Journal article
Operationalizing an innovative systems approach for breeding agroforestry trees
Infobrief, Vol.378, pp.1-8
2022
Abstract
Operationalizing an innovative systems approach for breeding agroforestry trees Key messages • 'Systems approach' plant breeding is about considering multiple global challenges together within the breeding process, to make sustainable progress in addressing those challenges. • For a systems approach to tree breeding to be successful, the starting point is a broad set of measures that define breeding success. The values applied should extend beyond the traditional ones of productivity and profitability, and embrace resilience, sustainability, nutritional security, local cultures and conservation. • Policy interventions that encourage a systems approach to tree breeding should provide incentives for tree researchers and breeders to embrace these broader values during tree characterization and genetic improvement. There should also be specific incentives for tree breeders to bring together existing breeding methods in novel ways to ensure that multiple values are addressed. CIFOR-ICRAF infobriefs provide concise, accurate, peer-reviewed information on current topics in forest research Summary The adoption of a systems approach to plant breeding, considering multiple global challenges together, is needed to make sustainable progress towards addressing these challenges. Trees have roles in countering many key planetary health concerns and this means they provide an excellent example of where a systems approach to plant breeding is needed, underpinned by their diversity in features, uses, users and production contexts, and by their multiple domestication pathways. Here, we provide evidence as to why adopting a systems approach to tree breeding is important in addressing global challenges and explain the features of the approach. We particularly consider the application of the approach, which in the case of trees we refer to as 'tree diversity breeding', at the forest–agriculture interface, using CIFOR-ICRAF's research for development work as a case study. We suggest measures that can be taken to support the adoption of the approach for tree genetic improvement.
Details
- Title
- Operationalizing an innovative systems approach for breeding agroforestry trees
- Authors
- Prasad S. Hendre (Author) - Center for International Forestry ResearchLars Graudal (Author) - University of CopenhagenRoeland Kindt (Author) - Center for International Forestry ResearchIago Hale (Author) - University of New Hampshire at ManchesterWayne Powell (Author) - Scotland's Rural CollegeRamni Jamnadass (Author) - Center for International Forestry ResearchLex Thomson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australian Centre for Pacific Islands ResearchIan Dawson (Author) - Center for International Forestry Research
- Publication details
- Infobrief, Vol.378, pp.1-8
- Publisher
- CIFOR-ICRAF
- DOI
- 10.17528/cifor/008758
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99717698102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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