GM Sweet Potato

The virus resistant sweet potato developed by Monsanto Co. and KARI is the first transgenic crop to be field released in Kenya. Conclusive statements regarding the impact of this technology on human health and the environment cannot be made prior to the field trials. Therefore, developing efficient biosafety regulations is an integral part of the project. Just recently, a sweet potato breeder at KARI was awarded a fellowship to learn about biosafety by receiving training from Monsanto, several universities, and the US Department of Agriculture. If all goes well, Kenya’s farmers could receive the new varieties as early as 2002.

References:

Qaim, M. 1999. The economic effects of genetically modified orphan commodities: Projections for sweet potato in Kenya. ISAAA Briefs No. 13, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Ithaca, NY.

Related topics:

• Virus resistance
• VR technology
• Issues
• Relevant info
• Prospects
• FAQs

Summary Report on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops - [View the 2004 report]

Transgenic Crops - [Click Here]

Extensive Study on Bt Cotton - [Click Here]

Download the complete copy of the ISAAA Briefs on Global Status/Review of GM Crops - [Click Here]

SciDev.Net's dossier on GM crops - [Click here]

Global Status of Approved Genetically Modified Plants -  [Click here]

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