- Information - Knowledge CLIMA (Centre for Legumes in es and selection of legume Management Project, coordi- Mediterranean Agriculture) germplasm for virus disease nated by IWMI • Development and conserva- resistance tion of plant genetic • Plant health management for UNESCO-MAB (United Nations resources in the Central Asian faba bean, chickpea and Educational, Scientific and Republics lentils Cultural Organization - Man and • Evaluation and regeneration • Survey of faba bean diseases the Biosphere Program) of pulse legume accessions in Quinghai Province, China • Collaboration in sustainable • Collaboration to widen the land management of margin- genetic base of lentil in India, al drylands Nepal and Bangladesh Australian Winter Cereals • Improving lentil and Lathyrus Collection, Tamworth in the cropping systems of • Development and conserva- United Nations University Nepal tion of plant genetic • Plant health management for • Collaboration in research on resources in Central Asia faba bean, chickpea and water harvesting, watershed • Technologies for the targeted lentils management and sustainable exploitation of bread wheat • Better crop germplasm and land management of margin- landrace germplasm crop management for al drylands • Introgression of novel resist- improved production of cere- ance to leaf rust, Hessian fly, als and legumes in Iraq World Vegetable Center - for- Russian wheat aphid, stem merly Asian Vegetable Research sawfly, and use of DART tech- Cooperative Research Centre and Development Center nology (CRC) for Molecular Plant (AVRDC) Breeding Department of Primary Industries • AVRDC participates in the • ICARDA is a Supporting (DPI), Horsham, Victoria CGIAR Consortium for CAC. Participant (Research) • Collaboration in horticulture • Improvement of lentils • Joint training of a PhD student assessment in Asia and the • Development and conserva- (enrolled in the Southern Cross Near East Region tion of plant genetic University) resources in the Central Asian • Collaborative barley breeding Republics for low rainfall environments. AUSTRALIA • Plant health management for • Developing elite barley faba bean, chickpea and germplasm for salt stressed University of Adelaide, Waite lentils environments Institute • Bread wheat landrace eco- geographic diversity studies • Plant health management for Cooperative Research Centre • Development and conserva- faba bean, chickpea and (CRC) for Grain Foods tion of plant genetic lentils • Genetic manipulation of puls- resources in Central Asia • Better crop germplasm and es for improved flavor and crop management for color

Annual Report 2006 137 Appendix 5

Department of Primary Industries AUSTRIA Ascochyta blight resistance (DPI), Victoria, Knoxfield Center • Morphological and molecular Landwirtschafflich-Chemische characterization of drought • Study the molecular variability Budesversuchsanstalt (BAVL) tolerance in chickpea of nanovirus and luteovirus isolates using PCR and • Safety duplication of sequence analysis ICARDA's faba bean germplasm collection DENMARK Land and Food Sciences, Risø National Laboratory, Plant University of Queensland University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Biology and Biogeochemistry • Collaboration in development (BOKU), Vienna Department of Laboratory Information • Integrated cereal disease Management System • Production diversification in small ruminant production; management in Eritrea Southern Cross University decentralized and participatory breeding plans Danish Institute of Agriculture • Genetic manipulation of puls- Sciences (DIAS) es for improved flavor and • Characterization of wheat color BELGIUM yellow rust and its population • Novel barley germplasm for dynamics; and integrated dis- food and malt University of Ghent ease control in wheat and barley Plant Breeding Institute, • Collaboration in research on University of Sydney watershed management Royal Veterinary and Agriculture • Assessment of pathogenic University of Leuven University, Department of variation in the wheat stripe Agricultural Sciences, Plant and • Joint supervision of MSc grad- (yellow) rust pathogen Soil Science Laboratory • Breeding for resistance to bar- uate research on integrated • Genetic mapping in barley, ley stripe (yellow) rust assessment of land degradation genotyping & data analysis South Australia Department of • Collaboration in research on watershed management Agriculture (SARDI) FRANCE • Plant health management for faba bean, chickpea and CANADA CIRAD (Centre de Coopération lentils. Internationale en Recherche Agriculture Canada, Field Crop • Management of scald and Agronomique pour le Development Centre, Alberta net blotch in barley Développement) • Development of barley • Joint appointment of a CIRAD Department of Agriculture, germplasm with multiple dis- Research Fellow on institution- Western Australia ease resistance al options for rangeland man- • Plant health management for agement Agriculture and Agri-Food faba bean, chickpea and • Development of a dataset on Canada lentils allele diversity of candidate • Better crop germplasm, crop • Collaboration in development genes management and scientific of Laboratory Information training for improved produc- Management System CNRS (Centre National de la tion of cereals and legumes in Recherche Scientifique Iraq Crop Development Center, • Diagnostic tools for variability University of Saskatchewan, among virus causal agents in Saskatoon food legumes • Evaluation of chickpea for

