GM Sweet Potato

In spite of the sweet potato's robustness, farmers in this part of the world suffer significant yield losses due to pests and diseases, notably sweet potato viruses and weevils. Efficient methods to control these pathogens are not available.

Through modern biotechnology, a new kind of sweet potato that is resistant to the sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) will soon be in the market. This modified crop, which has already gone past the laboratory stage, is the product of a 9- year collaboration between the U.S., Monsanto, and the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). The sweet potato will be tested in the field to evaluate its efficacy and its environmental impact. If all goes well, it will be made available to farmers in 18 months.

For more information, please contact Dr. Richard Kiome, Director of KARI or Dr. Samuel Wakhusama (email: s.wakhusama@isaaa.org), Director of the ISAAA AfriCenter.

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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