Advances in plant biotechnology and its adoption in developing countries

Toenniessen, GH, O'Toole, JC, and DeVries, J (2003). Current Opinion in Plant Biology 2003, 6:191–198.

This paper is relevant to the Agronomic, Safety & Health Impact, Environmental, and Developing Country categories in the following areas:

Abstract or Summary:

Developing countries are already benefiting and should continue to benefit significantly from advances in plant biotechnology. Insect-protected cotton containing a natural insecticide protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt cotton) is providing millions of farmers with increased yields, reduced insecticide costs and fewer health risks. Many other useful plant biotechnology products that can benefit poor farmers and consumers are in the research and development pipelines of institutions in developing countries, and should soon reach farmers? fields.

Bt cotton: yield increase, reduction of insecticides and costs, less exposure, less labor

Disease resistant varieties in rice and cassava by marker assisted breeding

Striga control in Africa (imazapyr resistant maize and seed coating)

Look into the future:
- drought tolerance important
- enhanced human nutrition (golden rice)

Paper reproduced from Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 6:191-198, GH Toenniessen et al, 2003 with permission from Elsevier. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13695266)

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