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Compared to sole crops, intercropping—especially of legumes and cereals—has great potential to improve crop yield and resource use efficiency, and can provide many other ecosystem services. However, the beneficial effects of intercrops are often greatly dependent on the end use as well as the specific species and genotypes being co-cultivated. In addition, intercropping imposes added complexity at different levels of the supply chain. While the need for developing crop genotypes for intercropping has long been recognized, most cultivars on the market are optimized for sole cropping and may not necessarily perform well in intercrops. This paper aims to place breeding targets for intercrop-adapted genotypes in a supply chain perspective. Three case studies of legumes and cereals intercropped for human consumption are used to identify desirable intercrop traits for actors across the supply chains, many of which are not targeted by traditional breeding for sole crops, including certain seed attributes, and some of which do not fit traditional breeding schemes, such as breeding for synchronized maturity and species synergies. Incorporating these traits into intercrop breeding could significantly reduce complexity along the supply chain. It is concluded that the widespread adoption and integration of intercrops will only be successful through the inclusion and collaboration of all supply chain actors, the application of breeding approaches that take into account the complexity of intercrop supply chains, and the implementation of diversification strategies in every process from field to fork.

Barley is a very important crop particularly in marginal dry areas, where it often serves as the most viable option for farmers. Additionally, barley carries great significance in the Western world, serving not only as a fundamental crop for animal feed and malting but also as a nutritious food source. The broad adaptability of barley and its ability to withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses often make this species the sole cereal that can be cultivated in arid regions. The collection and utilization of barley genetic resources are crucial for identifying valuable traits to enhance productivity and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. This review aims to provide an overview of the management and exploitation of barley genetic resources. Furthermore, the review explores the relationship between gene banks and participatory breeding, offering insights into the diversity and utilization of barley genetic resources through some examples such as the initiatives undertaken by ICARDA. Finally, this contribution highlights the importance of these resources for boosting barley productivity, addressing climate change impacts, and meeting the growing food demands in a rapidly changing agriculture. The understanding and utilizing the rich genetic diversity of barley can contribute to sustainable agriculture and ensure the success of this vital crop for future generations globally.

Crop genetic diversity and in situ conservation of traditional varieties play a vital and complementary role in biodiversity conservation, capturing not only genetic resources but also the dynamic evolutionary processes that sustain them. In the present study, thirteen traditional Odisha finger millet varieties, selected from a larger set of 46 conserved by tribal millet farmers, were evaluated across four diverse growing regions. The study identified four traditional varieties Kundra Bati (1776.6 kg/ha), Laxmipur Kalia (1735.3 kg/ha), Malyabant Mami (1686.1 kg/ha), and Gupteswar Bharathi (1863.9 kg/ha) with stable grain yield levels under marginalized conditions and local preferences by farmers. Gupteswar Bharathi exhibited superior performance across all test locations (Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada), while Kundra Bati excelled at Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, and Rayagada; Malyabant Mami at Koraput and Rayagada; and Laxmipur Kalia at Mayurbhanj and Rayagada. The identified varieties also recorded superiority for grain iron (20.4 to 23.2 ppm), grain zinc (17.5 -19.6 ppm) and calcium content (2692-3221 ppm). Higher stover yields (>8000 kg/ha) recorded in the four traditional varieties indicates it scope in agro-pastoral utility. Considering the importance of conservation of traditional varieties in its growing regions supported with performance in evaluation trials and local acceptance by farmers, the four traditional varieties were notified for large scale cultivation in the target locations. Nutritional analysis of varieties grown at Koraput demonstrated ~20% higher grain protein and micronutrients indicating greater role of environment on the expression of these nutritional traits. These findings suggest scope for future research aimed at securing Geographical Indication (GI) status for finger millet production from Koraput and other traditional growing regions. Notably, Koraput, Odisha, India is, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscoring its global significance in agro-biodiversity conservation. The present study highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches to effectively conserve and mainstream diverse traditional millet varieties into the cultivation system.

