Report on the Pearl Millet
Research Planning Workshop:
Facilitating the improvement of pearl millet in West Africa
through conventional and molecular plant breeding, farmers participation, and
comparative genomics strategies.
Held in Bamako, Mali
October 9-12, 2002
Co-sponsored by:
The
Rockefeller Foundation
ICRISAT
(International Crop Research Institute For the Semi-Arid Tropics)
The
Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD), Cornell University
Syngenta
Foundation
German Ministry for Economic Cooperation/GTZ
(Agency for Technical Cooperation)
INTSORMIL (Sorghum and Millet International
Research)
DFID Plant
Sciences Research Programme (Department for International Development, UK)
Table of Contents
Participants' contact information
Introduction to MilletGenes database
Opening remarks of ICRISAT-Mali representative
Closing remarks of ICRISAT-Mali representative
Summary Report on the Pearl
Millet Research Planning Workshop:
Facilitating the
improvement of pearl millet in west Africa through conventional and molecular
plant breeding, farmers participation, and comparative genomics strategies.
Held at
Bamako, Mali October 9-12, 2002
Co-organizers: Dr. Eva Weltzien Rattunde, ICRISAT, Bamako, Mali
Dr. Theresa Fulton, IGD, Ithaca, NY, USA
Dr. Rebecca Nelson, IGD, Ithaca, NY, USA
Executive Secretary: Safiatou Ba, ICRISAT, Bamako, Mali
Sponsors: The Rockefeller Foundation
ICRISAT (International Crop Research Institute For the Semi-Arid Tropics)
The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD), Cornell University
Syngenta Foundation
German Ministry for Economic Cooperation/GTZ (Agency for Technical Cooperation)
INTSORMIL (Sorghum and Millet International Research)
DFID
Plant Sciences Research Programme (Department for International Development,
UK)
Rationale and objectives:
Pearl millet is an important food crop in West and Central Africa. Farmers living in agriculturally marginal areas depend upon it. While farmers varieties are adapted to highly stressful local conditions, they are often susceptible to pests and diseases, and farmers suffer large and recurrent losses. Few improved cultivars with strong and stable pest and disease resistance are available to farmers. Tremendous genetic diversity is present in West Africa however, and the crop is an excellent candidate for improvements via plant breeding and molecular marker strategies.
In recent years, research investments in this crop and in the region have decreased sharply. We thus convened this workshop to identify ways to maximize both current millet resources and those available for related grasses, as well as to attract donor support for jointly conceived and planned research initiatives. The title of the workshop was: Facilitating the improvement of pearl millet in West Africa through conventional and molecular plant breeding, farmers participation, and comparative genomics strategies.
We pursued three main
objectives:
1. To inform researchers on the current status of millet improvement, including key traits (i.e., resistance to downy mildew, Striga and insect pests; yield components, etc.) and social and agro-ecological issues (farmer participation, population genetics and diversity, farming systems etc.);
2. To discuss comparative genomics in the grasses and how these resources may contribute to millet improvement; and
3. To identify opportunities for new projects and areas in particular need of further research.
The workshop was held at Bamako, Mali in West Africa from 9-12 October 2002, at the Grand Hotel. The workshop language was mainly English, and informal translation into French was available (with occasional reverses).
Agenda and participants:
The program included a one-day field visit to the Malian National research station for Pearl millet research at Cinzana, and to farmers fields in the area. We attempted to maximize interactions and discussions among participants. Each discussion session was preceded by a small number of presentations on issues or research advances that might be of key importance for the future of pearl millet research and development. Participants were chosen to represent a wide diversity of expertise, including farmer representation, plant breeding, molecular biology, comparative genomics, participatory breeding, plant pathology, etc. A list of participants can be found in an upcoming table.
Key updates, discussion
points and general recommendations:
1. Researchers working on pearl millet may benefit from genetic information available from work on related crops (rice, maize, wheat, etc.). There are genomic regions that have similar functions across crops. There are a number resources available for genomics research of millet as well (see List of resources, List of key references, and Introduction to MilletGenes), molecular maps, QTL maps, BAC libraries, etc. There is now a need to move from random diversity to functional diversity, relating function to field. The Challenge Program of the CGIAR may be a good source of information in the near future.
2. Important constraints to millet production include: drought and heat, poor soil fertility and phosphorus uptake, downy mildew, Striga, several insects and other fungal diseases. A general constraint is that it is a minor crop globally, making it hard to build a critical mass of researchers. The end users are mostly very resource-poor, often not aware of new varieties, and cannot afford to buy seed or fertilizers. Farming is mainly subsistence, with little remaining for possible marketing. Networking, extension services, and training are very important.
3. Researchers need to consider the appropriate use of technology for their situation. For example, it many cases it may be a better use of resources to have an outside source handle DNA sequencing, rather than each lab buying expensive equipment that is difficult to maintain and quickly obsolete. Although some felt it important for each lab to be up to speed on all new technology, equipment and techniques, most felt this would often be an inefficient use of resources. Team building, collaboration within countries and across the region was advised to achieve a wise use of available resources..
4. Farmer participation in plant breeding helps to ensure that new varieties are well-adapted and acceptable. New varieties must be tested in the environments in which they will be used. As research stations are few this can only be achieved by collaboration with farmers. The National farmers organization (AOPP) is developing new relationships between farmers and research organizations in this respect.. Photoperiod sensitivity is key for adaptation to specific zones, and needs to be considered as a key trait for new varieties.
5. The diversity of millet is very complex and to date the structure of its diversity is poorly understood. Wild and weedy forms are often present in the fields and are harvested for food by women. Farmers select and keep their own seed for sowing the next year. Cases where farmers mix seed of different varieties have also been reported. These can be complicating factors for the introduction and use of improved varieties. Thus cultural and agricultural practices must be considered in designing strategies for varietal development.
6. Whether West African farmers would benefit from the use of hybrids was hotly debated. Single cross hybrids are now the most widely grown millet type in India. Advantages include higher grain yield, earlier maturity, and the biologically built in varietal protection favoring private sector breeding investments in research. However, at this time there is no private seed sector in West Africa, no availability of credit to farmers, and hybrids can be more vulnerable to diseases due to their genetic uniformity. There may be more opportunity for hybrid use in the future, particularly in Nigeria which has an emerging private seed industry interested in dryland cereals, and is about to have its first commercial hybrid release. A pilot study assessing heterosis and hybrid superiority over varieties commonly grown by farmers is urgently required. This should be done across the key production zones in WCA.
