|
Report
of Inaugural Meeting of African Scientists Involved in Molecular-Marker Assisted
Selection, held in Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda, February 4-6,
2003
Background to the meeting
The Rockefeller Foundation recently organized a
conference on Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems for African crops
with the theme-“Research and Product Development that Reaches
Farmers”. It was recognized in this meeting that molecular markers are
powerful tools that accelerate traditional breeding programs. Such
Molecular Marker Selection
Breeding result in recovery of a parental
genotype in a backcrossing scheme in as few as three generations, thus
speeding the introduction of new traits into elite varieties.
A few
Molecular Marker Selection Breeding laboratories have now been
successfully established in the Eastern and Southern African regions.
However, these laboratories are in their infancy and will require active
participation in technical networks involving regional and international
scientific cooperation that emphasize the use of
Molecular Marker Selection Breeding. It is with this
background that the idea to form a network of scientists involved in
molecular marker Selection breeding (AMMANET) was hatched, With support
from the Rockefeller Foundation the first meeting was convened in
Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda from February 4-6, 2003.
Members present:
-
Dr. Kahiu Ngugi
(Kenya)
-
Dr. Jedidah W.
Danson (Kenya)
-
Dr. Richard Edema
(Uganda)
-
Charles Mutengwa
(Zimbabwe)
Objectives of the meeting
-
To set a mission statement and define
objectives for AMMANET.
-
To familiarize
with Molecular Marker Selection Breeding
laboratories in Kenya and Uganda
-
To discuss
opportunities for collaboration.
Outcomes of the meeting
Members present agreed
on the formation of a network of scientists involved in Molecular Marker
Selection Breeding. The network
was named” African Molecular Marker Application Network
(AMMANET) with the overall objective to enhance the application of DNA
markers in crop breeding in the region for speedy delivery of products
to the farmers.
Specific functions of
AMMANET will be:
-
To share and provide
technical information on Molecular Marker Selection Breeding through a website to be established and
collective bargains for subscription to scientific e-journals and
membership to international societies of scientists. AMMANET
will also arrange for regular meetings and lab visits within the
region.
-
To provide members
with technical backstopping by assisting upcoming MAS laboratories
to establish, advice on laboratory protocols, purchase of supplies
as well as arrange for training through short courses/workshops.
Established laboratories in the region could be called to do this as
well as invited experts around the world. Some centers of excellence
identified include: (1) University of Natal (2). Cornell University
(3) CIMMYT, (4) John Innes Center (5) Ohio State University and (6)
University of Missouri. AMMANET will arrange visits to these
institutions and secure training placements for deserving
scientists.
The way forward
The suggestions put
forward here will only be possible if a stable source(s) of funding is
identified. It was agreed that we write a concept note to the
Rockefeller Foundation requesting for AMMANET support. Prior to this,
another planning meeting will be called in which members from National
programs will be invited. Their input in the formation and working of
AMMANET is critical right at the on-set.
Next meeting date and venue yet to be
selected.
Contact
person: Dr. Jedidah Wamuyu
Email:
jwdanson@swiftkenya.com
|