A guide to participatory experiments with underutilised genetic resources

Summary

Diversifood has undertaken a series of parallel experiments, all testing the same underlying hypothesis expressed in the “working definition” that reintroducing genetic resources with a status of underutilisation can trigger benefits in provisioning agroecosystem services and supporting local, high-quality value chains, in the overall framework of agroecological systems. This booklets considers a diversity of practices and incorporates the experience of the trials and the lessons learned on how to plan and conduct such trials, including practical consideration and tips to facilitate their execution out of the controlled conditions of experimental stations while still obtaining detailed and relevant information.
It includes sections on sourcing seed, evaluation of agronomic, environmental and quality performance of underutilised crops.