CYTALIA XIV

1. Better health throughBetter health through
nutritionally enhancednutritionally enhanced
transgenic cropstransgenic crops
Multivitamin maize throughMultivitamin maize through
genetic engineeringgenetic engineering
CYTALIA XIV April 22, 2009CYTALIA XIV April 22, 2009

2. The DriversThe Drivers
Why we do what we do?
How we do what we do?
Applied Plant Biotechnology LaboratoryApplied Plant Biotechnology Laboratory

3. Structure of the talkStructure of the talk
 Food insecurity and nutrition
 Role of Biotechnology and its
contribution to poverty alleviation and
nutritional improvement in the developing
world
 The biofortified corn (maize) paradigm
 The politics and regulation of GE crops
 What does the future hold?

4. Millennium Development Goals 2008Millennium Development Goals 2008
1.1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hungerEradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2.2. Achieve universal primary educationAchieve universal primary education
3.3. Promote gender equality and empower womenPromote gender equality and empower women
4.4. Reduce child mortalityReduce child mortality
5.5. Improve maternal healthImprove maternal health
6.6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseasesCombat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7.7. Ensure environmental sustainabilityEnsure environmental sustainability
8.8. Develop a global partnership forDevelop a global partnership for
developmentdevelopment

5. Copenhagen Consensus 2008 ranking, based on the costs and benefits of theCopenhagen Consensus 2008 ranking, based on the costs and benefits of the
solutions-Ranked in descending order of desirabilitysolutions-Ranked in descending order of desirability
ChallengeChallenge SolutionSolution
11 MalnutritionMalnutrition Micronutrient supplements for childrenMicronutrient supplements for children
(vitamin A and zinc)(vitamin A and zinc)
22 TradeTrade The Doha development agendaThe Doha development agenda
33 MalnutritionMalnutrition Micronutrient fortification (iron and saltMicronutrient fortification (iron and salt
iodization)iodization)
44 DiseasesDiseases Expanded immunization coverage forExpanded immunization coverage for
childrenchildren
55 MalnutritionMalnutrition BiofortificationBiofortification
66 MalnutritionMalnutrition/Education/Education Deworming and other nutrition programs atDeworming and other nutrition programs at
schoolschool
77 EducationEducation Lowering the price of schoolingLowering the price of schooling
88 WomenWomen Increase and improve girls’ schoolingIncrease and improve girls’ schooling
99 MalnutritionMalnutrition Community-based nutrition promotionCommunity-based nutrition promotion
1010 WomenWomen Provide support for women’s reproductiveProvide support for women’s reproductive
rolerole

6. Interventions to alleviate malnutritionInterventions to alleviate malnutrition
Food fortification (dairy products and salt)Food fortification (dairy products and salt)
Supplementation (pills or mineralSupplementation (pills or mineral
solutions)solutions)
Biofortification-Agronomic interventionsBiofortification-Agronomic interventions
Biofortification-Plant breedingBiofortification-Plant breeding
Biofortification-Genetic engineeringBiofortification-Genetic engineering

7. Predicted changes inPredicted changes in
populationpopulation
YearYear 19951995 20252025
PopulationPopulation 57025702 81228122
(millions)(millions)
Nature 2008

8. The 15 hungriest countries (% of populationThe 15 hungriest countries (% of population
undernourished)undernourished)
1979-81
1996-98
80%
60%
40%
20%
10%
0%Som Afg Bur Erit Hait Cong Moz NKor Ethi Lib Nig Mong Zam SLeo
SomaliaSomalia
Afganistan
BurundiBurundi
EritreaEritrea
Haiti
Congo DRCongo DR
MozambiqueMozambique
North Korea
EthiopiaEthiopia
LiberiaLiberia
NigerNiger
Mongolia
ZambiaZambia
Sierra LeoneSierra Leone
AngolaAngola

9. In the developing world 840 million people are chronically undernourishedIn the developing world 840 million people are chronically undernourished
Many more people, perhaps half of the world’s population, suffer from diseasesMany more people, perhaps half of the world’s population, suffer from diseases
caused by dietary deficiencies and inadequate supplies of vitamins and mineralscaused by dietary deficiencies and inadequate supplies of vitamins and minerals
Despite the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition, global food production hasDespite the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition, global food production has
outpaced population growth over the last 40 years thanks mainly to the successesoutpaced population growth over the last 40 years thanks mainly to the successes
of the Green Revolutionof the Green Revolution
Today's food insecurity is caused not by insufficient food production, but by poverty,Today's food insecurity is caused not by insufficient food production, but by poverty,
with nearly 1.3 billion people living on less than $US1 per day and anotherwith nearly 1.3 billion people living on less than $US1 per day and another
2 billion only marginally better off2 billion only marginally better off

10. Projected world cereal demandProjected world cereal demand
N. Borlaug, April 2001N. Borlaug, April 2001
ProductioProductio
nn
1999, Mt)1999, Mt)
NeededNeeded
2025, Mt2025, Mt
Yield t/haYield t/ha
19991999
Yield t/haYield t/ha
20252025
NeededNeeded
WheatWheat 585585 900900 2.72.7 3.83.8
RiceRice 607607 900900 3.13.1 4.34.3
MaizeMaize 605605 10001000 4.14.1 5.95.9
All cerealsAll cereals
(including(including
minor crops)minor crops)
20742074 31003100 2.92.9 4.14.1

11. 80% of all nutritional calories come80% of all nutritional calories come
from 20 crops…….from 20 crops…….
70% from five……….70% from five……….
40% from40% from
two……two……

12. ““If all Chinese ate five moreIf all Chinese ate five more
Big-Macs a year, this wouldBig-Macs a year, this would
wipe out the entire US feedwipe out the entire US feed
corn production”corn production”
Jerry Coldwell, CEOJerry Coldwell, CEO
MycogenMycogen
The Corn QuestionThe Corn Question

13. Evolution in Food & FeedEvolution in Food & Feed
ProductionProduction
 domestication of plants and animalsdomestication of plants and animals
 animal poweranimal power
 mechanical powermechanical power
 genetics (traditional breeding)genetics (traditional breeding)
 chemical assistancechemical assistance
 biotechnologybiotechnology

14. Traditional BTraditional Breedingreeding and Geneticand Genetic
Engineering (GE not GM!)Engineering (GE not GM!)
 humanity has been shaping its environment for milleniahumanity has been shaping its environment for millenia
 wheat, rice and corn are all the product of breedingwheat, rice and corn are all the product of breeding
 GE permits introduction of desirable traitsGE permits introduction of desirable traits
 all our staple crops are GE through plant breedingall our staple crops are GE through plant breeding
 traditional breeding is at its limittraditional breeding is at its limit
 GE gives us new opportunitiesGE gives us new opportunities

15. Increased
yields
Manipulation of
plant architecture
Diversion of biomassDiversion of biomass
to edible organsto edible organs
Protection against
pests and pathogens Reduced losses due toReduced losses due to
disease and infestationdisease and infestation
Tolerance towards
abiotic stresses Increased useIncreased use
of marginal soilsof marginal soils
IncreasedIncreased
planting densityplanting density
Increase in levels
of utilizable
carbohydrate,
protein or fat
Fortification with
vitamins and
minerals
Manipulation of
plant developmentShorter generation intervalsShorter generation intervals
Multiple production cyclesMultiple production cycles
Eliminate
anti-nutritional
factors
Enhanced
photosynthesis
and nutrient uptake
IncreasedIncreased
accumulationaccumulation
of biomassof biomass
Higher
nutritional
value
Remove constraintsRemove constraints Increase potentialIncrease potential
HUNGER/MALNUTRITIONHUNGER/MALNUTRITION
Modification of
carbohydrate,
protein or fat content
Bioremediation
Tolerance ofTolerance of
extreme weatherextreme weather
Impact of Transgenic Plants on Food SecurityImpact of Transgenic Plants on Food Security

16. time
productlaunch
resistances to
viruses, insects
herbicides
male
sterility
disease
resistance
nematode
resistance
improved quality
health food,
nutraceuticals
improved
yields
1996 1998 2000 2005 2007 2010
therapeutics
vaccines
diagnostics
Plant Biotechnology-productPlant Biotechnology-product
development timelinedevelopment timeline

17. Plant Genetic EngineeringPlant Genetic Engineering
Nature at workNature at work

18. AgrobacteriumAgrobacterium
tumefacienstumefaciens
Creation of the first transgenic plantCreation of the first transgenic plant
Nature, 303: 209 1983Nature, 303: 209 1983
NOS-OCS i NOS-CATNOS-OCS i NOS-CAT

19. Two alternative methods to createTwo alternative methods to create
transgenic plantstransgenic plants
Argobacterium
tumefaciens
Direct DNA
transfer through
particle
bombardment

