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Monday, 4 November 2002

8:00-9:00        Registration at Royal Botanical Beach Hotel

9:00-9:15        Welcome and Opening Remarks from NARO, Joseph Mukiibi, Director General, NARO

9:15-9:30        Welcome and Opening Remarks from The Rockefeller Foundation. Gary Toenniessen, Director of Food Security, The Rockefeller Foundation

9:30-9:50        Address from the Guest of Honor. Hon. Wilberforce K. Mugerwa, Minister of Agriculture

9:50-10:30      Keynote Address.  Gordon Conway, President of The Rockefeller Foundation

10:30-10:50            Tea Break

10:50-11:15    Development of an electro-transformation protocol for cowpea.  I. Sithole-Niang, R. Mundembe and R. Allison

11:15-11:40     Novel determinants of osmotic stress tolerance using the monocotyledonous ressurection plant, Xerophyta viscose.  S.G. Mundree and J.A. Thomson

11:40-12:05     Structural analysis of transgene rearrangements and effects on expression in transgenic maize plants generated by particle bombardment.  L. Mehlo

12:05-12:30     Utilization of molecular markers to characterise and map useful genes of the cultivated African rice, Oryza glaberrima.  N. Njiondjop, A. Alonge, S. McCouch and M.P. Jones

12:30-12:55     Engineering insect resistance into maize using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cryiac gene fused to the c-terminal (galactose-binding) of the ricin B-chain.  D. Gahakwa, L. Mehlo, A. Gatehouse, J.P. Du, N.T. Loc, J. Gatehous and P. Christou

12:55-13:00    Summary of presentations by        Session Chairperson

13:00-14:00            Lunch

14:00-17:00            Begin Concurrent Sessions (I) in Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems  

Biotechnology Concurrent Session I. Chairperson: M. Gale

14:00-14:20     Genetic mapping of a dominant gene conferring resistance to the Cassava Mosaic Disease. M. Fregene, A.O. Akano, A.G. Dixon, C. Mba and E. Barrera

14:20-14:40     Marker assisted selection deployment of the novel cassava mosaic disease resistance gene (CMD2) in African cassava gene pools.  O. Ariyo, A.G. Dixon, N. Morante, H. Ceballos and M. Fregene

14:40-15:00     Resistance to African cassava mosaic virus conferred by a mutant of the putative NTP-binding domain of the rep gene (AC1) in Nicotiana benthamiana.  A. Sangaré

15:00-15:20     RAPD, SSR and AFLP markers linked to genes conferring resistance to angular leaf spot in common bean. G. Mahuku, C. Montoya, Y. Mantilla, M. Contreras, C. Jara and S. Beebe 

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Distribution of angular leaf spot of common bean in Kenya and virulence diversity of the causal agent, Phaeoisariopsis griseola.  I.N. Wagara, A.W. Mwangómbe, J.W. Kimenju and R.A. Buruchara 

16:20-16:40     Adaptation of specific pcr based markers to characterize and differentiate Pythium spp associated with pythium bean root rot.  R. Buruchera, G. Mahuku, S. Mayanja, J. Mukalazi and A. Levesque

16:40-17:00    Towards a maize based edible vaccine: LT-B producing maize protects mice against Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin (LT) and cholera toxin (CT).  R. Chikwamba, J. Cunnick, D. Hathaway, J. McMurray, J. Mason and K. Wang

Breeding Concurrent Session I.  Chairperson: G. Ejeta

14:00-14:20     Breeding weevil-resistant maize: Is it feasible?  K. Pixley, T. Dhliwayo and S. Munjoma S. 

14:20-14:40     Regionalized technology development and dissemination: The case of breeding for drought tolerant maize varieties in Tanzania. Z.O. Mduruma 

14:40-15:00     Ecologically adapted maize open polinated varieties development and screening in Zimbabwe. X. Mhike and L. Muza 

15:00-15:20     Research of multiple disease resistant maize varieties in Malawi.  P.T. Khonje, P. Ngwira, K.V. Pixley, G.W. Nhlane and V.H. Kabambe 

15:20-15:40           Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Maize breeding for alleviating production constraints in Mozambique.  P. Fato, P. Chauque, D. Mariote, M. Langa and M. Denic 

16:20-16:40     Guinea sorghum hybrids: Bringing the benefits of hybrid technology to a staple crop of Sub-Saharan Africa.  A. Toure, F. Rattunde, D. Sansan and E. Weltzien 

16:40-17:00     Introgression of genes for Striga resistance into African landraces of sorghum.  I. Kapran, C. Grenier, A. Elliot, A. Touré, Z. Gutema, A. Babiker, H. Sadaan and G. Ejeta.  

