4.1. Research Units
4.2. Scientific Resource Groups (SRG)
4.3. Research Services
4.1.1. Genetic Resources Unit
4.1.2. Biotechnology Research Unit
4.1.3. Virology Research Unit
4.1.1.1. Role and Objectives
4.1.1.2. Achievements
4.1.1.3. Overview and Assessment
The GRU is to collect, conserve, evaluate and distribute germplasm resources
of Phaseolus beans, cassava and tropical forages. This is a labour-intensive
long-term activity involving many research fields. The GRU has two main tasks:
germplasm management and the provision of services. It has three main clients:
1. CIAT scientists for germplasm development; 2. NARS for national genetic resources
programmes, acquisition of germplasm, and both ex situ and in situ
conservation; 3. IPGRI for expeditions, strengthening national programmes and
conservation technology.
In the last five-year period, the GRU started a laboratory for Seed Health and one for Electrophoresis. This resulted in an initial increase of personnel followed by a decrease due to financial reductions. The GRU opened new gene bank facilities (1991), implemented the database on ORACLE software and appointed three curators for the management of beans, cassava and tropical forage collections. The head of the unit moved to IPGRI and had not been replaced at the time of the Review.
Phaseolus beans
Highlights were the new quarantine house in Bogota, the new high altitude location for high quality seeds, and the assembly of one core collection based on P. vulgaris and one on wild species. The GRU added 2,225 new accessions resulting in a total of 27,434 accessions and distributed 16,120 accessions to 42 countries. Problems are the lack of germination facilities, and of routine techniques for identification of duplicates.
Tropical forages
Important achievements were: reorganization of the reference herbarium, taxonomic studies on Brachiaria and Galactia, and biochemical characterization of Stylosanthes, Centrosema and Arachis. This collection contains 21,000 accessions consisting of 150 genera and 700 species with 90% legumes and 10% grasses. The GRU distributed 16,735 accessions to more than 30 countries. Problems are insufficient knowledge of seed physiology, and lack of a cool room for temporary storage.
Cassava
The world cassava collection was increased by 1,147 accessions during the period to reach a total of 5,491. It is maintained in the in vitro bank and in the field. Long-term cryopreservation is being developed (BRU) as are implemented routine techniques for duplicate screening. Isozyme profiles and parameters representing different ecosystems (GIS) are the base of the new core collection (1991). The GRU has indexed a total of 1126 accessions for the main cassava viruses and distributed 1,648 accessions to 34 countries.
In the last five years the GRU trained 33 professionals from 17 countries in germplasm management and carried out two courses.
Future aspects
The Biological Diversity Convention (1992) is stimulating the CGIAR Centres
and the GRU to play a leading role at world level for bioconservation. The Unit
envisages a broader conservation strategy for the genetic resources of the three
commodities and technology transfer to the region.
In the management of genetic resources many important developments in biotechnology, as well as global concerns about biodiversity, are influencing the functioning of this Genetic Resources Unit and the position of CIAT in this field. This indicates the urgent need of a high level unit manager. Fortunately some of the necessary technical research components, such as the application of marker technology, are being covered by the BRU. Research on the methodology of preserving the viability of stored seeds needs more attention. There is still a lack of a duplicate collection as recommended in the 1989 EPR, and there are no quarantine procedures to permit a two-way intercontinental exchange of cassava.
The Panel puts forward the following recommendation:
5. A new head of the GRU should be appointed as soon as possible. Experience is needed in strategic thinking on genetic resources, as well as in marker technology and the computing aspects of population genetics/dynamics.
A person with these qualifications could also fill important gaps in the BRU and the Biometry Unit.
4.1.2.1. Role and Objectives
4.1.2.2. Achievements
4.1.2.3. Overview and Assessment
The BRU resulted from a recommendation of the second CIAT External Programme
Review, 1984. It integrates the application of modem biotechnological methods
with existing methods in the programmes. The BRU has a bridging role with CIAT's
programmes, unit scientists and the NARS, who are the major clients. The BRU
works with all four commodities.
Genetic diversity: In beans, studies with biochemical/molecular markers showed gene flow between wild forms and (primitive) cultivars. Using the markers together with GIS data, a core collection is being characterized. In cassava, BRU made a significant first step for a linkage map. In Brachiaria, the unit developed markers with linkage to the apomixis gene up to 10cM enabling indirect selection in segregating populations. Purdue University provided a repeated DNA probe from the rice blast fungus Pyricularia grisea. Fingerprinting using this probe assigns large number of virulent pathotypes into related 'families'. The BRU has developed markers to enable PCR mediated screening for several resistance genes to rice blast.
