CONTENTS

WORLD NEWS 11 Swaminathan Foundation, VIR Sign Pact on Gene Resources CGIAR Releases Working Document on Intellectual Property Rights New Program Aims to Conserve India’s Animal Genetic Resources DNA Bank-Net To Use DNA Technology to Save Endangered Germplasm Regenerating Endangered Latin American Maize Germplasm: USAID-CIMMYT Cooperate

William L. Brown Scientist, Executive, & Mentor: He Left a Lasting Legacy To Global Agriculture Page 15

WASHINGTON NEWS 24 New Leadership Takes Reins of U.S. Genetic Resources Program Interview with Dr. Henry Shands FDA Issues New Guidelines for Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods Crop Advisory Committee Update

NEWS IN BRIEF 27

VIEWPOINTS 28 From the Grassroots Up: The Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources by Grassroots Organizations “Latter Day Noahs” of North America by Kevin Dahl and Gary Paul Nabhan

PUBLICATIONS 32 IN REVIEW: Plants, Power, and Profit: Social, Economic, and Ethical Consequences of the New Biotechnologies by Lawrence Busch, William B. Lacy, Jeffrey Burkhardt, and Laura R. Lacy p. 25 reviewed by Donald N. Duvick Books Articles

EVENTS 34

Cover Credits: Earth Summit Logo courtesy United Nations Environment Program; United Nations Food and Agriculture Or- ganization (top); AP/Wide World Photos (bottom); William L. Brown photo courtesy Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

FROM THE EDITOR... It is most fitting that this issue includes a remembrance of William L. Brown, a founder of DIVERSITY and my treasuredfriend. Over the last ten years, article after article-especially those that appear in this issue - have confirmed Bill’s remarkable vision regarding the important role genetic resources would come to play in sustaining our complex andfragile world. In this issue alone, one can see how pivotal genetic resources have become: a landmark Convention on Biological Diversity is signed by Heads of State from around the world at an unprecedented global gathering - The Earth Summit; a National Genetic Resources Program is mandated by the U.S. Congress; a biotechnology industry moves closer to becoming another “Silicon Valley”; and grassroots groups continue to provide new models for genetic conservation and use. Dr. William L. Brown’s contributions to the landmark achievements and initiatives described throughout these pages are many and will be remembered always by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known this exceptional man. His dedication to conserving the world’s genetic heritage for future generations will be his lasting legacy.

Deborah Strauss Editor

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 3 WORLD NEWS

The first reports on the Rio Earth Summit - where actions taken on biological diversity by the 180 attending governments made headlines around the world- are beginning to come in us DIVERSITY goes to press. Following are exclusive reportsfrom journalists who covered the June 3-14 Summit and its attendant activities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. DIVERSITY will continue to cover the news surrounding this landmark event us it unfolds over the coming months. We invite our readers to contribute their views us a way of continuing the important discussions begun in Rio. - The Editors

by Paul Raeburn biodiversity inventories and surveys to cre- ate the information base necessary for the The Biodiversity Convention signed by protection of species,” and “propose the more than 150 countries (for list, see p. 7) creation of a U.S. center for biological at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio diversity information.” A few days prior to de Janeiro in June could pose a threat to the the Earth Summit, President George Bush exchange of plant genetic resources, ac- also announced a “Forests for the Fu- cording to Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin, Director ture” initiative that calls for doubling total of the International Board for Plant Ge- international forest conservation assis- netic Resources (IBPGR) in Rome. tance from $1.35 billion to $2.7 billion. In “There are still a number of unresolved what Bush called “a downpayment on the issues which may impact the use of genetic initiative,” he announced the U.S. will resources and their movement around the spend $150 million more in bilateral forest world,” Hawtin said at a press briefing assistance next year. during the Earth Summit, formally known the issues involved,” said Hawtin. “We as the United Nations Conference on Envi- very much welcome this Convention and ronment and Development, or UNCED. feel it will have a positive effect on the “A number of unresolved issues Hawtin explained that the vague word- work of plant genetic resources world- may impact the use of genetic re- wide.” ing of some of the provisions in the Con- sources and their movement vention (for text, see p. 6)-and in another “Agenda 21 adds many additional tasks UNCED document called Agenda 21 - to our agenda,” said Alexander von der around the world.” could inadvertently lead to restrictions on Osten, executive secretary of the Consulta- the movement of germplasm, depending tive Group on International Agricultural British Prime Minister John Major an- upon how they are interpreted. Research (CGIAR). “We stand ready to nounced what he called the Darwin Initia- For example, he referred to a section of take on the challenge.” The CGIAR is a tive, which went beyond the U.S. plan by Agenda 21 that describes the circum- network of countries, donors and research helping countries not only monitor their stances under which genetic resources organizations that supports 18 agricultural resources but also begin to use them. The should be provided by one nation to an- research centers around the world. Most of initiative builds on the work of the U.K.‘s other.“There are different ways that can be these centers, the majority of which are Royal Botanical Gardens and Natural His- interpreted,” Hawtin said. “In one interpre- located in developing countries, hold tory Museum. It includes proposals to clar- tation, it would lead to extremely difficult germplasm collections of the world’s ify goals of scientific, economic, and legal mechanisms for getting permission to dis- major food crops (see story, p. 11). research; promote international coopera- tribute materials. But the same wording The International Board for Plant Ge- tion in technology; promote benefit-shar- could also be interpreted to mean free and netic Resources is part of the CGIAR sys- ing agreements between originators and open exchange. Obviously, we would like tem and maintains some 600,000 samples users of biological resources; and train pro- to see that interpretation, but that will re- of plant genetic material in its seed banks. fessionals in developing countries. These represent more than 30 percent of quire some attention.” Earth Summit's Ambitious Goals The IBPGR director stressed, however, the genetic material stored in all the ex situ that the document, overall, was an import- collections in the world, Hawtin told re- The protection and use of biodiversity ant step toward better protection of plant porters. “We believe these collections are was only one of many environmental and genetic resources. “We have been involved the way in which the wealth of biodiversity development issues addressed by the in discussions leading up to this Conven- can be made useful,” Hawtin said. (See sprawling Earth Summit, which met from tion, and we understand the complexity of interview on page p. 5). June 3-14 at the Rio Centro Convention The United States and Great Britain both Center outside of Rio de Janeiro. The meet- used the occasion of the Rio Summit to ing marked the culmination of two-and-a- announce their own, separate initiatives on half years of often difficult negotiations biodiversity. The United States announced with an ambitious goal: to make environ- a Biodiversity Research Initiative that mental concerns a central issue in interna- will “suggest the development of tional relations.

4 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8, no.2,1992 WORLD NEWS

An estimated 15,000 delegates met to sustainable development. The second was President George Bush - alone among the complete formal negotiations and adopt Agenda 21, an 800-page document that leaders of more than 180 countries repre- two treaties and three non-binding agree- served as a blueprint for specific actions to sented in Rio - to sign the treaty. ments. At the same time, another 15,000 combat a broad range of environmental Bush first explained his opposition by people gathered for a parallel meeting problems. The last was a statement of saying that the Convention would lead to a called the Global Forum, with partici- forest principles for managing, conserv- loss of American jobs, a contention that pants drawn largely from non-governmen- was never satisfactorily explained by tal organizations (NGOs). “Biodiversity is the new Silicon Bush, the White House staff, or the U.S. Both meetings interpreted “environmen- Valley,” asserted Russell delegation. tal concerns” in the broadest possible way, Scientists and environmentalists to include such problems as population Mittermeier, president of Conser- strongly disagreed with Bush’s initial growth, poverty and sustainable develop- vation International. stance. Kenton Miller, Program Director ment along with more narrowly defined for Forests and Biological Diversity for the environmental goals such as protecting the ing, and sustainably using tropical and tem- World Resources Institute (WRI), stated rainforest and curbing atmospheric and perate forests. The statement was an effort that, in fact, “Countries that get involved in ocean pollution.“We cannot have an envi- to begin the process of drafting a new biotechnology and other spin-offs of bio- ronmentally sound planet in a socially un- global forest convention, a pact that some logical resources can enjoy new jobs.” just world,” said Brazilian President world leaders had originally hoped would Miller coauthored a major report, The Fernando Collor de Mello at the Summit’s be ready for Rio. Global Biodiversity Strategy, that was re- opening ceremony. BioConvention At Center Stage leased by WRI, the World Conservation The negotiations leading up to the Sum- Union (IUCN), and the United Nations En- mit resulted in five documents. Two were Of the five Summit documents, the vironment Programme (UNEP) and widely legally binding: the Biodiversity Conven- Biodiversity Convention turned out to be distributed prior to the final deliberations tion, and a convention to curb global warm- the most controversial and most widely on the Biodiversity Convention (see DI- ing. Three others were not legally binding, discussed both in Rio and throughout the VERSITY,vol.8,no.7,p.19-21). but negotiators hoped that the “soft law” world. The text of the Convention was “Biodiversity is the new Silicon Valley,” they contained would have political force settled in Nairobi in May, before the Earth asserted Russell Mittermeier, a biologist and would lead to binding documents Summit began, so it was not expected to be and president of Conservation Interna- sometime in the future. a major topic of discussion in Rio. tional in Washington, DC, in a reference to The first of the three was the Rio Decla- The reason it moved to center stage at the the northern California hub of the com- ration, a statement of principles to guide Summit was the adamant refusal of U.S. puter industry. The appropriate use of

IBPGR Director Hawtin Encouraged by BioConvention, but Uncertainties Remain

Following an Earth Summit press conference by without the explicit permission of the country in the Consultative Group on International Agricul- which the material originated, Hawtin said. tural Research (CGIAR) that focused on the Hawtin touched on the complexity of the issue, BioConvention’s implications for agricultural ge- explaining that the national origin of some materials netic resources, Geoffrey Hawtin, Director of the has not been determined and that some breeding International Board for Plant Genetic Resources materials could combine germplasm from seeds col- (IBPGR), one of the CGIAR’s network of 18 re- lected in many nations. He said that some govern- search centers, shared his thoughts on the conven- ments would question whether all of these nations tion with DIVERSITY correspondent Paul Raeburn. would have to give permission before seeds could be Most Earth Summit delegates focused on the distributed. pact’s financing and technology transferprovisions. Another provision in the Convention says coun- But Hawtin and others concerned with agricultural tries should establish mechanisms “with the aim of genetic resources focused their attention on what Hawtin noted that the pact’s framework for the sharing in a fair and equitable way the results of was missingfrom the convention: any mention of the exchange of genetic materials promotes unrestricted research and development” and the benefits of com- 600,000 germplasm samples stored in the CGIAR’s exchange. “There is a clear statement of intent on mercial use of genetic resources.“The policy mea- seed banks. access,” Hawtin stressed. Nevertheless, some of the sures required to implement that could be extremely “Their status remains unclear,” Hawtin told DI- language in the Convention is confusing, he ac- cumbersome,” according to Hawtin. VERSITY, “and we feel that attention should be knowledged. In the section on access to resources, The Convention also calls on nations to adopt given to them because they are vitally important to the Convention says that a nation can provide access measures “with the aim that the private sector facil- agriculture around the world.” to genetic material that originated within its borders itates access to, joint development of, and transfer of The Convention “is not just a conservation docu- technology” related to plant genetic resources. use. or was acquired under the terms of the Convention. ment,” he emphasized. “It’s conservation and It is silent, however, on the key question of who Hawtin questioned how some countries will be able That’s the approach that CGIAR and IBPGR have controls access to the vast quantity of genetic re- to influence their private sectors: “It’s hard to imag- been pushing.” The Convention encourages scien- sources that originated elsewhere and were collected ine U.S. legislation that could encourage the private tific research, he noted, “but not as an excuse for not before enactment of the Convention. sector,” he said. doing anything.” “One interpretation is that (these genetic re- Hawtin admits that the language on patents in the When it started out,” he said, “[the convention] sources) are outside of the Convention,” said Convention is vague, but he believes it was inten- was a ‘save-the-rainforests, save-the-whales’ kind tionally crafted to speed the Convention’s adoption. [ ex situ/ seedbank Hawtin. “Another interpretation is that if you sign of thing. As the process went on, the Convention, the only materials you can provide Clarification of such issues can come at a meeting conservation of] genetic resources became part of are those that originated in your country or arrived -the Conference of the Parties -planned after the it.” The Convention now “talks about in situ [on there under the terms of the Convention.” Convention is ratified and comes into force, he said. site] conservation and ex situ conservation as com- Such an interpretation could mean that material The Parties could meet by the middle of 1993, plementary” strategies. stored in CGIAR seed banks could not be released United Nations sources say.

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 5 WORLD NEWS biodiversity will fuel an explosion in the that they were also concerned with two sharing should be consistent with protec- biotechnology industry similar to that of other aspects of the Convention: its guide- tion of intellectual property rights. With the computer industry, he explained. lines for the funding of biodiversity protec- regard to financing, the treaty includes Midway through the Summit, Bush tion measures, and its treatment of what is sometimes referred to as a “blank dropped the jobs argument. In a shift, he biotechnology (see p. 8 for more on role of check provision.” The provision requires explained that his opposition was based on U.S. biotechnology industry in decision). developed countries to contribute money the Convention’s treatment of intellectual While the treaty includes language call- in an amount set by the parties to the Con- property rights. ing for the sharing of technology covered vention, most of them developing coun- U.S. State Department officials said later by patent rights, it also states that such tries.

Key Excerpts from the Convention on Biological Diversity

The Biodiversity Convention’s 42 articles and counter to the objectives of this Convention. and develop methods of cooperation for the devel- two annexes fill 24 typewritten pages. A few key 3. For the purpose of this Convention, the ge- opment and use of technologies, including indige- excerpts follow: netic resources being provided by a Contracting nous and traditional technologies, in pursuance of Party, as referred to in this Article and in Articles the objectives of this Convention. For this purpose, PREAMBLE: The contracting parties, con- 16 and 19, are only those that are provided by the Contracting Parties shall promote cooperation scious of the intrinsic value of biological diversity Contracting Parties that are countries of origin of in the training of personnel and exchange of experts. and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, such resources or by the Parties that have acquired 5. The Contracting Parties shall, subject to mu- scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and the genetic resources in accordance with this Con- tual agreement, promote the establishment of joint aesthetic values of biological diversity... vention. research programmes and joint ventures for the Reaffirming that States have sovereign rights 4, Access, where granted, shall be on mutually development of technologies relevant to the objec- over their own biological resources... agreed terms and subject to provisions of this Arti- tives of this Convention. Noting that...lack of full scientific certainty cle. should not be used as a reason for postponing mea- 5. Access to genetic resources shall be subject ARTICLE 19: Handling of Biotechnology & sures...have agreed as follows: to prior informed consent of the Contracting Party Distribution of Its Benefits providing such resources, unless otherwise deter- 1. Each Contracting Party shall take legislative, ARTICLE 1: The objectives of this Conven- mined by that Party. administrative or policy measures, as appropriate, tion...are the conservation of biological diversity, 6. Each Contracting Party shall endeavor to to provide for the effective participation in biotech- the sustainable use of its components and the fair develop and carry out scientific research based on nological research activities by those Contracting and equitable sharing of the benefits... genetic resources provided by other Contracting Parties, especially developing countries, which pro- Parties with the full participation of, and where vide the genetic resources for such research, and ARTICLE 3: States have...the sovereign right possible, in such Contracting Parties. where feasible in such Contracting Parties. to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own 7. Each Contracting Party shall take legislative, 2. Each Contracting Party shall take all practi- environmental policies, and the responsibility to administrative or policy measures, as appropriate, cable measures to promote and advance priority ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or and in accordance with Articles 16 and 19 and access on a fair equitable basis by Contracting control do not cause damage to the environment of where necessary through the financial mechanism Parties, especially developing countries, to the re- other States... established by Articles 20 and 21 with the aim of sults and benefits arising from biotechnologies sharing in a fair and equitable way the results of based upon genetic resources provided by those ARTICLE 6: Each Contracting Party research and development and the benefits arising Contracting Parties. Such access shall be on mutu- shall...develop national strategies, plans or pro- from the commercial and other utilization of genetic ally agreed terms. grammes for the conservation and sustainable use resources with the Contracting Party providing such 3. The Parties shall consider the need for and of biological diversity... resources. Such sharing shall be upon mutually modalities of a protocol setting out appropriate agreed terms. procedures including, in particular, advanced in- ARTICLE 7: Each Contracting Party shall... formed agreement in the field of the safe transfer, identify components of biological diversity... mon- ARTICLE 16: Access to and Transfer of handling and use of any living modified organism itor, through sampling and other techniques, the Technology resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse components of biological diversity... identify pro- 1. Each Contracting Party, recognizing that effect on the conversation and sustainable use of cesses and categories of activities which have or are technology includes biotechnology, and that both biological diversity. likely to have significant adverse impacts on the access to and transfer of technology among Con- 4. Each Contracting Party shall, directly or by conservation and sustainable use of biological di- tracting Parties are essential elements for the attain- requiring any natural or legal person under jurisdic- versity... ment of the objectives of this Convention, tion providing the organisms referred to in para- undertakes subject to the provisions of this Article graph 3 above, provide any available information ARTICLE 8: Each Contracting Party shall... to provide and/or facilitate access for and transfer about the use and safety regulations required by the establish a system of protected areas... to other Contracting Parties of technologies that are Contracting Party in handling such organisms, as relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of well as any available information on the potential ARTICLE 9: Each Contracting Party biological diversity or make use of genetic re- adverse impact of the specific organisms concerned shall...establish and maintain facilities for ex-situ sources and do not cause significant damage to the to the Contracting Party into which those organisms conservation of and research on plants, animals and environment. are to be introduced. micro-organisms, preferably in the country of orig- 2. Access to and transfer of technology referred inal of genetic resources... to in paragraph 1 above to developing countries ARTICLE 20: The developed country Parties shall be provided and/or facilitated under fair and shall provide new and additional financial re- ARTICLE 15: Access to Genetic Resources most favourable terms, including on concessional sources to enable the developing country Parties to 1. Recognizing the sovereign rights of States and preferential terms where capabilities, by means meet the agreed full incremental costs to them of over their natural resources, the authority to deter- of human resources development and institution implementing measures which fulfill the obliga- mine access to genetic resources rests with the building. tions of this Convention... national governments and is subject to national 3. The Conference of the Parties, at its first legislation. meeting, shall determine how to establish a clear- ARTICLE 21: . ..the amount of resources 2. Each Contracting Party shall endeavor to cre- ing-house mechanism to promote and facilitate needed to be decided periodically by the Confer- ate conditions to facilitate access to genetic re- technical and scientific cooperation. ence of the Parties... sources for environmentally sound uses by other 4. The Contracting Parties shall, in accordance Parties and not to impose restrictions that run with national legislation and policies, encourage

6 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8, no.2,1992 WORLD NEWS

That provision proved to be an insur- FAO Undertaking is an effort to insure mountable obstacle for the United States, access to plant genetic resources and ap- but not for its allies. Great Britain and 18 propriate compensation for those re- other countries issued a declaration in sources. Unlike the Biodiversity which they interpreted that provision to Convention, however, it is not legally bind- mean that while the parties can determine ing. the total amount of money needed, they cannot set the amount to be contributed by Global PGR Leaders each individual nation (see story, p. 8). Begin to Assess Impact “Things could have been better” at the U.S. Refusal Won’t Block Use Summit,” Esquinas acknowledged, “but The U.S. refusal to sign the Biodiversity this is a first step. There is still a long, long Convention - while it led to enormous way to go.” He and the FAO Commission criticism of the United States at the Summit will begin the arduous task of assessing the and played big in the international media extent of the impact on global genetic re- that swarmed the 12-day event - is not sources from the various actions taken at likely to interfere with the use of plant the Rio Summit when the Commission genetic resources, Hawtin said. convenes a special session explicitly for “The Convention commits to sharing. this purpose in Rome later this year. That does not exclude countries that do not Similar concerns are being brought to sign from following the same practice,” Dr. Michael Lesnick of the Keystone Cen- explained Hawtin. “The United States has ter, who said that some participants in the been one of the most liberal countries in The Earth Summit “also made clear that Keystone Dialogue Series and others have terms of making material available. I the conservation and use of plant genetic already requested that Keystone consider would not expect that position to change.” resources cannot be separated,” Esquinas holding another meeting in the near future [In comments following the Summit, Dr. said in an interview. “to look at the implications of the language Henry Shands, who directs the genetic re- “The most important challenge that our contained in the Biodiversity Treaty.” sources program for the United States and generation has before it is to internalize the was part of the U.S. team negotiating the cost of conservation into the development Biodiversity Convention, reiterated the mechanism,” Esquinas said. “When you The Earth Summit “made clear commitment of the U.S. to the concept of buy an apple,” he asserted, “you should pay that the conservation and use of open exchange of genetic resources with not only for the cost of production, but also plant genetic resources cannot be all nations of the world. He referred in for the cost of conservation of natural re- separated,” said Dr. José Es- particular to the newly established genetic sources that would allow future genera- resources program recently mandated by tions to continue having apples.” quinas-Alcazar. the U.S. Congress that further confirms this Esquinas said the Summit’s prominent position (see story,p.24).] treatment of the biodiversity issue rein- These meetings will probably be the first Dr. José Esquinas-Alcazar, Secretary of forces international efforts that were al- of many such efforts to determine what real the United Nations Food and Agriculture ready underway, such as the Keystone effect this landmark agreement on Organization’s (FAO) Commission on Center’s International Dialogues on Plant biodiversity might have on the many na- Plant Genetic Resources, said the Earth Genetic Resources and the FAO’s Intema- tional and international genetic resources Summit raised awareness of plant genetic tional Undertaking on Plant Genetic Re- programs that function within the borders resource issues and gave a push to interna- sources (see DIVERSITY vol.7, of the nations that did - and did not - tional efforts to manage them. no.4,pp.4-5 and vo1.7,no.3,pp.7-8). The sign the treaty.

