Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Potato Project in South Africa
Project Background
The cultivated potato, (Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum L.) is one of the world's major food crops following rice, wheat and maize. The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) is a primary problem facing potato farmers in developing countries. Currently, the only available means to control the potato tuber moth (PTM) and avoid major crop losses is the use of chemical pesticides.
In 1992,
Michigan State University (MSU), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), initiated biotechnology research on the development of PTM resistant potato varieties. A Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-cry1Ia1 gene, was obtained from ICI Seeds (now Syngenta) and successfully introduced into the potato variety Spunta. Transgenic lines were shown to have a high level of resistance to tuber moth.
In 2003, MSU and its South African partner, the Agricultural Reseach Council 
Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute (ARC-VOPI) began collecting the necessary data for commercial approval in South Africa. Spunta G2 has been tested for multiple seasons, and has been found to be efficacious in the field and in storage. The South African government is supportive of biotechnology and has deregulated Bt cotton, Bt maize and herbicide tolerant soybean. The benefits of the Bt potato will be reduced input costs (less insecticides used), increased marketable yield, improved quality, reduced post-harvest losses, reduced human exposure to pesticides, and less pesticide residues on potato tubers.
Product Development
Since 1994 agronomic trials have been conducted in Michigan where it was 
determined that the Spunta G2 line had exceptional tuber moth resistance and agronomic characteristics. In 2001, the first field trial of Spunta G2 was conducted at ARC-VOPI, Pretoria. Subsequently, field trials have been undertaken at 5 locations in South Africa. All field and storage trials of Spunta G2 have shown excellent PTM control, and have generated interest among both small scale and commercial farmers.
Regulatory File Development
Before Spunta G2 can be commercialized, regulatory approval of the product must be granted by the South African authorities. In support of th
is application for commercial release, a regulatory dosier is being compiled to document the food and environmental safety of this product. This collaboration between laboratories in South Africa and Michigan State Universityis being coordinated by ARC-VOPI. Data being collected includes molecular characterization, allergenicity and toxicity assessments, evaluation of outcrossing and weediness potential, and the effect of Spunta G2 on non-target insects.
Public Communication
A communication strategy was developed at the onset of the project in order to provide regular, accurate information on Bt potatoes. This strategy was revised during a Communication Workshop held in South Africa which was attended by various stakeholders. Stakeholders redefined the target groups, appropriate spokespeople for each target group, and the medium that would best reach each group.
Project Management, Organization and Partnerships
The Management Entity (ME) for the Bt Potato project includes MSU's Institute for International Agriculture and the International Potato Center (CIP). CIP has a long history of presence in Africa and a firm understanding of the regional needs and priorities. By supporting the research and development of this project, CIP demonstrates its commitment to making the benefits of biotechnology available to resource-poor farmers.
For further information please contact:
Dr Johan Brink
Email: brinkj@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-1641
Fax: 517-353-1888
