DSpace Collection:

Japan and IRRI: Contributions to international rice research for sustainable development, lessons learned and ways forward

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Japan and IRRI: Contributions to international rice research for sustainable development, lessons learned and ways forward Authors: Kato, Yoichiro; Hayashi, Keiichi Abstract: This paper reviewed the contributions of Japan to rice research through its partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which started in 1960. Japanese scientists were seconded to work at the IRRI headquarters or hired as full time staff to conduct rice research in the fields of breeding, pathology, physiology, agronomy, and social sciences. Among them is Dr. Akira Tanaka who played a key role in the development of IR8, a rice variety credited for paving the way for the first green revolution. To disseminate research outputs from agronomic research on rainfed rice in Asia to farmers, IRRI developed an ICT based decision support systems (i.e. weather-rice-nutrient integrated decision support system or WeRise) which are ideal platform to enable farmers to access database from various fields of rice research. These web based technologies are also accessible through mobile devices. Web based technologies can help accumulate big data that can be used to promote data driven solutions and enable informed decision making to help rice farmers adapt to current and future climate. Analysis of big data from various web based technologies is still a researchable area where IRRI and Japan can work together to exploit valuable Information from past researches and further contribute to sustainable development through rice research.

Effects of topography, soil organic matter, and chemical properties on the growth of Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations in northeast Thailand

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Effects of topography, soil organic matter, and chemical properties on the growth of Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations in northeast Thailand Authors: Noda, Iwao; Himmapan, Woraphun; Vacharangkura, Tosporn; Sukchan, Somsak; Wichiennopparat, Wilawan; Furuya, Naoyuki Abstract: Information about site conditions is essential to select teak (Tectona grandis) plantation sites in northeast Thailand. We examined the effects of topography (slope steepness, elevation, and slope aspect), soil organic matter, and chemical factors on tree growth (site index) in 7- to 30-year-old teak plantations (n = 87) in Northeast Thailand. Soil organic matter and chemistry data were collected from the topsoil (0 cm-20 cm) and subsoil (40 cm-60 cm). The linear mixed model indicated that teak growth was positively affected by slope steepness (p < 0.05) and Ca content and negatively by Na content. Mg showed a weak correlation (P < 0.1) due to its association with Ca. We suggest that slope steepness alters the balance of exchangeable cations, and that accumulation of soil organic matter due to surface drainage plays an important role. In conclusion, suitable sites for growing teak in the study area in Northeast Thailand are those on slopes with topsoil rich in Ca.

Potato germplasm enhancement with Genetic resources and biotechnology applications and related achievements in the early years of the International Potato Center (CIP)

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Potato germplasm enhancement with Genetic resources and biotechnology applications and related achievements in the early years of the International Potato Center (CIP) Authors: Watanabe, Kazuo N.; Rios, Rodomiro Otavio Ortiz; Handayani, Tri Abstract: The aim of this review was to give an overview regarding key points of potato germplasm enhancement associated with the International Potato Center and its global research for development partners including feedback from technology and germplasm recipients. Highlights were addressed on the participation by Japanese scholars to CIP. Also, specific impacts were raised on the Japanese research contribution on potato research for technology application and development for the partner countries by co working with key Japanese organizations. Special reference was made to research on genetic underpinnings and technology development for enhancing the introgression and incorporation of traits that were not available in the primary potato breeding pools. The use of genetic engineering was also judged and in particular for its potential to address global uses. Future outlook was also provided for hinting Japanese participation to the international agriculture.

Vegetation dynamics and phenological shifts in long-term NDVI time series in inner Mongolia, China

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Vegetation dynamics and phenological shifts in long-term NDVI time series in inner Mongolia, China Authors: Gong, Zhe; Kayvamura, Kensuke; Ishikawa, Naoto; Goto, Masakazu; Tuya, Wulan; Alateng, Dalai; Yin, Ting; Ito, Yutaka Abstract: To assess the dynamics of vegetation growth and phenology in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China, a time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 1983 to 2013, derived from the Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer-Vegetation Health Product (AVHRR-VHP), was applied to detect linear trends, seasonal phenology transition dates, and growing seasons. Overall, Inner Mongolia became warmer and drier during the study period. A significant increasing cumulative NDVI trend was found for 30.30% of the total vegetation covered area. The restored area was mainly in the western desert steppe. The degraded area was primarily located in the northeastern meadow and typical steppe regions. However, a severe drought was delected during 1993-2003, when approximately 27.56% of the total vegetation covered area experienced a significant decreasing NDVI trend. The length of the growing season (LOS) during 1983-2013 was shortened due to the delayed start of the growing season (SOS) and advanced timing of the end of the growing season (EOS). However, this trend was reversed during the more recent decade (2003-2013). The phenology was closely associated with climate change, especially precipitation. The variability of vegetation responses to climate change was also assessed, indicating that most types of vegetation had recently recovered and that the restored areas had a varied spatial distribution.