Decentralized, participatory plant breeding : a link between formal plant breeding and small farmers | [Fitomejoramiento participativo descentralizado : una union entre fitomejoramiento formal y pequenos agricultores]

Participatory plant breeding is discussed not only for its advantages in exploiting specific adaptation, and hence in fitting crops to the environment, but also as the only possible type of breeding possible for crops grown in unfavorable conditions and/or remote regions, and in areas not sufficiently large to justify the interest of large breeding programs. The paper describes the evolution of a typically centralized international breeding program towards non-participatory decentralization, and eventually to a decentralized and participatory approach. A number of methodological issues - such as the choice of participating farmers, number of lanes to use, and the comparison between decentralization and participation - are discussed while illustrating a project on participatory barley breeding in Syria which began in 1996. Participatory plant breeding - Le. farmers' participation in selection of early segregating populations - should become a permanent feature of formal breeding programs. It should be linked both with the formal breeding system which can provide a continuous flow of novel genetic variability, and with the informal seed supply system which can spread new varieties in the farmers' communities without the unnecessary requirements of the formal seed system.Participatory plant breeding is discussed not only for its advantages in exploiting specific adaptation, and hence in fitting crops to the environment, but also as the only possible type of breeding possible for crops grown in unfavorable conditions and/or remote regions, and in areas not sufficiently large to justify the interest of large breeding programs. The paper describes the evolution of a typically centralized international breeding program towards non-participatory decentralization, and eventually to a decentralized and participatory approach. A number of methodological issues - such as the choice of participating farmers, number of lanes to use, and the comparison between decentralization and participation - are discussed while illustrating a project on participatory barley breeding in Syria which began in 1996. Participatory plant breeding - Le. farmers' participation in selection of early segregating populations - should become a permanent feature of formal breeding programs. It should be linked both with the formal breeding system which can provide a continuous flow of novel genetic variability, and with the informal seed supply system which can spread new varieties in the farmers' communities without the unnecessary requirements of the formal seed system.