138 Annual Report 2006 ARIs and regional/international partners

Institut National de la Recherche IPK-Gatersleben University of Tuscia, Viterbo; Agronomique (INRA) Germplasm Institute, Bari; ENEA • Association mapping and (Italian Research Agency for • Morphophysiological traits microarray analysis in barley New Technologies, Energy and associated with constraints of the Environment), Rome Mediterranean dryland condi- University of Frankfurt am Main tions in durum wheat. • Evaluation and documenta- • Genomics of cold and • Establishment of a composite tion of durum wheat genetic drought tolerance in chick- collection and genotyping of resources pea and lentil faba bean genetic resources • Collaboration in research on Udine University University of Hannover water use efficiency • Allelic imbalance and gene • Development of transforma- expression in barley L'Institut de Recherche pour le tion protocols for chickpea Développement (IRD) and lentil • Research on impact assess- • Cooperation in the establish- JAPAN ment of natural resource ment of a network on water management research information Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences University of Hohenheim Université de Paris-Sud, Labo (JIRCAS) Morphogenese Vegetale • Increasing the heterozygosity • Use of Dreb technology for Experimentale level of barley to exploit het- improving ICARDA legume erosis under drought stress • Production of doubled hap- crops loids in bread wheat and University of Kiel • Evaluation of genetic barley resources and physiological • Molecular genotyping of a analyses for enhancing composite collection of lentil drought tolerance in wheat GERMANY germplasm germplasm

Biologische Bundesanstalt für ITALY Yokohama City University Land - und Forstwirtschaft (BBA) • On-farm and in-situ conserva- (Federal Biological Research University of Bologna tion of wheat genetic Centre for Agriculture and resources in the Near East Forestry), Department of Plant • Improving durum wheat for Virology, Microbiology and water use efficiency and yield Tottori University Biosafety, Braunschweig stability; development of drought tolerance • Collaboration on human • Identification of chickpea • Drought tolerance mecha- resource development pro- viruses in Tunisia and wheat nisms and gene expression grams for arid land sciences viruses in Turkey using PCR under drought conditions in and sequence analysis wheat REPUBLIC OF KOREA University of Bonn Istituto Sperimentale per la • QTL analysis in barley Cerealicoltura, Sezione di Rural Development • Integrated approaches to sus- Fiorenzuola d'Arda Administration tainable land management in • Mapping adaptation of • Collaboration in barley dry areas barley to drought environ- research • Joint supervision of PhD grad- ments uate research on the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques for land degradation assessment in Syria

Annual Report 2006 139 Appendix 5

NETHERLANDS sheep milk production systems environmental, and econom- and quality of dairy products ic impacts of water harvesting Wageningen University and techniques Research Center University of Cordoba • Collaboration in research on • Durum grain quality UNITED KINGDOM water harvesting and water- • Establishment of a composite shed management collection and genotyping of Centre for Arid Zone Studies, • Collaboration in international faba bean genetic resources training program on plant University of Wales, Bangor genetic resources and seeds: UdL-IRTA (University of Lleida and • Research on alternative liveli- policies, conservation and use Institut de Recerca i Technologia hood options in Afghanistan • Collaboration in training pro- Agroalimentaria - IRTA) gram on improvement of Birmingham University farmers based seed produc- • Mapping adaptation of bar- • Joint training program in eco- tion scheme and revitalizing ley to drought environments geographic surveys informal seed supply of local • Improving durum wheat for • Co-supervision of PhD crops and varieties in Ethiopia water use efficiency and yield stability research in taxonomic identifi- Department of Plant Science, cation of the Viciaceae Laboratory of Plant Breeding, SWITZERLAND Wageningen CABI Bioscience • Collaboration in mapping Station Fédérale de Recherches • Entomopathogenic fungi for adaptation of barley to Agronomiques de Changins Sunn pest control drought environments (RAC), Nyon Macaulay Land Use Research • Safety duplicate collection of Institute RUSSIA ICARDA's accessions of Lathyrus and Vicia • Feeding systems for small ruminant production in the dry N.I. Vavilov Research Institute for areas Plant Industry (VIR) Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Animal • Genetic resources exchange, Nutrition Department Macaulay Research joint collection missions and Consultancy Services Ltd. genetic resources evaluation • Feeding systems and quality • Research on alternative liveli- and documentation of sheep milk products hood options in Afghanistan • Bread wheat eco-geographic diversity studies Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Institute of National Institute of Agricultural Plant Sciences/Phytopathology Botany SPAIN • Molecular characterization of • Allelic imbalance assay and fungal pathogens (scald, gene expression analysis in University of Barcelona Septoria) barley • Barley stress physiology and • Population dynamics of mapping adaptation of bar- Rhyncosporium secalis Natural Resources Institute, UK ley to drought environments • Research on alternative liveli- • Drought tolerance mecha- University of Bern hood options in Afghanistan nisms and gene expression • World Overview of under drought conditions in Conservation Approaches Rothamsted Research wheat and Technologies (WOCAT) • Drought tolerance mecha- Consortium nisms and gene expression University of the Basque Country • Joint supervision of graduate under drought conditions in • Enhancing the productivity of student research on social, wheat

