A. Lejeune, A. Cagauan, C. Hove
1999
Citations
1
Influential Citations
34
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Symbiosis
Abstract
A few years ago we reviewed (Van Hove and Lejeune, 1996) the history of research on Azolla and provided a description of the ten useful characteristics attributed to this plant, at least five of which are unquestionable. These include the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, a high productivity, a high protein content, and a depressive influence on both aquatic weeds and NH3 volatilization. We also discussed the constraints, often overstated, linked to Azolla utilization and suggested strategies for helping farmers benefit from Azolla. Here we first summarize the major recent basic and applied research trends on the Azolla-Anabaena symbiosis. Some development activities are then described which indicate that, despite the declining utilization of Azolla as a green manure for rice in China and other South Asian countries, many initiatives aimed at the productive utilization of this plant are being developed in these countries and in other parts of the world. Although often unnoticed in the scientific forums, due to the essentially pragmatic objectives pursued, at least some of these programs seem very promising Based on this information we provide a description of what we consider research priorities, and suggestions are presented for creating an African coordinated research and development program which could help African farmers and therefore Africa.