Participatory varietal selection: Lessons learned from the Lao uplandprogramme

摘要: Several thousand traditional upland rice varieties have been collected in Laos. Between 1992 and 2000, approximately 2000 of these were evaluated for grain yield other agronomic characteristics researcher-managed trials northern Laos, an effort to identify high-yielding dissemination farmers. A few the tested given farmers evaluate collaboration with district extension officers before 2001, but data returned only 6% onfarm trials. In a new participatory varietal selection (PVS) programme was designed implemented obtain information about farmer preference on-farm performance varieties, increase efficiency screening effort. first stage, PVS conducted 32 five provinces. Farmers eight early or mid-duration selected by researchers earlier testing programme. Preference successfully obtained from 84% farms 63%, 10-fold trial success rate over previous strongly preferred early-maturing, large-seeded large panicles strong stems, disliked tillers that ripened non-uniformly. These criteria will be incorporated into initial stages future. The correlation between variety means rating 0.82 medium maturity 0.54 trial. Occasionally, cultivars not preferred, lowest-yielding never indicating helps select prefer. farmer-preferred, early-maturing (Nok) significantly outyielded local checks identified. This lines are being scaled-up 2002. years all varieties. Identifying using farmer-preferred characteristics, it is possible rapidly screen passport (passport available samples held genebank) OBN-1. Second, recognized changes needed take place final stage evaluation (on-farm testing). While able collect three process, has produced no on preference. To achieve objectives, activities this year involved: • Training research methods; Evaluating prefer their Materials Methods On-farm provinces: Luang Prabang (10 farmers), Oudomsay (six Namtha (four Sayaboury farmers) Xieng Khouang farmers). Seed availability limited number 16 glutinous included Twelve 2001 multi-location four (Vieng, Hom, Dam Makthoua). divided two groups depending duration (Table 1) For trials, participating one set (early medium) (110 g per variety). enough plant area 15 m2 each variety. assistance plot layout planting managed plots according normal practices. flowering maturity, visited Analysis (PA). PA asked rank seeds, placing more seeds they liked.They then indicate positive negative Finally, which would continue next own. At harvest, harvested yield.