Niger, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.

Indigenous in Ethiopia where it is grown in rotation with cereals and pulses, niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an important oilseed crop supplying 50% of Ethiopian oilseed production. It is also grown in India in marginal areas where it contributes a small but important part of oilseed production (3%). This monograph describes the genetic resources of niger and reviews various aspects of its taxonomy and nomenclature, botany, reproduction, evolution and domestication, uses, diversity and breeding. In addition, a full account of crop production areas, ecology, agronomy, pests and diseases, technology, limitations, prospects and research needs are considered. Three appendices are included presenting: (1) descriptors used to characterize and evaluate Ethiopian accessions; (2) current niger research efforts tabulating information under the headings: scientist, institute, country and research area; and (3) centres of crop research, breeding and genetic resources. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International)