The breeding system and factors affecting seed set in a population of Potentilla palustris were studied in Central Jutland, Denmark. The reddish‐brown, bowl‐shaped, and nectariferous flowers of Potentilla palustris had an average of 376795 viable pollen grains and 187 single‐ovuled carpels. The number of ovules per flower decreased significantly along an inflorescence, from 312 in the basal flowers to 97 in the flowers in distal positions. The flowers were protandrous and opened mainly during the day. Male and female phases lasted on average 1.6 and 3.0 days, respectively. Pollination experiments showed that P. palustris was facultatively autogamous to facultatively xenogamous. The plant was selfcompatible and auto‐deposition of pollen occurred, but insect polllination enhanced seed set. Outcrossing increased seed set compared to selfing. A long outcrossing distance increased seed set comparative to short distance crossings. Seed set per flower declined through the flowering season mainly due to a significant reduction in the number of ovules per flower with time and/or node position. It is suggested that intra‐plant competition for a limited amount of resource is the main factor limiting seed set in this population, but pollen limitation occur in late season. The quantitative and qualitative impact on seed set by pollinating insects is discussed.
The annual production from global aquaculture has increased rapidly from 2.6 million tons or 3.9% of the total supply of fish, shellfish and mollusks in 1970, to 66.7 million tons or 42.2% in 2012, while capture fisheries have more or less leveled out at about 90 million tons per year since the turn of the century. Consequently, the future seafood supply is likely to depend on a further increase of aquaculture production. Unlike terrestrial animal farming, less than 10% of the aquaculture production comes from domesticated and selectively bred farm stocks. This situation has substantial consequences in terms of poorer resource efficiency, poorer product quality and poorer animal welfare. The history of biological and technical challenges when establishing selective breeding programs for aquaculture is discussed, and it is concluded that most aquaculture species may now be domesticated and improved by selection. However, the adoption of selective breeding in aquaculture is progressing slowly. This paper reports on a study carried out in 2012 to identify key issues to address in promoting the development of genetically improved aquaculture stocks. The study involved semi structured interviews of 34 respondents from different sectors of the aquaculture society in East and Southeast Asia, where 76% of the global aquaculture production is located. Based on the interviews and literature review, three key factors are identified: (i) long-term public commitment is often needed for financial support of the breeding nucleus operation (at least during the first five to ten generations of selection); (ii) training at all levels (from government officers and university staff to breeding nucleus and hatchery operators, as well as farmers); and (iii) development of appropriate business models for benefit sharing between the breeding, multiplier and grow-out operators (whether being public, cooperative or private operations). The public support should be invested in efforts of selective breeding on the most important and highest volume species, which may not be a priority for investment by private breeders due to, for instance, long generation intervals and delays in return to investment.
Rapporten presenterer resultater fra de 11 mjolkeproduksjonsgardene i prosjektet Agronomi og okonomi i okologisk landbruk - 13 gardsstudier (GSP) i tida 1993-97. Det er lagt vekt pa mjolkekvalitet, produksjonssykdommer og holdbarhet pa kyrne. Ti av gardene deltok ogsa i 30 bruks-prosjektet i perioden 1989-92.
Rapid changes and innovations in food production are prompted by the increased demand of sustainably produced food, while addressing concerns of climate change and environmental impacts. To address complex societal issues, research and innovation policies, research bodies often request a framework for responsible research and innovation (RRI) to be applied for developments of new science and technologies. In addition to the individual researchers' and key actors' thinking and reflections in farm animal breeding, there is a need to look at mechanisms affecting ethical and social aspects of animal breeding at an institutional level. In this article we exemplify and discuss how breeders can define animal breeding objectives and develop technology strategies within the RRI framework to contribute more efficiently to sustainable animal production.
A central socio-economic challenge in fish breeding arises from issues relating to access to and exclusive rights of genetic resources. Breeding companies need legal or biological protection measures to assure revenues from genetic improvement and investment in genetic material. Fish farmers and fish breeders need access to genetic resources for food production and further development and sustainable use of fish genetic material. How can a balance be created between the need for unencumbered and free access, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the need to ensure a right to the results from breeding and research? First, we provide a brief outline of the rationale for ensuring access to and for using legal measures for protection of breeding materials in aquaculture. Secondly, we examine how technological developments and biological features present options and barriers that will affect choices relating to access and property right issues to fish genetic resources.