Plant product-microbe interactions: In sour cassava starch, Lactobacillus plantarum isolates are responsible for fermentation. PCR-based techniques permitted detection of the best strains.
Gene transfer: Embryo rescue enabled interspecific crosses between Phaseolus vulgaris and P. acutifolius to transfer biotic and abiotic stress resistances. Electrophoretic techniques were helpful in monitoring backcrosses. The BRU developed transformation of rice by biolistics using zygotic embryos and panicles. Transformation of Stylosanthes guianensis by Agrobacterium tumefaciens has already succeeded while that of cassava needs confirmation. There are some genes available for the improvement of resistance or quality traits.
Biosafety: CIAT has an Institutional Biosafety Committee, including a representative of the Colombian Government, which oversees all recombinant DNA research under Board-approved Biosafety Guidelines. CIAT contributes technical input to the development of National Biosafety Guidelines by the Colombian Government. CIAT's policy is to abide strictly to Colombian National Biosafety Guidelines.
Technology transfer: The BRU transferred several in vitro (anther culture, preservation) and molecular marker techniques (isozymes, storage proteins, RFLP, and RAPDs) to the users.
Training played a leading role in the past period.
Relationships: BRU formalized collaboration with 12 laboratories in the developed world. There is one Network in cassava (Cassava Biotechnology Network; CBN) and one in Phaseolus bean (Beans Advanced Biotechnology Research Network; BARN). They are platforms for contacts and initiation of projects between developed and developing countries. Four conferences were organized under the auspices of the CBN and BARN.
Future aspects
Integration of biotechnology tools and GIS will allow improved analysis of
agrobiodiversity for better conservation. Fine mapping of the apomixis gene
and QTL mapping of important quantitative traits for indirect selection are
important to provide yield improvement breakthrough. Training programmes for
LAC scientists will continue to strengthen the capacity of the NARS.
In the fields of marker technology and transformation, the BRU has made excellent progress. As a result CIAT has positioned itself prominently in this field, and is able both to exploit the new possibilities of biotechnology in its own research and to develop priorities. It is clear that the development of marker technology is crucial for research on genetic resources and agrobiodiversity, and for the transformation of germplasm. Deficiencies in the necessary theoretical background for the conversion of the collected marker data and the development of new strategies is a limitation. Priority setting in the BRU strikes an appropriate balance between marker technology, transformation and gene cloning. The development of cryopreservation deserves more attention in order to rationalise the conservation of cassava. In the view of the Panel the excellent training in biotechnology needs to stay a top priority.
CIAT has developed several transgenic plants. The Panel puts forward the following recommendations:
6. The Panel recommends that CIAT establish more biosafety greenhouse compartments for contained experiments, in line with its own biosafety guidelines.7. The Panel recommends that CIAT should only undertake field trials with transgenic materials after obtaining approval from the government concerned.
4.1.3.1. Role and Objectives
4.1.3.2. Achievements
4.1.3.3. Future Strategy
4.1.3.4. Overview and Assessment
The principal objective of CIAT's Virology Research Unit (VRU), established in 1988, is identifying and controlling viruses that affect the productivity and use of the genetic resources of cassava, beans, rice and tropical forages. Specifically it will develop integrated control measures minimizing pesticide abuse in the control of arthropod vectors of viruses and will continue to play a major role in germplasm introduction and distribution by providing efficient phytosanitary service. It will diagnose and characterize viruses, incorporate virus resistance through genetic transformation of susceptible lines, and assist NARS to identify viruses of CIAT's mandate crops.
In executing its programme the VRU collaborates with the NARS, CIAT's commodity
programmes, the BRU and GRU of CIAT, other IARCs, regional research centres,
and advanced laboratories in the USA and Europe.
The VRU, staffed by two core-funded virologists, has an impeccable record of achievements. It has some of the best continuously updated virus research facilities in the developing countries.
Phaseolus beans. The Unit collaborated with the Bean Programme to incorporate resistance to BCMV into more than 90% of improved lines and to develop genotypes resistant to whitefly-transmitted germiniviruses. It identified, controlled, and monitored bean viruses of LAC, Asia and Africa, thereby contributing to sustainable bean production.