Nations Signing the Convention on Biological Diversity (as of June 25,1992) Afghanistan Bulgaria Denmark Haiti Luxembourg Netherlands Rwanda Trinidad Algeria Burkina Faso Djibouti Honduras Madagascar New Zealand Saint & Tobago Angola Burundi Dominican Hungary Malawi Nicaragua Kitts/Nevis Tunisia Antigua Canada Republic Iceland Malaysia Niger Samoa Turkey & Barbuda Cape Verde Ecuador India Maldives Nigeria San Marino Tuvalu Armenia Central EEC Indonesia Maldova Norway São Tomé Uganda Australia African Rep. Egypt Ireland Malta Oman Senegal Ukraine Austria Chad El Salvador Israel Marshall Pakistan Seychelles United Arab Azerbaijan Chile Estonia Italy Islands Panama Slovenia Emirates Bahamas China Ethiopia Jamaica Mauritania Papua New Solomon United Bahrain Colombia Finland Japan Mauritius Guinea Islands Kingdom Bangladesh Comoros France Jordon Mexico Paraguay Spain Uruguay Barbados Congo Gabon Kazakhstan Micronesia Peru Sri Lanka Vanuatu Belarus Cook Islands Gambia Kenya Monaco Philippines Sudan Venezuela Belgium Costa Rica Germany Kuwait Mongolia Poland Suriname Yemen Belize Côte d’Ivoire Ghana Latvia MoroccoPortugal Swaziland Yugoslavia Benin Croatia Greece Lebanon Mozambique Qatar Sweden Zaire Bhutan Cuba Guatemala LesothoMyanmar Republic of Switzerland Zambia Bolivia Cyprus Guinea Liberia Namibia Korea Tanzania Zimbabwe Botswana Dem. People’s Guinea Bissau Liechtenstein Nauru Romania Thailand Brasil Rep. of Korea Guyana Lithuania Nepal Russian Fed. Togo

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 7 WORLD NEWS

iotech Industry Played Key Role in U.S. Refusal to Sign BioConvention solution to these complex problems are to The United States’ refusal to join other world economic powers in signing the Conven- be found.” tion on Biological Diversity was one of the major stories to emergefrom the Earth Summit The decision not to sign the biodiversity in Rio. The drama played for days in the international media when leaked documents treaty comes in the wake of a number of indicated that William Reilly-head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administration efforts to loosen govern- the Bush Administration’s lead negotiator in Rio - had failed in a last-minute bid to ment controls on the U.S. biotechnology convince President George Bush to sign the agreement. The leak embarrased Reilly, and industry. In February, White House offi- also highlighted the key role that the U.S. biotechnology industry played in persuading cials released a “scope document” which Bush not to sign the Convention. Steve Usdin, a Washington-based journalist who established that biotechnology products do attended the Summit, reports on the biotechnology industry’s reaction to events in Rio. not pose any inherent risk and therefore will not be regulated differently than prod- by Steve Usdin trial Biotechnology Association (IBA), ucts of other technologies (DIVERSITY, said that the IBA “supports the principal of vol.8, no.1, p.23). In May, the U.S. Food The U.S. refusal to sign the Convention protecting [biodiversity]... However, the and Drug Administration announced that on Biodiversity delighted the American Convention would be counterproductive” genetically engineered food products will biotechnology industry, which lobbied to this goal. not receive separate or special regulatory hard against the pact. “No seed company has a serious objec- attention (see p. 26). Biotechnology trade associations and tion to the preservation of biodiversity,” chief executives of some of the largest said Michael Roth, Corporate Patent Coun- Negotiations Criticized biotechnology companies waged a vocifer- sel, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. From the perspective of the biotechnol- ous campaign to derail the treaty, fearing “However, we rely heavily on intellectual ogy industry, negotiations over the lan- that it would restrict rights to intellectual property rights to protect our products. guage of the biodiversity treaty were property, undermine the competitive ad- There is too much language in the conven- mishandled from their inception and ef- vantage of U.S. companies by forcing them tion about making technology available to forts to correct problems were not made to transfer valuable technology to develop- developing nations, in effect, on an unre- until the last minute, according to Richard ing countries, and set a bad precedent for stricted basis to make us comfortable that Wilder, a spokesman for the Association of negotiations on the General Agreement on our rights would be protected.” Biotechnology Companies (ABC) and a Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and other trade Roth feels that Pioneer’s numerous Washington, D.C.-based patent attorney. agreements. germplasm research and development ini- “Things went wrong from the begin- Industry leaders emphasize, however, tiatives in developing countries could be ning,” Wilder said. “The level of participa- that though they object to several provis- threatened by the treaty. If the treaty were tion in the delegations, across the board, ions of the convention, they strongly sup- in force, he said, Pioneer might have to was very, very low. It was the ‘B’ team. port efforts to preserve biodiversity. transfer the rights of germplasm to the The negotiators had very little idea of what country in which it originated. they were dealing with, they were not ex- Opposition Not Unified Members of the the American Seed perts in the technology or in intellectual But the biotechnology community was Trade Association (ASTA), which repre- property issues...They were not even fa- not unified in its condemnation of the miliar with the positions of their own gov- treaty. Thomas Eisner, a Cornell Univer- ernments.” Wilder said that “the sity researcher who brokered a large re- “No seed company has a serious delegations that were most effective in get- search and profit-sharing agreement objection to the preservation of ting their points of view into the conven- between Merck & Co. Pharmaceuticals biodiversity. ” tion were those that had a very negative and InBio, a Costa Rican bioresearch orga- view of intellectual property,” especially nization (see DIVERSITY, vol.7, those from India and Malaysia. no.4,p. 14), is an ardent backer of the treaty. sents more than 800 seed companies, “fol- The IBA, ABC and several biotechnol- And the Committee on International lowed the Rio conference with a great deal ogy companies exerted strong pressure on Environmental Law of the Association of of interest,” said ASTA Executive Vice the Bush Administration before the final the Bar of the City of New York believes President Dave Lambert, referring to their round of Biodiversity Convention negotia- the biotechnology industry’s objections to concern that “a free flow of plant germpl- tions in Nairobi in May. They moved to the treaty are based on a misinterpretation asm is available to those who would like to block treaty language that they saw as an of the text. The Committee notes that the use it in their breeding programs, wherever attack on intellectual property rights. second provision of Article 16 (see page 3) they might be.” He acknowledged the need “There was a last ditch effort in Nairobi,” specifically protects intellectual property for “some kind of quid pro quo in the according to Godown, “and the U.S. was rights (IPR) and that other sections man- preservation, collection, and development faced with extreme intransigence. [The ne- date that technology transfer occur on of these resources,” and said that despite gotiators] came back and said ‘this is truly “mutually agreed terms” - language that the disappointment by some over the lack against our national interest, we better U.S. negotiators had insisted upon at pre- of progress made in Rio, there” is now a throw down the gauntlet.“’ Earth Summit negotiations. clear recognition of the importance of IPR A few days before the President’s trip to Richard Godown, President of the Indus- and the role they must play, if a workable Rio, G. Kirk Raab, President and Chief

8 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8. no.2. 1992 Executive Officer of Genentech, Inc. sent veloped countries with an advanced posi- Conflicting Interpretations Bush a letter stating that “Sadly, the pro- tion in biotechnology certainly [signed it] posed Convention runs a chance of eroding But Eisner strongly supports the treaty with tongue in cheek,” according to Go- the progress made in protecting American and says that “absolutely nothing in the down. He said that Britain and other coun- intellectual property rights. The vague lan- treaty would have prevented the Costa tries have reserved the right to interpret the guage relating to ‘technology transfer’ and Rica deal.” He blasted treaty opponents, agreement in ways that ran counter to its equitable sharing appear to be code words accusing them of “antediluvian thinking.” language. for compulsory licensing and other forms Eisner praised the treaty because it rec- The Convention must be ratified by a of property expropriation.” ognizes the commercial interest of the nation’s legislative body to become bind- The industry claims that treaty language countries of origin in the products made ing. There is “widespread suspicion in the mandates transfer of technology to devel- from plants and animals. He said that the U.S. biotechnology industry that all of the oping countries on terms that would be transfer of technology to developing coun- countries that signed it will not ratify it, detrimental to American companies. Go- tries is ultimately in the best interests of that it was just a public relations ploy,” down said “the treaty calls for the transfer biotechnology companies because it places Godown said. of technology that results from [plants or screening and extraction operations near Roth said that “as the months go on by animals discovered in a developing coun- the source of materials and creates a scien- we will see completely different im- try] back to the country of origin on a tific infrastructure with which they can co- plementation in the countries that have preferential basis. The convention would operate. signed the treaty. That reflects the fact that tie the hands of negotiators: When they sat American concerns about the conven- some of the provisions are so vague they down to make a deal there would be an tion did not prevent other countries with can mean whatever you want.” enormous slug of mandatory contract lan- large pharmaceutical and biotechnology Asked why the United States did not guage... it would result in a bum deal for industries from signing the treaty. Britain, emulate its allies, Roth said “many coun- food and agriculture companies.” Germany, France and Japan were among tries have no problem signing treaties that He pointed to the Merck-InBio research the over 150 signatories (see p. 7). have different possible interpretations and and financial deal, saying that it would Leaders of the U.S. biotechnology in- then issuing a statement saying what they have been impossible under the terms of dustry were skeptical about the motives of think it means. The U.S. doesn’t want a the biodiversity convention. these countries, however. “The other de- ticket to an arguing match.”

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 9 WORLD NEWS

Bye, Bye, Biodiversity: A Rio Earth Summit Diary

Tens of thousands of people from around the Atlantico Rainforest. It is the first time these includes different organizations working with world gathered in Rio for the Earth Summit. If organizations have sat down together. What is communities and ethnobotany. Several people you were there, it was a dizzying experience. To different about this meeting is the outcome. mention keen donor interest in market studies get a flavor of what it was like to he there, we They actually commit themselves to the idea of for non-timber forest products, but problems asked participant Nancy Diamond to keep a networking. It was a relief to see action taken include lack of donor coordination, suitable diary for DIVERSITY. Following are some ex- after listening to a long day of debates and economists, and sufficient funding for ecologi- tracts: theorizing. cal and social ramifications of market develop- 4 JUNE - The umbrella Biotechnology- ment. Dr. Charles Stir-ton, Deputy Director of Biodiversity Working Group criticizes the Science from Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, ex- by Nancy K. Diamond “false promises” about biotechnology in presses a keen interest in implementing a world- Agenda 21... Phil Bereano from the University wide database for ethnobotanical knowledge, 30 MAY, Washington, D.C. - Overheard of Washington and Vandana Shiva, a Canadian- particularly that which is medicinal. I raise con- on National Public Radio: “U.S. State Depart- based but Indian-born physicist and technology cerns over any centralization of information - ment says that the UNCED Biodiversity Con- gadfly, argue that community-defined assess- in this case, the database seems likely to mean vention is fundamentally flawed. The United ments are essential for both biotechnology and a loss of control over the information and failure States will not sign.” biodiversity developments. Shiva feels that to compensate the intellectual property rights of 31 MAY, In-flight from Miami to Rio de rather than focusing on the South’s biodiversity, the originators of that knowledge. Janeiro- News of the Earth Summit seems to it is more appropriate to focus on the North’s 11 JUNE - Entering a quiet tent, I notice be everywhere. New Yorker magazine includes biotechnology firms and their role in the erosion the spectacular feathered headdresses of the a profile of (eminent Harvard ethnobotanist) of biodiversity. She says the positive dimension indigenous group representatives... the pale Richard Schultes; TIME weighs in with its own of the North-South dispute is that it allows room pink and black prayer wheel headdress of the skepticism about what the summit can achieve. for citizen involvement, which would be less Amazonas Island group, and crowns of parrot My airline shows summit-bound travelers likely if governments agreed. feathers, blue, green, red and yellow for others. “Medicine Man,” a hackneyed rainforest ro- 5 JUNE - Exotic cocktail in hand, I mingle Unlike the huge media events, this intimate mance set amidst a larger drama of good guys gathering of Brazilians, Peruvians, etc. and a (Kayapo Indians and ethnobiologists) and bad ‘I begin to feel that something re- few whites is intended to hammer out an indig- guys (the Brazilian government and intema- ally great is happening somewhere enous people’s alternative treaty. For once, the tional pharmaceuticals firms). I know that gov- interpretation is excellent... The meeting seems ernments, scientists, and indigenous peoples else and that I am missing it. This to have a different rhythm...more circular... will be in Rio, but the movie reminds me that feeling persists for the entire two speeches are sometimes irritatingly slow and the industrial interests seem to prefer to remain weeks.” repetitive, but overall, there is an eloquence in the shadows. which was not common at the larger meetings: Questions to keep in mind these next two with representatives from donor agencies at an “We are not caged animals, museum or postcard weeks: What are the benefits and costs of the elegant Ford Foundation party. One comments pieces; ” “We have been like leaves of a tree, the biodiversity treaty.? Who will benefit? Who on Bush’s refusal to sign the biodiversity con- wind pushes us one way or another.” will bear the costs? If any benefits get back to vention: “It just shows the failure of the U.S. 12 JUNE - My last day. Dr. Anthony An- local communities, how will they be divided? environmental movement, and the donor com- derson, a program officer for the Ford Founda- What is appropriate? What is appropriation? munity which supports these organizations, to tion in Rio, briefs me on his efforts in Brazil. 1 JUNE, RIO- I go down to my hotel lobby engender enough popular support in the U.S. to We break to hear George Bush deliver his Earth to wait for a friend and watch the chaos. push Bush to do the right thing.” Summit address. Due to Portuguese dubbing, I UNCED delegates are waiting for transport to 6 & 7 JUNE - I spend the weekend in a am forced to pull my chair close to the TV to their meetings 40 kilometers away in Rio Centro small coastal town. It is a relief to get away from hear the faint English. I laugh when I realize that (where the official delegations meet). Global the greenhouse-like tents, meetings, and I am actually reading George Bush’s lips! Forum (GF) participants and international press crowds. I ask my Rio-based hosts what the I head back to the GF and sit down with a cold also mill about. Out on the street, the taxi Summit means to them. They tell me traffic Guarana - the rainforest soda made by Coca- drivers are making a killing and the heavily horror stories, the result of the security measures Cola. The GF has been a mixed bag. I am a little armed military men protecting the footbridge to taken to safely transport the world’s leaders disappointed that I haven’t learned more. I won- the GF are trying to prevent one. around Rio. der who has. Just then, I see one of the thousands I pass through the GF’s fenced gates and 8 JUNE - Several officials -including Dr. of Brazilian school kids who have toured this encounter a sea of people, trees, and tents... M.S. Swaminathan-describe a new project on eco-fair dive headfirst into a garbage can in nearly 700 booths for grassroots, national and sustainable management of rainforests being pursuit of an aluminum can which he has thrown international environmental Non-Govermental initiated on nearly one million acres offered by into the wrong place. Organizations (NGOs), and educational, labor, Guyana’s President.... A Guyanan audience It occurs to me that it is not necessary that I and religious organizations. member states that the Guyanan public and learn anything - apart from renewing my ap- - I hop from meeting to meeting, JUNE 2 Amerindians living in the area had not been preciation of the extent and diversity of the sweltering tent to sweltering tent... from Planeta consulted prior to the land donation and remain world’s environmental organizations, and re- Femea/Women’s Environment & Development poorly informed. cognizing the great symbolic value of a huge Organization to the International Indigenous 9 JUNE - A sparse crowd of 20 people meeting of most of the world’s government Commission... In contrast to coming days, listen to the two glib Australians from Tree leaders who have gathered together to address today’s official calendar is fairly light: 33 all- Technology International, Inc. describe the environmental problems. day meetings, plus ten morning-only, three af- world’s latest miracle tree, a Paulownia clone. temoon-only, and two evening-only meetings. “Incredible growth rates... super hardwood... Dr. Nancy Diamond is an Agroforestry Advisor I begin to feel that something really great is people will stop cutting forest.” . . . Their goal: happening somewhere else and that I am miss- and Social Forester for the U.S. Agency for Interna- get governments in the South to donate land - tional Development under an American Association ing it. This feeling persists for the entire two they will plant miracle trees and keep the profits. for the Advancement of Science fellowship. The opin- weeks. 10 JUNE - A small meeting organized by ions expressed are her own and do not necessarily JUNE 3 - I sit in on presentations by NGOs Trish Shanley, who works with the Brazilian represent the views of her employer. who focus on the Brazilian coastal Mata Rio Capim Project of Woods Hole Institute,

10 DIVERSITY Vol. 8. no.2,1992 WORLD NEWS

waminathan Foundation, VIR Sign Pact on Gene Resources India’s M.S. Swaminathan Research ture held at the Foundation’s home in Madras, 24, Vavilov’s birthday, to pay homage to the Foundation and Russia’s N.I. Vavilov In- India. The agreement also calls for organizing a geneticist and to generate awareness of the im- stitute of Plant Industry (VIR) have “Biodiversity Day” every year on November portance of genetic resources. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in conserving and sus- tainably using plant and animal genetic resources. The November 25,199 1 agreement joins two of the most prominent names in the field of plant genetic resources. The Vavilov Institute is named after the world- renowned Russian plant collector who first identified the “centers of origin” where crop plants evolved. M.S. Swaminathan established the Foundation in 1988 with money he was awarded as the first recipient of the World Food Prize, referred to by many as agriculture’s “Nobel.” Swaminathan has served as chairman of the International Union for the Conserva- tion of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and is chairman of the Steering Committee for the Keystone International Dialogues on Plant Genetic Resources. The MOU outlines four areas of cooperation: conservation-technique research; conservation training for scientists and grassroots-level workers; data base development and informa- tion exchange; and creation of a network of Vavilov Research and Training Centres “dedi- cated to the cause of saving and managing plant genetic wealth in a sustainable manner.” The two organizations will work separately and jointly to fund the projects. VIR director Victor Dragavtsev and Swaminathan signed the MOU at a workshop on Genetic Resources for Sustainable Agricul-

CGIAR Releases Working Document On Intellectual Property Rights

In late May, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural in developing countries. In a changing research environment, the Research (CGIAR) met in Istanbul, Turkey, and unanimously adopted centers need to collaborate with a wide range of agencies in both the a working document on Intellectual Property Rights. In a letter to public andprivate sectors which increasingly protect their inventions Directors of the CGIAR’s 18 centers, Executive Secretary Alexander through holding intellectual property. von der Osten wrote that the new document “is mainly intended to serve Centers do not seek intellectual property protection unless it is as information for CGIAR stakeholders,” and that “it is a preliminary absolutely necessary to ensure access by developing countries to new working document and does not constitute a definitive policy statement.” technologies and products. The Centers will not seek intellectual Excerpts from the two-page statement: property protection for income-generating purposes and will not view potential returns from intellectual property protection as a source of . . ..The CGIAR recognizes both Plant Breeders’ Rights and the concept of operating funds. Should exceptional cases arise where a center might receive a Farmers’ Rights, in accordance with the agreed interpretation of the International financial return, an appropriate means will be used to ensure that funds are used Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources. Moreover, conservation of genetic for the conservation of genetic resources and related research. resources by the centers, and research on their use is contributing to the goals of On a case-by-case basis, the centers carefully consider the advantages and the convention on biological diversity.... disadvantages, and the costs and benefits, before deeming it necessary to seek and A fundamental objective of the CGIAR is to ensure access to knowledge, maintain any form of intellectual property protection on their inventions. A technology and materials in the interests of the developing countries. The CGIAR Center’s decision reflects its own priorities and concerns as well as those of its reaffirms that the genetic resources maintained in the genebanks of the centers are collaborators and the nations with which it works. Such decisions are motivated held in trust for the world community. Materialfrom the genebanks at the centers by the need to I) establish collaborative research with advanced laboratories; 2) will continue to be freely available, in accordance with the 1989 CGIAR Policy ensure product development and distribution; or 3) forestall pre-emptive protec- on Plant Genetic Resources. tion by others of acquired by a Center are exercised without compromising in any Modern biotechnology is becoming an important tool for the work of the centers manner whatsoever the fundamental position of the CGIAR regarding the free and their collaborators. Advances in its use offer the potential for the centers and access by developing countries to knowledge, technology, materials, and plant their collaborators to increase productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries genetic resources.

