Genetic improvement of selected vegetables for the tropics and sub-tropics
1990
Opena, R.T. (Asian Vegetale Research and Development Center, Taipei (Taiwan))
Major biotic and abiotic stresses limit the productivity of vegetables in the humid tropics and sub-tropics. Prominent biotic factors include major pests and diseases which drastically reduce yield and quality. Abiotic stresses are high temperature, high rainfall, drought, and poor tropical soils. Research at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) addresses the above constraints from two general perspectives - genetic manipulation to enhance crop adaptation (crop improvement) and reduction of production stresses through improved management (production systems). The crop improvement component is reviewed herewith from the context of enhancing the tropical adaptation of three selected vegetables - Chinese cabbage, tomato and sweet potato. The goal of AVRDC's crop improvement research is tropical adaptation. General strategies that were adopted in quest of this goal are as follows: massive germplasm assembly, evaluation and utilization; interdisciplinary research; stepwise genetic improvement; and, an adequate blend of strategic and applied research. National programs worldwide have released a total of 84 improved AVRDC germplasm. The most advanced breeding lines combine desirable features such as heat tolerance, resistance to one or more major disease and acceptable quality
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