A
regional training workshop organized by AfricaRice jointly supported through
its Green Super Rice (GSR) Project and CORAF/WECARD Project on “Research
methods in marker-assisted selection (MAS)” was held in Cotonou, Benin, from 29
Mar to 3 Apr 2010. MAS is a tool that allows the direct application of
molecular markers to make plant breeding programs easier and more efficient.
The
aim of the workshop was to upgrade the capacity of plant breeders from research
centers and universities of 12 African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte
d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra
Leone and Uganda) to use research methodologies applied in MAS. AfricaRice and
IRD experts served as resource persons for the workshop.
The
workshop, which included theoretical and practical sessions, helped the
participants gain a better understanding of the importance of molecular markers
in breeding. Participants were able to learn various practical techniques
relating to DNA extraction, PCR reactions, thermal cycler programming and
amplification, PCR product separation on agarose and polyacrylamide gels, gel
staining, data scoring and interpretation.
The
participants highlighted the importance of forming a network that will enable
them to exchange information on MAS-related research activities in the
participating countries. They also pointed out the importance of establishing
functional biotechnology laboratories in their countries and regional supply
system to facilitate procurement of laboratory material.