7. Marker assisted selection (MAS) can be an important tool in assisting conventional and participatory breeding in West Africa. DFID alone has spent approximately $5 million on molecular marker research in pearl millet. There is now a detailed molecular map with many types of markers, including many QTLs for a range of traits, and comparative maps available. There is a need for increased numbers of markers, QTL identification, and sequencing of important regions, The slow incorporation of the use of these tools (possibly due to a downturn in agricultural funding) has been disappointing. It was noted that an outcrossing crop such as millet does pose additional challenges in using markers. Most felt that the benefits (speed in selection, ease in screening over field testing) outweighed these constraints, especially as there are now new options for using the markers for non-inbred parental materials. But in the region expertise for application of these tools is scarce.
8. Backcrossing is one key method for incorporation of known QTLs into new target varieties. Backcrossing of specific QTLs has produced unexpected positive results for several complex agronomic traits. This has been observed recently in millet, and other crops.
9. A new population improvement strategy was presented: the Dynamic multiline population concept. This strategy attempts to develop more durable disease resistance, and allows application to hybrids. It integrates attributes of gene stacking and multiline approaches, and the concept of confronting dynamic and variable pathogens with dynamic and variable host populations. The US had success using this approach against rust.
10. Downy mildew resistance is still a top priority, both in India and Africa. 65 QTLs for resistance have been mapped, but as the pathogen is highly variable, stability of any resistance must be continually monitored. Marker assisted selection would be greatly helpful for effectively using these QTLs.
11. Drought remains a key abiotic factor limiting millet yields, in close interaction with the lack of soil nutrients. Tolerance is difficult to find and evaluate. A QTL on linkage group 2 seems to have good potential. Selection for heat tolerance has been unsuccessful so far, due to the lack of a good screening methodology. Given the difficulty of improving drought tolerance, resources might be better utilized by investing in research on soil fertility, in particular phosphorus uptake, particularly in the Sahelian region (see recommendations for this region).
12. Golden millet varieties, varieties with high beta-carotene levels, have been identified. There is a need to transfer the trait to high yielding, disease resistant lines, and assess. A research proposal is being assembled. There could be a good market opportunity for this as it is a natural source (as compared to the transgenic rice varieties).
Recommendations for specific
constraints:
These recommendations were arrived at by dividing the group into 3 smaller working groups of people particularly interested in one of 3 topics: drought and soil fertility; diseases and biotic streses; and insects.
1. Drought and soil fertility:
Three types of drought were identified, based on presentations during the workshop: seedling, mid-season and terminal drought. Although farmers have identified seedling drought as being the most important issue, no good screening procedure is available. A review needs to be done to see what other work has been done on seedling drought tolerance. For mid-season stress, it was decided that there is not much room for improvement. For terminal drought, the QTL on ch2 from Iniadi could be moved in to other farmer preferred varieties, using backcrossing with 2 flanking markers only (at a cost estimate of $20,000). However, since financial resources are an issue, it was recommended to focus on soil fertility rather than drought. Soil fertility is a better short term target. There are management issues which should be integrated into any genetic approach (such as rotation, intercropping). The core collection should be evaluated along with local materials and some wild genotypes. Evaluation would be in the seedling stage, by phenotype, but also on the genetic side, the citrate synthase genes that have been found in maize and rice could be used. Sequences from the database for these genes could be pulled out, primers made, and all accessions screened with these markers for variation and association with drought tolerance.
2. Diseases/biotic:
Downy mildew, Striga, smut, ergot, were cited as the most important, in order of importance, with the first 2 being by far the most important. It was noted that most farmers are aware of the symptoms of DM, but not the source or life-cycle of it. Chemical treatment which is available to prevent DM, by the application of Apron plus (a systemic fungicide) was accepted by farmers, but availability of the product at the right time is often a problem. Thus new varieties with improved stable resistance is a very important goal. Especially for hybrid varieties, specific attention needs to paid to downy mildew resistance, as they are genetically more uniform than open pollinated varieties, and breakdown of resistance can happen very rapidly. For striga, new sources of resistance have only recently been identified in the wild progenitor of pearl millet. It remains to be explored whether and how these resistances can be transferred to farmer acceptable varieties. Research results on other components of integrated Striga management are more advanced, and need to be tested and refined for application to farmers' production conditions. Such research is in progress, and should receive wider support.
3. Insects:
It was decided to consider insects as three types: those on the panicles, on stems and leaves, and in the soil. The group focused on the Sahelian zone. There are available treatments such as insecticides, but it is not known how well they work, and farmers can rarely afford to buy them. Mechanisms of resistance were discussed, such as compactness, grain number per floret , aristation (bristles), length of panicle, grain filling speed. Using conventional methods, rearing the insect in the laboratory for egg production, participatory screening in farmer fields, and especially finding hot spots of infestation for good screening, could be important. Using molecular biology techniques, and evaluating the biochemistry of the chemical secreted that allows the oviposition were also recommended. Mutation breeding by deletion to obtain material that is less attractive to the insects could be attempted. Selection of varieties which produce less chemical is another option. Transformation using the BT gene against millet head miner and stem borers could be an exploratory project.
Recommendations for specific regions:
These recommendations were arrived at by dividing the group into 3 smaller groups. Each group was given a region (the Sahelian zone, the Sudanian zone, or Nigeria) and asked to decide what the key problems of that region are, and develop recommendations to solve this problem(s).
1. In the Sahelian zone, food security , and thus increasing yield, was seen as the top priority. There were varying opinions, however, whether marketing strategies should follow, or whether producing marketable items is in itself a strategy for improving food security. It was noted that technology transfer and possibly changes in marketing would have to accompany any progress to effect real change. However it was pointed out that socio-economic groups are working on this. The group thus proceeded to look at the importance of specific traits. This group considered the ease and difficulties of improving it by selection, the research investment in it so far, and the availability of other crop management options, than varietal change. Five traits were prioritized, results are given in the following table (H = high, M = medium, L = low).
|
Importance |
ease |
investment |
other mgt options |
|
Soil fertility |
H |
VL |
M |
|
Drought |
M |
H |
L |
|
Striga |
M |
H |
M |
|
Head miner |
L |
M |
L |
|
Quality |
M |
H |
L |
Drought is a difficult problem; high investment into this has not yielded good results to date. Therefore it was decided that the best way to address the needs of the Sahelian region is by tackling the problem of soil fertility, in particular phosphorus uptake. Adding phosphorus can increase the ratio of photosynthesis even if rainfall amounts is low. The question of what form of phosphorus to add or what type of phosphorus uptake potential to breed for needs to be addressed; rock phosphorus is in fact available locally, but has been unexploited due to affordability. In response to a question as to why downy mildew did not appear on this list, it was noted that the Sahel is very dry, and mildew is less of a problem. Thus the key recommendation from the group addressing this zone was to invest more research into phosphorus uptake. In response to concerns that a breeding approach to this is not realistic, rather other management practices could be addressed, the group responded that breeding for this is possible, genetic variation has been demonstrated, and that their recommendation was to combine management practices with breeding for varieties that could use local phosphate more efficiently.
