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MEDIUM-TERM PLAN: 2008-2010

June 2007

Co-convened by:

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on behalf of an interdisciplinary, global alliance of research institutions and implementing agencies

c/o IFPRI 2033 K Street Washington DC 20006-1002, USA Tel. +1-202-862-5600 Fax. +1-202-467-4439 Email: [email protected] Web:www.harvestplus.org

The HarvestPlus Challenge Program, an initiative of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), is an interdisciplinary, global alliance of research institutions and implementing agencies that have come together to breed and disseminate crops for better nutrition.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Overview 1

Introduction, Context and Program Discussion 1 Changes/Additions to the Program Portfolio 2

Highlights of the 2008 Program Portfolio 3

Plant Breeding 3 Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics 4 Human Nutrition 5 Impact and Policy 6 Reaching End Users 7 Donor Relations and Communication 7 Financial Status 8

2.0 Program Portfolio 8

Program Portfolio Narrative 8 Plant Breeding 10 Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics 65

Human Nutrition 72 Impact and Policy 78

Reaching End Users 80 Donor Relations and Communication 85 Country Programs 91 Alignment with CGIAR System‐Wide Priorities 92 HarvestPlus Impact Pathway 92 Research Approach to Develop International Public Goods 95 Financial Plan 96 Appendices 102 Appendix 1 – Crop Timelines Appendix 2 – HarvestPlus Alliance Members

Appendix 3 – Publications List Appendix 4‐ HarvestPlus Transgenics Policy

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1.0 OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION, CONTEXT AND PROGRAM DISCUSSION Micronutrient malnutrition, primarily the result of diets poor in bioavailable vitamins and minerals, affects more than one‐half of the world’s population, especially women and preschool children. The costs of these deficiencies in terms of lives lost, forgone economic growth, and poor quality of life are staggering. HarvestPlus seeks to reduce micronutrient malnutrition among poor populations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, by breeding and disseminating nutrient‐dense staple food crops. HarvestPlus focuses on three micronutrients that are widely recognized by the World Health Organization as limiting: iron, zinc, and vitamin A. The specific goal of biofortification is thus to contribute to reducing the high prevalence of iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies that commonly occur in low income populations by improving the micronutrient density of staple food crops that are produced and consumed by these populations. Full‐time plant breeding programs are under way for six staple foods—rice, wheat, maize, cassava, sweetpotato, and common beans—that are consumed by the majority of the world’s poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and for which feasibility studies have already been completed. Breeding feasibility and germplasm discovery studies are being undertaken for 10 additional staples: bananas/ plantains, barley, cowpeas, groundnuts, lentils, millet, pigeon peas, potatoes, sorghum, and yams. The foundation of the HarvestPlus development and deployment strategy is that biofortified varieties should be as high‐yielding and as profitable as the most popular varieties grown by farmers. However, in the breeding process, HarvestPlus supports only the marginal costs of adding the high nutrient traits to already established and financed breeding programs, in line with its program objectives. In 2007, with most gene discovery and screening activities complete, HarvestPlus crop improvement work is well underway with several varieties set to enter nutrition testing trials in 2008.

The primary objectives of HarvestPlus’ 10‐year plan (2004–2013) are to:

• select and breed nutritionally improved varieties of six major staple food crops with superior agronomic properties that make them attractive to farmers to grow;

• carefully test promising varieties under development to establish that sufficient nutrients are retained in staples as consumed, and that these nutrients are sufficiently bioavailable so that micronutrient status in undernourished people is improved;

• develop efficient, accelerated mechanisms for testing promising materials with farmers, consumers, and other end users, including those in the most nutritionally disadvantaged

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areas, to identify varieties with superior agronomic, socioeconomic, and end user‐acceptable traits; and

• measure the nutritional impacts of these improved varieties in community‐based studies where these varieties have been adopted.

CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE PROGRAM PORTFOLIO 2007 Planning for Phase II Activities As HarvestPlus nears the end of its first phase in 2007, lessons learned will be applied in restructuring and reallocation of resources narrowing to the most promising crops that will have maximum impact on the micronutrient malnourished. In 2007 the Program Management Team has invested considerable effort to gather the required information from program leaders and apply lessons learned to what will be future planning; pending full funding or Phase II activities. These alterations in program activities will be verified in the coming year and will be featured in the HarvestPlus second phase and in the Medium Term Plan 2009‐2011.

Management and Administration Staffing and governance • Full time Research Assistant hired for Nutrition program as an employee of IFPRI. • Part time (80%) Communication Specialist hired as an employee of IFPRI. • Changes to the Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Two PAC members have left the HarvestPlus PAC and one

was added. (1) Jim Jones ( former CIAT Board Chair and rep to HarvestPlus) , replaced by Yves Savidan, current CIAT Chair and; (2) Suttilak Simitiri (IFPRI Board rep to HarvestPlus) replaced by Michele Veeman (IFPRI Board member). The PAC has brought on two additional members who bring expertise in plant breeding (Qifa Zhang from China) and from the food industry (Jeroen Bordewijk formerly of Unilever). Members from the IFPRI Board (Mohamed Ait‐Kadi) and CIAT Board (David Miron) have been added to the PAC audit committee.

Fundraising Phase II proposal development. The PMT and PAC invest a significant amount of time in 2006 writing a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for Phase II of the program. Core funding will be sought from bilateral donor organizations, private sector foundations, and in particular, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who have supported the program in the past. European donors. In 2007‐2008 fundraising will target its efforts on introducing European donors to the HarvestPlus concept and funding requirements for the next phase of the program. European fundraising is being explored bilaterally and with University of Wageningen and UK collaborators taking into consideration funding commitments stated as priorities for European donors. Program and Functional Areas Plant Breeding

• Assessment of WARDA NERICA rice collection for mineral density, added • Assessment of Central Asian local potato and wheat collection for mineral density, added • For all crops: additional NARS in countries in development screen local germplasm for micronutrient

density (currently majority does not receive HarvestPlus funding – NARS want to join HarvestPlus and commence with biofortification)

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• Screening for promoter for bioavailability inulin in wheat in proof of concept study, added Nutrition The retention of micronutrients with storage/processing/cooking has not been evaluated in all Phase 2 crops. In some cases, this was not pursued because insufficient genetic variation for micronutrients was not identified (eg., sorghum, yams). Retention work has begun in Phase 2 crops such as potato and banana/plantain.

A study to determine the effect of non‐provitamin A carotenoids (i.e., lutein from maize) on iron absorption using a pig model was postponed to 2008 due to difficulties in obtaining necessary approvals for the study. Biotechnology Proof of concept research on the development of transgenic, rice, wheat and maize added REU Shifted NGO implementers in Uganda to now include: FADEP, VEDCO and Save the Children. Impact Consumer acceptance studies of yellow maize in Africa added. Ex Ante studies for key crops completed. Consumption survey for Pakistan on hold. Communication and Donor Relations HarvestPlus Working Paper series initiated. Promotional CDROM, “Hope for a Healthier Harvest” added. Transgenic communication workshop to support golden rice added.

USDA collaboration for joint funding initiated. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2008 PROGRAM PORTFOLIO PLANT BREEDING

Screening/Genetic Variation Validation of results from 2006/2007 screening will be conducted, results from expanded screening of CGIAR and NARES germplasm banks will be initiated; and core collections will continue to be assessed (except long cycle crops). Crop Improvement By 2008, all crops will have reached the early or advanced development stages and germplasm products will be disseminated to NARS for GXE testing. One phase II crop —— pearl millet — has demonstrated high levels of iron and will be elevated to a fully supported crop improvement and testing program because the breeding step could be accomplished relatively inexpensively and quickly. Moreover, new hybrid pearl millet lines are distributed through well‐established arrangements between ICRISAT and seed companies in India offering a unique opportunity to have impact at low cost, subject to the outcome of nutrition studies. Increased pVAC concentration for maize and cassava discovered in 2006 in breeding populations will be confirmed. See individual crop timelines for a listing of detailed activities by crop (Appendix 1).

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Genotype by Environment Interactions Rice, Beans Cassava, Pearl Millet, Lentils, Maize, and OFSP will have reached the stage of GxE testing in target countries. By this time all crops will have had some GXE field tests performed as part of the crop improvement exercises. Testing networks will be established linking international, multi‐location, on‐station and on‐farm trials through common checks and covering major relevant crop agro‐ecologies. Prior to projections, varieties with enhanced micronutrient concentration will enter registration trials, and candidate varieties will be identified. Enabling Technologies

• Near Infrared spectrometry (NIRS): high precisions calibrations will be developed for minerals

• and pVAC and NIRS implemented at CG Centers; calibrations developed for Phase II crops.

• Colorimetric high‐throughput staining techniques will be further developed and implemented at ICRISAT, CIMMYT, IRRI and selected collaborating NARS.

• Simulation/modeling: in a joint project with Generation Challenge Program and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, simulation will be applied to assess the cost/benefit of conventional and molecular marker assisted breeding for minerals in comparisons of different breeding strategies.

Capacity Building/Methods Development

• Pending available funding, activities will be undertaken as described in Plant Breeding narrative

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS Development of technology to increase bioavailability and provitamin A stability. The goal is to understand, at the molecular level, the process of conversion and stability of provitamin A into vitamin A in the rice grain that could lead to a predicted 12‐fold increase in bioavailability. Fine mapping and cloning of seed carotenoid QTL This research investigates genes responsible for Carotenoid Clevage Enzymes. Technology to improve Golden Rice This research will determine the molecular characterization of the Golden Rice phenotype Molecular tool kit for cassava Research will identify, and characterize storage‐root specific promoters and the expression of carotenoid genes in Cassava cultivars.Analysis of metal homestasis genes in rice and wheat

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Candidate genes are being selected for either transgenic or marker‐assisted strategies to increase seed concentrations of iron and/or zinc. Iron characterization and gene discovery in bean The research is to gain a better understanding of the physiological processes contributing to iron nutrition of this plant, as well as to expand our knowledge of metal genes Transgenic proof of concept in maize, wheat and cassava Building on the success of the nutritional genomics gene discovery proof of concepts, transgenic proof of concept research will be intiated for high provitamin A and iron maize, high provatimin A cassava, and high iron wheat HUMAN NUTRITION Method and indicator development One potentially important factor for improving the bioavailability of iron and zinc from staple food crops is the positive effect of intestinal fermentation of non‐digestible carbohydrates, such as inulin. This is one stage of digestion that our current in vitro model does not simulate. Therefore, we will attempt to adapt the model to include a fermentation step. Work on validating in vitro and animal models as predictors of micronutrient bioavailability in humans is ongoing in 2008, and results are not yet available. Capacity building and strengthening regional institutions for nutrient analysis In 2008, the intensive program for building capacity in the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) will continue with select laboratories in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In 2008, we expect to be able to approve use of multiple regional and some national facilities for quality mineral and vitamin analyses as a result of our capacity building efforts. Nutrient retention Studies of nutrient retention in biofortified crops will focus on zinc and iron in parboiled rice, as used in Bangladesh, and iron in the phase 2 crops potatoes and pearl millet. Results for long term studies on the effects of storage of maize on pro‐vitamin A content will also become available. Bioavailability of nutrients Results from ongoing studies of the effect of beta‐carotene rich sweet potatoes on iron and zinc absorption among Bangladeshi women will become available. An animal model will also be used to explore the effects of non‐provitamin A carotenoids, such as lutein which is naturally abundant in maize, on iron absorption and metabolism. In addition, we will have results for a study of zinc absorption from high zinc rice among Bangladeshi children, and expect to initiate studies of zinc from high zinc wheat in Pakistani children, and iron from potatoes in adult

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women. Some results will also be available on the independent effects of polyphenol and phytate contents on iron absorption from beans. Efficacy of nutrients in biofortified crops Data will become available from a study of the efficacy of high beta‐carotene sweet potato prepared with vegetable oil and without to improve vitamin A stores among vitamin A deficient Bangladeshi women. Effectiveness of biofortified crops to improve human nutrition The follow‐up survey in Mozambique of the effectiveness study of the impact of introduction of orange‐fleshed sweet potato on the adequacy of vitamin A intakes among women and children will be conducted in 2008. IMPACT AND POLICY Baseline and follow up surveys in REU deployment areas In 2008 datasets obtained from two baseline surveys (Uganda and Mozambique) will be analyzed to enrich our understanding of program on production and consumption patterns in target regions, and to inform the design of the follow surveys scheduled for 2009. Consumption studies Analysis of studies on the consumption of high iron beans in east Africa will be continued for completion in 2009. Policy Simulations Policy simulations will project the role of biofortification in reducing the burden on micronutrient malnutrition globally. These projections will be made under alternative scenarios of urbanization and income growth and will enable a comparison of the cost effectiveness of biofortification and fortification in reaching target populations. Complementary research Studies on varietal maps will be conducted to provide input on the use of specific varieties of wheat and rice as effective vehicles for delivering high micronutrient traits. Consumer Acceptance Surveys on consumer acceptance initiated in 2007 with OFSP in Uganda and with orange maize in Zambia will be analyzed to evaluate whether the distinct orange color of beta‐carotene rich crops are in any way a deterred to their acceptance by consumers and the extent to which nutrition education can overcome this apparent discount.

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REACHING END USERS Diagnostic activities – Completed for OFSP Implementation and Operations Research Operations research will continue to monitor the progress and impact of implementation work underway in 3 districts in Uganda and 3 districts in Mozambique. Engaging Enablers An enabler meeting is planned for May 2008 which will introduce biofortified sweetpotato to decision making bodies in Uganda from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture. Scaling out HarvestPlus REU will explore opportunities to scale out the production and consumption of OFSP in West Africa and India. Funding will be sought from the African Development Bank and other donor institutions. Beans A proposal for funding end user activities for beans will be finalized for implementation pending outcomes from nutritional testing of beans. DONOR RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS In Reach • Quarterly Updates

In 2008 an informal quarterly update of the program’s activities will be developed and circulated to the HarvestPlus Alliance via the HarvestPlus Hub.

• Sponsorship of communication workshops

Transgenic HarvestPlus crops Phase II. Because of varying public perception and mistrust related to transgenic crops, communications and crop teams will begin to strategically address concerns and avenues for informing and including members of the community where these crops will be grown.

Outreach • HarvestPlus Publications

HarvestPlus Abstracts will be redesigned and added to the working papers and technical monographs that are currently being produced by the program. HarvestPlus Abstracts will appear on the HarvestPlus website and sent by hard copy to collaborators in the field.

• Sponsored special sessions at professional meetings As part of its continued strategy to demonstrate legitimacy and provide strong evidence on the merits of biofortification, HarvestPlus communication will continue to secure and

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support special showcase sessions at international plant breeding, nutrition and social science meetings.

• Targeted Enabler national and regional meetings in Africa and Asia Enabler meetings are being planned to help facilitate the transfer of technology to targeted regions in country. Meetings will gather together agriculture and public health policy makers and scientists to introduce and update decision makers on the progress of the biofortified products in target countries.

Media tours.

In order to hasten the information flow from research to implementation, a radio journalist tour will be organized to engage and answer key media questions related to the relevance and importance of OFSP in conjunction with the planning of the enabler meeting.

Donor Relations

Donor publications campaign. To raise awareness of HarvestPlus among donors, Communication will be soliciting, writing and placing articles in key donor newsletters and magazines.

FINANCIAL STATUS The HarvestPlus Challenge Program operates as a non‐incorporated joint venture. Accounting is carried out in accordance with the principles of International Accounting Standards (IAS) 31. Transactions are processed through the books of the two managing centers CIAT and IFPRI. Accordingly there is not a separate balance sheet for HarvestPlus. The financial performance indicators of the CGIAR are calculated by reference to Net Assets of a particular center as at the year end Balance Sheet date. However, the equivalent of short term liquidity performance indicators may be derived from the Undisbursed Cash on Hand in the Supplemental Schedule to the Audited Financial Statements of IFPRI and CIAT. At December 2006, the Cash on Hand for HarvestPlus amounted to $10.359M which represents 270 days of projected expenditures for the following year.

2.0 Program Portfolio In March 2004 UNICEF and the Micronutrient Initiative released the latest global progress report on vitamin and mineral deficiencies, in which they announced that as many as one‐third of the world’s population do not meet their physical and intellectual potential because of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. More than two billion people worldwide are iron deficient. Iron deficiency anemia during childhood and adolescence impairs mental development and thus learning capacity. In adults, iron deficiency anemia reduces the capacity to do physical labor. More than 50 percent of children in South and Southeast Asia have anemia, a proxy for iron deficiency. The overall prevalence of anemia is equally high in Africa, although the number

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of people affected is less. Prevalence is consistently highest among pregnant women and consistently lowest among adult men. Billions of people are also at risk for zinc deficiency. Like iron deficiency, the prevalence of zinc deficiency is highest in South and Southeast Asia and Africa. Because there is no widely accepted method for measuring zinc deficiency, estimates are not available for the number of people with zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency also has serious health consequences. Meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials show that therapeutic zinc supplementation can reduce morbidity from common childhood infections by one‐third, especially diarrhea, pneumonia, and possibly malaria. In addition, zinc deficiency is an important cause of stunting. Vitamin A deficiency results in visible eye damage in approximately three million preschool‐age children globally. Annually, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 preschool children go blind from this deficiency, and about two‐thirds of these children die within months of going blind. Children with sub clinical vitamin A deficiency are more likely to get common childhood infections such as respiratory and diarrheal diseases, measles, and malaria. Vitamin A deficiency compromises the immune system of approximately 40 percent of the developing worldʹs children under the age of five years and leads to approximately one million young child deaths each year. The primary underlying cause of micronutrient malnutrition is poor quality diets, characterized by high intakes of food staples, but low consumption of animal and fish products, fruits, lentils, and vegetables, which are rich sources of bioavailable minerals and vitamins. As such, most of the malnourished are those who cannot afford to purchase high‐quality, micronutrient‐rich foods or who cannot obtain these foods from their own production. HarvestPlus intends to fill the nutritional gap created by high consumption of micronutrient poor staple foods at first by breeding iron, zinc and provitamin A into six targeted staple foods including: rice, wheat, maize cassava, beans and sweetpotato. For 2008 it is anticipated that the The HarvestPlus Biofortification Challenge Program will be comprised of over 100 scientists in approximately 50 institutions around the world to accomplish this task (See appendix table 2 for 2006 Alliance members). Program Research Areas Clearly defined multidisciplinary functional areas form the backbone of HarvestPlus Research and Implementation activities. All crop products must include research in all functional areas (plant breeding, nutritional genomics and biotechnology, human nutrition, impact, reaching end users and communication. The HarvestPlus Medium Term Plan is organized around these functional research programs. Within each program area specific crops research is well underway. Crop specific research, primarily focused on plant breeding activities, is described in detail in the plant breeding narrative of this medium term plan. For descriptions of individual

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crop workplans see crop log frames that immediately follow the plant breeding component of the program portfolio narrative. In addition, Crop timelines have been included in annex 2 to complement the information that appears in the narrative and log frames. PROGRAM PORTFOLIO NARRATIVE PLANT BREEDING Biofortification breeding, in contrast to traditional breeding, seeks to make an impact on human micronutrient status, an endeavor that entails merging breeding with nutrition and socioeconomics research to enhance traits whose value is measured in health outcomes. Hence, these disciplines have become an integral part of HarvestPlus crop improvement and product concept development. At the core of any HarvestPlus biofortification breeding program is a product pathway driven by potential impacts of research and nutrition. Figure 1 outlines the key HarvestPlus biofortified germplasm development activities. Different research categories reflect sequentially arranged stages and milestones, and are superimposed upon a decision‐tree that allows monitoring progress and making strategic and ‘go/no‐go’ decisions when goals and targets cannot be achieved. The role of nutrition, food technology, and socioeconomics in product development is illustrated in Figure 1.

