Browsing by Author "Grumet, Rebecca"

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    Assessing quality, content, and accessibility of web information about plant biotechnology
    (International journal of biotechnology, 2012) Zawedde, Barbara M.; Sooriyapathirana, Suneth S.; Bigelow, Patrick J.; Hancock, James F.; Grumet, Rebecca
    The ability to obtain reliable information is critical for decision makers. We examined sources of information about plant biotechnology available on the internet to identify credible, high calibre websites. Google-based searches were performed using: ‘plant biotechnology’, ‘plant genetic engineering’, ‘genetically modified organisms’, ‘GMO’, ‘living modified organisms’ and ‘LMO’. Lists of websites retrieved, frequency of use, and audience varied greatly depending on keyword. Quality of content as assessed by frequency of updates, subject depth, declaration of authorship, indication of source of information, credibility of source, and neutrality, differed significantly among websites. The majority of high quality sites had government, academic, or research affiliations, however these were less frequently retrieved among the top listed websites. To ensure accurate public awareness about plant biotechnology it is important that high quality sites are recommended by information providers, and that they utilise terminology most frequently used by the public.
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    Assessing quality, content, and accessibility of web information about plant biotechnology.
    (International journal of biotechnology, 2012) Zawedde, Barbara M.; Sooriyapathirana, Suneth S.; Bigelow, Patrick J.; Hancock, James F.; Grumet, Rebecca
    The ability to obtain reliable information is critical for decision makers. We examined sources of information about plant biotechnology available on the internet to identify credible, high calibre websites. Google-based searches were performed using: ‘plant biotechnology’, ‘plant genetic engineering’, ‘genetically modified organisms’, ‘GMO’, ‘living modified organisms’ and ‘LMO’. Lists of websites retrieved, frequency of use, and audience varied greatly depending on keyword. Quality of content as assessed by frequency of updates, subject depth, declaration of authorship, indication of source of information, credibility of source, and neutrality, differed significantly among websites. The majority of high quality sites had government, academic, or research affiliations, however these were less frequently retrieved among the top listed websites. To ensure accurate public awareness about plant biotechnology it is important that high quality sites are recommended by information providers, and that they utilise terminology most frequently used by the public.
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    Biosafety education relevant to genetically engineered crops for academic and non-academic stakeholders in East Africa
    (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso -- Chile, 2009) Sengooba, Theresa; Grumet, Rebecca; Hancock, James; Zawedde, Barbara; Kitandu, Lazaro; Weebadde, Cholani; Karembu, Margaret; Kenya, Eucharia; Meredia, Karim; Nampala, Paul; Ochanda, James O.; Quemada, Hector; Rubindamayugi, Mugassa
    Development and deployment of genetically engineered crops requires effective environmental and food safety assessment capacity. In-country expertise is needed to make locally appropriate decisions. In April 2007, biosafety and biotechnology scientists, regulators, educators, and communicators from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, met to examine the status and needs of biosafety training and educational programs in East Africa. Workshop participants emphasized the importance of developing biosafety capacity within their countries and regionally. Key recommendations included identification of key biosafety curricular components for university students; collaboration among institutions and countries; development of informational materials for non-academic stakeholders and media; and organization of study tours for decision makers. It was emphasized that biosafety knowledge is important for all aspects of environmental health, food safety, and human and animal hygiene. Thus, development of biosafety expertise, policies and procedures can be a stepping stone to facilitate improved biosafety for all aspects of society and the environment.
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    Factors influencing diversity of farmers' varieties of sweet potato in Uganda: implications for conservation
    (Economic Botany, 2014) Zawedde, Barbara M.; Harris, Craig; Alajo, Agnes; Hancock, Jim; Grumet, Rebecca
    Factors Influencing Diversity of Farmers’ Varieties of Sweet Potato in Uganda: Implications for Conservation. There is increasing concern that agricultural intensification is causing loss of crop biodiversity due to displacement of traditional farmers’ varieties by a small number of improved cultivars. Using ethnobotanical surveys, we assessed the implication of adoption of new sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars on the maintenance of farmers’ varieties in Uganda. Other factors influencing varietal diversity were also assessed. A total of 102 farmer households distributed in the top three sweet potato production agro-ecological zones were interviewed. With the exception of released cultivars, very few varieties appeared in more than one region. The majority of the respondents indicated that they continue to plant some of the existing varieties when they adopt new cultivars. Loss of planting materials due to drought was a major constraint to maintaining varietal diversity for this vegetatively propagated crop. Limited land and lack of access to best management practices were also key constraints to maintenance of farmers’ varieties. The primary criteria for adopting new cultivars were higher yield, taste, and duration to maturity. Yield stability, tolerance to native biotic and abiotic stresses, and good taste were important for maintenance of currently grown varieties. Overall, criteria for variety selection varied with household characteristics including farmer age and gender, uses of the crop, micro-climatic conditions in the farmers’ fields, and level of access to agricultural extension. The observed heterogeneity in selection criteria, influence of social ties, and the role of environment in varietal maintenance have important implications for establishing breeding priorities and preservation of crop diversity.
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    Factors influencing diversity of farmers' varieties of sweet potato in Uganda: implications for conservation.
    (The New York Botanical Garden Press, Bronx, NY 10458-5126 U.S.A., 2014) Zawedde, Barbara M.; Harris, Craig; Alajo, Agnes; Hancock, Jim; Grumet, Rebecca
    There is increasing concern that agricultural intensification is causing loss of crop biodiversity due to displacement of traditional farmers’ varieties by a small number of improved cultivars. Using ethnobotanical surveys, we assessed the implication of adoption of new sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars on the maintenance of farmers’ varieties in Uganda. Other factors influencing varietal diversity were also assessed. A total of 102 farmer households distributed in the top three sweet potato production agro-ecological zones were interviewed. With the exception of released cultivars, very few varieties appeared in more than one region. The majority of the respondents indicated that they continue to plant some of the existing varieties when they adopt new cultivars. Loss of planting materials due to drought was a major constraint to maintaining varietal diversity for this vegetatively propagated crop. Limited land and lack of access to best management practices were also key constraints to maintenance of farmers’ varieties. The primary criteria for adopting new cultivars were higher yield, taste, and duration to maturity. Yield stability, tolerance to native biotic and abiotic stresses, and good taste were important for maintenance of currently grown varieties. Overall, criteria for variety selection varied with household characteristics including farmer age and gender, uses of the crop, micro-climatic conditions in the farmers’ fields, and level of access to agricultural extension. The observed heterogeneity in selection criteria, influence of social ties, and the role of environment in varietal maintenance have important implications for establishing breeding priorities and preservation of crop diversity.