iterature, books and journal articles of interest to readers are presented here. Please send list of seed publications on policy, regulation and technology to the Editor for inclusion in Seed Info.

The Crucible II Group. 2000. Seeding Solutions, Volume 1.  Policy Options for Genetic Resources: People, Plants and Patents revisited. ISBN 0-88936-926-7. The book is co-published by IDRC, IPGRI and Dag Hammarskjold Foundation. This book brings readers up to date on what has changed, scientifically, politically and environmentally, since the first publication in 1994 of People, Plants, and Patents, the book that summarized the major issues related to the ownership, conservation and exchange of plant germplasm. It offers policymakers a clear description of the facts, the fights and the fora relevant to genetic resources. Those new to these issues will also be offered a clear picture of why germplasm is important and how it relates to trade negotiations, intellectual property disputes and national and international food and health security.

H.D. Cooper, C. Spillane and T. Hodgkin (ed). 2000. Broadening the Genetic Basis of Crop Production. Pages: 480; ISBN: 0851994113; Price: £75 ($140). The book focuses on previously neglected interface between conservation of plant genetic resources and their utilization. Only through utilization can the potential value of conserved genetic resources be realized. However, as this book shows, much conserved germplasm has to be subjected to long-term pre-breeding and genetic enhancement before it can be used in plant breeding programs. The authors explore the rationale and approaches for such pre-breeding efforts as the basis for broadening the genetic bases of crop production. Examples from a range of major food crops are presented and issues analyzed by leading authorities from around the world. It brings together the current perspectives in increasing the genetic diversity used to produce new crop varieties. Approaches involving both formal plant breeding and those involving collaborative work with farming communities are discussed.

R. Tripp. 2000. Strategies for Seed Systems Development in sub-Saharan Africa - A study of Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Working Paper Series no. 2, Socioeconomics and Policy Program, ICRISAT, PO Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and ODI, Portland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5DP, UK. Seed systems in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe were studied jointly by ODI, ICRISAT and national researchers. The study examined various aspects - the nature of seed demand, particularly for new varieties; local-level seed provision and farmer-to-farmer diffusion; the commercial seed sector; community-level projects; emergency seed distribution programs; seed policy and regulatory framework; and the role of public sector research.  The study also provides specific recommendations to develop the seed sector. For example, public research programs must invest heavily in variety promotion and production of breeder and foundation seed. Variety registration simplified, and seed certification should be made voluntary. Emergency seed programs should pay greater attention to variety adaptation and seed quality; and should support local seed enterprises, not compete with them. Seed companies should strengthen their retail networks. NGO seed projects should consider marketing and sustainability issues more carefully. Donor-funded projects, which currently operate in isolation from each other, must be integrated into a coherent, long-term, nationally directed seed strategy. 

Anette von Lossau, Beate Weiskopf and Wolfgang Kasten. 2000. Support for the Informal Seed Sector in Development Cooperation - Conceptual Issues. The book is published by GTZ in collaboration with the Center for Genetic Resources, The Netherlands. For more information contact: GTZ, Section 4556, P.O. Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Germany.

The Agricultural Chemicals Book IV- Fungicides has been revised and updated for 2000. First published in 1963, this book has compiled current information on fungicides for 37 years. New chemistry and approximately 20 new fungicides have been added to keep the book up to date. Trade names, chemical formulations, toxicity and phytotoxcity information, diseases controlled, application directions, rates and precautions all are included.

M. Fenner (ed). 2000. Seeds: The Ecology of Regeneration in Plant Communities. 2nd Edition. 448 pp. Price $120. ISBN 0 85199 432 6.

M.J. Black, K.J. Bradford and J. Vásquez-Ramos (eds). 2000. Seed Biology: Advances and Applications. 528 pp. Price $175. ISBN 0 85199 404 0.

FIS. 2000. Seed Trade Directory. Prepared by FIS Secretariat in English. For more information contact: FIS, Chemin du Reposoir 7, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

FIS. 2000. Industry Guidelines for the Disposal of Seeds Treated with Crop Protection Products and Biological Control Agent: Seed Treatments. Prepared by the Seed Treatment and Environment Committee (STEC) of the International Seed Trade Federation (FIS). FIS, Chemin du Reposoir 7, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland

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