2. For the Sudanian zone, the intensification of production was recommended as the most important objective for research in this area. Thus the improvement of grain yield productivity was seen as the most important target. The first constraint was seen as biotic: striga, mildew, and insects; then abiotic such as soil fertility and water use efficiency. Technologies such as seed technology are also a problem. The socio-economic issues here are key, and need to be addressed in any strategy. For improved productivity it was seen as key priority that the varieties are well adapted, key to which is photoperiod sensitivity (due to the unpredictability of the rainfall in the beginning of the season in the region), improved harvest index, and resistance to Striga and other stresses. A participatory approach incorporating the use of marker assisted breeding would be most efficient. Farmer organization and the training of seed producers would facilitate the adoption of new varieties, and also set the region up for possible hybrid production in the future.
3. Nigeria was seen as the region closest to being able to use hybrids, so the recommendation for this region was to stress production-related issues. Seed production and variety maintenance, hybrid breeding and utilization are key items needing attention. Education will be very important, and should include the seed companies, extension and NGO education, incentives and agronomic practices. Since downy mildew, a key problem in this region, tends to break down resistance, continually identifying diverse resistances is important. Marker assisted selection should be used to stack the many known resistance QTLs into new varieties. A specific recommendation was to re-examine the single cross hybrid that is currently in use (anticipating that the resistance will probably break down) and possibly replace this with a population-type hybrid. Regarding Striga, since breeding might now be an option, but very resource intensive , it was decided that marker assisted selection would be the most efficient method of making progress. Specific markers do need to be identified, and protocols need to be defined. Resistance must be crossed into adapted germplasm. In addition, it was recommended that increased attention be paid to grain quality traits and grain utilization. It was noted that it will be increasingly important to identify traits important in grain quality, storage quality and practices, and exploring alternative end uses for the grain (exploring alternative end markets, and export possibilities, poultry and ostrich rations, processed products, etc.).
4. An overarching recommendation was that socio-economic issues must be taken into consideration in all crop improvement programs for any real change: participatory breeding, marketing policies, local preferences, crop management, etc. The breeding of new varieties without taking these things into consideration has been very ineffective.
Results and follow-ups:
1. Proposal is in progress to Rockefeller Foundation on testing heterosis and hybrid superiority (contact Dr. Tom Hash).
2. The McKnight Foundation is planning a followup planning meeting in late 2003, to be followed by a call for proposals. Please contact Dr. Rebecca Nelson with questions.
3. Several concept notes and proposals are now in progress on several fronts: drought tolerance QTL work, phosphorus acquisition and use efficiency, and possibly striga resistance. A PhD research topic was also developed for one of the participants.
Complete notes from the workshop, papers written by the presenters, and some of the powerpoint presentations are available from Dr.Theresa Fulton at tf12@cornell.edu.
Programme for the Pearl Millet Research Planning Workshop
Day 1: Wednesday ,
9 October 2002
Field Trip to the IER research station at Cinzana, and farmers trials nearby
Organizers: Dr. Samba Traore, IER, and team
Boreima Traore, CRU Segou,; I. Coulibaly, AOPP
Objectives:
1. Expose participants to and discuss with farmers key constraints faced by pearl millet producers.
2. Show research facilities at Cinzana for pearl millet research, and key products of pearl millet research to date.
Day 2: Thursday 10 October
2002
Opening Session
8:30 8:45 Welcome address by Minister of Agriculture
8:30 8:45 Welcome address by Director of Research/DG of IER
8:45 9:00 Opening address by ICRISAT Representative
9:15 9:45 Background, objectives, expectations for the workshop by co-organizers, development investors and key partners
9:45 - 10:15 coffee
break
First session: New tools for resolving specific key constraints of pearl millet
Primary objective: sharing of new insights, i.e. presentations are key. Group discussion topic: For each of the participating WCA countries how and for what would you wish to apply these tools?( As it stands now there is no time for discussion)
10:15 10:45 Current comparative genomics initiatives in the grasses and implications on millet research (Steve Kresovich)
10:45 11:00 Pick up from 1997 Markers in millet conference (Hyderabad): marker updates; milestones reached; constraints and challenges. (John Witcombe)
11:00 11:15 Resistance to downy mildew of pearl millet (Tom Hash)
11:15 11:30 Drought tolerance (Harold Roy-Macauley)
11:30 11:45 Mapping and Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) in drought tolerance. Update of work in heat tolerance (Rattan Yadav)
11:45 12:00 Downy
mildew variation and disease management (Daniel Gwary)
12:00 12:15 Use of genetically diverse millet populations for disease management (Jeff Wilson)
12:15 13:00 Discussion
13:00
14:00 Lunch break
Second session: Opportunities from research on new traits: Research advances in new traits, new light on old traits
Primary objective: sharing of new insights; revisiting old traits with new insights in mind. Discussion topic: What are the key lessons that can be carried over from new traits and new research to improve research on traditional traits or using traditional methods?
14:00 14:15 Grain quality traits and stover quality: potential for adding value? (Tom Hash)
14:15 14:30 Photoperiod sensitivity and adaptation: importance for yield improvements (Mamoutou Khouressy)
14:30 14:45 Tolerance of low fertility/low phosphorus soils (Bill Payne)
14:45 15:00 Striga resistance (Angarawai Ignatius)
15:00 15:30 Break
15:30 17:30 Group
Discussions
Day 3: Friday 11 October 2002
Third session: Pearl millet agro-ecologies in West-Africa; farmers preferences and priorities
Primary Objective: Update on farmers preferences
and priorities, key constraints, and regional issues. Discussion topic: How can
the new possibilities and opportunities discussed in Sessions 1 and 2 be
combined to define new research priorities?
08:30 09:00 Key constraints faced by pearl millet farmers (in the Segou region); by Rep of AOPP, and CRU-Segou (Ibrahim Coulibaby, Boreima Traore)
09:00 9:30 Farmersseed management and preferences (Gilles Besancon)
09:30 09:45 Millet agro-ecologies and farming systems in W. Africa & their dynamics of change. (based on outcomes from CFC project planning meeting in April 2002), (Samba Traore)
9:45 10:00 Farmer preferences with regard to pearl millet in W. Africa (Gospel Omanya)
10:00 10:30 Coffee
Break
10:30 13:00 Group discussion on identifying key constraints, prioritized for different agro-ecologies
13:00 14:00 Lunch
Fourth session: Opportunities for integrating application of new research tools with decentralized pearl millet improvement efforts with immediate benefit for users.
14:00 14:15 Regional Network for Research on Pearl Millet in West and Central Africa (ROCAFREMI): overview, key achievements and outlook (Roger Zangre)
14:15 14:30 Pearl millet hybrids for Western and Central Africa: prospects and constraints (B. Ouendeba, K.N. Rai and Siaka Boreima)
14:30 14:45 Population genetics/diversity in relation to key traits considerations for developing a selection strategy (Thomas Presterl)
14:45 15:00 Integrating seed system innovations into participatory breeding: experiences and outlook (Eva Weltzien)
15:00 15:15 Break
15:15 17:30 Group Discussion: Basic concept for pearl millet research strategy in WCA.
Day 4: Saturday, 12 October 2002
Fifth session: Project planning in small groups.
Final Discussion: defining key frontiers, and opportunities for new research; planning joint research project(s)
Closing session.
Pearl Millet planning Workshop
Grand Hotel (Phone: (223)
222 24 81)
Bamako, Mali 09-12
October 2002
List of Participants
Name
|
Title
|
Institute
|
Address
|
|
|
1. |
Adama Traore |
Representant du Ministre du Developpement Rural |
M.D.R |
CNRA,
Bamako Mali |
|
2. |
Amadou Diadie Cisse |
D.G adjoint I.E.R |
IER (Institut de Economie
Rurale), Mali |
Rue Mohamed V, BP.258,
Bamako Tel: (223) 222 26 06 Fax: (223) 222 37 75 Email: diadie.cisse@ier.ml |
|
3. |
Joseph J.Adu-Gyamfi |
Agro-Physiologist and
Country Representative |
ICRISAT |
ICRISAT-Kano, Sabo Bakin
Zuwo Road, PMB 3491, Kano Tel : +234 64 66 20
50 Fax : +234 64 64 53
50 Email : |
|
4. |
Ignatius Ijantiku
Angarawai |
Programme Leader, Millet
Research (Millet Breeder) |
Lake Chad Research
Institute, Maiduguri, Nigeria |
Lake Chad Research
Institute, km 6 Gamboru-Ngala RD PMB 1293 Maiduguri, Nigeria Tel : (234)
076-231188,076-23 30 75 Email : angarawai@Yahoo.com;
emails@Yaysib.com |
|
5. |
Bill Payne |
Crop Physiologist |
Texas University |
TAES 2301 Experiment Station ND Bushland TX 19109
USA |
|
6. |
Brema Traore |
President CRU Segou |
Commission Regionale
des utilisateurs des Resultats de la Recherche Agronomique |
S/C CRRA Tel:(223) 320 35 20
55 Fax:(223) 320 35 20
49 Segou-Mali |
|
7. |
Michael Bosch |
Senior Adviser |
GTZ/BEAF |
BP. 5180 D-65762 Eschborn, Germany Tel: 49-6196-791434 Fax: 49- 6196-797137 Email Michael.Bosch@GTZ.DE |
|
8. |
Bourama Traore |
Driver |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222 33 75
|
|
9. |
Wendy Ann Breese |
Principle investigator |
Centre For Arid Zone Studies University of Wales,
Bangor, UK |
Centre For Arid Zone Studies University of Wales,
Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK Tel : +00 44 (0) 1248 38 3710 Fax: +00 44 (0) 1248
364717 Email: w.breese@bangor.ac.uk |
|
10. |
Cisse Ndiaga |
Coordonateur de Programme |
ISRA, Senegal |
CNRA BP 53, Bambey,
Senegal Tel : (221) 973 60
50 Email : ncisse@refer.sn |
|
11 |
Clerget Benoit |
Ecophysiologist |
CIRAD/ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel:(223) 222 3375 E-mail: benoit.clerget@cirad.fr |
|
12. |
Daouda Diallo |
Reprographe Cyber Cafe
le Planetaire |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 277
61 88 Cel : 671 28 98 |
|
13. |
Dembele Siaka |
Coordinateur scientifique |
IER (Institut dEconomie
Rurale), Mali |
Rue Mohamed V,BP.258,
Bamako Tel: (223) 222 26 06 Fax: (223) 222 37 75 Email: Siaka.dembele@ier.ml |
|
14. |
Joseph Devries |
Associate Director |
Rockfeller Foundation, Kenya |
BOX 47543, Nairobi, Kenya Tel : (254)-2-228061 Fax: (254) 2-218840 Email: jdevries@rockfound.or.ke |
|
15. |
Diakalia Sogodogo |
Chef ESPGRN de Cinzana |
IER (Institut dEconomie Rurale) |
B.P214 Segou Tel : (223) 320 486 Email: diakalia.sogodogo@ier.ml |
|
16. |
Diarra,/Bolduc, Nana /Joanie |
Stagiaire en agriculture (cereales seches) |
Institut Agro-Alimentaire/Union des Producteurs agricoles (ACDI), Mali |
497 Monty. Canton de Granby Quebec, Canada JZG IAZ Tel : (450)
378-2296 Emai: Af_Rika21@hotmail.com |
|
17. |
Eva Weltzien Rattunde |
Principal Scientist Sorghum Breeding and genetic
Ressources |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 E-mail: E.Weltzien@cgiar.org |
|
18. |
Amadou Fofana |
Chercheur |
Institut Senegalais
des Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), Senegal |
CRZ BP 53 Kolda Tel :
(221) 9961152/Home:
(221)996 2334 Email: amadoufofana46@hotmail.com |
|
19. |
Theresa Fulton |
Director of
Outreach |
Institute For Genomic Diversity,
Cornell University, USA |
135 Biotechnology
Building, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA Tel :
1-607-255-4323 Fax :
1-607-255-6249 Email : tf12@cornell.edu |
|
20. |
Gilbert M. Samake |
Administrative
Assistant |
USAID-Mali |
BP. 34 Tel : (223) 222
36 02 E-mail: gsamake@usaid.gov |
|
21. |
Gilles Bezancon |
Chercheur |
IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement) |
BP. , 911, Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5- France Tel: (334) 67 41 62 45 Fax: (334) 67 41 62 22 Email: bezancon@mpl.ird.fr |
|
22. |
