Using Ecological Indices and Economics to Explain Diversity in a Wheat Crop: Examples from Australia and China

Spatial diversity indicators may serve policymakers as they seek to manage crop genetic diversity and externalities associated with diffusion of some genetically modified crops. This paper adapts ecological indices of spatial diversity to area distributions of modern wheat varieties in contrasting production systems of Australia and China. The variation in three concepts of spatial diversity—richness, abundance, and evenness—is explained using Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression (SUR). Determinants of wheat diversity differ by concept, but include variety traits other than yield potential, environmental factors, and policies affecting the supply of varieties, research spill-ins, and market liberalization.