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics, rice production practices, and breeding preferences of farmers across three major rice-growing regions of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta, Central Vietnam, and North Vietnam. A survey of 109 rice farmers captured information on cultivation status, livelihood activities, and preferred breeding traits for rice improvement. The results reveal clear regional differentiation in farm structure, production objectives, and varietal preferences. Rice farming in the Mekong Delta is predominantly commercially oriented, characterized by larger landholdings and greater male participation, whereas rice production in Central and Northern Vietnam is more subsistence-oriented, with higher female involvement. Farmers across regions consistently valued locally adapted rice varieties, but articulated region-specific trait priorities shaped by agro-ecological conditions. In the Mekong Delta, preferences emphasized soft grain quality and salinity tolerance, reflecting coastal production constraints. In Central Vietnam, farmers prioritized heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, while in Northern Vietnam, cold tolerance and grain quality attributes, including aroma and harder texture, were most important. Major biotic stresses, particularly blast and bacterial blight, also showed significant regional variation in reported incidence. By linking these region-specific preferences to clearly defined Target Populations of Environments (TPEs), this study provides a practical framework for aligning breeding targets with real-world production conditions. The findings offer actionable guidance for participatory breeding and decentralized varietal evaluation under the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods, and Development (BOLD) initiative, as well as other rice improvement programs. To our knowledge, this represents the first multi-region evidence from Vietnam that systematically integrates agro-ecological variation with a TPE-based breeding approach, supporting the development of climate-resilient, farmer-preferred rice varieties and more sustainable rice production systems.

Farmer-participatory breeding approach is an important component in the crop improvement of lablab ( Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet). The study was carried out to obtain the knowledge, practices and preferences of lablab through 31 lablab growing-farmers from Arusha, Kondoa, Karatu, Same and Babati districts of Tanzania toward initiating a lablab breeding program. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered and focused group discussions were held to collect data on the socio-demographic factors, production practices, constraints and farmer’s preferred traits of lablab. Selection of preferred traits and accessions was also done by the farmers in the field. Results showed that the chief constraints of lablab production are pests and diseases, poor marketability, low seed quality, inadequate rainfall, expensive agrochemicals, low yield, and poor storage facilities. The major pests are pod borer (field) and bruchids (storage). Preferred traits for lablab improvement include the development of insect pests and disease-resistant varieties, early maturing, high yield, black colored seed for market, short cooking time, and dense foliage. Genotypes EK2, D360, HA4, and D96 with preferred traits were identified by farmers, which forms critical decisions in crop improvement. This study describes the current view of lablab production and generates the understanding of farmers’ perceptions and preferences vital for breeding priorities and programs to increase its production, utilization and consumption.

Breeding programmes increasingly rely on head-to-head comparisons to inform stakeholders about the optimal cultivar for local conditions. This study implemented and evaluated a practical, transparent Excel® framework for assessing cotton cultivar competitiveness by evaluating seven cultivars against a commercial check at three winning margins (exceeding the check and beating it by more than 2.5% and 10% of the environment mean) over 36 environments. By utilising non-parametric statistical formulas in Microsoft Excel®, we calculated three competitiveness indices (W0, W2.5, and W10) to measure the probability of cultivars outperforming the commercial check. Additionally, scores were calculated to determine how often each cultivar ranked in the top, middle, and bottom third in each test, leading to the creation of two indices, namely Top and Mid. Two genotypes showed a higher probability of winning (≥53% of the time). On the other hand, for the minor (2.5%) yield difference, only one cultivar (cv. G3) outperformed the check in 19 of the 36 environments (53% of the time) and occurred mostly in the top third (58% of the time). Because the 10% threshold proved unrealistic for near-commercial cultivars, we propose replacing it with a user-defined economic threshold. This methodology effectively quantified the probability of the cultivar’s specific and general competitiveness in a format easily interpretable by decision-makers. The three indices W0, W2.5, and Top were associated with the dynamic concept of stability, whereas the index Mid was related to static and dynamic concepts.

Abstract Imigrante is the first ginger cultivar registered in Brazil. It’s suitable for cultivation in the central mountainous region of Espírito Santo state, the country's largest producing region of origin. In three regional evaluation trials, it showed a fast and early growth cycle, reaching an average productivity of 145 t ha-1.