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The acceptance of biofortified crops by producers and consumers hinges on developing attractive trait packages without compromising agronomic and end‐use characteristics. Crucial to developing such trait packages is HarvestPlus research to understand the value farmers place on these traits and, hence, social, economic, and cultural factors that determine crop adoption. In many cases, trait packages must take into account the needs and demands of women and mothers as both consumer targets for nutrient‐dense food and key guardians of the most nutritionally vulnerable target population, undernourished children. Hence, HarvestPlus product concepts for biofortified crops rely on feedback and a continuous flow of information from socioeconomics, impact‐assessment studies, and marketing and consumer behavior research. Plant breeding makes up stages 3, 4, 6 and 8 of the HarvestPlus Impact pathway (SEE PAGE 91) . Plant breeding is the largest component of the program both in terms of investment and partnerships. Clearly defined activities take place across all crops within this component of the program including; germplasm screening (Stage 3), crop improvement (Stage 4), gene by environment interactions (Stage 6) and prototype development (Stage 8). Germplasm Screening Crop improvement activities of HarvestPlus focus first on exploring the available genetic diversity for iron, zinc, and provitamin A carotenoids (in parallel or during subsequent screening, agronomic and end‐use features were characterized) in the core CGIAR germplasm banks. However, for micronutrients as novel traits, developing enabling technologies (e.g., analytical methods and high throughput screening methods to assay micronutrients, sampling protocols) and establishing germplasm screening are prerequisite for effectively assessing genetic variation and are developed by the Program. In addition, crop sampling protocols and protocols for conventional analytical methods, including sample preparation, digestion, extraction, and milling procedures, have also been developed and standardized across laboratories. Figure 2 displays HarvestPlus activities involved in establishing screening.

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The objectives when exploring the available genetic diversity are to identify: (1) parental genotypes that can be used in crosses, genetic studies, molecular‐marker development, and parent‐building, and (2) existing varieties, pre‐varieties in the release pipeline, or finished germplasm products for “fast‐tracking.” Fast‐tracking refers to releasing, commercializing, or introducing genotypes that combine the target micronutrient density with the required agronomic and end‐use traits so they can be quickly delivered to producers and have an immediate impact on micronutrient‐deficient populations. Further, data on genetic variation guide HarvestPlus go/no‐go decision ‐ to decide if breeding for a particular micronutrient or crop is viable. Crop Improvement Crop enhancement methodologies and procedures for breeding micronutrient‐dense crops follow the standard principles applied to traits with equivalent characteristics (e.g., number of genes and mode of inheritance). In biofortification breeding, methodologies had to be tailored according to available trait diagnostics and breeding objectives. Existing genetic variation, trait heritability, gene action, associations among traits, available screening techniques, and diagnostic tools are criteria commonly used to identify selectable traits and estimate potential genetic gains. However, for novel traits, such as micronutrients, HarvestPlus biofortified product concepts have to consider factors associated with probability of success. These factors encompass (1) technological goals to identify a trait that enables the desired phenotypic and nutritional performance under all production conditions; (2) production (breeding) goals to generate a plant product containing the trait that enables the desired performance in target populations, target areas, and in all biofortified varieties without compromising agronomic performance, nutrition, or end‐use quality; and (3) reaching‐end‐user or commercial goals to guide the design and delivery of a technology. The bioavailability of iron and zinc is associated with the presence of antinutrients and/or the lack of promoter substances for micronutrients. Since an increase in bioavailability translates into a proportional decrease in the nutritional target increment (e.g. increasing iron bioavailability from 5% to 10% reduces the target increment by 50%), future strategies for breeding micronutrient‐dense crops will consider indirect breeding for increased bioavailability, increased retention, or reduced post‐harvest micronutrient deterioration, in addition to direct breeding for increased concentration. Gene by Environment (GXE) Interactions GxE interaction can greatly influence genotypic performance across different crop growing scenarios. Early HarvestPlus biofortification efforts were challenged by knowledge gaps regarding site suitability for trait assessment and the effect of permanent and variable environmental factors, production constraints, and crop management practices on micronutrient concentration. Results from multi‐environment experiments revealed significant GxE interactions and substantial differences in the suitability of test sites for micronutrient selection in expressing variation and discriminating among genotypes. An increasing body of

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evidence suggests that the expression of provitamins A is relatively stable under different growing conditions. These results agree with HarvestPlus findings that β‐carotene/provitamins A are controlled by relatively few genes and more simply inherited. The expression of zinc (and, to a lesser extent, iron) concentration is related to and affected by permanent and variable environmental factors; the higher variation due to GxE when compared with provitamins A reflects the more complex inheritance of iron and zinc, particularly in cereals. However, results from multi‐environment trials revealed micronutrient‐dense genotypes of cereals, legumes, and tubers/roots with high, stable trait expression in the presence of high GxE interaction. Since soil zinc deficiency is a common problem in major agricultural areas, research aimed at understanding the underlying factors of GxE interactions and micronutrient trait expression by analyzing soil and plant samples are part of crop workplans. Early research showed that microenvironment variation for minerals can be highly significant and, if not adequately sampled, may cause false high positives in mineral screening. Using common checks or standards across experiments allows comparing results from different environments and for different types of germplasm. Recommendations to this effect have been developed. Among factors that can influence micronutrient expression are planting date and season: HarvestPlus GxE interaction trials revealed highly significant differences in average mineral concentration and genetic variation between planting seasons for rice and pearl millet, and between different planting dates for wheat. Hence, next to spatial and temporal variation, systems variation caused by differential crop‐management practices can have significant effects. Prototype Development Prior to or after official release, varieties are tested by farmers for acceptability. These varieties are then multiplied for expanded distribution through formal and/or informal seed systems. Testing of prototypes will occur on intermediate products and on official HarvestPlus final biofortified crops. For the purposes of this Medium Term Plan, it is anticipated that more of these activities will take place in 2009 and into the future as the program moves further down the impact pathway. Deployment strategies are crop/country and micronutrient specific and subject of individual product profiles. Capacity Development Human capital building is crucial for implementing and sustaining the crop biofortification effort. Activities in this area in HarvestPlus encompass the development of primarily web‐based training materials and tutorials, the inclusion of biofortification in the curriculum in general and advanced training courses at CG Centers and NARS, undergraduate and graduate research grants, scientific exchange visits, workshops, conferences and sponsorships. Training will provide the general principles of breeding micronutrient dense crops and the specific theoretical and technical know‐how for application. Establishing Enabling Technologies and Testing Networks Establishing screening is prerequisite to effectively assess genetic variation. Further, breeding for minerals and provitamins A carotenoids hinges on the development and implementation of

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high through‐put methods since the number of samples increases dramatically with the establishment of full breeding operations and turnaround times for sample analysis are short for crops which 2 or more crop cycles/year. Activities encompass the implementation of established and novel high‐throughput screening methods for all crops at CG Centers and NARS partners for minerals and/or provitamins A, and, based on knowledge gained for components associated with bioavailability. With sampling, analysis and milling/polishing protocols for micronutrients development and documentation, activities in shift to standardization of equipment and protocols and the development of in‐house capabilities at collaborating NARS. Establishing and expanding on global and regional screening and testing networks with knowledge gained on suitable test sites will be a major effort in H+ Phase II. This activity is pre‐requisite for enhanced breeding effectiveness and in generating standardized data to apply novel tools such as GIS. Investigative and/or adaptive research on recent (NIRS) and cutting‐edge (e.g. photo‐acoustic methods) methods will continue and research regarding these methods will be expanded to components associated with bioavailability, retention and post‐harvest deterioration. Below, the plant breeding research underway on the most promising leading crops from the HarvestPlus portfolio are discussed. To understand the biotechnology, nutrition, impact, and reaching end user work associated with each crop, readers are guided to the MTP narratives pertaining to those areas of research and implementation. Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 5.644 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 6.124 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 6.369 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 6.624 million

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HarvestPlus Program Log Frame: Plant Breeding Overview

Output

Target Outputs 2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CG Centers, select NARES, ARIs, researchers

CG Partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, and scientific studies and screening methods

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from access to biofortified germplasm, data and networking activities

Output 1 Germplasm screening to assess genetic variation

2008 • Intensive screening activities

of core germplasm collections will wind up except for crops with long growing cycle. Validation of findings will continue. Expanded screening work will begin for a wider collection from the CGIAR germplasm banks with less intensity.

2009 • Screening efforts will transfer

to NARES to search and analyze national germplasm collections for nutrient dense varieties.

2010 • Screening efforts will

continue at NARES to search and analyze national germplasm collections for nutrient dense varieties.

CG Centers, NARES, ARIs, researchers

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified rice shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted

The agriculture and nutrition community benefit from access to prototype varieties

Output 2 Crop Improvement

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2008 • Intensive crop improvement

activities will continue in wheat, maize, rice, cassava, climbing beans, OFSP and promising phase II crops. Pearl millet will be elevated from Phase II to receive support for intensive crop improvement work. Maintenance breeding will continue for climbing bean.


activities will continue in wheat, maize, rice, cassava, OFSP and climbing bean. Breeding for next generation germplasm products will continue for bush beans and pearl millet.


activities will continue on wheat, maize, rice, cassava, OFSP and climbing bean. Other Phase II crops may be added to the portfolio based on successful screening work. Breeding for next generation germplasm products will continue for rice, beans, pearl millet and maize.

CG Centers, NARES, ARIs, researchers, farmers

Researchers will use the information gained in genotype x environment studies to evaluate agronomic and nutritional manifestations of test rice planted in target regions

Researchers develop agronomically superior nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified rice particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions.

Output 3 Genotype x Environment Interactions

2008 • Intensive GXE will be

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undertaken for rice, pearl millet, OFSP, bean cassava, maize and lentil in target regions. Testing networks will be established.

2009 • Intensive GXE will be

undertaken for rice, pearl millet, OFSP, bean cassava, maize, potato and lentil in target regions.

2010 Intensive GXE will be undertaken for rice, pearl millet, OFSP, bush and climbing bean cassava, maize, wheat, potato, lentil, sorghum and banana/plantain in target regions. CG Centers, NARES, ARIs,

researchers, farmers, NGOs Micronutrient dense rice disseminated through NARES to farmers.

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties and higher intake of micronutrients in rice-based dishes

Output 4 Prototype testing

2008 • Prototype testing in place for

OFSP and bean 2009 • Prototype testing continues

for OFSP, bean, and zinc-dense maize

2010 • Prototype testing continues

for OFSP, bean, zinc-dense maize, pearl millet and cassava. Varietal and/or germplasm release for OFSP, bean, zinc-dense maize and pearl millet.

Output 5 Enabling Technologies and Capacity Building

CG Centers, NARES, ARIs, researchers, students

New tools, protocol and methodology developed to enable researchers to more effectively develop biofortified

Plant breeding for biofortification is made part of the research fabric of leading agricultural research

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crops institutions. 2008

• High through put screening methods using NIRS implemented across all phase I crop breeding collaborator organizations.

• Colormetric staining techniques for screening further developed.

2009 • Colormetric staining

techniques for screening implemented across relevant NARES partners.

• NARES Scientist trained in breeding and GXE techniques for biofortified staple crops.

2010 NARES Scientist trained in breeding and GXE techniques for biofortified staple crops.

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Plant Breeding Activities by Crop The following narratives briefly outline the work being conducted by HarvestPlus plant breeders by crop. The associated logframes are contributed by HarvestPlus crop leaders and reflect the annual outputs predicted by them for the program. Maize The HarvestPlus Maize program primarily focuses its research activities on increasing the content of provitamin A carotenoids in the seed. As a secondary objective, the program has experienced considerable success in identifying varieties of maize with high zinc concentrations. Maize research for HarvestPlus is conducted at both CIMMYT and IITA. Screening ‐ Intensified germplasm screening at NARS revealed higher levels of minerals, and zinc concentrations approaching the target of >10ppm above the baseline (28ppm) could be validated inbred lines in Ghana in 2nd year multi‐location trails. ) Near Infrared Spectrophotometry (NIRS) for provitamin A concentrations (pVAC) and minerals pre‐screening has been implemented at CIMMYT, Mexico. Micronutrient‐dense progenitor germplasm nurseries have been assembled and disseminated to NARS; additional countries in Africa and Asia. Crop Improvement – Tropicalization of temperate high pVAC sources converting popular African Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV) and inbred lines into micronutrient‐dense version is in full swing. Maximum pVAC concentrations between 8 and 10ppm have been validated in germplasm in development. Breeding at CIMMYT (pVAC) reached F6 stage and test hybrids were produced at both IITA and CIMMYT. Molecular marker development at University of Illinois proceeds according to timetable/milestones; the marker population is being assayed for pVAC. GxE Testing – Type of GxE interaction was researched in multi‐location trials in Nigeria; the coefficient of concordance (rank changes) displayed predominantly non‐crossover type interactions with high stability across sites for pVAC, good stability for Zn, and reasonable stability for Zn. At IITA, test hybrids combined grain yield above checks with high micronutrient concentration. Prototype Development ‐ Activities will begin in 2010.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Maize (CIMMYT and IITA)

Outputs Target Outputs

2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact CIMMYT, IITA,

NARES, researchers

CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding genotype x environment testing, and scientific studies and screening methods

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from access to germplasm, data and networking activities

2008 CIMMYT • Effectiveness of various inbred maize lines

as donors (sources) of enhanced pro-vitamins A for maize breeding documented

• Utility of NIRS laboratory method for rapid analysis of provitamin A in maize documented

• In collaboration with ARI partners, variation for, and GxE effects on iron bioavailability in selected maize hybrids documented

CIMMYT and IITA • Variation for additional elite germplasm

for provitamin As, iron, and zinc concentration assessed

2009 CIMMYT and IITA • Variation for additional elite germplasm for

pro-vitamins A and minerals assessed • In vitro lab methods for analysis of

bioavailability of provitamins A validated and preliminary assessment of extent of variation for this trait documented

Output 1 Germplasm Screening to assess genetic variation

2010 CIMMYT • Rapid, inexpensive screening method(s)

will be implemented and in use, enabling screening of many 100s of germplasms both in breeding work and for identifying new source materials.

IITA • Yellow inbred lines with high pro-vitamin

A screened for high iron and zinc content

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CIMMYT, IITA, NARES, researchers, farmers

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified maize shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted



2008 CIMMYT • Atleast 5 new advanced or elite germplasm • with enhanced provitamins A, Zn or Fe

concentration available • In collaboration with ARI partners,

chromosome regions associated with carotenoids mapped, and gene expression studies of enzymes involved in the carotenoid synthesis pathway documented

• ≥ 40 new bi-parental breeding populations formed using elite inbred lines and source lines for high β-carotene

• ≥ 10 new bi-parental breeding populations and experimental synthetics formed using high mineral elite highland inbred lines

IITA • ≥ 500 S2, ≥ 200 S3 and ≥ 100 S4 lines

derived from high pro-vitamin A crosses and BC1s assessed for agronomic traits

• ≥ 300 S2 and ≥ 200 S3 lines derived from high mineral crosses assessed for agronomic traits

• Testcrosses of at least 100 S4 lines with high pro-vitamin A evaluated for agronomic performance.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Maize (CIMMYT and IITA) (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

Output 2 Crop Improvement (cont’n)

2009 CIMMYT • At least 5 new advanced or elite germplasm

with enhanced provitamins A, Zn or Fe concentration available

• Testcross hybrids for 1st set of 2nd generation enhanced provitamins A inbred lines evaluated

• In collaboration with ARI’s, molecular markers identified and validated, resulting in assessment and recommendations for use of marker assisted selection.

• Effectiveness of recurrent selection for enhancing provitamins A concentration in maize documented

IITA • ≥ 500 S2, ≥ 300 S3, ≥150 S4 and ≥ 100 S5 lines

derived from high pro-vitamin A crosses and BC1s assessed for agronomic traits

• ≥500 S2 and ≥200 S3 and ≥ 100 S4 lines derived from high mineral crosses assessed for agronomic traits

• Testcrosses of ≥100 S4 and ≥100 S5 lines with high pro-vitamin A evaluated for agronomic performance.

• Testcrosses of ≥100 S4 lines with high iron and zinc evaluated for agronomic performance

• Promising hybrids selected for high pro-vitamin A evaluated with partners

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2010 CIMMYT • At least 5 new advanced or elite germplasm

with enhanced provitamins A, Zn or Fe concentration available

IITA • ≥ 300 S2, ≥300 S3, ≥200 S4, ≥100 S5 and ≥50

S6 lines derived from high pro-vitamin A crosses and BC1s assessed for tolerance to stresses

• ≥400 S2 and ≥300 S3 ≥ and 100 S4 and 100 S5 lines derived from high mineral crosses assessed for agronomic traits

• Testcrosses of ≥100 S5 and ≥50 S6 lines with high pro-vitamin A evaluated for agronomic performance.

• Testcrosses of ≥100 S4 and ≥100 S5 lines with high iron and zinc evaluated for agronomic performance

• Promising hybrids selected for high mineral or high pro-vitamin A evaluated for adaptation with partners

Output 3 Genotype x Environment

CIMMYT, IITA, NARES, researchers

Genotype by environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified maize particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions

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2008 CIMMYT • ≥ 1 trial of advanced experimental enhanced β-

carotene hybrids distributed for evaluation in ≥ 6 African locations

• Enhanced provitamins A experimental OPVs formed and distributed in trials to partners worldwide, especially in Africa.

• Iron and zinc evaluated for ≥ 20 testcross hybrids grown at ≥ 2 sites in Mexico

• Genotype x environment for ≥ 5 synthetics formed from high pro-vitamin A lines assessed in 3 sites in Nigeria

• Genotype x environment for hybrids including QPM high in pro-vitamins A and/or iron and zinc assessed in three locations in Nigeria

2009 CIMMYT • New, enhanced provitamins A OPVs evaluated in > 4 locations in Africa. IITA • Genotype x environment for hybrids including

QPM high in pro-vitamins A and/or iron and zinc determined in six locations in two countries

• Genotype x environment for ≥ 5 synthetics formed from high pro-vitamin A lines assessed in 3 sites in Nigeria

Output 3 Genotype x Environment (cont’n)

2010 CIMMYT • Importance of genotype x grain drying and

storage environments on provitamins A losses documented

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2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact CIMMYT, IITA,

NARES, researchers, seed producers, NGO’s in target countries

Beta-carotene dense maize disseminated through NARS to farmers

Farmers cultivate biofortified varieties and higher intake of beta carotene in maize-based foods

2009 CIMMYT • Announce first set of elite, enhanced

provitamins A inbred lines • Publish results of research on molecular

strategies in breeding for enhanced provitamins A concentration in maize grain


2010 CIMMYT • In collaboration with NARS, germplasm

with enhanced provitamins A content evaluated in variety release trials in a minimum of four African and Latin American countries

Output 5 Capacity and Methods Development

CIMMYT, IITA, NARS, IARCs, students, private companies

National organizations perform biofortification research within target countries More cost-effective breeding for high provitamins A

Biofortification of maize gets integrated into the agricultural research strategies of targeted countries in Africa and Latin America.

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2008 CIMMYT and IITA • Utility of NIRS laboratory method for rapid

analysis of provitamin A in maize documented

• Backstopping of 6 NARS in Africa, Asia and Latin America through collaborative country-specific maize breeding and dissemination projects addressing nutritionally enhanced or specialty maizes

2009 CIMMYT and IITA • Backstopping of 6 NARS in Africa, Asia

and Latin America through collaborative country-specific maize breeding and dissemination projects addressing nutritionally enhanced or specialty maizes

• Breeding, participatory research, or reaching end user skills of 25 scientists, technicians and students improved through workshops, visiting scientist fellowships and graduate research projects

2010 CIMMYT and IITA • Backstopping of 6 NARS in Africa, Asia

and Latin America through collaborative country-specific maize breeding and dissemination projects addressing nutritionally enhanced or specialty maizes

• Breeding, participatory research, or reaching end user skills of 25 scientists, technicians and students improved through workshops, visiting scientist fellowships and graduate research projects

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Rice The HarvestPlus rice program concentrates on the development and testing of rice that is high in zinc and iron content. Work is also underway to improve the carotenoid content in rice under the autonomous golden rice project. HarvestPlus funds a portion of the up stream research on golden rice under its biotechnology component. The HarvestPlus Rice program is based at IRRI. Screening for conventional breeding – Germplasm bank accessions (stratified core collection) and genotypes from the tactical gene‐pool are screened at IRRI for minerals. Iron concentration in polished rice has been found to exceeded levels previously encountered. For zinc, the broad genetic basis for high zinc germplasm could be validated, mainly in japonica types. High Zn varieties were discovered in un‐adapted North Korean germplasm accessions. Maximum mineral concentrations found in screening at NARS, particularly in India and China, approached the levels established at IRRI for Zn, but was lower for Fe. Rice milling protocols for small sample milling has been established at IRRI and equipment has been modified to minimize contamination. A non‐contaminating inexpensive Brazilian rice‐mill suitable for small samples is being evaluated at IRRI for recommendation to NARS as standard mill. Colorimetric techniques for Fe pre‐screening have been established at IRRI. Crop Improvement – Breeding has been fully established and BC1/BC2 lines have been developed for doubled haploid (DH) production/rapid generation advance.. IRRI is currently building the necessary infrastructure for large scale DH production. GxE Testing – GxE for minerals for rice has been established in on‐station trials across seasons and a series of on‐farm trials with IR68144 (elevated amounts of Fe) at 32 sites in the Philippines. Multi‐locational trials will be conducted to determine standard deviations for Fe and for Zn will continue to be determined with special attention being devoted to the particular case posed by zinc where soil zinc deficiency can effect outcomes at certain sites. Prototype development activities which includes registration trials will not begin until the next phase of the program.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Rice (IRRI)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

IRRI, NARES, IARS Researchers

CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, scientific studies and screening methods.

