Cassava is a critical food source, providing the majority of dietary starch for many people, especially in developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America. Unfortunately, this food source is now significantly threatened in East Africa by Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD).
In a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Evolutionary Genomics used our Adapted Traits Platform to identify candidate genes in cassava that may confer resistance to brown streak disease. We are currently working with our partners in Kenya to further define these candidate genes for validation and looking at additional varieties thought to display resistance to brown streak disease.
EG has agreed to donate all intellectual property, including genes, discovered in this project and to partner with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve the broadest and most expedition dissemination of results to the small farmers of Africa and Asia.