marker-assisted selection in wheat - ictsd

368Marker-assisted selection – Current status and future perspectives in crops, livestock, forestry and fishapplication to breeding programmes. Also,there are very few prospective studies indicatingfuture trends in the application ofthis technology. The FAO BiotechnologyForum hosted an e-mail conference on“Molecular marker-assisted selection asa potential tool for genetic improvementof crops, forest trees, livestock and fishin developing countries”. This provideda comprehensive overview of the perceptionsof scientists from different parts ofthe world about key aspects of the applicationof MAS to genetic improvementin developing countries (www.fao.org/biotech/logs/c10logs.htm).As described in Chapter 21, this FAOconference was very inclusive, with a totalof 627 people subscribing. Eight percent ofthese (52 people) submitted 85 messages,which were received from all major regionsof the world, including Asia (33 percent),Europe (26 percent), Latin America and theCaribbean (14 percent), Africa (9 percent)Oceania (9 percent) and North America(8 percent). People from 26 different countriesparticipated, with a total of 50 messages(59 percent) from developing countries and35 messages (41 percent) from developedcountries. Institutional representation wasalso ample, including national research institutes,centres belonging to the ConsultativeGroup on International AgriculturalResearch (CGIAR), universities, consultants,farmer organizations, governmentagencies, non-governmental organizations(NGOs), etc. Although only 52 people outof 627 subscribers participated directly inthe conference, the number is significantconsidering the broad representation, thehigh level of the (moderated) discussionsand the number of relevant issues discussed(www.fao.org/biotech/logs/c10logs.htm).To prepare this chapter, a detailed reviewwas carried out of the conference results inan attempt to capture the main perceptionsand concerns related to access to and utilizationof MAS in developing countries.This analysis revealed a variety of ideas andcreative suggestions to overcome the problemsof MAS utilization. Although thereis a risk of narrowing views on importantissues discussed during the conference, fourmajor perceptions were clear from the richcontent of the discussions:Perception 1. There is a need for developmentof priority-setting mechanisms andcost benefit analysis to guide informeddecisions on how best to apply MAS andother technological innovations to crop andlivestock breeding in developing countries.Perception 2. MAS has to be understoodas part of a complex process.Complementarities, mix of technologies,integration of capabilities and networkingmust always be viewed as key ingredientsfor its correct application in breedingprogrammes.Perception 3. There is a need for an objectivedefinition of public-private functionsand responsibilities in relation to fundingand development of technological innovationin developing countries. Public-privateand north-south partnerships are essentialto accelerate progress and effectiveapplication of MAS and other innovationsto breeding programmes in developingcountries.Perception 4. Developing countries mustfocus on capacity building and humanresource development oriented to shapeeffective strategies of technologicalinnovation.In the following sections, possible strategiesand alternatives to deal with thechallenges and opportunities indicatedabove are outlined, including the need