Research Net Set To Improve Vegetable Production in Brazil
July 27, 2007| |
The production of Curcubitaceae, a family that comprises pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, generates a yearly income of about R$300 million (US$158 million) in Brazil. In order to improve the sustainable production of these crops for resource poor farmers, EMBRAPA, the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research, has established in partnership with universities, farmers’ unions and cooperatives, the Participative Network for Research and Development of the Genetic Resources of the Curcubitaceae.
Maria Aldete Ferreira, researcher at EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, explains that families have traditionally grown these crops for their own consumption, and sold the excess for cash. The seeds they use are local, and have been conserved through generations. “The aim of the initiative is to stimulate production for sale, and teach farmers to produce crops of enhanced quality” says Aldete Ferreira.
To this objective, EMBRAPA has already conducted three training workshops for farmers in states of Ceará, Minas Gerais and the Federal District. Farmers are shown best practices for cultivation of these crops, and learn how to differentiate between different varieties of Curcubitaceae.
More information at
http://www.agenciabrasil.gov.br/noticias/2007/07/17/materia.2007-07-17.2692410494/view
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- FAO on Marker-Assisted Selection
- Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries May Suffer Food Insecurity in 2007 – FAO Report
- One Species, Many Genomes: How Plants Adapt to Local Environments
- South Africa Includes Biotech in 10- Year Plan
- Biotechnology in South Africa: An Annual Report
- Bio Launches Agri-biotech Program
- US Scientists Breed Disease-Resistant Plant for Africa
- Field Testing Bugs with a Taste for Soybean Aphids
- Natural Fungicide Fights Garlic White Rot
- Research Net Set To Improve Vegetable Production in Brazil
- Managing Agri-biotech in Colombia
- Environmental Concerns Boost Australian Support for GM Foods
- Big Boost for High Fiber Grains Research in Australia
- Vietnam to Set Up Hi-Tech R&D Centers
- Report Offers Tips for a Successful Biotechnology Sector
- Recombinant DNA, Proteins of GM Feed Degrade in GI Tract - EFSA
- EU Biotech Industry Urges Member States to Address Issue of Zero Tolerance
-
Research Highlights
- Marker-Free Plants from Leaf Disc Agroinfiltration
- Urgent Need to Conserve Vanilla Genetic Resources
- GM Geranium with Improved Oil Quality
- Review: Improving Containment Strategies in Biopharming
-
Announcements
- The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Workshops
- SEA Papaya Network Video Now Available
- BioMed Center's Portal for OpenAccess for Developing Countries
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet