Rwandan farmers and scientists turn to genetic modification to rescue disease-threatened potatoes, maize and cassava

Rwanda could soon start using genetically modified maize, Irish potatoes, and cassava crops as confined trials are underway.

Maize is severely affected by stem borer pests and fall armyworms, potatoes are affected by late blight disease during rainfall seasons, and cassava is affected by cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). The research is also going on for banana crops since bananas are usually affected by fusarium wilt and banana bacterial wilt.

According to the Coordinator of [the] Roots and Tubers Programme at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Athanase Nduwumuremyi, these crops are being genetically modified [to] improve traits such as disease and pest resistance, climate tolerance, and productivity.

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These crops play a big role in ensuring food security for the population.

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