www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

A genetically-modified (GM) peanut will no longer merely be protein-rich but
also pro-Vitamin A-rich with betacarotene genes from corn now being embedded
into it by a Filipino-headed international research agency, October 2006 by
Melody M. Aguiba.

Since 2003, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid
Tropics (ICRISAT) has been developing peanut with Vitamin A enhancement in
answer to extensive Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) specially among children in
developing countries.

Dr. Kiran K. Shirma, ICRISAT principal scientist genetic transformation and
agribusiness incubator head, said peanut holds a high potential of Vitamin A
enhancement more than other crops.

"Vitamin A is oil-soluble. If it?s put in peanut, you can aim for higher
levels," he said.

Peanut may have advantage over rice in this nutrient enrichment since the
pro-Vitamin A betacarotene-rich Golden Rice being developed by scientists
has only 22 micrograms up to 37 (MCG) per gram betacarotene content. But the
GM peanut?s potential betacarotene level is significantly more.

"We don?t know how much we can get, but we aim for 500 to 600 micrograms per
gram. It?s achievable because there is a similar study in mustard which has
30 to 40 percent oil (where nutrient level was raised substantially using
the same strategy)," he said.

ICRISAT has been pushing for acceleration of crops? GM development
considering its tremendous role in enhancing food security and nutrition in
the poor.

"We have discussions with the US and India on how we can have GMO
(genetically modified organisms) much faster from laboratory to farm," said
Dr. William D. Dar, (a former Philippine agriculture secretary who is on top
of ICRISAT?s worldwide operation as director general) in an interview.

Speeding up of commercialization of GMOs to him is important.

"Stricter government regulation is hindering commercialization of GMOs. Of
course we?d like to be bio-safety conscious, but not to the point of
(delaying it and allow) food shortage," he said.

The 500 MCG per gram level is already satisfactory since this is just the
Vitamin A normal recommended daily intake.

"When you eat bio-fortified peanut even in small quantity, you can get the
daily requirement. If it exceeds, this oil-soluble substance is not harmful.
And peanut oil is neutral oil. It?s not bad for the heart," said Shirma.

Field testing of the variety will be in about three years. ICRISAT will
first conduct field testing in India and then in other collaborating
countries.

"This material is relevant to anyone. Once we?re satisfied with the
requirement, we can help any country and they can put it in their
background," he said.

Rice breeders could only possibly enhance peanut?s Vitamin A content through
genetic modification since there is no other peanut variety found to be rich
in Vitamin A.

"This is a good example where a gene is brought from corn to peanut. By
conventional breeding you can?t do that."

The other factor ICRISAT has to test is bioavailability or the human body?s
capacity to absorb Vitamin A from betacarotene. Betacarotene molecule
conversion to Vitamin A varies from 1:2 to 1:32 depending on how
betacarotene is consumed together with other foods.

The research agency may begin animal testing simultaneous with field testing
in two years.

"We need to see how it performs in field condition," he said.

Bio-availability will be tested on an animal called gerbil, a small mammal,
which has shown to have the same bio-availability rate as human.

ICRISAT is also working on a drought-resistant peanut which will use
drought-resistant genes from a crucifer called "avabidopsis italiana." This
it started three years ago in partnership with the Japanese International
Research Center Agricultural System (JIRCAS) as Japan is interested in basic
GM research even if the country itself does not consume GM goods.

The Vitamin A enrichment project is financed by the Harvest Plus which gets
funding from the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research
(CGIAR) and the William and Melinda Gates Foundation.

VAD is reportedly inflicting 100 to 200 million children worldwide and is
causing one to 2.5 million deaths in preschool children. In the Philippines,
VAD is inflicting two in very 10 pregnant and lactating women and four in
every 10 children aged six months to five years.

[www.mb.com.ph]

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