Cassava. The VRU's work on cassava viruses has established that two disorders (frog-skin and Caribbean mosaic) are caused by the same virus and has developed diagnostic methods for its detection. The VRU has also developed sensitive techniques for detecting cassava viruses in tropical America, and for African and Indian cassava mosaic viruses, thereby facilitating exchange of cassava germplasm. It has identified major cassava viruses in the Americas and developed effective controls for CCMV and FSV.
Rice. With regard to rice viruses, the VRU has identified and characterized the RHBV which has assisted the selection of rice varieties resistant to the virus and its vector.
Forages. The Unit has also detected more than 25 viruses in tropical
forages legumes and grasses and developed diagnostic methods for viruses of
Arachis pintoi, Centrosema spp., Stylosanthes spp. and Brachiaria
spp.
In the medium term, the VRU intends to intensify its work on the characterization
and control of viruses affecting CIAT's mandate crops. Specifically, it will
participate in diversifying resistance to RHBV, characterize bean cucumoviruses
and screen the cassava core collection and wild relatives for resistance to
FSV. It will participate in the diagnosis, characterization and epidemiology
of CVMV with a view to its integrated control. It will also participate in worldwide
deployment of ACMV resistance and in the development of simple techniques for
forecasting the incidence of BGMV in affected regions of LAC.
CIAT's VRU is well equipped. Its contributions to CIAT's commodity improvement efforts and to the world's scientific community have been catalyzed by effective collaboration with CIAT's commodity programmes and advanced laboratories in developed countries. The Panel applauds these contributions.
Implementation of the Unit's MTP is threatened by the recent 30-40% cut in core-funding, although its adverse effects are somewhat ameliorated by special project funding. The Panel urges that efforts be continued to assure the VRU of sufficient, reliable funding and scientific support staff. The Panel notes that the VRU's work on monoclonal antibodies and other molecular techniques has attained such a high level of competence and dependability that the Unit is now empowered to "definitively identify all whitefly-transmitted viruses". Given the CG systemwide utility of this technology, the Panel suggests that CIAT should seek funding of this component of the Unit's work through the new systemwide IPM network.
Although the VRU has recently initiated some epidemiological studies on viruses of cassava (CFSV and CVMV) and beans (BGMV), there is much to be done in this area. The Panel puts forward the following recommendation:
8. The Panel recommends that the VRU, in collaboration with relevant entomologists, devote greater attention to the epidemiology of major virus diseases of CIAT's mandate crops, as a prerequisite to integrated control of both viruses and their vectors.
4.2.1. Role and Objectives
4.2.2. Current Status
4.2.3. Overview and Assessment
As described elsewhere in this report, the last five years have seen major reductions in CIAT's commodity programmes due to funding constraints combined with an expansion of CIAT's research in natural resources management. This appeared to bring about problems of critical mass in several project areas where continual innovation is necessary. The Scientific Resource Groups (SRGs) were intended to provide a partial solution. An SRG was designed to be a cluster of scientific competences, whose function was to ensure continuity, creativity and quality in CIAT's science.
These clusters are grouped around research units/expertise groups. They are to strengthen CIAT's internal cohesion and further the Centre's ability to develop joint initiatives for funding. They are to stimulate innovation to maintain high-calibre science and to assist in strategic planning. The SRGs also are expected to assist in stimulating external collaboration. The system allows the creation of new SRGs depending on circumstances and need.
The SRG approach was implemented in 1994 but is still finding its feet. Five SRGs have been formed; Genetic Diversity, Germplasm Development, Disease and Pest Management, Productions Systems and Soil Management, and Land Management. The CIAT research units (Genetic Resources, Biotechnology and Virology) and two expertise groups on Soil Research and Geographic Information Systems are associated with one or other of the SRGs. The composition of each SRG is based on the input of different disciplines from the programmes and the units/expertise groups. Each SRG has an appointed leader. The process of formulating interprogramme projects and systemwide initiatives has begun, with a view to obtaining external funds. In the pipeline are 24 projects, which have been sent to potential donors. These projects will be implemented within programmes or units, under a project leader. The Production Systems and Soils Management SRG has suggested the direction to be taken for a proposed Soil Research Unit (the Panel's recommendation in Chapter 3.5 is relevant). Within some SRGs with a high number of participants, subgroups have been formed around subclusters of scientific competence.
SRGs were intended to promote CIAT's internal cohesion and its extension of research into new areas. However, their introduction came in a top-down manner during the funding crisis, when there was great uncertainty about the implications of cutbacks on programmes, units and individuals. Because of a lack of clarity regarding their functions within the institute, the result was confusion and a failure to promote internal cohesion. They were widely perceived as primarily a new way of fund raising, while some staff felt there was a danger that they would replace programmes sooner or later.
