Presentation by Prof Wayne Powell, University of Aberystwyth, UK
Delivered at the B4FA Media Dialogue Workshop, Accra, Ghana - September 2012
http://www.b4fa.org
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B4FA 2012 Ghana: Plants and Agriculture - Wayne Powell
3. Agriculture the most important event
in human history
‘The original biotechnology, fundamental to culture, health,
quality environment & biodiversity.’
4. Agriculture is at the Center of Many of Society’s
Most Important Debates
Exciting time for Agriculture & Plant Breeding
• Global food security
•Enhanced productivity
•Increased yield
•Sustainable production
• Water availability
•Drought-tolerant crops
• Biofuels
•Yield technologies to help meet
demand for both food and fuel
• Global warming
•CO2 footprint
•Fertilizer use
6. Holistic Research
“No matter how excellent the
research done in one scientific
discipline is, its application in
isolation will have little positive
effect on crop production. What
is needed are venturesome
scientists who can work across
disciplines to produce
appropriate technologies and
who have the courage to make
their case with political leaders
to bring these advances to
fruition. ”
Norman E. Borlaug
8. Doubly Green Revolution
• The aim
•repeat the success of the Green
Revolution
•on a global scale to include
Africa!!
•in many diverse localities
• and be
•equitable
•sustainable
•and environmentally friendly
16. Courtesy Tobert Rocheford and
Catherine Bermudez Kandianis
Keith Weller
Doug Wilson
Scott Bauer
Keith Weller
17. •DuPont Food security index
http://foodsecurity.eiu.com
•Father Green revolution: Norman
Borlaug.
•Civilization founded on crops
•Importance of diversity
20. Fundamental role of Diversity &
Selection
Reference: Michael Balter (2007) Seeking Agriculture’s Ancient Roots, Science 316, 1830-1835
ESEB Congress, Uppsala,
Sweden, August 2007
24. Grass crop domestication – increasing
forage quality
(Mean WSC over 5 years data)
Cultivar Mean Water Soluble
Carbohydrate Content
S23 17.1%
AberDart 20.6%
AberAvon 20.6%
AberStar 21.5%
AberMagic 23.7%
25. High sugar ryegrass (Environmental/ Quality Trait)
Economic benefits – live weight gain
Environmental benefits – reduced diffuse pollution
- reduced GHG emissions
26. New traits-new sources genetic diversity
Redirection of metabolic hydrogen
Methods of methane mitigation:
Feed
CH4
CO2
Methanogens
Protozoa
Microbial cells
27. Science has provided the
key to unlocking the
potential of food
Sugar keeps sheep happy, and has
revolutionised food production, says
Steve Jones.
Steve Jones is professor of genetics at University College London
28. Conversion of high sugar
grasses to alcohol based
transport fuel
Image courtesy of Steve Martin, TMO Renewables
Harvest
Primary
Processing
(screw press)
Juice
Fibre
Fermentation
Digestion
Co-Products
Co-Products
Ethanol potential:
~ 5000 litres/Ha/yr
Ethanol potential:
~ 5000 litres/Ha/yr
Alternative
uses
Alternative
uses
Single enzyme
30. Vavilov 1887-1943
•Soviet botanist & geneticist
•Discovered and identified
centres of origin/cultivated
plants
•Criticised the non-
Mendelian concepts of
Lysenko
•Arrested in 1940, died of
malnutrition in prison in
1943.
31. Crop origins and diversification: multiple births
Science 316, 1830-1835
ESEB Congress, Uppsala,
Sweden, August 2007
32. Little overlap between centres of origin & today’s
productive agriculture.
ESEB Congress, Uppsala,
Sweden, August 2007
Nature Vol 418, 700-707
33. Why is this important?
Nature Vol 418, 700-707
34. Drought in Africa between now and 2090
Red, Orange =
More prone to
drought
Blue =
Wetter and less
prone to
drought
Hadley Centre, Met Office, UK
41. • Organisation and importance of Diversity
• Selection is a powerful tool but need to
understand & know what to select for.
• Importance engagement.
– Journalists to articulate and sell stories!
42. Breeding major technology platform for
food, water & energy security
Next steps ?
