Cultivos Tropicales ISSN: 0258-5936 [email protected] Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas Cuba

Ríos, H. LOGROS EN LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL FITOMEJORAMIENTO PARTICIPATIVO EN CUBA Cultivos Tropicales, vol. 24, núm. 4, 2003, pp. 17-23 Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas La Habana, Cuba

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PARTICIPATORY ACHIEVEMENTS IN CUBA H. Ríos✉

INTRODUCTION The impact of large seed transnational organizations was not noticeable in Cuba and national breeding programs Two agricultural models are distinghished in the played an important role by providing seed enterprises contemporary world: the agroecological and the with improved seeds from the main nutritious crops. For- conventional ones, both of them presenting seed systems mal systems of important basic nutritious crops, such as with clearly defined typologies. The first model is based cassava, bean, and , presented great national on using low energetic inputs (fossil fuel, agrochemicals) development and were linked to international breeding where specific adaptation of varieties, aimed at optimizing programs, which were carried out by international public yield, plays an important role (1). As to the second model, institutions such as CIAT, CIP and CIMMYT. Likewise, it is characterized by the use of high energetic inputs, the work of some national scientific institutions in Cuba seeking varieties with wide geographical adaptation for was notable in terms of rescuing, preserving and using optimizing yield (2). phytogenetic resources (7). It is interesting the way in which growers who deal Even though formal seed systems (8) were able to with ecological and conventional agriculture talk about select, introduce, generate and evaluate genetic material sustainable models (sustainability seems to be a wide through its various experimental stations, universities and concept, as well as suitable for all circumstances). This research centers, such systems presented difficulties in specific article deals with implemented alternatives in promoting improved varieties. Top-down generation and Cuba in terms of crop breeding, amidst of a dramatic technological transfer prevailed as a system for promoting change from a high chemical input agriculture, with strong varieties. For instance, as part of the variety releasing subsidy rates, to a low energetic input agriculture with process, after eight to ten years of selection and growers’ participation. The present work intends to show experimentation in research stations, each variety had to that decentralized and participatory methods can promote be approved by the scientific board of the institute, and diversity, yield and growers’ empowering. then submitted to an evaluation carried out by a board of Why is participatory plant breeding applied in Cuba? experts, made up of researchers, professors and directors After the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, of production enterprises. Only after their approval the and with the objective of transforming Cuban fields, three variety could be sent to the vice minister of various crops. priorities were established within the government’s policy: He should inform different provincial delegates about the a) supplying food needs of the Cuban population; b) creating approval, who would later give the information to the muni- exportable funds for buying raw material and developing cipal ones. This process goes on until growers get to know an industrial agriculture; and c) eliminating poverty along about such approval (9). National seed enterprise, together the country (3). with its corresponding nets, is in charge of multiplying In order to achieve such goals, Cuban agriculture and distributing the new approved material massively. became one of the most industrialized models in Latin Top-down technological promotion system demanded America (4). A centralized crop breeding system was varieties with general adaptation, which should reach high implemented in Cuba (1, 5) in correspondence with this yields in great geographic areas. So, a sort of recognition model, as well as supported by imported agrochemical was given to who were able to introduce a variety and energetic inputs from the socialist block. Through in large regions of Cuba (1). Whenever a was able this model, the practice of several activities was to spread a variety of an important crop throughout the strengthened; among them introducing foreign germplasm, country, he felt proud of himself, as well as of his respec- generating genetic diversity through hybridization, inducing tive institution. mutation, and somaclonal variation (6). Agrochemical and energetic input crisis When the socialist block collapsed in Eastern Europe, the supply of inputs and fossil fuel to Cuba was reduced (4). Facing the new situation, the centralized seed breeding Dr. H. Ríos, Senior Research Assistant, Chief from the Participatory system reduced its production significantly. Many of the Plant Breeding Group, pertaining to Crop Genetics and Breeding concepts acquired by the model of industrial agriculture Department, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 1, San José de las Lajas, Havana, Cuba, CP 32 700. were changed in practice, as a result of the crisis (1). The ✉ [email protected] environment was not appropriate for many of the conceived

