Presented by Segenet Kelemu at the Bio-Innovate Launch, ILRI, Nairobi, 16 March 2011

1. Enhancing the value of genetic resources through science & technology: The role of the BecA Hub Segenet Kelemu (Director, BecA Hub) Presented at the Bio-Innovate Launch ILRI, Nairobi 16 March 2011

2. Outline Solutions are around the corner… Biopesticides - Baculovirus/cassava hornworm - Other biopesticides Potpourri of examples

3. Cassava hornworm It is a major pest of cassava causing losses of 50% or more Main control strategy had been insecticides The hornworm virus, Baculovirus erinnyis, naturally infects the pest larvae

4. Cassava hornworm (Erinnyis ello)

5. Loss in the field due to cassava hornworm

6. BACULOVIRUS of E. ello

7. Process of BV collection Baculovirus as powder Larvae blended solution BACULOVIRUS of E. ello Sick larvae collected in the field

8. Commercial product BioVirus® Based on a BACULOVIRUS of Erinnyis ello For the control of cassava hornworm Biotropical, Colombia

9. Solutions are just around the corner Antibiotics Enzymes (e.g Taq Polymerase)-PCR Agrobacterium as genetic transformation agent

10. Solutions around the corner…. The discovery of penicillin could be the most famous of all medical advances.Millions of lives saved

11. Solutions are just around the corner Enzymes (e.g Taq Polymerase)

12. Solutions are just around the corner Agrobacterium: a natural tool for genetic transformation 134 million hectares of genetically engineered crops in 2009

14. Sources of disease resistanceKola tree (Cola nitida).. Coca cola African prune... Prostate remedy Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)...the recently popular appetite suppressant dietary supplement Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)...popular cosmetic ingredient Africa has been and continues to be a significant source of medicinal plants to the world’s food, drug, and herb and dietary supplement market

16. Currently at over $60 billion Hoodia (Hoodiagordonii)... the recently popular appetite suppressant: a new rising star for the weight loss industry “Hoodia fools the brain by making you think you’re full, even if you've eaten just a morsel”

17. The BecA Hub: its role in African science and technology

18. BecA’s major objectives Research: hosting, facilitating, conducting and catalyzing research efforts Capacity building and training: enabling students/visiting scientists to undertake hands-on research Research services: providing services to enhance research Serving as a focal point for the agricultural research community; linkage to the global one Promoting product development/delivery: identifying potential development partners

20. Conclusion Science & technology is key to enhance the ability of Africans to control and use their natural resources BecA should be a place where discoveries are made