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 DIVERSITY 11 WORLD NEWS

ew Program Aims to Conserve India’s Animal Genetic Resources By John A. Pino, Keith M. Gregory, posite breeds with adaptability to climatic Eric Bradford, and Daya S. Balain The Main Program Areas of India’s and other environmental stresses of the National Bureau of Animal Genetic tropics and subtropics. Further, very high A relatively new program to preserve the Resources (NBAGR) levels of vigor are achieved from crossing genetic diversity of India’s domestic ani- 1. To survey and define population or Indian (Bos indicus) breeds with European mals is receiving serious attention from breed numbers and distribution for major (Bos taurus) breeds of cattle. There are scientists and the nation’s public authori- livestock species. other promising cattle breeds, such as the ties. The initiative was prompted by 2. To characterize breeds in each species Hariana and Tharparkar, that have not been mounting concern about the narrowing and including the definition of similarities or sampled and evaluated for their potential loss of diversity among indigenous breeds differences among them. to contribute to beef and/or dairy produc- 3. To evaluate each breed from informa- tion programs in the world’s tropical and and types of domestic animal populations. tion collected on potentially useful eco- India has a large reservoir of animal nomic or survival traits. subtropical regions. germplasm (see box, this page). But how 4. To maintain and facilitate access to a Germplasm from Indian buffalo has also much similarity or difference exists among breed/species data bank. made significant contributions to the live- the populations within each species and 5. To assure the conservation of poten- stock programs in many tropical and sub- breed is not known. One thing is certain, tially useful unique endangered populations tropical climatic zones, while Indian goat by establishing live herd reservoirs, and germplasm has benefitted goat production however: The populations of India’s where necessary, preservation of semen and “pure” indigenous breeds are declining as embryos or both. in many countries of the world. crossbreeding increases, resulting in the 6. To facilitate access to indigenous Organization of India’s dilution and displacement of indigenous germplasm. Conservation and Utilization Effort breeds. Population pressures on ecosys- 7. To assist in developing import and tems further limit traditional grazing sys- export protocols in cooperation with animal The task of conserving India’s wide tems utilizing indigenous genotypes. health authorities. spectrum of animal genetic diversity has 8. To provide coordinating leadership for Except for a few commercial herds of a comprehensive animal breeding and ge- been given to the National Bureau of Ani- buffalo and cattle (perhaps less than 20 netics research program to provide technol- mal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), an percent of the total), most of India’s large ogy needed to improve production agency of the Indian Council for Agricul- animals species are found in small family efficiency of livestock and livestock prod- tural Research. The NBAGR was estab- herds and flocks or in communal herds. In ucts. lished in 1984. Initially located in either system, cattle and buffalo are im- Bangalore, Karnataka in the south of India, portant. Cattle have tremendous cultural Although pigs are given lower priority in it moved in 1985 to its present location in significance and also provide milk, the conservation efforts, indigenous domestic Karnal, Hariana in north central India country’s major source of animal protein; and feral animals can be found. Pig produc- where it is accommodated in the facilities draft power for the majority of Indian tion with improved and crossbred animals of the National Dairy Research Institute farms; and are a major source of fuel for is increasing. (NDRI). Plans call for the construction of domestic cooking. Traditionally, cattle are In India, as in many Third World coun- new NBAGR office and laboratory facili- not slaughtered for meat, although growing tries, commercial poultry production is ties on land adjacent to the NDRT. numbers are moving indiscriminately into growing exponentially. It is based on the Important to the work of NBAGR are slaughter channels. Cattle, buffalo, camels, use of modern genetically improved strain specialized institutes for most of the major horses, and donkeys remain a very import- crosses and intensive management sys- animal species. There are several of these, ant part of India’s transportation system. tems, although wild and indigenous fowl some with affiliated centers. Most have Goats are important in providing meat can still be found. breeding herds or flocks of the species for and milk while sheep provide meat and which they are responsible. Their primary wool. Sheep and goats also utilize forages The Importance of Indigenous mandate is to improve breed productivity, and crop residues that may not otherwise Indian Animal Germplasm distribute breeding animals or semen, and be used, especially in arid areas, and func- India’s many livestock breeds (see top provide information on production tech- tion as an important source of savings for box, page 13) remain an important germpl- nology. small landholders or landless people. asm reservoir for genetic improvement and To carry out its mandate on germplasm maintaining adaptation in the country’s identification, evaluation/characterization, many and changing environmental and utilization, improvement and conservation management conditions. of indigenous breeds of cattle, buffalo, In addition to their importance in India, sheep and goats, NBAGR functions in a the country’s livestock, particularly cattle, coordinating, leadership role with the spe- have already made major contributions to cies specific institutes, universities, mili- livestock production in the world’s tropical tary farms and the private sector. NBAGR and subtropical climatic regions (see bot- will not have its own large herds, land or tom box, page 13). The primary use of animal facilities, other than minimal hold- Indian cattle breeds has been in crosses ing pens. In some respects, NBAGR’s with European breeds, or to form new com- structure parallels that of the National Bu-

12 DIVERSITY Vol 8, no. 2,1992 WORLD NEWS reau for Plant Genetic Resources distance between breeds or populations (NBPGR) of India (see DIVERSITY, may contribute to the future utilization of no. 12, pp. 14- 16); however, in situ conser- genetic resources in improvement pro- vation of live animal populations will play grams, in terms of selection among breeds a role comparable to ex situ gene (seed) and in utilization of heterosis. Such re- banks in the case of plant genetic resources. search in India should be particularly im- The NBAGR strategy is to execute its portant in the case of buffalo, since more program of activities under a Memoran- than half of the world’s buffalo population dum of Understanding with the participat- is in India. It will also be important for ing institutions and organizations. cattle, sheep, goats, and camels in each of NBAGR will provide, as necessary, sup- which India has a rich genetic diversity and porting funds and/or commissioned staff to very probably some unique stocks. the cooperating institution. India still lacks an official policy on NBAGR professional staff consists of quarantine aspects of animal germplasm quantitative geneticists, cytogeneticists, import and export. The rigid control of molecular biologists and data management transmissible diseases and parasites is the specialists. At present there are 14 author- basis of all quarantine policy. However, ized positions. These are supplemented by procedures under that policy are likely to the professional staff of the collaborating change with the wider acceptance of “dis- institutions. NBAGR staff may be assigned ease clean” embryos processed by the to the other agencies to assist personnel of received by NBAGR is computerized and newly developed embryo washing tech- the cooperating institution. Initially, much summarized. Not all of the collaborating nique. Thus it is expected that there will be of the survey and characterization data, as institutions have computer facilities; but it easier and safer access to Indian animal well as tissue samples (semen and blood), is contemplated that they will all have on- germplasm in the future. At the same time, will be collected from herds established at line access to the central data bank. there is likely to be greater dilution of public and private institutions (some of this In addition to characterizing bioecono- indigenous Indian germplasm resulting work has already begun). Special training mic traits, NBAGR’s research program from importation into that country of courses are being given to field data collec- will be expanded in the near future to in- semen and embryos. tors. Information and tissues from non-in- clude genetically characterizing popula- Finally, germplasm conservation should stitutional populations will be sampled tions at the gene product or DNA level. be closely linked with programs for genetic directly by NBAGR staff or in collabora- This may involve assessment of traditional improvement (adaptation and productiv- tion with staff of cooperating institutions genetic polymorphisms such as red cell ity). Although NBAGR recognizes this re- and universities. antigens, protein variants such as iso- lationship, NBAGR impact in advancing NBAGR is using descriptors developed zymes, and genetic variants identified by genetic improvement goals has yet to be by the Food and Agriculture Organiza- molecular technologies including RFLP’s achieved. Indian officials expect NBAGR tion/European Association of Animal (restriction fragment length polymor- identification, characterization/evaluation, Germplasm, with appropriate modifica- phisms), RAPD’s (randomly amplified utilization, improvement, and conserva- tions to accommodate Indian needs. Glob- polymorphic DNA’s), and microsatellites. tion programs will be integrated into a ally, further definition and agreement on Applying technologies to characterize comprehensive national program of animal these descriptors is urgently needed at this populations at the genetic and DNA levels breeding and genetics research aimed at early stage in the emerging global system. will provide a means of assessing genetic improving efficiency in livestock produc- This would simplify the process of stan- relationships between populations, permit- tion in India. dardization and information exchange ting more efficient definition and selection For more information, contact: Dr. John among national genetic resources manage- of distinctive or truly unique -groups for Pino, 1801 Crystal Drive, #414, Arlington ment systems as additional programs be- conservation efforts. Furthermore, an un- VA 22202 USA; Tel. 703-521-4382: FAX come established. The information derstanding of the genetic relationships or 703-521-1129.

India’s Diverse Cattle Breeds Have Made Many Contributions

Cattle breeds indigenous to India are classified in the sub-species Bos indicus, most countries of Central and South America. Further, the Brahman breed has while European cattle breeds that had their origin in Central Asia and Europe contributed germplasm used in the development of many new U. S. beef breeds, are classified in the sub-species Bos taurus. including the Brangus, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis and others. The Brahman cattle breed was developed in the United States with genetic The Sahiwal breed has been exported from India into Australia and Kenya contributions from the Guzerat (Kankrej), Gir and Nellore (Ongole) to the Gray where it is used in both beef and dairy production programs. The Sahiwal breed Brahman and with genetic contributions of the Gir, Guzerat and Indu-Brazil to was imported into the United States from Australia where it has been character- the Red Brahman. The Indu-Brazil breed was developed in Brazil with genetic ized and evaluated in a comprehensive research program. Thus, Indian cattle contributions primarily from the Gir and Guzerat (Kankrej) breeds. The Nellore breeds have contributed germplasm to all tropical and subtropical and to some (Ongole), Gir and Guzerat (Kankrej) breeds and composite breeds derived from temperate climatic regions of the world, particularly for use in beef production them are used extensively in Brazil. The Nellore (Ongole) breed is used widely programs and to a more limited extent for use in dairy production programs. in subtropical regions of Northern Argentina and in other tropical and sub-trop- More than 90 percent of Bos indicus cattle are found in latitudes between 30” ical regions of South America. Most breeds of African cattle are classified as North and South of the equator. Bus indicus breeds have greater climatic Bos indicus and had their origin in India. adaptability to the tropics because of: 1) shorter hair coats and higher density of The Brahman breed is used extensively in beef crossbreeding programs in the sweat glands and 2) Bos indicus cattle are more selective feeders than Bos taurus Southern United States and has been exported to all tropical and subtropical (European) cattle and select a higher quality diet from the generally lower quality cattle producing regions of the world, including Australia, Southern Africa, and forages present in the tropics.

Vol. 8, no. 2,1992 13 WORLD NEWS egenerating Endangered Latin American Maize Germplasm: The USAID/CIMMYT Cooperative Project

Latin American seed banks collaborat- ing in a landmark effort to regenerate major endangered collections of maize landraces have turned the first corner in their race against time - they have figured out which germplasm needs to be regenerated and set a tentative schedule for doing it. The developments are part of one of the most comprehensive international efforts to preserve native maize germplasm since E.J. Wellhausen and a Rockefeller Foun- dation team began collecting and catalog- ing the crop’s ancestral gene pool in the 1940s. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Maize and Wheat Im- provement Center (CIMMYT) in El Batan, Mexico is coordinating the Cooperative Project to Regenerate Latin American Maize Germplasm. Together with the Regeneration of Maize Landrace Collections in Central and Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guate- a complete, electronic database on land- South America, a five-year cooperative ef- mala, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. race collections held by the other insti- fort with the U.S. Department of CIMMYT took the proposal to USAID and tutes.” Agriculture’s National Seed Storage Lab- a grant under Project Noah was finalized in CIMMYT sent a contract for regenera- oratory in Ft. Collins, Colorado, the November 1991 (see DIVERSITY, vol.6, tion work to the 13 cooperating banks in CIMMYT project is expected to rescue and nos 374, p.38). Under the terms of the conserve some 7,500 endangered acces- grant, each participating bank will plant The project could serve as a model sions by 1994. Dr. Suketoshi Taba, the out, harvest, and process its own holdings. for sharing the burden of preserv- head of the CIMMYT Maize Germplasm CIMMYT will coordinate the work and Bank, points out that the two efforts are provide technical support, with assistance ing germplasm resources through complementary. “The USAID work,” he from the NSSL. Backup samples of the international cooperation. says, “is the major push that will allow us regenerated material will be kept in long to catch up with the most serious part of the term storage at both NSSL and CIMMYT. November 199 1. CIMMYT has also set up a tentative regeneration timetable (see fig- regeneration backlog in the region. On the Computers Speeds Effort other hand, I view the NSSL project as a ure) that takes into account the distinct longer term proposition to continue regen- Before actual regeneration can begin, planting seasons for each type of germpl- eration work as needed.” participants have had to determine what asm handled by cooperators. Regeneration they should regenerate, a task which is now efforts begun in Mexico, Colombia, and Project Meets Critical Need nearly accomplished. It involved, among Peru under a previous contract between The idea for the regeneration project was other things, extensive exchange and USDA and North Carolina State Univer- born in March 1991, when leaders of the cross-checking of information to identify sity are being continued in this project. region’s gene banks gathered at CIMMYT duplicate holdings and remove them from According to Dr. Joel Cohen, biotech- to assess maize germplasm conservation in a list of regeneration candidates. NSSL nology and genetic resources specialist at the Americas (see DIVERSITY, vol.7, provided CIMMYT with an inventory of USAID, the project could serve as a model nos.2&3, p.45). Their conclusion: the situ- Latin American maize germplasm held at in which the burden of preserving valuable ation was critical. Thousands of landrace Fort Collins. The inventory was checked germplasm resources is shared through in- accessions needed regeneration and many against CIMMYT’s database and sent to ternational cooperation. collections, some unique, were in danger cooperating banks in the region. For more information, contact: Dr. of being lost. Part of the problem-which The banks also received copies of Suketoshi Taba, Head, Maize Germplasm still exists - is the always meager operat- CIMMYT’s “accession editor” software, Bank, CIMMYT, Lisboa 27, Apdo. Postal ing budgets of the Latin American gene which they are updating with basic infor- 6-641,06600 Mexico D.F., Mexico. FAX: banks have come up short, casualties of the mation about their accessions and will (52-595)41069. region’s chronic economic instability. shortly return to the Center. “The aim is not The seedbank leaders drew up a proposal only to avoid duplication,” according to Researchfor this article was provided by to salvage maize holdings in Argentina, Taba, “but to establish a regional network G. Michael Listman, a science writer and Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa in which each project cooperator possesses editor with the CIMMYT Maize Program.

14 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8, no.2,1992 ILLIAM LACY BROWN friends remember that he accomplished found time for solitary rec- enough in one lifetime to reation, hunting, trapping, fill three successful careers. fishing, and swimming in As a plant breeder and ge- the creek - when he was neticist, he helped develop not herding sheep, caring Brown was improved strains of maize for horses, gardening, or one of that have fed hungry peo- planting and harvesting le throughout the world, corn, oats, and buckwheat. the first led key research efforts in A biology teacher who to sound maize genetics and evolu- boarded at the Brown‘s tion, and directed global re- home awakened Bill’s in- the alarm search programs in other terest in botany when he over the major crops . As President was a student at Green and Chief Executive Offi- Bank High School. Natural implications cer (CEO) of Pioneer Hi- science wasn’t his only in- of the Bred, Inc., he enlarged the terest - he also partici- company’s research facili- pated in basketball, rapid loss ties and led an interna- football, and track, remem- of crop tional expansion that made bers Alice Hannah, a class- Pioneer the world leader in mate and Green Bank genetic the production of corn. cheerleader who later be- resources. Later, Brown energetically came Brown’s special led and served the entire friend and a vital part of his profession of global agri- life after they married. cultural science. He was After graduating from one of the first to sound the high school in 1932, Brown alarm over the implications William Lacy Brown entered Bridgewater Col- of the rapid loss of crop ge- lege, a small liberal arts netic resources, tirelessly school in Virginia. Class supporting public and pri- 1913 - 1991 president all four years, vate efforts to collect, pre- Brown also played on the serve, use, and share college’s basketball and economically important football teams and, during plant germplasm. his last semester, taught at To understand Brown‘s a local school. In 1936, he professional accomplish- received his B.A. in biol- ments, however, is to ap- ogy. The next year, Walter preciate only a part of his Scientist, Executive, & Mentor: S. Flory, his botany profes- stature. Despite an intense sor at Bridgewater, encour- schedule, he devoted time He Left a Lasting Legacy aged Bill to follow him to to his family, the Society of To Global Agriculture Texas A&M University, Friends (Quakers), his where he did graduate community, and countless BY ISABEL SHIPLEY CUNNINGHAM work under the Flory’s di- helping relationships with rection. “I have never others. His colleagues describe him as a unique person - known a more ethical or con enial person to work with,” kind, modest, unselfish, thoughtful, and generous, but Flory said recently. Brown liked ed to recall that at this time also firm, strong-willed direct, and, when necessary, he also briefly played professional basketball for the tou h. Tributes that came from around the world follow- Houston Bombers, earning $50 a game. inghis death on March 8,199l clearly revealed that he had With Flory’s support, Brown transferred to Washington profoundly influenced many lives and inspired those who University in St. Louis in 1937 and continued graduate knew him as a colleague, advisor, and friend. study at the Henry Shaw School of Botany as a Missouri Botanical Garden Fellow. There he studied under the The Making of a Scientist direction of Edgar Anderson, an almost legendary profes- BORN JULY 16,1913, AT ARBORDALE, WEST VIRGINIA, BILL BROWN sor who inspired many of his students. He lived in the grew up on an 80-acre farm in the Allegheny Mountains, home of Edgar and his wife Dorothy and considered them an isolated place later chosen to become the site of the his second parents. It was the Andersons who introduced National Radio Astronomy Center. Today, a small tele- Brown to Quaker philosophy, which was to influence him scope marks the spot where the Brown home once stood. deeply throughout his life. While a strong work ethic was instilled in Bill as a youth, For three years, Anderson and Brown collaborated on

