The first ever genetically modified maize developed and tested exclusively in Africa will make its debut in trials in the continent's fields soon, scientists have reported.
The GM maize is resistant to maize streak viruses (MSV), that can destroy most of a maize crop. The viruses are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and adjacent Indian Ocean islands.
Scientists at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, along with colleagues at the South African seed company, Pannar Pty, told attendees at the American Society of Plant Biologists annual meeting that they hope will help alleviate food shortages as well as promote the reputation of GM foods in Africa.
Whether the maize will affect global supplies is unknown at the current time, with indications being that the maize will initially supply only African markets. If the trials prove successful, this could see yet another increase in the number of hectares cultivated with GM crops.
A recent publication of new figures from The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) showed that in 2006 the number of hectares globally cultivated with GM crops increased by 12 million hectares. Most of this growth came from countries such as China and India.
The impending field trials will ensure that the GE maize variety has no unintended effects on beneficial organisms that may feed on it, as well verifying that the viral protein is digestible and non-allergenic.
The researchers also plan to extend their research to disease caused by similar viruses, which can affect other crops, including barley, wheat, oats, sugarcane, and millet.
Food Decisions
Scientists at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, along with colleagues at the South African seed company, Pannar Pty, told attendees at the American Society of Plant Biologists annual meeting that they hope will help alleviate food shortages as well as promote the reputation of GM foods in Africa.
Whether the maize will affect global supplies is unknown at the current time, with indications being that the maize will initially supply only African markets. If the trials prove successful, this could see yet another increase in the number of hectares cultivated with GM crops.
A recent publication of new figures from The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) showed that in 2006 the number of hectares globally cultivated with GM crops increased by 12 million hectares. Most of this growth came from countries such as China and India.
The impending field trials will ensure that the GE maize variety has no unintended effects on beneficial organisms that may feed on it, as well verifying that the viral protein is digestible and non-allergenic.
The researchers also plan to extend their research to disease caused by similar viruses, which can affect other crops, including barley, wheat, oats, sugarcane, and millet.
Food Decisions