20. Plant transformation vectorPlant transformation vector
GENE OF INTERSTGENE OF INTERSTtargeting
signal
tag, anchor,
retention
ATGATG
startstart
TAATAA
stopstop
5’UTR 3’UTR
PROMOTOR
Term.
Seed-specific expressionSeed-specific expression
ConstitutiveConstitutive
marker genesmarker genes
gusA,gusA, GFP, Luciferase, DsREDGFP, Luciferase, DsRED

21. Donor plantDonor plant
Transgenic plantTransgenic plant
Corn transformation using
direct DNA transfer
Corn seeds = 14 dapCorn seeds = 14 dap
Immature embryoImmature embryo
(2,4 D)(2,4 D)
Immature embryoImmature embryo
derived callusderived callus
Callus readyCallus ready
for bombardmentfor bombardment
3 weeks3 weeks
Callus tissueCallus tissue
underunder
phosphinothricinphosphinothricin
selectionselection
Callus regenerating shootsCallus regenerating shoots
3-4 weeks darkness3-4 weeks darkness
To the lightTo the light
In the darkIn the dark
3-4 weeks3-4 weeks
3-4 cm tall3-4 cm tall
Plant on rooting mediaPlant on rooting media

22. Agronomic properties focusing on insectAgronomic properties focusing on insect
and herbicide resistanceand herbicide resistance
Durability, sustainability andDurability, sustainability and
environmental friendlinessenvironmental friendliness
 Bacillus thuringensis (Bt)Bacillus thuringensis (Bt)
First generation of transgenic plantsFirst generation of transgenic plants

24. Antama,Antama,
SpainSpain
Antama,Antama,
SpainSpain
Lleida January 2007

25. Effect on chemical useEffect on chemical use
 30-40% reduction in herbicide use with herbicide-resistant
plants, because farmer can evaluate weed pressure before
application
 Market share shifting from narrow to broad-spectrum
herbicides
Up to 80% reduction in insecticide
use with insect-resistant plants
Conclusion: transgenic plants lead to
ecology friendly agriculture!

26. Multi-gene engineering is aMulti-gene engineering is a
significant hurdle in complexsignificant hurdle in complex
pathway analysis due to thepathway analysis due to the
diminishing rate of return asdiminishing rate of return as
more transgenes are introducedmore transgenes are introduced
simultaneously into targetsimultaneously into target
plantsplants

27. RECONSTRUCTION AND EXTENSIONRECONSTRUCTION AND EXTENSION
OF THE CAROTENOID PATHWAY INOF THE CAROTENOID PATHWAY IN
MAIZE THROUGH COMBINATORIALMAIZE THROUGH COMBINATORIAL
NUCLEAR TRANSFORMATION*NUCLEAR TRANSFORMATION*
* Relies on the mechanism of co-integration of multiple* Relies on the mechanism of co-integration of multiple
independent transgenes via direct DNA transfer intoindependent transgenes via direct DNA transfer into
one genetic locusone genetic locus

28. Carotenoids are naturally occurring biologicallyCarotenoids are naturally occurring biologically
active compounds with exquisite health promotingactive compounds with exquisite health promoting
propertiesproperties

29. Experimental system: South AfricanExperimental system: South African
elite white maize inbred M37W,elite white maize inbred M37W,
which lacks carotenoids in thewhich lacks carotenoids in the
endosperm due to the absence of theendosperm due to the absence of the
enzyme phytoene synthase (PSY1)enzyme phytoene synthase (PSY1)

30. WHITE vsWHITE vs YELLOWYELLOW MAIZEMAIZE
M37W
 White endosperm
 Total carotenoids: 1.1µg/g DW
 Lutein : Zeaxanthin 0.5 : 0.27 µg/g DW
A632A632
 Yellow endospermYellow endosperm
 Total carotenoids: 28 µg/g DWTotal carotenoids: 28 µg/g DW
 Lutein : Zeaxanthin 15.61 : 7.77 µg/g DWLutein : Zeaxanthin 15.61 : 7.77 µg/g DW

