AFRICA
WORLD
BANK TO SUPPORT AGRI DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA
The
World Bank approved a grant to support agricultural development
in Zambia. The Agricultural Development Support Project
aims to increase the commercialization of smallholder
agriculture by promoting the development of a network
of well-functioning and competitive value chains.
The
project will provide resources for investments in agricultural
production and marketing, develop innovative business
linkages between smallholders and other actors in the
target supply chains, and target investments in public
goods. It will also improve smallholders' access to markets
and the competitiveness of their agricultural commodities.
Tijan Sallah and Paavo Eliste, the World Bank Task Team Leaders of the project,
said that the project will contribute to the strategic priorities of the Africa
Action Plan. They noted that the Government of Zambia is supporting the development
of smallholder agriculture and is committed to support their development.
For
more information on the World Bank's work in Zambia visit http://www.worldbank.org/afr/zm or http://web.worldbank.org/
external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627Ï-PK=73230&
theSitePK=40941&menuPK=375708&Projectid=P070063
THE
AMERICAS
IICA
PROPOSES COOPERATION PROGRAM FOR BIOFUELS
A
proposal to unite the forces of countries in biofuel
production was made in the recently concluded First Inter-American
Meeting on Bio-fuels. The meeting was held in Brazil,
the world’s current leader in biofuel production,
and was attended by specialists from 34 countries of
the Americas, as well as representatives of the private
and academic sectors.
Mario
Seixas, Assistant Deputy Director General of the Inter-American
Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) presented
a preliminary proposal calling for the creation of a
Hemispheric Horizontal Technical Cooperation Program
in Agro-energy and Bio-fuels. The future program, Seixas
said, would assist countries in Latin America and the
Caribbean in developing agro-energy; generate employment
and income; comply with environmental policy; and bring
the member countries to the forefront of the world’s
biofuel industry.
The
meeting was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture
(MAPA) of Brazil. Read the press release at http://www.iica.int/
noticias/detalles/2006/CP24-2006_eng.pdf.
CIP
CONTRIBUTES NATIVE POTATOES TO POTATO PARK
The
International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru has repatriated
246 virus-free varieties of native potatoes to the Potato
Park in Cusco Department, Peru. These varieties are now
yielding 30 percent more than ordinary potatoes.
CIP
scientists are collaborating with the Potato Park to
promote the crop, and the use and conservation of the
diverse variety of native potatoes found there. Using
advanced molecular techniques, CIP is looking into the
possibility that the Park could be a minor center of
origin of the tuber.
The
Park is one of the few conservation initiatives in the
world where residents manage and protect local genetic
resources and traditional knowledge about health, food,
and agriculture.
Details
of CIP’s work in the Potato Park are available
at http://www.cipotato.org/news_more.asp?cod=23
VENEZUELAN-CUBAN
COLLABORATION FOR IMPROVED SEEDS
Lara,
Venezuela recently hosted the first of three planned
courses aimed at raising the human and technical capacity
of Venezuela for the production of improved seeds. The
initiative is part of an agreement for technical cooperation
between Cuba and Venezuela.
The
first course, devoted to the genetic improvement of crops,
was conducted by seed specialists of the “Liliana
Dimitrova” Research Institute of Cuba, who shared
their knowledge and experience with their Venezuelan
colleagues. In addition to know-how, the Cuban Institute
has also donated improved genetic stocks. The second
course, slated for June, will review agricultural technologies
for crop culture and seed improvement; while the last
course will cover topics such as commercialization, intellectual
property, and norms of quality, and is planned for October.
The program will conclude with a workshop in November
on food sovereignty and security.
For
more information, visit: http://www.inia.gov.ve/
noticias/050806_01.html
ASIA
BOLLGARD-II
COTTON HYBRIDS APPROVED IN INDIA
The
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), India’s
biotech regulatory body, recently approved the commercial
release of four varieties of Bollgard-II cotton hybrids
belonging to three Indian seed companies for planting
in the country’s central cotton growing zone. The
Bollgard-II (commonly referred to as BG-II) cotton hybrids
were developed by MAHYCO, and contain stacked Cry X (Cry
I Ac and Cry 2 Ab) genes (event MON 15985) developed
by Monsanto. The hybrids provide season-long control
of key lepidopteran pests. A significant advantage of
the BG-II cotton hybrids is that they aid in delaying
the development of pest resistance to the Cry1Ac protein.