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from data and access to germplasm, data, and networking activities.

2008 • Genetic variation determined in

majority of germplasm pools 2009 • Genetic variation assessed in additional

germplasm


2010 • High throughput screening

methodologies for minerals disseminated.


IRRI, NARES Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified rice shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


2008 • Germplasm from selections made for

participatory evaluations of adapted germplasm available

• Genetic complexity of high iron and zinc traits from wide-crosses understood, including additive and dominance effects and other components

• Field evaluation of back crossing 2 derivatives completed

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2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact

2009 • Intense experimental plan underway of

evaluation of new advanced options for mineral increase


2010 • Elite germplasm ready for varietal testing

IRRI, NARES

Researchers will use the information gained in genotype x environment studies to evaluate agronomic and nutritional manifestations of test rice planted in target regions

Researchers develop agronomically superior nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified rice particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions.

2008 • Field tests planned in Bangladesh • Expanded BC work occurring outside of IRRI


2009-2010 • Based on results from previous years

screening

IRRI, NARES

Micronutrient dense rice disseminated through NARES to farmers or in the case of transgenics from IRRI to NARES

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties and higher intake of micronutrients in rice-based dishes

Output 4 Prototype Testing

2008-2010 • Preparation by NARES for initiation of

national variety registration procedures

IRRI, NARES

Transfer of Golden Rice tested in controlled environment and regulatory biosafety procedures adhered to

Researchers in NARES have access to Golden Rice

2008 • Local biosafety data continues to be

developed • Materials identified for final evaluation 2009 • First recommendation on subset of events.

Pre regulatory package completed

Output 5 Golden Rice

2010 • Advanced introgressed materials ready for

evaluation in 3 countries.

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Wheat HarvestPlus wheat exclusively focuses on the development of high mineral wheats that are planned to be deployed in Indo Gangetic Plain. The HarvestPlus wheat program is based at CIMMYT. Iron and zinc are analyzed concurrently. Screening –Wheat samples are analyzed for minerals at CIMMYT base/regional programs and NARS. New variation for Fe and Zn in hexaploid wild relative species is established. A high mineral progenitor nursery has been assembled and internationally distributed. NIR for minerals and colorimetric techniques for pre‐screening are currently investigated at CIMMYT. Crop Improvement – Breeding will take place at CIMMYT and NARS for with mega‐varieties from HarvestPlus target countries being used as platforms to incorporate mineral density and resistance to recent yellow rust races. Intensive research examines protein/zinc relationships in wheat; and molecular markers are developed. GxE Testing – Multi‐location GxE trials are conducted in several countries. Seed samples from the South Asian Micronutrient Yield Trial (SAMNYT) from India are currently analyzed; seed quarantine issues delayed the seed shipment to Waite. SAMNYT data was analyzed for other traits such as competitive grain yield and end‐use quality compared to local check varieties. In multi‐location yield trials in China and Kazakhstan, stable performance of high mineral lines provide additional validation

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Wheat (CIMMYT)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CIMMYT, NARES, ARIs, researchers

CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, scientific studies and screening methods

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from access to germplasm, data and networking activity.

2008 • Genetic variation in > 1,000

genotypes determined for iron and zinc across several locations

• Major global spring wheat varieties characterized for iron and zinc

2009 • Variation for iron and zinc in

additional global spring and winter wheat varieties characterized


2010 • Targeted sets of landraces and wild

relatives as well as spring wheat varieties evaluated for Fe and Zn in multi-location trials.



Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified wheat shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


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2008 • Crosses made among micronutrient

dense progenitors for general and specific adaptation available

• New crosses made with new elite germplasm with better agronomic type and high levels of Fe and Zn.

2009 • Crosses among micronutrient dense

progenitros with varieties from India and Pakistan. Kazakh based materials evaluated for yield and nutrient content.


2010 • Advanced lines with high levels of

Zn and/or Fe identified in Mexico.


Genotype x environment studies allow researchers to target germplasm and target candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified wheat particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions


2008 • GxE for high iron and/or zinc lines

determined from performance trials in selected countries with and without fertilizer Zn application..

• Effect of Zn soil and foliar applications to increase grain Zn assessed in agronomic trials

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Wheat (CIMMYT) (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

2009 • Durum Wheat: Advanced lines

assessed in Mexico for high Fe/Zn and good agronomic types/quality.

Output 3 Genotype x Environment (cont’n)

2010 • GXE trials using advanced lines

(that can potentially be released in South Asia) from bread wheat breeding program with high levels of Fe and Zn in the grain and competitive grain yield.

• Lines developed in India and Pakistan evaluated for high levels of Fe and Zn in the grain.

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Cassava The HarvestPlus cassava program focuses on the development or a provitamin A rich cassava. A relatively smaller investment as been made to screen cassava for minerals Cassava research proves more difficult than grain research due to its unique propagation techniques and long growing cycle. Cassava research is carried out at both CIAT and IITA. Though most success with screening has been achieved with our partners at EMBRAPA for pVAC, in general limited success has been seen with minerals. However, due to its importance as a primary staple for many of the world’s poor (particularly in Africa) screening will continue with the germplasm banks of the CGIAR and our partners in Africa and Asia. Screening – High pVAC concentration discovered in Brazilian landraces are validated at both CIAT and Embrapa‐ Brazil. In spite of intensive screening for high minerals cassava in the core collection at CIAT and particularly IITA, insignificant additional variation was encountered for Fe and Zn; at CIAT. NIR is used to determining total carotenoids and β‐carotene in cassava with medium‐high precision. Crop Improvement –Levels for β‐carotene have been established in cassava at IITA, CIAT and EMBRAPA‐CNPMF in populations in early stage of development. Because of cassava’s importance in the diets of the poor and because of some significant evidence of nutrient‐dense parent clones, breeding for pVAC dense cassava has been scaled‐up to full operational size. Significant progress in molecular marker development and investigating genotypic differences and pattern of carotenoids accumulation during the growing cycle is also under investigation at CIAT. GxE Testing – Multi‐location trials in Colombia and Nigeria across different agro‐ecological zones confirmed stability of pVAC and across environments. These trials will identify superior genotypes with stable Fe and Zn expression. GxE testing coordinated by IITA occurs in West African countries as well and will include on‐farm testing. Field trials with promising yellow‐fleshed cassava clones are planned for Ghana, Benin, Togo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and DR Congo. In DR Congo, 5 out of 15 selected β‐carotene clones are noted as acceptable to farmers due to their agronomic and end‐use quality attributes. Inheritance studies and molecular markers. The genetic of beta carotene accumulation in cassava root is being analyzed to facilitate the exploitation of natural occurring variability. Also studies are underway to analyze with molecular markers and phenotypic evaluation progenies from 6 families representing multiple sources of genes for increased beta carotene content in root to identify markers linked to the trait. Genetic Transformation ‐ In collaboration with the University of Freiburg, CIAT is exploring a transgenic approach to achieved the target levels for beta carotene. The needed tools kits‐ different gene constructs with root specific root promoters have been developed. Proof of concept using several constructs were initiated and transgenic plants from multiple independent events were obtained and are being grown under Colombian approved confined biosafety greenhouse.

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MTP Cassava Log Frame (IITA and CIAT)

Output Targets

2008-2010 Intended user Outcome Impact

CIAT, IITA, ARIs, NARES Researchers

CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, and scientific studies and screening methods


2008 CIAT • Variation for micronutrients in 2000

germplasm bank accessions assessed • Variation in micronutrient composition

of germplasm from cloned plants selected in 2007 determined

IITA • Genetic variation for micronutrients in

polyploid seedling populations assessed 1st year (IITA)

• Variation in nutrient composition of germplasm from cloned plants selected in 2007 determined (IITA)

Output 1: Germplasm screening

2009 CIAT • Selected genotypes from the 2000

accessions from the germplasm collection cloned and the genetic basis of their enhanced nutritional quality analyzed

• Further screening of germplasm from the collection in search of high carotenoids, Fe and Zn.

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IITA • Variation in genotypes with β-carotene,

iron and zinc and good agronomic characteristics identified

• Variation and heterotic effects in new segregating diploid, triploid and tetraploid populations determined for: high ß-carotene content, iron, zinc, pest and disease resistance, and agronomic characteristics.

• Irradiated yellow root clones and seed populations evaluated for added value traits such ad β-carotene, iron, zinc, starch, and protein contents.

• Variation for micronutrients in additional germplasm selected in 2008 assessed (IITA).

2010 CIAT, EMBRAPA and IITA • Germplasm with high micronutrient

content (>15 µg/g total carotene content, >25g/kg of iron and zinc) identified and used as parents for further enhancement of micronutrients. • Variation for micronutrients in additional

germplasm selected in 2009 assessed • Crosses of these clones with high

micronutrient content with other sources for, high-protein and/or resistance to CMD made and seeds obtained.


CIAT, IITA, EMBRAPA, ARI,NARES and CGIAR breeders

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified cassava shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


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Output 2 Crop Improvement (cont)

2008 CIAT • >10,000 botanical seed produced from

crosses involving high-carotene, high-protein, high-Fe, high-Zn and/or resistance to CMD obtained.

• Cassava clones with enhanced nutritional quality and outstanding agronomic performance identified/available.

• Target gene(s) controlling synthesis and/or transport of carotenoids identified.

• Results from the “biofortification” obtained.

IITA • High β-carotene, iron and zinc

genotypes in various trials hybridized with high protein lines and high β-carotene and high protein introductions from LAC.

• Superior single plants progeny derived from recombinant seed identified.

• Previous year results validated and superior clones identified.

• Target gene(s) controlling synthesis and/or transport of carotenoids identified (IITA).

• In vitro planting materials of new promising yellow root clones and their segregating seed families processed and distributed to NARS for evaluation and selection under local conditions.

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2009 CIAT • Clones with nutritional target of 15

ug/g-1 in fresh roots identified • > 10,000botanical seed produced from

crosses involving high-carotene, high-protein, high-Fe, high-Zn and/or resistance to CMD obtained.

• Agronomic performance of 2nd generation high-carotenoids clones determined.

• Superior single plants progeny derived from recombinant seed identified.

IITA • High β-carotene S3 seed and improved

yellow root clones with the required β-carotene target levels shared with NARS.


2010 CIAT, EMBRAPA and IITA • Superior single plants selected from

progeny of recombinant seed of 2009 evaluated for agronomic characteristics including reaction to biotic stresses. • Genotypes with high micronutrient

content (15 µg/g total carotene content, >25 g/kg of iron and zinc) and protein hybridized to further enhance the micronutrients in the available germplasm and to combine high micronutrient content with high protein. • Germplasm with target levels of

micronutrients shared with NARS. • Crosses made at IITA or CIAT to

combine enhanced nutritional quality with CMD reach the advanced yield trials phase. • New crosses to continue the breeding for

enhanced nutritional quality and outstanding agronomic performance continue.

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CIAT, ARIs, NARES, researchers Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified cassava particularly adapted to farmers’ growing conditions in targeted areas

2008 CIAT • Genotype x environment studies to

assess climatic and soil effects on carotenoids for > 3 clones completed in Colombia.

IITA • Genotype x environment determined for

additional germplasm in selected countries of West and Central Africa

Output 3 Genotype x Environment Interactions

2009 CIAT • Genotype x environment determined in

1st year regional trials ≥ 4 different environments and cassava clones and superior clones identified.

• Multiplication of promising germplasm for the initiation of farmers participatory evaluation.

IITA • Genotype x environment determined for

additional germplasm in selected countries of West and Central Africa.

• Clones with specific and wide adaptation from previous studies identified and recommended for respective agro-zones.

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Output 3 Genotype x Environment Interactions (cont)

2010 CIAT, EMBRAPA and IITA • Genotype x environment determined for

additional new germplasm in selected countries of west Africa • Carotenoid-rich and agronomically

superior clones with specific and wide adaptation identified and recommended for respective agro-zones. • Multiplication of promising germplasm

for the initiation of farmers participatory evaluation.

CIAT,IITA, CGIAR, NARES, researchers, farmers

Beta carotene rich breeder certified cassava clones disseminated through NARS for further testing

Farmers benefit from availability of agronomically superior nutrient-dense varieties of cassava

Output 4: Prototype testing

EMBRAPA • Farmers participatory evaluations in NE

Brazil of second generation of germplasm with enhanced nutritional quality initiated.

IITA • Farmer participatory evaluation of first

set of promising clones in demonstration and on-farm trials for yield and agronomic performance, and consumer acceptability.

• Participatory evaluation of traditional food products from carotenoid rich cassava genotypes for consumer acceptability.

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2009 EMBRAPA • Farmers participatory evaluations in NE

Brazil of second generation of germplasm with enhanced nutritional quality continued.

• Impact assessment of the yellow-rooted clones releases in NE Brazil.

IITA • Farmer participatory evaluation of first

set of promising clones in demonstration and on-farm trials for yield and agronomic performance, and consumer acceptability.

• Participatory evaluation of traditional food products from carotenoid rich cassava genotypes for consumer acceptability.

Output 4: Prototype testing (cont)

2010 EMBRAPA • Farmers participatory evaluations in NE

Brazil of third generation of germplasm with enhanced nutritional quality initiated

IITA • Farmers participatory evaluation of

additional promising clones from 2009 trials in selected countries in Africa.

Output 5: Genetic Transformation (CIAT)

CIAT, ARIs, NARES, researchers.

Transgenic events of biofortified crops with higher level of Provitamin A in maize, cassava, groundnuts and pigeon pea and with higher level of iron in the edible part of rice and wheat seeds

Breeders benefit for access to biofortified crops with desired level of micornutrients

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2008 • Improved protocol for the genetic

transformation of cassava • Carotenoids in transformed plants

quantified. • Transformation of clones with naturally

high-carotenoids content. 2009 • Definition of the best constructs in

transgenic cassava for enhanced carotenoids content

• Genetic transformation of selected clones using the best constructs

Output 5: Genetic Transformation CIAT (cont)

2010 • Field trials under strict biosafety

conditions for different lineages of genetically modified cassava for enhanced nutritional quality.

• Genetic transformation of yellow-rooted cassava to understand the interaction between Manihot and non-Manihot genes achieved.

Output 6: Inheritance studies and molecular markers (CIAT)

CIAT, IITA, ARIs, NARES. Researchers in the area of human and animal nutrition, molecular biology, plant physiology and breeding. Farmers and processors

Identification of target gene(s) controlling synthesis and/or transport of carotenoids Increase in breeding efficiency from better understanding of inheritance

Molecular markets made available to researchers

- 43 -

2008 • Validation of results from the

dissection study of previous years. Depending on results initiation of studies to identify different genes involved in synthesis, transport, and/or accumulation of carotenoids.

• From the inbreeding evaluation selected germplasm will be self-pollinated to produce S2 families (75% homozygosity)

• Genetic diversity of cassava germplasm with the highest beta-caroetene content from the 3 populations will be evaluated using 36 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from the cassava SSR maker kit.

Output 6: Inheritance studies and molecular markers (CIAT) (cont)

2009 • S2 families grown and evaluated for

carotenoids content. • Molecular markers for high carotenoids

and/or high β-carotene identified. • Information about segregations for

proportion of β -carotene as part of all the carotenoids found in yellow-cassava roots

2010 • From the inbreeding evaluation selected

germplasm will be self-pollinated to produce S3 families (> 87% homozygosity)

• Validation of molecular markers for high carotenoids and/or high β-carotene identified the previous year.

• Implementation of marker assisted selection at NARs and IITA

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Bean HarvestPlus iron‐rich bean development has benefited from investments made to biofortfying beans prior to the establishment of HarvestPlus; beans was a key crop during the HarvestPlus precursor project – the CGIAR Micronutrient Project. Consequently, beans have moved much further along the impact pathway than most crops and are projected to be the second biofortified crop (preceded by orange fleshed sweetpotato) to be officially released by the program pending the results of nutritional efficacy trials. The HarvestPlus bean project is housed at CIAT. Screening –Screening takes place at CIAT and collaborating NARS which results in beans with varying size, color, shape and sensory traits. Elite drought resistant parents from Central America are tested in Brazil and Africa. Andean genotypes with drought resistance are also being used. These parents are then crossed to high mineral sources found in CGIAR germplasm banks and local NARS. A High Mineral Nursery (Vivero de Altos Minerales), targeted for Latin America, is distributed to Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Brazil. NIR for Fe pre‐screening is being implemented at CIAT. Crop Improvement – Bean has developed next generation biofortified germplasm, bush bean lines combining Fe concentration close to the required HarvestPlus nutritional target (100ppm). These lines have superior drought tolerance and required end‐use quality characteristics for various market classes. High Fe concentration is now perceived as generic trait and considered in the majority of crosses at CIAT. Molecular marker development is also part of the program workplan for beans.

GxE Testing – Bean advanced lines developed for high nutrient concentration are placed in GxE trials and on‐farm evaluation in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Malawi. The effect of micronutrient fertilizers on Fe and Zn concentration is also being investigated. Prototype Testing – Formal varietal release and registration trials will take place in target countries upon completion of nutritional efficacy analysis.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Common Bean (CIAT)

Output Targets

2008-2010

Intended

user

Outcome

Impact CIAT,

NARES researchers



Output 1: Germplasm screening to assess genetic variation

2008-2010 • Accessions from NARS

collections in Africa analyzed for minerals fully characterized agronomically and with regard to agroecological origin.

CIAT, ARI,NARES and CGIAR breeders

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified bean shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


Output 2: Crop Improvement

2008 • small seeded F3-derived F5

families developed with tropical adaptation, 60% more minerals, abiotic tolerance, and 2 resistances

• Genes important for seed iron concentration identified and used to create molecular markers for MAS breeding of high nutritional quality

• QTL analysis on phytate and iron reductase completed

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Common Bean (CIAT) (cont’n)

Outputs

Intended

user

Outcome

Impact 2009 • F4 families from interspecific

crosses with 100% more iron available as sources of high minerals

• Improved lines with varietal potential and 90 ppm iron (ie, 80% more iron) developed

• New large seeded climbing beans with high mineral trait

• Marker assisted selection for one nutritional trait (iron) tested

Output 2: Crop Improvement (cont’d )

2010 • Andean F7 families with

100% more iron and at least 1 disease resistance

• First crosses involving new interspecific progeny as sources of iron created.

• Red mottled and small seeded advanced lines with high minerals and 2 resistances.

