The purpose of Zhigeng Research is to track domestic and foreign trends in the biotechnology field in the mode of research and analysis, and present different industry backgrounds, current situations, challenges and future development trends, in order to open up innovative perspectives for partners in the biotechnology ecosystem.
Agricultural biotechnology, from basic technological tools such as artificial insemination and tissue culture to high-tech platforms such as whole-genome sequencing, has become an important part of the tools to transform food systems, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been actively promoting agricultural knowledge sharing and innovation through the application of biotechnology, harnessing biotechnology to benefit producers in the needs of smallholder farmers.
FAO recently released a compilation of case studies showing how agricultural biotechnology can be effectively used to meet the needs of smallholder economies in developing countries, marking an important step forward in global agricultural technology towards sustainable agriculture and food systems. The report, which covers 15 case studies, highlights the successful application of biotechnology in different areas such as crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and agro-processing industries, as well as in a wide range of species, world regions and production systems, emphasizing that biotechnology goes beyond genetically modified organisms and is more applicable to smallholder economies in developing countries. Case studies gather experiences from around the world to show how biotechnology can help increase productivity, improve livelihoods, manage disease, and conserve genetic resources that are essential for sustainable smallholder production systems.
01 Application of artificial insemination in dairy farming in Malawi
The Malawi government established the National Artificial Insemination Center in the 80s of the 20th century and trained a large number of artificial intelligence technicians. AI services are booming in southern Malawi, increasing milk production and farmers' incomes, providing a stable source of income for local communities.
02 Gender Classification Semen Benefits for Smallholder Dairy Farmers in India
BAIF promotes SSS technology in India to improve heifer productivity through sex determination. The pilot project showcased success stories of cows with good pregnancy rates and high genetic value. Economic benefit estimates show that the SSS technology could create an estimated asset of around Rs 10.43 crore and bring milk worth Rs 20.85 crore per annum to smallholder farmers over the next six years. In the future, BAIF will continue to explore the possibility of providing valuable and high genetic value bull SSS to smallholder farmers to improve genetic progress and protect endangered breeds.
03 Applying genomics to identify the best hybrid cattle genotype for sustainable smallholder dairy farming in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's agriculture is characterized by smallholder farming systems, and in 2016 a pilot performance recording system was launched to apply genomic and reproductive biotechnology for genetic improvement. Genomic technology has helped predict the genetic makeup of crossbred cattle and established a genome-wide SNP database. The results of the evaluation showed that the heritability of taurine was between 50-75%, and milk production and reproductive efficiency were optimal. Overall, genomic technology has made significant progress in improving dairy cows in Bangladesh without a pedigree record.
04 Rapid diagnosis of African swine fever in Madagascar using filter paper using PCR technology
The outbreak of African swine fever in Madagascar has caused significant losses to the pig industry. However, pig blood samples were collected on 3mm filter paper by PCR technology, and the presence of ASF virus was successfully detected. Compared to ELISA antibody testing, PCR is more sensitive and can store samples at room temperature, avoiding the need for a cold chain. The advantages of this method are that it is easy to collect, does not rely on expensive equipment, and is suitable for remote areas and developing countries, providing a new way for the early diagnosis of ASF. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the technology in practical application, provides farmers with timely infection information, helps to take effective control measures, protects the pig industry and maintains food safety, and has important practical application value.
05 Study on the genetic diversity of carabao swamp buffalo in the Philippines
This study used microsatellite analysis to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the genetic composition of six subpopulations of the Carabao marsh buffalo in the Philippines, confirming the presence of genetic diversity in the Carabao subpopulation, providing an important scientific basis for the conservation and management of Carabao in the Philippines, and providing key information for the development of conservation strategies in the future. This is important to ensure the sustainability of the Carabao population in the Philippines and the maintenance of genetic diversity.
06 Development of streptococcal resistant tilapia using genetic selection and genomics to address disease threats in Nile tilapia aquaculture
GenoMar Genetics has successfully developed the streptococcal resistant tilapia variety GenoMar Strong through genetic selection and advanced breeding techniques. The product has undergone laboratory testing and field trials and has shown a significantly improved survival rate, providing farmers with a more stable economic return. In addition to genetic improvement for disease resistance, GenoMar also utilizes genomic selection technology to genotype tilapia at high densities using Affymetrix SNP arrays. This innovation makes genomic selection the main means of breeding, improves the prediction accuracy of traits such as resistance to streptococcal disease, and provides strong support for the sustainable development of the agricultural industry.
07 Integrated Pest Management of Fruit Flies Using SIT Technology in Ecuador
Ecuador, through the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has implemented a Drosophila pest control programme based on integrated pest management. The program uses the sterile insect technique (SIT) to establish a low-prevalence zone for fruit flies by releasing 3 million sterile Mediterranean fruit flies per week, effectively reducing fruit fly damage and improving fruit yield and quality.
