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II. A preliminary report of the Botanical Team of
the Kyoto University Scientific Expedition to the Sahara and the Surrounding
Areas December 1967-March 1968 K. YAMASHITA, S. SAKAMOTO and K. FUKUI Kyoto University, Kyoto and National Institute of Genetics, Misima, Japan The Abyssinian Highland (Ethiopia) is considered to be one of the most important world centers for the origin and differentiation of cultivated plants according to N.I.VAVILOV's theory (1926). The characteristics of this area are summarized as follows: (1) Concentration of endemic variations of cultivated emmer wheats and barley. (2) The birth place of teff, sorghum, finger millet, niger seed, safflower, coffee, abyssinian banana (ensete banana), castor bean and khat. (3) Abundance of variations in chick pea, lentil, field pea, grass pea, common beans, fenugreek, sesame, flax and various spice plants. The activity of the Botanical Team in the Abyssinian Highland was, therefore, focussed on investigating the variation patterns found in those important cultivated plants and collecting their local strains. Members Dr. Kosuke YAMASHITA, Professor of Biological Laboratory, Kyoto University (Leader) Dr. Sadao SAKAMOTO, Researcher of the National Institute of Genetics Mr. Katsuyoshi FUKUI, Graduate Student of Fac. of Agriculture, Kyoto University |
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