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Workshop: “Role of Agricultural Biotechnology in Food Security and Climate Change”
Session 2: Agricultural Biotechnology for Enhancing Crop Resilience
In this session, we will explore how Agricultural Biotechnology is pivotal in developing crop varieties with essential traits to tackle food security and climate change challenges. The presentations will highlight cutting-edge biotechnological methods used to create crops that are more resilient to environmental stresses, pests, and diseases, which are crucial for maintaining global food security.
Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in biotech research, including genetic modifications and innovative breeding techniques that enhance crop productivity and sustainability. Key discussions will cover how these technologies can be applied across different regions, particularly within APEC member economies, to address local agricultural challenges and improve overall food systems.
Dr. Eric Magembe
Dr. Eric Magembe is a Biotechnologist at the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Nairobi, Kenya since December 2012. He specializes in developing disease resistant potato varieties using cutting edge breeding tools like genome editing and transgenesis. His research focuses on tackling major challenges like late blight, bacterial wilt, and viral diseases that significantly impact potato production in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is utilizing genome editing technology to enhance resistance to Potyvirus Y (PVY) in the cultivated potato variety Shangi. His research involves precisely modifying the eIF4E gene to mimic the PVY resistant allele naturally occurring in the wild potato relative Eva1.
Passionate about leveraging biotechnology to address food insecurity and poverty, Dr. Magembe has partnered with the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and other organizations across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Rwanda to develop improved potato varieties that can benefit small-holder farmers and enhance livelihoods.
Dr. Magembe holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nairobi, where his research was partially conducted at Texas A&M University as part of the Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program. He also holds an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi and a BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Chemistry from Egerton University.
Dr. Eric Magembe
International Potato Center – Kenya
Dr. Mohan Murali Achary,
CIMMYT – India
Session 2: Agricultural Biotechnology Used to Obtain Crops with Important Characteristics for Food Security and Climate Change
Introduction to the Session 2
Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, (ISAAA) Malaysia
Genome Editing in Rice
Dr. Erwin Arcillas, (IRRI) The Philippines
Genome Editing in Maize
Dr. Mohan Murali Achary, (CIMMYT), India
Genome Editing in Potato
Dr. Erick Magembe, (CIP) Kenya
Panel Discussion 1
Moderator: Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan (ISAAA) Malaysia