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Farmer knowledge identifies a competitive bean ideotype for maize–bean intercrop systems in Rwanda

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Title Farmer knowledge identifies a competitive bean ideotype for maize–bean intercrop systems in Rwanda
 
Creator Isaacs, Krista
 
Contributor Snapp, Sieglinde
Kelly, James
Chung, Kimberly
 
Subject participatory
common bean
farmer knowledge
ideotype
intercrop
Common bean
 
Description Background: Plant genotypes are rarely developed for mixed cropping systems despite the potential of these systems
to provide multiple ecosystem services. One of the most ubiquitously grown mixed cropping systems is a common
bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) intercrop, but there is little consensus among researchers,
and few known studies document farmer knowledge, about superior bean genotypes specifically for this intercrop
system. Participatory plant breeding (PPB) is a well-accepted method of selecting varieties with farmers and could be
a useful tool for identifying genotypes for intercrops. We used sole crop and intercrop PPB on-farm trials (n = 13) and
interviews (n = 59) to document farmer knowledge about climbing bean genotypes and adaptation for intercrops in
Rwanda, where smallholder farmers have traditionally grown beans and maize for generations.
Results: Qualitative analysis demonstrated that farmers considered distinct attributes for different cropping systems.
In intercrops, farmer evaluation prioritized five factors: universal traits and trait-based competitive ability, intrinsic
competitive ability, environmental adaptation, and management. Farmers consider intrinsic competitive ability crucial,
whereas most other studies have neglected this attribute in intercrop breeding strategies. Furthermore, farmers
identified specific attributes that constitute an intercrop bean ideotype: adaptation, restricted height, columnar plant
structure, even distribution of pods, fewer leaves, and earlier maturity. Farmers also had specific techniques for testing
cropping system and environment interactions.
Conclusions: PPB on-farm trial evaluations and interviews with farmers allowed us to combine traditional agroecological
knowledge with plant breeding research to generate new knowledge that contributes to our understanding
of intercrop breeding and bean traits for intercrops. Farmers demonstrated sophisticated understanding of methods
to identify genotype adaptation, competitive ability, and specific traits that together create a bean ideotype for
maize–bean cropping systems. Empowering farmers through on-farm testing of diverse genotypes, and even populations,
could be a practical solution to expensive genotype by environment trials and improve the identification of
highly adaptive and productive genotypes for diverse and resilient cropping systems.
 
Date 2016-08-08
2017-03-22T02:13:08Z
2017-03-22T02:13:08Z
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/9674
https://mel.cgiar.org/reporting/download/hash/T6PkWzjl
Krista Isaacs, Sieglinde Snapp, James Kelly, Kimberly Chung. (8/8/2016). Farmer knowledge identifies a competitive bean ideotype for maize–bean intercrop systems in Rwanda. Agriculture & Food Security, 5 (15), pp. 1-8.
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/6521
Open access
 
Language en
 
Rights CC-BY-NC-4.0
 
Format PDF
 
Publisher Springer Verlag (Germany)
 
Source Agriculture & Food Security;5,(2016) Pagination 1,8