The 2009 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
1) To introduce and assess the current status of indigenous horticultural crops from Asia grown in different Asian countries and in the U.S. 2) To examine the limiting factors and challenges for the preservation and production of these unique and important crops. 3) To identify opportunities, strategies, and priorities for future research and development of these crops in Asia and the world.

Crop diversity is an urgent issue in horticulture today.  Present day horticulture is faced with an erosion of crop variability as monoculture dominates throughout the world, especially in the West.  Thus growers face increased risks both biologically and economically, as crops are vulnerable to attacks of diseases and insects as well as climate changes.  The sustainable and alternative agriculture, the commercial potential of high-value crops, the conservation of crop germplasm, and the rapid increase of organic production and farmer’s markets in recent years all lead to renewed interests in indigenous horticultural crops around the globe.  Even in the U.S., the increase of new immigrants and ethnic groups all are demanding the crops and tastes of home.  Asia covers a wide range of geographic areas and climates, has a long history of agriculture, and is one of the most horticulturally dynamic regions in the world.  There is a great diversity of native fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamentals in many Asian countries.  These crops have had important nutritional and economic values in local areas for centuries.  They are also explored and developed today for new markets such as pharmaceutical, industrial, or biofuel uses.  Despite their great potential, many of these crops have received little attention from researchers, and face threats of biotic and abiotic stresses and shrinking acreage.  In this workshop, experts from Asian countries and the U.S. will introduce these unique and interesting horticultural crops from Asia including their domestication, use, nutritional value, genetic resources, production, and research; discuss the limitations and challenges in their preservation and utilization; and identify opportunities, strategies, and priorities for future development and commercialization of these crops in Asia and other parts of the world.