Biotech Updates

Wild Cassava Relatives as Source of Stress-Resistance Genes

December 21, 2007

Scientists from the Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) have shown that wild cassava species harbor several stress and pathogen resistance genes. A project, in collaboration with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), now aims to transfer these genes to commercial cassava varieties.  Led by Alfredo Cunha Alves, the scientists have started to identify  molecular markers that will be used to transfer the resistance traits to high yielding cultivars. They are also starting the cytogenic characterization of the wild varieties. New stress-resistant cassava varieties are expected to be developed before the project ends in 2010. Scientists from CIAT have previously obtained cassava varieties resistant to the mealybug and whitefly by marker assisted selection.

 Read the news article at http://www.embrapa.br/embrapa/imprensa/noticias/2007/dezembro/2a-semana/especies-silvestres-de-mandioca-sao-foco-de-pesquisa