Information on the banana genome and molecular tools to map traits are lacking. IITA is mapping and characterizing new molecular markers for use in banana breeding and genetics.

Growing cassava in Denmark
Biotech in Nigeria
Banana menace
Is hybrid rice the answer?
CBSD: enemy number 1
Ensuring biosafety
Is genetically modified cowpea safe?
Training farmers using video
New genomic tools
Unraveling cassava’s problems
Designer (cowpea) plants
Biotechnology and nematodes

Project lead Kirsten Jørgensen talks about the collaboration between her university (University of Copenhagen) and IITA in developing cassava for sub-Saharan Africa with reduced toxic substances (cyanogenic glucosides).

Jacob Mignouna is the Technical Operations Manager of the AATF, one of IITA’s partners. He identifies opportunities for agricultural technology interventions, identifies sources of appropriate technologies, and provides overall leadership in implementing AATF’s project portfolio.

Director and socioeconomist Steffen Abele points out that IITA studies already show the impact of our research on banana and plantain on benenficiaries, particularly in East and Central Africa.

Maria Ayodele has headed IITA’s Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) since 1998, has made sure that strict phytosanitary measures are in place, and that only clean germplasm materials move through national and international borders every year.

Christian Fatokun, who is in charge of biosafety at IITA, emphasizes the need for the community of scientists to work together harmoniously to solve problems of food security and poverty in Africa.

Christian Fatokun presents IITA’s guiding principles on the application of modern biotechnology on the improvement of mandate crops.

Manuele Tamò suggests that based on previous studies, the negative unintended effects of transformed crops on natural enemies and biodiversity are far less than those caused by repeated applications of synthetic pesticides.

Read about the award-winning approach that IITA extension specialists have adopted to strengthen knowledge of cocoa farmers on integrated crop and pest management techniques and practices.