To measure the yield and financial returns from five grain legume–maize intercrop combinations over 12 years of cropping, a field experiment was conducted on a loamy sand soil in the subhumid unimodal rainfall environment of Domboshava in north-central Zimbabwe. Inputs and management followed smallholder practice, including partial grazing of crop residues and a zero mineral fertilizer treatment. The intercropped legumes grew moderately well most years. Cowpea averaged the highest grain yield (0.244 t ha−1) and haulm yield (1.54 t ha−1) over the 12 years, followed by pigeonpea and sugar bean. Intercropped pigeonpea yield was the least variable of the legumes over the years. Maize grain yield was highly variable across years with or without fertilizer and was reduced in years of low (533 mm) and high (1313 mm) rainfall. The pigeonpea–maize intercrop grown without fertilizer produced 0.11 t ha−1 (6.25 %) more maize grain yield per year than sole crop maize, in addition to pigeonpea grain and haulms. Intercropped cowpea (which yielded more than double the above-ground non-grain biomass of pigeonpea) had less effect on maize grain yield. There was no trend to greater benefits from the legumes on maize yield after more years of intercropping. Net present values of annual margins accumulated over the 12 years for sole maize with fertilizer (US$1719 ha−1) and without fertilizer (US$935 ha−1) were higher than the fertilized and unfertilized intercropping options (US$1017 and US$745 ha−1). Pigeonpea or cowpea–unfertilized maize generated more financial returns than the other intercrops, but the low yields and high labour costs for the legumes made the intercrops financially unattractive. We conclude that regularly intercropped pigeonpea or cowpea can to a small extent help to maintain maize yield when maize is grown without mineral fertilizer on sandy soils in sub humid zones of Zimbabwe, and simultaneously provide some nutritious food, but that financial considerations will encourage smallholder farmers to persist with growing low input sole crop maize.

The main objective of this study was to quantify the genotypic variation of photosynthetic and gas exchange parameters of Hevea and to examine their relationships to dry rubber yield and its components. Canopy photosynthesis (Pc) of the genotype RRISL 211 was 20 % greater than that of RRIC 121. This was primarily due to RRISL 211's greater light-saturated leaf photosynthetic rates and a greater leaf area index in the top canopy stratum. Tapping significantly increased Pc in RRISL 211, but not in RRIC 121. The genotypic variation in photosynthetic capacity was not reflected in the overall dry rubber yield, which did not differ between the two genotypes. However, analysis of yield components showed that while RRISL 211 may have preferentially partitioned a greater proportion of its additional assimilates to increasing the latex volume and extending the root system, RRIC 121 partitioned more assimilates to increasing its dry rubber content through greater biosynthesis of rubber. The higher plugging index and the greater post-tapping girth increment of RRIC 121 were probably responsible for observed increases in its dark respiration following tapping. Although RRISL 211 had a greater transpiration efficiency, this did not provide a yield advantage as the trees were growing in an environment with adequate rainfall throughout the year.

In order to identify the effect of burrowing nematodes on the shoots (pseudostem and leaves) of banana plants and to determine whether or not shoot characteristics are associated with plant resistance to nematodes two experiments were conducted in controlled conditions within polytunnels. The banana plants were harvested on three occasions for the measurement of root morphology and biomass. Varieties differed in their resistance to nematodes from resistant (Yg Km5, FHIA 17, FHIA 03) and partly resistant (FHIA 01, FHIA 25) to not resistant (FHIA 23, Williams). Nematodes reduced total plant dry weight at the first harvest in Experiment 1 and by an average of 8.8% in Experiment 2, but did not affect leaf area in either experiment. The ratio of above-ground weight to total plant weight was reduced from 75% to 72% in nematode-infected plants compared with the control plants for all varieties tested in Experiment 1, but was only reduced in FHIA 25 and FHIA 23 in Experiment 2. Varieties differed in above-ground growth. The FHIA varieties had greater shoot weights and leaf area than YgKm5 and Williams. Overall, resistance to nematodes was associated with the partitioning of a greater proportion of biomass to the roots than to above-ground parts

Osmotic constraints, nutrient deficiencies, especially phosphorus, and the lack of efficient strains of rhizobia in Mediterranean soils are major factors limiting symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). In order to improve yields, we investigated responses to rhizobial inoculation and P fertilization under glasshouse and field conditions with two bean cultivars, Coco blanc and BAT477. The nodulation test, using a hydroponic system in a glasshouse, revealed strong variability among 22 rhizobium strains of various origins, in their symbiotic efficiency, compared with Rhizobium tropici CIAT899. The introduced strains proved to be more efficient although some local rhizobia revealed high potential efficiencies. Glasshouse trials showed a significant effect of inoculation and P supply on nodulation, N content and shoot dry weight that varied with rhizobial strain. Field trials substantiated the glasshouse observations and emphasized the effects of cultivar-rhizobia interactions on symbiotic parameters and yields. It is concluded that inoculation with suitable rhizobia with supply of additional P is a technology that may improve symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield in common bean in some soils under a Mediterranean climate.

