The
main objectives of this workshop were to i) initiate the development of robust,
cost-effective and transportable epidemio-surveys and diagnosis protocols and
ii) design the framework of an international network of rice pathologists
taking in consideration continental/regional specificities (i.e. mainly
targeted to Africa).
The
workshop was also an opportunity to review results and progress of the current
GRiSP project on “Methodologies and new resources for genotyping and
phenotyping of African rice species and their pathogens for developing
strategic disease resistance breeding programs” (MENERGEP).
The
discussions mainly focused on the following topics:
- Standardized protocols for main rice disease diagnosis, genotyping and phenotyping;
- Pathogen isolate collections: rules, management and back-up strategies;
- Pathogens epidemio-survey: a multi-pathogen approach and better connection with
- Breeding taskforce and rice-Hubs in Africa;
- Emerging diseases: symptoms, distribution and diagnosis tools.
In
some regions, and particularly in Africa, plant pathologists are few compared
to the number of diseases rice is facing and financial resources devoted to
research are limited. In this context, it is critical to set up networks of
specialists to be able to share experience and to improve coordination. The
workshop aimed at contributing to strengthening and extending partnership and
building capacities in rice pathology.
An
African Network of Rice Pathologists was established, which could ensure in the
future the structuration of a trans-disciplinary community of scientists aiming
at taking forward and sustaining the actions anticipated during the workshop.
No comments:
Post a Comment