Proteomics
Genomics
Analytical Technology
Transgenic Traits
Molecular Engineering
Winter Nurseries
Computer Technology
Plot Mechanisation
Quantitative Genetics
Statistics
Pedigree Breeding
Hybridisation
Open Pollinated Selection
GermplasmImprovement
(HigherSustainableYields)
Time
Plant Breeders use any
combination of these technologies
to develop enhanced products for
customers, and continue to
explore technologies to enhance
this process
New Opportunities for Agriculture
44. The Life sciences revolution
Molecular biology
Computer science
Mathematics
Exciting time
Unlocking the genetic potential
of the biosphere
Sustainable food
production
Plant
Breeding
45. May 2000
Life Science Companies
SeedCompanies
Joint Ventures
Cooperatives
Other Companies
GarstGarstSeed Co.Seed Co.
December 1997
20% Equity
ExSeedExSeedGenetics LLCGenetics LLC
AstraZeneca
PLC
United Kingdom
Mogen International NVMogen International NV
The Netherlands
Cooperatie CosunCooperatie CosunUA UA
The Netherlands
InterstateInterstatePayco Payco
August 1996
50% Equity
August 1996
50% Equity
June 1997
$78 M 100% Equity
100%Equity
August 1996
100%Equity
August 1996
100%Equity
Advanta BVAdvanta BV
The Netherlands
RoyalVanderHaveRoyalVanderHaveThe Netherlands
KoipesolKoipesol//AgrosemAgrosem//AgraAgra
Spain ItalyFrance
ZimmermanZimmerman
Hybrids, Inc.Hybrids, Inc.
1998
100%Equity
France
April 1998
100%Equity
November 1998
50% Equity
Land O’ Lakes
November 1998
50% Equity
December 1998
40% Equity
August 1998
100%Equity
July 1999
100%Equity
July 1999
80% Equity
U.S. CooperativeU.S. Cooperative
System:System:CroplanCroplanGenetics, FFR,Genetics, FFR,
GrowMarkGrowMark, etc., etc.
Wilson Seeds, Inc.Wilson Seeds, Inc.
Sturdy Grow Hybrids, Inc.Sturdy Grow Hybrids, Inc.
MaisadourMaisadourSemencesSemencesSASA
Novartis AGNovartis AG
(SyngentaAG)
Switzerland
AgritradingAgritradingItaly
EridaniaEridaniaBeghinBeghin-Say-Say
France
July 1999
20% Equity
SyngentaSyngenta AGAGDiversa Corp.Diversa Corp.
CalgeneCalgene, Inc., Inc.
July 1996
100%Equity
May 1998
$100 M50% Equity
Joint Venture
1982
100%Equity
AgriProAgriProSeedSeed
WheatWheatDivisionDivision
Cargill Hybrid SeedsCargill Hybrid Seeds
North AmericaNorth America
May 1998
$100 M50% Equity
Joint Venture
HybriTechHybriTechEurope SAEurope SA
France
February 1996
90% Equity
February 1996
10% Equity
PauPauEuralisEuralisFrance
CargillCargill, Inc., Inc.
RenessenRenessen
Cargill’sCargill’sInternationalInternational
Seed DivisionSeed Division
Corn States Hybrid Service, Inc.Corn States Hybrid Service, Inc.
Corn States InternationalCorn States InternationalSarlSarl..
AsgrowSeedAsgrowSeed
Company LLCCompany LLC
July 1998
$525 M100%Equity
July 1998
$1.4 B(est)
March 1996
$1.2 B 40% Equity
May 1998
$2.5 B 100%Equity
Total cost $3.7 Billion
November 1996
$240 M100%Equity
January 1997
$1.02 B 100% Equity
November 1997
$150 M100%Equity
April 1996
$30 M 50%Equity
November 1996
$50 M 5% Equity
May 1997
$242 M45% Equity
Total cost $322 Million
April 1996
$150 M100%Equity
November 1997
JV with FT
Sementes
June 1998
DeKalb GeneticsDeKalb Genetics
CorporationCorporation
AgracetusAgracetus, Inc., Inc.
Plant BreedingPlant Breeding
InternationalInternational
Cambridge,Cambridge,LtdLtd..
United Kingdom
First Line Seeds,First Line Seeds,LtdLtd..
Canada
MonsoyMonsoy
Brazil
JacobJacobHartzHartz
Seed Co., Inc.Seed Co., Inc.