Chenopodium quinoa is gaining global importance due to its excellent protein quality and tolerance of abiotic stresses. The last 60 years have seen major strides in the expansion of quinoa crop production and experimentation. Quinoa's wide genetic diversity has led to its agronomic versatility and adaptation to different soil types, particularly saline soils, and environments with extremely variable conditions in terms of humidity, altitude, and temperature. The potential of quinoa to contribute to global food security was recognized in 2013 in the declaration of the International Year of Quinoa (IYQ). Promoting the use of improved homogeneous quinoa varieties standardized to comply with applicable norms on seeds or suited to intensified conventional agriculture farming systems may not generate the necessary resilience needed to respond to current and future global challenges. Maintaining and increasing quinoa biodiversity is imperative, as the dynamics of the global expansion of quinoa may constitute a threat to farmers if the spread is generated with a narrow genetic base. In this article, we propose that the method of evolutionary participatory breeding could be a useful tool to develop new quinoa genetic material in cooperation with farmers. We introduce preliminary results on quinoa population development with farmers in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. We conclude that a global collaborative network on quinoa (GCN-Quinoa) could be the baseline for participatory plant breeding programs originating in developing or developed countries to meet the needs of farmers across a diversity of agronomic systems and a wide range of physical environments.

Cover crops play an important role in agricultural sustainability. Unlike commodity cash crops, however, there has been relatively little cover crop breeding research and development. We conducted an online survey to evaluate: (a) the perspectives of organic and conventional farmers in the USA who use cover crops and (b) the specific cover crop traits that are important to farmers. We recruited participants from both organic and conventional agriculture networks and 69% of respondents reported that they farmed organic land. In addition to demographic data and information on management practices, we quantified farmer perspectives on four winter annual cover crops: (1) Austrian winter pea, (2) crimson clover, (3) hairy vetch and (4) cereal rye. Overall, respondents represented a wide range of states, farm sizes, plant hardiness zones and cash crops produced. Of the 417 full responses received, 87% of respondents reported that they used cover crops. The maximum amount farmers were willing to spend on cover crop seed varied by farmer type: 1% of conventional farmers versus 19% of organic farmers were willing to spend over US$185 ha−1 (US$75 acre−1). Organic and conventional farmers differed in terms of the reasons why they grew cover crops, with organic farmers placing greater value on the ecosystem services from cover crops. More organic (63%) than conventional (51%) farmers agreed that participatory breeding was important for cover crop variety development (P = 0.047). Both groups shared strong support for cover crop research and considered many of the same traits to be important for breeding. For the legume cover crops, nitrogen fixation was considered the most important trait, whereas winter hardiness, early vigor, biomass production and weed suppression were the most important traits for cereal rye. Our results illustrate common interests as well as differences in the perspectives between organic and conventional farmers on cover crops and can be used to inform nascent cover crop breeding efforts.

Although the effect of local adaptation is well documented in evolutionary biology, few studies have quantified the impact of local adaptation in plant breeding. Decentralized plant breeding programs have the potential to harness local adaptation for crop improvement, but the effectiveness of such models is understudied. We quantified the ability of a decentralized participatory plant breeding program to improve Weed-competitive ability (WCA) in organic spring wheat. After four farmers in the northeast United States selected wheat populations for WCA and its correlated trait of early vigor, we tracked gains in selection and local adaptation. On average, farmers enhanced competitive ability of selected genotypes by 11.46%. Measured gains from selection for early vigor and early canopy cover, however, varied among testing environments. Gains in selection were highly related to the genetic correlation coefficient between selection and testing environment (r = 0.77 and r = 0.80 for early vigor and canopy cover, respectively). To accurately measure gains from selection for decentralized breeding programs, testing environments should be chosen that are similar to where selection took place. Inconsistent weed competition among site-years limited conclusions from the analysis of local adaptation for weed competitive ability. Detecting local adaptation in plant breeding, which typically uses a small number of selection cycles compared to evolutionary biology, likely requires many genotypes, environments, and years for adequate statistical power. The ecological complexity of weed competitive ability further complicates experimental design and challenges the ability to measure local adaption.