Seed Systems Concurrent Session I.  Chairperson: R. Tripp

14:00-14:20     Experiences with on-farm testing in maize variety evaluation in Uganda. G. Bigirwa, G. Kikafunda, J. Imanywoha, P. Kibwika, S. Mugo, M. Siambi, D. Beck and A.O. Diallo  

14:20-14:40     Towards sustainable seed production and supply systems: Lessons from the literature and a maize seed project in western Kenya and Uganda.  D. Beck, S. Mugo, M. Siambi and G. Bigirwa

14:40-15:00     Maize variety testing through the mother and baby design.  M.S. Mwala, J. de Meyer and M. Banziger 

15:00-15:20     Transferring research results and technologies to end-users in Kenya and Tanzania: A case study from the tissue culture banana project.  S.W.  Wakhusama, M.G. Karembu, F.N. Nguthi, A.S. Mbwana, M.M. Njuguna, L.W. Njuguna and S.B. Patel 

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Poverty reduction through introduction of tissue cultured bananas in central Kenya.  E. Kahangi

16:20-16:40     Amélioration variétale pour la riziculture de bas-fond à partir de variétés locales de riz Oryza glaberrima.  F. Cisse and Y. Doumbia  

16:40-17:00     The potential of upland rice varieties in sustainable commercial production of rice among small-holder farmers in Uganda.  P. Kibwika, J. Imanywoha, G. Bigirwa and J. Kikafunda 

                        End of Concurrent Sessions I

18:00-19:30    Reception and Entertainment

19:30               Dinner

Tuesday, 5 November 2002

8:30-9:00         Progress in delivering stress-tolerant maize varieties in southern Africa.  M. Bänziger, J. de Meyer, M. Mwala, A. Phiri, B. Vivek and K. Pixley 

9:00-9:30         Development of stress-tolerant maize varieties in Uganda.  J. Imanywoha, D.T. Kyetere, G. Bigirwa, J.T. Kikafunda, T.M. Kalule, K. Pixley and A. Nakayima

9:30-10:00       Coordinated ecosystem breeding in Kenya:  Progress, challenges and opportunities.   J. Ininda, M. Gethi, O. Odongo, J. Njuguna and J.A.W. Ochieng’

10:00-10:30     Characterization and use of diversity within guinea-race sorghums.           F. Rattunde, A. Toure, E. Weltzien and D. Sansan

10:30-10:50           Tea break

10:50-11:20     Participatory plant breeding in Africa:  A framework for understanding diverse approaches and results achieved.  L. Sperling

11:20-11:50     Towards improved East African highland banana genotypes with resistance to pests and diseases. W.K. Tushereirwe, M. Pillay, M. Batte, T. Ssali, D. Talengera, K. Nowakunda, J. Namaganda and A. Kiggundu

11:50-12:20     Status of participatory varietal selection for rice in Nigeria and Mali.  R. Guei, H. Gridley, M. Jones and M. Worperies-Mura

12:20-12:50     The African center for crop improvement:  A new model for developing Ph.D. graduates in Africa.  D. M. Laing

12:50-13:00     Summary of presentations by        Session Chairperson

13:00-14:00            Lunch

14:00-17:00            Begin Concurrent Sessions (II) in Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems

Biotechnology Concurrent Session II.  Chairperson: P. Quail

14:00-14:20     Marker-assisted selection for maize improvement - practical examples and strategies.  J.M. Ribaut, M. Banziger, K. Pixley and D. Hoisington

14:20-14:40     Striga free maize: Introducing tripsacum-based resistance via an integrated approach.  S.J. Hearne, A.L. Gurney, J.P. Brizard, C. Brugidou, F. Kanampiu, P.O. Mbogo, M.C. Press,  J.D. Scholes and D. Hoisington 

14:40-15:00     Generating Striga resistant maize: Identification of sources of resistance in wild relatives.  A.L Gurney, D. Grimanelli, S.J. Hearne, F. Kanampiu, D. Hoisington, J.D. Scholes and M.C. Press 

15:00-15:20     Can wild relatives of maize provide new sources of resistance to the root hemi-parasite Striga hermonthica?  J.D. Scholes, A.L. Gurney, D. Grimanelli, D. Hoisington and M.C. Press 

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Genetic analysis of resistance to Striga hermonthica introgressed from Zea diploperennis to tropical maize.  O. Menkir, A. Melake-Berhan, J.G. Kling and O. Ibikunle

16:20-16:40     A search for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that are linked to Striga asiatica resistance in sorghum.  C.S. Mutengwa, P. Tongoona, Z. Dhlamini and I. Sithole-Niang 

16:40-17:00     Bioassays to characterize and dissect mechanisms of resistance to Striga. C. Grenier, A. Mohammed, P.J. Rich, T. Housley and E. Ejeta 

