Bangladesh and Indonesia to breed genetically modified potatoes

Published 2022년 6월 23일

Tridge summary

A collaborative effort led by Michigan State University, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, and the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology aims to combat crop loss in Bangladesh and Indonesia, where mildew severely affects potato production. By introducing genetically modified (GM) potato varieties resistant to mildew, this initiative, part of the Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership, seeks to reduce the reliance on fungicides and enhance agricultural sustainability. The project will conduct limited field trials in both countries, with a focus on breeding and marketing these GM potatoes to align with local cultivars and market preferences. This undertaking holds promise in improving potato production efficiency and food security in the face of fungal challenges.

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Original content

Researchers will test genetically modified potatoes in Bangladesh and Indonesia this year in hopes of providing potato growers with an alternative to spraying fungicides. As part of the Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership, several limited field trials will be conducted in both countries with genetically modified potatoes that are resistant to mildew. Potatoes are one of the most important crops grown in Indonesia and Bangladesh. Indonesia grows about 1.3 million tons of potatoes annually, while the tubers in Bangladesh are the third most important food crop after rice and wheat. But mildew is a serious problem in both countries, destroying 25 to 57% of the crop. Under a partnership funded by the United States Agency for International Development, Michigan State University (MSU), the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute ...

Source: AGF