In tropical Africa, pepper (Capsicum spp.) is grown as a rainfed crop, and its production is limited by the long, hot growing season. Field experiments were conducted in Nigeria to evaluate the effects of cassava (Manihot esculenta) on the growth and yields of three pepper cultivars and gross returns in 2001–2003. In Experiment 1, pepper (cv. Sombo) was planted between rows of cassava cvs Idileru (PI), Odongbo (PO) and TMS 30572 (PT). In Experiment 2, pepper cvs Sombo, Tatase and Atarodo, were mixed with TMS 30572 (MS, MT or MA). The growth environment for the intercropped pepper differed from sole crops of pepper. Radiant energy reaching the soil surface, maximum diurnal soil and canopy temperatures, and weed growth were lower with intercropping, with the lowest values being observed in the PI and PT intercrops. Similarly, soil moisture content and the number of earthworm casts were greater with intercropping, with the highest values also occurring in the PI and PT intercrops. In both experiments, fresh fruit yields of pepper depended on the duration of harvest, the number of fruits per plant and the weight of fruits. In Experiment 1, although the number of fruits and fruit yield of cv. Sombo were greater in the sole crop (SP) than the PO intercrop, the fruit yields in the PI and PT intercrops were similar to those of the SP plot. In Experiment 2, the number of fruits and yield of intercropped pepper cvs Tatase, Sombo and Atarodo were 25–28 % higher, on average, than in pure stands. Cassava tuber yield was not affected by intercropped pepper in either experiment. Total gross returns were greater than growing either pepper or cassava in monoculture. Increased total gross returns in the intercrops were obtained in the PI and PT treatments and in the MS and MA treatments without a significant reduction in pepper fruit yield. By promoting early fruit set and harvest, and bearing in mind the cumulative gross returns, mixing pepper and cassava enhanced the value of the vegetable, as early fresh pepper fruits command a premium price. It is concluded that pepper can be grown between cassava rows to provide a suitable environment for growth, but that this depends on the cassava cultivar. Using the less tall early cassava cultivar, with a relatively moderate leaf area index in a mixture with pepper is therefore recommended.

Small-scale dairy farming has been suggested as a rural development option for Mexican campesino communities. However, there is a lack of information on how dairy farming systems operate. The objective of this paper is to analyse the social, productive and economic characteristics of small-scale dairy production systems in the central highlands in the northwest of the State of Mexico. These three characteristics were analysed on 69 farms using factor and cluster analysis. Five factors accounted for 68% of cumulative variance. Cluster analysis yielded three well-defined groups. A Kruskal–Wallis test was performed on the arable land area and the number of animals, and analysis of variance for milk yield. Economic analysis was undertaken using activity budgets. Results showed the relationships between scale and management methods and their effects on the income for the family. Families in only one of the three groups receive incomes from dairying that were above all Mexican poverty indices. This outcome is explained by the intensification in the management of their herds, which is reflected in higher milk yields, higher incomes and better access to government support schemes. Enhancement of milk production in the area studied needs differential policies which take in to account differences between the groups identified.

In this study, genotype by environment (G × E) interactions and phenotypic stability of resistance to Phytophthora infestans, the cause of late blight, were analysed in Peru for 13 potato genotypes, using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis and Huehn's non-parametric test. The potato genotypes were tested in seven experiments over two years in the vicinity of Comas, Peru, an area used by the International Potato Center to screen for resistance to late blight. Results of the two analyses generally correlated and indicated that quantitative resistance to P. infestans was stable under field conditions for all the genotypes tested. The first two principal components (PCA1 and PCA2) of the AMMI analysis explained 54% of the G × E interaction sum of squares. A biplot of the two principal components demonstrated a strong year effect in the G × E interaction. By plotting yearly means of the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC), genotypes could be assigned to one of three resistance categories, resistant, moderately resistant or susceptible, but the need for a more readily applicable and truly quantitative scale for resistance was noted. Based on these studies, standards can be selected for use in screening in the area where they were tested. After further testing in other locations, a standard set drawn from these genotypes could be identified and a quantitative scale developed for evaluation of resistance under short day conditions.