140 Annual Report 2006 ARIs and regional/international partners

Scottish Crop Research Institute University of St. Paul, Minnesota and economic value of medicinal, herbal and aro- • Mapping adaptation of bar- • Evaluation and characteriza- matic plants in Tunisia and ley to drought environments tion of Hordeum spontaneum Morocco for disease resistance genes USDA/ARS, Manhattan, Kansas / UNITED STATES OF Oregon State University Kansas State University AMERICA • Molecular mapping of barley • Resistance to Russian wheat within the North America Busch Agricultural Resources Inc. aphid and molecular biology Barley Genome Mapping of Hessian fly • Development of barley project germplasm with multiple dis- • Identification of molecular USDA/ARS Cereal Rust ease resistance and markers associated with resist- Laboratory, Minnesota enhanced malting quality ance to diseases of barley • Pathoyping CWANA wheat University of California, Davis Purdue University stem rust • Studies to understand the • Collaboration in research on USDA/ARS, Stillwater, Oklahoma evolution and domestication water harvesting and water- of cultivated and wild lentil, shed management • Screening and biotype char- peas, and chickpea acterization of Russian wheat • Research on water productivi- University of Vermont aphid ty • Sunn pest biocontrol • Collaboration in assessment of USDA/ARS Plant Stress and Water horticulture options Conservation Laboratory, Virginia Polytechnic Lubbock, Texas Cornell University • Joint research on assessing • Climatological analysis as a the impact of agricultural • Research on alternative liveli- tool for agricultural decision- research on poverty hood options in Afghanistan taking in dry areas University of Wisconsin University of Delaware USDA/ARS Grain Legume • Breeding and testing of dairy Genetics and Physiology • Use of information technology sheep genotypes; feeding sys- Research, Pullman, Washington for improving water use effi- tem improvement; milk prod- ciency • Exploitation of existing genetic uct quality control resources of food legumes University of Florida, Gainesville • Inheritance and mapping of Washington State University rust and Stemphylium resist- • Forage systems research and • Rust and Stemphylium blight ance genes in lentil modeling resistance in lentil. • Breeding of chickpea for USDA/ARS Western Regional University of Hawaii Ascochyta blight resistance Plant Introduction Station, • Collaborative training pro- • Resistance to Russian wheat Pullman, Washington gram for visiting scientists and aphid, and molecular biology • Conservation and collection graduate research fellows of Hessian fly of plant genetic resources in from Iraq • Research on alternative liveli- CAC hood options in Afghanistan Michigan State University / IPM Yale University Collaborative Research Support USDA/ARS (US Department of Program Agriculture, Agricultural • Collaboration in research on Research Service) poverty, rural livelihoods and • Integrated pest management impact analysis in Central Asia • Biological diversity, cultural

Annual Report 2006 141 Appendix 6 – Research Networks Coordinated by ICARDA

Title Objectives/Activities Coordinator Countries/ Donor Support Institutions International & Regional Networks

International Germplasm Disseminates advanced lines, parental ICARDA 52 countries world- ICARDA Core Testing Network lines and segregating populations of Germplasm wide; CIMMYT funds barley, durum wheat, bread wheat, Program lentil, kabuli chickpea, faba bean, vetches and chicklings developed by ICARDA, CIMMYT, and national programs. Feedback from NARS assists in developing adapted germplasm and provides a better understanding of GxE interaction and of the agroecological characteristics of major production areas.

WANA Plant Genetic Working groups specify priorities in IPGRI Regional WANA countries; IPGRI, ICARDA, Resources Network plant genetic resources; identify and Office for IPGRI; FAO; ACSAD FAO (WANANET) implement collaborative projects; CWANA; implement regional activities. ICARDA Genetic Resources Unit

WANA Seed Network Encourages stronger regional seed ICARDA Seed Algeria, Morocco, ICARDA sector cooperation, exchange of infor- Unit Iraq, Cyprus, Turkey, mation, regional consultations, and Jordan, Syria, Egypt, inter-country seed trade. Sudan, Libya, Yemen

Agricultural Information Improve national and regional capaci- ICARDA WANA countries; ICARDA Network for WANA ties in information management, Communication, CIHEAM (AINWANA) preservation and dissemination. Documentation and Information Services

The Network on Drought Enhanced technical cooperation ICARDA serves Countries of the ICARDA, FAO, Management for the among concerned national, regional as a Secretariat Near East, CIHEAM Near East, and international organizations in the Mediterranean and Mediterranean and Region, particularly the exchange of Central Asia; FAO; Central Asia (NEMEDCA information and experience among the EC; CIHEAM. Drought Network) member countries, on issues concerning drought mitigation.

142 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 7 – Financial Information

Statement of Grant Statement of Activity (US$x000) Revenues, 2006 (US$x000)

