The purpose of this study was to analyze the problems that must be resolved in the short and long term to improve rice productivity in Nicaragua, where the current rice self-sufficiency rate is 73%. First, after selecting varieties with high adaptability to various cultivation environmental conditions, it is necessary to thoroughly manage seed purity to supply certified seeds. In rice cultivation technology, it needs to improve seedling standing and weeding effect by improving soil leveling, and watersaving cultivation technology. Also, proper fertilization and planting density must be established in irrigated and rain-fed areas. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity by collecting and training with the latest agricultural technology information, by revitalizing the union rather than the individual farmer. It is necessary to develop varieties highly adaptable to the Nicaragua cultivation environment, as well as to expand irrigation facilities and cultivation technology suitable for weather conditions June- July in rain-fed areas. Last, it is necessary to maintain the consistency of agricultural policy for continuous and stable rice production, in response to climate change such as drought or intermittent heavy rain.

The effects of CO2 enrichment on growth of maize (Zea mays L.) were examined. Parameters analyzed include growth characteristics, yields, photosynthetic rates, evaporation rates and photosynthesis-related characteristics under elevated CO2 . The plants were grown in growth chambers with a 12-h photoperiod and a day/night temperature of 28/21~circC at the seedling stage and 30/23~circC from the silking stage. The plants were exposed to two elevated CO2 of 500, 700ppm and ambient levels (350 ppm). Chalok 1 and GCB 70 germinated three days after seeding, and germination rates were faster in the elevated CO2 than the control. Germination rates displayed significant differences among the CO2 treatments. At the seedling stage, leaf area, top dry weight, and photosynthetic rates, and plant height indicated positive relationship with elevated CO2 concentrations. At the 5~6 leaf stage, CO2 concentration also indicated positive relationship with plant height, leaf area, top dry weight, and photosynthetic rates. At the silking stage, increased plant height of Chalok 1 was noted in the CO2 treatments compared to the control. No significant differences were noted for GCB 70, in which leaf area decreased but photosynthetic rates increased progressively with CO2 concentration. Stomatal aperture was a little bigger in the elevated CO2 than the control. CO2 concentration was negatively related to stomatal conductance and transpiration rates, resulting in high water use efficiency.

Water deficit is a serious constraint to soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] production in rainfed regions of Asia, Africa, and America. This study was conducted to develop a simple and effective screening method for drought tolerance in soybean. Fifteen soybean cultivars, eight identified to be drought-tolerant and seven drought-sensitive in previous studies, were used for the evaluation of drought tolerance under the new screening conditions. The seedling screening method was consisted of a treatment in a PEG solution and drought treatment in parafilm-layered pots. 5-day-old seedlings were treated in a 18% PEG solution for 4 days and their wilting and hypocotyl browning were recorded. Three seedlings grown in a parafilm-layered pot containing peat moss were drought-stressed by withholding water from the third day after seedling emergence, and root and seedling growth were examined. Degree of drought tolerance were rated based on seedling vigor in the PEG solution and drought-stressed parafilm-layered pots, and also on the penetration ability of roots through parafilm layer. Most of seedlings of the drought-tolerant cultivars showed higher vigour and root penetration than those of the drought-sensitive cultivars under the new screening conditions. Our results indicate that the new method can be used as a simple and effective screening procedure for drought tolerance in soybean breeding programs.