Chickpea production in marginal (<600 mm annual rainfall) areas of the northern cropping region in eastern Australia is considered to be constrained by low rainfall, soils with low plant available water capacity (PAWC), subsoil salinity, low plant stature and poor fruit set. This study examines these constraints to assess the magnitude of their impact and if agronomic practices can improve potential production. Over three years a total of 42 commercial chickpea crops were monitored following a participatory action research approach focusing on perceived production constraints. Subsoil salinity significantly reduced PAWC for chickpea compared to wheat. However, PAWC for chickpeas from the majority of sites monitored was comparable to other areas. The supply of water between flowering and maturity was significantly related to yield. The agronomic practice of levelling following deep planting improved the lowest pod height by 10 cm and plant stresses experienced during flowering caused a 50 % loss of potential fruit. Constraints impacting on the supply and storage of soil water could be minimized by selecting paddocks with low chloride levels in the upper layers and sowing crops when the available soil water is greater than 100 mm. Reducing fruit loss at flowering has the potential to improve yields significantly. The mechanisms behind this loss were not identified but are worthy of further research.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is used for live mulch and edible apical shoots, seeds and fruits, and requires that a strategy for using it as ground cover in intercropping with food crops be developed while sustaining reasonable apical and fruit yields. Field experiments were conducted in 1999–2001 to investigate the effects of population density (5000, 10 000 and 15 000 plants ha−1) and sowing date (March, April and May) of pumpkin on the soil hydrothermal regime, earthworm casts, weed control, and crop growth and yields in a Yam–pumpkin intercrop. Growing pumpkin between yam mounds reduced maximum diurnal soil temperature by 4.3–8.1 °C, weeding frequency by 52% and weed dry biomass by 50–67%, while soil moisture was conserved by 48–62 g kg−1, earthworm casts were increased by 58–68% and yam tuber yield by 30–52%, irrespective of population density or sowing date, compared with yam monoculture. Intercropping had no effect on the growth and fruit yields of pumpkin, but leaf area index and apical shoot and fruit yields increased by 30–49% as the plant population increased to 10 000 plants ha−1, beyond which there was no further significant increase. Furthermore, apical shoot and fruit yields were remarkably reduced when pumpkin was sown beyond April. Increasing pumpkin population up to 10 000–15 000 plants ha−1 reduced soil temperatures by 0.7–1.2 °C, weeding frequency by 15–35% and weed dry biomass by 36–57%, conserved soil moisture by 46–63 g kg−1, and increased earthworm casts by 20% compared to 5000 plants ha−1 in both cropping systems. Although the sowing date did not affect earthworm casts and weeding frequency, pumpkin sown in March or April reduced soil temperatures by 2.6–4.0 °C and weeds by 27%, and conserved soil moisture by 15–37 g kg−1, compared with May-sown plants. Intercropping pumpkin up to 10 000 plants ha−1 with yam at an optimal sowing date target in March-April is recommended for maximum development and productivity, and when pumpkin is used for live mulch in yam plots to reduce supra-optimal soil temperature, excessive evaporation and weed growth.

Farmer field schools (FFSs) were conducted in southern India to reduce pesticide input and enhance sustainability of cotton production systems. This study was carried out to determine the additional benefits of FFSs in the social and economic arena, using the sustainable livelihoods (SL) concept to frame the evaluation. Farmers who had participated in the integrated pest management (IPM) FFSs perceived a range of impacts much beyond the adoption of IPM practices. The reduced cost of cultivation allowed for financial recovery from debt and the building of physical assets. IPMFFS households and production systems were perceived by the participants to have become more economically resilient than Non-IPMFFS control groups when faced with adversity. In the participants' view, IPMFFSs also led to enhanced individual and community social well-being, a benefit valued in particular by the women participants. The study tested a new application of the SL conceptual framework as a tool for evaluation.

Smallholders' acceptance of innovations depends largely on the approach used to take their needs and constraints into account. The adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies by smallholders can lead to a reduction in pesticide use in cotton, as soon as the recommended cropping practices are adapted to local conditions and associated with a threshold-based use of chemicals. To achieve this goal, farmers need to be trained on the biological basis of IPM. To ensure effective and rational implementation of IPM by farmers, it is essential to overcome constraints associated with pest scouting, identifying and preserving beneficial insects, and gaining access to the right inputs on time. In the current African context, where the extension system is sometimes in very poor shape, participatory methods fostered by the ‘farmer field school’ concept could enable farmers to implement an integrated approach to pest management, while keeping researchers informed about farmers' needs and constraints. Our paper is an attempt to use such a participatory method as a tool to explore farmers' needs and constraints when smallholders are asked to adopt an integrated approach to cotton pest management.

Plectranthus edulis (syn. Coleus edulis) is a tuber-bearing labiate species cultivated in parts of southern Ethiopia. To learn about traditional cultural practices and their rationale, a survey was conducted among farmers from Chencha and Wolaita experienced in growing this crop. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview 48 family heads categorized into three wealth groups per site. Information was checked through group discussions and field observations. In Wolaita, poorer farmers cropped a larger portion of their land to P. edulis than richer farmers. Land was usually prepared for planting between January and April. In Wolaita, the crop was mostly grown in a furrow. In Chencha growing in patches and on flat land also occurred. Farmers mostly used a digging hoe for land preparation. Tuber pieces were planted about 5 cm deep. According to farmers, using tuber pieces resulted in more stems, more progeny tubers and higher yields than using whole tubers. Tubers were broken into pieces 0–1 day before planting. Tuber pieces were planted with sprouts or after desprouting. Crops were usually fertilized with manure, but in Wolaita sometimes also with compost. Applying fertilizer was thought to give more and bigger tubers. Earthing up took place 1–3 times (usually twice), to increase yield. Tipping was also done 1–3 times (usually once), to increase the number of stems. Based on the survey, an overview of the practices and their rationale is compiled for use in further research into this orphan crop.