Biotechnology,
Breeding and Seed Systems for African Crops
Establishment of
a plant transformation facility at Kenyatta University to bring the benefits
of genomics to farmers’ fields
J. Machuka
In the
pre-genomic era, gene discovery was the limiting factor in working to
improve crops by genetic engineering. In the post-genomic era, plant
biologists now aim to integrate functional genomics data sets using
bioinformatics tools in detail sufficient to afford systemwide predictions
of plant development in response to both genetic and environmental
perturbations. This new era of ‘systems biology’ is probably the ultimate
undertaking in terms of attempting to improve plant traits for agricultural
uses in an environmentally sustainable manner. For Africa to gain access to
these advances and use them, developing plant transformation infrastructure
in national programs is key. Towards this end, a Biosafety Level 2
laboratory was established during 2004 at Kenyatta University with the
express goal of developing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for
adapted African maize germplasm. Once developed, the transformation system
will be used to transfer useful genes into maize, with emphasis on enhancing
resistance to drought, Striga and the larger grain borer.
International partnerships with established laboratories will be sought for
access to relevant technologies, including transformation methodologies,
vectors and useful genes, in addition to South–South partnerships with
relevant breeding programs.
