Location

ARC, Rumais

Duration

Three-year (2005 Feb -till completion)

Objectives

1.To raise the nursery of fodder cacti

2. Documentation of collected germplasm material

3.To study the agronomic and productive characters of different cacti species

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigator

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi & Eng. Saleh Ali Said Al-Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 1000/- as support to APRP activity

References

IFAD 2003. Opuntia spp: An efficient tool to combat desertification. Technical Advisory Notes- IFAD Agriculture Technologies for Rural Poverty Alleviation. 1-4p.http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/tans/7htm

IFAD 2003. Opuntia spp: A strategic fodder for arid and semi-arid areas. Technical Advisory Notes- IFAD Agriculture Technologies for Rural Poverty Alleviation. 1-4p.http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/tans/7htm

Previous Results

-

Source

Technical Advisory Notes- IFAD Agriculture Technologies for Rural Poverty Alleviation

Problem

Genetic erosion of rangeland fodder species in the rangelands of Oman due to prolonged drought and rise in salinity

Assumption

Cacti species tolerate both moisture stress and soil salinity  

Design

Nursery field- 20 pads of each cactus cultivar will be planted in 4 m long 4 rows at 1m x 1m spacing between plants

Rationale

The establishment of sustainable production systems based on cactus may contribute to the food security of populations in agriculturally marginal areas and to soil improvement. Cacti are some of the best plants for the reforestation of arid and semi-arid areas because they can resist scarce and erratic rainfall and high temperatures.

Locations

North Oman

Duration

Two years (2005-2006)

Objectives

1. Collection of leftover target species in northern regions of Oman

2. Documentation of collected germplasm material

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigator

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi & Eng. Saleh Ali Said Al-Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 1000/- as support to APRP activity

References

Annual Reports of ICARDA, CIMMYT etc. and Crop Sci.

Previous Results

Collection of indigenous forage, tree, herbs and Shrubs have been partly accomplished in North Oman

Source

Plant Genetic Resources Units of different International Research Institutes like ICARDA, CIMMYT, IRRI, etc.

Problem

Increasing genetic erosion of indigenous rangeland species

Assumption

Collection and maintenance of indigenous germ plasm would help in preserving national plant genetic resources for their future use  

Design

-

Rationale

In the Northern Oman, rangeland forage and pasture species are threatened not

only by abiotic factors like salinity and drought but also by grazing leading to deterioration of otherwise rich composition rangelands. This necessitates undertaking collection program of all the rangeland species available in the region in order to rehabilitate the degraded rangelands. Under APRP Phase–I, we have collected as many as 68 seed accessions of 26 plant taxa of both forage and pasture species. The list of target species of high priority (grasses-10, grass shrubs-2 and shrubs and trees-15) and medium priority (grasses-11, grass shrubs-1 and herbs, shrubs and trees- 27) species was made involving farmers, herders and scientists. The seeds of all the accessions collected have been handed over to ICARDA gene bank for conservation and further utilization by NAR. In the recent collection mission in North Oman, it was possible to collect as herbaria samples of 50 plant taxa of rangeland plant species. In the previous collection venture, seeds of target species that did not show seed maturity in the rangeland were not collected. Hence, the collection of seed samples of target species would be done under APRP phase-II by changing the time of collection that coincides with seed maturity of most of these target species. The rangeland forage and shrub species thus collected would be also relevant to the neighboring states of Arabian Peninsula.

Impact

Proposed collection of target species in the Northern Oman would help in further utilization in terms of multiplication and re-seeding or rehabilitation of degraded rangelands of Oman. These species can also be used in irrigated forage production system.

Location

Southern Oman (Dhofar)

Duration

Two years (2005-2006)

Objectives

1.Collection of rangeland forage and pasture species

2. Documentation of collected germplasm material

3. Identification of herbarium specimens collected

4. Make the list of target species for further collection mission

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigators

Eng.  Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi and Eng. Saleh Ali Said A- Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 2000/- as support to APRP activity

References

Annual Reports of ICARDA, CIMMYT etc. and Crop Sci.

Previous Results

Collection of indigenous forage, tree, herbs and Shrubs in Dhofar have not been accomplished systematically

Source

Plant Genetic Resources Units of different International Research Institutes like ICARDA, CIMMYT, IRRI, etc.

