Wild vegetables (WV) are an important source of food in the maize based subsistence farming sector of rural South Africa. Their main role is as relish as they are used as an accompaniment for staple cereal based diets. They are generally reported to be rich in micronutrients. Although they may be consumed in small quantities, they influence the intake of cereal staples, manage hunger and play a central role in household food security for the poorer rural groups. Mixing several WV species in one meal contributes to dietary diversity in terms of more vegetable types as well as in terms of choice of relish. For some very poor families WV are substitutes for some food crops. The seasonal occurrence of these vegetables leaves many families without a food source during the off-season. Wild vegetables increase agro-biodiversity at the household level. This agrobiodiversity helps in buffering against the accumulation and multiplication of pests and diseases and provides important cover for the soil. Further research on agronomic, social and economic dimensions is required to understand the roles of WV in subsistence farming systems in South Africa.

ABSTRACT. The complexity of social-ecological systems is well recognized (Berkes et al. 2003, Norberg andCumming 2008). However, in the study of such systems, it is often the uncertainty that results from nonlinear interactions that forms the focus of discussion. Here, the normative implications of complexity for our knowledge of such systems are emphasised, by drawing largely on the work of Cilliers (1998Cilliers ( , 2005a, who introduced the term "critical complexity." This perspective on complexity is distinct in bringing the value-based choices that frame our knowledge generation strategies to the fore. It is from this view that we investigate the implications of complexity for social-ecological systems research. Based on these implications, we propose a set of five key questions to guide the incorporation of insights from critical complexity into such research. We end with a brief application of the questions proposed to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) project in South Africa, to illustrate their potential use in the context of resource management.

Summary Traditional crops have historically provided accessible and affordable nutrition to millions of rural dwellers but have been neglected, with most modern agricultural systems over‐reliant on a small number of internationally traded crops. Traditional crops are typically well‐adapted to local agro‐ecological conditions and many are nutrient‐dense. They can play a vital role in local food systems through enhanced nutrition (particularly where diets are dominated by starch crops), food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers, and a climate‐resilient and biodiverse agriculture. Using short‐read, long‐read and phased sequencing technologies, we generated a high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly for Amaranthus cruentus, an under‐researched crop with micronutrient‐ and protein‐rich leaves and gluten‐free seed, but lacking improved varieties, with respect to productivity and quality traits. The 370.9 Mb genome demonstrates a shared whole genome duplication with a related species, Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Comparative genome analysis indicates chromosomal loss and fusion events following genome duplication that are common to both species, as well as fission of chromosome 2 in A. cruentus alone, giving rise to a haploid chromosome number of 17 (versus 16 in A. hypochondriacus). Genomic features potentially underlying the nutritional value of this crop include two A. cruentus‐specific genes with a likely role in phytic acid synthesis (an anti‐nutrient), expansion of ion transporter gene families, and identification of biosynthetic gene clusters conserved within the amaranth lineage. The A. cruentus genome assembly will underpin much‐needed research and global breeding efforts to develop improved varieties for economically viable cultivation and realization of the benefits to global nutrition security and agrobiodiversity.

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its nutritious tender shoots, fruits, and seeds are widely consumed in rural communities as leafy vegetables. However, studies on variation and heritability of its agronomic traits are lacking. This study aimed to characterise variability and heritability among L. siceraria genotypes with various fruit and seed morphology from different origins. Seedling, vegetative and reproductive traits were compared among landraces. Landraces varied significantly in their seedling, vegetative and reproductive traits. Significant positive correlations were mainly recorded among reproductive traits. The first five informative principal components had a total variability of 74.393%. Biplot and dendrogram grouped landraces mainly according to fruit and seed morphology and then their origin. In a biplot, Cluster-I grouped landraces with pear-shaped (KSP, RSP, RRP) and curvilinear-shaped (NqRC) fruits. Cluster-II mainly associated landraces with smooth and curvilinear-shaped fruits (KSC, NqSC, NSRC, NSC, MSC and DSI) from different origins. Cluster- III associated landraces with rough textured fruits from the same origin (NRB and NRC). High heritability estimate was recorded among fruit and seed traits. This was the first comprehensive variability and heritability study in the country and therefore it formed basis for available L. siceraria germplasm essential for future breeding programs.