31. RT-PCR
psy1
psy2
pds
zds
crtISO
lycβ
lycε
bch 1
Actin
M37W A632
bch 2
 RNA extracted from endosperm tissues
 psy1 is not expressed in M37W
 psy2, pds, zds, crtISO and bch exhibit similar levels of
expression in both genotypes
 Phytoene synthase 2 is the only enzyme responsible for
phytoene synthesis in white maize (leaves)
 Lycβ and lycε expression is lower in M37W as compared to A632
mRNA blot analysis
M37W A632 M37W A632
psy1 lycβ
M37W A632
bch
Expression of endogenous genes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway
WHITE vsWHITE vs YELLOWYELLOW MAIZE: A ComparisonMAIZE: A Comparison

32. psy1 (Zea mays - yellow) U32636
crtI (Erwinia uredovora) D90087
lycβ (Gentiana lutea) D017367
bch (Gentiana lutea) AB027187
crtW (Paracoccus sp.) D58420
For ketocarotenoids (Astaxanthin)
EXPERIMENTAL STRATEGYEXPERIMENTAL STRATEGY
M37W (white endosperm)

34. The resulting combinatorialThe resulting combinatorial
population can be mined forpopulation can be mined for
phenotypes corresponding tophenotypes corresponding to
the production of specificthe production of specific
carotenoids, which in turncarotenoids, which in turn
correlate with specificcorrelate with specific

35. psy1+crtIpsy1+crtI
psy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtW
Endosperm specific expressionEndosperm specific expression

36. mRNA ANALYSISmRNA ANALYSIS

37. HPLC PROFILES (carotenoid phenotypes)HPLC PROFILES (carotenoid phenotypes)

38. CAROTENOID COMPOSITIONCAROTENOID COMPOSITION
M37W-WT A632-WT Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2
Phenotype 3 Phenotype 4 Phenotype 5
Phenotype 6 Phenotype 7
Astaxanthin
Adonixanthin
Epoxy-Lutein
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
OH-Echinenone
α-cryptoxanthin
β-cryptoxanthin
Echinenone
Lycopene
γ-carotene
β-zeaxanthin
α-carotene
β-carotene
Psy1 + crtI

39. INCREASE IN TOTAL CAROTENOIDSINCREASE IN TOTAL CAROTENOIDS
PhenotypesPhenotypes TransgenesTransgenes
11 psy1psy1
22 crtIcrtI
33 psy1+crtIpsy1+crtI
44 psy1+crtI+lycbpsy1+crtI+lycb
55 psy1+crtI+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+bch+crtW
66 psy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtW
psy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtW77
43-fold
69-fold
60-fold
93-fold
132-fold
2.4-fold
150-fold

40. The approach provides a unique and surprisingly straightforwardThe approach provides a unique and surprisingly straightforward
strategy for pathway analysis and multi-gene engineering in plantsstrategy for pathway analysis and multi-gene engineering in plants
It involves the introduction and coordinated expression of multipleIt involves the introduction and coordinated expression of multiple
transgenes followed by the selection of stable lines expressing thetransgenes followed by the selection of stable lines expressing the
specific combination of transgenes required for particular metabolicspecific combination of transgenes required for particular metabolic
outputsoutputs
Individual lines, producing specific metabolites, can be goals inIndividual lines, producing specific metabolites, can be goals in
themselves if the aim is to engineer particular molecules. However,themselves if the aim is to engineer particular molecules. However,
by examining the entire diverse population of plants, it becomesby examining the entire diverse population of plants, it becomes
possible to dissect the pathway and subsequently reconstruct itpossible to dissect the pathway and subsequently reconstruct it
either in its original form or with modificationseither in its original form or with modifications
This provides a basis for understanding and subsequentlyThis provides a basis for understanding and subsequently
engineering the synthesis of novel metabolitesengineering the synthesis of novel metabolites

41. TransgeneTransgene combinationscombinations Independent transformantsIndependent transformants
exhibiting the same phenotypeexhibiting the same phenotype
11 psy1psy1 2 (Ph-1)2 (Ph-1)
22 psy1+crtIpsy1+crtI 3 (Ph-2)3 (Ph-2)
33 crtIcrtI 4 (Ph-3)4 (Ph-3)
44 lycblycb 33
55 crtI+lycbcrtI+lycb 55
66 psy1+crtI+lycbpsy1+crtI+lycb 4 (Ph-4)4 (Ph-4)
77 bchbch 22
88 crtWcrtW 33
99 psy1+crtI+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+bch+crtW 2 (Ph-5)2 (Ph-5)
1010 psy1+crtI+lycb+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+crtW 3 (Ph-6)3 (Ph-6)
1111 psy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtW 5 (Ph-7)5 (Ph-7)
1212 crtI+lycb+bch+crtWcrtI+lycb+bch+crtW 22