Daniel Musa Gwary |
Senior lecturer |
University of Maiduguri,
Nigeria |
Department of Crop
Science, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069 Maiduguri,Nigeria Tel : (234) 76-232150 ext 3093 Fax: (234) 76-236307 Email: yaysib@infoweb.abs.net |
|
23. |
C. Tom Hash |
Principal Scientist (Breeding) |
ICRISAT-India |
ICRISAT, Patancheru
502 324 Andhra Pradesh,
India Tel: +91-40-3296161
ext 2322 Fax:+91-40-3241-239 E-mail: c.t.hash@cgiar.org
|
|
24. |
Ibrahima Coulibaly |
Charge des relations
Exterieures AOPP |
AOPP (Association
des Organisations Professionnelles Paysannes) |
BP 3066, Bamako Tel:(223) 228 67 81 Fax:(223) 224 61 19 E-mail: aopp@cefib.com |
|
25. |
Ibrahima Sissoko |
Scientific Officer Cereals Pathology |
ICRISAT-Mali |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 E-mail: i.sissoko@icrisatml.org |
|
26. |
Inoussa Akintayo |
Country Representative |
ICRISAT, Mali |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 E-mail: i.akintayo@icrisatml.org |
|
27. |
Jeffrey Wilson |
Research Plant Pathologist |
USDA-ARS |
Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit Coastal Plain Experiement Stn. Tifton, GA 31793-0748 USA P. 229-386-3353 F.229-391-3701 E-mail: jwilson@tifton.gov |
|
28. |
Mahamadoun Diadie Toure |
Directeur, Formation Agro-Industrie |
Institut de Gestion des
Langues Appliques aux Metiers, (IGLAM) |
B.P. 1612 Tel : (223)220 78
67/228 15 16 BAMAKO, MALI thamadoundiadie@caramail.com |
|
29. |
Mahamane Baby |
Responsable
Relations Publiques et Mobilisation des Ressources |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 E-mail: m.baby@icrisatml.org |
|
30. |
Manyame Comfort |
Ph.D Student , Senior
Research Assistant |
Texas University
ICRISAT, Niger |
BP.12404 Tel : (227) 72 26 26 Email : C.MANYAME@CGIAR.ORG |
|
31. |
Moussa Daouda Sanogo |
Chercheur |
IER (Institut de Economie Rurale) |
BP. 214, Segou Tel : (223) 232 04 86 |
|
32. |
Chris Mundt |
Professor |
Oregon State University |
Department of Botany Analyst Pathology 2082
Cordley Corvellis, or 97331-2902 USA Tel: 001-541-737-5256 Fax:001-541-737-3573 |
|
33. |
Ferdinand Percy Muuka |
Plant Breeder |
Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperatives |
P.O. Box 910064, Mongu
Zambia Tel: (07) 221744 |
|
34. |
N'Diaye Mamadou |
Chercheur |
IER (Institut d'Economie
Rurale), Mali SRA-Cinzana |
BP214, Segou Tel : (223) 2320 486 Fax: (223) 2 320 486 Email: mamadou.ndiaye@ier.ml |
|
35. |
Rebecca J. Nelson |
Associate Professor and program Director, the
Mcknight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Program |
Cornell University, USA |
321 Plant, Science Building Cornell University,
Ithaca ; 14853 USA Tel : 607-254-7475 Fax: 607-255-6249 Email: rjn7@cornell.edu |
|
36. |
Gospel Omanya |
Plant breeder |
ICRISAT-Niamey, Niger |
BP.12404
Niamey/Niger Tel: (227) 72 26 26 Fax :(227) 73
43 29 Email: g.omanya@cgiar.org |
|
37. |
Oumar Niangado |
Delegue de la Fondation Syngenta |
Foundation Syngenta |
B.P 1449, Bamako Tel : (223) 228 14
78 Fax : (223) 228 14
78 |
|
38. |
Thomas Presterl |
Assistant Prof |
University Hohenheim |
Uni. Homenheim Inst. Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population
Benetics (350) D-70593 Stuttiart, Germany Tel:++49-711-459-2367 Fax:++49-711-459-2343 E-mail: Presterl@uni-Hohenheim.De |
|
39. |
Harold
Roy-Macauley
|
Directeur physiologist |
Centre d'Etude Regional Pour l'Amelioriation de l'Adaptation a la Secheresse (CERAAS) |
BP. 3320, Senegal Tel : (221) 95 14 993 Fax : (221) 95 14 995 Email : ceraas@sentoo.sn Email : hroymac@sentoo.sn |
|
40. |
Safiatou Ba |
Secretaire Executive,
Liaison Voyage |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222 33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 E-mail: S.ba@icrisatml.org |
|
41. |
Sah Kane |
Driver |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 277
61 88 |
|
42. |
Sako Karamoko |
Cordinateur
National Vulgarisation Agricole |
WINROCK
International/Mali |
BPE. 457 Immeuble
ABK2 Hamdallaye Bamako Tel : (223) 229-38-80 Fax: (223) 229-22-81 Email: skaramoko@yahool.fr |
|
43. |
Salimata Sidibe Coulibaly |
Chercheur |
IER (Institut d'Economie
Rurale), Mali |
CRRA/LTA/Sotuba, BP
262, Bamako Tel : (223) 224 16 41 Fax: (223) 222 37 75 Email: Salimata.Sidibe@ier.ml |
|
44. |
Siaka B. Boureima |
Breeder |
INRAN |
BP.352 Niamey/Niger Tel: (227) 73 22 84 Email: SiakaBoureima@Yahoo.fr |
|
45. |
Siaka Camara |
Driver Observateur |
ICRISAT |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 |
|
46. |
Aboubacar Toure |
Chef de Programme
Sorgho |
IER (Institut d'Economie
Rurale) |
BP..262 Bamako Tel :
(223) 224-60-08 Fax: (223) 222-37-75 Email: acar.toure@ier.ml |
|
47. |
Oumar Fatogoma Traore |
Assistant de
Recherche |
ICRISAT/ROCARS |
BP 320 Bamako Tel : (223) 222
33 75 Fax: (223) 222 86 83 E-mail: o.traore@icrisatml.org |
|
48. |
Samba Traore |
Agronome |
IER (Institut d'Economie Rurale), Mali |
B.P214 Segou Tel : (223) 320 486 Email: Samba.Traore@ier.ml |
|
49. |
Randy Wisser |
Genetics Graduate student |
Cornell University |
157 Biotechnology Bldg. Ithaca, NY 14853 Tel: (607) 254-6753 E-mail: rjw29@cornell.edu |
|
50. |
John R. Witcombe |
Manager, DFID Plant Sciences Research Programme |
Centre
for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, UK |
Centre For
Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK Tel : +00 44 (0) 1248 38 2922 Email: l.c.itcombe@bangor.ac.uk |
|
51. |
Roger G. Zangre |
Directeur de l'ANVAR/CNRT |
Agence Nationale de Valorisation des Resultats de Recherche (ANVAR) |
03 BP.7047, Ouagadougou 03 Tel : (226) 36 59 12 Fax : (226) 31 50 03 Email : rgzangre@fasonet.bf |
|
52. |
Bruno Gerard |
Production System
scientist, Chercheur |
ICRISAT-Niamey Niger |
BP 2404 Niamey, Niger |