DIVERSITY l Volume 8 Number 2 WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy. 15 ities that would not neces- sarily increase profits. In later years, Brown passed on the tradition, with usu- ally profitable results. Though Pioneer was un- certain about the best use of their first Ph.D., Brown was expected to do “fundamen- tal studies” of chromo- some-knob composition of important corn lines in the Pioneer breeding program. He worked ten hours a day of Poa Praetensis” (Ken- with a half-day on Satur- tucky blue-grass), and re- day. Donald Duvick, who ceived his Ph.D. degree in retired as Pioneer’s Senior Vice President of Research in 1990, said that this early tise in grasses led to his em- [center). and Pioneer Hi-Bred founder and Vice President Henry chromosome identification ployment in the U.S. De- Wallace in 1964. (photo courtesy Suri Sehgal) work was of great import- partment of Agriculture’s ance in helping scientists (USDA) Forage Crops Division in Washington, D.C. As a understand the characteristics of and relationships be- USDA scientist, he traveled throughout the United States, tween different types of corn. developing special grasses for airstrips, which were of major im portance as World War II began. He also contin- Way of Life Reflected Quaker Philosophy ued his long correspondence with Alice Hannah, his SOON AFTER THE BROWNS SETTLED IN JOHNSTON, IOWA, THEY friend from Green Bank High who had spent three years joined the Society of Friends. “The foundation of his char- teaching the children of missionaries in what was then the acter and life stemmed from a vital faith,” remembers Belgian Congo. In 1941, six weeks after she returned from Alice Brown. “It was nurtured at home during his youth Africa, the couple married. and grew as he embraced the simplicity of the Society of At the time, Brown found the Washington bureaucracy Friends. He enjoyed the hour of silence in Meeting and and limitations on his research uncongenial. Though he rarely missed attending. The emphasis on simplicity, in- later would become a major figure in the scientific com- tegrity, service, and worth of the individual was reflected munity of the U.S. capital, his frustration with bureau- in his way of life.“ Beside being active in Meeting, Brown cracy - that he felt so greatly impeded progress-would worked locally with the American Friends Service Com- always remain. In 1943, he eagerly accepted an opportu- mittee and contributed much time and energy to building nity to direct a sweet corn breeding program for Rogers the Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting House. Brothers Seed Company in Olivia, Minnesota. During the From the beginning, the young scientist concentrated three years he spent working for the small seed company on the collection and conservation of exotic maize germpl- he gained valuable experience for the next step in his asm. He traveled throughout the southern United States career. and the Caribbean during his early years at Pioneer in an effort to collect and save farmer varieties before they Unique Men Forge a Unique Company disappeared (especially in the U.S.). He also looked for IN 1926, HENRY A. WALLACE - WHOSE LATER POLITICAL CAREER potential sources of superior germplasm for U.S. maize included stints as Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of production. Commerce, Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt, Wayne Skidmore, who preceded Brown as Pioneer’s and independent candidate for President - founded Pi- president and CEO, believes that an important element in oneer Hi-Bred Corn Company (now Pioneer Hi-Bred In- Brown’s success was his skill in selecting higher-yielding ternational). When Wallace moved to Washington to plants. “His interest in superior germplasm, pursued become Secretary of Agriculture in 1933, Raymond Baker throughout his life,” Skidmore said, “not only resulted in became research director of the Des Moines, Iowa-based the company’s development of many outstanding hy- company, and began a policy of recruiting promising brids that increased corn production in this country and From the young plant scientists to do research. Recommended by abroad, but also was to have profound effects on global beginning Edgar Anderson, Bill Brown became the first of many germplasm policy.” Ph.D.s whom Baker hired. He joined the company in 1945, Brown’s study of corn varieties grown in the southern Pioneer was beginning a 39-year association that helped position Pio- United States evolved into an experimental program car- a unique neer as the premier private seed company in the world. ried out in the summer of 1947 on the property of the From the beginning, Pioneer was a unique company Missouri Botanical Garden. To carry out the program, the company motivated by a sense of public service and a willingness Browns and their two small children moved to the motivated by to venture, Jean Wallace Douglas, daughter of the Garden’s grounds, living in a remodeled barn without founder, recalls. “My father and Raymond Baker insisted water or electricity. Alice cooked meals over an open fire, a sense of on following through when they made a commitment,” the family carried cooking and drinking water from a public service says Douglas. “Their aim was not to make money in- nearby spring, and bathed and did laundry in the stantly, but to build for the future.” She believes that Baker Merrimac River. and a - and later, Brown - mirrored her father’s policy of After a few years devoted to the cytogenetics of corn in willingness “taking a long look.” Simon Cassidy, Pioneer’s former the growing Pioneer collection, Brown began to partici- Treasurer, remembers that Baker’s intention was to recruit pate in Pioneer’s corn breeding program with Raymond to venture Brown to do “impractical research” -to explore possibil- Baker as his mentor. They worked together in the field,

16 ?? WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy DIVERSITY ?? Volume 8 Number 2 visited other experiment stations and kept abreast of de- adventures and many friends along the way. On a trip to velopments in plant breeding. At the same time, Brown Eastern Europe in 1957, for example, Brown found himself continued his collaboration with Edgar Anderson, study- in the midst of the Hungarian Revolution. After ten days ing the evolutionary development of maize, using the of uncertainty, his family finally heard that he had man- corn he had collected during his early years with Pioneer. aged to reach the Netherlands where Van der Have, a firm Anderson and Brown published their landmark stud- that worked cooperatively with Pioneer, offered him ref- ies, The Northern Flint Corns and The Southern Dent Corns uge. The Browns reciprocated later, when Adriaan Van in 1947 and 1948. Collaboration with Anderson, Roy der Have attended Iowa State University and became Tuchurvena, and others resulted in a study of Hopi maize their “second son.“ in 1952. During the same period-while he was handling a full-scale breeding program - Brown regularly wrote Community and Corporate Leader Brown “had articles for scientific journals about the origin, evolution, BROWN ADDED ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO THE JOB OF MAINTAIN- and classification of maize and maize breeding tech- ing active research programs when Pioneer named him a sense of niques, evidence of his dedication to his work. Assistant Director of Research in 1958. Donald Duvick Through their association with Pioneer, Brown and recalls that Brown gave Pioneer a sense of the importance social Henry Wallace became friends, sharing not only their of basic biological research to crop breeding. “And,” responsibility interest in hybrid corn, but also in hybridizing strawber- Duvick said, “he caused an awareness of the company’s ries and gladiolus. Their collaborative work led to the first social and ecological responsibilities. He had a sense of that seemed publication of Corn and Its Early Fathers in 1956. In a social responsibility that seemed to be bred into him.” to be revised edition published in 1988, Brown credits Wallace, During the same period, Brown persuaded Pioneer to more than any other individual, with introducing hybrid establish a tropical corn breeding station in Jamaica. After bred into corn to the American farmer. “Brown believed the expan- this first foreign investment proved successful, Pioneer him,” sive growth in the use of hybrid corn was the first of the established breeding stations elsewhere in Latin America ‘green revolutions,“’ a reviewer of the 1988 edition wrote and eventually throughout the world. in DIVERSITY, “perhaps of greater influence on world During the early 196Os, Brown frequently found time to food production than that of the highly publicized Mexi- visit the International Maize and Wheat Improvement can wheats and Philippine rices.“ (see DIVERSITY, Vo1.5, Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico. Suri Sehgal, a protege of no.4, pp.38-39.) Brown’s who later became Vice President of Pioneer and As the interests he shared with Henry Wallace reveal, President of Pioneer Overseas Corporation, calls Brown’s Brown enjoyed spending his leisure with plants of all contribution to maize improvement in Latin America kinds. He eventually filled four acres with unusual trees “dramatic and inestimable” (see DIVERSITY, Vo1.7, Nos.1 like the bald cypress, flowers of many kinds, and exten- and 2, pp.43-44). sive vegetable gardens. He liked to experiment with new Despite growing corporate responsibilities, Brown con- varieties, especially foods that others were not growing at tinued to serve his community. When he was elected to that time and place - “new crops“ such as okra, soybeans, two terms on the Johnston Board of Education, 1958-1964, and kohlrabi. Tennis was his other leisure activity, and the he chaired a committee that pushed for improvement of sport became a permanent part of his schedule as the curriculum by increasing offerings in math long as he was able to play. Wayne Skidmore and foreign languages and introducing wrestling recalls that tennis transformed Brown. “He was a as a competitive high school sport. gentle person until you got him on that tennis Appointed to the Johnston Planning and Zon- court. Then he’d try to beat the heck out of you.” ing Commission in 1959, he served for ten years. He was a powerful force in putting together a Taking An international Perspective master plan for growth and development that BROWN'S FIRST ASSOCIATION WITH THE NATIONAL ACAD- included as much green space as possible and EMY OF Sciences came in 1952, when he was asked protected the natural floodplain. In appreciation to serve on the National Research Council-Na- of his service over many years, the city of Johnston tional Academy of Science (NRC-NAS) Commit- named him Citizen of the Year in 1990. tee on the Preservation of Indigenous Strains of Brown continued his transition from scientist to Maize, a relationship that would have far-reaching re- corporate executive when he became Pioneer’s Vice Pres- sults. The committee was largely responsible for oversee- ident and Director of Corporate Research in 1965. He ing the collection, classification, and preservation of expanded the company‘s research programs, directing maize germplasm in the Western Hemisphere. and coordinating breeding programs in maize, sorghum, In 1952-53, after helping to classify the NAS maize soybeans, alfalfa, and wheat. Traveling extensively, he collection from Bolivia and Chile, Brown received a Ful- visited Pioneer breeding stations, government institu- bright research grant to study the primitive varieties of tions, and universities engaged in plant breeding research maize he had collected in the Caribbean. These varieties in the United States and throughout the world, always were being grown at the Imperial College of Tropical advising, counseling, and encouraging young research- Agriculture (now the University of the West Indies) in ers. Trinidad. Brown’s research eventually resulted in im- In his tribute to William Brown in the Congressional proved maize varieties for the southern United States and Record on March 14,1991, Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat warm regions elsewhere. His Maize of the West Indies was of Iowa, said that the early corn varieties released by first published in 1953 and revised in 1960 for publication Pioneer during Brown’s years as scientific director “set the by the National Academy of Sciences (Publication 792). genetic stage for the explosion that has occurred in Iowa’s Maize expert Garrison Wilkes of the University of Massa- agricultural productivity over the last three decades.” chusetts comments, “Useful germplasm from that collec- Recognition of Brown’s growing accomplishments in tion can now be found introgressed in a number of world agriculture led to many opportunities for public successful commercial lines.” service: The President’s Science Advisory Committee on Like many of those who chose to work in global agri- World Food Supply, Subpanel One, 1966-1968; the Gov- culture, Brown traveled throughout the world, collecting erning Board, Agricultural Research Institute, 1967-1969;

DIVERSITY Volume 8 Number 2 WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy 17 Advisor to the Joint USDA-State Agriculture Experiment wanted to do and gave them an opportunity to pursue Station (SAES) Task Force on Corn and Grain Sorg h u m their own goals.” Brown believed that “structure should Research, 1968; Chairperson, The Rockefeller Found ation not be allowed to overwhelm and stifle individual initia- Maize Germplasm Committee, 1969-1972; and the NAS tive. New ideas, innovations, and sound judgment are Committee on Vulnerability of Major Food Crops, 1973. products of the human mind for which there is no organ- izational substitute. Individual performance must be rec- A Dedicated Mentor Maintains Close Academic Ties ognized and adequately rewarded.” WHILE OCCUPIED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LEADING EX- “People,” Brown stated, “should be allowed to make ecutive of an international corporation, Brown still main- some mistakes. Those who make no mistakes are most tained a close relationship with the academic world and likely those who make no decisions. Those with capacity Many published extensively. At Washington University in St. for continued growth invariably learn from their mis- believe Louis, Missouri, he served as Extramural Professor of takes.“ This enduring philosophy guided his relation- Botany, advising graduate students who were working ships with others. Brown‘s with maize and maize relatives from 1957 until 1974. Tom Urban, now Chairman of the Board of Pioneer, outstanding He also served as Adjunct Professor at North Carolina believes that Brown “was one of those rare individuals State University (NCSU) and Western Carolina Univer- who functioned in research and in business with equal success sity. And he continued to author and co-author many success, using the same management style for both. He as an books and technical papers and lecture at universities in was an excellent listener. After listening, he could think the United States and abroad, notably at symposia in through a problem to a course of action. He had confi- administrator India, the Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, and the former dence in his decisions because he believed in himself.” derived from Soviet Union. Brown’s management style was an outgrowth of his Throug hout his career, Brown always supported the personal philosophy. Alice Brown says that he never his ideas efforts of graduate students and researchers. “His influ- sought recognition or financial gain. “Money didn’t mean about ence on shaping my life has been immeasurable and I much to Bill; his motives were humanitarian. He truly suspect that he had a similar effect on numerous others,” liked people at all levels. He would come home from the individual said David Timothy, crop scientist at North Carolina State office late because he and the janitor had been discussing initiative. University. “He willingly shared his genetic, racial, and fishing. He was no respecter of status. He recognized population stocks of maize with other researchers. quality of mind and spirit and encouraged excellence Through his influence, Pioneer financially supported nu- wherever he found it.” merous projects of university scientists and dozens of graduate student research stipends, usually via formal Doubts About Agriculture’s Direction Influence A New Path proposals, but an emergency call to him often saved a As BROWN’S STATURE GREW, SO DID HIS DOUBTS ABOUT THE PATH research project or enabled a student to continue his edu- that agriculture was taking. Alice Brown recalls that “he cation.” became concerned about environmental problems and began to speak out about issues such as the use of nitrogen Scientist Takes the Helm, to replace crop rotation and the danger that farm chemi- Becomes CEO at Pioneer cals might poison Iowa’s water supply.” IN 1975, BROWN WAS NAMED Charles Benbrook, then- President of Pioneer Hi- staff director of the congres- Bred and President and sional House sub- CEO in 1976. Raymond committee that had juris- Baker points out “how diction over agricultural re- rarely a highly-trained the- search, remembers that oretical geneticist has the Brown expressed “regret opportunity to run a com- that our tools and technol- pany like Pioneer.” In ogy have become so sophis- Baker’s opinion, Brown, ticated that we sometimes whose first love was re- ‘miss the forest for the search, “proved that ex- trees.’ I think Bill came to pansion of research realize in the 1960s that the programs benefitted the direction U.S. agriculture company and led to inter- was heading could have national growth.” Early some decidedly negative on, Brown identified the consequences. In the 1970s potential that biotechnol- he became sure and began ogy had for agriculture, es- to look for professional op- tablishing company pro- portunities to encourage a grams in biotechnology reassessment of priorities. and biochemistry that sup- The diverse range of activi- ported plant breeding. ties he became involved Many believe Brown’s with reflected his growing outstanding success as an concern and willingness to administrator derived challenge the status quo.” from his ideas about indi- In the mid-1970s, vidual initiative. Simon Brown’s concern for the ge- Cassidy, Pioneer’s former netic vulnerability of crop Treasurer, remembers that plants made him a strong “Bill encouraged people to advocate of collecting and undertake what they conserving earths plant ge-

18 ?? WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy DIVERSITY ?? Volume 8 Number 2 netic resources. Bringing his status in the corporate world ities and needs in the collection and conservation of irre- to bear on these concerns, he became a member of the U.S. placeable genetic diversity, funding for plant breeding, National Plant Germplasm Committee (NPGC) and and the development of biotechnological research in plant Chairperson of the Maize Committee of the Rome-based improvement programs. A fourth Forum in 1986 focused International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR). on the international aspects of germplasm and the import- In 1976, Brown was appointed by President Jimmy ance of germplasm exchange among nations. Carter to the first U.S. National Plant Genetic Resources For William A. “Skip” Stiles, Legislative Director of the Board (NPGRB), and served as its Vice Chairperson until House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the 1982. Since the titular chairman of the NPGRB, the Assis- Forums were “the only time during my 16 years on Cap- tant Secretary of Agriculture for Science and Education, itol Hill that anyone brought plant breeding and plant was frequently unable to attend meetings, Brown often genetic resource issues to Congress in this way. I was chaired this influential body, which recommended policy astounded that a private company would spend time and to the Secretary of Agriculture. Paul Fitzgerald, former money trying to explain these issues to people who con- chairman of the NPGC, remembers that “Brown, as a sidered them obscure. Bill Brown’s unique approach to representative of the seed industry and a unique spokes- public policy reflected the man and Pioneer’s history.” person for both science and agriculture, effectively estab- Gordon McCleary, a retired Pioneer executive, believes lished the Board and provided creditable linkage between that the Forums were successful because of Brown’s rela- the office of the Secretary of Agriculture and the PGR tionships with the participants: “He was able to bring community.” together competing plant breeders from the public and private sectors.” Matching Rhetoric With Action Major M. Goodman of the Crop Science Department at SENATOR HARKIN RECALLS HOW BROWN SPOKE ELOQUENTLY OF NCSU, a maize expert of international stature who the need for expanded efforts to collect, characterize, and worked under Brown’s tutelage during his high school preserve plant germplasm, “the genetic heritage that man and undergraduate years at Iowa State University, recalls depends on most fundamentally for food, renewable that the Forums “were perhaps the most pleasant and fuels, and fiber. And he matched rhetoric with action.... effective plant breeding policy meetings ever held.... Their He also argued patiently for increasing government com- impact on agricultural research is still being felt. The mitment to the preservation of germplasm, a cause he current work of NAS on Global Genetic Resources and pursued with great effectiveness.” In the opinion of Ter- much of the work on the Agricultural Initiative had their rey B. Kinny, former USDA Administrator of the Agricul- beginnings in the Plant Breeding Forums.” tural Research Service, “Bill Brown raised consciousness “It’s also important to remember,” Goodman points of germplasm issues on Capitol Hill and put those issues out, “that the meetings were not dominated by Pioneer; on the national agenda.“ indeed, other organizations (including some of their com- While devoting much time to public policy issues, petitors) often had more re presentation than Pioneer. The Brown continued to serve Pioneer as Chairman of the spirit of public interest, which Pioneer has often shown, Board and CEO from 1979 until 1981 and as Chairman was one of Brown’s consistent trademarks.” from 1981 until his retirement in 1984. He considered his (To express their appreciation to Brown for this unprec- invitation to become a Member of the National Academy edented opportunity to meet and informally brainstorm of Sciences in 1980 the most important of the many honors with their colleagues, some of the Forum participants- that came to him during this time. These included: Agro- many of whom are now world leaders in their chosen nomic Science Award, American Society of Agronomy, fields - discovered his passion for collecting fine wines 1979; Board of Directors, Iowa Academy of Science, 1979; and presented him with a rare French vintage. The look Distinguished Fellow, Iowa Academy of Science, 1980; of surprise on his face at the discovery of this somewhat Distinguished Alumni Award, Bridgewater College, secret avocation and his pure delight from this touching 1980; Member of National Academy of Sciences, 1980; show of gratitude is remembered vividly by several President, Crop Science Society of America, 1982; Distin- Forum participants. guished Economic Botanist, Society for Economic Botany, Another telling example of the public interest spirit that 1982; and Distinguished Alumni Award, Washington Brown brought to Pioneer was a joint effort by the com- University, 1983. pany and USDA that he masterminded to evaluate maize germplasm collections in Latin America. The Latin Amer- “The spirit Charting New Course Through Pioneer Plant Breeding Forums ican Maize Program (LAMP), launched in 1985, was cat- of public THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, BROWN HAD STRONGLY ADVOCATED alyzed by Brown’s concern about the future of Latin increased support for state and federal government re- America’s genetic treasures, es pecially maize germplasm. interest, search and for closer cooperation between the Suri Sehgal called thehee $1.5 million program, which public and private research sectors. Agricultural which continues today, “an unprecedented pri- leaders still regard as unique his contribution to vate and public agricultural collaborative ef- Pioneer has this cause through a series of Pioneer-sponsored fort.“ (See DIVERSITY, Vo1.7, Nos.1 and 2, often shown, Plant Breeding Forums that began in 1982. The pp.40-44.) Forums brought together 40 or 50 international was one of experts from universities, experiment stations, In Retirement: Leading the NAS Board on Agriculture Brown’s government, and industry to identify the most AFTER BROWN RETIRED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF important problems facing plant breeding re- Pioneer In 1984, he was able to devote more consis tent search and to make recommendations concern- energy to guiding numerous committees, task trademarks.” ing these problems. forces, boards, and causes related to agricultural Proceed ings of the Forums were published research and crop improvement. One favorite and widely circulated among plant breeders, project, for example, involved restoring a variety research administrators, and government offi- of corn grown by a Native American tribe (see cials (see DIVERSITY, no.8, pp.6-7; no.9, pp.4-5; box on the Cherokee flour corn project). no.10, p.5). They helped focus attention on prior- Kenneth J. Frey, Distinguished Professor of

