September 26, 2001

Kenya Harvests GM Sweet Potatoes, Awaiting Approval of Bt Cotton

The first biotechnology research project in Kenya chose sweet potatoes as its target crop.  With the first harvest completed, disease resistance to the feathery mottle virus was achieved.  This aphid-borne disease can be devastating to farmers, destroying up to 80 percent of a crop.  

 Dr. Florence Wambugu, geneticist for the project, says the second season for the new sweet potato begins in October.  Four seasons of tests will be completed before the crop is released to farmers.  Mrs. Cecillia Nzau, secretary to the National Council for Science and Technology, says stringent biosafety regulations were observed throughout the project, including her personal oversight of the disposal of sweet potato by-products after the harvest.  

 The success of this project could bring greater food security and a significant economic benefit.  It is estimated that annual gains from the sweet potato project could be as high as $500 million.

 According to the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), tests with GM cotton may be approved soon.  The application for GM cotton is pending approval by the National Biosafety Committee.  This cotton has been made resistant to bollworms, an insect that reduces fiber yield.

 Experience in Indonesia offers promise to Kenya farmers.  Bt-cotton there requires a fourth as many sprays as conventional cotton.  The prospects of a large U. S. market, opened up to Kenya textiles through the African Growth and Opportunity  Agreement (Agoa), encourages Kenya to increase production from the current level of 20,000 bales per year to a projected potential of 300,000 bales.  Further to Kenya's benefit is its position as the only country in the region that produces long-fiber cotton.  

"First GM Sweet Potato Crop is Harvested," The Daily Nation

Modified Cotton Increases Productivity for Indonesian Farmers

Bungaran Saragib, Indonesia's minister of agriculture, announced recently that the government will extend the permit allowing genetically modified (Bollgard) cotton to be grown there.  According to Bungaran, the use of these new seeds is improving farmer's productivity.  Therefore, he will approve the extension and will revoke any court orders that would end the planting as a result of suits by nongovernmental organizations.

"The government wants to boost productivity of cotton and farmer's revenue by two to three times and reduce 		the cost of production," says Indonesia's minister of agriculture, Bungaran Saragih.  He says output of cotton using the enhanced variety averages 2.2 million kilograms per hectare, compared with 500 kg using conventional varieties.

Indonesia currently imports 500,000 tons of cotton which cost the country about $1 billion a year.  

"Indonesian Gov't to Extend Permit for GMA Cotton Planting," Dow Jones


More Biotech Benefits on the Horizon

The traits engineered in crops through biotechnology have been most apparent to farmers.  Benefits related to reduced production costs and fewer chemical applications have caused farmers to increase use of GM crops, but they impact many consumers indirectly.  That may be changing.

Golden rice and golden mustard are examples of the potential improvements in food that are possible, enriching diets by improving the nutritional value of the products people eat every day.  

Research by biotech companies suggest an array of additional 		benefits, including detoxification of polluted soils, drought-tolerant corn and fruits with proteins that could prevent tooth decay.

"Among other things, scientists are exploring whether it is possible to increase cancer-fighting ingredients in food, to deliver vaccines in fruit and to rescue threatened species such as the American chestnut tree," says a report by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology.  

"Value-Added Biotech Crops on Horizon," Associated Press


Illinois Farmers Conduct Conservation Tillage Trials

A four-year research study, Save Our Illinois Soils, will assess crop yields and tillage methods.  Conservation tillage, heralded in recent years as an effective means of reducing soil erosion, can take various forms.  These include no-till, strip till and mulch till.  

As the name implies, no-till involves no plowing.  Strip till centers on creating soil mounds in the fall for spring planting, with the between-rows areas left untouched.  

Mulch till uses minimum tillage, leaving more 		crop residue on the surface.The Illinois project is focused on possible yield increases.  

For example, with strip till, the soil warms faster, enabling earlier planting.  A variety of factors, including soil condition, weeds and climate affect a farmer's tillage decision.  The current research will add yield impact as a consideration in this decision.  

"Yield Advantage of Tillage Methods Uncertain," The Pantagraph






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The stories presented in The Biotech Advantage are compiled and summarized from various media sources. The expressed views and opinions are from those sources and do not necessarily reflect positions of Monsanto.

© 2008 Monsanto



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