CIAT, NARES IARC, CGAIR Researchers

Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified bean particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions

Output 3: Genotype by Environment Interactions

2008-2010 • Genotype by Environment

studies of soil and climatic influences on iron and zinc content in beans reveal effects of soil pH and soil water content

• Effects of agronomic management practices on mineral concentration determined

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Common Bean (CIAT) (cont’n)

Output Targets

Intended

user

Outcome

Impact CGIAR,

NARES Researchers, farmers

High zinc/iron dense wheat disseminated through NARS to farmers in Latin America and Africa

Farmers in Latin America and East and Central Africa benefit from availability of agronomically superior nutrient-dense varieties of beans

2009 • Two large seeded lines with

50% more iron enter formal varietal release process in eastern Africa

• Registration trials of HarvestPlus material in target countries

Output 4: Prototype testing

2010 • Four fast track micronutrient

dense bean varieties disseminated and promoted eastern and southern Africa

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Orange‐fleshed Sweetpotato High beta carotene orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) is the first HarvestPlus supported crop to enter the final stages of the impact pathway – those being seed systems development, marketing and nutrition behavior change. Several years of adaptive breeding have produced high beta‐carotene varieties of sweetpotato that are viable for Southern Africa and include other traits such as high dry matter and virus resistance. The HarvestPlus sweetpotato breeding is located at CIP. HarvestPlus End User for OFSP work is based at IFPRI where operations research and implementation activities in seed systems development, marketing and behavior change are coordinated. Below, the breeding research work is described. Screening – With screeing for pVAC content nearly complete, OFSP will being to evaluate germplasm for mineral content. Core collections are planted at CIP, Peru, at two sites for micronutrient screening. New variation with significantly higher maximum concentrations for Fe and Zn was recently encountered. NIR for OFSP has been implemented for high‐throughput diagnostics for total carotenoids and β‐carotene (high to medium‐high precision) and for pre‐screening for minerals. Screening of OFSP mega‐clones will include India, Indonesia and China. Crop Improvement – OFSP crossing blocks embracing local collections and introduced germplasm are to be established in CIP projects in Kenya & Uganda. Breeding populations developed from introduced germplasm are in development. GxE Testing – A OFSP testing network for OFSP in Africa links international, multi‐location, on‐station and on‐farm trials through common checks. The testing network covers the major relevant OFSP crop agro‐ecologies in participating NARS. On‐farm testing is conducted in 10 countries in the region. Prototype Development ‐ In several countries, elite high β‐carotene candidate varieties have entered registration trials.

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HarvestPlus Logframe: Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato (CIP)

Outputs Target Outputs 2008–2010

Intended user Outcome Impact

CIP NARS, ARIs researchers CG partners and NARS have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, scientific studies and screening method


2008 • β-carotene and mineral

concentration of East African germplasm characterized

2009 • Network of NARS, advanced

institutions and CIP for OFSP mineral and nutrients and β-carotene screening established

Output 1 Germplasm screening to assess variation

2010 • Network of NARS, advanced

institutions and CIP for OFSP mineral and nutrients and β-carotene screening established

CIP, NARES, ARIs, researchers

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified OFSP shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


2008 • Genetic diversity of landraces studied

and documented • Heritability estimates for Iron and

Zinc in East African germplasm is determined


2009 • Heritability for iron and zinc in

additional populations estimated

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• Promising drought tolerant clones

with medium to high dry matter, β carotene, Fe and Zn content identified in VA-2 identified in breeding population

• “VA-E2” generation elite seed crossings with drought tolerance and high dry, high β-carotene, medium Fe & Zn populations available for all CIP regions

• “VA-2x” x “VA-2” hybrid generation seed families with improved high β-carotene, medium Fe & Zn and high dry matter tested.


2010 • “VA-2x” generation seed families

segregating for resistance to clorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) with improved high β-carotene, medium Fe & Zn and high dry matter available and tested for SSA and LAC

CIP, NARES, researchers Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified sweetpotato particularly adapted to farmers’ growing condition in targeted regions

2008 • GxE on β-carotene and mineral

content assessed from analyses across sites and years

Output 3 Genotype x Environment evaluation of sweetpotato promising clone

2009 • Increased number of OFSP

germplasm adapted to local agro-ecologies developed and disseminated to major producing zones in collaborating countries

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2010

Establishment of database of nutrient & Vit. A rich sweetpotato

NARS, NGOs Seed multipliers, traders, farmers

High β carotene agronomically superior varieties of OFSP disseminated through NARS to farmers.

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties and higher intake of vitamin A in OFSP foods.

2008 • Identification and deployment of

local and improved clones through participatory variety selection with NARS, farmers, community seed based organizations, and NGOs

2009 • 2-3 clones of OFSP are cultivated

on a large scale by a large number of farmers in major sweetpotato production zones

• Elite demonstration clones including new OFSP elite “VA-1x” clones and pathogen free S1 and S2 clone established and under multiplication in 20 countries

• Official releases by NARS collaborators in SSA of at least 3-5 promising local and improved clones in at least 3-4 participating countries


2010 • Updated database of the released

orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in the SSA region

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Pearl Millet Pearl millet has recently shown great promise which has elevated its importance within the HarvestPlus portfolio of crops. Several varieties located in India will be adapted for African environments where pearl millet is consumed as a staple and undernutrition is great. Research on pearl millet concentrates on biofortification for iron density and the research is centered at ICRISAT. Screening – Screening using high‐throughput colorimetric methods assesses minerals in core collections at ICRISAT, and major African varieties are assayed for Fe and Zn. New sources of genetic variation were discovered in the core collection, while the genetic variation in African varieties were found to be below desirable levels found previously. Crop Improvement – Germplasm in early development stage shows very high variation for minerals. Test hybrid production ‐ based on high mineral levels in inbred lines – is underway. In the future GxE testing will take place in two contrasting soils on‐station in India and will move to Africa when material is ready.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Pearl Millet (ICRISAT)


2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact ICRISAT, NARES,

researchers CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, and scientific studies and screening methods


2008 • Genotypes with high iron and

zinc in Iniari landrace accessions from core collection and commercial hybrids identified

2009 • High mineral breeding lines and

populations available to NARES and data compiled in database


2010 • Genetic variation for iron and

zinc in seed parent and restore progenies derived from diverse sources determined

Output 2 Crop improvement

CGIAR, NARES, ARI Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified pearl millet among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted

The agriculture and nutrition community benefit from access to germplasm, data and networking activities

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2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact 2008 • Improved populations and varieties stable in high

iron and zinc expression identified through multi-location evaluation and seed parents and restorers with confirmed levels of high iron and zinc available

• Information on transgressive segregation through evaluation of early segregating generations available

• Genetic variability for the retention of iron and zinc after decortication assessed

• Lines, populations and varieties stable in high iron and zinc expression identified from multi-location trials and S1 progenies with high iron and zinc from additional four populations identified

• Association of iron and zinc with grain yield and agronomic traits in population progenies assessed

2009 • Micronutrient dense experimental hybrids with

high grain yield potential evaluated • S1/S2 progenies from germplasm accessions

identified for high iron and zinc available • Genetic advance for iron and zinc from one cycle

of recurrent selection in additional three populations quantified and associated changes in the grain yield determined

• Preliminary information on molecular markers available

Output 2 Crop improvement (cont)

2010 • 2nd year final evaluation of six generations of two

crosses completed • Improved version of commercial variety ICTP

8203 developed • A high-yielding composite with high iron and zinc

constituted Restorer lines with high iron and zinc identified and made available to NARS

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Sorghum Still considered a Phase II crop but, like pearl millet, Sorghum has demonstrated considerable success in discovering high mineral varieties during screening. The sorghum biofortification research activities are based at ICRISAT. Screening – High genetic variation was found in assessing 2900 genotypes from the core collection for micronutrients, agronomic traits, and grain characteristics in a replicated spatial experimental design. In addition, a set of 90 sorghum varieties adapted to the Sudanian and Guinean‐zones of West Africa were screened for minerals and the association of grain Fe, Zn and phytate content with agronomic and grain characteristics determined in hybrid parents and popular varieties. These varieties are under evaluation. Crop Improvement – Germplasm from crosses for micronutrient‐density is in early development stage.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Sorghum (ICRISAT)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

ICRISAT, NARES, researchers CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, and scientific studies and screening methods


2008 • Genetic variation for Fe and Zn

in 20 new genotypes of guinea-race dual purpose and hybrid sorghums assessed (Mali)

2009 • Progenitors including hybrid

parents with stable mineral trait expression identified (India)


2010 • Screening activities complete

CGIAR, NARES, ARI Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified sorghum shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted

The agriculture and nutrition community benefit from access to germplasm, data and networking activities

Output 2 Crop improvement

2010 • Crossing program to transfer the

high Fe and Zn from core accessions to elite parents

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Potato HarvestPlus biofortified potato work is being conducted at CIP and is concentrating primarily on mineral discovery. Screening ‐ Iron, zinc, carotenoid, vitamin C and polyphenol contents of potato germplasm were determined in breeding materials and landrace potato varieties. In addition, native potato varieties are analyzed to determine their mineral content.

Crop Improvement ‐ Source germplasm is assembled and documented, and micronutrient‐dense selections have been conserved, propagated and assessed for agronomic traits including resistance to late blight. Genetic parameters and heritability of micronutrient contents are also under investigation in native cultivated germplasm. GxE Testing – Studies in Peru have included a trial to assess the effect of location (altitude) and GxE interactions on micronutrient content, and an experiment to determine the effect of management (3 calcium treatments) and interactions on micronutrient content.

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Potato (CIP)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

Output 1: Screening 2008 • Potato populations segregating for

nutritional quality from native Andean potatoes documented

• Micronutrient concentrations of 30 potato varieties of world importance, samples of advanced breeding populations, and popular Andean native varieties are documented


CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment studies and screening methods

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from access to germplasm, data and network activities


Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified potato shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted

Agriculture and nutrition community benefit from access to germplasm data and networking activities

2009 • Potential for genetic advance in

micronutrient content determined


2010 • Quantitative trait loci for

micronutrient content in potato identified

CIP, NARES Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified potato particularly adapted to farmers’ growing conditions in targeted regions


2008 • Adaptation of advanced clones

with mid-high Fe and Zn contents to Central Asia environments assessed

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2008- 2010 • Environmental or management

factors that influence the micronutrient concentration of potato identified

NARS, NGOs, Seed multipliers, traders and farmers

High mineral agronomically superior varieties of potatoes disseminated through NARES to farmers

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties.

2008 • Information on complementary

nutritional traits of sets of potato clones available for Andean systems and crop improvement


2009 • Four elite clones combining virus

resistance and high micronutrient content adapted to long days are identified in CAC for evaluation under farmers’ conditions

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Other Phase II crops Progress in screening, crop improvement, and GXE testing of other phase II crops that have shown less progress appears below in their respective log frames HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Barley (ICARDA)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

ICARDA, NARES, ARIs, researchers



2008 • Germplasm with high levels of

micronutrients in the grain assembled and distributed internationally

2009 • Additional1000 barley accessions

assessed for iron, and zinc content


2010 • Genetic variation in barley germplasm

collections assessed



Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified barley shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted


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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Barley (ICARDA) (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

2008 • Map available new genetic material of

barley with high concentration of micronutrients identified

2009 • 50 crosses among newly identified

lines and lines with higher micronutrient content

• Markers identified and validated for use in MAS

• Breeders employ elite lines in crosses for higher levels of minerals


2010 • MAS for micronutrient concentration

in the grain in place


Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agonomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified crops particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions


2010 • GxE interaction of micronutrient

concentration analyzed


2008-2010 • Segregating populations distributed to

NARES and targeted farmer communities for farmer participatory yield trials.

NARES, Farmers High zinc/iron dense barley disseminated through NARES to farmers

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties and higher intake of Fe and Zn in barley products

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Lentil (ICARDA)- 2008-2010


2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact ICARDA, NARS,

ARIs researchers CG partners and NARES have access to nutrient-dense germplasm for breeding, genotype x environment testing, scientific studies and screening methods

Agriculture and nutrition researchers benefit from access to germplasm, data, and networking activities

2008 • Genetic variation in wild relatives and

the composite collection assessed for Fe, Zn and provitamins A

2009 • Genetic variation in additional wild

relatives and cultivated lentil assessed for Fe, Zn and provitamins


2010 • Genetic variation assessed in wilds,

landraces and in new breeding lines

CGIAR, NARES, ARI

Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding products and agronomic practices for biofortified lentil shared among researchers to make biofortification more effective and targeted

The agriculture and nutrition community will benefit from access to germplasm, data, and networking activities


2008 • F1 from > 40 crosses for higher target

micronutrient concentration using novel sources of variation for micronutrients

• F2 populations from high micronutrient crosses available as early segregating germplasm products

• International nursery with high micronutrients delivered to NAREs

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HarvestPlus Plant Breeding Log Frame: Lentil (ICARDA) (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

2009 • F1 from > 40 crosses using novel

sources of variation • F2 and F4 populations and F6 lines

from high micronutrient crosses available and F6 derived RILs for marker analysis developed

• International nursery with high micronutrients delivered to NAREs


2010 • Crosses commissioned using new

sources • F2, F4 populations and homozygous

lines developed with high concentration of Fe and Zn.

• Newly constructed genotypes with high Fe and Zn will be delivered to NAREs through international nurseries

CGIAR, NARES Genotype x environment studies will allow researchers to target germplasm and identify candidate varieties

Researchers develop agronomically superior, nutrient-dense varieties of biofortified lentil particularly adapted to farmer growing conditions in targeted regions

2008 • Genotype x environment for

micronutrients and adaptive traits determined at NARS from 1st year

• ICARDA micronutrient trial


2009 • Genotype x environment for

micronutrients and adaptive traits determined at NARS from multi-location and on-farm trials Multi-location yield trial and PVS with micronutrient-rich genotypes by NARES

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2010 • Genotype x environment studies on

newly identified lines/germplasm with mMulti-location yield trial and PVS with micronutrient-rich genotypes

NARES, Farmers High zinc/iron dense lentils disseminated through NARS to farmers

Farmers cultivate micronutrient varieties and higher intake of Fe and Zn in lentil dishes

2008 • Seed of Fe and Zn dense varieties

increased and disseminated to farmers for PVS


2009 • Seed of Fe and Zn dense elite lines and

varieties increased and disseminated to farmers

NARS researchers NARS researchers enriched research capacity in breeding for biofortified lentils

Biofortification research and development methods incorporated into mainstream research techniques in selected countries.

Output 5 Capacity Development

2008-2010 • 12 NARS researchers trained at

ICARDA for biofortification of lentil

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BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS The HarvestPlus breeding strategy is to develop and release conventionally‐bred biofortified varieties first, to be followed by transgenic varieties when the political environment is more favorable to their release. Approximately five percent of HarvestPlus resources have been invested directly into developing transgenic lines. Submission of packages for regulatory approval is not expected to take place for five to years. The HarvestPlus policy on transgenics which appears in the Governance and Management Handbook is shown in Appendix 1 The Nutritional genomics teams are involved in the identification and understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of genes related to the increase of level of iron zinc and the synthesis of provitamin A. The results of the work is integrated with marker assisted breeding or a transgenic approach.

Pro vitamin A

Development of technology to increase bioavailability and provitamin A‐ stability: The goal is to understand the process of converting provitamin A into vitamin A (retinol, retinyl esters) in the rice grain that could lead to a predicted 12‐fold increase in bioavailability.

• Genes identified and cloned from non‐animal sources and corresponding enzymes biochemically characterized converting apo‐carotenals into retinal. Transformed into Golden Rice.

• Gene identified and cloned from fungi and corresponding enzyme biochemically characterized converting ß‐carotene into retinal (under separate funding, available to HP). Transformed into Golden Rice.

Increased carotenoid stability and characterization of carotenoid degradation: covers: 1) field testing of as part of the Golden rice network; 2) molecular characterization of carotenoid degradation products; 3) analysis of the role of carotenoid oxygenases in rice seed.

• Golden Rice field trial conducted. • Carotenoid catabolism during grain development counteracts carotenoid accumulation. Most

rice carotenoid oxygenases cloned; expression investigated in grains. Candidate genes identified. Data shared with IRRI to explore IR64 mutant collection and to screen for allelic variability

• Antisense transformation in Golden Rice underway. Assessing the impact of alteration to carotenoid biosynthetic activities in seed, alone and in combination with carotenoid cleavage enzymes: It covers 1) define and understand the genes involved in carotenoid hydroxylation in seed; 2) assessing whether coordinately altering hydroxylation and degradation will have the desired outcome provitamin A levels in seed.

• Carotenes are less stable than xanthophylls in drying seed and are degraded to a much greater extent.

• Two‐three hydroxylase genes needed simultaneously to alter xanthophylls levels in seed.

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Fine mapping and cloning of seed carotenoid QTL • A carotenoid degrading enzyme is responsible for a major seed carotenoid QTL. • One gene encoding for a carotenoid cleavage enzyme (NCED4) is highly induced in

expression late in seed development. In arabidopsis when disrupted, NCED4 has a large impact on total and individual carotenoids, increasing beta carotene levels more than 10 fold.

• Disruption of a second carotneoid cleavage enzyme (CCD1) increased seed beta carotene levels 2‐4 fold and beta carotene derived xanthophylls (violaxanthin and neoxanthin) 3‐5 fold.

• On going screening for mutant alleles in the most abundantly expressed carotenoid cleavage enzyme in maize seed, the CCD1 locus, by TILLING for incorporation in breeding program

Technology to improve Golden Rice covers: 1) molecular characterization of the Golden Rice phenotype; 2) use of modified Phytoene Synthase and alternative source of Phytoene Synthases; 3) characterization of transcriptional activator of carotenogenesis.

• Golden Rice proceeds with the carotenoid pathway beyond the point permitted by the transgene combination used. No indication for feedback regulation contributing to the phenotype.

• Identification and characterization of extremely enzymatically efficient phytoene synthase derivatives (phytoene synthase is rate limiting in most tissues).

• Side‐by‐side comparison of different natural phytoene synthases being conducted. • Transcriptional activator of the phytoene synthase promoter identified and characterized.

Molecular toolkit for cassava and generation of “Golden Cassava”: covers 1) the identification, and characterization of storage‐root specific promoters; 2) the expression of carotenoid genes in white/cream/orange Cassava cultivars; 3) the analysis of the allelic variation of PSYs in cassava as a cause for color development

• Four putatively storage‐root specific promoters cloned (from cassava, yam and sugarbeet) and GUS‐fusions provided to CIAT for cassava transformation.

• Patatin‐CrtB‐crtI‐crtY (mini‐pathway) provided to CIAT for cassava transformation. Transgenic plants in confined greenhouse trials.

• Expression of carotenoid genes characterized in yellow and white cassava. II. Iron and Zinc Analysis of Metal Homeostasis Genes in Rice: Candidate genes are being selected for either transgenic or marker‐assisted strategies to increase seed concentrations of iron and/or zinc.

• Gene expression analysis revealed 21 metal homeostasis genes active in rice flag leaves, an important source organ for developing seeds.

• Certain metal homeostasis genes expressed in rice flag leaves show differential expression between genotypes that have high versus low levels of seed iron and zinc.

• Several rice metal genes have been transformed into yeast for functional analysis studies. Characterization of Metal Homeostasis Genes in Wheat:

• Clones have been obtained for several metal genes in wheat and over 100 unique wheat genetic stocks have been grown and DNA extracted to facilitate the mapping of metal genes in this crop.

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Iron Studies and Gene Discovery in Bean: The research is to gain a better understanding of the physiological processes contributing to iron nutrition of this plant, as well as to expand our knowledge of metal genes

• Bean RILs studied and revealed a broad capacity for root iron reduction and seed iron concentration.

• Iron reductase and transporter genes sequenced in bean; gene mapping in progress. Proof of concept of transgenic biofortified maize, wheat and cassava: Building on the success of the nutritional genomics gene discovery proof of concepts were initiated to develop: 1) high provitamin A and iron maize, 2) high provatimin A cassava and 3) high iron wheat. For each proof of concept 4‐6 gene constructs are being used and a large number of independent events are being generated. Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 0.895 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.566 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.629 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.694 million

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HarvestPlus Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics Log frame

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

ARI, Universities Better understanding of fundamental processes affecting carotenoid synthesis and accumulation in seeds

Mutants and genes provided to engineer crops to increase carotene to xanthophyll ratios in seeds

2008 • Mutants and expression data

available for carotenoid hydroxylase

• Candidates constructs for carotenoid hydroxylases and cyclases tested in maize

2009 • Candidates construes

available for transformation • Effect of manipulating

carotene to xanthophyll ratios tested

Output 1 QTL for seed carotenoids in model species mapped, cloned, and characterized

2010 • Confined biosafety trails • Selection of best events for

backcross program into adapted germplasm

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HarvestPlus Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics Log frame (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CGIAR Centers, ARI, Universities.