15 H. Ríos varieties for a high input agriculture, since there was lack of each community, locality, or municipality, becomes of fertilizers, irrigation fuels and chemical pesticides for gradually relevant. This way, local seed systems are controlling pests and diseases. Big enterprises, which strengthened through collections preserved in germplasm depended on seeds coming from the formal breeding banks and managed by growers, as well as through system, experimented a drastic yield reduction, whereas segregating populations and released varieties from many of the private or cooperative sectors, which were conventional programs immersed in the dynamics of informal seed systems, kept their yield and even increased production amidst of the RESEARCHERS input crisis. (Select varieties) The fact that some individual growers were able to keep and increase yield, during the period of national agrochemical input deficit, caught the attention of the Cuban scientist community. So, a team of researchers SEED ENTERPRISE began to study the informal seed systems for a better understanding of their dynamics and interaction with for- (Multiplies and distributes varieties) mal system (10). Participatory plant breeding (PPB) as a decentralized and participatory model of crop breeding GROWERS CONSUME Amidst of the massive implementation of alternative VARIETIES technologies as a response to the economical crisis, the development of a complementary breeding system was Figura 1. Centralized systems of extension and suggested, which should be able to respond to the new breeding and different demands of the agricultural Cuban context that was characterized by: Research-development stages in participatory plant ­ minimal use of agrochemicals breeding ­ strengthening diversity of environments and cultural After a lineal analysis of the basic research- practices (polyculture was noticeably strengthened) development procedure, developed in the PPB project, ­ a conventional breeding system with restricted capacity the following stages could be found: of supplying growers’ heterogeneous demands a) Diagnosis: It is suggested to know the agroecological ­ a considerable increase in cropping areas, as well as and socioeconomic environment of the target an exponential development of urban agriculture and communities (11, 12). The following questions should «popular rice movement» be answered: Which are the phytogenetic resources of ­ using huge areas, which were previously planted with the area in which PPB will be applied?; which is the , for producing grain and garden crops, due direction of growers’ seed management system?; how to the economical collapse of the Cuban sugar industry. are the exchange relationships?; how is the relationship It is precisely in this context that participatory plant between the seed system managed by growers and the breeding, a system which involves growers in selecting, formal breeding one?; who are the leading farmers in the preserving, multiplying and exchanging improved seeds, community?, etc. Through the diagnosis, in essence, is created. farmers can be typified according to the socieconomic Which are the distinctive features of participatory and biophysical characterization of production systems. plant breeding in Cuba? It also provides key arguments for determining places in With the objective of presenting a clearer view of the which PPB could be applied within the community. PPB model, the centralized conventional breeding model Starting from this stage, farmers feel actively involved in developed in Cuba during the 80’s, and the decentralized the systematic task of knowing the community. participatory plant breeding model are shown in Figures 1 b) Collection of local phytogenetic resources: The and 2, respectively. collection of phytogenetic resources offered the Different from the centralized model, PPB considers possibility of knowing diversity managed by local that a down-top process should be followed for selecting, systems, as well as enabling an easier access of such multiplying, preserving and spreading seeds. In this sense, resources to the community, to the formal breeding PPB takes individual farmers as a base, in addition to systems and other farmer communities. APCs (Agricultural Production Cooperatives), farmer c) Development of diversity fairs: Diversity fairs constitute experimentation groups or clubs, among other entities, an alternative through which either breeders or farmers which should spread varieties of high interest throughout themselves provide access to genetic diversity coming the community, starting from the introduction of genetic from formal and informal seed systems. With this diversity, through a process known as «chain reaction». purpose, a field is seeded with all varieties presenting Afterwards, exchange among the genetic conglomerates potential adaptation to the communities and growers select material of their interest (1, 13, 14). In addition

16 Participatory plant breeding achievements in Cuba

INTRODUCING DIVERSITY TO FORMAL AND INFORMAL SYSTEMS

Figura 2. Chain-reaction model in participatory plant breeding

to introducing genetic diversity with high adaptation to the community, these fairs have become an important An interesting study case was the one of growers in “La strategy for preserving threatened material, as well as Cuenca de Papaloapan”, where harvests of farmers a way of amplifying the spectrum of growers’ demands. having the highest number of maize and bean varieties, d) Farmer experimentation: After selecting the material, as well as exchanging more frequently with other and with the objective of analyzing response of such neighbors and with the formal seed system, were more material under specific conditions in their farms, growers profitable, facing the credit deficit (16) develop experiments, evaluate varieties and exchange seeds and experience, through workshops in the communities. Enabling an easier access to genetic diversity Results of the decentralized and participatory plant One of the most useful tools of PPB in Cuba, has breeding project been growers’ access to diversity through diversity fairs Among the most relevant results of the project during (1, 13, 14). The fact that growers select varieties according diagnosis stage are the discoveries made in growers’ seed to their own criteria has allowed them to take a great systems. In the case of bean, which is a self-pollinated diversity of varieties to their farms for further experimentation, crop, growers reported an increase in disease attacks. At leading to a considerable increase in effective genetic the same time, the number of varieties, at the community diversity (17), which is observed in Table I. level, reduced in the last ten years. However, maize, which The exponential increase in diversity on growers’ is an outbred crop, seemed to be resistant during the last farms is evident. This has amplified growers’ options and ten years (12). Likewise, it was interesting to see how generated a demand of local diversity as a way of supplying «criollo» of variety maize from La Palma community their needs. The increase in diversity on farms by applying presented a common feature: cobs full of grains with good PPB has strengthened the knowledge of growers in terms husk cover. However, even presenting distinctive phenotypic of experimentation and has generated new educational features, this variety seems to present wide genetic alternatives, such as the Agricultural Farmer University. diversity that is associated with growers’ management Before the participatory plant breeding project, I only knew techniques (15). Dynamic management of genetic diversity black, red and white bean varieties. However, there is 1 seems to be directly related to profitability of seed systems, plenty of varieties within each color now . as well as to pest and disease attack, which was confirmed by the experience obtained in La Cuenca de Papaloapan, 1 Mexico. Opinion of research growers from La Palma (Pinar del Río), San Anto- nio de los Baños and Batabanó (Havana).