|
53. |
Stephen Kresovich |
Director |
Institute for Genomic Diversity, Cornell University, USA |
130
Biotechnology Building, Ithaca,
NY, 14853, USA Tel: 1-607-255-2300 Fax: 1-607-255-6249 Email: sk20@cornell.edu |
Brief Introduction to MilletGenes
Daniel Nwankwo
John Innes Center
daniel.nwankwo@bbsrc.ac.uk
Introduction
MilletGenes is an ACEDB millet database that has
been developed as a repository and unified communication tool for results of
the various collaborations on pearl millet between ICRISAT, The University of
Wales, Bangor, IGER, and The John Innes Center.
ICRISAT and The University of Wales, Bangor are working together to locate genes that enhance to downy mildew. IGER is working with ICRISAT to find seedling thermotolerance genes. Both programmes link closely with research programmes at the John Innes Center that are using molecular markers to map the millet genomes.
The initial funding for MilletGenes came from DFID (formerly ODA) and is continued by BBSRC as part of the UKCropNet project.
Web Access
This is the UKCropNet home site that provides web access to all the databases under the project including MilletGenes
http://jic-bioinfo.bbsrc.ac.uk/cereals
Access to MilletGenes through the JIC Bioinformatics web portal.
A Developmental server that also provides access to MilletGenes. All the database versions are updated concurrently so there is no disparity.
Current status of MilletGenes
Data in MilletGenes can be classified into the
following categories and are regularly updated.
Probe data:
The database currently has 1561 probe data items. Each data item includes information such as locus, linkage-group, copy number, origin, clone, sequence, sts primers, amplification conditions, rflp-polymorphisms, gel images and more.
Genetic maps:
There are about 106 map items for various types of molecular markers, probes, QTLs and so on.
QTL data:
We have about 26 QTL analysis data objects. Each QTL object houses information such as trait studies, traits affected, nearest markers, map positions, significant marker loci, images, LOD studies and more.
Images:
There are about 593 images in the database. Images can be gel , autoradiograph , LOD graphs and so on.
Germplasm:
We have germplasm data describing such features as species, pedigree, parents, data of release, trait sturdy and more
Other categories of data in MilletGenes includes traits and trait studies, allele data, authors and published papers, gene classes, motifs and restriction enzymes, sequence, species and pathology data.
Querying ACEDB
The
ACEDB software is an object database management system. Briefly this means that
the database is modelled in terms of classes and objects. Each subject area
such as probe or sequence is specified as a class. Items of data under a class
are called data objects. Each class defines a data model which comprises of a
collection of field-tags. Each data object is required to provide data for some
or all the field-tags defined in the class model. For example a probe class
data model defines tags such as source and insert_size.
I will discuss three methods of searching the database over the web, the class browser, text search and Ace query.
Class Browser:
This is the default method. Use the scrollbar on the left to find the class of interest and click to select. If you know the name of the object type it in the search pattern box and click Search ACE to search. The result will be a list of the objects in that class, click on the desired object name to view the data.
Text Search:
Enter the text you want to search for, e.g. mildew, in the box and click on search. The resulting list shows the objects that were found to contain the text searched for and the class the object belongs to.
Ace Query:
Knowledge of the query syntax AQL and the class model definition is necessary for this type of search. An example of a query syntax
find probe * AND RFLP_polymorphism
The keyword find is always the first word in the syntax, followed by the class to be search, in this case the probe class. The asterisk (*) specifies to the software to search in every object in this class. The keyword AND further filters the search to only the object which hold data for the tag specified, in this case RFLP_polymorphism. Therefore this particular query finds all objects in the probe class for which there is RFLP_polymorphism data.
Further examples:
find microsatellite *
Find all objects in the microsatellite class.
find microsatellite * AND Species = pennisetum glaucum
Find all the objects in the microsatellite class for which the species tag is stipulated as pennisetum glaucum. You can substitute microsatellite for any valid class name and Species for any tag in the specified class.
To understand the class definitions you need to study the class models. To get the class definition for each class, use the class browser method and choose the model class from the list. This returns a list of all the classes in the database, click on a class to see the class definition.
For further questions, please contact Daniel Nwankwo, daniel.nwankwo@bbsrc.ac.uk
Resources
available to the Millet community:
Maps:
Liu CJ, Witcombe JR, Pittaway TS, Nash M, Hash CT, Busso CS, Gale MD (1994) An RFLP-based genetic map of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Theor Appl Genet 89: 481-487.
Comparative maps:
Devos KM, Gale MD (2000) Genome relationships: The grass model in current research. Plant Cell 12: 637-646. comparative genomic strategies, focusing on wheat.
Devos KM, Pittaway TS,
Reynolds A, Gale MD (2000) Comparative mapping reveals a complex relationship
between the pearl millet genome and those of foxtail millet and rice. Theor
Appl Genet 100: 190-198.
