South Africa Approves Biofortified Sorghum Trials

The South African government has approved the green house trials of sorghum genetically modified to contain increased levels of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, increased levels of Vitamins A and E, and more available iron and zinc.

The nod to conduct the trials was given to the South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), one of the key scientific contributors to the Africa Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) Project. The Project brings together seven African and two US organizations including Africa Harvest, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), University of Pretoria, University of California Berkeley and DuPont. ABS has received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to develop nutritionally enhanced sorghum for the arid and semi-arid tropical areas in the continent.

In a press release, CSIR Biosciences Executive Director Gatsha Mazithulela, said the approval is “in the best interest of scientific inquiry and provides a basis for making a difference to the neediest people of our continent.” Malnutrition accounts for a large portion of the disease burden in developing countries, especially in Africa.

Read the press release at http://ntww1.csir.co.za/plsql/ptl0002/PTL0002_PGE157_MEDIA_REL?MEDIA_RELEASE_NO=7522063