This
is the fourth biotech cotton event approved in India
since the commercialization of the first genetically
modified cotton in the 2002-2003 planting season. So
far, 40 varieties of Bt cotton hybrids have been released.
Another important development is the approval for the
export of transgenic eggplant (Brinjal) seeds containing
the cry1Ac gene (MAHYCO EE-1 event), from India to Bangladesh
and the Philippines.
Decisions from the GEAC meeting are available at: http://www.envfor.nic.in/divisions/csurv/
geac/geac-66.pdf. For more information, contact Bhagirath Choudhary of
the ISAAA South Asia Office at b.choudhary@cgiar.org
FAO,
CHINA ALLIANCE TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY
China’s
government and the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) recently signed a pact that will allow
China to sent at least 3,000 of its agricultural experts
and technicians to provide help to small farmers and
fisher folk in developing countries. The specialists
to be deployed will have expertise in irrigation, livestock,
fisheries, and post harvest handling.
This
deal is part of the FAO’s South-South Cooperation
Initiative, a component of the Special Program for Food
Security, which aims to strengthen economic relations
among developing countries to improve agricultural productivity
and ensure access to food for all. Over 100 countries
are currently taking part in the program, with more than
600 South-South Cooperation experts and technicians working
with rural communities in over 30 countries.
For
more information, read the complete news release at http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=
18535&Cr=china&Cr1=
VIETNAM
PRIORITIZES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
Vietnam
is drafting a strategy for sustainable agricultural development
in rural areas. The strategy prioritizes scientific research
investment and technology transfer to promote competitiveness
of agricultural products. Focus of efforts will be on
developing biotechnology and establishing high-tech agricultural
models.
Trang
Hieu Dung, head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development’s Planning Department, told participants
during the National Conference on Sustainable Development
in Hanoi that targets for sustainable development have
been set. These include programs to develop high-value
plants and animals, and investment on processing and
after-harvest technologies.
The
Ministry likewise plans to increase investment in trade
promotion; mobilize private resources for production,
processing, and consumption; and create favorable conditions
for farmers to gain access to hi-tech and agricultural
promotion systems.
With
reports from Le Thu Hien (hienbiotechvn@pmail.vnn.vn)
from AG Biotech Vietnam. For more information, visit http://www.agbiotech.com.vn/vn/
EUROPE
EFSA
RELEASES LATEST OPINION ON GM MAIZE VARIETY
The
Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO
Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently
released its opinion on genetically modified maize 1507
x NK603, which is engineered with protection against
specific lepidopteran pests, as well as tolerance to
the herbicides glufosinate and glyphosate. The Panel
concluded that the maize is “unlikely to have any
adverse effect on human and animal health and the environment
in the context of its intended uses.”
In
delivering its opinion, the panel considered the application
filed, information provided by the applicant, and scientific
comments submitted by the European Union (EU) member
states. Scientific assessments included molecular characterization
of transgenes and expression of target proteins; as well
as comparative analysis of agronomic traits, nutrient
composition, potential allergenicity and toxicity, and
environmental effects. According to the report, the nutritional
properties of maize 1507 x NK603 “would be no different
from those of conventional counterparts,” and “unintended
environmental effects due to the establishment and spread
of GM maize will not be different from that of conventionally
bred maize.”
Read
the text of the opinion at http://www.efsa.eu.int/
science/gmo/gmo_opinions/1482/gmo_ov_op5_
annexa_en1.pdf. Read the press release at http://www.efsa.eu.int/science/gmo/gmo_opinions/
1482_en.html.
CARGILL
TO INVEST IN BIOFUEL PLANT
Another
company is set to make its mark in the booming biofuel
industry. Cargill, an international corporation involved
in food, agricultural, and risk management products and
services, will invest over 50 million euros in the construction
of a rapeseed crush plant at its existing site in Montoir,
France. Construction is expected to begin by the end
of this year.
Cargill
will make the investment through a joint venture with
Sofiprotéol, a financial holding company engaged
in oilseed production. The plant is expected to churn
out up to 250,000 metric tons per year of rapeseed oil,
the main ingredient in the production of biodiesel. A
co-product of the crushing operations is rapeseed meal;
350,000 metric tons is expected to be produced annually,
and will be sold to the animal feed market.