17 H. Ríos

Table I. Increase of genetic diversity by farmers applying participatory plant breeding Place Average bean-growing area Total number of varieties Total number of varieties at the main sowing season managed by research growers managed by research growers before PPB after PPB La Palma (sample of nine growers) < 0.6 ha 5-6 70 “Gilberto León” and “Jorge Dimitrov” > 13 ha 2-3 34 Cooperatives (two research growers), Havana

Selection schemes in PPB. “Felo” study case Professional breeders gave nine growers access In the case of Felo, a grower belonging to “Gilberto to maize diversity; only one grower was able to develop Leon” Agriculture Production Cooperative (APC) in San a maize population. The remaining ones could not even Antonio de los Baños, Havana, facing with the poor supply preserve their seeds, due to lack of conditions. Actually, of improved seeds with good response to the conditions the practice of preserving seeds from harvest to harvest of deficit of fertilizers and pests for controlling maize moth no longer existed. For more than 15 years, these (Spodoptera frugiperda), he began a program for selecting growers depended on the formal seed sector, which a basic or variety population with good adaptation to pest provided them with improved seeds every season. and chemical fertilizer deficit. The scheme is described in Figure 3.

• one commercial variety • five half-sib families from “La Palma” • four half-sib families from “Catalina de Güines” First selection cycle

Row-seeded varieties

Mixture

Three mass selection cycles

Pollen donation

Mixture • 38 preserved in INIFAT • 56 half-sib families preserved at INCA • Four commercial varieties • Male parent from a commercial Two mass selection cycles

Felo variety

Figure 3. Selection scheme used by Felo

18 Participatory plant breeding achievements in Cuba

The genetic pool from maize population belonging to It is evident that populations selected by most of Felo, who had practiced selection during seed fairs, was the growers who participated in diversity fairs, have su- provided by different sources and was conformed by: a perior mean yield estimates than the ones of all present commercial variety from the formal seed sector, five half-sib varieties in the field. This indicates that PPB effect is families of a from «La Palma» (Pinar del Río) and not only seen through the increase in diversity, but also four half-sib families of a landrace from «Catalina de Güines» yield. (Havana). Afterwards, the same grower mixed the material In recent workshops, growers reported a significant and selected the best 1500-2000 plants in the field, according increase in yield after four cycles of participatory selection, to cob size, cob height in the plant and husk cover for three as well as an exponential increase in the number of areas cycles. Then, during a seed fair arranged by his cooperative, intended for seeding maize and bean. this population was mixed and seeded among 38 landraces Farmer experimentation faces genotype-environment and commercial varieties, preserved by the gene bank of interaction INIFAT (Fundamental Research Institute on Tropical Genotype-environment interaction is a broadly proved Agriculture), 56 half-sib families from non-improved species, and reported phenomenon in most of the conventional preserved by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences breeding programs. However, in practice, this effect (INCA), four commercial varieties and a male parent of a becomes a strong restriction for centralized systems, popular hybrid. which promote the release of varieties with wide Afterwards, the total population was named Felo and geographical adaptation. two mass selection cycles were developed. Currently, the so- To the same extent that the use of agrochemical called Felo variety is under seed multiplying process, selection inputs reduces, yield variations caused by both the goes on, and such variety is well accepted across the environment and management practices, become much municipality. more noticeable (8, 17). In this sense, PPB has Genetic advance through selection in farmer corroborated the intensity of genotype-environment experimentation interaction in the current agricultural context of Cuba, In conventional breeding programs, one of the best and has given important space to specific variety indicators for determining the impact of selection consists adaptation. The fact that growers select varieties with of estimating genetic advance through selection (18), which higher specific adaptation, taking into account their is described as follows: socioeconomic and biophysical needs, leads to higher S=h². DS energetic efficiency, as well as to higher profitability in where: economical terms (Table III). h²: heritability DS: selection differential S: selection A grower states the following: I can take more diversity of In the case of PPB, such estimation has been applied products to the market, as well as try to improve the to each grower who has selected varieties during diversity financial strategy of the cooperative2. fairs (Table II). 2 Opinion of an research farmer from Havana

Table II. Genetic advance through selection, recorded on a yield estimation applied to growers who have participated in diversity fairs Crops Farmers Number of growers with Number of growers who Effectiveness (number of varieties per crop) who select positive genetic avance achieved no genetic advance percentage* Maize-54 84 76 8 90.5 Bean-54 68 59 9 86.7 Rice-80 41 32 9 78 *It is estimated according to percentage of growers achieving a positive advance through selection

Table III. Economical and energetic impact of PPB in pumpkin, Batabanó, Havana (6) Indicators (average estimation) Varieties from a centralized breeding system Varieties selected by growers and sown under low input conditions who practice PPB and sown in growers’ own farms Estimate of energetic wastes Fertilization: 679,000 Fertilization: 42,000 Irrigation: 10,160,000 Irrigation: 3,697,200 Pesticides: 6,160,000 Pesticides: 88,000 Total: 16,999,000 Total: 3,827,200 Total incomes (16 cents kg-1) 240 1080 Profits ha-1(Cuban pesos) -462* 372 Benefit/cost relationship 0.34:1 1.5:1 *Loss

19 H. Ríos

Finally, farmer experimentation constitutes an Results of participatory plant breeding have allowed alternative that, under current conditions, should be taken focusing again on breeding of bean, maize and rice crops, into account by individual growers and those belonging to according to growers’ diverse socioeconomic and Agricultural Production Cooperatives. It is suitable for biophysical situations. In brief, PPB has made a call to environments with high yield potential and for the ones reflection on the importance of seeing growers as direct which are more heterogeneous. clients of the work on breeding, under Cuban current In general sense, it has been seen that, after introducing conditions. PPB has been an interesting school for the PPB, the functions of seed systems are concentrated in each participants, in the task of considering alternatives for farm belonging to grower participant’s. Each farm has an area strengthening collaboration between breeders and growers for testing varieties, other for multiplying seeds of promising which, therefore, helps to strengthen local seed systems. varieties, and a larger area intended for both self-consumption At the same time, PPB has made it easy to revitalize and selling grains to the market. Official seed commercialization plant breeding as a science in Cuba, identifying and is not an effect of PPB yet. Up to the present, financial profits refocusing the role of participants, as well as finding focus on increasing harvest yield, using the same amount of innovative methods for breeding, which respond to the agrochemical inputs or lower ones. Cuban current agricultural context. There is no doubt about Growers’ empowering as a response of their the fact that decentralized and participatory plant breeding participation when taking decisions seems to be an interesting choice of development, which should be considered by the ones involved in taking The term «empowering» is commonly heard in decisions regarding national policies, and also constitutes development agencies nowadays. In the concrete case of a potential example of efficiency of breeding systems using PPB in Cuba, empowering is understood as the growers’ minimal energetic inputs. acquired ability for designing, implementing and controlling their seed systems, in order to increase individual and social well-being. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Likewise, the term «participation» presents different concepts (19, 20). Through the project of Participatory The team thanks the financial support provided by Plant Breeding as a complementary strategy in Cuba, the International Development Research Center (IDRC), growers are the ones who select varieties within their specially Ronnie Vernooy, due to his patient support and production units, and play the most important role when cheer. Thanks also to the Cuban Higher Ministry of taking decisions on the varietal strategy. The breeder Education for its financial and institutional support. We participants provide an easier management of diversity, want to give special recognition to Conny Almekinders, as well as training for growers and the other people for keeping constantly in touch, as well as for assessing involved, improving their ability for designing, implementing our work and being a source of inspiration of all these and evaluating their own initiatives. ideas and results. It has been proved that the empowering manifested in communities where participatory plant breeding is REFERENCES applied presents a direct relationship with the access to genetic diversity and growers’ opportunity of taking 1. Ríos, H.; Soleri, D. and Cleveland, D. Conceptual changes in Cuban plant breeding in response to a national decisions concerning varietal strategy, as a way of socioeconomic crisis: The example of pumpkins. In: strengthening local seed systems, according to the current Farmers’ scientists and plant breeding: integrating Cuban agricultural context. knowledge and practice. 2002, p. 2139-238. In practice, PPB project has become an incipient 2. Cleveland, A. D.and Soleri, D. Introduction: Farmers, platform for designing, implementing and evaluating scientists and plant breeding: knowledge, practice and phytogenetic resources, favoring well-being of the possibilities for collaboration. In: Farmers’ scientists and participants. 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