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The
Cassava Molecular Diversity Network (MOLCAS)
Fregene
M. 1, H. Rosling2 and M. Akerbolm2
1.
International Center for Tropical Agriculture, CIAT, AA6713, Cali,
Colombia m.fregene@cgiar.org
2.
Division of International Health, Department of Public Health
Sciences, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. Hans.Rosling@phs.ki.se
3.
The International Program in the Chemical Sciences (IPICs),
Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjolds vag 31, SE-752 37 UPPSALA,
Sweden
Crop
genetic diversity is the results of thousands of years of natural and
farmers’ selection and it is the basis of crop improvement.
Systematic efforts to study genetic diversity are required in
cassava (Manihot esculenta) to
properly use the vast phenotypic variation known for the crop.
The international nature of cassava germplasm and its usage makes
complementary collaborative efforts indispensable to achieve the most of
this invaluable resource. The
Cassava Molecular Diversity Network (MOLCAS) draws expertise and
knowledge from national and international scientists in Africa, South
America, Europe and the USA to study genetic variation in cassava and
employ same in accelerating cassava improvement. The network comprises
of scientists drawn from institutes in Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania,
Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, Peru, Sweden, Colombia, France, the USA, and it
is funded by the International Program for the Chemical Sciences (IPICs),
University of Uppsala. In
its two years of existence, MOLCAS has begun a systematic study of
germplasm resources in selected African and Latin American countries
using simple sequence repeat markers.
The information produced is disseminated via a bi-annual
workshop, published manuscripts and a web site to provide cassava
researchers with information on useful genetic variability.
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