Read
the complete press release at http://www.cargill.com/
news/news_releases/060503_rapeseedplantinfrance.htm.
CHANGING
GLUCOSINATES FOR TAILOR-MADE, DISEASE-RESISTANT CROPS
Plants
are susceptible to a variety of bacterial and fungal
pathogens, and such diseases represent a major constrain
to crop production. Glucosinolates are natural plant
products that function in the defense toward pathogens.
Attack by a specific pathogen will elicit a complex molecular
response in the plant, which will ultimately lead to
the production and accumulation of a specific set glucosinolates
most suited for defense. What are the prospects of modifying
the composition of these compounds for engineering custom-made
disease-resistant crops?
Günter
Brader and his colleagues from the University of Helsinki
and the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
of Denmark explore the effects on disease resistance
of expressing different single glucosinolate biosynthetic CYP79 genes
in Arabidopsis plants. Their report, “Altering
glucosinolate profiles modulates disease resistance in
plants” is published in the latest issue of the
Plant Journal.
Arabidopsis
plants expressing CYP79D2 from cassava show
enhanced resistance against the bacterial soft-rot pathogen Erwinia
carotovora, while overexpression of the sorghum CYP79A1 and
of the endogenous CYP79A2 provide increased
protection towards the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas
syringae. However, an increase in certain glucosinolates
also raised susceptibility to fungal pathogens. Arabidopsis with
different glucosinolate contents can therefore be used
as a valuable tool for the gathering of essential information
on the engineering of disease resistance.
Read
the abstract of the article in:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/
10.1111/j.1365-313X.2006.02743.x
BIOASSAY
DEVELOPED FOR WHEAT CROWN ROT
Crown
rot of wheat is caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum.
Infected crowns appear brown and rot to a greater or
lesser extent depending on the stage of the disease and
on the severity of the infection. Plants with severe
infections generally do not survive, and F. pseudograminearum persists
in the soil in infected plant matter, representing a
chronic source of infection in affected fields.
Crown
rot is mainly managed by controlling grass hosts prior
to cropping, rotating susceptible cereals with non-host
break crops, burning infected stubble, and selecting
tolerant wheat varieties. Tolerance, however, refers
to the ability of a plant to withstand infection, while
resistance describes the ability of a host to resist
or prevent infection by a pathogen, with minimal damage
to the plant tissues. Resistant plants will also reduce
the number of spores the pathogen is able to produce,
minimizing the risks for future crops. The isolation
of wheat varieties with genetic resistance to crown rot
is therefore essential for controlling the disease.
Mittera
and co-workers in the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) Plant Industry, the University
of Ballarat in Australia, and the Hebei Academy of Agricultural
Sciences of China, report on the development of a new
high-throughput and reliable seedling bioassay to screen
wheat germplasm for crown rot resistance in the Plant
Pathology scientific journal . Single wheat seedlings
were inoculated with Fusarium and assessed for
crown rot severity after an incubation period of 35 days.
The seedling bioassay mimicked field resistance to crown
rot in adult plants, and by detecting small but consistent
differences in crown rot severity among different wheat
cultivars, the bioassay proved an effective tool for
large-scale screening for partial resistance.
Read the abstract of “A high-throughput glasshouse bioassay to detect
crown rot resistance in wheat germplasm” at: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/
abs/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2006.01384.x
FUNGI
AGAINST FUNGI FOR BETTER AGRICULTURE
Trichoderma are
fungi found in nearly all agricultural soils. Their ability
to grow toward the hyphae of other fungi, coil around
them, and disintegrate them through the secretion of
degrading enzymes have made them important allies in
agriculture for limiting the spread and activity of pathogenic
fungi. The mycoparasitic activity of Trichoderma has
been exploited for the biological control of black pod
or Phytophthora pod rot, one the most important cacao
pathogens in Africa; and against Rhizoctonia solani,
which attacks crops such as rice, wheat, potato, and
maize.
In
addition to directly attacking plant pathogens, Trichoderma fungi
also directly benefit the plant: specific strains will
colonize and penetrate the root system eliciting specific
plant defense mechanisms that result in induced systemic
resistance (ISR) in the entire plant, thereby strengthening
the plant’s defense system against pathogen attack.
