Status report on global Neem usage - Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal

4. NEEM IN DEVELOPMENT-COOPERATION PROJECTS
A total of 25 seed sources from 11 countries, representing the entire eco-geographical
variation in the range of distribution of the species were described and collected around
agreed common guidelines. 25 seed lots were exchanged among 21 countries.
Field trials were established, assessed and evaluated until 2000 to get information on the
extent of the genetic variation of neem. Provenance recommendations for planting at different
sites will become available based upon the results of the assessments. In addition, information
will be provided on genetic resources to be conserved either in situ or ex situ.
In addition to the main Network activities on exchange of seed and establishment of international
provenance trials, the Network has a number of associated supportive research
components related to
• Genetic variation and reproductive biology
• Seed physiology and technology
• Genetic variation in chemical compounds
Literature:
A range of publications are worked out by the members of the network
CONTACT: Pierre.Sigaud(a)fao.org, +39-0657055137 fax., Dr. Pierre Sigaud, Forest
Genetic Resources, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 001 00 Rome, Italy;
Henry Doubleday Research Association/Oxford University/DIFD
Organised and conducted in November 1999 and E-mail conference on different topics of
neem research, use and application in Ghana and India. The workshop was covering topics
such as global use of neem, tackling constraints and identifying opportunities in India and
Ghana – needs and prospects of neem usage, improving productivity, silviculture and genetic
improvement, commercialisation of neem, etc.
Inputs, contributions and results of the workshops can be taken from the WEB
www.hdra.org.uk/neem.htm
4.2 Bilateral or National Projects
ANTIGUA
In St. Lucia a project funded by the Ministry of Agric. & Organisation of American States is
working to promote the use of plants with pest control properties within a sustainable agriculture
project.
Currently about 5000 mostly young trees are growing in St. Lucia, a few older are thriving
near government buildings. Trials on station and on farm has been carried out, neem
nurseries established and training in how to produce and apply neem water extracts with
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