42. High Astaxanthin cornHigh Astaxanthin corn
psy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtWpsy1+crtI+lycb+bch+crtW
Powerful biological antioxidant (100 times the strength of Vitamin E)Powerful biological antioxidant (100 times the strength of Vitamin E)

43.  PSY1 is the rate limiting enzyme in M37W (white maize)PSY1 is the rate limiting enzyme in M37W (white maize) endospermendosperm
Over-expression of PSY1 in transgenic M37W plants increased totalOver-expression of PSY1 in transgenic M37W plants increased total
carotenoidscarotenoids
 Conversion of lycopene toConversion of lycopene to ββ-carotene (lyc-carotene (lycββ) is a second limiting step in white) is a second limiting step in white
maize expressing PSY1maize expressing PSY1
 Combinatorial Genetic Transformation: A novel technique to produce mutants
that provide useful data to study a complex biosynthetic pathway
 The present study provides a platform to understand the carotenoid
biosynthesis in maize
Ph 3 Ph 4 Ph 7
 Enhanced levels of carotenoids in maize endosperm (lycopene, β-carotene,
zeaxanthin, ketocarotenoids)
 New strategies for carotenoid production in maize can be optimized on the
basis of the mutant profiles

44. The approach is much simpler thanThe approach is much simpler than
traditional methods for thetraditional methods for the
modification of the carotenoid ormodification of the carotenoid or
other complex pathways …other complex pathways …
… it relies on… it relies on probabilityprobability andand randomrandom
samplingsampling to generate a library ofto generate a library of
metabolic variants and a rapid visualmetabolic variants and a rapid visual
selection to identify lines of interestselection to identify lines of interest

45. The approach is analogous toThe approach is analogous to
standard mutagenesis screensstandard mutagenesis screens
although the ‘mutants’ are generatedalthough the ‘mutants’ are generated
not by random mutagenesis to createnot by random mutagenesis to create
loss-of-function phenotypes, but byloss-of-function phenotypes, but by
random multiplex transgene insertionrandom multiplex transgene insertion
to create partially reconstructedto create partially reconstructed
pathwayspathways

46. HighHigh provitamin A cornprovitamin A corn

47. Golden Rice 1Golden Rice 1 beta-carotenebeta-carotene 11.6µg/g DW.6µg/g DW
Golden Rice 2Golden Rice 2 beta-carotenebeta-carotene 3737µg/g DWµg/g DW
57.35

48. Multi vitamin cornMulti vitamin corn

49. D-Man-PD-Man-P
GDP-D-ManGDP-D-Man
GDP-L-GalGDP-L-Gal
L-Gal -PL-Gal -P
L-GalL-Gal
L-GalLL-GalL
L-AscorbateL-Ascorbate
GDP-L-GulGDP-L-Gul
L-Gul-PL-Gul-P
L-GulL-Gul
L-GulLL-GulL
GDP-L-GulGDP-L-Gul
UDP-D-galacturonateUDP-D-galacturonate
D-galacturonateD-galacturonate
L-GalactonateL-Galactonate
L-GulLoxidaseL-GulLoxidase
D-GlucuronateD-Glucuronate
L-GulonateL-Gulonate
myomyo-Inositol-Inositol
myomyo-Inositol-Inositol
oxidaseoxidase
MonodehydroascorbateMonodehydroascorbate
DehydroascorbateDehydroascorbate
DehydroascorbateDehydroascorbate
reductasereductase
AscorbateAscorbate
oxidaseoxidase
Dehydroascorbate reductase DHARDehydroascorbate reductase DHAR
Vitamin CVitamin C

50. Folate biosynthesis in plantsFolate biosynthesis in plants
ADC: aminodeoxychorismateADC: aminodeoxychorismate
DHN: dihydroneopterinDHN: dihydroneopterin
DHNTP: dihydroneopterin triphosphateDHNTP: dihydroneopterin triphosphate
GCHI: GTP cyclohydrolase IGCHI: GTP cyclohydrolase I
HMDHP: hydroxymethyldihydropterinHMDHP: hydroxymethyldihydropterin
glu: glutamateglu: glutamate
-PP: pyrophosphate-PP: pyrophosphate
pABA: p-aminobenzoatepABA: p-aminobenzoate
folEfolE