Breeding Concurrent Session II.  Chair:  W.R. Coffman

14:00-14:20     Genetic variation, utilization and potential of African landraces in the genetic improvement of cassava in Sub-Saharan Africa.  A.G.O. Dixon, J.B.A.  Whyte, N.M. Mahuku, B.W. Khizzah, M. Fregene, A.A. Akano and M. Gedil 

14:20-14:40     Regional germplasm development and deployment for sustainable production and utilization within the cassava sub-sector.  J.B.A. Whyte, B.W. Khizzah, A.G.O. Dixon, N.M. Mahungu, P. Ragama, P. Ntawuruhunga and H. Ojulong 

14:40-15:00     Evaluation of cassava clones for yield, acceptability and disease and pest resistance in coastal Kenya.  T.L. Munga 

15:00-15:20     Establishment of an insectary and advances in rearing of maize stemborers at KARI, Katumani.  J.M. Songa and D. Mutisya

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Heterosis in maize hybrids: Fact or artefact?  J.A.W. Ochieng 

16:20-16:40     Interactive maize breeding for biotic stresses across ecosystems in Kenya.  O.M. Odongo, S.I. Ajanga, C.M. Mburu and J. Ininda 

16:40-17:00     Introgression of resistance to Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica from wild relatives and selections in maize.  J. Gethi

Seed Systems Concurrent Session II.  Chairperson: G. Ejeta

14:00-14:20     Involving farmers in varietal selection: Experiences from the seed project work in western Kenya.  M. Siambi, G. Odhiambo, S. Mugo, O. Odongo, A. Diallo, D. Beck and H. DeGroote 

14:20-14:40     Country wide maize variety evaluation using the mother-baby scheme in Zimbabwe.  L. Muza, D. Ruponga, V. Kazembe, E.  Nyamutowa and J. de Meyer 

14:40-15:00     Working with a women’s farmer association in maize seed production.  J. Kikafunda, G. Bigirwa, J. Imanywoha, S. Mugo and D. Beck 

15:00-15:20     Evaluation and dissemination of introduced banana germplasm: preliminary assessment of the planting material distribution system.  A.K. Nowakunda

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00            Poster Session

16:00-16:20     Use of simple technology (good seed and cheap water) to boost food security and alleviate poverty.  A.M. Mwololo, T. Kambura and D. Nzyuko

16:20-16:40     Evaluation of selected beta-carotene rich sweetpotato varieties for improving vitamin a nutrition in Iganga and Kamuli districts of Uganda.  J.M. Ssebuliba, J.H. Muyonga and W. Ekere 

16:40-17:00     Involving farmers in maize variety selection and seed production: experiences from the lake region of western Kenya.  G.D. Odhiambo, M. Siambi, R. Apamo, E. Ochieng, P. Mbai, S. Mugo, and H. DeGroote. 

                        End of Concurrent Sessions II

19:00-20:00     Dinner

20:30-22:00     Evening session on biotechnology and biosafety policy development in sub-Saharan Africa.  W. Goredema, P. Kameri-Mbote, L. Kitch and J. Webster

Wednesday, 6 November 2002

08:00-17:00      Field trip to NARO research stations at Kawanda and Namulonge

19:00-21:00      Reception hosted by NARO at The Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe

Thursday, 7 November 2002

8:30-9:00         Developing the smallholder seed market in Uganda:  The Harvest Farms Seed Company Experience.  J.A. Okot

9:00-9:30         Opportunities and issues in private seed supply in Africa.  F. Mohammed

9:30-10:00       Development of adapted and high-yielding maize varieties for the stressful Lake Victoria Region.  M.J.F. Onim and M. Dida 

10:00-10:30     Towards sustainable maize seed production and supply systems in western Kenya and Uganda.  S. Mugo, M. Siambi, G. Bigirwa, G. Odhiambo, D. Beck, A. Diallo and P. Kibwika

10:30-10:50            Tea break

10:50-11:20     Striga weed control in maize using herbicide seed coating technology.  F.K. Kanampiu, J.K. Ransom, D.K. Friesen and J. Gressel

11:20-11:50     Germplasm exchange and seed multiplication of cassava in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities. H.M. Obiero, P.J. Ndolo, M.S. Akhwale and K.. Orondo

11:50-12:20     Assessment of marketing and utilization of improved maize seed in southern Africa:  The case of Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.  M.A.R.  Phiri

12:20-12:50     Alternative biotechnologies for controlling Striga: the next generations.  J. Gressel

