1. Bt maize event, development of Bt source line, & human health safety assessment
2. Development of conventional and Bt products, and compositional analysis
3. Environmental impact assessment
4. Insect resistance management and contingency plans
5. Regulatory Issues
6. IPR/Licensing
7. Seed Production
8. Market assessment and analysis
9. Economic impact assessment
10. Communication / promotion & Administration

1. Bt Maize Event, Development of Bt Source Line, & Human Health Safety    Assessment

• At the open quarantine site (OQS) at Kiboko, mock trials were continued for the purpose of training staff and other stakeholders in advance of the forthcoming Bt maize field testing. The last of such trials was harvested in January 2005. Non-target organisms were collected from the maize both during cropping and after harvesting (maize-free conditions) to generate baseline data.


• In the laboratory in Mexico the development of 11 second generation lines of Cry 1C and the development of the Cry 2A events is continuing.


• In Kenya, Jedidah Danson’s work on the protocols for Bt gene detection using the PCR method for both Cry1Ab and Cry1Ba was tested and found to work on Events 10, 58, 216 and 223. The reliability of the PCR method offers an alternative during selection—one of the useful applications of molecular marker technology. The method can be used to detect gene flow/contamination when the Bt materials are planted at Kiboko.

2. Development of Conventional and Bt Products, and Compositional Analysis

• The modest October 2004 plantings (2005A season) were harvested. These were 32 double cross hybrids grown at Mtwapa, Kiboko, Embu, and Kakamega. Thirty two (32) OPVs were evaluated at Mtwapa and Kiboko for resistance to Chilo partellus. The data from these trials are being analyzed and will form the basis of the nominations to the 2006 NPTs.
• Work on LGB resistance was advanced with six sets each of 250 S1 LGB-resistant lines being advanced to the S2 generation. These are now being screened for resistance to LGB in the laboratory. A further 129 S4 LGB-resistant inbred lines were advanced to the S5 generation.
• Data from the NPT 2004B season were presented to the 2005 NPT meeting on 2–3 February 2004. The meeting decided to have the six insect resistant varieties tested for a second year before making a decision on release.
• The 2005B season’s planting was prepared, and a total of 35 trials planted (3 at Mtwapa, 12 at Kiboko, 3 at Katumani, 5 at Embu, 3 at Kakamega, and 9 sites of the insect resistant NPT special kit). The trials include eight nurseries (3 on seed increase, 4 on hybrid formation, and one on development of descriptors for the OPVs in the NPT). Gene flow study trials are also planted at five locations. Early, medium and mid–late insect resistant OPVs are being grown in NPTs by KEPHIS at diverse locations in the country.
• In Mexico, Dr. Bergvinson increased 280 white and 180 yellow lines and formed test crosses with three white African testers (CML312SR, CML395 and CML442). Lines have been sent to Kenya, and test crosses will be sent in early May 2005.

• We harvested 8,659 seeds from selfing transgenic seeds from the nine Bt maize events that were introduced into Kenya. This is enough seed for the various tests that are either in progress or planned, including non-target, IRM and expression studies, and crossings and field-tests in the OQS.
• We also generated 2,690 seeds from crosses of Bt with non-Bt maize plants—BC0 generations in the inbred line conversion of CML202 and CML204 variously with Events 3, 58, 127, 216, and 396. BC0 crosses to other inbred lines including CML144, CML159, and CML395, and OPVs KCB, Pool 15 QPM are still growing in the field. The backcrossings will be continued in the OQS during the coming quarter.
• Tests were carried out to confirm homozygosity with progenies from 54 inbred plants from the nine events that will be grown in the OQS. Those plants that showed homozygosity will be advanced and used for various studies.
• Tests for resistance to Busseola fusca were carried out with Events 127 and 216, but with variable success because of various reasons such as lack of larvae and problems with leaf bioassays. However, preliminary results indicate no resistance in these events.
• Mr. G. Murenga, who previously managed the BGHC, enrolled for his Master’s degree in plant breeding at the University of Nairobi. His research thesis will focus on whether expression of Bt toxins changes with generations of breeding. Inbred lines, F1, F2 and F3 generations of Bt x Bt, Bt x non-Bt and non-Bt x non-Bt plants will be compared for expression using insect bioassays, protein analysis and HPLC to determine the levels of expression. Seeds to develop the various generations have been sown in the BGHC.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment

• Preserving reference collections: The preserved arthropod specimens were re-organized according to sites of collection, and family/species groups and into more preservation boxes, in order to facilitate technical referencing during the field monitoring phase. There were no new specimens from the field as monitoring at the Kiboko confined field site had stopped due to lack of funds.
• Database: A digital database has been developed in MS Excel, to link digital images with data on location, trap type and date of collection. With this information, particular groups of insects can be monitored using a particular trap-type during specific periods of the cropping season. Data from collections made from the 10-m perimeter surrounding maize fields should be included in this database.
• Preparation for monitoring of arthropods in confined field site: Preparations are underway to use part of the confined trial in Kiboko for monitoring non-target organisms in Bt and non-Bt plots.
• Greenhouse/laboratory studies on impacts of Bt maize on bionomics of key parasitoids (Cotesia flavipes and Cotesia sesamiae) of maize stem borers: The protocols for use in these studies have been finalized, and plans are underway to commence the studies.