2006 2005 DONORS Amount REVENUES Arab Fund 1,215 Grants (Core and Restricted) 23,817 28,882 Asian Dev. Bank 287 Australia* 975 Other revenues and gains 1,650 932 Austria 138 Total revenues and gains 25,467 29,814 Belgium* 256 Canada* 847 EXPENSES AND LOSSES CGIAR 820 Challenge Program 1,015 Program related expenses 23,978 26,772 China* 10 Management and general expenses 3,261 2,796 Denmark* 386 Other losses and expenses - 661 Egypt* 250 Ethiopia 11 Total expenses and losses 27,239 30,229 European Commission 139 Indirect costs recovery (774) (898) FAO 389 Net expenses and losses 26,465 29,331 France* 247 GCSAR - Syria 85 Germany* 526 EXCESS REVENUES OVER EXPENSES (998) 483 Global Crop Diversity Trust 76 GM-UNCCD 151 Gulf Cooperation Council 347 IDRC 134 IFAD 1,511 India* 118 INRA-INRAT 271 Int. Nutrition Foundation 14 Iran* 165 Italy 43 Japan* 403 JIRCAS 55 Mauritania 30 Miscellaneous 134 Morocco 210 Norway* 887 Statement of Financial Position (US$x000) Pakistan 241 South Africa* 20 2006 2005 Sweden* 549 Switzerland* 564 ASSETS Syria* 500 Current assets 25,187 26,370 The Netherlands* 514 Property & equipment 3,446 3,511 The OPEC Fund 179 Turkey* 225 Employee savings scheme funds 5,793 5,359 UNEP 63 Total assets 34,426 35,240 UNESCO 64 United Kingdom* 2,889 LIABILITIES AND ASSETS University of Minnesota 47 University of Wisconsin 16 Current liabilities 13,251 14,337 USAID* 2,853 Long-term liabilities 9,242 7,976 USDA 252 Total liabilties 22,493 22,313 World Bank* 2,696 Net assets 11,933 12,927 TOTAL 23,817 Total liabilities & net assets 34,426 35,240 * Donors that provided core funds

Annual Report 2006 143 Appendix 7

144 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 8 – Board of Trustees

On 31 December 2006, the composition of P O Box 110282 ICARDA's full Board of Trustees was as follows: Gainesville, Florida 32611-0282, USA Tel: (352) 392 1965; cell (765) 4122680 Dr Guido Gryseels Fax: (352) 392 7127 Chairperson E-mail: [email protected] Director Royal Museum for Central Africa Leuvensesteenweg 13 Dr Michel A Afram 3080 Tervuren, Belgium President/Director General Tel: (32-2) 7695285; cell: 32-476201047 Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (32-2) 380 5328 (R) Tal Amara, Rayak, POB 287 Fax: (32-2) 767 02 42 Zahle, Lebanon E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (961-8) 901575/901576 (8-810809 (R); Cell: 03577578 Fax: (961-8) 900077 Dr Mohamed S Zehni E-mail: [email protected] Vice-Chairperson Independent Consultant Advisor, International Agriculture Studies Prof. Shinobu Inanaga Institute of Agriculture, Univ. of Malta President, JIRCAS 149, Triq il Qasam, Swieqi STJ 11 1-1 Ohwashi, Tsukuba Malta Ibaraki, 305-8686 Japan Tel: (356) 21-37 54 79 (R) Tel: (81-29) 838 6301 Cell: (356) 99260793 Cell: (81-90-4891 3460 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (81-29) 838 6316 E-mail: [email protected]

Dr Teresa Fogelberg Senior Director Dr Kjersti Larsen Relationships Management & Governance Associate Professor/Head of Department Global Reporting Initiative University Museum of Cultural History Keizersgracht 209 Department of Ethnography 1016 DT Amsterdam, The Netherlands University of Oslo, Fredriksgate 2 Tel: (31-20) 531 00 15/5310012 P O Box 6762; St. Olavs plass No-0130, Oslo, Norway (31-71) 5127011 (R) Tel: 47 22 85 99 68 Cell: (31-6) 4616 21 95 47 22 58 99 60 (R) E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 47 22 85 99 60 E-mail: [email protected]

Dr Abdelmajid Slama Former Director, MENA, IFAD Dr Majd Jamal Via Calcutta No 21 Director General, GCSAR Rome 00144, Italy Ministry of Agric & Agrarian Reform Tel: (39-06) 5296278 (R) P O Box 113-Douma Cell: (39-339) 6268993 Damascus, Syria E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (963-11) 574 1940 (Off) (963-11) 513 9483 (R) Cell: (963-93) 282238 Dr David J Sammons Telefax: (963-11) 575 7992 Director for International Agricultural Programs E-mail: [email protected] Institute of Food & Agricultural Programs University of Florida, Room 2039

Annual Report 2006 145 Appendix 8

Dr Talal Bakfalouni Dr Henri Carsalade Deputy Head President, Agropolis International State Planning Commission Avenue Agropolis Damascus, Syria 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5 Tel: 963-11-516 1010 France Fax: 963-11-516 1043 Tel: 33 4 67 04 75 50 963-11-535 5985 (R) Fax: 33 4 67 04 75 99 Cell: 963-93-212461 Cell: 33 6 73 49 79 39 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Dr Aigul Abugalieva Dr Mahmoud Solh Head, Grain Biochemistry & Quality Director General (ex officio) Laboratory ICARDA, P O Box 5466 Center for Crop Science & Farming Aleppo, Syria 1, Erlepesov Str., V. Almlybak Tel: (963-21) 2225517/2231330 Almaty region, 483133 (963-21) 5741480 (R) Kazakhstan Cell: (963-94) 240220 Tel: 7-3277153130/7-3272983608 Fax: (963-21) 2225105/2213490 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