DIVERSITY Volume 8 Number 2 WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy 19 Agriculture at Iowa State the need for a more rational, University who served scientific approach to the with Brown on many ef- regulation of pesticides; forts to forge new initia- and the agricultural re- tives for the fledgling U.S. search and educational plant genetic resources needs of the nation.” program, believes that in Brown‘s vision and lead- retirement Brown “pro- ership established the vided leadership and ser- Board on Agriculture as a vice to the total profession respected voice within the of agricultural science” by NAS and the agricultural increasing public and Con- community. Robert M. gressional awareness of Goodman, a member of the the need to support state Board, recalls that Brown and federal plant breeding set the tone and the agenda. and germplasm programs. “In his quiet, thoughtful, and compelling way, he Guiding the Board on drew into consideration a Agriculture to Prominence rich knowledge of the W ILLINGLY SACRIFICING world as it is, and a pro- much time from his per- found vision of the world as sonal life, at the age of 70 it ought to be.... He brought Brown accepted responsi- out the best in everyone bility for a virtually new around him, and set an ex- career as chairman and ad- ample of uncommon kind- ministrator of the NRC- liness and caring.” NAC Board on Agriculture Benbrook believes that from 1983 until 1988 (see Brown was extraordinarily DIVERSITY, No.8, pp.6-7). effective because of his Many consider his role on long-range view of issues the Board one of the most and because he knew when important of his many con- to be modest and gentle and tributions to agricultural when to be firm and tough. policy and research. “He was one of the kindest, Charles Benbrook, who most thoughtful people I became Executive Director have ever met; yet he was of the Board under Brown, willing to take a stand and remembers that at the time challenge powerful indi- “discontent was growing viduals.” Benbrook empha- throughout the agricul- sizes that “Bill believed tural science community deeply that science and “Bill believed about the inadequate rep- knowledge can best serve deeply that resentation of agricultural mankind when unencum- scientists in the NAS and bered by ideology and pol- science and the lack of vigor in pursu- itics. Our studies made knowledge ing studies of importance under Bill’s leadership re- to the agricultural commu- flect this orientation.” can best nity.” The NAS responded On Brown’s recommen- serve by elevating the old board dation, in 1984 the Board on agriculture to the status began what was to become mankind of a major unit in 1983. a seminal study of the pro- when “The appointment of Bill ductivity and sustainability Brown as chairman was of of American agriculture un- enormous significance,” and the role of alternative encumbered said Benbrook. “Bill farming systems. Sen. Har- guided the Board from kin believes Brown helped by ideology dormancy to an influential position. Even more import- to show that “the fundamental concepts behind sustain- and politics,” ant, he shared his knowledge, wisdom, and style with the able agriculture were not only sound, but essential to Board and its staff, stimulating the capacity and courage effectively address food safety and environmental con- said Charles to explore volatile issues with a sense of mission.” cerns, while continuing to move ahead in pursuit of in- Benbrook, During his six years as Chairman of the Board on Agri- creasingly productive farming systems.” culture, Brown and his colleagues produced a series of Both Harkin and Benbrook believe Brown’s increasing who served influential reports that, Sen. Harkin believes, “have al- appreciation for sustainable agriculture came as a result under Brown ready proved far-reaching in their impact. These reports of observations he made during a trip to the People’s address the necessity of, and methods for, preserving Republic of China. Benbrook recalls that Brown believed at the plant genetic resources; the tremendous opportunities to that some Chinese agricultural practices were “more sol- Board on advance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture idly rooted in an appreciation, if not understanding, of through biotechnology; options to improve the effective- ecology than many practices commonly encountered in Agriculture. ness of soil and water conservation systems and policies; Iowa.” Harkin recalls that Brown expressed “sincere re-

20 WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy DIVERSITY ?? Volume 8 Number 2 spect for the biological and ecological sophistication of nowned researcher and authority in cytogenetics, evolu- many of China’s traditional farming methods.... He some- tionary botany, and plant breeding“ and his “service, times challenged farm audiences to match the amazing support, and expertise in the collection, classification, and accomplishments of Chinese farmers, who have sustained use of exotic germplasm in preserving the germplasm high levels of crop yields for over 2,000 years.” base for maize.” That year, Brown also received the Henry The NAS study led in 1989 to the release of Alternative Shaw Medal from the Missouri Botanical Garden. Honor- Agriculture, one of the most influential and controversial ary Doctor of Science degrees came from Drake University agricultural reports ever published. Harkin commented in 1987 and West Virginia University in 1988. “His that, “in addition to challenging an entire industry to The National Plant Germplasm Committee recognized leadership reassess many of its fundamental tenets, the report pro- Brown’s contributions to the international genetic re- vided critical guidelines to the Congress as we were draft- sources community in a resolution passed April 18,1990. helped ing the 1990 farm bill.” The following week, Clayton Yeutter, then U.S. Secretary awaken the One of Brown’s most lasting legacies to the conserva- of Agriculture, awarded Brown a Certificate of Apprecia- tion of genetic resources throughout the world, Suri Sehgal tion from the USDA for his “contributions to U.S. agricul- agricultural recently observed, is certain to be the soon-to-be-com- ture, the worldwide plant genetic resources community, and policy pleted global germplasm study-Managing Global Genetic and humankind“ (see DIVERSITY, Vo1.6, no.2, p.27). Resources:Agricultural imperatives - that he helped launch A few months later, the Resources Development Foun- community in 1986, soon after becoming the Chairman of the Board dation (RDF) awarded the first William L. Brown Fellow- in the on Agriculture (see DIVERSITY, no.8, p.6). ship to Idah Sithole of Zimbabwe (see DIVERSITY, Vol.6, “His personal involvement in and commitment to this Nos.3&4, p.46). This fellowship, established by RDF with U.S. to the study of global genetic resources conservation,” said a gift from Alice Brown, provides training for outstanding growing Sehgal, “attracted the considerable efforts of many of the biotechnologists from developing countries. According to world’s leading germplasm authorities in what the inter- the director, Thomas Wahman, RDF’s goal is to assist importance of national agricultural community expects will be a land- talented people who are willing to focus their scientific molecular mark study effecting global germplasm conservation training on a particular food-deficit region of the world, efforts for decades to come.” providing ‘human linkage’ for making technical transfer genetics and Brown’s contributions to the Board on Agriculture were possible.” Wahman believes a program “that fosters sci- biotech- of lasting value, said Frank Press, NAS President: entific goodwill and leadership in the public interest” is “Through his selfless commitment, Bill Brown set the truly appropriate recognition of Brown. nology,” measure and standard for the future work of the Board....” said Frank An NAS staff letter to Brown’s family following his death Family Shared Him With The World emphasized this aspect of his service: “Brown’s influence BROWN’S ACTIVITIES WERE LIMITED DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS Press, will continue because NAS and NRC are deeply, substan- of his life as he battled deteriorating health. As always, his president of tively, and constructively involved with critical current wife Alice was his constant and devoted companion. He agricultural and technological issues of the day. He posi- died at age 77 at his home in Johnston, Iowa, on March 8, the National tioned the Board to address the important agricultural 1991. In addition to his wife, two sisters, and a brother, he Academy of issues of the 1990s and to influence agricultural science is survived by his son, William T. Brown; a daug hter, and policy.” Alicia Brown-Matthes; and two granddaughters. Al 1 had Sciences. shared him with the world, without fully realizing his Fostering DIVERSITY international stature-until his death, when hundreds of AWARE OF THE NEED FOR A MECHANISM TO LINK plant genetic tributes poured in from North and South America, Eu- resource professionals throughout the rope, Asia, and Africa. world, Brown was also dedicated to estab- The unanticipated deluge of letters that lishing a news journal that would foster in- William Brown’s family received from ternational dialogue and cooperation in the throughout the world at this time paid trib- conservation and use of humanity’s plant ute to his special qualities. These examples genetic heritage. He shared this aspiration from colleagues with Pioneer Overseas Cor- with many leaders in the agricultural world, poration are typical: From Bucharest, Roma- and their joint efforts led to the publication nia: “We respected him and loved him like of the first issue of the quarterly journal DI- our father. His image will last in our memory VERSITY in 1982. until the end of our life.” From Cairo, Egypt: Three years later, Brown organized the “His principles, ethics, ideals, and inspira- non-profit Genetics Resources Communica- tion will remain the source of our business tion Systems, Inc. (GRCS) to publish the activities...” From Manila, Philippines: “It is journal. He served as President of the Board like losing a father. Without him we would of Directors of GRCS until he became Presi- not be what we are now. “From Szeged, dent Emeritus in 1988. His friends and fam- Hungary: “He fully succeeded in his mission ily recall the great pleasure he expressed which was evident in every deed of his: to when, in 1990, DIVERSITY was honored with the Soviet Union’s N.I. Vavilov Medal expressed their appreciation for contributions to the preservation of of Brown’s genuine concern for others. T.T. global genetic resources. Chang of the International Rice Research In- Brown continued to garner honors throughout his “re- stitute praised Pioneer as a privately owned but public- tirement.” At the 1986 meeting of the Crop Science Society minded company, “leading other agro-industrial giants of America, he became the first to receive the Genetics and , because of Bill’s concern for his fellowman. The world is Plant Breeding Award for Industry, sponsored by the indebted to his kindness and vision.” Speaking for the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders for genet- disadvantaged, Mowe Mamadou of the African Ground- icists working in the private sector. His citation specified nut Council, Lagos, Nigeria, wrote, “Bill Brown’s contri- his “contributions to agriculture as an internationally re- bution to the solution of the global food problem generally

DIVERSITY Volume 8 Number 2 WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy ?? 21 and the peasantry of Africa in particular will remain a vices held in Iowa, and a special memorial service held at milestone in the race against hunger and poverty for a the Friends Meeting of Washington on April 28,199l. long time to come.” In a tribute that eloquently captures what made this “Bill’s legacy to agriculture is special,” wrote Frank seemingly simple man so special, Wilnmer Tjossem of the Press, President of National Academy of Sciences. Be- American Friends Service Committee wrote in a tribute: cause Brown earned “respect from both the laboratory “While Bill’s unique accomplishments in science and scientist and the pragmatic agriculturist, and through business are matters of record and will remain in those his strong vision of the importance of scientific and tech- annals forever, what must also be cherished are his gifts nical development to agriculture, Bill communicated the of kindness, loyalty, and caring, and a quiet spirituality excitement and benefits of molecular genetics to plant that, I believe, enabled him confidently to transcend so breeders and agriculturists while cautioning genetic engi- much that is woefully ordinary in life.” neers about the enormous practical hurdles separating their speculations from real-world app lication.... His lead- About the Author ership helped awaken the agricultural and policy commu- ISABEL SHIPLEY CUNNINGHAM writes and lectures on a vari- nity in the United States to the growing importance of ety of subjects, including plant exploration. She is the molecular genetics and biotechnology.... He ranks among author of Frank N. Meyer: Plant Hunter in Asia, Iowa State the most distinguished contributing members of the Na- University Press, 1984, and is a regular contributor to tional Academy of Sciences.” DIVERSITY. Many of Brown‘s friends and colleagues attended ser-

AS A SCIENTIST: Brown directed re- two decades of his life was foster- search that led to the development ing alternative agriculture. “For of many outstanding maize hy- years to come, Bill Brown’s vision brids and a greater understanding of the path toward sustainable, of the evolutionary development productive, and just agricultural of maize as a crop; he supported systems will continue guiding public and private efforts to col- and challenging individual scien- lect, describe, preserve, and share tists and research institutions maize germplasm. “Bill Brown worldwide.” (NRC-NAS Board of was a student of maize in the tru- Agriculture Staff letter, March 13, est sense of the word,“ according 1991) to David Timothy. “He made sig- nificant contributions in original AS A PUBLIC SERVANT: Brown de- research and the application of re- voted much of his life to public search results or basic genetic service - to his community, to his principles to plant breeding.” country, and to the world. David Timothy points out that “he gave AS A BUSINESSMAN: Brown rose to service, guidance, and direction to the top of a major corporation and many committees, task forces, guided its growth until it became boards, and causes dealing with one of the world’s largest produc- agricultural science in general and ers and distributors of hybrid seed maize in particular. He often corn. “Dr. Brown’s 40-year career William L. Brown bridged the gap between the cor- with Pioneer,” Suri Sehgal says, porate world, the academic world, “resulted in the organization and and the world of science.” development of a dynamic, fast- With the generosity and thought- “Perhaps what is hard for any- growing, international company fulness that have characterized the one to quantify in terms of Bill’s that is an undisputed global Browns always, the family chose to contributions,” Orville G. Bentley, leader in the seed business today.” affirm Bill Brown’s devotion to the former Secretary of Agriculture p1 sustainable use and conservation of for Science and Education, wrote, plant genetic resources by establish- “was the experience, the wisdom, AS AN ADVOCATE FOR PLANT GENETIC ing the William L. Brown Memorial RESOURCES: One of Brown’s goals and the guidance he provided.“ Fund. The Fund helps to support was to stimulate worldwide col- DIVERSITY’s non-profit publisher, AS A HUMAN BEING: Bill Brown’s lection and preservation of folk Genetic Resources Communication greatness rests not entirely on varieties and wild seeds of crops Systems, Inc., which Dr. Brown co- for use in the future in combating what he did but on who he was - founded in the early 1980s. various threats to the world’s food an exceptional man who devel- supply. “Bill Brown stood tall o ped scores of special relation- among ordinary people in the no other person brought more ships with others. “Throughout plant germplasm movement in positive visibility to germplasm his career,” Charles Benbrook re- the United States,” recalls Paul and its importance to our future.” calls, “Bill nurtured people and Fitzgerald, former Chairman of ideas. He has encouraged growth, the NPGC. “He was the mover AS SUPPORTER OF ALTERNATIVE AG- regardless of the direction, and and shaker of the 1970s and early RICULTURE: Another of Brown’s placed his energies behind what 80s. During the past fifteen years, primary interests during the last he believed in.”

22 ?? WILLIAM L. BROWN: A Lasting Legacy DIVERSITY ?? Volume 8 Number 2 WORLD NEWS

NA Bank-Net To Use DNA Technology to Save Endangered Germplasm by Robert P. Adams In determining the feasibility of estab- Recommendations For lishing a node, consideration should be Working & Reserve Nodes DNA Bank-Net, an association of insti- given to the availability of dependable tutions dedicated to preserving DNA and electricity and liquid nitrogen. using in vitro cryopreservation of plant Working Node Functions: Participants also expressed considerable Collect plant materials. (This may be the interest in the concept of storing composite cells, been has established to capitalize on primary function of a node or be undertaken in recent technological advances in DNA ex- association with another organization, such as a DNA samples - for example, a DNA traction and immobilization to help pre- university or botanic garden.) composite of DNA from all legumes in a vent the loss of significant plant genetic Extract DNA. region - to be used for screening or re- Prepare DNA-rich materials and/or extracted trieval of unusual genes. resources throughout the world. DNA in liquid nitrogen for long-term preserva- DNA Bank-Net’s first organizational tion. The Role of Plant Collectors meeting - held April 16-18, 1991 in the Perform DNA analysis/gene replication. United Kingdom at the Royal Botanic Gar- Distribute DNA (genes, gene segments, oli- The cheapest and most practical way to dens, Kew, London - was attended by 18 gonucleotides, etc.). preserve the largest percentage of plant Staff: Taxonomists/collectors, biochem- genes would be to utilize the plant collec- invited representatives. Since that meeting, ists/molecular biologists, technicians, and admin- over 40 institutions from 25 nations have istrators. tors of the world’s major herbaria. These expressed interest in DNA Bank-Net. Equipment: Storage facilities (liquid nitro- professional botanists are regularly in the At the London meeting, a task force de- gen, cryovats); extraction facilities (centrifuges, field collecting and are already familiar gel electrophoresis, UV spectrophotometer, etc.); with both the vegetation of a region and the fined the functions and recommended the DNA analysis and PCR duplication equipment minimum staffing and equipment required (PCR thermal cycler, micro-centrifuges, etc.); techniques of pressing and identifying for DNA Bank-Net’s two basic types of distribution systems (packaging and mailing sup- plants for shipment. With just a few addi- institutional nodes: “working,” or DNA plies); and computers (database for inventory and tional steps, these botanists could also field dispensing nodes; and “reserve,” or base correspondence). preserve materials for DNA use and create nodes (see box). It is likely that some work- collections of DNA-rich materials - often Reserve Node Functions: leaves - with little effort. ing nodes would actively acquire and/or Long term DNA preservation in liquid nitro- dispense DNA from one geographic area gen and monitoring potential DNA degradation. Due to the great bulk of material that (Africa, for example) while maintaining Act as a reserve buffer for working nodes. plant collectors have to process and ship, separate cryovats that function as a reserve Replenish DNA if a working node experi- they require a quick, simple, and trouble- ences catastrophic loss. free protocol for the collection of samples node for another area (South America, for DNA collections stored at the reserve nodes example). should be split initially into at least two or three for DNA storage. Collectors working in A recent experience in China suggests samples: one should be stored at a working node; tropical areas, for example, cannot be ex- that a third kind of node will be defined. Its the others at back-up reserve nodes. The reserve pected to preserve hundreds or thousands function would be to acquire plant material nodes should be in different countries and, if of collections for months under tropical possible, on different continents. conditions, arrange transport through cus- and store desiccated (dried) materials in Staff: Technicians and administrators. liquid nitrogen. This type of node, which Equipment: Storage facilities (liquid nitro- toms, and keep individual specimens fro- may be called a “regional working node,” gen, cryovats); computer (database for inventory zen. Fortunately, at least as far as DNA may not have on site expertise in molecular and correspondance. preservation is concerned, interim preser- biology. But it would be able to fill a gap vation in silica gel or drierite is an effective between the centralized molecular labora- . way to preserve plant materials in the field tories and the strictly reserve nodes. In fact, mg and operating DNA Bank-Net nodes: and in transit for several months at ambient the regional working nodes may be the DNA should be extracted from temperatures. cryopreserved DNA-rich materials only primary groups that intensively collect flo- Next Meeting Set for April 1993 ristic elements in a geographic region. For when the DNA is needed. Delaying extrac- example, Northwest Normal University in tion has the advantage of letting technol- The second meeting of DNA Bank Net Lanzhou already has responsibility for ogy catch up, so advanced techniques can is scheduled for April 5-7, 1993 at the training teachers in northwestern China. It be used as they become available. Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. is likely that they will be given the respon- Generally, working nodes should be an The meeting will focus on a wide range of sibility for collecting endangered plant ma- existing organization with adequate bio- subjects, including: intellectual property terials from the region. chemical expertise and have an associated rights and plant materials; gene amplifica- herbarium. An on-site herbarium is not re- tion and utilization; and special workshops Node Requirements quired, but a very close, local association on operational problems. The London meeting produced a number with a recognized herbarium is required. For more information on the meeting, of general recommendations for establish- Working and reserve nodes need a DNA Bank-Net, and proceedings from the strong institutional commitment so that first meeting, contact: Dr. Robert P. the collection can be maintained in perpe- Adams, DNA Bank-Net, 2747 E. Willow tuity, not just for the lifetime of one com- Bend Drive, Sandy, UT 84093, USA; Tel. mitted person. 801-944-9304; FAX 801-944-93 11.