4. Insect Resistance Management and Contingency Plans

• Using a statistical function (Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) within ArcView 9, we have identified specific regions where there is sufficient refugia at a significance level of 0.05. However, several districts do not contain adequate refugia within one or both of the maize growing seasons. For these districts, conventional resistance should be promoted along with other alternate hosts (e.g. sorghum or Napier grass) that are economically attractive for farmers to cultivate. The new refugia map will be reported in IRMA updates for the first quarter of 2005.
• Harvesting of refugia suitability trials has continued. This data is now being compiled over the four years of trials so as to provide robust estimates of refugia value for the different alternate crops commonly used in different mixed cropping systems within Kenya. One area where data is currently lacking is the relative value of rice as an alternate host for Chilo partellus. This information could be obtained by monitoring emergence holes in rice relative the those in neighbouring maize plots. This could not be done within the existing refugia trials, given the flooding requirement for rice cultivation. This information can be collected in the coastal area shortly prior to the rice harvest.
• Regina Tende, a Master’s degree student from the University of Nairobi, continued her studies on screening for resistance development in B. fusca and C. partellus to Bt delta-endotoxins. The project aims to complete four cycles of selection for B. fusca and 8 for C. partellus (Eastern, mixed and coast colonies). During the reporting period, data were generated for second-generation B. fusca and Chilo partellus eastern and for first-generation Chilo mixed and Chilo coast colonies. The information obtained from this study will be useful for development of IRM strategies for Bt maize in Kenya.

5. Regulatory Issues

• An “Application for Field Testing Maize Seeds Containing the Bt Genes Cry1Ab and Cry1ba for Evaluation, Seed Increase and Backcrossing into Other Maize Lines Under Field Confinement in the Open Quarantine Site at Kiboko”, which had been approved by the KARI Institutional Biosafety Committee on 15 Dec 2004, was approved by the Kenya National Biosafety Committee (NBC) on 9 Feb 2005, following presentation and defense by S. Gichuki and S. Mugo. However, the formalities of preparing the written approval have delayed planting for almost two months. We should be planting as soon as we receive the final letter from KEPHIS.
• The team has continued to follow the developments in biosafety and bio-regulation in the Kenyan legislative system, as the draft Biosafety Bill continues to be debated by stakeholders. The ministry of Education, Science and Technology is committed to moving the Biotechnology Policy and Bill to parliament. A critical parliamentary motion that had been suggested during the last session was overtaken by events and will not be debated unless brought afresh during the current session. There is a particularly negative analysis of the proposed Biosafety Bill by ActionAid, which is leading a group of anti GMO activists in Kenya. ABSF is leading the efforts to address these issues, and IRMA will be contributing to its efforts.

6. IPR/Licensing

• Negotiations on the commercial use of the Ubi: cry1Ab construct developed by the University of Ottawa have continued with Mr. Shawn Flanigan. The University will revise a letter drafted by CIMMYT’s IP counsel, Shawn Sullivan, which will be used to approach companies to ensure that CIMMYT and KARI will have the freedom to operate with this construct within Kenya and neighbouring countries, based on trade considerations within the Cartagena Protocol. CIMMYT should have a response by May, 2005. Marianne Bänziger and John Dodds are also involved in this effort.

7. Seed Production

• Four hundred and ninety-eight kilograms (498 kg) of breeder seeds for use in various activities, key of which was the national performance trials (detailed in theme 2 above) and associated activities, were produced.
• During the current season (March 2005 planting) a total of 502, 5-m-long rows have been sown at Kiboko with various materials for seed production, including hybrid production and seed increases. A total of 1,200 kg seed is expected from these nurseries.

8. Market Assessment and Analysis

• Planning for 2005 activities.

9. Economic Impact Assessment

• During the first quarter of 2005, IRMA social scientists continued analyzing data from previous research, worked on editing and submitting papers for different venues, and prepared the work plans and budgets for this year’s activities.
• A first draft of the CD of the IRMA I Social Scientists’ papers and presentations has been compiled and is being reviewed by various people. We are still editing some of the papers, and plan to have the final version out in the next quarter, print sufficient copies, and also post it on the Web. Papers presented at conferences last year (KARI conference, American Agricultural Economics Association, and African Association of Agricultural Economics) were also finalized for the proceedings or for submission to journals. A summary of our synthesis paper was published in the Information Systems for Biotechnology (ISB) News Report of February 2005 (http://www.isb.vt.edu/ news/2005/feb05.pdf).
• Analysis continued on two new areas: poverty and the regulatory framework for GM crops. A paper synthesizing our knowledge of the potential effect of Bt maize on ‘poverty crops’ was presented at the XIIIth International Molecular Biology Seminar, Paris, in February Paris, and a more recent version that includes poverty mapping was submitted and accepted for the International Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology Research (ICABR), Ravello (Italy), July 6–10, 2005.
• To analyze the different themes that were covered in our baseline survey of 1,800 farmers, smaller teams were formed for each subject (land use, use of different varieties, adoption of fertilizer and improved seed, recycling, pesticide use, etc.). As a follow-up to a November 2004 workshop, a week-long workshop was held in February 2005, at which each team presented their preliminary analysis, the improved outlines of their papers, and literature search. Each presentation was followed by peer review during which each theme was discussed. The outlines were adjusted accordingly, further data cleaning and analysis was done, and the literature search improved with input from colleagues.
• Some of the social scientists (the theme leaders) took part in the IRMA II work plan meeting in Nairobi on 15 March 2005. The different activities we had planned in the annual meeting of November 2004 were reviewed and brought in line with the available budget. Some were cut and others reduced, and different members of the group were assigned to develop a more detailed work plan and budget for this year’s activities.

10. Communication / Promotion & Administration

• Preparing the IRMA Project Annual Stakeholder meeting 2004 Report. Presentations were obtained from all participants. In some instances, comments were reconstructed from notes. In these instances, the comments were reviewed by the presenters, and revised and approved. Notes from the public session taken by the reporters during the meeting were put into electronic format and forwarded to the editors. Photos of key presenters were obtained and the document awaits final editing and layout.