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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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