12:50-13:00     Presentation Summary by Session Chair

13:00-14:00            Lunch

14:00-17:00      Begin Concurrent Sessions (III) in Biotechnology and Breeding

Biotechnology Concurrent Session IIIa.  Chairperson: J. Kling

14:00-14:20     Multiple Cry genes for avoiding build-up of resistance among insects to Bt toxins: Learning from Bt-rice.  I. Altosaar and M. Zaidi

14:20-14:40     Will transformation systems for the large seeded grain legumes, peas, lupins or chickpeas be adaptable to cowpea? T.J.V. Higgins, L. Molvig, W. Tate, S. Gollasch and L.M. Tabe 

14:40-15:00     Evaluation of cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus coat protein and RNA mediated resistance strategies in Nicotiana benthamiana. R. Mundembe and I. Sithole-Niang 

15:00-15:20     Gene flow between cultivated and wild cowpea in Kenya.  R.S. Pasquet, A. Ochieng’ and K. Thoen 

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00     The genetics of virulence of the maize streak mastrevirus. R. Edema, D.T. Gordon and D.M. Bisaro 

16:00-16:20     Preliminary results on surveys of banana streak badnavirus (BSV) in Kenya.  A. Wangai and L. Karanja 

16:20-16:40     Development of highland banana cell suspension system; a critical stage in genetic improvement of the banana.  P. Namanya, G.Mutumba, S.M. Magambo and W. Tushemereirwe 

Biotechnology Concurrent Session IIIb.  Chairman: P. Quail

14:00-14:20     Development of Agrobacterium-ediated clean gene (marker free) technology for rice transformation using a novel dual binary plasmid pgreen/psoup.  A.S. Afolabi, J. Snape and P. Vain 

14:20-14:40     Molecular characterization of a novel stress-inducible antioxidant gene, xvper1, from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscose Baker.  S. B. Mowla, J. A. Thomson, J. M. Farrant and S. G. Mundree. 

14:40-15:00     Review of tissue culture and genetic studies of East African Highland bananas in Uganda.  P.R. Rubaihayo, S. Kassim, S. Nanteza and A.K. Tugume

15:00-15:20     Control of the witchweed Striga hermonthica by intercropping with Desmodium spp. Z.R. Khan, A. Hassanali, W. Overholt, T.M. Khamis, J.A. Pickett and L.J. Wadhams

15:20-15:40            Tea Break

15:40-16:00     Chemistry of Desmodium root exudates and Striga control: research status and prospects.  A. Hassanali, T.K. Muniru, A.M. Hooper, Z.R. Khan, F. Kaberia, J.A.  Pickett and L.J. Wadhams

16:00-16:20     Allelochemical mechanisms of Striga hermonthica suppression by Desmodium uncinatum.  J. A. Pickett, Z.R. Khan, A. Hassanali, W. Overholt, T.M. Khamis, A.M. Hooper, L.J. Wadhams and C.M. Woodcock 

16:20-16:40     Biotechnology applications in breeding for Striga asiatica resistance at the University of Zimbabwe.  P.B. Tongoona, C.S. Mutengwa, C. Musimwa, I. Sithole-Niang and A. Matibiri

Breeding Concurrent Session III.  Chairperson: M. Jones

14:00-14:20     The impact of root rot resistant bush and climbing bean varieties on household livelihoods in Western Kenya.  S. David, M. Odendo and R. Otysula 

14:20-14:40     Breeding bean cultivars resistant to angular leafspot and root rots in Eastern and Central Africa.  P.M. Kimani, R. Buruchara, R. Otsyula and G. Rachie 

14:40-15:00     Inheritance of angular leaf spot resistance and marker assisted selection for disease resistance in common bean.  A. Namayanja, R. Buruchara, P. Kimani, G. Mahuku and P. Rubaihayo

15:00-15:20     Breeding climbing beans resistant to angular leaf spot, pythium root rots and fusarium wilt.  A. Musoni, R. Buruchara and P. Kimani 

15:20-15:40            Tea break

15:40-16:00     Banana weevil resistance in musa and prospects for genetic improvement.  A. Kiggundu, C.S. Gold, M.T. Labuschagne, D. Vuylsteke, S. Louw S, A. Hassanali and W. Tushemereirwe 

16:00-16:20     Regional disease nursery (REGNUR): A unique opportunity for developing multiple-disease-resistant maize.  B. Vivek, K. Pixley, O. Odongo, J. Njuguna, J. Imanywoha, G. Bigirwa and A. Diallo

16:20-16:40     Sources of resistance to seed –transmission and variation in responses of cowpea varieties to infection by four seed- borne viruses.  S. A. Shoyinka, M.A. Ittah, I. Fawole and J.A. Hughes 

End of Concurrent Sessions III

16:50-17:30      Closing Session with statements by Hon. Isaac Musumba, Minister of State for Planning 

                         and Monty Jones, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee