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Agricultural Biotechnology in Sri Lanka

Agricultural Biotechnology in Sri Lanka. Kumudu Fernando Seed Certification and plant protection Centre, Department of Agriculture. Tissue Culture. Micropropagation -1.Mass production 2.Virus elimination Embryo Rescue Anther culture Secondary metabolite production

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Agricultural Biotechnology in Sri Lanka

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  1. Agricultural Biotechnology in Sri Lanka Kumudu Fernando Seed Certification and plant protection Centre, Department of Agriculture

  2. Tissue Culture • Micropropagation -1.Mass production 2.Virus elimination • Embryo Rescue • Anther culture • Secondary metabolite production • Protoplast culture • In vitro conservation

  3. Applications • Mass production potato Seed potato production D.O.A. Orchids Anthurium Gerbera D.O.A. Ornamentals University Pineapple Private Strawberry sector Medicinal plants

  4. Virus elimination Micrografting (citrus) Meristem culture Potato Banana • In vitro conservation Root & Tuber crops D.O.A.

  5. Although tissue culture has been carried out since the mid-seventies, the benefits to the farmer have not been satisfactory

  6. Issues • Need for a central laboratory for technology development and dissemination • Need for collaboration among institutions preventing duplications and enhancing complementation. • Need for extension programmes to ensure the delivery of products to farmers. • Need for increased farmer participation

  7. Increased attention should be given to: • Biopesticides • Biofertilizer • Product development through biotechnology Sufficient attention has not been given to the above although they are important for Sri Lanka and although the techniques involved are relatively simple

  8. Modern agricultural Biotechnology Applications • MAS – markers for pest and disease resistance in crops e.g. GM, BPH, BLB • thrip resistance in rice- D.O.A • resistance against bacterial wilt in tomato

  9. Issues • Need for national & international collaboration • Training- long term & short term • Expert visits • Need for financial support for R&D • Need for continued supply of chemicals • Need for knowledge/experience in bioinformatics

  10. rDNA technology The following should be considered prior to embarking on rDNA technology • Need to evaluate broader impact on on-going agriculture. • Impact on economy- cost effectiveness • Who are the beneficiaries • Appropriateness of the technology for the target group • Impact on biodiversity and environment • IPR protection • Biosafety

  11. Issues • Government support for R&D • Need to identify the institutions • Need for collaboration and establishment of partnerships • Need to identify the modes of collaboration • Need for capacity building • International support on specific technological problems as Sri Lanka is far behind in DNA technology • Biosafety mechanisms in place • Information sharing and public awareness

  12. Molecular diagnostics • Identification of plant quarantine pests & diseases • Pest detection for plant protection • Testing of GM crops

  13. Molecular characterization of crop germplasm and their wild relatives • Markers (biochemical and molecular) for seed certification • Varietal protection • Identification of desirable genes • Data base development

  14. Thank you!

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