How
is the interaction between Trichoderma and the
host plant mediated at the molecular level? Ada Viterbo
and Ilan Chet of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel,
report on the isolation of TasHyd1, a gene that
encodes a hydrophobin-like protein that is detected in
young Trichoderma mycelia. Trichoderma mutants lacking
TasHyd could still attack Rhizoctonia solani pathogens
in vivo, but failed to interact with the plant. The authors
therefore show that TasHyd1 is specifically
required for root attachment and colonization, and is
not needed for the mycoparasitic ability of Trichoderma.
To
read the abstract of the article, entitled “TasHyd1,
a new hydrophobin gene from the biocontrol agent Trichoderma
asperellum, is involved in plant root colonization”,
visit: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/
10.1111/j.1364-3703.2006.00335.x
DIRECTORY
AVAILABLE ON KC WEBSITE
A
directory of biotech-related sites is now available on
the ISAAA-KC website. This directory contains links to
research institutes, universities, companies, sources of
biotech information, and other directories specific to
agricultural biotechnology and related fields. If you want
your organization's website to be included in the directory,
please email knowledge.center@isaaa.org.
Visit the KC website at http://www.isaaa.org/kc/directory/index.htm.
$10,000
PRIZE FOR JOURNALISTS ANNOUNCED
The
fifth annual Bastiat Prize for Journalism is now open.
The competition aims to encourage and reward writers whose
published works promote the institutions of a free society:
limited government, free markets, rule of law brokered
by an independent judiciary, protection of private property,
free speech, and sound science. The deadline for this year’s
competition is June 30, 2006. Read the complete rules and
judging criteria at http://www.bastiatprize.org.
For any questions please email nickspurrell@policynetwork.net.
TRAINING
FELLOWSHIPS FOR SSA OPEN
The
Third World Organization for Women in Science has instituted
Training Fellowships for Women Scientists in Sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA), open to students from SSA and least developed
countries who wish to pursue postgraduate training leading
to a PhD at centers of excellence abroad in southern developing
countries. Application deadline is the 30th of May, 2006.
For details, visit: http://www.ictp.trieste.it/
~twows/postgrad.html
WORLD
VEGETABLE CENTER OFFERS COURSE
The
World Vegetable Center, Regional Center for Africa is offering
an intensive course on vegetable crops production and research
from July to November 2006. The course is open to African
professionals who currently undertake the vegetable research
and development activities in the African continent. For
more information, visit: http://www.avrdc.org/training.html
SHORT
COURSES OFFERED BY MSU
Michigan
State University (MSU) in the United States is offering
several short courses in 2006 on various topics related
to biotechnology. An International Internship Program in
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Technology Transfer,
Use and Management will be held from July 9-14; An International
Short Course in Food Safety from July 23-28; An International
Short Course in Agroecology, Integrated Pest Management
(IPM), and Sustainable Agriculture from Jun 18-28; and
an International Short Course in Environmental Aspects
of Agricultural Biotechnology from Jul 30-Aug 4. For more
details, visit http://www.iia.msu.edu/courses05.htm.
INVITATION
FOR COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS EXTENDED
The
Australian Center for International Agricultural Research
(ACIAR) is extending an invitation to register Expressions
of Interest in collaborative agricultural R&D Projects
in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Proposals should incorporate
conceptual models of the structure and operation of the
project(s), support ACIAR’s current research priorities
in PNG, and nominate collaborative partners. For more information,
visit
http://www.aciar.gov.au/web.nsf/doc/ACIA-6PDVLV.
RICE
SHORT STORY CONTEST FOR FILIPINO STUDENTS
A
short story writing contest, with the theme “Rice
is Life,” has recently been opened to all Filipino
high school students aged 12-17, who will be enrolled during
the 2006-2007 school year. The deadline for submission
of entries is on the 16th of October, 2006, World Food
Day. For more information, visit http://www.asiarice.org
NEW
AGRICULTURAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED IN CHILE
The
network of agricultural and forestry information of Chile
(Red de Información Silvoagropecuaria de Chile-
REDAGROCHILE) has launched a new website, aimed to integrate
the available agricultural information found in libraries,
documentation centers, and research institutions in a single
resource for more convenient access by users. The site
contains over 420 thousand titles and about a hundred subscriptions
to national and international specialized scientific journals,
mostly free of charge.
Access
the site at: http://www.redagrochile.cl/ |