Transferring a cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genetic engineering capability to the African environment: Progress and prospects

Abstract

The procedures required to produce genetically transformed cassava were developed and are now in place in three laboratories in the USA and Europe. Future implementation and sustainability of transgenic technologies for the agronomic improvement of cassava will depend, however, on transferring these capabilities to locations where cassava has an important socioeconomic niche. If successful, such countries can apply the technology towards their particular needs. Training scientists from the developing countries in the transgenic biotechnologies is of primary importance in this effort. There are, however, many other factors including the availability of laboratory supplies, equipment, suitably experienced support staff, sufficient funding levels and biosafety considerations, which must be addressed and put in place before a transgenic program can be fully implemented in a given country. A transgenic capability is being transferred from the International Laboratory for Tropical Agricultural Biotechnology (ILTAB),USA, to the University of Zimbabwe. Three southern African cassava varieties were induced to form embryogenic suspension cultures at ILTA Band have been transferred to Zimbabwe. These tissues are presently being used as the basis of genetic transformation programs in both laboratories. Problems encountered in the transfer process as well as possible solutions aimed at adapting the available protocols will be presented.