Plant Biotechnology for Crop Protection in Ethiopia: Prospects and Potentials
1994
Frew Mekbib (Alemaya University of Agriculture, Dire Dawa (Ethiopia))
This paper discusses the state-of the art and some of the achievements of plant biotechnology in crop protection. The prospects of plant biotechnology for improved crop protection in Ethiopia are also briefly assessed. Plant biotechnology refers to integrated use of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and chemical and industrial engineering to exploit plant genetic resources for the production of specific products and services. Thus, biotechnology when utilized towards practical application is multidisciplinary requiring a team approach directed at a targeted goal. Development of biotechnology follows a continuous process from simple to complex. Usually the simpler ones are required for the success of the more complex technologies. Recombinant DNA (rDNA), cell fusion in-vitro culture, somatic cell culture and development of attenuated virus are some of technologies successfully used in the development of disease resistant plants. Although transgenic plants are not yet in practical use, considerable number of plant species are engineered for virus resistance, for example. The use of monoclonal antibodies, CDNA or RFLP has greatly improved the detection and identification of pathogens in disease diagnosis. A notable example in the development of insect resistant plants in the transfer or gene that encodes toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to many plants through rDNA technique. Some BT based pesticides are already patented and commercialized. Plant biotechnology for crop protections is being widely used in International Agricultural Research Centers (IARC). In Ethiopia the baseline information and infrastructure for any biotechnological work is currently lacking. In order to promote biotechnological research for plant protection it is imperative that the country has to develop crop protection staff, establish and develop biotech laboratories and collaborate with IARCs.
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