Rice fields treated with the Azolla bio-fertilizer give the same yields as those treated with chemical nitrogen fertilizers. - - Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The joint FAO/IAEA division was established in 1964 to explore the peaceful uses of nuclear and related biotechnologies in agriculture. Its goals are to increase agricultural production, to prevent food losses and spoilage and to reduce environmental pollution. Researchers use ?chemical markers? (radioactive and stable isotopes) to measure soil moisture, nutrients and the efficiency of fertilizers. Tracer techniques are used to detect hormones in animals and to measure nutrients for improved animal nutrition. Nuclear techniques are helping scientists to track agro-chemicals and their residues and to develop more effective and safer formulas of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Research at the joint division?s laboratories at Seibersdorf, Austria, is also aimed at finding new plant cultivars as well as safeguarding and strengthening traditional crop species. Through its field work and training programmes, and a vast information network, the joint FAO/IAEA division provides vital services to scientists, especially to those from the developing world.