Genes discovery, gene function, and gene mapping improve selection of genes for breeding and transformation

Mineral content of seed increased through use of gene markers

2008 • Rice genotypes transformed

with selected genes related to metal homeostasis

• Wheat genome locations for a broad set of metal related genes determined

• Gene constructs for increasing iron level in wheat endosperm developed

• Transformation of wheat genotypes initiated

2009 • Markers used in selecting

promising wheat varieties • Selection of rice leading

candidates events with high level of iron

• Independent events of iron wheat genotypes generated

Output 2 Metal homeostasis genes in rice and wheat identified and characterized; gene specific markers developed

2010 • Confined biosafety trials

for high iron wheat • Selection of transgenic

wheat clean event for backcross program

• Backcross of lead events of high iron transgenic rice

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Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics Log frame (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CGIAR Centers, ARIs

Basic knowledge of iron processes in bean that will help select gene targets

Bean selection program enhanced with use of MAS

2008 • SNP markers developed for

marker assisted selection in bean and screening mapping populations

• Characterization of metal homeostasis proteins function in bean using yeast complementation

2009 • SNP based selection of

advanced genotypes with more target level of iron and zinc

• Biochemical, molecular, and genetic information of the processes involved in micronutrient synthesis, transport, and accumulation in seeds

Output 3 Metal related genes for seed iron and zinc identified in beans

2010 • Marker assisted selection

implemented

CGIAR Centers, Universities, ARIs, NARS

Genes discovery, gene function, and gene mapping improve selection of genes for breeding and transformation

Vitamin A content and bioavalability increased through use of gene

Output 4 Genes discovery to increase the bioavailability and provitamin A stability in rice

2008 • Best events of transgenic

lines with inulin selected under greenhouse biosafety conditions

• Events investigated for inulin formation - go/no go decision

CGIAR Centers, Universities, ARIs,

Tools for carotenoid accumulation available for rice, maize, and cassava

Biofortified crops containing high concentrations of β-carotene available

Output 5 Carotenoid accumulation enhanced in Golden Rice and improved transformation strategies for cassava

2008 • Rice transformant lines

tested under biosafety conditions

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2009 • Best transgenic lines

selected to initiate backcrossing program

2010 • Adapted Transgenic lines

developed for the Philippines and India

CGIAR Centers, ARIs

Knowledge to make suitable genetic constructs

Golden Cassava available to breeding programs

2008 • Transgenic cassava lines

available for testing Best events tested under greenhouse biosafety conditions

2009 • Selection of best 3 leading

events for preliminary field confined biosafety testing

Output 6 Molecular toolkit for cassava and a generation of Golden Cassava developed to increase the expression level of carotenoid biosynthesis genes in roots

2010 • Biosafety field testing

continued.

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HUMAN NUTRITION Biofortification should be viewed as a long term strategy that will contribute to the overall reduction of micronutrient deficiencies in a population. It is not expected to treat severe micronutrient deficiencies or eliminate them in all population groups since the potential benefits from biofortification across all of these groups will vary, depending on i) on the amount of staple food consumed, ii) the prevalence of existing micronutrient deficiencies, and iii) micronutrient requirement as affected by daily losses of micronutrient from the body, and iv) special needs for processes such as growth, pregnancy, and lactation. Children between 6 and 23 months of age are particularly vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Breastfed children in this age range consume relatively smaller amounts of staple foods, and have relatively higher micronutrient requirements, compared to other age groups. The contribution of biofortification to the micronutrient adequacy in this vulnerable group will be low in comparison with requirements, and hence other additional interventions will be needed to meet a significant proportion of their micronutrient requirements. Six major activities make up the portfolio for nutrition research including: methods development and exploration of additional breeding objectives, capacity building on nutrition analysis, research to maximize retention of nutrients, assessing and ensuring bioavailability, conducting human efficacy trials, and assessing the effectiveness of biofortified crops on human nutrition. The nutrition research program of HarvestPlus is coordinated at IFPRI and draws from a team of internationally recognized experts in micronutrient research in the areas of food science and clinical and community‐based human nutrition.

Method and indicator development: To move the biofortification research forward more efficiently, various experimental models have been developed. Most of this development has been in the area of developing in vitro and animal models to study bioavailability of micronutrients from staple foods. Support for development and testing of novel biochemical indicators of micronutrient status is also supported as needed to facilitate studies of biological impact. Capacity building and strengthening regional institutions for nutrient analysis: The functioning of the biofortification program requires a wide range of technologies and methodologies for determining micronutrient content in a large number of germplasm samples. To make this strategy functional and eventually sustainable in target populations, time and resources need to be invested in building capacity in this area. This analytical capacity is being built across institutions, including international and national Agricultural research centers, and nutrition research institutes in target countries. Group training courses, intensive work within specific laboratories, and the organization of inter‐laboratory comparison of results from reference samples are means used to build capacity in this area. Retention of micronutrients: The retention of iron, zinc, and provitamin A in biofortified crops is determined through controlled food science experiments. Projects encompass both generic (eg., boiled, roasted, fried, fermented) and population specific methods of processing. Generic methods provide us with generalizable information on the magnitude of retention of nutrients following

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common processing methods. As we begin work in target countries, these studies can be refined to take into account more precisely the nutrient retention by more specific methods used within that population. In general, milling of grains is a more important source of loss of minerals, whereas storage and cooking or drying methods are important sources of loss of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids. Bioavailability of micronutrients: This is a key topic for the biofortification strategy, largely because we are working with crops where the bioavailability of minerals is typically very low due to the high content of phytate (iron and zinc) and in some cases polyphenols (iron). Also, in the case of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, we do not know the vitamin A activity in humans of these plant‐source precursors from staple foods as most of these were not typical sources of vitamin A prior to initiating this strategy (eg., maize, cassava). We have used lower cost methods, such as in vitro or animal models, to estimate bioavailability or relative bioavailability. The true absorption of iron and zinc, and the vitamin A equivalency of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, is quantified in humans typically using use stable isotope tracer methodology. Efficacy of micronutrients in biofortified crops: Once we believe that all parameters of the breeding objectives are met (i.e., adequate retention, bioavailability, and staple food intake levels) planning for an efficacy study can begin. In the context of biofortification, efficacy studies are randomized, controlled studies of the change in micronutrient status and/or health of a group of individuals following an adequate period of intake of the biofortified food vs. a non‐biofortified equivalent. The intake of the test and control foods is either tightly controlled or closely monitored throughout the study. These are important studies needed to prove that the biofortification strategy meets its objectives and to justify the large‐scale implementation of biofortification programs. Effectiveness of biofortified crops to improve human nutrition: These are studies that endeavour to demonstrate the impact of intervention programs on the nutrition/health status of participating individuals under usual, uncontrolled conditions. In the context of biofortification, such studies would determine the impact on human nutrition, either through use of indicators of micronutrient intake, biochemical, or functional indicators of micronutrient status, before and after a program has been implemented to introduce a biofortified crop to population. These studies are conducted in conjunction with the Impact team and the Reaching End User teams of HarvestPlus.

Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 1.991 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 2.492 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 2.592 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 2.696 million

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HarvestPlus Nutrition and Food Science Log Frame

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CG Centers, NARES researchers

Availability of alternative, low-cost, high-throughput methods needed for selecting genotypes based on bioavailability for biofortification programs

Improved efficiency of analytical methods available and hence acceleration of the breeding and nutrition research programs

2008 • Implementation of an in

vitro model to estimate effects of prebiotics on iron and zinc bioavailability

• In vitro method for iron bioavailability validated in humans

• In vitro and animal models for beta-carotene bioavailability validated in humans

2009 • Identification of useful

short term response biomarkers for evaluating zinc biofortified crops

Output 1 Method and indicator development

2010 TBD

CG Centers, NARES

Increased analytical capacity in CG centers and regional NARES

Improved capacity to carry out biofortification activities through in-house quality analysis

Output 2 Capacity building and strengthening regional NARES

2008 - 2009 • Participation of selected

NARES for intensive capacity building in various analytical methods relevant for biofortification

• Ongoing training and capacity building for carotenoid analysis

• Annual inter-laboratory studies for carotenoid and mineral content of biofortified crops

• Development of biochemical analysis capacity for assessing the impact of

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Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

biofortification on population micronutrient status

2010 • Collation of dietary

assessment instruments and training materials into a users manual

CG Centers, NARES, Agriculture and nutrition researchers

• Data generated enable breeders and nutritionists to refine the breeding target levels

• Improved capacity of collaborators to screen crops

Decisions on whether transgenic breeding is needed

2008 • Additional studies on

effects of storage, processing and,cooking, on nutrient retention in rice and Phase 2 crops

2009 • Additional studies on

effects of storage, processing, and where relevant, cooking, on nutrient retention in rice and Phase 2 crops

Output 3 Nutrient retention

2010 • Verification of retention

levels of micronutrients in advanced products produced in target countries

Output 4 Bioavailability of nutrients

CG Centers, NARES, researchers

Data generated enable breeders and nutritionists to refine the breeding target levels and/or pursue alternative breeding strategies to control micronutrient deficiencies

Research community has evidence that biofortified staple foods can benefit nutritional status

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HarvestPlus Nutrition and Food Science Log Frame (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended

user

Outcome

Impact

2008 • Determine the effect of beta-carotene

on iron and zinc absorption • Determine the effect of non-

provitamin A on iron bioavailability in a pig model

• Quantify the amount of zinc absorbed from high-zinc wheat and high-zinc rice, and determine the contribution of the additional zinc to daily physiological requirements for absorbed zinc

• Quantify the amount of iron absorbed from high-iron potatoes with differing contents of iron absorption enhancers/inhibitors

Output 4 Bioavailability of nutrients (cont’n)

2009 • Implementation of stable isotope study

to determine effect of non-digestible carbohydrates on iron absorption

• Establish the bioavailability of iron from beans with differing polyphenol/phytate contents in iron deficient individuals

CG Centers, NARES, researchers

Data generated provides evidence that biofortification can improve nutritional status

Micronutrient status of high-risk test subjects improved

2008 • Effect of high β-carotene sweetpotato

on body stores of vitamin A when prepared with or without additional fat

2009 • Efficacy of high-pro vitamin A maize

on vitamin A stores in a target population

• Efficacy of high iron beans to improve iron status in Central America will commence

Output 5 Efficacy of nutrients in biofortified crops

2010 • Implementation of study to determine

the efficacy of high-zinc rice • Implementation of efficacy studies for

biofortified crops as they become available (eg., high iron potato, high zinc rice and wheat)

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CG centers,

researchers Standardized procedures for measuring nutritional effectiveness of biofortification established

Biofortification is biologically effective for consumers in field settings

2008 • Effectiveness of sweetpotato to

improve vitamin A intakes in Mozambique determined

2009 • Effectiveness of orange fleshed

sweetpotato to improve vitamin A status in Uganda determined

Output 6 Effectiveness of biofortified crops to improve human nutrition

2010 • Design of effectiveness study

for pearl millet in India and implementation of the baseline survey on mineral status and intakes in target populations.

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IMPACT AND POLICY Impact and policy research tackles six separate areas in order to track the progress and impact of biofortification and specific biofortified crops are having including: ex ante cost benefit analysis of biofortification (completed 2007), baseline surveys to measure impact from REU activities, consumption studies for targeted populations, simulations model development to predict demand for biofortified crops, consumer acceptance of biofortified staples with a visible trait, tracking spin off activities from HarvestPlus, and complementary studies to enrich the understanding of biofortification as a cost effective public health intervention. Given that the REU component has come on full strength, a considerable amount of time has been shifted to the development of specific tools and methods for ex post consumption studies that will measure impact on the ground with orange‐fleshed sweetpotato in Uganda and Mozambique. Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 0.977 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.338 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.392 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 1.448 million

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HarvestPlus Impact and Policy Analysis Log Frame

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CG Centers, NARES, donors, researchers, NGOs

Baseline data made available against which impact of orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties may be assessed. REU team can measure attributable impact of biofortified staples in pilot deployment areas, using a randomized design made

Lessons-learned are developed to help with successful scaling up, including dissemination, acceptance, use, and consumption of biofortified sweetpotato

2008 • Analysis of baseline

surveys in Uganda and Mozambique

2009 • Follow up surveys

conducted in Mozambique and Uganda

• Baseline survey in DR Congo/Rwanda, conditional on REU activities for beans

Output 1 Baseline and follow up survey in REU deployment areas

2010 • Baseline survey in

semi-arid India, conditional on REU activities for pearl millet

• Impact analysis of OFSP in Uganda and Mozambique completed.

CG Centers, NARES, donors, researchers, NGOs

Extent to which biofortified varieties may be consumed by the undernourished in DR Congo determined

Researchers and decision makers have information to determine the feasibility of biofortification

Output 2 Consumption studies to better understand both consumption patterns among target populations

2008 • Analysis of food

consumption patterns in DR Congo to assess importance of bean consumption in diets completed.

• Qualitative survey in semi-arid India to evaluate importance of pearl millet in the diet of target populations

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HarvestPlus Impact and Policy Analysis Log Frame (cont’n)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

CG Centers, NARES, donors, researchers

Understanding long term prospects for the demand for biofortified foods, as target countries undergo economic and dietary transitions. Understanding complementarities between biofortification and other iterventions

Researchers and decision makers forecast the demand for biofortification. Researchers and decision makers able to make resource allocations based, in part, on simulated outcomes

Output 3 Simulation model (building on IFPRI’s Impact Model) developed to help predict the demand for biofortified foods into the future

2008 • Policy and scenario

analysis for impact of biofortifiied crops as well as other interventions such as commercial fortification

Donors Quantification of the extent to which biofortification gains acceptance as a strategy to control micronutrient nutrition over time

Resources leveraged for biofortification research and implementation

Output 4 Tracking spin offs of hiofortification

2008-2009 • Analysis of the

emergence of biofortification in the lexicon of health and agriculture

CG Centers, NARES, Implementing NGOs, donors, researchers

Potential niches and bottlenecks to the consumption of beta-carotene rich foods identified

Implementers (both NGOs and others) incorporate knowledge into deployment strategies

2008 • Consumers

willingness to pay for OFSP in Uganda analyzed

• Analysis of data from Consumer acceptance study on orange maize in Zambia completed, similar study in an additional country initiated

Output 5 Studies on consumer acceptance

2009 • Additional studies as

needed: e.g., studies on consumer acceptance of transgenic foods in developing countries, subject to a REU for

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golden rice

CG Centers, NARES, donors, researchers

Knowledge that is important for designing effective strategies for consumer adoption of biofortified varieties

2008 • Determine principal

varieties under cultivation in wheat growing areas in Pakistan, and in rice growing areas of Bangladesh

• Understanding dietary quality choices in developing countries

2009 • Exercise on

compilation of data sets on dietary intakes initiated

Output 6 Complementary studies

2010 • As determined by

program needs

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REACHING END USERS The reaching end user component of HarvestPlus was conceptualized and funded during the second year of operations of the program. A single component of the REU addresses reaching end users of biofortified orange‐fleshed sweetpotato. The portfolio for these activities from 2007‐2009 focus on diagnostic surveys to compile information that will be used to determine or refine the implementation activities. The diagnostic surveys identify constraints or opportunities for reaching end users with the beta‐carotene dense sweetpotato cover the three key research areas: (1) Seed systems‐extension‐farmer adoption, (2) Markets and product development, and (3) Behavior change and demand creation. Overlaying these is an impact study to compare cost efficiency of different strategies

The End User research and implementation teams established partnerships, methods and common research frameworks to perform rigorous cross country comparisons. Implementation activities for OFSP in Mozambique is led by World Vision (an international NGO) and in Uganda a consortium of partners (The Child Health and Development Centre [CHDC] of the Makerere University, VEDCO and FADEP (local NGOs) and Save the Children (an international NGO) under the leadership of PRAPACE (The ASARECA Network on potato and sweetpotato).

The implementation of REU OFSP activities are undertaken through existing NARES and NGOs and are closely integrated with operations research led by the research partners. Operations research identify bottlenecks in the implementation process and develop strategies to free them. Continuous monitoring evaluation and feedback mechanisms are used to document lessons learned across sites and “best bet” practices will be used to develop guides on how to implement REU for crop varieties with visible traits for nutrition to make positive impacts on human health in rural communities.

Regional Research Networks such as PRAPACE and SARNET (The Southern Africa Root and Tuber Crops Research Network), NGOs such as Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, and Helen Keller International, and other rural service providers in agriculture and health, will use information and guidelines from the project to scale out “best bet” approaches beyond the initial study sites.

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Diagnostics Diagnostics to characterise the potential demand for biofortified crop varieties, current dissemination strategies, and their products in targeted areas A good understanding of the potential demand and dissemination pathways is required to develop strategies for REU implementation. This will build on existing dissemination strategies for newly released standard crop varieties and will focus on nutrition and market demand characteristics. The diagnostics will identify consumer reaction to trait visibility such as the deep orange color of the provitamins A rich sweetpotato, maize and cassava and potential strategies to encourage adoption. Such information will provide a baseline for future dissemination strategies. This output allows HarvestPlus to take stock and learn from existing work, improve existing models and introduce new ones as may be appropriate. The output cuts across: 1. seed systems that ensure continuous supply of planting materials and strategies that enhance farmer adoption of biofortified crops; 2. market and product development, including postharvest storage and processing for value addition, consumer preferences for the fresh produce and processed products; as well as 3. strategies to encourage demand for biofortified crops. The output covers all HarvestPlus target crops as they meet the micronutrient content and bioavailability requirements. The database generated will be used by HarvestPlus, other biofortification programs as well as dissemination partners and other service providers in agriculture, nutrition and health. Implementation and operations research The output focuses on the identification of appropriate cost‐effective strategies for the dissemination of biofortified crops to make impacts on human nutrition and income for producers and other actors in the production‐marketing‐consumption continuum. It focuses on the development of best practices to increase farmer adoption and consumer acceptance and involves the development of markets for planting materials, the harvested produce and processed products. The development of postharvest technologies that retain the micronutrient content in storage and during processing will ensure the integrity of the biofortified foods. The output will focus also on strategies for demand creation and behaviour change communication to create awareness among all stakeholders and encourage them to switch consumption and utilization to biofortified crops. Development of strategies to encourage adoption of biofortified crops with trait visibility such orange fleshed sweetpotato will be an important feature of this output. Engaging enablers This output seeks to create awareness about the potential role of biofortification in human nutrition and health, particularly among policy makers in the ministries of agriculture, finance and health and in the NGO and other service provider communities; donors and others that influence resource allocation and create favorable environments for the development and adoption and increased consumption of biofortified crop varieties at the national and regional levels. This will be done through targeted meetings, HarvestPlus special sessions on biofortification at regional and national conferences and other interactions. TV and radio programs on the role of biofortification as a food based intervention to improve undernutrition will help inform the wider enabler audience. This

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output will generate support for the adoption of the concept of biofortification in national policy development and lead to increases in resource allocation for the research and development and promotion of biofortified crops and products. Scaling out For each crop, initial reaching end user pilot studies will be conducted at a few selected locations with the intention of developing strategies for scaling out to the wider target communities by technology dissemination organizations and institutions. The REU component of HarvestPlus will develop training materials, decision guides and other tools for scaling out in collaboration with dissemination partners. The beneficiaries of this output would be NARES, Health Workers and NGOs and other service providers in agriculture, nutrition and health. This will increase the capacity of outreach partners in the dissemination of biofortified crops and products and increase production and consumption across the wider target community. Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 2.951 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 3.213 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 3.342 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 3.476 million

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HarvestPlus Reaching End User Log Frame (REU)

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

Collaborating partners in agriculture, food security, health and nutrition research, and extension

Potential bottlenecks in the adoption, promotion, and consumption of biofortified crops and their products identified and strategies to overcome them developed

Biofortification implementation teams have information for designing effective interventions.

2008 • Diagnostic studies for

seed systems, markets and product development, and demand creation for selected biofortified crop yet to be determined.


seed systems, markets and product development, and demand creation for a selected biofortified crop yet to be determined.

Output 1 Diagnostics to characterise the potential demand for biofortified crop varieties and their products in targeted areas


seed systems, markets and product development, and demand creation for a selected biofortified crop yet to be determined.

