Category: Featured

Susan MacMillan tells us more about the new direction of genomics science at ILRI.

A few years ago, with the tremendous advances in gene technologies, a new kind of geneticist began to appear at ILRI, one that more resembles Hans Solo than Indiana Jones. These researchers are taking ‘whole systems’ approaches to the ‘livestock genetics’ field (a branch of knowledge that, like those temples Indiana Jones obsesses about, can appear of largely historical interest). These new geneticists are ambitiously adding environmental genetics (soil microbes, wildlife species…) to their livestock, parasite and human targets of interest. They’re interested in the WHOLE picture—and they claim they have the tools to productively investigate this brave new world of ‘landscape genomics’.

Much more where that came from…

Anastasia has a diverse point of view on drought-resistant maize:

To me, we must nurture as many solutions as possible because the exact solution(s) needed in each area will vary. We need breeding/engineering, we need crop diversity, we need creative methods… I don’t think there’s any conflict in embracing all of them.

Ramen to that.

Pablo Eyzaguirre is somewhat critical of the Gates Foundation in a comment to a specific bit of a non-Nibble:

At several stages people have tried to call the foundation’s attention to analyses calling for a broader perspective on crop improvement that includes crop and varietal diversity for food and nutrition. Yet the foundation still puts all its stakes on high gains through breeding of global staples.

But Jeremy sees that and raises him with a quote from a recent paper which makes reference to one of his reviews:

Biofortification of staple foods is the most promising strategy to alleviate micronutrient deficiency (Brinch-Pederson et al. 2007; Johns and Eyzaguirre 2007; Welch and Graham 2004).

Hearing about the Jack Hawkes Archive, Professor Adi Damania bemoans the fate of another giant’s papers:

Jack R. Harlan’s papers … are scattered between his students, sons, and admirers here at University of California, Davis. His papers have survived a boat sinking in New Orleans harbor and the Katrina floods. We are seeking funds to do a biography.

What will happen when someone’s papers are just bits? Will they be easier or harder to assemble?

Cary agrees on the need for caution in seed provision after disasters, and has some recommendations of his own.

In good times or bad, seed introductions by outside agencies must be done with care. There may be reason for genebanks to be more involved in the future in some cases (supplying materials if actually lost and still desired). Stronger connections between relief/development agencies and genebanks and other professionals (who might be able to GIS and other data to ascertain appropriateness of varietal candidates for introduction) would certainly be a good thing.