51. WT-M37W
L-1 (PSY1+CrtI)
Plus folE and dhar
Multi-vitamin cornMulti-vitamin corn
β -carotene 60 µg/g DW (PSY1+CrtI)
200 µg/g DW folate (folE)
110 µg/g FW ascorbate (DHAR)

52. 100-200 g of grain provides full RDI of β
-carotene (as a sole source of vitamin A), more
than enough folate, and about 20% of the RDI of
ascorbate
Harvest PlusHarvest Plus
7-10 years to create high vitA corn in locally adapted varieties7-10 years to create high vitA corn in locally adapted varieties

53. Multi vitamin xMulti vitamin x yellowyellow corncorn

54. Food security vs politicsFood security vs politics

55. The Politics of PlantThe Politics of Plant
BiotechnologyBiotechnology
Some personal thoughtsSome personal thoughts
and reflectionsand reflections

56. Key words
Poverty Food Security
Developing countries
Agriculture
World trait
Protectionism
Big business
Politics
Biotechnology
Genetic modification
Public perception
Hostile press
Safety
Environmental impact
Social impact
Intellectual Property
Regulation
EU vs US trade
wars
Economics
Research funding
National policies
Globalisation
GATT
Cartagena protocol
Urbanisation
Migration
Regional conflicts
Government corruption
Overpopulation
Birth control
Clean water

57. Has it occurred to you howHas it occurred to you how
astonishing the culture of Westernastonishing the culture of Western
society really is?society really is?
 Industrialized nationsIndustrialized nations
provide their citizensprovide their citizens
with unprecedentedwith unprecedented
SAFETY, HEALTHSAFETY, HEALTH
and COMFORTand COMFORT
 Average life spansAverage life spans
increased 50% in theincreased 50% in the
last centurylast century
 Yet modern peopleYet modern people
live in abject fearlive in abject fear
 They are afraid ofThey are afraid of
strangers, of disease,strangers, of disease,
of crime, of theof crime, of the
environmentenvironment
 They are afraid of theThey are afraid of the
homes they live in,homes they live in,
the food they eat, thethe food they eat, the
technology thattechnology that
surrounds themsurrounds them

58. 28 agosto 200328 agosto 2003
Zaragoza EspañaZaragoza España
Acción de Greenpeace en un campoAcción de Greenpeace en un campo
de maíz transgénico en Zaragozade maíz transgénico en Zaragoza

59. Mad Potato Disease

60. Aspects of the politicalAspects of the political
dimension of transgenic plantsdimension of transgenic plants
GREENPEACEGREENPEACE

61. The precautionaryThe precautionary approachapproach asas
applied to Geneticaly Enhancedapplied to Geneticaly Enhanced
products in Europeproducts in Europe
Regulators do not need to showRegulators do not need to show
scientifically that a biotech crop or productscientifically that a biotech crop or product
is unsafe but rather that it has not beenis unsafe but rather that it has not been
proven harmlessproven harmless

62. Applying the precautionaryApplying the precautionary
principle (approach?)principle (approach?) and itsand its
implications on developingimplications on developing
countriescountries
Research is being slowed downResearch is being slowed down
without any scientific valid reasonwithout any scientific valid reason
and if this situation continues, theand if this situation continues, the
world´s poor will be the ones toworld´s poor will be the ones to
suffersuffer

63. In the 35 years since the environmentalIn the 35 years since the environmental
movement came into existence, science hasmovement came into existence, science has
undergone a major revolutionundergone a major revolution
 This revolution has brought new understanding ofThis revolution has brought new understanding of
nonlinear dynamics, complex systems, chaos theory,nonlinear dynamics, complex systems, chaos theory,
catastrophy theorycatastrophy theory
 It has transformed the way one should be thinking aboutIt has transformed the way one should be thinking about
evolution and ecologyevolution and ecology
 Yet these no-longer-new ideas have hardly penetratedYet these no-longer-new ideas have hardly penetrated
the thinking of environmental activists, which seemsthe thinking of environmental activists, which seems
oddly fixed in the concepts and rhetoric of the 1970soddly fixed in the concepts and rhetoric of the 1970s

64. We need a new environmental movement,We need a new environmental movement,
with new goals and new organisationswith new goals and new organisations
We need more people working in the field,We need more people working in the field,
in the actual environment, and fewerin the actual environment, and fewer
people behind computer screenspeople behind computer screens
We need more scientists, many fewWe need more scientists, many few
politicians and even fewer lawyerspoliticians and even fewer lawyers

