Agriculture
Examination of local mycorrhizal fungi for the improvement of yam growth
Yam is the second most important tuber crop in West Africa. Annual demand is constantly increasing, however annual production per hectare has declined considerably. This is mainly due to the prevalence of pests and disease. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been shown to act as antagonists to such pests (e.g. nematodes) and diseases. They also increase the efficiency of soil nutrients and water use, particularly in sub-optimal soil conditions, and thus help to increase crop yield.
As a novel approach to the improvement of yam seed material in terms of protection against pathogens, the proposed project will assess the occurrence and diversity of AMF in Togo and Benin. The screening of AMF isolated for their potential to improve yam growth and suppress nematodes on yam will be carried out in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Benin.
Assumptions
Research to be carried out jointly by Swiss researchers and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Benin. No transfer of collected AMF samples to third parties, but export and screening in Swiss research institute.
Option 1: The collection of samples is carried out by the IITA
Option 2: The collection of samples is carried out by the Swiss research institute
Analysis
Access
Option 1:
Access by scientists from the Swiss research institute to samples at the IITA (ex-situ access).
Option 2:
Collection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) by Swiss researchers in Togo and Benin (in-situ access).
Parties
Providers:
States of Togo and Benin (i.e. responsible agencies) as original providers.
Users:
| Option 1: | Step 1: IITA as contracting party with Togo and Benin; Step 2: Swiss research institute as contracting party with IITA. |
|---|---|
| Option 2 | Swiss research institute as contracting party with Togo and Benin. |
Prior Informed Consent:
Method and objective of the research; transfer of samples; whether commercialization of results is planned or not.
Contracts
Option 1:
| Step 1: | agreement between IITA and Togo and Benin as original providers |
|---|---|
| Step 2: | MTA between IITA (provider) and Swiss research institute. It is essential to ensure that the transfer of the material to the Swiss research institute is covered by the original agreement between the states of Togo and Benin (Step 1), as the original providers, and the IITA. |
Option 2:
Simple access contract between the Swiss research institute and Togo and Benin; cooperation with the IITA should be stated.
Benefits to be shared
Transfer of results to IITA, national institutes, and responsible agencies; involvement of national researchers from Togo and Benin in the research; training of PhD students; access to research data; internships for researchers from Togo and Benin; co-publication of findings.
Contract elements
Parties to the contract; partners involved; objective of the research; geographical area; type of specimens; intended use of specimens (transfer of samples for analysis only; no commercialization; transfer to third parties allowed/not allowed); details of benefit sharing.
Note
If for the execution of the research the collection of plants of Yam is required, the regulations of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture are applicable (Annex I).
When carrying out research on private land, inform farmers and/or land-owners about your research and ask for an authorization for the collection of samples.
External Links
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources Basics: www.planttreaty.org/
