Explant type and hormone regime influences somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of cassava
Despite its importance, cassava production is faced by a myriad of biotic/abiotic constraints. Genetic transformation capable of mitigating these challenges has as a prerequisite, availability of robust regeneration systems. This study evaluated the effect of explant type and hormone regime on somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of Kenyan cassava cultivars. The optimized regeneration protocol can be coupled with mutation breeding or genetic transformation to improve the cassava germplasm.
Read more: http://tiny.cc/65zh9y
Plant DNA‐barcode library and community phylogeny for a semi‐arid East African savannah
Applications of DNA barcoding include identifying species, inferring ecological and evolutionary relationships between species, and DNA metabarcoding. This study collected, identified, and vouchered plant specimens from Mpala Research Center in Laikipia, Kenya, to develop an extensive DNA‐barcode library for a savanna ecosystem in equatorial East Africa. This plant DNA barcode library and community phylogeny will be a valuable resource for future investigations.
Read more: http://tiny.cc/660h9y
A crop wild relative inventory for Southern Africa: a first step in linking conservation and use of valuable wild populations for enhancing food security
Successful conservation strategies require that taxa are prioritized because resources for planning and implementation are always limited. In this study, the authors created a partial checklist of crop wild relatives (CWR) that occur in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and identified the taxa of highest priority for regional conservation planning based on their importance for food and economic security.
Read more: http://tiny.cc/8cv17y