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NEW BOOKS
231 pages) identifies the problems that agronomists will need to solve to ensure that production under rice and wheat crop rotation continues to increase at the rate necessary to sustain the world food supply, while at the same time preserving natural resources for future generations. The rice-wheat system accounts for onethird of the area of both rice and wheat and feeds about 20% of the worlds population. This book serves as an excellent reference for policymakers and those who conduct research involving both crops.

Did you know?

IRRI Library and Documentation Service provides instant delivery of requested rice literature by pdf attached to email messages, through the Internet-based document delivery system Ariel. Visit http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org or email irripub@cgiar.org to learn more.
Rice Today October 2003

ARIEL JAVELLANA

RRI has added three new titles to its inventory of more than 100 books currently available on rice research, and a fourth title thats a first (see sidebar). Check the IRRI online publications catalog at www.irri.org/pubcat/ pubcontents.htm for pricing and ordering information on these and other titles and for announcements about other new books as they become available. Rice Science: Innovations and Impact for Livelihood (edited by T.W. Mew et al; copublished with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; 1,022 pages) is the proceedings of the 24th International Rice Research Conference, held as part of the 1st International Rice Congress in Beijing, 1620 September 2002. Dedicated to Gurdev Khush, whose work with many collaborators has provided more rice for millions, the volume contains selected papers presented at the conference, along with Chinese President Jiang Zemins opening address and some keynote speeches. The papers report on the latest in cutting-edge rice research conducted by some of the worlds most distinguished agricultural scientists. Improving the Productivity and Sustainability of Rice-Wheat Systems: Issues and Impacts (edited by J.K. Ladha et al; co-published with the American Society of Agronomy and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center;

GRAINDELL
For more than 40 years, IRRI has published its rice research findings in scientific books for researchers worldwide. Now there is a compelling reason for the institute to venture into publishing for a new audience children to instill in them the value of rice to farmers and consumers (including themselves) and to teach them about its impact on Asian cultures, the environment and human health. Graindell (by acclaimed Filipino childrens author R.O. Villanueva and illustrated by R.A. Abos; 30 pages) is IRRIs first storybook for young people and the first of a planned series of books that will reach out to both urban and rural children starting in the Philippines and then extending across Asia and to the world beyond. The story is about two young boys, Abu and Thor, who live on a tiny, poor planetoid called Graindell, where it is difficult to grow food. The two friends share a dream to improve life on Graindell, which they ultimately achieve. The book captures IRRIs goal for all the children of the world that is, to make their home a better place to live. A parallel educational Graindell Web site (www.Graindell.com) serves as a point of convergence for children and their stewards parents, teachers, storywriters and illustrators, and other concerned citizens. The site is a developing knowledge bank on rice geared to young people, taking in science, food and nutrition, arts and culture, literacy, and community participation.

A brave new world called

Rice-Feeding Insects and Selected Natural Enemies in West Africa (by E.A. Heinrichs and A.T. Barrion; illustrated by C. dela Cruz and J.R. Adorada; edited by G.P. Hettel; co-published with the West Africa Rice Development Association [WARDA] The Africa Rice Center; 240 pages) provides the first comprehensive taxonomic keys to West African rice-feeding insects and their natural enemies. West African rice farmers face many constraints in their quest to increase rice production. As cropping intensity and cultural practices change to meet production needs in the region, it will be important to avoid the problem of increased pest pressure. With 600 hand-drawn illustrations, the book describes the presence and abundance of important insects and spiders in the various climatic zones and rice ecosystems of West Africa. This collaborative work combines the unique knowledge and expertise of two sister CGIAR centers, IRRI and WARDA.

As part of the National Childrens Book Day celebration on 15 July, IRRI Director General Ronald Cantrell and author R.O. Villanueva sign copies of Graindell during the books national launch at the Museo Pambata in Manila.

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