1. as noted last week: Uganda receives grant from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to to identify and use molecular markers for cassava, key food staple for 200 million people — genetic engineering of food
IITA and ARI have identified a few varieties with some level of resistance to the disease. The four-year project aims to identify the DNA markers associated with the resistance genes in these varieties and integrate marker-assisted selection into cassava breeding programs.
context of other stories here — depopulation agenda
2. China completes cassava genome sequencing for energy use research
HAIKOU, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) — China has completed the genome sequencing of three varieties of cassava, the roots of which are used to produce ethanol, scientists said Monday. The genome sequencing can shed light on the cassava plant as a source of biomass energy. It also lays the foundation for enhancing cassava’s ability to grow on barren soil and resistance against drought, said Peng Ming, head of the Biology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences.
China is taking the lead in genetic research into the cassava. The sequencing has covered more than 95 percent of the three cassava varieties’ genes. The United States has only covered 65 percent of one variety, Peng said. No other country has published research of the cassava genome sequencing so far, Peng said. The sequenced varieties are Ku50 (high starch content cassava), W14 (original cassava) and CAS36 (sweet cassava). The three varieties’ draft genome maps would be completed in March, Peng said. Cassava is extensively grown in southern China for food and as a new source of biomass energy. “Genetic researches will enable cassava to grow in the colder and drier northern China,” Peng said.