Problem

Increasing genetic erosion of indigenous rangeland species

Assumption

Collection and maintenance of indigenous germ plasm would help in preserving national plant genetic resources for future use  

Design

*Range Land Grasses and **Forest tree species, Salalah Research Station will associate in collection mission as members of a team  

Rationale:       The Sultanate of Oman has a large area of rangelands in the Arabian Peninsula especially in Dhofar Jabal areas of South Oman apart from the ones in Northern Oman. Rangelands assessment of the Dhofar Jabal areas in recent years had identified a great trend in decreasing productivity and quality (Zarog, 1983; Yassin and Al-Shanfari, 1985; UNDP/ FAO Project, 1990; MAF, 1990; GRM, 1990; TMO, 1995 and RFD, 1995, 1996, 1997). Decline in range quality reflected in the increased abundance of herbs of poorer quality species at the cost of good quality forages that are in the stage of extinction due to over grazing. Decline in productivity on the other hand, is evidenced by lower forage yields and increased dependence on concentrates and baled hay to maintain local herds. In order to develop a more sustainable feed production system that reduces water consumption and arrests the degradation of rangelands, it is necessary to multiply the seeds of indigenous rangeland species in the favorable environments for their future utilization in rangeland restoration. This necessitates undertaking collection program of all the rangeland species available in the Dhofar region.  The rangeland species identified as herders’ best choice (Themada quadrivalis, Dicanthium aristatum, Dicanthium annulatum, Setaria plumila, Apluda mutica) would be given priority in the collection venture. In the previous collection venture, seeds of target species that did not show seed maturity in the rangeland were not collected. Hence, the collection of seed samples of target species would be done under APRP phase-II by changing the time of collection that coincides with seed maturity of most of these target species. The rangeland forage and shrub species thus collected would be also relevant to the neighboring states of Arabian Peninsula.

Impact

Proposed collection of rangeland forage and pasture species in the Southern Oman would help in further utilization in terms of multiplication and re-seeding or rehabilitation of degraded rangelands of Southern Oman (Dhofar region). These species can also be used in irrigated forage production system.

Location

ARC, Rumais

Duration

Long term (2005- till completion)

Objectives

1. Classification of indigenous rangeland species

2. Morphological characterization of the indigenous rangeland species viz. Different accessions of Panicum turgidum and Pennisetum divisum

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigators

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi and Eng. Saleh Ali Said Al-Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 1000/- as support to APRP activity

References

Annual Reports of ICARDA, CIMMYT etc. and Crop Sci.

Previous Results

UAE accessions of Cenchrus ciliaris, Coelachyrum piercei, Lasiurus hirsutus and panicum turgidum have been successfully characterized with respect to both and pigmentation and morphological traits that act as descriptors in data management of these species. 

Source

Plant Genetic Resources Units of different International Research Institutes like ICARDA, CIMMYT, IRRI, etc.

Problem

Increasing genetic erosion of indigenous rangeland species

Assumption

Characterization of indigenous germ plasm would help in identifying national plant genetic resources for future use  

Design

-Range Land Grasses and Forest tree species, Salalah Research Station will associate in characterization of collections of forage, shrubs and tree species in Dhofar

Rationale

Sultanate of Oman has a large area of rangelands in the Arabian Peninsula especially in Dhofar Jabal areas of South Oman apart from the ones in the North Oman. All the collected germplasm need to be classified in different categories they belong with passport information. Each species will have to be characterized for identification using most important highly heritable morphological features depending on the extent of facilities available. These features called descriptors would help in identification of true to type individuals in the plant stand of seed multiplication plots. Such descriptors would be also of use in visual assessment for reaction to abiotic and biotic stresses for identifying respective favorable genes controlling tolerance. In view of the above facts, it is planned to undertake characterization and classification of collected rangeland forage and pasture species of not only of Sultanate of Oman but also of other states of Arabian Peninsula

Location

Jimah Research Station, Interior

Duration

Long-term (2004- till completion)

Objectives

To increase the quantity of seed of the indigenous rangeland grass species viz. Lasiurus hirsutus (Mahara accession), Panicum turgidum (Mahara accession) and Pennisetum divisum (Mahara accession) for forage production and reseeding in degraded rangelands  

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigators

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi, Eng. Saleh Ali Said Al-Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

R.O. 500/- as support to APRP experiment.

