CBN-V Video Archives - S1-08
Involvement of Farmers in the Development of Cassava Low-Cost Input, in vitro Propagation Methods

Escobar R.¹, C. Hernandez¹, J. Restrepo¹, G. Ospina¹, J. Tohme¹ and W. Roca²

1. Biotechnology Research Unit, CIAT A.A. 6713, Cali, Colombia R.ESCOBAR@CGIAR.ORG
2. CIP, Apartado 1558, Lima, Peru

        An interdisciplinary group constituted by farmers, biotechnology researchers, and one NGO sponsored by PRGA, modified and simplified in vitro propagation methods. The lack of sufficient pathogen-free planting material is a chronic problem, especially for the development of small, farmer-owned plantations. Using a participatory scheme, we developed methodology to propagate cassava under semi-controlled conditions, obtaining multiplication rates similar to those of CIAT (1:3). Tissue culture reagents and equipment were replaced by those more frequently used in regional agricultural practices. A greenhouse was custom-built to control temperature and illumination by using plastic sheets. A farmer was trained in the technology at CIAT. This farmer transferred the technology to other members of the community by direct farmer-to-farmer interactions. Sixteen women were selected to validate the technology in the area to generate a seed bank. With the experience gained we will implement a scheme for production of certified planting material with “Algodona”, a clone widely accepted by farmers. The community is already planning on adapting similar propagation methodologies for other cassava clones, regional crops and fruit trees. We are transferring plants produced in vitro by farmers to the fields to compare their yield with those obtained by conventional propagation (cuttings).