Experiences with Genetically Modified Confined Field Trial at Naivasha

Waturu CN, Ngugi CN, Muchui MN, Mbaka JN, Kimani AW and Muhonja L

Presented at the National Biosafety Conference, KICC-Nairobi Tuesday 11th -14th August 2014 P.O. Box 220, Thika, Kenya

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

1 Presentation Outline

• Project Title • Background Information • GM Gypsophila • Research Themes • Site Preparation and Planting • Data Collection • Challenges • Acknowledgements

Project Title •Field Evaluation of Transgenic Gypsophila paniculata for Colour Stability and Environmental Impact

Background Information •Gypsophila (Gypsophila sp.) originated in Eurasia, now commercially grown as a cut flower. •It belongs to the family •Common commercial variety is Gypsophila paniculata •Has predominantly white flowers and in rare cases light pink flowers. •Used as filler for floral arrangements and bouquets

Background Information

•Danziger (Israel) has developed new varieties ranging from dark purple and red to light pink through introduction of Pap1 gene.

•NBA requires introduction of GM crops be preceded by generation of biosafety data

•The objective is to evaluate transgenic Gypsophila paniculata varieties for biosafety and pink colour stability. GM Gypsophila Name and Habitat

Species name: Gypsophila paniculata L. Common Name: Baby's breath Herbaceous perennial grown as an annual crop in hotter climates Modified Trait Conventionally, ornamental Gypsophila is available in predominately one colour- white Very limited varieties and limited climate conditions also light pink Introduced gene Pap1 (Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1) is a Myb transcription factor Known to regulate the production of phenylpropanoid, including anthocyanin pigments Gene Donor and Vector

Gypsophila varieties are genetically engineered for constitutive expression of the Pap1 gene isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana

Binary transformation vector pCGN1599

Binary plasmid doesn't contain oncogenic genes which lead to the pathogenesis of the natural agrobacterium Research Themes Scientists and Research Themes

Research Expertise Research Theme(s) Scientist

1 Dr CN Entomologist/  Effect of Crude extract of GM Waturu/Cecilia Biotechnologist Gypsophila on infectivity and Ngugi development of Entomopathogenic Nematodes  Below ground effect of transgenic Gypsophila on EPNs  Effect of transgenic Gypsophila on aerial and ground arthropods diversity

11 Scientists and Research Themes

Research Expertise Research Theme(s) Scientist

2 Dr J. Mbaka Plant  Effect of transgenic Gypsophila on Pathologist rhizosphere bacterial/fungal and nematode communities populations

3 Dr D. Gikaara/ Soil Scientist/ • Evaluation of colour stability and Dr M. Floriculturist/ yield/quality performance Muchui/Ms. Post-harvest Linah Muhonja Physiologist

12 Scientists and Research Themes

Research Expertise Research Theme(s) Scientist

5 Ms. C Taracha Molecular  Field assessments of pollen-mediated Biologist gene flow (PGF) from transgenic to non transgenic Gypsophila

6 MS S. Wambua Economist  Economic evaluation of the transgenic and non transgenic Gypsophila

7 MS A Kimani ICT  Role of ICTs for Effective Dissemination of Transgenic Gypsophila Technology and Knowledge

13 Site Preparation and Planting Trial Site Distribution of Gypsophila in Naivasha GM Gypsophila CFT Site Site Preparation Seedlings Transportation GM Gypsophila Seedlings GM Gypsophila Planting Data Collection Pests and Natural Enemies Beneficial Arthropods Transgenic Conventional Pot EPN Studies Effect of Plant Extract/ EPN Studies Gene Flow Studies Postharvest Studies Soil Microbial Studies Challenges Cutworm Damage

Weed infestation Diseased

Acknowledgements

•Director KARI •CEO Danziger Ltd •Manager Beauty Line Farm Naivasha •CEO NBA •All Support Staff •Biosafety Conference Organizers •Audience

Thank You

KARI-Thika