Global initiative on late blight (GiLB): a model for collaborative research

An example of a global initiative to resolve a key biological problem facing potato is the Global Initiative on Late Blight (GiLB). This was formed following the realisation that the magnitude of the late blight problem requires a global strategy. Late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. The pathogen is showing increasing resistance to chemicals used in developing countries (and new chemicals are subject to increasing safety regulations). It also travels easily, providing access to environments where variability can be increased through sexual hybridisations (Collins, 2000). Organisations such as the International Potato Center (CIP) are dedicated to improving the health and well being of disadvantaged populations in the developing world and appreciate that there is a role for genetic modification (GM) technology in such initiatives. CIP is playing a key role in delivering links between private and public centre research and has set up a global strategy for the uptake and deployment of genetically engineered potatoes when and where appropriate. The initiative is called potato GENE (Genetic Engineering Network) and currently involves scientists from 11 developing and three industrialised countries. Four priority areas have been focused upon, which actually reflect key issues for the developed as well as developing countries with regard to GMOs:

1. strategies for addressing public concerns;
2. seed systems and intellectual property;
3. gene flow and effects on non-target organisms; and
4. health and food safety issues.

The objective is to provide the scientific information necessary for informed choice. The GM debate in general is opening up and considerable transparency is emerging through initiatives driven by scientists themselves. The reader is directed to sites such as http://www.rikilt.wageningen-ur.nl/euprojects/ euprojects.html, where information canbe gathered on EuropeanUnion funded research programmes such ENTRANSFOOD and GMOCARE which are aimed at improving information flow and delivering further scientific advances to assist risk assessment.