Effect of diazotrophic bacterium inoculation and organic fertilization on yield of Champaka pineapple intercropped with irrigated sapota.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the Champaka pineapple to inoculation with the diazotrophic bacterium Asaia bogorensis (strain 219) when grown with organic fertilizer in an irrigated sapota orchard. Plantlets were transplanted to tubes containing a mixture of worm compost and vermiculite and inoculated with 108 bacterial cells. After five and a half months of acclimatization the plantlets were transplanted in furrows in the sapota orchard. Fertilizer was placed at the bottom of the furrows and covered with three doses (2.5; 5.0 and 7.5 L linear m−1 row) of three organic composts. The successful association of the plantlets with the diazo-trophic bacterium was confirmed by most probable number analysis before transferring to the field. Plants inoculated with strain AB219 showed the greatest initial leaf growth and produced the heaviest fruits compared to uninoculated plants. Plant growth and fruit yield increased with increasing compost dosages. The results suggested that Champaka pineapple benefited from the association of A. bogorensis (strain 219) when grown under irrigation and with organic fertilizer.

Consumers motivations for buying local and organic products in developing vs developed countries.

Despite numerous studies reporting on organic consumer profiles, little is known on consumers motivations for buying local and organic products. More precisely, do consumers prefer local products because they want to support local producers or do environment and the question of food miles matter in their choice ? Besides, very little is known about organic consumers in developing countries, since most surveys are generally conducted in developed countries. Our purpose is to fill this double gap. By conducting qualitative surveys based on individual interviews in four developing countries (Brazil, Egypt, Uganda and China) and two European countries, France and Denmark, we plan to study consumers choice for organic products from supermarkets, farmers markets or local organic food network respectively. Products are selected to cover examples of imported organic products that compete with comparable products of local origin. First results from Brazil and France show that French consumers are more concerned by the environment than Brazilian consumers, but that most consumers in both samples are not concerned by food miles and their subsequent environmental impacts. Results also shed light on different patterns related to commitment of supporting small or local farmers, and suggest implications for policy makers.

Consumers motivations for buying local and organic products in developing vs developed countries.

2008