08 Effect of induced genetic variation and genomics techniques on rice and soybean yields in Vietnam
Through mutation breeding, Viet Nam has developed 80 commercial mutant varieties since the 1980s, and has commercialized 19 rice and 13 soybean mutant varieties, some of which such as DT10 and DT80 have achieved great success, increasing farmers' incomes and food production. The new varieties obtained through mutation breeding have played an important role in increasing yields and adapting to climate change, and have made a positive contribution to the sustainable development and economic growth of Vietnam's agriculture.
09 Bt eggplant in Bangladesh: Genetic engineering to improve food security and farmers' incomes
The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has developed and commercialized four Bt crop varieties with commercial approval, providing farmers with a six-fold path to reduce pesticide costs and increase profits. Mahyco developed Bt eggplant using the Cry1Ac gene, which has undergone rigorous trials and studies to ensure its efficacy against EFSB and environmental safety. The successful case of BT eggplant has not only achieved remarkable results in improving the efficiency of agricultural production, but also provided useful experience and reference for other countries.
10 ICRISAT developed chickpea varieties with excellent drought tolerance and disease resistance through genomic breeding
Over the past decade, the Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Systems Biology at the International Institute of Semi-Arid Tropical Agriculture (ICRISAT) in India has sequenced 3,366 series of the Global Composite Collection through whole-genome resequencing of diverse chickpea genotype reference data and the support of the 3000 Chickpea Genome Sequencing Initiative, resulting in 205 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 79 unique genes. These resources are used to identify genomic regions that control traits such as drought tolerance and resistance to Ascochyta disease and Fuchs disease in chickpeas. In the genetic improvement of chickpea, nine improved chickpea varieties were successfully launched by using genomics-based tools and techniques, such as marker-assisted backcrossing, marker-assisted selection, etc., to improve their drought tolerance and disease resistance. ICRISAT is continuing the successful development of excellent chickpea varieties in India, Ethiopia, Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania.
11 AATF uses genetic engineering and molecular breeding to develop and scale climate-resilient maize and pod-resistant sword beans
In 2004, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) entered into a free licensing agreement with Bayer AG to acquire the right to use its know-how to improve food-safe crops in the region. Based on genetic engineering and molecular breeding methods, the two companies have developed more than 120 new climate-smart maize hybrids that are drought tolerant and insect resistant, as well as transgenic concanavala varieties that are resistant to pod borer. These improved varieties significantly increase yields, reduce the use of expensive and harmful pesticides, and provide farmers with an economical and environmentally friendly solution. Successful development and scaling up depend on public-private partnerships, sustainable financial and political support.
12 Umuanunu-Obinze uses tissue culture to propagate two locally important economic plants to achieve biodiversity conservation
The Umuanunu-Obinze project has successfully restored the biodiversity of native plants such as African nuts and kudzu through tissue culture techniques, reducing the pressure on forest development. Based on a home garden, the project promotes food security and economic livelihoods for communities through the distribution of plant seedlings generated using tissue culture. The project successfully combines biotechnology, community participation and sustainable agricultural practices to provide useful experiences for community development.
13 India uses DNA tools to identify timber species and verify the geographical origin of timber
India has developed a DNA barcode database of 41 Indian timber species and has successfully applied it to verify the authenticity of timber and ensure supply chain transparency. In addition, the geographical origin of teak, especially the Nylampur teak with geographical indications, was verified using SSR-based databases. This provides a precise DNA tool for false origin claims and illegal logging.
14 Malaysian laboratory promotes on-farm forestry in India through tissue culture and cloning of high-quality teak varieties
The commercialisation of high-quality teak clones from Malaysian laboratories has ushered in a new era of cloned teak and set a new benchmark for global genetic gains. Although FAO has carried out a systematic genetic improvement programme for teak since the 60s of the 20th century, it has yet to be achieved in terms of integrating advanced technologies for breeding. The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding in Koimetol ensures the genetic consistency of plants through tissue culture of teak with genetic improvement and clonal production, using SSR markers. In field trials, the clonal varieties showed better growth and roughness, which provided an important reference for the development of teak plantations.
15 The application of biotechnological means such as genetic diversity analysis to save the endangered species Salix humboldtiana
Salix humboldtiana, one of the most threatened tree species in the Patagonian region of Argentina, is facing the threat of loss of genetic diversity due to its fast growth rate and good quality, while the large-scale invasion and hybridization of alien willows has led to a decline in the number of native species. Participatory Rescue Programs work to protect and restore this species through genetic diversity analysis, advocacy, and fieldwork.
For more information, please refer to:
https://www.fao.org/3/cc8940en/cc8940en.pdf
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