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 23 WASHINGTON NEWS

ew Leadership Takes the Reins of the U.S. Genetic Resources Program

New leadership has taken the reins of the The new Assistant Secretary, a PhD in U.S. genetic resources program at a time animal nutrition who was raised on and still when world concern over the loss of bio- maintains interests in an Iowa farm, also logical diversity has never been greater and served as president of Kansas State Univer- when actions taken by the United States at sity, Dean of Agriculture and experiment the recent Earth Summit have put its poli- station director at South Dakota State Uni- cies under intense global scrutiny (see sto- versity, and chancellor for agriculture and ries, pp.4-9). natural resources at the University of Ne- On June 10, Dr. Duane Acker was sworn braska. in as the new U.S. Assistant Secretary of Dr. Acker follows Dr. Charles Hess in Agriculture for Science and Education. In the position of USDA Assistant Secretary that position Dr. Acker will oversee a num- for Science and Education. Dr. Harry ber of agencies* within the U.S. Depar- Mussman has been Acting Assistant Sec- ment of Agriculture (USDA), including retary since Dr. Hess returned to the Uni- those responsible for genetic resources. versity of California-Davis in late 1991. The issues surrounding genetic re- As Assistant Secretary, Dr. Acker will be- sources were on the minds of members of come chairman of the National Genetic the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Resources Advisory Council for the newly when it held confirmation hearings on Dr. established National Genetic Resources Acker and other top level USDA officials Program (NGRP). The nine-member in May. The chairman of the Senate Agri- that the program would be “an exceedingly Council will advise and make recommen- culture Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy high priority item” in his administration. dations to the Secretary of Agriculture and (D-VT), is a vocal critic of Bush adminis- Dr. Acker referred to his previous posi- the Director of the NGRP (see DIVER- tration agricultural research policies and tions as director of the U.S. Agency for SITY, vo1.6,no.2,pp.l9-20). has questioned U.S. Secretary of Agricul- International Development’s (USAID) ture Edward Madigan extensively about Food and Agriculture Program and admin- Bravos Greet Appointment of the way that the new U.S. National Genetic istrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Resources Program (NGRP) has evolved Service and Office of International Coop- Henry Shands To Lead since the program was mandated by the eration and Development (OICD), in ex- U.S. Program Congress as part of the 1990 U.S. Farm Bill plaining his awareness of how important That crucial position was filled recently, (see DIVERSITY,vol.6,no.2,pp.18-21). “access and linkages to genetic resources and there seems to be nearly complete con- throughout the world” were to U.S. agri- sensus - a most rare commodity among cultural scientists. the U.S. and international genetic re- Acker To Make Genetic Resources “USDA is most fortunate to have Duane sources communities - that no one is bet- Program A High Priority Acker as Assistant Secretary,” said Wayne ter equipped for the complicated task of Senator Leahy opened the late May hear- Denney, who as an International Relations leading and managing the new U.S. Na- ing by expressing his “deep concern over Advisor for OICD, has worked extensively tional Genetic Resources Program during the future of USDA”, calling it a “dinosaur with the United Nations Food and Agricul- these challenging times than Dr. Henry that must adapt to changes in agriculture tural Organization (FAO) on germplasm Shands. that have been obvious for decades.” The issues, “he is held in highest esteem by his Even when the long-awaited and anx- chairman then used his first opportunity to colleagues in the Department.” Denney iously anticipated announcement of the ap- question Dr. Acker to voice his particular made particular note of Dr. Acker’s “skill pointment to serve as the U.S. Department concern over “the narrow genetic base on in international diplomacy,” which, he of Agriculture’s first Associate Deputy which U.S. agriculture depends”, a situa- said, “coupled with his strong scientific Administrator for Genetic Resources came tion that was brought home to farmers, he background, made him a very effective on May 15, Dr. Shands was typically hard told a packed hearing room, during the advocate of USDA policies at FAO.” at work in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was “devastating corn blight of the 1970s.” Dr. Acker has held other leadership po- serving as part of the U.S. delegation Asked by Leahy what steps he would sitions that have given him exposure to the charged with the final round of negotiating take as Assistant Secretary “to better con- germplasm issue, including: his service what officials hoped would be a Conven- serve and manage genetic resources,” Dr. from 1983 to 1986 on the Board for Inter- tion on Biological Diversity that the United Acker told the Senate panel that he consid- national Food and Agricultural Develop- States would find acceptable to sign at the ered genetic resources “exceedingly im- ment, the directorship of the U.S. Council Rio Earth Summit. portant” to U.S. and world agriculture and on Agricultural Science and Technology, Dr. Shands is one of five new associate and chairmanships of the U.S. Deans of deputy administrators** named by Agri- * Agricultural Research Service, Cooperative State Agriculture and the Agriculture Section of cultural Research Service (ARS) Adminis- Research Service, Extension Service, and National the American Association for the Ad- trator R.D. Plowman to lead a newly Agricultural Library. vancement of Science. organized agricultural research program at

24 DIVERSITY Vol. 8, no.2, 1992 WASHINGTON NEWS the flagship ARS facility in Beltsville, DIVERSITY, vo1.6,no.2,pp.18-21). (LAMP), and actively participated in the Maryland. He has served in the U.S. De- As the National Program Leader for Keystone International Dialogue on Plant partment of Agriculture as the ARS Na- Germplasm, Shands served as liaison with Genetic Resources (seed DIVERSITY, tional Program Leader for Germplasm the key public and private research organi- vo1.7, no.3, p.7 and no.15, pp.6-7). since 1986 and during that time oversaw zations that are active in plant genetic re- An indication of just how effective Dr. the increasingly expanding activities and sources research and policymaking, Shands has been in trying to achieve rea- responsibilities of the U.S. National Plant developing a reputation for remarkably sonable consensus on sometimes contro- Germplasm System (see DIVERSITY, scrupulous and hard work and for being versial and contentious policy matters is no.9,pp.8-10). As the Associate Deputy dedicated to the principle of fairness to all the overwhelming praise and respect he has Administrator for Genetic Resources, Dr. of those who work for him and with him. received from all quarters of the genetic Shands will oversee ARS program leaders It is these traits, say many colleagues and resources community. responsible for plant germplasm and ge- observers, that have distinguished his work nome activities, animal germplasm and ge- in the international arena as well, where the “A Natural” For the Job nome activities, microbes, insects, and issue of genetic resources - and the posi- “Henry Shands has provided progressive aquaculture (for overview of program, see tion the United States holds on it - has yet balanced approaches to representing been under increasing scrutiny. In addition the United States in the world arena of ** The five new ARS Associate Deputy Administra- tors who will report to ARS Deputy Administrator to his recent participation in the long and plant germplasm preservation”, the Amer- Edward Knipling include: Howard Brooks, ADA, arduous negotiations involving the ican Seed Trade Association’s Executive Plant Sciences; Wilda Martinez, ADA, Agricultural Biodiversity Treaty, Dr. Shands has served Vice President David Lambert told DI- Products and Human Nutrition; Robert Oltjen, ADA, as head of the U.S. delegation to the FAO VERSITY upon learning of the appoint- Animal Sciences; Jan van Schilfgaarde, ADA, Natu- Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, ment. Calling him “a natural” to fill the ral Resources Systems; and Henry Shands, ADA, Genetic Resources. directed the Latin American Maize Project new position, Lambert praised Shands’ ef-

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y WASHINGTON NEWS fectiveness in leading the NPGS, noting its Brown (D-CA), was considered by many art told DIVERSITY, “the NPGS is used steady progress throughout his tenure and to be its chief architect: “Henry Shands is as a model worldwide as other nations are calling the soon-to-be completed U.S. Na- a person of great competence and experi- developing and improving their genetic re- tional Seed Storage Laboratory (NSSL) ence...the sort of individual Congress had sources programs.” “the crown jewel of his accomplishments” in mind when it created the program.” International Plant Genetic Resources (see story, p.31). Environmental lobbyist Maureen Board Research Director Allison McCus- International seed activist Pat Roy Moo- Hinkle, an Audubon Society agricultural ker spoke of Shands ’ “wealth of technical ney, who worked with Shands over several specialist who became an advocate for in- knowledge” and his “broad vision for the years on the Keystone International Dia- creased support for the U.S. genetic re- development of genetic resources both in logues on Plant Genetic Resources, called sources program long before the issue the United States and abroad.” the appointment “the best thing that’s hap- became prominent, said the promotion of pened to genetic resources in the United Shands “elevates the issue” and brings “Henry Shands is the sort of indi- States.” cause for hope that more support for the vidual Congress had in mind when program will be forthcoming. it created the program.” “Nothing But Great News” Dr. Michael Strauss, who directed the Dr. Michael Lesnick, who organized the landmark global study on germplasm for Keystone Dialogues, said: “The integra- the U.S. Board on Agriculture of the Na- Wayne Denney of USDA’s Office of tion of all genetic resources into one pro- tional Research Council/National Acad- International Cooperation and Develop- gram under someone like Henry Shands emy of Sciences, said, “The appointment ment, having worked closely with Shands can be nothing but great news for those - the best possible choice USDA could in recent years during the heated debates who care about plant genetic resources.” have made - alleviates much of the con- over the FAO Undertaking and Commis- Dr. Charles Hess, former Assistant Sec- cern I have had about the establishment of sion on Plant Genetic Resources, described retary of Agriculture who chaired the now- the new program. The hope now is that Dr. him as an “excellent spokesperson in sup- defunct U.S. National Plant Genetic Shands is given the authority to achieve the port of USDA’s interests in international Resources Board that advised the Secre- goals envisaged for this program by the plant germplasm issues” who “is able to tary of Agriculture on plant germplasm for Congress of the United States.” strike a delicate balance between accom- more than a decade, believes that Dr. Echoing comments heard from scientists modating the needs of developing coun- Shands’ experience with that Board will throughout the vast U.S. National Plant tries and protecting U.S. interests.” provide a necessary continuity to the new Germplasm System - a myriad of re- With that balance growing ever more National Genetic Resources Program. “He search sites, germplasm collections, and delicate in the wake of the Rio Earth Sum- is eminently qualified for this important sometimes competing interests located mit and with prospects of adequate funding position,” Hess said in an interview. throughout the 50 United States - Dr. for the new U.S. germplasm program look- Said a buoyant Skip Stiles, Legislative Steve Eberhart, Director of the NSSL, ing bleaker as a nervous election-year Con- Director for the U.S. House Committee on spoke of the “significant improvements” gress continues to look for ways to cut the Science, Space, and Technology, who, as that have come about as a result of Dr. U.S. budget, Henry Shands may need all of top aide to the sponsor of the legislation Shands’ “energy, vision, thoroughness, the talents and attributes ascribed to him by establishing the NGRP, Rep. George and leadership abilities.” Now, Dr. Eberh- his colleagues.. . and then some. - DS $5

FDA Issues New Guidelines For Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) l disrupt concentrations of naturally occurring specialist at the National Wildlife Federation, the has released new guidelines for regulating the devel- toxic agents; or largest environmental group in the U.S. “This is a opment and marketing of food products created with l introduce allergen or change nutrients. complex technology, and we are being asked to agricultural biotechnology techniques. The May Food producers - who have been uncertain ignore the risks.” 29th guidelines, intended to trim regulation of the about what regulatory climate awaits the many ge- Dr. Rebecca Goldberg of the Environmental De- genetic engineering industry, are the first rules to be netically engineered products under development in fense Fund told the Washington Post that she be- developed under a new federal policy announced in their laboratories -have been waiting for almost a lieved the FDA policy virtually abandons regulation March that aims to reduce federal oversight and spur decade for the FDA’s statement, which was pushed of new and untested foods. She said that consumers growth in the biotech industry (see DIVERSITY, through by the President’s Council on Competitive- should be made aware that they are buying geneti- vol.5,no.l,p.23). ness, the highly controversial body led by Vice cally modified foods through the use of special “FDA’s statement is not a rule or regulation, it is President Dan Quayle that seeks to cut government labels, a policy FDA has so far rejected. a policy paper or notice to those companies who regulation of industry. “Genetic engineers are taking genes from bacte- come under FDA regulation,” said Richard D. Go- There are no genetically modified foods currently ria, viruses, and insects and adding them to fruits, down, president of Industrial Biotechnology Asso- on the market. But industry sources say more than grains and vegetables,” Goldberg said. “They are ciation (IBA). a dozen U.S. companies have developed an esti- producing foods that have never before been eaten The new FDA policy describes a scientific basis mated 70 distinct genetically engineered crops. The by human beings. Without clear and consistent la- for evaluating and ensuring the safety of new foods FDA predicts that some of these products will reach beling of genetically engineered foods, consumers produced from genetically engineered plants, in- consumers within a year. will have no idea what they are buying.” cluding a comprehensive “guidance to industry” “The first agricultural product to be affected will To address questions surrounding the new guide- intended to help companies conduct their own inter- be the tomato,” said the IBA’s Godown. “In three to lines, FDA is planning two public meetings with nal review of new foods. five years potatoes, melons, cucumbers, and squash industry representatives and consumers this sum- Some genetically engineered foods will receive will be modified to be disease resistent, and canola mer. For information, contact: Brad Stone, U.S. greater FDA scrutiny under the guidelines. But FDA oil will be lower in cholesterol and cotton and corn FDA Press Office, 200 C St., S.W., Washington, officials said companies will be allowed to market will be made insect resistant.” D.C. USA; Tel. 202-245-1144. new genetically modified foods without seeking While industry groups favor FDA’s new policy, government approval if the modifications do not: critics are concerned. “The bottom line is the FDA Reporting by DIVERSITY intern Erin l cause major changes involving common food is not protecting health, they are protecting the in- DeMarines, from the Univ. of South Florida. chemicals; dustry,” said Dr. Margaret Mellon, biotechnology

26 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8,no.2,1992 NEWS IN BRIEF

“International Cooperative Biodiversity tion, contact: Dr. J.G. Ryan, International Crops Re- Phytophthora root rot, and Veriticillium wilt. The Groups,” a joint biodiversity and drug develop- search Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Illinois company says that the new variety will meet ment program sponsored by the National Institutes Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. needs of farmers throughout the northern two-thirds of Health, the National Institute of Mental Health, the of the United States. For additional information, con- National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Agency Scientists at the Institute of Plant Science Re- tact: Rod Everhart, DEKALB Plant Genetics, 3100 for International Development, seeks preliminary search are examining wheat dwarfing genes in Sycamore Road, Dekalb, IL 60115 USA. Tel: 815- funding applications from interdisciplinary teams order to be prepared if British summers become 756-7333; FAX: 815-758-9390. of U.S. and developing country academic, non- hotter because of global warming. Working in col- profit, and commercial organizations by September laboration with Hungarian and Yugoslavian col- Crop Science Society of America’s Plant Ge- 1,1992. For additional information, contact: Dr. Ken- leagues, they are examining semi-dwarfing genes of netic Resources Division (Provisional C-8) is spon- neth Bridbord, Chief, International Studies Branch, chromosome 2D derived from a Japanese variety soring a symposium celebrating Christopher Building 31, rm. B2C32, Fogarty International Cen- found in the Italian variety Mara. The researchers Columbus’ impact on plant germplasm. The sym- ter, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville have discovered that these genes cause the plant to posium, to be held at the society’s annual meeting in Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892. Tel:301-496-2516; FAX flower early in the summer without needing to be Minneapolis November 1-5 is entitled 1492-1992: 301 402 0779. Contact him also about the briefing triggered by increasing day length. If wheat is shorter 500 Years of Global Germplasm Transfer. A second session on July 31, 1992. at flowering, it avoids the worst effects of desiccation. symposium will examine International Cooperation (Reported in Seed Trade News, May 15, 1992, p.5 .) in Germplasm Activities. For additional information, The United States Department of Agriculture contact: Prof. James McD. Stewart (C-8 Chair), 115 (USDA) dedicates the new addition to its flagship Plant Science Building, University of Arkansas, Fay- genebank, the National Seed Storage Laboratory etteville, AK 72701 USA. Tel: 501-575-2354; FAX: (NSSL) on August 18. The $10 million building will 501-575-7465. assure that the U.S. has state-of-the-art facilities for long-term back-up storage of National Plant Germpl- ARS Administrator R. Dean Plowman told an asm System (NPGS) acquisitions, as well as for se- audience of U.S. National Plant Germplasm System lected crops of the International Board for Plant leaders that the large number of USDA germplasm Genetic Resources (IBPGR) and some of the centers The Missouri Herbarium has scientists receiving department awards illustrates the of the Consultative Group on International Agricul- fundamental role they play in US agriculture. Among tural Research (CGIAR). Earlier the USDA dedicated entered its 4, pecimen, An- cistroclaudus, a woody vine that researchers’ hope those receiving awards: corn geneticist Arnel R. its newly refurbished administrative and National Re- Hallauer and Wayne Hanna, whose pioneering sources Institute buildings at the Beltsville Agricul- will effectively treat HIV, the virus associated with AIDS. The plant, which may prove to be an un- work transferring wild germplasm to cultivated crops tural Research Center with a symposium on has the potential to revolutionize crop production Agriculture and The Environment. The department described species of the little studied genus, was collected in Cameroon by Missouri Botanical Garden systems world wide. In addition, other organizations also began construction on its National Grapevine recognized USDA germplasm scientists: Sigma Xi, Importation and Clean Stock Facility in Davis, Cali- botanists commissioned by the National Cancer Insti- tute for use in its anti-cancer drug recovery program. the Scientific Research Society, elected Freddi A. fornia, and continued with plans for building a Crop Hammerschlagg to full membership for her work Biotechnology Center at Texas A&M University. The For additional information, contact: Doug Arnold or Janine Adams, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box using tissue culture and gene transfer to improve Center will bring together scientists and crop breeders plants; and the Royal Horticultural Society of England to focus on the best use of germplasm and on devel- 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299 USA. Tel:314-577- 5142. awarded the Gold Veitch Memorial Medal to retired oping molecular tools for crop breeding and by iden- Director of the National Arboretum John Creech as tifying agronomically important genes. “one of the greatest American plant collectors of this The Fiscal Year 1993 U.S. Budget contains a century.” Exchange of germplasm and breeding material $1.2 million request for plant germplasm, includ- is included in the 1992-94 Work Plan for collabo- ing funds for acquisition, preservation, characteriza- tion, new crops, evaluation, and enhancement. Funds Richard Schultes, the Harvard University Bo- ration between the Chinese Academy of Agricul- tanical Museum’s noted botanist, received the An- tural Sciences (CAAS) and the International are part of the total USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) request of $721.6 million. The entire nual Linnean Gold Medal. An ethnobotanist who Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Trop- specializes in the botany of the northwest Amazon and ics (ICRISAT). USDA budget, which must be approved by October 1,1992, is expected to be challenged this election year pharmacological plants, Schultes has been awarded CAAS Vice President Dr. Chen Wanjin and the Cross of Boyaca (Colombia’s highest honor), the ICRISAT Director General Dr. J.G. Ryan signed the by lawmakers who nervous about government spend- ing. annual Gold Medal of the World Wildlife Fund, and agreement, which covers a wide range of activities the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental including: research on groundnut viruses; develop- Achievement. His latest book, written with ment of high-yielding confectionery groundnut vari- A new, winter-hardy, multi-foliate variety of R.F.Raffauf, is Vine of the Soul: Medicine Men the alfalfa (DK133) developed by DEKALB Plant Ge- of eties; introduction of high-yielding, short duration Colombian Amazon -Their Plants and Rituals, pub- pigeon pea and kabuli chickpea; and training of Chi- netics is resistant to the five major economic alfalfa lished by Synargetic Press. nese scientists at ICRISAT. For additional informa- diseases: anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt,