The Panel supports the idea of creating discussion platforms to increase internal cohesion and interprogramme activities, and to overcome problems of critical mass in important research fields. However, this must not affect the mission and the programme of the Institute. Nor must the pressure for fund raising affect long-standing relationships with partners in the developed and developing worlds. The Panel has the impression that the functioning of the SRGs is gradually developing in a good direction, i.e. working groups formulating ideas in important research areas, thus strengthening the programmes. The role of the SRGs is addressed further in Chapter 7.2.
4.3.1.1. Role and Evolution
4.3.1.2. Achievements
4.3.1.3. Future Strategy
4.3.1.4. Overview and Assessment
The Biometry Unit is a research support unit serving all programmes and research units through advice, joint research and training in applied statistics and mathematics. This unit was created in 1993 from part of the former Data Services Unit.
Since 1993 Database development is under the responsibility of IMNS reporting
to the DDG for Finances and administration. There is applied research on methodologies.
The Unit's staff have a background in Mathematical Statistics or Mathematics
at Advanced Diploma, M.Sc. and B.Sc. level.
The Unit has continuously collaborated in studies on methodology and research
data analyses in the areas of germplasm development, genetic diversity, integrated
pest management, production systems and agroecosystems. Training in statistical
methods and data analysis has been an important activity over the last five
years involving researchers from CIAT (105), Latin America (60), Asia (24) and
Africa (50). CIAT helped establish the 'Biometrics Network' for Central America,
the Caribbean, Colombia and Venezuela in 1991. The International Biometric Society
supported the first annual meetings. Subsequent meetings will be financed by
external sources.
The Unit foresees new developments due to advances in science, the strong positive
recommendations of the Board of Trustees, and the new CIAT programme activities.
Four additional B.Sc.-level biometricians, paid by the programmes, have been
added to the Unit in January 1995. Visiting, short term consultants invited
by the Biometry Unit, and paid by SRGs will oversee developments in the new
areas of design and analysis of intercropping and agrosilvopastoral systems,
quantitative genetics, population dynamics, and geostatistics. In 1995, an international
symposium will be held at CIAT focusing on statistical methods in environmental
research, molecular biology and epidemiology.
The programmes have benefitted from a Biometry Unit since CIAT's inception. There have been many developments in the scope of CIAT research over the last five years, and new inputs are needed in modern aspects of biometrics and information systems research. CIAT needs a unit with the capacity and ability to handle complex data and to integrate multidisciplinary data into prediction tools such as simulation models and expert systems. Natural Resource Management Programmes need to integrate and analyse complex and often unreplicated data for prediction and extrapolation.
The Panel puts forward the following recommendation:
9. The Panel recommends that CIAT incorporate the Biometry Unit into a broader unit, headed by a senior scientist, to handle scientific data management and decision support systems.
CIAT research depends upon responsible and responsive management of field operations in Colombia. There are four farms - Palmira headquarters (400 ha cultivable for beans, cassava and rice), Quilichao (230 ha for tropical forages, beans, cassava), Popayán (80 ha for beans and cassava) and Sta. Rosa (30 ha for rice). CIAT works jointly with CORPOICA on Tropical Forages and Natural Resources Management at Carimagua field station of 22,000 ha, with about 4,000 ha under experimentation. Some 3,600 head of cattle are run as a commercial operation on the non-experimental part. CIAT has reduced its activity at Carimagua over the last five years, its contribution to support personnel and operating overhead costs. These were partly compensated for by an increased contribution by CORPOICA.
The stations are well run and the history of field operations on the farms has been computerized. As a result of the financial crisis, the area used by programmes at Palmira decreased from 210 ha in 1989 to 91 ha in 1994, and the local support staff from 90 to 37. The reductions in staff were compensated for by increased mechanisation. About 200 ha of the Palmira farm produces commercial crops, partly through contractors, which help offset experiment station research costs. A Farm Operations Committee which included the Field Operations Superintendent and Programme Leaders was disbanded in 1992. The Panel suggests that CIAT reinstate such a committee to provide a broader basis for consensus on its operations. This is particularly important when commercial activities such as the production of soybeans can drastically alter the ecology of insect pests on the farm. The Panel also suggests that Field Station Operations should report to the DDG Research.