146 Annual Report 2006 Appendix 9 – Senior Staff (as of 31 December 2006)

Headquarters, Aleppo, Management of Scarce Dr Flavio Capettini, Barley Syria Water Resources and Breeder (based in Mexico) Mitigation of Drought - MP1 Dr Bitore Djumahanov, Cereal/Legume Breeder Director General's Office Dr Theib Oweis, Director (based in Tashkent) Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, Director Dr Manzoor Qadir, Marginal Dr Mathew Musumbale Abang, General (until May 2006) Water Management Post-Doctoral Fellow-Legume Dr Mahmoud Solh, Director Specialist Pathologist General (from May 2006) Dr Adriana Bruggeman, Dr Akinnola Nathaniel Akintunde, Dr William Erskine, Assistant Agricultural Hydrology International Crop Director General (Research) Specialist Information System and *Prof. Dr Magdy Madkour, Dr Hamid J. Farahani, Specialist International Nursery Scientist Assistant Director General in Irrigation and Water Dr Fekadu Fufa Dinssa, Post- (International Cooperation) Management Doctoral Fellow-Barley Dr Ahmed El-Ahmed, Assistant Dr Bogachan Benli, Post- Breeder Director General Doctoral Fellow (Irrigation Dr Kamel Chabane, (Government Liaison) and Water Management) Biotechnologist *Dr Adel Aboul Naga, Senior Mr Akhtar Ali, Water and Soil Dr Shaaban Khalil, Consultant- Advisor/Consultant Engineer Faba Bean Breeder Ms Houda Nourallah, Dr Bassam Bayaa, Consultant- Administrative Officer to the Legume Pathologist Director General and Board Integrated Gene Dr Mohamed Khalifa, of Trustees Management - MP2 Consultant-Durum Breeder Dr Sanjaya Rajaram, Director, Dr Masanori Inagaki, JIRCAS and Director of Joint Scientific Representative Project Development and ICARDA/CIMMYT Wheat Dr Safaa Kumari, Manager of Coordination Unit Program the Virology Laboratory Dr Maria Von Korff Schmising, Dr Elizabeth Bailey, Head Dr Ali Abdel Moneim, Forage Post-Doctoral Fellow - Ms Ilona Kononenko, Grants Legume Breeder Analysis of Allelic Gene Management Officer Dr Rajinder Malhotra, Senior Chickpea Breeder Expression in ICARDA Dr Salvatore Ceccarelli, Barley Mandated Crops Mr Fadel Al-Afandi, Research Corporate Services Breeder Dr Stefania Grando, Barley Associate Mr Michel Valat, Director of Breeder *Mr Berhane Lakew Awoke, Corporate Services Dr Miloudi Nachit, Durum Wheat Visiting Research Fellow Mr Essam Abd Alla Saleh Abd El- Breeder *Dr Peiguo Guo, Visiting Scientist Fattah, Assistant Director of Dr Osman Abdalla, Bread Wheat Corporate Services Breeder Genetic Resources Unit Dr Amor Yahyaoui, Senior Cereal Dr Jan Valkoun, Head Pathologist Dr Bonnie Jean Furman, Legume Finance Department Dr Michael Baum, Biotechnologist Germplasm Curator Dr Mustapha El-Bouhssini, Dr Kenneth Street, Coordinator - Mr Vijay Sridharan, Director CAC Projects Mr Mohamed Samman, Treasury Entomologist Dr Ashutosh Sarker, Lentil Breeder Mr Jan Konopka, Germplasm Supervisor Documentation Officer Mr Ahmed El-Shennawy, Dr Sripada M. Udupa, Biotechnologist/Geneticist Mr Bilal Humeid, Research Associate Director Associate Mrs Imelda Silang, Finance (based in Morocco) Dr Moussa Guirgis Mosaad, Dr Siham Asaad, Head of Seed Officer, Budget, Donor Health Laboratory Reporting and Outreach Visiting Scientist