Output 2 Implementation and Operations Research

CG Centers, NARES, informal and formal seed producers and distributors, farmers, consumers

Biofortified materials, markets and demand creation developed in target regions

Increased availability and consumption of biofortified crops in pilot areas.

2008 • Seed systems for

OFSP developed that use multiple channels to ensure continuous availability of quality seed to farmers

• Processing and storage technologies for OFSP widely available to

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Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

end-users

2009 • Lessons learned from

operations research and implementation synthesized

2010 • Implementation

activities continue for OFSP Uganda and Mozambique.

Policy makers, researchers, local media, community workers

Increased awareness and adoption of biofortified crops and food products

Increased awareness of biofortification among regional health and agriculture decision makers

Output 3 Engaging enablers

2008-2010 • Targeted enabler

meetings held in Uganda to present data gathered under diagnostic REU exercise (in collaboration with Communications)

• HarvestPlus special

sessions identified at regional and national conferences to increase awareness of biofortification in Africa (in collaboration with Communications)

Output 4 Scaling Out

2008-2010 • Funding and

partnerships for scaling out to be determined based on the availability of biofortified crops.

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DONOR RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS In reach to the HarvestPlus alliance members, outreach to expert, informed and interested and donor audiences and engaging enablers of a biofortification approach to reduce micronutrient malnutrition makes up the communication portfolio for HarvestPlus. In 2006, donor relations was added to the Communications remit as a logical extension of communicating with donors as important HarvestPlus stakeholders.

Inreach As part of its Inreach strategy, HarvestPlus Communicatons disseminates the latest program and research information to the HarvestPlus Alliance on a community of practice intranet platform known as the HarvestPlus Hub (HarvestPlus Hub developed in 2004). In 2007 the Hub has grown to 235 members from 20 in 2004. In 2008 a publications database will be added to the Hub, as will a quarterly newsletter. In 2009 and 2010, the Hub is anticipated to continue to expand its membership and add tools at the request of the alliance members. In addition to maintaining the intranet community of practice, HarvestPlus communication works to strengthen the communication and advocacy work related to specific crops Outreach The HarvestPlus communication outreach strategy specifically recognizes the need for reaching out to a variety of audiences in sequential stages. Each year the audience base is expanded and new audiences are introduced to the program. At the start of the program, after establishing the HarvestPlus brand and completing the development of branding tools, expert audiences became the key focus of the communication effort, communications supported presentations to key expert audiences in both agriculture and nutrition sciences. It was anticipated that by 2008, audiences would expand to include expert, informed and interested audiences, requiring Communication staff to layer the information generated by HarvestPlus scientists to this expanded audience. Beginning in 2007 and carrying through 2010, HarvestPlus communication will continue to work on all fronts, for all audiences, and begin to seek opportunities to reaching out to more general audiences and global decision makers through publications, forums, and global media. • HarvestPlus Publications and outreach products HarvestPlus publications are an important public good generated from the program. As an innovation it is imperative that HarvestPlus document and share lessons learned related to research protocols and methods, markets and food behavior, new plant breeding techniques and particular food quality analytical requirements, and food production and consumption trends among the poor. In addition mechanism must be designed to exhange this information across several disciplines and many regions. HarvestPlus Technical Monographs, Protocols, Working Papers and Abstracts serve these functions. Additional soft publication material has been developed to help promote the program including: Brochures, CDs, posters, and takeaways • HarvestPlus Forums The foundation of the success of biofortification as an additional intervention to reduce malnutrition is built upon sound science. Research findings from HarvestPlus must be widely disseminated among key audiences at carefully place times in the product development cycle. Phase I of

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HarvestPlus focuses on securing opportunities for displaying reseach findings at important professional nutrition and agricultural research forums. As the program matures and moves closer to dissemination and implementation of crops, these fora will also include opportunities for engaging global development decision makers and targeted policy makers in the countries where HarvestPlus crops will be deployed. • Advocacy and Media Media play and important role in communicating research results to influential audiences. As such investments in cultivating media emphasize in country media channels as well as attempting to reach donor audiences as mechanisms for investment. HarvestPlus works closely with partner research communication staff within the CGIAR to coordinate media work as it related to crops that are developed within their research institutes.

Engaging End Users In collaboration with the Reseach End Users component of HarvestPlus. Communications works to create opportunities to showcase the work of HarvestPlus in regions where HarvestPlus crops will be deployed. These activities include developing forums and media to bring attention to the work of the program. Donor Relations Donor reporting, communication and response to queries is handled by the Communication and Donor Relations coordinator and concept notes and proposal development is coordinated. Component Budget Information 2007 ‐ $ 0.293 million 2008 (Estimated) ‐ $ 0.302 million 2009 (Estimated) ‐ $ 0.314 million 2010 (Estimated) ‐ $ 0.326 million

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HarvestPlus Communication Log Frame

Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

HarvestPlus research and implementation community

Increased knowledge and circulation of intra-program information among all alliance members

Effective and efficient management of the program

2008 • Use of HarvestPlus

Hub expanded to new alliance members

• Internal electronic newsletter Developed

• Assist in the development of intra program forums to exchange information and streamline program management



• Searchable publications list added to the Hub


Output 1 In-reach to the HarvestPlus community




Expert audiences, informed audiences, interested audience, and general public

Improved knowledge base of issues related to biofortification and HarvestPlus specific research activities

Greater awareness of biofortification in general, and HarvestPlus in particular

Output 2 Outreach – publications, promotional material, website

2008 • Technical Monographs

and HarvestPlus and Working Papers produced and disseminated

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Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

• HarvestPlus Research Abstracts developed

• HarvestPlus Protocols developed

• HarvestPlus Program brochures developed

• HarvestPlus Website updated

• HarvestPlus promotional material developed.

2009 • HarvestPlus Technical

Monographs, Working Papers and Research Abstracts produced and disseminated

• Crop Brochures updated

• Translate key research and promotional documents/material for implementation countries (French)

2010 • Promotional video

considered. • Translate key research

and promotional documents/material for implementation countries.

Expert audiences, informed audiences, and interested audience

Dissemination of research activities and findings. Expand global knowledge and understanding of HarvestPlus and biofortification.

Leverage of resources for biofortification research. Creation of national HarvestPlus programs

Output 3 Advocacy and Media – general and international forums 2008

• HarvestPlus representation at professional meetings

• Representation at International Decision Maker forums

• HarvestPlus Display developed

• HarvestPlus Biofortification articles published in trade and popular magazine

• Support print, radio and TV media for OFS

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Outputs


Intended user

Outcome

Impact

in Uganda and Mozambique

2009 • HarvestPlus

representation at agriculture and nutrition professional meetings


• HarvestPlus Biofortification articles published in trade and popular magazines

• Support print, radio and TV media in high iron bean target crop regions (Rwanda and DRC).

2010 • HarvestPlus

representation at agriculture and nutrition professional meetings


• HarvestPlus Biofortification articles published in trade and popular magazines

• Support print, radio and TV media in pearl millet target crop regions (India, Mali, Niger).

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2008–2010

Intended user

Outcome

Impact

In-country policy and decision makers

Greater awareness of the potential benefit of biofortification to reduce micronutrient malnutrition

Policy realignment and investment in biofortification

2008 • Organize policy fora in

end-user countries for OFSP (Uganda and Mozambique) to engage enablers of the biofortification approach


end-user countries for beans (Rwanda and DRC) to engage enablers of the biofortification approach

Output 4 Engaging Enablers (in collaboration with REU)


end-user countries for biofortified pearl millet (India, Mali, Niger) to engage enablers of the biofortification approach

Donor organizations

Increased funding HarvestPlus Financial solvency

2008 • Continued fulfillment of donor reporting requirements • Develop funding proposals for Phase II program • Support diversification of funding base to include European donors 2009 • Continued fulfillment of donor reporting requirements • Support diversification of funding base,

Output 5 Donor Coordination

2010 • Continued fulfillment of

donor reporting requirements

• Support diversification of funding base to include prvt. contributions

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COUNTRY PROGRAMS HarvestPlus China. In April of 2005 the HarvestPlus‐China program advisory committee approved eight proposals for funding, each proposal involving two to four collaborating institutions. HarvestPlus will provide $400,000 in funding for these proposals, matched by another $400,000 from Chinese funding sources. HarvestPlus plays a catalytic role in the establishment and implementation of biofortification work in China. The first annual meeting of HarvestPlus‐China was held in Beijing in October, 2005 and was attended by 60 scientists. Progress is being made in lobbying for a biofortification window in the upcoming five‐year plans for the Chinese research funding programs. The Chinese government has provided a small amount of funding ($25,000) for the operation of the HarvestPlus‐China office at CAAS. HarvestPlus supports the holding of the HarvestPlus‐China annual meetings. India Biofortification A primary objective of HarvestPlus efforts in India is to have a major impact in reducing micronutrient malnutrition, especially in rural areas. In 2004, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Indian government took a decision to invest $4 million over five years in biofortification activities, and invited HarvestPlus to collaborate in this effort. In March 2007, an MOU was signed with the Indian Government to collaborate on developing and disseminating micronutrient‐dense crop varieties to reduce micronutrient malnutrition among at‐risk populations in India. The India Biofortification program will develop and disseminate germplasm of rice, wheat, and maize biofortifed with essential micronutrients—iron, zinc, and provitiamin A. HarvestPlus will collaborate with the DBT and the India Biofortification Program, in several areas of mutual interest, including the following: • Common methodologies and protocols for measuring mineral and vitamin density, antinutrients, and promoter compounds in crop and food samples will be developed and shared. • Exchange of samples and materials and other research data. • HarvestPlus nutritionists will collaborate with the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, to find synergies in designing studies on the bioavailability and efficacy of micronutrients in biofortifed staples. • The India Biofortification Program and HarvestPlus will undertake other joint activities for the purpose of reducing micronutrient malnutrition in India. HarvestPlus Brazil Embrapa continues to be a strong partner performing all functions within the HarvestPlus Impact pathway in collaboration with Brazilian expertise in nutrition and food technology and impact analysis. In addition to conducting biofortification research for Brasil, Embrapa is developing biofortified technologies as scientific enablers and technology transfer specialists for biofortification in Africa. LINKAGE PROGRAMS Linkage” project activities are highly complementary to HarvestPlus goals, principles, methods, and programs, which expand the scope and reach of HarvestPlus “core” activities. HarvestPlus Program

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Management Team and the HarvestPlus Program Advisory Committee provide intellectual leadership and research oversight to Linkage projects. HarvestPlus is not responsible for the implementation or administration of these projects. HarvestPlus Linkage projects total Canadian dollars $20 million over six years. These funds have been received from CIDA to conduct biofortification research specifically for Latin America. HarvestPlus commissions an annual review of HarvestPlus Latin America (AgroSalud) to assist in developing a strong interface with current HarvestPlus activities and a review base for the HarvestPlus Program Advisory Committee and Management Team. ALIGNMENT WITH CGIAR SYSTEM‐WIDE PRIORITIES In July of 2003, HarvestPlus was officially recognized as one of the first three challenge programs of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Challenge Programs are time‐bound, independently‐governed programs of high‐impact research that targets the CGIAR goals in relation to complex issues of overwhelming global and/or regional significance, and requires partnerships among a wide range of institutions in order to deliver its products. 2004 was designated the start‐up year for the full‐time operations of the Biofortification Challenge Program named HarvestPlus. The CGIAR has set its system level priorities for 2005‐2011. Priority area 2c, “Producing more and better food at lower cost through genetic improvements,” includes specific reference to “Enhancing nutritional quality and safety” of food. The goals and funding for HarvestPlus fall 100% within this priority by focusing staple crop nutrient enhancement efforts using state‐of‐the‐art science to develop traits that are particularly important to the poor and undernourished. HARVESTPLUS IMPACT PATHWAY

Impact Pathway for HarvestPlus Stages of Pathway Product/Global Public

Good? Impact on who Conditioning

Factors 1 Identify target populations Knowledge

(Data) Researchers: Plant Breeders and Nutritionists

Representative data availability on micronutrient deficiency and crop consumption at the sub national level.

2 Set Nutritional Targets for Breeding

Knowledge (Data)

Researchers (CGIAR, ARI, NARS): Plant breeders

Availability of crop consumption data for target

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populations. Bioavailability data on crops.

3 Screening Crops for Micronutrients (includes gene identification)

Knowledge (Data and parent varieties identified)

Researchers (CGIAR, ARIs, NARS) Plant Breeders

Availability of high through‐put technologies to screen large numbers of samples. Sample contamination and high GXE interaction.

4 Crop Improvement Knowledge/Technology (Methods, test crops)

Researchers CGIAR, NARS, ARIs

Low heritability of nutrient trait. Prioritization of biofortification on larger crop research agenda in the CGIAR.

5 Nutrient Retention and in vitro and animal model bioavailability

Knowledge (Data)

Researchers: CGIAR, National Nutrition

Instability of carotenoids during processing presents challenges. Protocols and methods for testing bioavailability need further validation for different crops

6 GXE Interactions Tested in target regions

Knowledge/Technology (Methods, locally adapted crops)

Researchers: CGIAR, NARS

Lack of micronutrient trait expression and trait stability in varying

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environments 7 Human Efficacy established Knowledge

(Data and validation of nutritional value of locally adapted crops)

Researchers: Nutrition ARI and National Nutritionists Human subjects

Identification of test populations for controlled studies. Efficacy studies will be triggered by favorable bioavailability studies.

8 Variety release/deployment Technology (Seed)

NARS/Farmers Varietal testing conditions do not reflect farmers situations.

9 Biofortified Staples produced and marketed in target regions

Knowledge/Technology (Commercially viable market for crop developed)

Farmers and Consumers

Markets exist to support biofortified crops particularly where the trait is visible.

10 Biofortified staples consumed in target populations

Technology (Marketable biofortified crop)

Farmers and Consumers

Consumer acceptance will determine impediments to consumption

11 Improved nutritional status in target populations

Knowledge (Improved nutrition and health)

Consumers micro nutrient status

All previous conditions must be met.

The table above presents the impact pathway for HarvestPlus. It is characterized by stages within which a complex and defined set of research activities are conducted each with their own set of outputs, targets, partners and intended impact. The knowledge or technology generated from any one stage is critical for the next stage (at times several stages) of the HarvestPlus program and activities are most often conducted in multidisciplinary teams with formal feedback/feed‐in mechanisms. The information generated from research in any one stage serve as important global public good for others to use in the development of related biofortification programs.

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RESEARCH APPROACH TO DEVELOP INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC GOODS Germplasm, protocols and methods Technology in the form of nutrient‐dense staple crops (seed, tubers and roots) is the obvious public good being generated from HarvestPlus. Of equal importance, is the knowledge being generated including novel research methods, protocols, proof of concept findings, technical and field guides, capacity strengthening activities and laboratory upgrades. Biofortification is an innovation that often requires adaptation and development of new research tools that have never existed. These tools are important public goods that serve as the gold standard for other unrelated programs conducting biofortification research. Awareness raising and information sharing at conferences, workshops and meetings are also solid international public goods being generated from the program. HarvestPlus Publications The HarvestPlus Technical Monograph Series attempts to capture the methodologies and protocols that are used in the program. Peer reviewed publications generated from HarvestPlus work is encouraged. HarvestPlus Working Papers provide a vehicle to capture research findings to date, particularly in the fields of economics and social science. HarvestPlus Protocols, have been developed as laboratory tools to assist in analysis of samples in laboratories. Peer Reviewed Journal Articles HarvestPlus had teamed up with the library at IFPRI to register program documents and request free access to developing country partners from professional journals that have published HarvestPlus research. ELABORATION OF PARTNERS ROLES Appendix 2 lists current HarvestPlus Alliance Members by country and region in 2006.

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FINANCIAL PLAN BUDGETING AND FINANCING

The accounting, fiduciary, and financial reporting requirements of the HarvestPlus are overseen by CIAT and IFPRI, who have overall leadership responsibility for the program. HarvestPlus financial reports are reviewed by the audit committee of the HarvestPlus PAC, whose membership includes the chairs of the audit committees of the CIAT and IFPRI Boards of Trustees.

From an accounting and reporting perspective, the arrangement is a joint venture, whereby each participating organization recognizes revenue/income that it earns from the provisions of research services under the terms of contractual arrangements. The contractual management of the HarvestPlus Challenge Program includes joint control (CIAT and IFPRI); whereby no single organization is in a position to unilaterally control the activities. The accounting approach therefore underscores the consortium approach for Challenge Programs, which explicitly acknowledges that the desired outcomes cannot be achieved by organizations working alone. CIAT and IFPRI executed a cooperative research agreement in March 2003, which provides that CIAT and IFPRI enter into a contractual arrangement with other participating organizations (CGIAR‐supported centers and other institutions) to complete specific program activities with deliverables.

Financial transactions of the HarvestPlus, inflows and outflows of funds, are processed through the accounting and internal control systems of CIAT and IFPRI. The two centers prepare an annual supplemental schedule to their audited financial statements showing sources and application of funding on a cash receipts and disbursements basis (see accompanying table 4).. There is not a separate balance sheet for HarvestPlus. The financial performance indicators of the CGIAR are calculated by reference to Net Assets of a particular center as at the year and Balance Sheet date. It must be stressed however that a Challenge Program is by CGIAR accounting definition a Restricted Project and therefore does not generate Unrestricted Net Assets.

However, the equivalent of short term liquidity performance indicators may be derived from the Undisbursed Cash on Hand in the Supplemental Schedule to the Audited Financial Statements of IFPRI and CIAT. At December 2006, the Cash on Hand for HarvestPlus amounted to $10.259 million which represents 267 days of projected expenditures for 2007 $14.045M.

The accompanying Tables reflect revenues and expenditures on an accrual basis. The attached budget tables reflect the broad financial recommendations of the PAC for 2007. Total expenditure for 2007 is budgeted at $14.045 million. Funding for 2007 is covered by Phase 1 of the Challenge Program budget. As HarvestPlus nears the end of its first phase, alterations in program activities will be verified in the coming year and will be featured in the HarvestPlus Phase 2 and in the Medium Term Plan 2009‐2011. Expenditures and income for 2008 is budgeted at $16.5 million. The Program exhibits show funding from the Consortium of Donors that have funded Phase 1. The tables do not breakdown the income by donor as the funding is under discussion. We expect that when the Medium Term Plan is finalized by October, the position will be clearer.

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As noted in the highlights of the 2008 Program Portfolio, all crops will have reached the early or advanced development stages and germplasm products will be disseminated to NARS for GxE testing. One Phase II crop, pearl millet, will be elevated to a fully supported crop based on demonstrated results for high levels of iron. As the Program develops to the next stage, the investment will increase in Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics and in the Human Nutrition activities in 2008 and 2009. The increase in investment in these components between 2007 and 2008 is $1.6 million. Similarly as the Program advances, the important policy components, especially from Reaching End User activities, will increase by $0.7 million from 2007 to 2008. The Financial Tables exclude Linkage Programs/Projects as described in the Country Programs section of the Medium Term Plan. Linkage Project activities are highly complementary to HarvestPlus goals, principles, methods, and programs, which expand the scope and reach of HarvestPlus “core” activities. HarvestPlus Program Management Team and the HarvestPlus Project Advisory Committee provide intellectual leadership and research oversight to Linkage Projects. HarvestPlus is not responsible for the implementation or administration of these Projects. HarvestPlus Linkage Projects total Canadian Dollars $20 million over six years. These funds have been received by CIAT from CIDA to conduct biofortification research specifically for Latin America. HarvestPlus commissions an annual review of HarvestPlus Latin America (AgroSalud) to assist in developing a strong interface with current HarvestPlus activities and a review base for the HarvestPlus Program Advisory Committee and Management Team.

