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Written by Truth About Trade & Technology
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Monday, 28 July 2008 03:40 |
AgBioView & Business Report
Original Publish Date: July 24, 2008
Johannesburg - The development of a genetically modified potato by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a major boost for the biotech sector in South Africa, said AfricaBio executive director Jocelyn Webster.
Webster said potato is a major staple crop and a boon to smallhold farmers to help ensure food security and alleviate hunger.
The potato developed by the council is resistant to the potato tuber moth, which causes losses of up to R40 million each year to the South African potato industry.
"No insecticide is registered against the potato tuber moth in South Africa under storage conditions. Now the smallholder has an insurance to help provide food security," said Webster.
"To control the tuber moth, producers have to rely on insecticide spraying at weekly intervals, depending on infestation, from to eight to 12 times a year.
"Estimated cost can be as much as R1 000 per hectare and control is not always satisfactory. Smallholder farmers cannot afford these expenses, often resulting in total crop failure," she said.
"The only strategy that gives consistently good control against the tuber moth is the GM potato. Studies, after six years of testing by the ARC, have shown that GM potatoes are as safe to grow and eat as conventional potatoes," said Webster.
AfricaBio, a non-profit biotechnology association, lists its mission statement as "the safe, ethical and responsible research, development and application of biotechnology and its products".
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