This paper develops a theoretical model for analyzing gene bank management decisions regarding the search for traits of economic value in ex situ collections of wheat. The model is applied to data on the probability of ...

A general model of annual costs and lagged annual returns from a plant breeding program is developed to estimate the threshold sizes of a crop industry at which different breeding programs could be economically justified, ...

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing the organization and performance of national maize seed industries. The authors begin by reviewing what several leading economic paradigms have to say about the ...

This paper synthesizes the evidence on cereal crop poductivity in developing countries over the past 30 years and looks at future prospects for productivity in growth. For more than three decades we have witnessed the ...

This paper summarizes what is known about farm-level maize seed management practices and reviews the theoretical and empirical evidence regarding the relationship between farmers’ seed recycling practices and the genetic ...

Sources of yield growth in wheat are investigated based on a stylized framework of technical change. Evidence suggests that the relative contribution of input intensification to yield growth has diminished in recent years ...

This paper proposes a preliminary conceptual framework designed to support strategic decisions about which crop populations-in a well-defined reference area within a crop's center of diversity-are suitable candidates for ...

This paper discusses the centers of origin and diversity for bread wheat; sketches historical patterns in the sources and use of wheat genetic resources in modern plant breeding; identifies and compares indicators of genetic ...

Spatial diversity indicators may serve an important function for policymakers as they seek to manage crop genetic diversity and potential externalities associated with diffusion of some types of genetically improved crops. ...

Investments over the past 35 years have created s system of national and international research centers that has revolutionized the supply of improved cereal varieties to developing country farmers. The newly created ...