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Table 1. Expected Revenues By Donor By Year (In Thousand Dollars) Actual Budgeted Proposed

Donor 2003/2004 Actual

2005 Actual

2006 Actual

2007 (Estimate) 2003-2007

Total 2008 2009 2010 Total 2008-2010

Unrestricted World Bank 5,500 2,000 2,000 2,000 11,500 Gates Foundation 6,250 6,250 7,750 7,750 28,000 USAID 1,800 2,355 2,045 6,200 DFID 452 1,358 950 2,760 SIDA 108 188 101 398 Restricted DANIDA 492 743 302 1,537 International Life Sciences Inst 200 200 Asian Development Bank 234 216 450 Austria 54 54 Other Income 116 163 452 498 1,229 Total Revenues 11,920 11,265 15,280 13,862 52,328 16,500,000 17,000,000 17,500,000 51,000,000

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Table 2. Planned Expenditures By Type of Activity By Logframe By Year (In Thousand Dollars)

Budgeted

Proposed

Activity 2003-2004 Actual

2005 Actual

2006 Actual

2007 Estimated

Total 2003 – 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total 2008-

2010

Crop Breeding & Reg Coll 4,842 5,944 6,098 5,644 22,528 6,124 6,369 6,624 19,117 Beans 415 326 352 325 1,418 417 434 451 1,302 Cassava 575 516 490 375 1,956 581 605 629 1,815 Maize 543 581 697 660 2,481 758 788 820 2,366 Rice 476 473 474 400 1,823 728 757 787 2,272 Wheat 462 484 641 546 2,133 735 765 796 2,296 Sweet Potato 422 371 495 420 1,708 587 610 634 1,831 Phase 2 Crops 1,000 800 902 877 3,579 1062 1104 1148 3,314 Tech Asst+Reg Coll+Coord 628 1,605 1,441 1,270 4,944 1256 1306 1358 3,920 Other Restricted 321 788 606 771 2,486 Nutritional Genomics 1,129 919 1,515 895 4,458 1,566 1,629 1,694 4,889 Human Nutrition 1,343 1,886 2,627 1,991 7,847 2,492 2,592 2,696 7,780 Food Science and Nutrition 350 1,046 1,801 1,261 4,458 1,600 1,664 1,731 4,995 Breeding Objectives 993 840 826 730 3,389 892 928 965 2,785

Impact and Policy Analysis 1,303 908 1,342 977 4,530 1,338 1,392 1,448 4,178 Reaching & Engaging End-Users 57 236 2,178 2,951 5,422 3,213 3,342 3,476 10,031 Communications 360 266 275 293 1,194 302 314 326 942 Management and Coordination 2,206 1,045 1,417 1,293 5,963 1,358 1,412 1,468 4,238 Total Expenditures 11,241 11,204 15,452 14,045 51,941 16,394 17,050 17,732 51,176

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Table 3. Planned Expenditures By Institution (In Thousand Dollars)

Budgeted

Proposed

Institution 2003-2004 Actual

2005 Actual

2006 Actual

2007 Estimated

Total 2003 – 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total 2008-

2010

IFPRI 967 1,273 1,899 1,826 5,965 2,118 2,202 2,291 6,611 CIAT 1,350 1,254 1,595 1,369 5,568 1,704 1,772 1,843 5,319 IRRI 825 473 474 690 2,462 938 975 1,014 2,927 CIMMYT 1,023 862 1,000 933 3,818 1,204 1,253 1,303 3,760 IITA 647 614 639 667 2,567 810 843 877 2,530 CIP 818 971 1,679 1,117 4,585 1,447 1,505 1,565 4,517 ICARDA 190 150 100 100 540 170 177 184 531 ICRISAT 380 310 253 287 1,230 388 403 420 1,211 WARDA 50 32 82 26 27 28 81 IPGRI/INIBAP 50 174 150 374 118 123 128 369 GOVER. & OVERSIGHT (IFPRI) 1,827 874 930 1,089 4,720 1,529 1,590 1,654 4,773 GOVER. & OVERSIGHT (CIAT) 379 154 538 172 1,243 392 409 424 1,225 Total CGIAR 8,456 6,985 9,281 8,432 33,154 10,844 11,279 11,731 33,854 Total Non-CGIAR 2,785 4,219 6,169 5,613 18,786 5,548 5,770 6001 17,319 Total Budget 11,241 11,204 15,450 14,045 51,940 16,394 17,049 17,732 51,173

101

Table 4.

102

Appendix 1

Crop Timelines

Crop: SORGHUM ICRISAT Timeline

Activity comment --> 7 1

GERMPLASM IMPROVEMENTGermplasm ImprovementGermplasm Screening

Strategic Gene PoolTactical Gene PoolGermplasm in Development

Crop ImprovementParents IdentifiedCrossesEarly Segregating PopulationsIntermediate Segregating PopulationsAdvanced Germplasm ProductsPre-VarietiesVarieties

GeneticsHeritability StudiesMolecular Marker DevelopmentGenetics - Mapping

GxE Stability of Expression/MagnitudeOn-StationOn-Farm & PPBMultilocation & PVSRegistration Trials

DeploymentBreeders/Certified Seed ProductionSeed Multiplication - InitialSeed Multiplication for Commercial SeedSeed Diffusion via Farmer - FarmerFast-TrackVariety Introduction

NUTRITIONNutrition

Micronutrient Level in Crop Retention Bioavailability Efficacy EffectivenessAcceptabilityProcessing Studies

IMPACT - SOCIO-ECONOMICSImpact Indicators

Ex ante impact assessmentQualitative surveysReview of policy framework in selected countriesReview of constraints to adoption Consumption surveys in selected countries

Complementary researchEx post impact assessment

20092005 2006 2007 2008 20152010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Crop: LENTIL ICARDA Timeline

Activity comment -->





GxE Stability of Expression/MagnitudeOn-StationOn-Farm & PPBMultilocation & PVSRegistration Trials

DeploymentBreeders/Certified Seed ProductionSeed Multiplication - InitialSeed Multiplication for Commercial SeedSeed Diffusion via Farmer - FarmerFast-TrackVariety Introduction

NUTRITIONNutrition

Micronutrient Level in Crop Retention Bioavailability Efficacy Effectiveness AcceptabilityProcessing Studies




2013 20142009 2010 2011 20122005 2006 2007 2008

Crop: BARLEY ICARDA Timeline

Activity comment -->





GxE Stability of Expression/MagnitudeOn-StationPPB

DeploymentSeed Multiplication - InitialSeed Multiplication for Commercial SeedSeed Diffusion via Farmer - FarmerFast-TrackVariety Introduction

NUTRITIONNutrition

Micronutrient Level in Crop Retention Bioavailability Efficacy Effectiveness AcceptabilityProcessing Studies




2013 20142009 2010 2011 20122005 2006 2007 2008

Crop: GROUNDNUT transgenic ICRISAT TimelineActivity

comment -->

Product definition B-carotene enriched Groundnut

Id target levelId target regionConcept of B-carotene enriched GN developed

Trait DiscoveryGene discoveryPromoter selectionBioinformatics analysisOptimize constructsAvailability of two gene constructs in binary vectors for genetic transformation

Product DevelopmentTransformationGenerate more events from selected constructsScreening for clean eventsSelection of reduced number of eventsAround ten best events selected

Testing traits stabilityGreenhouse testingEstablishment of new field testingField Testing

Line SelectionGene x Gene trialsGenes X Env. Trial.Marker assisted backcrossingInitial seed production

Regulatory packageRegulatory permitBiosafety trials

CommercializationSeed production in target regionRelease new varietySeed difusionMarketing Communication strategy

2004 2005 2006 2007 2012 20132008 2009 2010 2011

Crop: PIGEON PEA transgenic ICRISAT TimelineActivity

comment -->

Product definition B-carotene enriched Groundnut

Id target levelId target regionConcept of B-carotene enriched GN developed

Trait DiscoveryGene discoveryPromoter selectionBioinformatics analysisOptimize constructsAvailability of two gene constructs in binary vectors for genetic transformation

Product DevelopmentTransformationGenerate more events from selected constructsScreening for clean eventsSelection of reduced number of eventsAround ten best events selected

Testing traits stabilityGreenhouse testingEstablishment of new field testingField Testing

Line SelectionGene x Gene trialsGenes X Env. Trial.Marker assisted backcrossingInitial seed production

Regulatory packageRegulatory permitBiosafety trials

CommercializationSeed production in target regionRelease new varietySeed difusionMarketing Communication strategy

2004 2005 2006 2007 2012 20132008 2009 2010 2011

Appendix 2

HarvestPlus Alliance Members, 2006

Africa

Burundi Institute des Sciences Agronomiques de Burundi (ISABU)

East Africa Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA)

East, South, West and Central Africa

Regional Potato and Sweet Potato Improvement Network in East and Central Africa (PRAPACE)

South Africa Root Crops Research Network (SARRNET) VITAA West African Seed Development Unit (WASDU)

RD du Congo Institut National pour l’Etude et la Recherche Agronomiques (INERA) Programme Nationale de Nutrition (PRONANUT)

Ethiopia Awassa Agricultural Research Centre, Awassa Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO) Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) Sasakawa Global 2000 (SG2000)

Ghana Crop Research Institute (CRI) Ghana Health Service, Regional Nutrition Office, Cape Coast Savannah Agricultural Research Institute

Guinea Institut de la Recherche Agronomique de Guinee (IRAG) Haiti Centre Recherche de Agriculture

Organization for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (ORE) World Vision International

Kenya Food Science and Nutrition Department, University of Nairobi Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)

University of Nairobi, Food Science and Nutrition Department Madagascar Center of Rural Development and Applied Research (FIFAMANOR)

Malawi Chitedze Agrciultural Research Station Mozambique Hellen Keller International

Minisitry of Health National Institute for Agriculture Research (INIA), Maputo World Vision-Mozambique

Nigeria National Root Crops Research Institute Rwanda Rwanda Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR-Rubona)

South Africa ARC-Roodeplaat, Pretoria

Nutrition Intervention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Kwasulu Natal

Tanzania Catholic Relief Services Department of Agriculture Research and Development Selian Research Centre Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, Dar es Salaam World Vision International

Uganda Africare Regional Potato and Sweet Potato Improvement Program in Eastern and Central

Africa (PRAPACE) - Uganda CARE International Department of Food Science and Technology, Makarere University Makarere University National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) Ministry of Agriculture

Root and Tuber Improvement Programme, Mansa Technology Assessment Site

Asia Bangladesh Bangladesh Rice Research Institute

ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research India Agriculture Universities of India

Banaras Hindu University Indian Agricultural Research Institute Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderbad Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)

Japan Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, The University of Tokyo Indonesia Agriculture University of Indonesia

Research Institue for Food Crops Biotechnology Research Institute for Rice, Plant Breeding Division

Pakistan National Agricultural Research Council

Philippines Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines, Los Baños

Philippine Rice Research Institute, Maligaya, Munoz Vietnam Agriculture University of Vietnam

Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute Omon, Cantho Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry Australia, Europe, North America

Australia Adelaide University School of Agriculture, Waite Campus University of Adelaide, Waite and Roseworthy Campuses University of Adelaide, School of Food, Agriculture and Wine Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics

Austria Austrian Research Center, Seibersdorf Research GmbH International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Belgium Catholic University of Leuven Canada Ryerson University, Toronto

Denmark Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Department of Nutrition

Germany University of Freiburg University of Hohenheim, Department of Agricultural Economics and Social

Sciences

Netherlands Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemeology, Wageningen University

Wageningen University, Department of Plant Sciences Switzerland Syngenta

ETH Zurich, Human Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Food Science and Nutrition

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Turkey Sabanci University-Istanbul

Cukurova University-Adana Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute (BDIARI)

UK Natural Resource Institute, University of Greenwich Institute of Food Research, England University of Ulster

United States Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA-ARS Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California Department of Horticulture, Lousiana State University Cornell University, Department of Food Sciences Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences Cornell University, US Plant, Soil & Nutrition Laboratory Cultural Practice, LLC Iowa State University, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Michigan State University Nutrition Research Center, Michigan State University Pennsylvania State University, Department of Nutrition Tulane University Tufts University University of California at Davis University of California at Davis, Department of Nutrition University of Illinois University of Rhode Island Yale University University of Wisconsin Latin America

Bolivia Universidad Automona Gabriel Rene Moreno (UAGRM) Brazil CTAA. Rio de Janeiro

Empresa Brazileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria EMBPRAPA Arroz e Feijao

Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (EMBRAPA)-CNPMF, Bahia

Universidade de Sâo Paolo at Campinas (UNICAMP) Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do sul

Fundaçâo de Apoio da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (FAURGS) Colombia Fundacion para la Investigacion y el Desarrollo Agroindustrial Rural (FIDAR)

Costa Rica University of Costa Rica Cuba Ministry of Agriculture - "Liliana Dimitrova" Experimental Station

Dominican Republic

Secretara de Estado de Agricultura - Centro de Investigaciones Agricolas del Sureste (SEA-CIAS)

El Salvador Centro Nacional de Tecnologia Agropcuaria (CENTA) Guatemala Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia Agricolas (ICTA)

Universidad de San Carlos Honduras Escuela Agricola Panamericana (EAP)

Mexico Instituto Nacional de Investigasiones Forestales Agricolas y Pecuarias Nicaragua Centre Recherche de Agriculture (CRDA)

Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria - Centro Nacional de Investigacion Agropecuaria (INTA-CNIA)

CGIAR and related Centers Bioversity International International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) International Potato Center (CIP) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) International Center for Research in the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA)

Appendix 3

Publications List, 2004-2006

GENERAL BIOFORTIFICATION 2006

Journal Articles

Nestel, P., H. E. Bouis, J. V. Meenakshi, and W. H. Pfeiffer. 2006. Biofortification of staple food crops. Journal of Nutrition 136: 1064–1067. 2005

Journal Articles

Welch, R. M., and R. D. Graham. 2005. Agriculture: The real nexus for enhancing bioavailable micronutrients in food crops. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 18: 299–307. Proceedings

Pfeiffer, W. H., H. Bouis, and B. McClafferty. 2005. HarvestPlus: Breeding crops for better nutrition. 2005. Seventh International Wheat Conference, “Wheat Production in stressed environments,” November 27–December 2, 2005, Mar del Plata, Argentina. 2004

Books/Chapters

Cakmak, I., R. D. Graham, and R. M. Welch. 2004. Agricultural and molecular genetic approaches to improving nutrition and preventing micronutrient malnutrition globally. Chapter 13.7 in Impacts of agriculture on human health and nutrition, edited by I. Cakmak and R. M. Welch. Encyclopedia of life support systems (EOLSS), developed under the auspices of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Oxford, U.K.: EOLSS Publishers. <http://www.eolss.net>

Journal Articles

Welch, R. M., and R. D. Graham. 2004. Breeding for micronutrient density in staple food crops. Journal of Experimental Botany 55: 353–364. NUTRITION General 2006

Journal Articles

Howe, J. A., and S. A. Tanumihardjo. 2006. Carotenoid-biofortified maize maintains adequate vitamin A status in Mongolian gerbils. Journal of Nutrition 136: 2562–2567.

Howe, J. A., and S. A. Tanumihardjo. 2006. Evaluation of analytical methods for carotenoid extraction from biofortified maize. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 54 (21): 7992–7997.

Penniston, K. L., and S. T. Tanumihardjo. 2006. The acute and chronic toxic effects of vitamin A. Journal of Nutrition 83: 191–201.

Yasuda, K., K. R. Roneker, D. D. Miller, R. M. Welch, and X. Gen Lei. 2006. Supplemental dietary inulin affects the bioavailability of iron in corn and soybean meal to young pigs. Journal of Nutrition 136: 3033–3038.

van Jaarsveld, P.J., M. De Wet, E. Harmse, P. Nestel, and D. B. Ridriquez-Amaya. 2006. Retention of ß-carotene in boiled, mashed orange-fleshed sweet potato. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 19 (4): 321–329.

2005

Journal Articles

Furr, H. C., M. H. Green, M. Haskell, N. Mokhtar, P. Nestel, S. Newton, J. B. Ribaya-Mercado, G. Tang, S. Tanumihardjo. 2005. Stable isotope dilution techniques for assessing vitamin A status and bioefficacy of provitamin A carotenoids in humans. Public Health Nutrition 8 (6): 596–607.

Haas, J. D., J. l. Beard, L. E. Murray-Kolb, A. M. del Mundo, A. Felix, and G. B. Gregorio. 2005. Iron-biofortified rice improves the iron stores of non-anemic Filipino women. Journal of Nutrition 135: 2823–2830.

Breeding for Nutrition 2006

Books/Chapters

Graham, R. D. 2006. Micronutrient deficiencies in crops and their global significance. Chapter 1 in Micronutrient deficiencies in global crop production. Edited by B. J. Alloway. Springer.

Graham, R. D., and J. C. R. Stangoulis. 2006. Molybdenum and plant disease. Chapter 14 in Mineral nutrition and disease, L. E. Datnoff, W.H. Elmer, and D. M. Huber, eds. St. Paul, Minnesota: American Phytopathological Society. (in press)

Humphries, J. M., and R. D. Graham. 2006. Manganese. In Handbook of plant nutrition, A. V. Barker, D. J. Pilbeam, eds. Abingdon, U.K.: Taylor & Francis.

Journal Articles

Genc Y., G. K. McDonald and R. D. Graham. 2006. Contribution of different mechanisms to zinc efficiency in bread wheat during early vegetative stage. Plant and Soil. 281: 353–367.

Stangoulis J.C.R, B. L. Huynh, R. M. Welch, E. Y. Choi, and R.D. Graham. 2007. Quantitative trait loci for phytate in rice grain and their relationship with grain micronutrient content. Euphytica. 154(3) 289-294

Proceedings

Gibson, C., Y. Park, K. Myoung, M. Suh, T. McArthur, G. Lyons, and D. Stewart. 2006. The biofortification of barley with selenium. Proceedings of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (Asia-Pacific Section) Convention, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 19–24, 2006.

Lam, B. H., J. C. R. Stangoulis, R. M. Welch, and R. D. Graham. 2006. QTLs for phytate in rice grain and their relationship with iron. Paper 120 in Proceedings of the 13th Australasian Plant Breeding Conference, Christchurch, N.Z., April 18–21, 2006.

2005

Books/Chapters

Duxubury, J. M.,.Bodruzzaman, S. Johnson, A. B. M. Mayer, J. G. Lauren, C. A. Meisne, and R. M. Welch. 2005. Impact of Increased mineral micronutrient content of rice and wheat seed/grains in crop productivity and human nutrition in Bangladesh. In Plant nutrition for food security, human nutrition, and environmental protection, C. J. Li et al., eds. Beijing: Tsihngua University Press.

Lyons, G. H., I. Ortiz-Monasterio, Y. Genc, J. Stangoulis, R. Graham. 2005. Can cereals be bred for increased selenium and iodine concentration in grain? In Plant nutrition for food security, human health and environmental protection, C. J. Li et al., eds. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press.

Journal Articles

Garnett, T. P., and R. D. Graham. 2005. Distribution and remobilization of iron and copper in wheat. Annals of Botany 95: 817–826.

Genc, Y., J. M. Humphries, G. H. Lyons, and R. D. Graham. 2005. Exploiting genotypic variation in plant nutrient accumulation to alleviate micronutrient deficiency in populations. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biolology 18 (4): 319–324.

Lyons, G. H., J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2005. Tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to high soil and solution selenium levels. Plant and Soil 270: 179–188.

Lyons, G. H., I. Ortiz-Monasterio, J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2005. Selenium concentration in wheat grain: Is there sufficient genotypic variation to use in breeding? Plant and Soil 269: 369–380.

Lyons, G. H., Y. Genc, J. C. R. Stangoulis, L. T. Palmer, and R. D. Graham. 2005. Selenium distribution in wheat grain, and the effect of postharvest processing on wheat selenium content. Biological Trace Element Research 103 (2): 155–168.

Lyons, G. H., G. J. Judson, I. Ortiz-Monasterio, Y. Genc, J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2005. Selenium in Australia: Selenium status and biofortification of wheat for better health. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 19: 75–82.

2004

Journal Articles

Humphries, J. M., R. D. Graham, and D. J. Mares. 2004. Application of reflectance colour measurement to the estimation of carotene and lutein content in wheat and triticale. Journal of Cereal Science 40: 151–159.

Lyons, G. H., J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2004. Exploiting micronutrient interaction to optimize biofortification programs: The case for inclusion of selenium and iodine in the HarvestPlus program. Nutrition Reviews 62: 247–252.

Lyons, G. H., G. J. Judson, J. C. R. Stangoulis, L. T. Palmer, J. A. Jones, and R. D. Graham. 2004. Trend in selenium status of South Australians. Medical Journal of Australia 180 (8): 383–386.

