PSP RESEARCH OVERVIEW - CROP TRANSFORMATION

There has been much recent controversy about genetically modified crops. The PSP's approach is that genetic modification of crops, when employed within the framework of biosafety regulations, can offer considerable benefits to the environment and to the livelihoods of the poor in developing countries. PSP supports public-sector research for the benefit of resource-poor farmers in developing countries and is non-profit making.

In developing countries, the application of chemicals to crops pose significant health risks as farmers seldom use any form of protection when spraying (see right).

Transgenic technology can greatly reduce the requirement for chemical control of pests and diseases. For example, Bt cotton in India has reduced pesticide application by more than 70% .

PSP projects have been selected with minimal risk to the environment, that have large potential environmental benefits, and solve constraints important to the livelihoods of resource farmers. Examples of PSP funded projects that illustrate how biotechnology can help not only developing countries but also benefit human health and the environment are:

•    The control of nematode pests in bananas, rice and potatoes,
•    Genetically engineered resistance to rice yellow mottle virus,
•    'Clean-gene' transformation for rice.

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