References

Seed Science and Technology (ICARDA Publication)

Previous Results

Earlier attempt on producing seed during the years between 1999-2002, in grass species such as Cenchrus ciliaris L., Coelachyrum piercei L, Lasiurus hirsutus L.etc. Under Oman conditions has been success during 1999-2003.

Source

Seed Science and Technology (ICARDA Publication)

Problem

Lack of availability of seed for further experimentation

Rationale

Bulk Seed multiplication task of local grass species viz. Cenchrus ciliaris L. (UAE) and Coelachyrum piercei L. (UAE) was indeed success at Sohar during 2000-01. These local grass species are in use in other investigations and utilization for forage production or reseeding to rehabilitate the degraded rangelands. In continuation of this, bulk seed multiplication of other indigenous local grass species collected in APRP- Phase-I viz. Lasiurus sp. and others will be taken up during winter 2005-06.

Location

ARC, Rumais

Duration

Three years (2004 October-till completion)

Objectives

1.To study the response of indigenous rangeland forage species to varying levels water salinity

2.To classify the rangeland species based on their tolerance to irrigation water salinity

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigator

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi & Eng. Saleh Ali Said Al-Hinai

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 1000/- as support to APRP activity

References

Shannon, M.C. 1985. Plant &Soil. 89:227-241.

Kelmen, W.M. and C.O. Quaslet. 1991. Crop Sci. 31: 1436-1442.

Quaslet, C.O. and H. Cork. 1991. Proc. Int. Conf.on Agri. Management of Salt-affected areas. Morocco.

Nadaf et al. 2000 a, b, c. SQU J. (Agri Sci)- Submiited

Previous Results

Earlier investigation on response of grass species to salinity have indicated that Rhodes grass cultivars were more tolerant to salinity as compared Cenchrus cilaris (local) and Coelachyrum piercei (local). 

Source

Crop Science and Agronomy J.

Problem

Increasing genetic erosion of indigenous rangeland species

Assumption

Information on the response of indigenous rangeland species to particular level of salinity would help in deciding sites of corresponding level of salinity for reseeding  

Design

Pot experiment -CRD with three replications

Rationale

In the rangelands of the Sultanate of Oman viz. Dhofar Jabal area, it has been identified a trend in decreasing in a number of species to the level of near extinction to extinction thus affecting the original rich plant diversity. This degradation of rangelands has been primarily attributed to overgrazing by the increasing number of animals. Here also, increased seawater intrusion has been noticed due to over-pumping turning gradually ground water resources saline. Several aquifers have reached negative water balance between supplies and demands causing heavy impact on the water quality (FAO, 1991). In order to accommodate changing situation on the water quality, salinity tolerance of the indigenous species needs to be assessed for their inclusion in re-seeding for restoration of appropriate degraded rangelands. Earlier investigation on response of grass species to salinity have indicated that Rhodes grass cultivars were more tolerant to salinity as compared Cenchrus cilaris (local) and Coelachyrum piercei (local).  Hence, in continuation of previous studies, it is planned to investigate on the response of other indigenous rangeland species to varying levels of salinity and assess their salinity tolerance.

Impact

Proposed study on understanding the salinity tolerance of indigenous rangeland forage species would help in restoring the degraded rangelands with appropriate species tolerant to salinity faced by the target sites.

Location

Northern Oman

Duration

Long-term (2002--)

Objectives

1.Collection of plant species of medicinal importance

2. Documentation of collected germplasm material

3. Identification of herbarium specimens collected

Principal Investigator

Dr. Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf

Co-Investigators

Eng. Safaa’ Al- Farsi,  Eng. Saleh Al- Hinai and Eng. Mansur Uhaibi,

Estimated Budget & Source

RO 500/- per year

References

Ghazanfar, S.A., Miller, A.G., Mc Leish, I., Cope, T.A., Cribb, P. and Al-Rawahi, S.H.  1995. Plant Conservation in Oman. Part-I. A study of the endemic, regionally endemic and threatened plants of the Sultanate of Oman. April 1995. 15 p. Sultan Qaboos University , Oman

Miller, A.G. and Morris, M. 1987. Plants of Dhofar. The Southern Region of Oman. Traditional, Economic and Medicinal uses. The Office of the Adviser for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court. Sultanate of Oman (Pub.). 361p.

Previous Results

Earlier collection of plant species of medicinal importance has herbaria samples of 31 plant taxa and seed samples of 10 plant taxa.

Source