65. And that is why the intermixingAnd that is why the intermixing
of science and politics is a badof science and politics is a bad
combination, with a bad historycombination, with a bad history
We must remember the history,We must remember the history,
and be certain that what weand be certain that what we
present to the world aspresent to the world as
knowledge is disinterested andknowledge is disinterested and
honesthonest

66. Alston ChaseAlston Chase
“ When the search for truth is
confused with political
correctness and advocacy, the
pursuit of knowledge is reduced
to the quest for power”

67. Chemical “X”Chemical “X”
 An abundunt chemical found in theAn abundunt chemical found in the
environement in most parts of the worldenvironement in most parts of the world
 It is found in lakes and riversIt is found in lakes and rivers
 It remains on fruits and vegetables after they areIt remains on fruits and vegetables after they are
washedwashed
 It makes you sweatIt makes you sweat
 It is responsible for the deaths of thousands ofIt is responsible for the deaths of thousands of
people every year in developing andpeople every year in developing and
industrialised countries alikeindustrialised countries alike

68. Even if the “precautionary principle”Even if the “precautionary principle”
were to be applied mildly, thiswere to be applied mildly, this
chemical should be bannedchemical should be banned
In fact banning the chemical throughIn fact banning the chemical through
legislation at the EU level is what 59% oflegislation at the EU level is what 59% of
Europeans said in a survey in the UK,Europeans said in a survey in the UK,
Germany, France, Austria and ScandinaviaGermany, France, Austria and Scandinavia
83% of the same people expressed very strong views about the need to
control global warming, objected totally to the use of any animals for
medical research and of course they were overwhelmingly anti-biotech!

69. Dihydrogen monoxideDihydrogen monoxide
Otherwise known as…
Water

70. Jettisoning scientific risk-benefit assessmentJettisoning scientific risk-benefit assessment
and replacing it with a precautionaryand replacing it with a precautionary
approach will result in arbitrary andapproach will result in arbitrary and
politically motivated decisions that willpolitically motivated decisions that will
decide the fate of Genetically Enhanceddecide the fate of Genetically Enhanced
crops and productscrops and products
The Cartagena biodiversity protocol is theThe Cartagena biodiversity protocol is the single mostsingle most
important threatimportant threat to transgenic crop developmentto transgenic crop development
This is because the original focus of the protocol hasThis is because the original focus of the protocol has
been highjacked for politial and economic reasonsbeen highjacked for politial and economic reasons
aiming solely towards protectionism and restoration ofaiming solely towards protectionism and restoration of
trait barriers under the pretext of biosafety!trait barriers under the pretext of biosafety!

71. Plant Biotechnology has a hugePlant Biotechnology has a huge
potential to contribute substantially topotential to contribute substantially to
food security and poverty alleviation,food security and poverty alleviation,
in addition to creating a better andin addition to creating a better and
healthier environmenthealthier environment
The major issues we now have to address are political and economic in natureThe major issues we now have to address are political and economic in nature
and this is where scientists have a role to play in putting the record straight!nd this is where scientists have a role to play in putting the record straight!

72. European objections toEuropean objections to
transgenic crops and foodtransgenic crops and food
derived from them are aimingderived from them are aiming
to protect the CAP andto protect the CAP and
NOTHING ELSE!NOTHING ELSE!

73. Transgenic plant releases and commercialization are governed by Draconian rules
unparalleled elsewhere in any other sector. The European Union in a report following
a 15 year study (1985-2000) involving 400 public research institutions, to the cost of
70 million Euros stated “… genetically modified plants and products derived from them
present no risk to human health or the environment……these crops and products are
even safer than plants and products generated through conventional processes”
(EC Research, 2001).
The claim that antibiotic resistance genes in transgenic plants
will “escape” into natural bacterial populations that will subsequently become resistant
to them, thus creating super-bacteria is at best odd, as these genes are already
present in bacterial population in nature. It is worth remembering that the selectable
marker genes were isolated from these very naturally occurring bacteria in the first
place, for use in the laboratory!
EC Research (2001) EC-Sponsored Research on Safety of Genetically
Modified Organisms: A review of results:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/quality-of-life/gmo/