RFLP markers
Available from JIC.
Liu CJ, Witcombe JR, Pittaway TS, Nash M, Hash CT, Busso CS, Gale MD (1994) An RFLP-based genetic map of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Theor Appl Genet 89: 481-487.
SSRs
Allouis S, Qi X, Lindup S, Gale MD, Devos KM (2001) Construction of a BAC library of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum. Theor Appl Genet 102: 1200-1205.
BAC libraries:
Available from JIC.
See Allouis S, Qi X, Lindup S, Gale MD, Devos KM (2001) Construction of a BAC library of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum. Theor Appl Genet 102: 1200-1205.
Databases and online info:
MilletGenes: http://jic-bioinfo.bbsrc.ac.uk/cereals/millet.html
UK CropNet Millet page: http://ukcrop.net/millet.html
INTSORMIL: http://intsormil.unl.edu/
ICRISAT: http://www.icrisat.org/
Genome size information etc: Martel E, De Nay D, Siljak-Yakovlev S, Brown S, Sarr A (1997) Genome size variation and basic chromosome number in pearl millet and fourteen related Pennisetum species. Journal of Heredity 88: 139-143.
Germplasm repositories: ICRISAT. Also ORSTROM (France), ISRA (Bambey, Senegal), and 3 US genebanks. See Rai KN, Murty DS, Andrews DJ, Bramel-Cox PJ (1999) Genetic enhancement of pearl millet and sorghum for the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. Genome 42: 617-628.
Pearl millet key references
General information:
Busso CS, Liu CJ, Hash CT, Witcombe JR, Devos KM, de
Wet JMJ, Gale MD (1995) Analysis of recombination rate in female and male
gametogenesis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) usng RFLP
markers. Theor Appl Genet 90: 242-246.
Jauhar, P.P., and W.W. Hanna. (1998) Cytogenetics and
genetics of pearl millet. Advances in Agronomy 64: 1-26.
Kumar AK, Andrews DJ (1993) Genetics of qualitative
traits in pearl millet: A review. Crop Science 33: 1-20.
Martel E, De Nay D, Siljak-Yakovlev S, Brown S, Sarr A
(1997) Genome size variation and basic chromosome number in pearl millet and
fourteen related Pennisetum
species. Journal of Heredity 88: 139-143.
Rai KN, Murty DS, Andrews DJ, Bramel-Cox PJ (1999)
Genetic enhancement of pearl millet and sorghum for the semi-arid tropics of
Asia and Africa. Genome 42: 617-628. (Germplasm resources, other uses for pearl
millet, misc info)
Markers, maps, BACs, QTLs and MAS:
Allouis A, Qi X, Lindup S, Gale MD, Devos KM (2001)
Construction of a BAC library of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum. Theor Appl Genet 102: 1200-1205.
Burton GW, Wilson JP (1995) Identification and
transfer of heterotic chromosome blocks for forage yield in short-day exotic
pearl millet landraces. Crop Sci 35: 1184-1187. (used morphological markers)
Jones ES, Liu CJ, Gale MD, Hash CT, Witcombe JR (1995)
Mapping quantitative trait loci for downy mildew resistance in pearl millet.
Theor Appl Genet 91: 448-456.
Jones ES,
Breese WA, Liu CJ, Singh SD, Shaw DS, and Witcombe JR (2002) Mapping
quantitative trait loci for resistance to downy mildew in pearl millet: Field
and glasshouse screens detect the same QTL. Crop Sci 42: 1316-1323.
Kaul J, Sindhu JS (1997) Establishment of chomosome
map of pearl millet through the use of interchanges. J Cytol Genet 32: 113-123.
Liu CJ, Witcombe JR, Pittaway TS, Nash M, Hash CT,
Busso CS, Gale MD (1994) An RFLP-based genetic map of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum).
Theor Appl Genet 89: 481-487.
Liu CJ, Devos KM, Witcombe JR, Pittaway TS, Gale MD
(1996) The effect of genome and sex on recombination rates in Pennisetum species. Theor Appl Genet 93: 902-908.
Liu CJ, King IP, Pittaway TS, Abbos S, Reader SM,
Miller TE, Gale MD (1997) Physical and genetical mapping of rDNA sites in Pennisetum (pearl millet). Heredity 78: 529-531.
Morgan RN, Wilson JP, Hanna WW, Ozais-Akins P (1998)
Molecular markers for rust and pyricularia leaf spot disease resistance in
pearl millet. Theor Appl Genet 96: 413-420.
Poncet V, Lamy F, Devos KM, Gale MD, Sarr A, Robert T
(2000) Genetic control of domestication traits in pearl millet (Pennisetum
glaucum L., Poaceae). Theor Appl
Genet 100: 147-159.
Poncet ES, Martel E, Allouis S, Devos KM, Lamy F, Sarr
A, Robert T (2002) Comparative analysis of QTLs affecting domestication traits
between two domesticated x wild pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L., Poaceae) crosses. Theor Appl Genet 104: 965-975.
Witcombe JR and Hash CT (2000) Resistance gene
deployment strategies in cereal hybrids using marker-assisted selection: Gene
pyramiding, three-way hybrids, and synthetic parent populations. Euphytica 112:
175-186.
Yadav RS, Hash CT, Bidinger FR, Cavan GP, Howarth CJ
(2002) Quantitative trait loci associated with traits determining grain and
stover yield in pearl millet under terminal drought-stress conditions. Theor
Appl Genet 104: 67-83.
Comparative genomics:
Bennetzen J (2002) Opening the door to comparative
plant biology. Science 296: 60-63
Devos KM, Wang, ZM, Beales J, Sasaki T, Gale MD (1998)
Comparative genetic map of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and rice (Oryza sativa). Theor Appl Genet 96: 63-68. (uses some pearl millet
RFLP markers)
Devos KM, Gale MD (2000) Genome relationships: The
grass model in current research. Plant Cell 12: 637-646. (comparative genomic strategies,
focusing on wheat)
Devos KM, Pittaway TS, Reynolds A,
Gale MD (2000) Comparative mapping reveals a complex relationship between
the pearl millet genome and those of foxtail millet and rice. Theor Appl Genet
100: 190-198.
Goff SA, Ricke D, Lan T-H......Briggs S (2002) A draft
sequence of the rice genome (Oryza
sativa L. ssp. japonica). Science 296: 92-100.