1983
100%Equity
Holden’sHolden’s
FoundationFoundation
SeedsSeeds
Monsanto/
Pharmacia
Monsanto/
Pharmacia
Sementes AgroceresSementes AgroceresSASA
Brazil
HybriTechHybriTechSeedSeed
Int’l., Inc.Int’l., Inc.
CustomFarm SeedCustom Farm Seed
July 1997
CereonCereon
Mendel BiotechMendel Biotech
ParadigmGeneticsParadigmGenetics
March 1999
16.4% Equity
UnitedUnitedAgriseedsAgriseeds, Inc., Inc.
Morgan SeedsMorgan Seeds
Argentina
AdvancedAdvancedAgriTraitsAgriTraits
December 1996
$9.4 M18.75%
Equity
March 1999
83.6% Equity
March 1999
$15 M
25% Equity
April 1998
$32 M
100%Equity
September 1996
$34.6 M
100%Equity
February 1996
$72 M
100%Equity
September 1998
100%Equity
October 1998
$322 M100%Equity
MycogenMycogen
CorporationCorporation
Illinois Foundation Seed, Inc.Illinois Foundation Seed, Inc.
Dow
Agrosciences
Dow
Agrosciences
VerneuilVerneuil
Holding SAHolding SA
France
HibridosHibridosColoradoColoradoLtdaLtda
FTFTBiogeneticsBiogeneticsdedeMilho LtdaMilho Ltda
Brazil
DinamilhoDinamilhoCarolCarol
Productos Agricolas LtdaProductos Agricolas Ltda
Brazil
Large Scale Biology (BioSource)Large Scale Biology (BioSource)
DiversaDiversa)
BayerBayerParadigm
Incyte
LION
Exelixis
BASFBASF
Lynx
Lexicon
Incyte
Exelixis
Ag Chem & Seed Industry
December 1999
24% Equity
1993 80% Equity
December 1999
76% Equity
March 1998
50% Equity
March 1998
50% Equity
12% Equity
BiotechnicaBiotechnica
International, Inc./International, Inc./
LG SeedsLG Seeds
Akin Seed Co.Akin Seed Co.
CallahanCallahan SeedsSeeds
October 1993
80% Equity
March 1994
100%Equity
July 1994
85% Equity
June 1994
100%Equity
October 1990
100%Equity
99%
Equity
1997 55% Equity
Aventis CropScienceAventis CropScience
AgrEvoAgrEvo
Aventis SAAventis SA
France
ScheringScheringAGAG
Germany
1997
25% Equity
KWSKWS SaatSaat
Mais AngevinMais Angevin
France
BiogemmaBiogemma
France
RhoBioRhoBioFrance
France
PauPau EuralisEuralis
France
NickersonNickerson
SeedsSeeds
United Kingdom
Great LakesGreat Lakes
Hybrids, Inc.Hybrids, Inc.
Canada
KingKingAgroAgroInc.Inc.
Canada
GroupeGroupe
LimagrainLimagrain
France
ProagroGroupProagroGroup
India
Plant Genetic SystemsPlant Genetic Systems
International (PGS)International (PGS)
February 1999
100%Equity
August 1996
75% Equity- $550M
Germany
Sementes Ribeiral LtdaSementes Ribeiral Ltda..
Sementes Fartura LtdaSementes Fartura Ltda
Mitla Pesquisa Agricola LtdaMitla Pesquisa Agricola Ltda
Brazil
July 1999
100%Equity
Plantec BiotechnologiePlantec Biotechnologie
Germany
1996
95% Equity
15% Equity
Nidera SemillasNidera Semillas
Argentina
Pending
Up to 25% Equity
Agritope/Agrinomics
Diversa
Brazil
DoisDois MarcosMarcos
March 1999
100%Equity
Protein TechnologiesProtein Technologies
InternationalInternational
December 1997
$1.5 B100%Equity
OptimumQualityOptimumQuality
Grains, LLCGrains, LLC
HybrinovaHybrinovaSASA
April 1998
100%Equity
August 1997
50% Equity
E.I. DuPont deE.I. DuPont de
Nemours & Co.Nemours & Co.
Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc.
Pioneer Hi-BredPioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc.International, Inc.
