Enhancing the value of genetic resources through science & technology: The role of the BecA Hub

Enhancing the value of genetic resources through science & technology: The role of the BecA Hub
Segenet Kelemu (Director, BecA Hub)
Presented at the Bio-Innovate Launch ILRI, Nairobi
16 March 2011

Outline
Solutions are around the corner…
Biopesticides - Baculovirus/cassava hornworm
- Other biopesticides
Potpourri of examples

Cassava hornworm
It is a major pest of cassava causing losses of 50% or more
Main control strategy had been insecticides
The hornworm virus, Baculovirus erinnyis, naturally infects the pest larvae

Cassava hornworm (Erinnyis ello)

Loss in the field due to cassava hornworm

BACULOVIRUS of E. ello

Process of BV collection
Baculovirus
as powder
Larvae
blended
solution
BACULOVIRUS of E. ello
Sick larvae collected in the field

Commercial product BioVirus®
Based on a BACULOVIRUS of Erinnyis ello
For the control of cassava hornworm
Biotropical, Colombia

Solutions are just around the corner
Antibiotics
Enzymes (e.g Taq Polymerase)-PCR
Agrobacterium as genetic transformation agent

Solutions around the corner….
The discovery of penicillin could be the most famous of all medical advances.Millions of lives saved

Enzymes (e.g Taq Polymerase)

Agrobacterium: a natural tool for genetic transformation
134 million hectares of genetically
engineered crops in 2009

African genetic resources….
Coffee
Natural decaffeinated coffee (discovered in 2004)
Sources of disease resistance
Kola tree (Cola nitida).. Coca cola
African prune... Prostate remedy
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)...the recently popular appetite suppressant dietary supplement
Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)...popular cosmetic ingredient
Africa has been and continues to be a significant source of medicinal plants to the world’s food, drug, and herb and dietary supplement market

African genetic resources….
Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and the number is growing.
U.S. weight loss market at $55 billion in 2007
Currently at over $60 billion
Hoodia (Hoodiagordonii)... the recently popular
appetite suppressant: a new rising star for the
weight loss industry
“Hoodia fools the brain by making you think
you’re full, even if you've eaten just a morsel”

The BecA Hub: its role in African science and technology

BecA’s major objectives
Research: hosting, facilitating, conducting and catalyzing research efforts
Capacity building and training: enabling students/visiting scientists to undertake hands-on research
Research services: providing services to enhance research
Serving as a focal point for the agricultural research community; linkage to the global one
Promoting product development/delivery: identifying potential development partners

Conclusion
Science & technology is key to enhance the ability of Africans to control and use their natural resources
BecA should be a place where discoveries are made

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Enhancing the value of genetic resources through science & technology: The role of the BecA Hub

by ILRI on Mar 16, 2011

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Enhancing the value of genetic resources through science & technology: The role of the BecA Hub — Presentation Transcript