Yu J, Hu S,.Yang H (2002) A draft sequence of the
rice genome (O. sativa L. ssp. indica) Science 296: 79-92.
Brief closing
statement of the Pearl Millet Workshop, October 12, 2002
Dr. Theresa
Fulton, Institute for Genomic
Diversity, Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY, USA
We began by having a reminder that there are resources available to us from research in related crops such as maize, rice and sorghum, which should be utilized when possible. We recalled the optimism of previous workshops and reconsidered the realities. We shared information on many research fronts, heard farmers preferences, and visited fields.
We discussed and prioritized the constraints to millet improvement, including biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic, and discussed strategies to overcome these, including conventional plant breeding, new molecular techniques, participatory breeding, and crop management.
We have prioritized issues for specific regions: the Sahelian and Sudanian zones, and Nigeria. The group working on the Sahelian region ranked key problems according to difficulty, previous investment in the problem, and the availability of other management options, and in this way decided that soil fertility, in particular phosphorus uptake, is a key area needing further research. The importance of marketing practices and policies was recognized, but we decided that this is not the focus of this group, particularly because other projects in this area are in progress.
For the Sudanian zone, the importance of intensifying production was seen as the key issue. Socio-economic issues were emphasized, and participatory practices were seen as very important for this region. It was stressed that photoperiodism sensitivity must be included in any new varieties.
For Nigeria: it was thought that Nigeria is closer to being able to use hybrids, so important issues include hybrid production, seed systems, and utilization issues. Education will be key to this process. Striga, downy mildew, and grain quality were seen as key areas for improvement.
Several collaborations and concept notes are now in progress. These issues include: soil fertility and phosphorus acquisition, assessing hybrid advantage, addressing scaling up and participatory selection issues, and crop and pathogen diversity and use.
Opening
Statement by Inoussa Akintayo, ICRISAT representative for Mali
Mr. Chairman
President of CNRA
Director General of IER
Representatives of donors' community
Distinguished Agricultural Research Scientists
Organizers of the workshop
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear colleagues
Let me predicate my short address to this very important workshop, this morning by first conveying to you all, the goodwill, warm and sincere greetings of Dr William Dar, Director General of ICRISAT.
Dr Dar would have wished to be present to open today's workshop himself and share some ideas with you as scientific colleagues, but unfortunately, he could not make it because of an equally important mission elsewhere.
At a time when our sub-region is bedeviled with a lot of problems not the least of which are hunger, malnutrition and poverty, a workshop to discuss a topic "Facilitating the improvement of pearl millet in WA through conventional plant breeding, farmers' participation and comparative genomics strategies" could not have come at a more opportune time.
We are therefore very thankful to Rockefeller Foundation, Institute for Genomic Diversity, German Ministry for Economic Cooperation, GTZ, INTSORMIL, DFID, Syngenta Foundation, IER and the Government of Mali (our host) for making this happen.
The workshop has been designed to address in three days the following:
- To promote the exchange of information and perspective among the researchers on the current status of millet improvement
- To discuss relevant progress and trends in other systems, including comparative genomics in the grasses and how these resources may contribute to millet improvement
- To identify areas in particular need of further research and corresponding opportunities for new prospects and collaboration
The main outcomes of this workshop will be the development of a strategy and a draft of proposals for millet improvement in WCA
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
The task before us in the next few days is a difficult one. Let us face it with the seriousness that it deserves.
I have no doubt that with the collective wisdom of us all, the objective of the workshop will be accomplished.
Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I apologize for any insufficiencies you may have experienced in the organization of this workshop. I would like to assure you of the ICRISAT administration's total support and our relentless efforts to ensure that the meeting is carried out in a most healthy, convivial and friendly atmosphere. Please do not hesitate to direct any or all of your queries on claims or travel arrangements as well ticket confirmation to my secretary Mrs. Safi Ba for immediate attention.
Lastly, I would like to wish you all a beautiful stay in Bamako and a successful deliberation.
Closing Remarks of Inoussa Akintayo, ICRISAT Country Representative, Mali
DISCOURS DE CLOTURE DU REPRESENTANT RESIDENT DE
L'ICRISAT MALI
Monsieur le Prsident,
Monsieur le Prsident du CNRA,
Monsieur le Directeur Gnral de l'IER,
Mesdames, Messieurs les Reprsentants de la communaut des bailleurs de fonds,
Distingus chercheurs,
Mesdames, Messieurs les organisateurs de l'atelier,
Mesdames, Messieurs,
Chers collgues,
Au terme de ces cinq jours de travaux minutieux, de visites de terrain, de discussions en petits groupes et en groupes, nous sommes heureux de savoir que vous avez pu raliser les deux principaux objectifs que vous vous tiez fixs, savoir: la dfinition d'une stratgie pour l'amlioration du mil en Afrique de l'Ouest et l'laboration d'un projet de propositions pour soumission aux partenaires au dveloppement.
Par consquent, nous estimons, juste titre, que vous avez convenablement rempli votre part de la mission. La balle est maintenant dans notre camp, celui de l'ICRISAT et des bailleurs de fonds pour rechercher et mobiliser le financement ncessaire au lancement des activits d'amlioration du mil en Afrique de lOuest et du Centre. Nous allons nous y atteler avec la rigueur que la tche requiert .
Par ailleurs, cet atelier, faudrait-il le rappeler, a vritablement t pour nous tous un cadre d'changes, du donner et du recevoir. Il nous a permis de rencontrer des amis de longue date, des collgues que nous avons perdus de vue et mme des camarades d'universit.
Tout ce bienfait nous le devons tous ceux qui ont rendu possible cet atelier notamment
La Fondation Rockefeller, Institute for Genomic Diversity, le Gouvernement Allemand pour la Coopration Economique, la GTZ, INTSORMIL, UK Department For International Development (DFID), la Fondation Syngenta, l'Institut d'Economie Rurale (IER), le Gouvernement du Mali. A tous, nous exprimons nos profondes gratitudes. Que les participants trouvent ici galement l'expression de notre profonde gratitude pour leurs contributions de qualit.
Je ne saurais terminer sans fliciter les hommes et les femmes qui se sont mobiliss depuis plusieurs semaines pour rendre votre sjour agrable au Mali. Je madresse tout particulirement au personnel de lhtel ainsi que le staff de l'ICRISAT.
Sur ce, je vous souhaite bon retour dans vos foyers respectifs.
Je vous remercie.