74. A degree of realism on the part of regulatory agencies is necessaryA degree of realism on the part of regulatory agencies is necessary
to assure that over-regulation stops being undully cumbersome andto assure that over-regulation stops being undully cumbersome and
prohibitively expensive.prohibitively expensive.
Regulatory agencies need to divorce themselves from environmentalRegulatory agencies need to divorce themselves from environmental
and political activists that threaten to put a stop transgenic plants.and political activists that threaten to put a stop transgenic plants.
Safety and efficacy should be paramount but they need to beSafety and efficacy should be paramount but they need to be
realistic and proportionate, and need to consider risk-benefit ratiosrealistic and proportionate, and need to consider risk-benefit ratios

76. Biotech Crop Countries and Mega-Countries, 2007
2008/9

77. Create super-nutritious biofortified rice and maize seeds which willCreate super-nutritious biofortified rice and maize seeds which will
represent a quantum leap in current efforts to address issuesrepresent a quantum leap in current efforts to address issues
of poverty alleviation and food insecurity, through biotechnologyof poverty alleviation and food insecurity, through biotechnology
in the developing world with durability and sustainability in mind,in the developing world with durability and sustainability in mind,
mostly by limiting key agronomic inputs imposed by the multitude ofmostly by limiting key agronomic inputs imposed by the multitude of
insects and noxious/parasitic weeds in marginal environments,insects and noxious/parasitic weeds in marginal environments,
focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinentfocusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent
Simultaneous multi-pathway engineering in crop plants throughSimultaneous multi-pathway engineering in crop plants through
combinatorial genetic transformation: creating complete biofortifiedcombinatorial genetic transformation: creating complete biofortified
cereal grains for food security (BIOFORCE)cereal grains for food security (BIOFORCE)

78. BIOFORCE targetsBIOFORCE targets
Vitamines A, C, folate (B9), EVitamines A, C, folate (B9), E
Minerals Fe, Zn, Se, CaMinerals Fe, Zn, Se, Ca
Insect resistance and eliminateInsect resistance and eliminate
StrigaStriga
European
Research
Council

79. Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in the developing world, and is probably
responsible
for the death of 2 million children every year.
In surviving children, vitamin A deficiency is a leading, but avoidable cause of
blindness. Effects of vitamin A deficiency are manifested as xerophthalmia
(visual impairment), blindness, and increased mortality due to increased severity
of children diseases such as measles, diarrhoea, and increased maternal
transmission of virus such as HIV.
Humans can synthesize vitamin A if provided with the precursor molecule
beta-carotene (also known as provitamin A). Endosperms of food crops, such as
maize
and wheat, are low in provitamin A (1-10%) as compared with non-provitamin A
carotenoid.

81. Teresa CapellTeresa Capell
SPAINSPAIN
Changfu ZhuChangfu Zhu
CHINACHINA
Koreen RamessarKoreen Ramessar
(PhD student-South(PhD student-South
Africa)Africa)
Sonia GomezSonia Gomez
(PhD student-Spain)(PhD student-Spain)
Ariadna PeremartiAriadna Peremarti
(PhD student-Spain)(PhD student-Spain)
SvetlanaSvetlana
Dashevskaya Dashevskaya
(PhD student-Israel)(PhD student-Israel)
Gemma Farré Gemma Farré
(PhD student-Spain)
Maite Sabalza Maite Sabalza
(PhD student-Spain)(PhD student-Spain)
Dawie Yuan Dawie Yuan
(PhD student-China)(PhD student-China)
Ludovic BassieLudovic Bassie
FRANCEFRANCE
Bruna MiralpeixBruna Miralpeix
(Final year project student(Final year project student
Spain)Spain)
Shaista NaqviShaista Naqvi
(PhD studen-Pakistan(PhD studen-Pakistan ))
MICINNMICINN
Generalitat deGeneralitat de
CatalunyaCatalunya
UdLUdL
ICREAICREA
EU FP 6 & 7EU FP 6 & 7
ERA NETERA NET
Bill & Melinda Gates FdBill & Melinda Gates Fd
G. Sandmann, Uni FrankfurtG. Sandmann, Uni Frankfurt
G. Ross, Univ MurciaG. Ross, Univ Murcia

82. ´´If you desire peace, cultivate´´If you desire peace, cultivate
justice, but…….justice, but…….
Norman E. Borlaug, Oslo, Norway, December 11, 1970Norman E. Borlaug, Oslo, Norway, December 11, 1970
Nobel lectureNobel lecture
….at the same time cultivate the fieldsat the same time cultivate the fields
to produce more bread….to produce more bread….
……otherwise there will be no peace´´otherwise there will be no peace´´