October 1999
100%Equity
August 1997
50% Equity
Lynx
OGS
AffymetrixCuraGen
Maxygen
47. Democratisation genomics
Roche 454: Metagenomics,
amplicon sequencing, BAC
sequencing
Illumina: HiScanSQ for genomes, transcriptomes or GBS / MiSeq for
amplicons, small genomes, focused GBS and pilot experiments
Ion Torrent: PGM for metagenomics, small genomes, BACS / Proton (due Sep ‘12!) for genomes, transcriptomes
48. Genes provide the foundation of new products for
farmers
biomass utility?
improved agronomy?
tolerance to cold?
yield?
tolerance to drought?
flowering time?
Genes Protein Trait Product
52. ALL THREE ARE CRITICAL IN DELIVERING YIELD TODAY – AND TOMORROW
BREEDING
Strategically breed plants
to create new, more robust
seeds that perform better –
and longer – in the field.
AGRONOMICS
Use precision ag, planting density,
plant health protection, and
conservation tillage to make acres
more productive.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supplement breeding
advancements by adding
special beneficial genes
to the plant.
“The Three Pillars of Yield”
53. Wamalwa Farm, Siritanyi FFS, Kanduyi.
Maize-groundnut intercrop providing 5330
kg maize and 1203 kg groundnut per ha.
These results indicate that MBILI can
produce significant food surpluses.
Rasike Farm, Chililila WG. MBILI maize-soyabean
intercrop providing 1215 kg maize and 545 kg
soyabean per ha when conventional intercrops
failed. These results indicate that MBILI is a
means toward greater food security.
54. Feeding future populations means doubling the productivity of neglected but
nutritious crops such as yams and green bananas
59. 59
Scarcity The green revolution
Set aside, CAP changesSubsidy and Surplus
Security
Set Aside
Biofuels
Food Prices
Food Security
60. 60
Energy
Climate Change
Water (the new oil)
Food Security
Diet and Health
< 1000 1000 - 2000 > 2000
Estimated global water scarcity in 2050
(from Wallace, 2000)
per capita annual renewable freshwater
resource (m3/person/year).
62. Sydney Brenner
“Which type of science to
fund is simple:
all science is problem
driven and should be
judged by the importance
of the problem and the
quality of the solutions
provided.”
A Life in Science
63. In Era of Gene-Based Breeding, Amount of Data Explodes, Accelerating
Ability to Realize Step-Change Improvements
Reference
genomes for
each crop
Genomes
targeted for
specific traits
(disease)
Genome for
every yield plot
GENOMES/YEAR
64. Public good plant breeding requiresPublic good plant breeding requires
introduction of new sources diversityintroduction of new sources diversity
DiversityDiversity
BreedingBreeding
MethodologyMethodology
Traits &Traits &
ProductsProducts
OatsOats
Forage grassesForage grasses
Turf grassTurf grass
LegumesLegumes
MiscanthusMiscanthus
New Opportunities but also complexityNew Opportunities but also complexity
65. Performance under
farmers’ conditions
and farmers’
acceptance
Participatory maize breeding in Africa
• Prioritize most important stresses
under farmers’ conditions
• Manage trials on experiment
station and evaluate large numbers
of cultivars,
• Select the best, and …
• Involve farmers
– Mother trials in center of farming
community grown under best-bet
input conditions
– Farmer-representative input
conditions
– Farmer-managed baby trials
• Partnership with extension, NGOs,
rural schools, and farmer
associations
The Mother / Baby trial design
Collaborative, on-farm evaluation of maize cultivars
68. Ghana’s
Success
Story
• MDG 1 achieved
• Malnourished - 5.8m in
1993 to 2.7 m in 2003.
• Declines in %
underweight children
and mortality
• Strong agricultural
growth since 80s
• 25% increase due to
area expansion
• Maize yield up by 36%,
cassava by 50%
• New maize, yam, rice
and cassava varieties
• A pest resistant cassava.
• Strong growth in
smallholder cocoa &
pineapples
• Market liberalisation
• New rural infrastructure
Sources: Development Outreach,
October, 08;Coulombe & Wodon,
World Bank; Irish Hunger Report
69. All this is threatened by
Climate Change
• Higher
temperatures
• Greater & more
intense rainfall
• Greater droughts
• River bank erosion
• Rising sea levels
• More intense
cyclones
• Salt water
incursions
70. biology is the science of thebiology is the science of the
natural world & critical to thenatural world & critical to the
future of agriculture.future of agriculture.
‘all life depends on sunlight
and a green leaf’