A national dialogue on GM crops was held in Nairobi on April 24, signalling strong public interest in policies that enable the safe use of this technology for disease resistant cassava and other crops. Led by the Principal Secretary for Agricultural Research Prof. Hamadi Boga, and moderated by one of Kenya’s most respected media editors,…
Narayanan, Narayanan, N. et al. 2019. Biofortification of field-grown cassava by engineering expression of an iron transporter and ferritin. Nature Biotechnology 37:144-151. Abstract Less than 10% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for iron and zinc is provided by consumption of storage roots of the staple crop cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in West African human…
Biofortification of field-grown cassava by engineering expression of an iron transporter and ferritin Abstract: Less than 10% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for iron and zinc is provided by consumption of storage roots of the staple crop cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in West African human populations. We used genetic engineering to improve mineral micronutrient…
A new study led by Danforth Center principal investigator Nigel Taylor and research scientist Narayanan Narayanan, demonstrated that it is possible to raise the iron and zinc content of cassava roots while maintaining yield and other plant characteristics that are important to farmers and consumers. With the help of Ihuoma Okwuonu of the National Root…
The Cornell Alliance for Science reports that Nigeria’s biotechnology sector is expecting significant progress on two key food and fiber crops in 2019: cotton and cowpea. Among other genetically-modified crops slated for further development and field testing are cassava, rice, sorghum and maize.
