Innovations in seed systems for potential biotechnology products: the case of genetically modified papaya in the Philippines

Issue Date

4-2010

Abstract

This paper examined the Philippine papaya seed system and how this would change with the introduction of the open-pollinated genetically modified (GM) papaya resistant to papaya ring spot virus (PRSV) being developed at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The PRSV is the major cause of yield reduction in papaya production, the sixth major fruit crop in the Philippines. Intrduction of GM papaya will affect the current seed system, due to biosafety and stewardship concerns. Commercialization of the GM papaya has to comply with a more complex system of regulations in order to safeguard seed integrity and food safety. Aside from the already stringent biosafety policies regulating commercial release of PRSV-resistant papaya, some feedback mechanism or seed tracking may be necessary to sustain the transgenic seed traits. Thus, seed stewardship would entail collaboration among government, business, farmer-users, and the research and development (R&D) group. While institutions are in place in the formal seed market system, a strong public-private sector partnership is crucial. At the informal system level, farmer education, effective agricultural extension, and a community-based seed management system are also needed.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

35

Issue

1

Page

80-91

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

charts, tables

Language

English

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS