In the preparation of this descriptive manual of the rust fungi of the grasses of the world the principal goal was to produce a system by which these important pathogens might be recognized on the basis of their morophology, without dependence on the identity of the host plant. This is an Utopian goal and, being Utopian, has doubtless not been attained. But it is better to have tried and partially failed than not to have tried at all. The first attempt to revise the classification on a new basis utilized the rust fungi of the tribe Andropogoneae. A "Group System" was initiated (Uredineana 4:5-89. 1953) based on the uredinial stage. The attempt was satisfactory at the time, but was not adaptable when all grass rust fungi were considered. Consequently, an expanded system was employed when I attempted a summarization of all grass rust fungi. The expanded scheme (Plant Disease Reporter Supplement 237:1-52. 1956) of 9 Groups proved to be a most helpful organizational system and is used here (see explanations, p. Xi) in Puccinia, Uromyces, and Uredo. The system is useful and does aggregate generally similar species, rather than segregating them as in a host-based arrangement. The characters used, i.e. presence or absence of paraphyses, arrangement of germ pores, and echinulate or verrucose spore surface, are subject to minimal intergradations.

Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.

Scenes of starvation have drawn the world's attention to Africa's agricultural and environmental crisis. Some observers question whether this continent can ever hope to feed its growing population. Yet there is an overlooked food resource in sub-Saharan Africa that has vast potential: native food plants. When experts were asked to nominate African food plants for inclusion in a new book, a list of 30 species grew quickly to hundreds. All in all, Africa has more than 2,000 native grains and fruitsâ€""lost" species due for rediscovery and exploitation. This volume focuses on native cereals, including: African rice, reserved until recently as a luxury food for religious rituals. Finger millet, neglected internationally although it is a staple for millions. Fonio (acha), probably the oldest African cereal and sometimes called "hungry rice." Pearl millet, a widely used grain that still holds great untapped potential. Sorghum, with prospects for making the twenty-first century the "century of sorghum." Tef, in many ways ideal but only now enjoying budding commercial production. Other cultivated and wild grains. This readable and engaging book dispels myths, often based on Western bias, about the nutritional value, flavor, and yield of these African grains. Designed as a tool for economic development, the volume is organized with increasing levels of detail to meet the needs of both lay and professional readers. The authors present the available information on where and how each grain is grown, harvested, and processed, and they list its benefits and limitations as a food source. The authors describe "next steps" for increasing the use of each grain, outline research needs, and address issues in building commercial production. Sidebars cover such interesting points as the potential use of gene mapping and other "high-tech" agricultural techniques on these grains. This fact-filled volume will be of great interest to agricultural experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and individuals concerned about restoring food production, environmental health, and economic opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa. Selection, Newbridge Garden Book Club