*Left during 2006

Annual Report 2006 147 Appendix 9

Improved Land Management Poverty and Livelihoods Communication, to Combat Desertification - Analysis and Impact Documentation, and MP3 Assesment - MP5 Information Services Dr Richard Thomas, Director Dr Kamel Shideed, Director Dr Surendra Varma, Head *Dr James A. Tiedeman, Range Dr Aden Aw-Hassan, Agricultural *Mr James Oladipo Falaiye, Management Scientist Economist Science Writer/Editor Dr Francis Turkelboom, Soil Dr Farouk Shomo, Dr Nuhad Maliha, Library & Conservation/Land Socioeconomist Researcher Information Services Management Specialist Dr Malika Abdelali Martini, Manager Dr Ashraf Tubeileh, Post-Doctoral Socioeconomist, Community Dr Moyomola Bolarin, Fellow-Nutrient and Water & Gender Analysis Specialist Multimedia/Training Material Flows in CWANA Dr Ahmed Mazid, Agricultural Specialist Dr Jurgen Anthofer, Researcher Economist Mr Ajay Varadachary, on Integrated Natural *Mr Markus Buerli, Junior Communication Specialist Resource Management in Professional Officer Dry Mountainous Areas Dr Celine Dutilly-Diane, Human Resources Socioeconomist, Knowledge Management Development Unit CIRAD/ICARDA and Dissemination for *Dr Samir El-Sebae Ahmed, Sustainable Development - Head MP6 Diversification and Sustainable Improvement of Dr Ahmed Eltigani Sidahmed, Director Computer and Biometrics Crop and Livestock Services Production Systems - MP4 Dr Abdul Bari Salkini, Agricultural Economist, Liaison Scientist Dr Zaid Abdul-Hadi, Head Dr Colin Piggin, Director Dr Hanadi Ibrahim El-Dessougi, Dr Murari Singh, Senior Dr Mustafa Pala, Wheat Based Verification and Up-scaling Biometrician Systems Agronomist Scientist Mr Awad Awad, Database Dr Luis Iñiguez, Senior Small Dr Catherine Farnworth, Administrator and Financial Ruminant Scientist Coordinator, CWANA Sub- Systems Senior Analyst Dr Asamoah Larbi, Pasture and Global Component of the Mr Colin Webster, Systems Forage Production Specialist IAASTD Programmer/Network Dr Barbara Ann Rischkowsky, Administrator Senior Livestock Scientist Seed Unit Dr Fadil Rida, Applications (Small Ruminants *Dr Antonius Van Gastel, Head Specialist (Oracle Financials) Management) (until April 2006) Dr Najibullah Malik, RALF Project Mr Hashem Abed, Scientific Dr Zewdie Bishaw, Head (from Databases Specialist Manager May 2006) *Dr Aggrey Ayuen Majok, Project Mr Michael Sarkisian, Senior Dr Koffi Nenonene Amegbeto, Maintenance Engineer Coordinator/Epidemiologist, Agricultural Economist ICARDA-ILRI Mr Abdoul Aziz Niane, Research Mr Tsutomu Tamada, Associate Associate Expert Station Operations Dr Safouh Rihawi, Research Dr Juergen Diekmann, Farm Associate I Geographic Information Manager Ms Azusa Fukuki, Research Systems Unit Mr Bahij El-Kawas, Senior Associate Supervisor - Horticulture Ms Monika Zaklouta, Research Dr Eddy De Pauw, Head *Mr Ahmed Shahbandar, Associate I *Mr Adekunle Gabriel Ibiyemi, Assistant Farm Manager *Ms Birgitte Larsen Hartwell, Senior GIS Analyst Research Fellow

*Left during 2006

148 Annual Report 2006 Senior staff

Purchasing and Supplies Arabian Peninsula Regional Kabul, Afghanistan Program Mr Essam Abd Alla Saleh Abd El- *Dr Nasrat Wassimi, Executive Fattah, PSD Manager Dubai, United Arab Emirates Manager Mr Abdul Rahman Manan, Visitors Section Dr Ahmed Tawfik Moustafa, Country Manager of ICARDA Regional Coordinator Kabul Office Mr Afif Dakermanji, Dr Ahmed El Tayeb Osman, Dr Syed Javed Hasan Rizvi, Administrative Officer Consultant (Range/Forage Assistant Country Manager Specialist) and Senior Communication *Dr Abdel Azim El-Hammady, Specialist Labor Office Date Palm Specialist Dr Ghulam Mohammad Bahram, Mr Ali Aswad, Consultant for Agricultural Economist Mr Syed Tehseen Gilani, Finance Security at ICARDA West Asia Regional Program Officer Amman, Jordan International School of Dr Ahmed Amri, Regional Muscat, Oman Aleppo Coordinator and Dr Mohamed Aaouine, Date Iran/ICARDA Project Leader Mr Robert Thompson, Head Palm Specialist Islamabad, Pakistan Nile Valley and Red Sea Damascus Regional Program Dr Abdul Majid, Officer in Office/Guesthouse, Syria Cairo, Egypt Charge Ms Hana Sharif, Head Dr Khaled Makkouk, Regional Coordinator Consultants Beirut Office/Guesthouse, Dr Giro Orita, Honorary Senior Lebanon Highland Regional Program Consultant Mr Anwar Agha, Consultant- Tehran, Iran Dr Hiroaki Nishikawa, Consultant- Executive Manager Direction Dr Ahmed Amri, Iran/ICARDA Dr John Ryan, Consultant Project Leader Mr Bashir Al-Khouri, Legal Advisor Terbol Research Station, *Dr Habib Ketata, Coordinator of (Beirut) the Iran/ICARDA Project Lebanon Mr Tarif Kayyali, Legal Advisor (Aleppo) Mr Munir Sughayyar, Terbol **Dr Hisham Talas, Medical Station Manager Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional Program Consultant (Aleppo) Dr Ammar Talas, Medical Tashkent, Uzbekistan Consultant (Aleppo) Regional Programs Dr Raj Paroda, Regional Coordinator, ICARDA-CAC, North Africa Regional and Head of Program Program Facilitation Unit, CGIAR Tunis, Tunisia Program for CAC Dr Mohammed El-Mourid, Dr Mekhlis Suleimenov, Regional Coordinator Consultant Dr Zakir Khalikulov, Germplasm Scientist/Liaison Officer