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 27 rom the Grassroots Up: The Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources by Grassroots Organizations - “Latter-Day Noahs” of North America

by Kevin Dahl and Gary Paul Nabhan

In numerous discussions of biological diversity, the need to conserve potentially economic genetic resources for future gen- erations is discussed through the allegory of Noah’s Ark. According to this model, prior to an impending wave of habitat de- struction, Word came down from the Top that a competent Curator should capture Minimal Viable Populations of all Organ- isms Considered Worthy, and sequester them away in a Genebank for maintenance until further notice that Global Change had subsided. Reflecting this myth, most ge- netic conservation programs have devel- oped along similar lines as they: assume that threats are and will be so genetic improvement; ticated (agricultural) resources, the major- massive that genetic resources cannot be they are as much concerned with re- ity of the groups and individuals demonstr- saved in their habitats; ducing threats to the remaining natural re- ate active involvement with wild plant are organized from the top down, i.e., sources that allow in situ survival, as they genetic resources, including species that decreed necessary by national govern- are rescuing resources for ex situ captive are not in the gene pools of cultivated ments or international bodies of experts; breeding; and crops. It is also clear that their interests are rescue missions for only those they are more concerned with func- extend beyond food crops to medicines, breeding stocks considered worthy (eco- tioning field and garden populations than ornamentals, wildflowers and multipur- nomic) at the time; with museum specimens or breeding stock pose cultivars. Their choice of plant re- do not address-let alone attempt to for hybridization. sources to steward is largely affected by reduce-the inevitability of the threats; The goal of the study this article is based what can be grown and conserved within and on was to provide a profile of the current their prevailing climatic conditions, and attempt to capture only the minimal status of the grassroots genetic conserva- what can be stewarded in situ where they viable populations which may be required tion movement in North America. Its ratio- are based. to conserve species ex situ for an undeter- nale, structures, values, and the particular mined period of time. resources it protects, therefore, can be Their interests extend beyondfood more widely-recognized by policymakers A Different Set of Assumptions crops to medicines, ornamentals, at the national and international levels. wildflowers, and multipurpose cul- In contrast, community and grassroots- This analysis builds on our own experience based efforts are founded on a different set working in collaboration with several of tivars. of assumptions than those that affect most the key grassroots organizations during the institutional genetic resource conservation last decade. It also draws upon a written In situ and ex situ conservation have programs. These assumptions hypothesize survey (available from the authors) that considerable overlap with respect to the that: elicited a flood of information from both efforts of these groups, since they may be the best place to maintain genetic re- grassroots groups and individual activists. doing back-up seed storage for native sources is in their original natural (or an- We hope that our synthesis will lead to plants which literally grow on their door- thropogenic) habitat and their indigenous greater understanding and cooperation be- step. These activists define “plant genetic cultural context; tween grassroots folks and the more formal resources” rather broadly, more broadly they are based on community concerns sector-those governmental agencies, ac- perhaps, than the historic focus of the U.S. for continued access to seeds and continu- ademic institutions, agribusiness corpora- National Plant Germplasm System ity of knowledge between generations, and tions and larger conservation programs (NPGS) and the associated U.S. National are not initiated from the top; dealing with genetic conservation issues. Seed Storage Laboratory. Most of these their driving force is the direct use and conservationists champion “neglected eco- Resource Diversity and nomic plants” whatever their utility may enjoyment of plants in their present (and Its Perceived Value evolving) forms, not only for their use in be, and do not limit utility to raw materials Table 1 categorizes the plant diversity for crop improvement. maintained by the 26 grassroots efforts The majority of the grassroots efforts which have responded to our survey. Con- manage germplasm from relatively few trary to the common assumption that these plant families (5-25); and few plant species groups are devoted exclusively to domes- (25-100); more than half of them maintain

28 DIVERSITY Vol. 8. no.2.1992 VIEWPOINTS over 1,000 individual accessions or plant amaranths, sunflowers, tobaccos, tepary introduction (PI) numbers, each with sepa- beans, melons, unidentified squashes, and rate passport data. Although these organi- chiles. One expert even considered the zations and individuals possess a relatively Hopi among the two indigenous south- small proportion of the global genetic di- western cultures with the most external versity of economic plants, preliminary as- pressures negatively affecting the persis- sessments indicate that they still conserve tence of their farming traditions. many kinds of plant materials not currently Yet a 1989 survey of 50 Hopi farmers, found in the NPGS. not all growing traditional Hopi varieties, With regard to the real or anticipated showed a unidirectional downward trend value of these holdings, grassroots organi- when compared to the results of a similar zations mention a wide number of qualities survey by Jones and Whiting in 1935. characteristic of their plant germplasm, While Hopi cotton had virtually disap- qualities they feel are no longer repre- peared, and amaranths, sunflowers and na- sented in commodities commonly found in tive chiles had become less frequently the marketplace. grown, other crops had not fared as badly. Unlike the “objective” rationales banally the crops in one cultural community may Surprisingly, some traditional crops are offered time and again by the formal sector, lose their habitat to a reservoir inundating now grown by a larger percentage of Hopi the grassroots sector cites their more sub- traditional fields; or all varieties of a single farmers than they were a half century ago. jective cultural, aesthetic, spiritual, and crop may be globally affected by a mutant Nevertheless, the total number of Hopi ethical aspirations for conserving plant re- virus. Threats may be multiple, simulta- farmers have decreased, as has cultivated sources. Other values associated with this neous and episodic, or they may be sequen- acreages over the last half century, indicat- germplasm are ecological, in the sense that tial and synergistic. ing that concern about genetic erosion is plant ecotypes better adapted to particular In a 198 1 survey of 44 households in the probably valid. These results suggest that biotic or abiotic stresses may require fewer traditional Indian farming village of threat assessment is tricky without good consumptive resources (e.g. water, nutri- Topawa, Arizona, it was discovered that baseline data, and requires repeated moni- ents, energy, etc.) to grow compared to only eight of the 29 historic fields near the toring in the same communities with the widely-adaptable high-yielding varieties. village were still being planted with native same methodology through time. Additional values refer to their usefulness crops. When asked to cite the pressures In contrast to much of the literature on in contexts other than cash cropping mono- which caused them and their neighbors to genetic erosion - such as the Shattering cultures, i.e. home gardens, field poly- abandon the sowing of their traditional by Fowler and Mooney (1990) - the sim- cultures, or small mixed-crop farms. crops, Tohono O’odham farmers in ple replacement of native plant resources Topawa cited a variety of threats and prob- by exotic hybrid crops was not considered Perceived Threats to lems. Only the response, “the young people the preeminent force driving genetic ero- Plant Genetic Resources are lazy, don’t care” is in line with one of sion. The loss of traditional seed saving Threats to plant genetic resources vary in the expert’s observation that inter- skills received as many votes as the intro- their specificity, their intensity, and their generational transmission of folklore has duction of hybrids, and many other reasons duration. Remaining populations of a rare gone asunder. were listed that can be cumulatively called crop ecotype may succumb to a local (sto- In a similar vein, the perception of what a concern about the acculturation of re- chastic) drought of three months duration, is threatened differs between traditional maining traditional farmers and gatherers. or may decline along with long-term global farmers and crop geneticists. Of 15 crop The diversity of threats corroborates our warming. It may be devastated by the acci- geneticists and scholars of Indian agricul- earlier contention that, at least in the bi-na- dental introduction of an exotic pest to a ture who commented on threatened crops tional Southwest’s center of diversity, “the region where the crop had never previously of the U.S. Southwest in a March 1991 oft-cited example of Green Revolution hy- developed insect resistance, or it may be survey, six of them mentioned Hopi crops brids replacing local landraces hardly ac- legally outlawed as a “weed” by ill-in- that they considered to be threatened. They counts for much of the genetic erosion of formed state or national governments. All listed among their concerns Hopi cotton, indigenous cultivated plants in

The Heart of Grassroots Conservation Organizations: “Passion and Dynamism”

Formal conservation sector and nonformal grassroots conservation efforts then quickly dissolve when the issue is resolved. It may honor time-tried both may be concerned about some of the same resources, may be open to some traditional knowledge and practices which informally serve to conserve certain of the same strategies and techniques, and ultimately may be complementary to resources, or develop into a sophisticated, computer-linked network of enthu- one another. Yet the passion and dynamism of the grassroots movement and the siasts working to save the same resources for many different reasons, using genius of its self-motivated individuals are irreplaceable because they define peculiar mixes of modem technologies and traditional means. their goals differently and address threats to the resources in manners that no Perhaps the most distinctive quality of grassroots organizations is the belief government organization could do. of their members that conservation is too important to simply be left up to A grassroots conservation organization may be defined as one which arises “experts”; anyone willing should be able to participate in some effective action. spontaneously out of personal, family, or community concern for a set of As ethnobiologist Eugene Anderson has noted, such people seek to manage or resources, rather than descending from strictly professional or governmental conserve resources in a way that is informed by “an ecology of the heart,” rather directives. It may include laypersons and professionals alike, but formal training than being concerned only about “rational uses,” “cost efficiencies” and “direct does not preclude membership. It may be eventually incorporated as a nonprofit economic benefits.” They acknowledge that their ethical, emotional and spiri- or for-profit organization, or continue to function simply as an ad hoc move- tual ties to organisms, habitats, places, processes and traditions guide them as ment. It may persist for generations, or arise to confront a particular problem, much as do their scientific reasoning and “left brain functions.”

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 29 VIEWPOINTS

Aridoamerica. Most, but not all, of this of smaller, regional seed companies and

receive adequate staff compensation erosion has occurred within the last cen- nonprofit seed exchanges and suppliers. and benefits so they can become long-term tury, and is the result of several interacting Multinational agrichemical conglomerates players in the movement; factors.” bought out many family-owned seed com-

increased technical training; and panies, dropped their collections of stan-

training on organizational operations, Trends in Structure and Growth dard vegetables and replaced them with such as how to raise funds, how to manage The grassroots organizations we sur- more profitable hybrids. These smaller data banks, how to involve members and veyed range in size from one person to an concerns, many of which are involved in volunteers in activities, how to prepare international group with a membership of the seed conservation movement, can fill budgets, how to make long-term plans, and 10,000 people. The organizational nature the demand for a diverse selection of seeds. how to organize effective meetings. of these groups varies - some have paid Emerging Issues staff, others don’t. There are at least 6,500 active We estimate that more than 20,000 U.S. growers of plant genetic resources In Conserving the World’s Biological citizens play supporting roles in these each year. Diversity, McNeely et al. (1990) reaffirm grassroots efforts. Similarly, there are at that: People form the foundation for the least 6,500 active growers of plant genetic It is unclear at this point whether non- sustainable use of biological resources. resources each year. These and other gar- profit organizations functioning as surro- Local communities need to be more in- deners of heritage garden crops, wild crop gates for now defunct regional seed volved in the management of biological relatives, and other plants of important ge- companies is a stop-gap measure or a long- resources, and to benefit from their sus- netic quality are undoubtedly keeping term trend. In reality, all the regional grass- tainable use. Because groups of indige- many varieties alive that without their at- roots efforts still have different agendas nous people in many parts of the world tention would become instinct. For in- from the old regional seed companies that regard natural resources, particularly stance, Native Seeds/SEARCH distributes have now been consolidated or lost. wildlife, as essential to their cultural con- tinuity and economic well-being, they seeds of crop varieties originating from Strengthening the Grassroots should be given particular attention in all Native American farmers to as many as Conservation Movement 4,000 gardeners annually and several other conservation programs. Local people efforts also distribute native crops seeds. To determine what might help should be closely associated with the au- Since there are only 7,000 farmers in Na- strengthen this grassroots movement, we thorities responsible for the management tive American communities today, native first examine what constraints these activ- of biological resources and for the estab- crop preservation is clearly being buoyed ists have found impeding their conserva- lishment and management of protected up by the addition of more than half that tion work. In our survey, lack of adequate areas. number of grassroots growers. funds was the most frequently cited con- This statement provides a strong ratio- Most of the groups have grown in the last cern. Given the modest budgets upon nale for considering the diversity of cul- five years; the two largest groups more which most of these organizations depend, tural communities in biodiversity than doubled their membership in that five- it is not surprising that groups report insuf- conservation. However, what this state- year period. This growth has not come ficient funds for skilled personnel to ac- ment may obscure and what our report without growing pains. Two seed conser- complish the demanding tasks they feel are attempts to elucidate, is the role already vation groups in the Southwest region have necessary to maintain high quality germpl- played by indigenous peoples and other stopped operating due to financial manage- asm. Funds for operations and personnel “lay” communities in initiating and main- ment problems and an inability to resolve could help stabilize the genetic conserva- taining conservation at the grassroots. In management-staff differences. Their fail- tion movement. fact, the grassroots often focus attention on ures have been mitigated somewhat by du- Other factors that would empower grass- a threatened resource prior to recognition plicate collections in the hands of other roots efforts include: of the need for such actions by national or activists. This has led other groups to plan more access to grow-out land and pro- international “authorities.” It makes sense “seed wills” that direct the distribution of cessing facilities; to examine the emerging issues with which their seed collection should they face a increased number of outreach pro- the grassroots sector is beginning to grap- similar ending. grams for conventional farmers to adopt ple. The grassroots conservation movement the use of germplasm for local applications Grassroots groups have been at the lead has adopted several strategies to support of sustainable agriculture; of the emerging issues in plant genetic itself. Sales (of seeds, produce, native more time, more people to help at har- resources for at least five years. For exam- foods and publications), memberships and vest time, education, and moral support, ple, the call for a code of ethics for inter- grants figure greatly in how organizations especially among newer organizations; national plant germplasm collectors support their work. While individual activ- more training and interaction with col- came from the first coalition of Latin ists receive some support from sales, grants leagues; American grassroots plant conservation and custom-growing, many fund their own increased opportunities for interaction organizations in Santiago, Chile, in 1987. projects out of personal income from other and meetings between grassroots activists A committee of U.S., Mexican, Chilean, jobs, or from inheritances. and their counterparts from the more for- and Peruvian grassroots representatives The growth of these organizations is part mal genetics resources community which (including Native Seeds/SEARCH) wrote of a larger trend in the seed industry that would broaden and mature the grassroots a first draft of a code, which was circulated started in the 1970s in which the collapse conservation movement; to various groups in 1989. It has eventually or consolidation of large seed companies continued staff growth including more evolved into “The Code of Conduct for left a void that was filled by the emergence training opportunities and conferences; International Collectors and Users of

30 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8, no.2,1992 VIEWPOINTS

Germplasm.” When ratified by the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, An Ear to The Grassroots. . . it will, in effect, become the model for In narrative supplements to our survey, grass- l “They delight my senses of sight, smell, taste. codes which both countries and indigenous roots conservationists spoke of how they value and touch They shade and warm me, and make communities will use to gauge the ethics of plant genetic resources with a depth and color me marvel at the world." collectors, if it follows along the lines of seldom offered in technical meetings: * “We have co-evolved with them." the FAO’s pesticide code published in * “So much major emphasis has been put on the * “They add a richness and diversity to our scientific ‘use of plant genes’--‘common’ people gardening and eating. Some have interesting 1986, which has already served as the don’t care about this so much as how useful a backgrounds and stories which add to the richness model for codes in 20 individual countries. plant is in their lives. We rae about the veins of of our experience and help put the ‘culture’ into Similarly, Native Seeds/SEARCH and the leaf and do not mention the force within the horticulture.” other groups have explored in situ conser- tree for which the leaf is part. If we save the veins - “They are the heritage of our collective an- so fervently what will happen to the tree? Will cestry, their value is immeasurable, they assure vation of wild chiles and other crop rela- plant genes he just collected and frozen in banks basic human freedom. If you are food dependent, tives (see DIVERSITY, vol.6,nos.3&4, like human sperm? How long? To what use?” you are a slave!” 1990,p.47) and recently initiated an Ari- zona Regis-TREE project for in situ con- eties; model for successful conservation of plant servation of perennials, cosponsored with developing heirloom garden programs genetic resources. The grassroots move- other grassroots groups. These efforts have so as to increase experience of crop varie- ment, at its heart, is seeking not only a received recognition from National Re- ties in a recreation of the time period, cul- diversified range of plants to stabilize and search Council in pioneering the in situ tural background, gardening techniques, sustain an ecological agriculture, it is also domain in the United States. plant associations, etc. that expresses their exploring a diversity of organizational past; structures, mixes of in situ and ex situ strat- Farmers Rights Explored changing U.S. and Canadian agricul- egies and funding sources. The goals and Farmers rights issues were also fueled tural policies with regard to increased at- motives of the organizations and individu- by discussions of Latin American grass- tention to U.S. landraces (“heirlooms”), als are in many ways complementary to the roots groups, and popularized by another our so called “heritage” conservation; formal business, academic and govern- small nonprofit, Rural Advancement Fund re-evaluating USDA policies toward ment sectors, but at the same time, they International (see DIVERSITY, vol.7, multiline mixtures and blends, which al- hope to challenge the other sectors’ as- no.3, p.4). though they are ways of presenting genetic sumptions about appropriate means and Survey respondents suggested several diversity to gardeners and farmers, prohib- ends. strategies for returning benefits derived its selling seed blends without percentages One major difference in perspective is from plant genetic resources to the origi- of each cultivar stated on packet and nota- the grassroots concern about stemming the nal/traditional caretakers of these plants. tion whether hybrid; threats to these resources, rather than as- For example: developing more demonstration gar- suming rescue missions for ex situ captive creating “native farmer refugee sanc- dens to raise public awareness; breeding are sufficient. Even when they tuaries,” i.e. providing land bases for refu- developing serious collection and liken themselves to latter-day Noahs, their gees who lost their land to wars, etc. as well preservation programs for heirloom varie- satisfaction comes not so much from hav- as educating those who have land about its ties, especially at historical sites; ing gathered considerable plant diversity true value; re-examining the issue of farmers into safe harbors, but instead from finding organizing farmer-curator networks rights versus plant breeders rights by re-es- ways to release these organisms back into (locating existing plant stewards, and find- tablishing publicly funded plant breeding their native habitats once threats have sub- ing “growers in original/traditional com- and the need for resource conservation sided or been abated. munities to help grow-out seed, both as amendments to Breeder Rights Laws; For further information and a complete food for families and communities and for encouraging government policy to list of references, contact: Kevin Dahl, As- future planting or for sharing with others); prevent the destruction of unique genetic sistant Director, Native Seeds/SEARCH, working with existing community de- material in the collections of their research 2509 N. Campbell Ave. #325, Tucson, AZ velopment organizations to reach members stations (both national and provincial); 85719, USA. Tel: (602) 327-9123. of their communities who have agricultural proposing incentives, such as favor- land and creating demonstration plots in able tax structures, for profit companies Acknowledgment communities on members’ land with seeds working in genetic conservation; we provide as cooperators; allocating more money for organic and This article was prepared as part of, and with the support of, the WRI-IUCN-UNEP Biodiversity Con- showing our (outsiders’) concern goes native agriculture; servation Strategy Programme. beyond money return for us, thereby asking changing current national farm policy native farmers to take a second look at their which advocates monocultures, chemicals, crop traditions; bank dependences; and References Cited legally protecting the seeds/crops encouraging farmer equipment com- Fowler, Gary, and Pat Mooney. 1990. Shattering. through subsidies to make up for low mat- panies to gear down toward smaller scale, Food, Politics, and the Loss of Genetic Diversity. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. ket returns; more appropriate machinery better suited McNeely, Jeffrey A., Kenton R. Miller, Walter V. continuing and expanding the import- toward diversity. Reid, Russell A. Mittermeir, and Timothy B. Wer- ance of native foods and crafts worldwide ner. 1990. Conserving the World’s Biological Di- Conclusion through cottage industry development; versity. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland; WRI, CI, heightening public awareness through It has been demonstrated that the Noah’s WWF-US, and the World Bank, Washington, DC. education to show importance of old vari- Ark rescue missions need not be the only