Lyons, G. H., J. Lewis, M. F. Lorimer, R. E. Holloway, D. Brace, J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2004. High selenium wheat: Agronomic biofortification strategies to improve human nutrition. Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment 2: 171–178.

2003

Journal Articles

Graham, R. D. and J. C. R. Stangoulis. 2003. Trace-element uptake and distribution in plants. Journal of Nutrition 133: 1502S–1505S.

Lyons, G. H., J. C. R. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2003. High-selenium wheat: Biofortification for better health. Nutrition Research Reviews 16: 45–60.

Lyons, G., J. Stangoulis, and R. D. Graham. 2003. Nutriprevention of disease with high-selenium wheat. Journal of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine 22 (3): 3–9.

PLANT BREEDING

Biotechnology and Nutritional Genomics

2006

Books/Chapters

Gallardo, K., C. Lesignor, M. Darmency, J. Burstin, R. Thompson, C. Rochat, J. P. Boutin, H. Kuester, J. Buitink, O. Leprince, A. Limami, M. A. Grusak. 2006. Seed biology of Medicago truncatula. In The Medicago truncatula Handbook. <http://www.noble.org/MedicagoHandbook>.

Vasconcelos, M., and M. A. Grusak. 2006. Status and future developments involving plant iron in animal and human nutrition. In Iron Nutrition in Plants and Rhizospheric Microorganisms, L. L. Barton and J, Abadia, eds. New York: Springer-Verlag.

Journal Articles

Auldridge, M. E., A. Block, C. Dabney-Smith, I. Mila, M. Bouzayen, D. DellaPenna, and H. Klee. 2006. Characterization of three members of the Arabidopsis carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase family demonstrates the divergent roles of this multifunctional enzyme family. Plant Journal 45: 982–993.

DellaPenna, D., and B. J. Pogson. 2006. Vitamin synthesis in plants: Tocopherols and carotenoids. Annual Review of Plant Biology 57: 711–738.

Foyer, C. H., D. DellaPenna, and D. van der Straeten. 2006. A new era in plant metabolism research reveals a bright future for bio-fortification and human nutrition. Physiologia Plantarum 126(3): 289–290.

Scherzinger et al. 2006. Retinal is formed from apo-carotenoids in Nostoc sp. PCC7120: In vitro characterization of an apo-carotenoid oxygenase. Biochemical Journal 398: 361–369.

Proceedings

Kim, J., and D. Della Penna. 2006. Defining the primary route of luteim synthesis in plants: The role of Arabidopsis carotenoid beta-ring hydroxylase CYP97A3. In Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences.

2005

Books/Chapters

Grusak, M. 2005. Legumes: Types and nutritional value. In Encyclopedia of human nutrition, 2nd Ed. L. Allen and A. Prentice, eds. New York: Elsevier.

Grusak, M., and C. Cakmak. 2005. Methods to improve the crop-delivery of minerals to humans and livestock. In Plant nutritional genomics, M.R.. Broadley and P.J.. White, eds. Oxford: Blackwell.

Journal Articles

Grusak, M. 2005. Golden rice gets a boost from maize. Nature Biotechnology. 23: 429–430.

Grusak, M. 2005. Plant foods as sources of pro-vitamin A: Application of a stable isotope approach to determine vitamin A activity. Trees for Life Journal 1: 4.

Kloer, et al. 2005. The structure of a retinal-forming carotenoid oxygenase. Science 308: 267–269.

Lopéz-Millán, A. F., D. R. Ellis, and M. R. Grusak. 2005. Effect of zinc and manganese supply on the activities of super oxide dismutase and carbonic anhydrase in Medicago truncatula wild type and raz mutant plants. Plant Science 168: 1015–1022.

Ruch, et al. 2005. Retinal Biosynthesis in Eubacteria: In vitro characterization of a novel\oxygenase from Synechocystis sp PCC 6803. Journal of Molecular Microbiology 55: 1015–1024.

Wang, H. L., and M. A. Grusak. 2005. Ultrastructure of developing pod wall and seed coat tissues in Medicago truncatula. Annals of Botany 95: 737–747.

2004

Journal Articles

Grusak, M., L. Moffet, and N. F. Weeden. 2004. Map position of the FRO1 locus in Pisum sativum, Pisum. Genetics 36: 6–8.

Lopéz-Millán, A. F., D. R. Ellis, and M. R. Grusak. 2004. Identification and characterization of several new members of the ZIP family of metal ion transporters in Medicago truncatula. Journal of Plant Molecular Biology 54: 583–596.

Tian, L., and D. DellaPenna. 2004. Progress in understanding the origin and functions of carotenoid hydroxylases in plants. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 430: 22–29.

Tian, L., D. DellaPenna, and J. Zeevaart. 2004. Effect of hydroxylated carotenoid deficiency on ABA accumulation in Arabidopsis. Physiologia Plantarum 122 (3): 314–320.

Vasconcelos, M., D. Li, and M. Grusak. 2004. Functional analysis of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) transformed with an Arabidopsis thaliana ferric reductase AtFRO2. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 50: 1151–1157.

Proceedings

Grusak, M.A., C.L. Burgett,. S.J. Knewtson,A. Lopéz-Millán, D. R. Ellis, C. J. Li, V. Musetti, and #. Blair. 2004. Novel approaches to improve legume seed mineral nutrition. In Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Grain Legumes and the 2nd International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics, Dijon, France, June 7–11.

Tian, L., V. Musetti, J. Kim, M. Magallanes-Lundback, D. DellaPenna. 2004. The Arabidopsis LUT1 locus encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 family that is required for carotenoid e-ring hydroxylation activity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences.

Crop Publications Wheat

2006

Morgounov, A. I., H. F. Gomez-Becerra, and A. I. Abugalieva. 2006. Iron and zinc concentration in grain of spring bread wheat from Kazakhstan and Siberia. Agromeridian 1 (2): 5–16.

Morgounov, A., H. F. Gómez-Becerra, A. Abugalieva, M. Djunusova, M. Yessimbekova, H. Muminjanov, Y. Zelenskiy, L. Ozturk, and I. Cakmak. 2006. Iron and zinc grain density in common wheat grown in Central Asia. Euphytica 155(1-2) 193-203

Ozturk, L., M. A. Yazici, C. Yucel, A. Torun, C. Cekic, A. Bagci, H. Ozkan, H.J. Braun, Z. Sayers, and C. Cakmak. 2006. Concentration and localization of zinc during seed development and germination in wheat. Physiologia Plantarum 128: 144–152.

Warburton, M. L., J. Crossa, J. Franco, M. Kazi, R. Trethowan, S. Rajaram, W. Pfeiffer, P. Zhang, S. Dreisigacker and M. van Ginkel. 2006. Bringing wild relatives back into the family: Recovering genetic diversity in CIMMYT. Euphytica 149: 289–301.

2005

Books/Chapter

Mergoum, M., W. H. Pfeiffer, R. J. Peña, K. Ammar, and S. Rajaram. 2005. Triticale crop improvement: The CIMMYT program. In Triticale improvement and production. M. Mergoum and

H. Gómez-Macpherson, eds. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Plant Production and Protection Paper No. 179. Rome.

Pfeiffer, W. H., R. M. Trethowan, M. van Ginkel, J. I. Ortiz-Monasterio, and S. Rajaram. 2005. Breeding for stress tolerance in wheat. Chapter 12 in Stresses: Plant resistance through breeding and molecular approaches, M. Ashraf and P. J. C. Harris, eds. New York: Haworth Press.

Maize

2006

Proceedings

Lozano-Alejo, N., G. Vazquez-Carrillo, K. Pixley, N. Palacios-Rojas. 2006. file in yellow landraces and high quality protein maize: Effect of nixtamalization process and maize snack preparation. In Proceedings of the 4th international conference on Pigments in food, Stuttgart, Germany, October 9–12, 2006.

2005

Other

Pixley, K., et al. 2005. Opportunities and strategies for biofortified maize: Abstract. Presented at the 9th Asian Regional Maize Workshop, Beijing, September 5–9, 2005. Golden Rice

2006

Journal Articles

Al-Babili et al. 2006. Exploring the potential of CrtI to increase the β-carotene content in golden rice. Journal of Experimental Botany 57: 1007–1014.

Kloer et al. 2006. Structure and reaction geometry of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase from sinapis alba. Biochemistry 51: 15197–15204.

Scherzinger et al. 2006. Retinal is formed from apo-carotenoids in Nostoc sp. PCC7120: In vitro characterization of an apo-carotenoid oxygenase Biochemical Journal 398: 361–369.

2005

Journal Articles

Al-Babili, S., and P. Beyer. 2005. Golden rice: Five years on the road; Five years to go? Trends in Plant Science 10: 565–573.

Kloer, D.P.., S.. Ruch, S. Al-Babili, P. Beyer, and G.E. Schulz. 2005. The Structure of a retinal-forming carotenoid oxygenase. Science 308: 267–269.

Schaub P., S. al-Babili,R.Drake, P. Beyer 2005. Why is golden rice golden (yellow) instead of red? Journal of Plant Physiology 138: 441–450.

Schaub, P., S. Al-Babili, R. Drake, and P. Beyer. 2005. Retinal biosynthesis in eubacteria: In vitro characterization of a novel oxygenase from Synechocystis sp PCC 6803. Molecular Microbiology 55(4): 1015-24.

Sweetpotato

2005

Proceedings

Kapinga, R., R. O. M. Mwanga, S. Tumwegamire, B. Lemaga, P. Byaruhanga, J. Nsumba and I. Ssekito. 2005. Breeding for impact: On-farm evaluation of sweetpotato varieties for

commercialization in Uganda. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Mburu, M. W. K., R. W. Njeru, E. G. Karuri, J. K. Kitonyi, J. N. Gachara, and R. E. Kapinga. 2005. Performance evaluation of orange-fleshed sweetpotato in Central Kenya. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.Ndirigue, J., S. Muyango, R. Kapinga, and S. Tumwegamire. 2005. Participatory on-farm selection of sweetpotato varieties in some provinces of Rwanda. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Mwanga, R., B. Odongo, C. Niringiye, R. Kapinga, S. Tumwegamire, E. P. E. Adidin, E. E. Carey, B. Lemaga, J. Nsumba, and D. Zhang. 2005. Major lessons learnt after a decade of sustained support to the Uganda breeding program. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Nungo, R. A., S. Gichuki, P. J. Ndolo, R. Kapinga, P. Agunda, and P. Ochieng. 2005. Value adding to sweetpotato and linking farmers to markets. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Njeru, R. W., R. Kapinga, M. Potts, S. Agili, T. Munga, and R. Muinga. 2005. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato for enhanced food and nutritional security in Coastal Kenya. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Okiror, S. P., T. L. Odong, R. E. Kapinga, S. Tumwegamire, and E. Adipala. 2005. On farm evaluation of orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in southwestern Uganda. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Teshome, A., T. Assefa, B. Lemaga, R. Kapinga, A. Girma, A. Cherinet, D. Tsegaye, D. Yared, T. Tesfaye, and T. Engida. 2005. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato for alleviating vitamin A deficiency and food insecurity in Ethiopia. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Crop Science Society Conference, Entebbe, December 5–9, 2005.

Cassava

2006

Journal Articles

Ceballos, H., T. Sánchez, A. L. Chávez, C. Iglesias, D. Debouck, G. Mafla, and J. Tohme. 2006. Variation in crude protein content in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 19: 589–593.

Ceballos, H., M. Fregene, Z. Lentini, T. Sánchez, Y. I. Puentes, J. C. Pérez, A. Rosero, and A. P. Tocino. 2006. Development and identification of high-value cassava clones. Acta Horticulturae 703: 63–70.

Posada, C. A., A. Lopez-G., and H. Ceballos. 2006. Influencia de harinas de yuca y de batata sobre pigmentación, contenido de carotenoides en la yema y desempeño productivo de aves en postura. Acta Agronómica 55 (3): 47–54.

2005

Journal Articles

Chávez, A. L., T. Sánchez, G. Jaramillo, J. M. JBedoya, J. Echeverri, E. A. Bolaños, H. Ceballos, and C. A. Iglesias. 2005. Variation of quality traits in cassava roots evaluated in landraces and improved clones. Euphytica 143: 125–133. 2004

Journal Articles

Ceballos, H., C. A. Iglesias, J. C. Pérez, and A. G. O. Dixon. 2004. Cassava breeding:

Opportunities and challenges. Plant Molecular Biology 56: 503–515. Sorghum

2006

Journal Article

Parthasarathy, R., P. S. Birthal, B. V. S. Reddy, K. N. Rai, and S. Ramesh. 2006. Diagnostics of Sorghum and Pearl millet grains-based Nutrition in India. International Sorghum and Millet Newsletter 47: 93–96. 2005

Journal Article

Reddy, B. V. S., S. Ramesh, and T. Longvah. 2005. Prospects of breeding for micronutrients and ß-carotene-dense sorghums. International Sorghum and Millet Newsletter 46: 10–14. Pearl Millet

2006

Journal Article

Velu, G., V. N. Kulkarni, V. Muralidharan, K. N. Rai, T. Longvah, K. L. Sahrawat, and T. S. Raveendran. 2006. A rapid screening method for grain iron content in pearl millet International Sorghum and Millet Newsletter 47: 158–161. Musa

2006

Journal Articles

Davey, M. W., J. Keulemans, and R. Swennen. 2006. Methods for the efficient quantification of fruit provitamin A contents. Journal of Chromatography A. 1136(2): 176–184.

Lusty, C. 2006. On the fast track to more nutritious bananas. MusAfrica 17: 2–3.

IMPACT 2006

Other

Stein, A. J., M. Qaim, J. V. Meenakshi, P. Nestel, H .P. S. Sachdev, and Z. Bhutta. 2006. Potential impacts of iron biofortification in India. Discussion Paper No. 04/2006. Hohenheim, Germany: University of Hohenheim. COUNTRY AND REGIONAL PROGRAMS Brazil

2006

Proceedings/Abstracts

Boges, P. S., J. L. V. Carvalho, M. R. Nutti, L. C. Melo, M. J. del Peloso, and P. Z. Bassinello. 2006. Busca de Fontes Para Altos Níveis de Ferro e Zinco em Feijão [Source prospecting for high levels of iron and zinc in common beans]. Book of abstracts from the 20th Brazilian Congress of Food Science and Technology, Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil, October, 8–11, 2006.

Correia, M., L. M. J. Carvalho, J. L. V. Carvalho, M. R. Nutti, E. Simas, and S. C. Freitas. 2006. Estudo dos teores de ferro e zinco em sete variedades de feijão comum (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) cru. Book of abstracts from the 20th Brazilian Congress of Food Science and Technology, Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil, October 8–11, 2006.

Correia, M., L. M. Jaeger, J. L. Viana, M. R. Nutti, M. J. Pelloso, R. D. Modesta, and A. Hohn. 2006. Determination of the cooking time of seven varieties of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.): A preliminary study. Book of abstracts from the 13th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Nantes, France, September 17–21, 2006.

Fukuda et al. 2006. Screening of cassava landraces to high carotenoid contents in their roots. Proceeding of the Ist International meeting on Cassava Breeding, “Biotechnology and Ecology,” November 11–15, 2006. (in press)

Guimarães, P. E. O., P. E. A. Ribeiro, R. E. Shaffert, M. R. Sena, L. P. Costa, M. C. D. Paes, V. M. C. Alves, A. M. Coelho, M. R. Nutti, J. L. V. Viana, A. R. A. Nogueira, and G. B. Souza. 2006. Correlação entre Minerais em Grãos de Linhagens de Milho de Endosperma Normal e de Alta Qualidade Protéica. Abstract. CD–ROM of the 26th National Congress on Maize and Sorghum. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. August, 2006.

Nascimento, P., M. Kimura, and N. S. Fernandes. 2006. Beta-carotene retention of boiled and fried sweetpotato and cassava. Book of abstracts from the 13th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Nantes, France, September 17–21, 2006.

Nascimento, P., N. S. Fernandes, M. A. Mauro, and M. Kimura. 2006. Effect of drying on the beta-carotene content of cassava and sweet potato. Book of abstracts from the 6th Brazilian meeting on Chemistry of Food and Beverage, November, 2006.

Nutti, M. R., J. L. V. Carvalho, and E. Watanabe. 2006. A biofortificação como ferramenta para combate a deficiências em micronutrientes. In. Geologia Médica no Brasil. Efeito dos Materiais e Fatores Geológicos na Saúde Humana e Meio Ambiente, C. R. Silva, B. R. Figueiredo, E. M. Capitani, F. G. Cunha, eds. Rio de Janeiro: CPRM – Serviço Geológico do Brasil.

Nutti, M. R., J. L. V. Carvalho, and E. Watanabe. 2006. O desafio em biofortificação no Brasil. Abstract in CD–ROM from the 14th Latin American Congress on Nutrition, Florianópolis, Brazil. November, 2006.

Nutti, M. R., E. Watanabe, J. L. V. Carvalho, and H. Bouis. 2006. The HarvestPlus Challenge Program on biofortification in Brazil. BioViosion Alexandria II. (in press)

Oliveira, A. R. G., L. M. Jaeger, J. L. Viana, M. R. Nutti, W. Fukuda, and E. Watanabe. Total carotenoids and β-carotene content in sweet and bitter yellow cassava (Manihot esculenta. Crantz) varieties: A preliminary study. Book of abstracts from the 13th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Nantes, France, September 17–21, 2006.

Pereira et al. 2006. Increased root carotenoid content of cassava hybrids. Proceeding of the Ist International Meeting on Cassava Breeding, “Biotechnology and Ecology, November 11–15, 2006. (in press)

Pereira et al. 2006. Iron and zinc contents of cassava roots. Proceeding of the Ist International Meeting on Cassava Breeding, “Biotechnology and Ecology, November 11–15, 2006. (in press)

Ribeiro, P. E. A., P. E. O. Guimarães, R. E. Shaffert, M. R. Sena, L. P. Costa, P. Z. Bassinello, A. R. A. Nogueira, and G. B. Souza. 2006. Determinação de minerais em grãos de milho: Avaliação de contaminações durante o preparo de amostras. Abstract. CD–ROM of the 26th National Congress on Maize and Sorghum. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. August,2006.

Other

Fukuda et al. 2006. Seleção de variedades de mandioca para teores de carotenoides nas raízes Circular Técnica. Embrapa Mandicoa e Fruticultura Nº 80, 4p.

Fukuda et al. 2006. Seleção participativa de variedades de mandioca para mesa na Chapada do Araripe. Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura Tropical documento. Nº 160, 19p.

Appendix 4 Research Involving Genetic Transformation and

Biotechnology

HarvestPlus conducts socially and environmentally responsible research aimed at reducing micronutrient malnutrition in the developing world. Our scientists contribute to these goals by making use of plant genetic diversity to develop more nutritious staple foods that meet the nutritional needs of the poor in those regions. HarvestPlus’ guiding principles on the use of genetic transformation technology conform to the ethical standards set out by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and its sister organizations engaged in scientific research programs.

Genetic transformation, often referred to as Biotechnology, has an important role in identifying nutritional traits and increasing the effectiveness of HarvestPlus research. HarvestPlus, therefore, engages in exploratory research to develop this technology and exploit its benefit for reducing hunger in partnership with national research programs and biosafety authorities.

For research involving biotechnology:

• Preference is given to the gene pools of cultivated species and their wild or weedy relatives.

• When conventional crossing methods show little promise, genetic transformation technology is tested for its ability to safely improve traits relevant to HarvestPlus’ goals.

• Genes of animal or human origin are not normally used. • The risks of transgenic plants developed are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Biosafety research is conducted with active input from national partners to determine the potential environmental effects of genetic transformation technologies.

• Preference is given to using non-antibiotic resistance markers. • Precision engineering is used to introduce only the gene or genes of interest into the final

product. • Host country legislation and national Biosafety Protocols governing genetic

transformation research are adhered to. • Genetically transformed plants are distributed only to countries where national biosafety

legislation exists. • Research and training materials on biosafety issues are developed for national and

regional institutions. • Discussions on biosafety issues are held regularly with national and regional institutions,

civil society organizations, and the media.

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