This chapter describes farmer perceptions of major biotic (weeds, diseases, insects, birds and rodents) and abiotic (drought, flooding, extreme temperatures, and soil-related constraints, such as non-fertile soil, low organic matter content, poor waterholding capacity, nutrient deficiency, Fe...

This chapter on tamarind (Tamarindus indica), marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and ackee (Blighia sapida) covers the following: taxonomy, area of origin and geographical distribution, environmental conditions for growth (soil chemical and physical properties, and climate), plant morphology (whole tree,...

The biological control of C. odorata in Africa is described in this chapter. The introduction of this invasive plant in the continent and the effective agents (including insects and pathogens) for controlling infestation are discussed.

The topics covered include: cytotaxonomy of the genus Manihot; flower behaviour, hybridization techniques and seed management; breeding strategy (for Africa; for Latin Americas; for Asia); breeding for high yield; breeding for root quality (starch and dry matter content); breeding for low content...

The approaches utilized to obtain host plant resistance can be categorized by the methods used to manipulate (in the broadest sense) plant genetics: the conventional approach utilizing Mendelian genetics, the biometrician's approach and more recently the approaches of the biotechnologists. The...