Vol. 8, no. 2, 1992 D I V E R S I T Y 31 PUBLICATIONS

by Donald N. Duvick biotechnology, social-impact assessment base of interacting disciplines. Science- institution they suggest would “prohibit based reductionist methods alone cannot Plants, Power, and Profit: Social, Eco- some research and seriously constrain the solve the problems of agriculture in today’s nomic, and Ethical Consequences of the use of some results of research already complex world-and indeed they never New Biotechnologies. Lawrence Busch, performed.” And they accept the implica- could. The book lays an excellent ground- William B. Lacy, Jeffrey Burkhardt, and tion that “some scientific and technologi- work for consideration of new policies for Laura R. Lacy. Basil Blackwell Ltd: Ox- cal possibilities, to the extent that they are agricultural research. ford, UK. 1991. $39.95. linked to undesirable social and environ- mental possibilities, should simply be The authors argue that biotech- Plants, Power, and Profit is aptly titled. placed outside the realm of practicable sci- nology is a major factor in the in- ence.” It aims to show that power over plant bio- creasing corporate interest in and technology must rest with the public as a But, arguing from their combined scien- whole rather than with plant breeders, tific, sociological, and philosophical van- power over plant breeding. plant biotechnologists, and those who con- tage points, the four agree that “although trol them. few of us wish to admit it, science, agricul- But the book fails to live up to its prom- A major focus of the book is on business ture, and society are human enterprises, ise, for in the end it looks only to repression corporations and the increasing influence and our second nature is frequently less based on fear of the dark side of human they exert on academia and on plant breed- than noble.” nature. It looks to an omniscient, omni- potent and almost Orwellian-central ing and its products. The four authors argue New Forces For Change that biotechnology, with its potential to power to forestall or control the problems dramatically reduce the time needed to Plants, Power, and Profit clearly points emanating from other, less wise, centers of produce a new crop variety, is a major out the new forces for change in applied power. factor in the increasing corporate interest plant biology, and does so with a wealth of How much better if the authors had in and power over public and private plant knowledge and detail. It shows that in- looked to constructive action based on breeding. creased precision in plant manipulation, faith in the higher qualities of the human The authors - two sociologists, a phi- combined with increased globalization and spirit. How much better if they could have losopher, and a molecular biologist - de- integration of food production, will lead to proposed (for example) effective ways to vote the beginning chapters of the book to new concentrations of power and new cen- bring the new power centers for research historical accounts intended to show that ters of production and economic activity, and production together with the new research in biotechnology, plant breeding, and indeed all of agriculture, can have Regulating Biotechnology for the Social Good highly important effects on society and the environment. Possible consequences from The authors of Plants, Power, and Profit offer the following guidelines for regulating such research have become so great and biotechnology: far-reaching, they say, that we no longer A national biotechnological review and assessment program should be initiated which has can allow agricultural researchers, public strong regulatory powers. or private, to set their own agendas, partic- The consideration and inclusion of the social, economic, and ethical dimensions of biotechnology should be at the center of the assessment and regulatory process. ularly in biotechnology. If research efforts, or the experimental release or the commercialization of particular Research directions, say the authors, products are likely to have demonstrable negative social and/or economic effects, it is in the should be monitored and regulated by a public interest that these be duly noted. review- and- assessment body, a broadly- If these effects are significant, the process or product should be prohibited from use or based public agency outside the control of limited in the nature and duration of its use. the research system (see box). In addition to setting the research agenda, determining priorities, and setting the course for the which in turn will bring on large and some- power centers for protection of the poor future, this body also should have power to times unexpected and/or undesired and the environment. Such meetings, with forbid any research deemed likely to have changes in economic and social structures. goals of mutual enlightenment and tough undesirable consequences to society. In the This is especially true for the world’s poor- but productive compromise, can result in authors’ words, “the time has come to est countries which will have the greatest heightened awareness of neglected or mal- serve one master: the public interest as a difficulty in coping with these changes and adjusted areas in agricultural society and whole.” so will need special assistance. science. Such awareness can be the basis The authors point out, correctly, that for joint development of proposed policies assessments of future change in agriculture for enlightened change. should move beyond considerations of Since change is inevitable (as Darwin only technology and production, and take knew) one must strive continuously not to into account societal and environmental repress it, but rather to guide it towards needs. They say, correctly, that such global socially productive ends. assessments should be made from a broad

32 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8. no.2,1992 PUBLICATIONS

Mean Green. J. Keehn. Buzzworm, vol.4 no.1, 1992. 362 pp. $59.50. Order from: Patricia Ledlie Jan./Feb. 1992, pp.33-37. Bookseller, Inc., One Bean Road, P.O. Box 90, Buck- field, ME 04220, USA. Tel./FAX: (207) 336-2778. rticles Plant Biodiversity Becomes a Growing World Con- cern. J.Johnston. The Journal of NIH Research, Earth Summit: Conversations with Architects of Age-Old Maize Collections Preserved. D. Connolly. vo1.4,no.2, February 1992, pp.25-27. an Ecologically Sustainable Future. S.Lerner. FRONTLINES, March 1992, p, 12. Common Knowledge Press. 1991. 263 pp. $9.95 pa- Plant Genetic Resources and Plant Improvement as perback. Order from: Common Knowledge Press, Alarm for Nature’s Bounty. B. Rensberger. The Tools to Develop Sustainable Agriculture. S. P.O. Box 316, Bolinas, CA 94924. Washington Post, Apr. 6, 1992 p.A3. Ceccarelli, J. Valkoun, W.Erskine, S. Weigand, R. Miller, and J.A.G. Van Leur. Experimental Agricul- In Vitro Methods for Conservation of Plant Ge- Another Look at the U.S. Plant Germplasm System. ture, vol.28, 1992, pp.89-98. netic Resources. J.H. Dodds, ed. Chapman and Hall. C.J. Gabriel. Bioscience, vo1.42, no.3, March 1992, 1990. 247 pp. £27.50. Order from: Chapman and pp.201-202. Plant Germplasm Evaluation in Mild Temperate Hall, Ltd., 2-6 Boundary Row, London, UK SE1 8HN. Region. GRP Newsletter, no. 13, March 1992, p. 1. FAX: 071-522-9623. Les apports potentiels a l’amélioration génétique des gombos (Abelmoschus spp.) par l’étude de leurs Plant Quarantine Principles as Related to Interna- The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary ressources génétiques. S. Hamon, A. Charrier, J. tional Trade. R. Ikin. Plant Protection Bulletin, of Gardening. Macmillan. 1992. 3,200 pp. $795.00. Koechlin, D.H. van Sloten. Plant Genetic Resources vo1.39,no.2-3, 1991,pp.61-64. Order from: Macmillan-Grove Dictionaries Division, Newsletter, no.86, June 1991, pp.9-16. 1526 E. 26th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA. Tel: 1-800 221-2123. Protecting the Earth’s Genetic Library. R. Bananas: Sickly Yellow. The Economist, Apr. 18, Schlickeisen. The Washington Post. May 24, 1992, 1992, pp. 88-89. p.c7. The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endan- gered Species of North America. Volume I and II. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes. F.S. Chapin D.W. Lowe, ed. Beacham Publishing, Inc. 1990. The Role of Improved Seeds in Agricultural Devel- $195.00. Order from: Beacham Publishing, Inc. 1733 III, E.D. Schulze and H.A. Mooney. TREE, opment of the Developing World. T.T. Chang. Vo1.7no.4, April 1992, pp.107-108. Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, Sabrao Journal, vo1.23,no. 1, 1991, pp.61-65. USA. Biotech in Norway. European Biotechnology News- letter, no. 130, 11 March 1992, pp. 5-7. Plant Biotechnology and Development. P.M. Gresshoff. CRC Press, Inc. 1992. U.S.$49.95/0utside U.S. $59.95. Order from: CRC Press, 2000 Corporate Breeding Crop Varieties for Low-input Agriculture, Blvd., NW, Boca Raton, FL 3343 1-9868, USA. G.N. Altin and K.J. Frey. American Journal of Alter- native Agriculture, vo1.4no.2, 1989, pp.53-58. Plant Breeding in the 1990s: Proceedings of the Symposium on Plant Breeding in the 1990s Ra- Challenges of Plant Biotechnology Application and Seed Collection and Native American Rights. M. leigh, North Carolina, 1991. H.T. Stalker and J.P. Capacity Building in Africa. K. Waithaka. Discov. Drees and B.T. Bums. Seedhead News, nos.32-33, Murphy, eds. 1991. 540 pp. Order from: C.A.B. Innovat, vo1.3 no.4, 1991,p.21. 1991) p.20. International, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE, UK. Tel: (0491) 32111; FAX: (0491) 33508. Conserving Biological Diversity in Agricul- Seeds of Hope. D. MacKenzie. Tomorrow, vol.2,no. 1, tural/Forestry Systems. D. Pimentel, U. Stachow, 1992, pp. 47ff. Sampling Strategies for Conserving Variability of D.A. Takacs, H.W. Brubaker, A.R. Dumas, J.J. Genetic Resources in Seed Crops. E. Porceddu and Meaney, J.A.S. O’Neil, D.E. Onsi, and D.B. Shaking Arabiodopsis thaliana. M.R. Sussman. Sci- A.B. Damania. International Center for Agricultural Corzilius. Bioscience, vo1.42 no.5, May 1992, ence, vol.256, 1 May 1992, p.619. Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). 1991. 28 pp. pp.354-362. Order from: ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria. Sycamore -A Review of Its Status in Conservation Conserving the Tropical Cornucopia. N.J.H. Smith, in Great Britain. J.M. Boyd. Biologist, vo1.39,no. 1, Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment. J.T. Williams, and D.L. Plucknett. Environment, 1992, pp.29-31. V.W. Ruttan. Westview Press. 1991. 189 pp. $29.95. vo1.33 no.6, July/August 1991, pp.6-ff. Order from: Westview Press, Customer Service De- partment, 5500 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301- Toward a National Biodiversity Policy. W.V. Reid. 2847, USA. Tel: (303) 444-3541; FAX: Earth’s Living Library: Check It Out. T.E. Lovejoy. Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 1992, pp. 303-449-3356. The Washington Post, March 19, 1992, p.A8. 59-65.

Tropical Root Crops: Root Crops and the African The Ecology of Grief. P. Windle. Bioscience, Yeast Chromosome III Reveals A Wealth of Un- Food Crisis: Proceedings of the Third Triennial vo1.42no.5, May 1992, pp.363-366. known Genes. F. Eijgenraam. Science, vol.256, 8 Symposium of the International Society for Trop- May 1992, p. 730. Africa Branch. E.R. Terry, M.O. Funding for Horticultural Research. Proceedings of ical Root Crops - Akoroda, O.B. Arene, eds. International Develop- the Colloquim held at the 87th ASHS Annual Meet- ment Research Centre. 1987. 198 pp. $17.95. Order ing, Tucson, Arizona, 5 November 1990. HortSci- from: Agribookstore, Winrock International, Rosslyn ence, vo1.27no.3, March 1992, pp.199-212. Plaza, 1611 North Kent Street, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209-2134, USA. Tel: (703) 525-9455; FAX: Genes to Greens: Embryonic Pattern Formation in ooks 703-525-1744. Plants. G. Jürgens. Science, vol.256, 24 April 1992, pp. 487-488. Biological Diversity of Mexico. T.P. Ramamoorthy, Use of Plant Introduction in Cultivar Develop- R.A. Bye, A. Lot, and J.E. Fa, eds. Oxford University ment-Part II. H.L. Shands and L.E. Wiesner, eds. The Gift of Gardening. W.S. Ellis. National Geo- Press. 1992. 512 pp. $65.00/$52.00. Order from: Crop Science Society of America. CSSA Special Pub- graphic, May 1992, pp.52-81. Oxford University Press, 2001 Evans Road, Cary, NC lication Number 20. 1992. 184 pp. $30.00. Order 27513, USA. from: CSSA, 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI How Rain Forests Help You. C. O’Neil. The Wash- 53711, USA. Tel: (608) 273-8080. ington Post Health, May 5, 1992, p.22. Conservation of Medicinal Plants. A. Olayiwola and V. Heywood, eds. Patricia Ledlie Bookseller, Inc.

Vol. 8, no.2,1992 D I V E R S I T Y 33 William M. Rota, CIAT, Apartado Aéreo 67 13, Cali, Vavilov to Molecular Genetics, St. Petersburg, Rus- Colombia. Tel: (57-23) 675050 ext.443. FAX: (57- sia. Contact: Prof. Victor Alexandrovich Dragavtsev, 23) 647243. Director, N.I. Vavilov All-Union Scientific Research vents Institute of Plant Industry (VIR), 44 Herzen Str., St. September 1-5 - 40th Annual Congress of the Petersburg 190000, Russia. - 1992 - Society for Medicinal Plant Research, Trieste, August 9- 13 - 43rd Annual Meeting of the Ameri- Italy. Contact: Organizing Secretariat, The Office, October 12- 15 - International Workshop on “Eval- can Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), Hono- Via S. Nicolo 14, 34121 Trieste, Italy. uation and Utilization of Biodiversity in Wild Rel- lulu, HI. Contact: Louise Salmon, AIBS Meetings atives and Primitive Forms for Wheat Manager, AIBS, 730 1lth Street, NW, Washington, September 7- 11 - Sixth European Ecological Con- Improvement,” Aleppo, Syria. Contact: Dr. A.B. DC 20001-4584, USA. Tel/FAX: 202-628-1500. gress, Marseille, France. Contact: Dr. D. Bellan- Damania, Genetic Resources Unit, ICARDA, P.O. Santini, Centre d’Océanologie de Marseille, Station Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria. August 9-11 - Annual Meeting of the Association Marine d’Endoume, Rue Batterie des Lions, 13007, of Systematics Collections, Honolulu, HI. Contact: Marseille, France. October 18-20 - Texas Seed Trade Association ASC, 730 11th St., NW, 2nd Fl., Washington, DC Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. Contact: 20001, USA. Tel: (202) 628-1500. FAX: 202-347- September 13-17 - International Workshop on Donald W. Ator, Exec. Vice President, P.O. Box 0072. Conservation, Characterization & Utilization of 1430, Pflugerville, TX 78660- 1430, USA. Tel: (5 12) Cocoa Genetic Resources in the 21st Century, Port 990-5212. FAX: 512-990-1088. August 9-13 - Caribbean Food Crops Society - 28th of Spain, Trinidad. Contact: Prof. John Spence or Annual Meeting, Santo Domingo, Dominican Re- Mrs. Frances Bekele, The Cocoa Research Unit, The October 19-25 - Third International Botanic Gar- public. Contact: Dra. Altagracia Rivera de Castillo, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trini- dens Conservation Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Executive Director, Fundacion de Desarrollo dad, West Indies. Tel./FAX: (1) 809-491-5588. Contact: Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, Botanic Gardens Agropecuario, Inc. (FDA), Apartado Postal 567-2, September 13-19 - The Agricultural Research Conservation Secretariat, Descanso House, 199 Kew Santo Domingo, D.N. Dominican Republic. FAX: Institute’s International Conference of Agricul- Rd., Surrey TW9 3BW, UK. Tel: 81 940 00471. (809) 544-4724. FAX: 81948 4363.

August 9-13 - Ecological Society of America An- October 26-30 - Consultative Group on Interna- nual Meeting, Honolulu, HI. Contact: ESA, Center tional Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Centers for Environmental Studies, Arizona State University, Week, Washington, DC. Contact: CGIAR, c/o World Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA. August 9-14 - Fourth Annual Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration, Waterloo, On- October 31 - November 1 - ASHS - CSSA - Joint tario, Canada. Contact: Laura Lee Hoefs, Society of Plant Breeding Symposium: Applications of RAPD Ecological Restoration, 1207 Seminole Highway, Technology to Plant Breeding, Minneapolis, MN. Madison, WI 537 11, USA. Contact: John W. Dudley, Department of Agronomy, tural Research Administrators, McLean, VA. University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA. Tel: (608) August 13 - NE-9 RTAC Meeting, Geneva, NY. Contact: The Agricultural Research Institute, 9650 262-6975. Contact: Dr. Stephen Kresovich, Supervisory Genet- Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3998. USA. icist/Research Leader, USDA/ARS, Regional Plant Tel. 301-530-7122. FAX: 301-571-1837. November/December - Second International Introduction Station, Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Course on Fodder Tree Legumes-Multipurpose New York Agric. Exp. Station, Geneva, NY 14456- September 14-18 - International Society for Tropi- Species for Agriculture, Queensland, Australia. 0462, USA. Tel: (315) 787-2333. FAX: 315787- cal Crop Research and Development (ISTCRAD) Contact: R.C. Gutteridge, Course Coordinator, The 2397. International Symposium on Tropical Crop Re- University of Queensland, Overseas Projects Office, search and Biotechnology, Trivandrum, India. Con- Department of Agriculture, Queensland, Australia August 15-21 - 17th International Congress for tact: Dr. N.K. Nayar, Organising Secretary, 4072. Tel: (07) 365 2651. FAX: (07) 365 1188. Genetics, Birmingham, UK. Contact: Derek Smith, International Society for Tropical Crop Research and Secretary-General, Research Sup. and Industry Liai- Development, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, November 1-6 - Annual Meeting of the American son, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Trivandrum 695 522. Tel: 0471-69911. Telex: 0435- Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of B 152TT, UK. 309 JAS IN, Trivandrum-695 010. America, and the Soil Science Society of America, Minneapolis, MN. Contact: ASA/CSSA/SSSA, 677 August 18 - Dedication Ceremony, National Seed September 21-25 - Etnobotanica 92, Cordoba, South Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA. (608) Storage Laboratory, Boulder, CO. Contact: Dr. Spain. Contact: Secretaria, Etnobotanica 92, Apdo. 273-8080. Steve A. Eberhart, Director, National Seed Storage 3.029 (Jardin Botanico de Cordoba) 14080 Cordoba, Laboratory, Fort Collins, CO 80523, US. Tel: 303- Spain. November 5-7 - Applications and Prospects of Bio- 484-0402. technology for Arid and Semiarid Land, Lubbock, September 22-25 - Genome Sequencing Confer- TX. Contact: Tom Mabry, IC2 Fellow, IC2 Institute, August 20-24 - Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biotech- ence, Hilton Head, SC. Contact: Susan Wallace, P.O. 2815, San Gabriel, Austin, TX. USA. Tel: (512) nology Conference, Beijing, China. Contact: C.B. Box 541, Rockville, MD 20848, USA. Tel: (301) 471-1900. FAX: (512) 471-3878. You, APAB, Beijing Intl. Conv. Ctr., Room 1008, 8 480-0634. FAX (301) 480-8588. E-mail: Beichendong Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing 100101, [email protected]. November 9-11 - Plant Genome I, San Diego, CA. P.R. China. Contact: Scherago International, Inc., 11 Pen Plaza, September 23-25 - Genome Mapping of Wheat and Suite 1003, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: (212) August 23-28 - Congress of the European Society Related Species -Third Annual International Pub- 643-1750, FAX: 212-643-1758. of Agronomy, Coventry, England. Contact: Dr. A. lic Workshop, CIMMYT Headquarters, Mexico. Scaife, ESA Congress Office, Horticulture Research Contact: Calvin 0. Qualset, Director, UC Genetic November 10-15 - The Third International Con- International, Wellesboume, Warwicks, CV35 9EF, Resources Conservation Program, University of Cal- gress of Ethnobiology, Coyoacan, Mexico. Con- UK. Tel: 0789 470382. FAX: 0789 4705522. ifornia, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Tel: (916) 757-8920. tact: Javier Caballero, ISE Organizing Committee; Fax: (916) 757-8755. Apartado Postal 21-585, Coyoacan 04000, D.F. Mex- August 25-28 - First International Scientific ico. Tel: (52-5) 548-9785 & 550-5057. FAX: (52-5) Meeting of the Cassava Biotechnology Network September 28-October 3 - EUCARPIA Sympo- 548-8207. Email: Cabani.Unamvmi.Bitnet. (CBN), Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Contact: Dr. sium on Understanding Genetic Diversity from

34 D I V E R S I T Y Vol. 8, no.2,1992

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