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New breeding technologies, such as genome editing, hold the promise to addressing some of Africa's intractable challenges in agriculture. In this special issue on genome editing, the DrumBeat dives into the continent's early take off as it conducts promising research using this emerging technology.
The Video of the Month highlights a research project that uses CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology to develop multiple vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) in order to prevent or eradicate this disease. The project is conducted at the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi. ASF is a viral disease that can cause up to 100% mortality in pigs, and there are currently no vaccines or cures for the disease.
In the Story of the Month, Dr. John Odipio – a Ugandan biotechnologist – shares insights into his intervention to address the challenge of poor flowering in cassava by use of genome editing technology. Poor flowering has constrained improvement of this root crop making it difficult for breeders to produce new varieties faster.
The DrumBeat also celebrates the release of Nigeria's National Gene Editing Guidelines, a milestone in genome editing development in Africa. We also congratulate Ghana on progress towards environmental release of pod borer resistant cowpea especially as they conduct public participation.
ISAAA AfriCenter is tracking genome editing research progress in Africa. To be featured in the Second Edition (2022) of the 'Genome Editing in Africa's Agriculture: An Early Take-off' booklet, register your genome editing project here
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