*Left during 2006 **Passed away in April 2006

Annual Report 2006 149 Appendix 10 – Acronyms

AAAID Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment CIDA Canadian International Development and Development Agency AARINENA Association of Agricultural Research CIHEAM Centre International de Hautes Etudes Institutions in the Near East and North Agronomiques Mediterraneennes, France Africa CIMMYT Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de ACIAR Australian Centre for International Maiz ÿ Trigo, Mexico Agricultural Research CIAT Centro Internacional de Agricultura ACSAD Arab Center for Studies of the Arid Zones Tropical, Colombia and Dry Lands, Syria CIP International Potato Center, Peru ADB Asian Development Bank, Philippines CIRAD Centre de Coopération Internationale en AFESD Arab Fund for Economic and Social Recherche Agronomique pour le Development, Kuwait Développement, France AGERI Agricultural Genetic Engineering Institute, CLAES Central Laboratory for Agricultural Expert Egypt Systems, Egypt ALP Alternative Livelihood Program, CLIMA Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Afghanistan Agriculture, Australia ALRC Arid Land Research Center CWANA Central and West Asia and North Africa AOAD Arab Organization for Agricultural DARI Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Iran Development, Sudan DFID Department for International AREO Agricultural Research and Education Development, UK Organization, Iran EMBRAPA Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation APAARI Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural EPMR External Program Management Review Research Institutions FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the APRP Arabian Peninsula Regional Program United Nations, Italy ARS Agricultural Research Service, USDA GAP Southeastern Anatolia Project, Turkey AVRDC Asian Vegetable Research and GCC Gulf Cooperation Council Development Center (World Vegetable Center) GCSAR General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research, Syria BMZ Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (Germany) GEF Global Environment Facility CAC Central Asia and the Caucasus GFAR Global Forum on Agricultural Research CACAARI Central Asia and the Caucasus GIS Geographic Information Systems Association of Agricultural Research GRDC Grains Research and Development Institutions Corporation, Australia CACILM Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land GRI Global Rust Initiative Management GTZ German Technical Cooperation Agency CACRP Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional IAASTD International Assessment of Agricultural Program Science and Technology for Development CAREERI Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and IAS-CSIC Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, Engineering Research Institute Scientific Research Council of Spain CAS Chinese Academy of Sciences ICARDA International Center for Agricultural CGIAR Consultative Group on International Research in the Dry Areas Agricultural Research

150 Annual Report 2006 Acronyms

ICBA International Center for Biosaline KMD Knowledge Management and Agriculture, Dubai Dissemination ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for LARP Latin America Regional Program the Semi-Arid Tropics, India M&M Mashreq and Maghreb ICT-KM Information and Communication NARP North Africa Regional Program Technology - Knowledge Management NARS National Agricultural Research Systems IDDC International Dryland Development Commission NCARTT National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer, Jordan IDRC International Development Research Centre, Canada NENA Near East and North Africa IFAD International Fund for Agricultural NGO Non-Governmental Organization Development, Italy NVRSRP Nile Valley and Red Sea Regional Program IFDC International Fertilizer Development Center OFID OPEC Fund for International Development IFPRI International Food Policy Research OPEC Organization of Petroleum Exporting Institute, USA Countries, Austria IITA International Institute for Tropical QTL Quantitative Trait Locus Agriculture, Nigeria RALF Research on Alternative Livelihood Fund, IIED International Institute for Environment & Afghanistan Development RAMP Rebuilding Agricultural Market Program, ILRI International Livestock Research Institute, Afghanistan Kenya SPII Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Iran INCO-MED International Cooperation with SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Mediterranean Partner Countries Cooperation, Switzerland (European Union) UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat INRA Institut National de la Recherche Desertification Agronomique UNDP United Nations Development Programme IPGRI International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Italy (now Bioversity International) UNEP United Nations Environment Programme IPM Integrated Pest Management UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization IRDEN Integrated Research and Durum Economics Network UNU United Nations University, Japan IRESA Institution de la Recherche et de UPOV International Union for the Protection of l'Enseignement Superieur Agricoles, Tunisia New Varieties of Plants, Switzerland IRRI International Rice Research Institute, USAID United States Agency for International Philippines Development IWMI International Water Management Institute, USDA United States Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka VBSE Village-Based Seed Enterprise IWWIP International Winter Wheat Improvement WANA West Asia and North Africa Project WARP West Asia Regional Program JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan JIRCAS Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences

Annual Report 2006 151 Appendix 11 – ICARDA Addresses

HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL OFFICES Tunisia

Headquarters and Principal ICARDA North Africa Regional Egypt Program (NARP) Research Station at Tel Hadya, No. 1, Rue des Oliviers near Aleppo, Syria ICARDA Nile Valley & Red Sea El Menzeh V Regional Program (NVRSP) 2037 Tunis Courier address 15 G. Radwan Ibn El-Tabib Street - B.P. 435, Menzeh I - 1004 Tunis International Center for Giza Agricultural Research in the Dry P.O. Box 2416 Tel: Office +216-71-752099 Areas (ICARDA) Cairo 752134 Aleppo-Damascus Highway, Tel Mobile: Hadya, Aleppo, Syria Tel: Office +20-2-35724358 (M. El Mourid) +216-98-464104 35725785 (Radhia Amor) +216-98-937387 Mailing address 35681254 Fax: +216-71-753170 Tel: Home P.O. Box 5466 E-mail: [email protected] (K. Makkouk) +20-2-23781038 Aleppo, Syria [email protected] Mobile: (K. Makkouk) +20-12-2351697 Tel: Tel Hadya +963-21-2213433 (N. Senyonga) +20-10-1703514 U.A.E. 2225112 Fax: +20-2-35728099 2225012 E-mail: [email protected] ICARDA Arabian Peninsula DG Office +963-21-2210741 Regional Program (APRP) 2225517 P.O. Box 13979 Jordan 2231330 Dubai Fax: Tel Hadya +963-21-2213490 ICARDA West Asia Regional 2219380 Tel: Office +971-4-2957338 Program (WARP) DG Office +963-21-2225105 Tel: Home P.O. Box 950764 E-mail: [email protected] (A. Moustafa) +971-6-5556075 Amman 11195 Mobile: (A. Moustafa) +971-50-6367156 Tel: Office +962-6-5525750 City office, Aleppo, and ICARDA (A. Nejatian) +971-50-4985056 5517561 International School of Aleppo (W. El-Gaaly) +971-50-8986244 Tel: Guesthouse +962-6-5525872 Fax: +971-4-2958216 Tel: Home Tel: +963-21-5743104 E-mail: [email protected] (H. Hamati) +962-6-4206910 5746807 [email protected] Mobile: Fax: +963-21-5744622 [email protected] (Amman Office) +962-79-5554033 E-mail: [email protected] (H. Hamati) +962-777-424381 Uzbekistan Fax: +962-6-5525930 ICARDA Damascus Office and E-mail: [email protected] ICARDA Central Asia and the Guesthouse Caucasus (CAC) Regional Mexico Program Hamed Sultan Bldg., 1st Floor 6-106, Murtazaeva Street Abdul Kader Gazairi Street ICARDA Latin America Regional Tashkent 700 000 Malki Area - Tishrin Circle Program (LARP) P.O. Box 4564, Tashkent 700 000 Damascus c/o CIMMYT Apartado Postal 6-641 Tel: Office +998-71-1372169 Tel: +963-11- 3331455 Mexico 06600, D.F. 1372130 3320482 1372104 Mobile (Hana Sharif): Tel: +52-55-58042004 Mobile: +998-93-1816621 +963-94- 428286 +52-595-9521900 Fax: +998-71-1207125 Fax: +963-11- 3320483 Fax: +52-595-9521983/84 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

152 Annual Report 2006 ICARDA addresses

COUNTRY OFFICES Lebanon - Terbol Sultanate of Oman

ICARDA ICARDA Afghanistan Beka'a Valley Agricultural Research Center Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries House No. 165 Tel: +961-8-955127 P.O. Box 111 First Section of Carta-e-parwan Mobile: Rumais (328) - Barka Near Baharistan Movie House (Munir Sughayyar) +961-3-211553 In Front of Power Distribution Fax: +961-8-955128 Tel: Office +968 26893578 Station E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +968-99386455 Kabul [email protected] Fax: +968 26893572 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Central P.O. Box 1355 [email protected] Kabul, Afghanistan Turkey Morocco Mobile: (Manan) +93-700-274-381 ICARDA +93-799-216-322 ICARDA North Africa Regional P.K. 39 EMEK (Rizvi) +93-700-195-523 Program (NARP) 06511 Ankara +93-799-216-325 B.P. 6299 Satellite: +88-216-21528424 Rabat - Instituts ICARDA E-mail: [email protected] Rabat Eskisehir Yolu, 10 km [email protected] Lodumlu - Ankara 06800 [email protected] ICARDA [email protected] Station Exp. INRA-Quich Tel: Office +90-312-2873595/96/97 Rue Hafiane Cherkaoui. Agdal Tel: Home (Isin) +90-312-2354649 Iran Rabat - Instituts Mobile: (Isin) +90-533-6977674 (Mesut Keser) +90-505-4032786 ICARDA/AREO Tel: Office +212-37-682909 Fax: +90-312-2878955 Agricultural Research & Education Mobile: E-mail: [email protected] Organization (AREO) (Oumkeltoum) +212-63-321570 [email protected] Ministry of Jihad e-Agriculture Fax: +212-37-675496 Yemen Avenue, Evin E-mail: [email protected] Yemen 111 Tehran Pakistan ICARDA Liaison Office/AREA P.O. Box 19835 P.O. Box 87334 - Dhamar 111 Tehran ICARDA Country Office Republic of Yemen National Agriculture Research Tel: Office +98-21-22400094 Center (NARC) Tel & Fax: +967-6-423951 Tel: Home Park Road, Islamabad E-mail: [email protected] (Bita) +98-912-3505791 Fax: +98-21-22401855 Tel: Office +92-51-9255178-9 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: Home (Abdul Majid) +92-51-2241483 Lebanon - Beirut Mobile:

nd (Abdul Majid) +92300-8554740 Dalia Bldg, 2 Floor Fax : +92-51-9255178 Bashir El Kassar Street E-mail: [email protected] Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank [email protected] P.O. Box 114/5055 - Postal Code 1108-2010 Beirut

Tel: +961-1-813303 Mobile: +961-3-607583 Fax: +961-1-804071 E-mail: [email protected]

Annual Report 2006 153