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Changes in seed viability over 12 months of low-input storage conditions were monitored on five diverse seed species grown in the tropics: amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), lablab bean (Lablab purpureus), moringa (Moringa oleifera), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Because the costs of maintaining lowtemperature storage can be prohibitively expensive in developing countries, this study explored alternatives to low-temperature storage at the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) Asia Impact Center Seed Bank in Northern Thailand. Specifically, this research compared the effects of vacuum sealing and refrigeration on stored seed viability in both laboratory and field settings. While seed species was an influential factor in determining seed longevity, the relative importance of vacuum sealing and refrigeration differed for the dependent variables of seed moisture content, germination rate, mean time to 50% germination and field emergence. Although the combination of vacuum sealing and refrigeration was most effective at conserving seed quality as measured by each of these variables, the storage of seeds in vacuum-sealed packages at ambient temperatures was more effective than unsealed but refrigerated packets at conserving low moisture content and high germination and field emergence rates across species. This suggests that for resource-constrained seed banks in the tropics, vacuum sealing with or without refrigeration may represent a viable alternative to other expensive and energy-intensive storage techniques.

This study used a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the potential for hydroponic production of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) in Kenya. Hydroponic systems have potential for increased efficiency in water and land use, but their potential has not been critically evaluated in many developing countries. To address this gap in knowledge, this study assessed the nutritional density and economic viability of hydroponic systems built from local materials. Specifically, vegetable amaranth was grown hydroponically and evaluated for increased nutritional density of key micronutrients. Manipulation of the nutrient solution used in hydroponic systems changed the bioaccumulation of zinc, iron and carotenoids, which are three of the most common micronutrients lacking in Kenyan diets. Economic viability was assessed with a benefit-cost analysis that compared three different hydroponic systems to soil-based production and purchasing vegetables from local markets. This analysis showed that none of the hydroponic systems were profitable under current conditions, but sensitivity analyses revealed certain scenarios where they could become so. Overall, hydroponic production has the potential to create nutrient-dense crops with high levels of zinc, iron, or carotenoids. However, hydroponic systems may be better suited to crops of higher value than amaranth, areas where soil-based production is not an option, or regions where vegetable markets are not available.

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