Problems and opportunities in cassava biotechnology

Abstract

Although world cassava production has been increasing, it is shown that considerable cassava yield gaps still exist. Constraints are divided according to being endogenous and exogenous to the (plant and) production system. It is indicated that besides these constraints, considerable "adoption constraints" exist. The latter relate to fundamental inherent cassava plant characteristics. It was argued that these fundamental plant constraints severely limit both the R and D and adoption process. It is shown that several modern biotechnology techniques have a comparative advantage over more traditional methods to solve these fundamental limitations. Significant progress has already been made at CIAT, in developing novel approaches towards solving these. It is pointed out that still much work needs to be done to fine-tune these methods and make them appropriate for end-users. While for in-vitro propagation techniques, this is the case, for the development of True Cassava Seed (TCS), significant basic and applied research still needs to be conducted. For the latter technology, a serious commitment and development of an appropriate research strategy is urged.