Document Detail


The BioCassava Plus Program: Biofortification of Cassava for Sub-Saharan Africa.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21526968     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
More than 250 million Africans rely on the starchy root crop cassava (Manihot esculenta) as their staple source of calories. A typical cassava-based diet, however, provides less than 30% of the minimum daily requirement for protein and only 10%-20% of that for iron, zinc, and vitamin A. The BioCassava Plus (BC+) program has employed modern biotechnologies intended to improve the health of Africans through the development and delivery of genetically engineered cassava with increased nutrient (zinc, iron, protein, and vitamin A) levels. Additional traits addressed by BioCassava Plus include increased shelf life, reductions in toxic cyanogenic glycosides to safe levels, and resistance to viral disease. The program also provides incentives for the adoption of biofortified cassava. Proof of concept was achieved for each of the target traits. Results from field trials in Puerto Rico, the first confined field trials in Nigeria to use genetically engineered organisms, and ex ante impact analyses support the efficacy of using transgenic strategies for the biofortification of cassava.
Authors:
Richard Sayre; John R Beeching; Edgar B Cahoon; Chiedozie Egesi; Claude Fauquet; John Fellman; Martin Fregene; Wilhelm Gruissem; Sally Mallowa; Mark Manary; Bussie Maziya-Dixon; Ada Mbanaso; Daniel P Schachtman; Dimuth Siritunga; Nigel Taylor; Herve Vanderschuren; Peng Zhang
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Annual review of plant biology     Volume:  62     ISSN:  1545-2123     ISO Abbreviation:  Annu Rev Plant Biol     Publication Date:  2011 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-04-29     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101140127     Medline TA:  Annu Rev Plant Biol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  251-72     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132;
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