02192naa a2200157 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000180006024501130007826000090019152016900020070000180189070000180190870000190192677300890194516518382004-04-15       1998    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aMASONA, V. M.  aTransferring a cassava genetic transformation capability to the African environmentbprogress and realities.  c1998  aAbstract: The procedures required to produce genetically transformed cassava were developed and are now in place in a number laboratories in the USA and Europe. Future implementation and sustainability of transgenic technologies for the agronomic improvement of cassava will depend, however, on transferring these capabilities to locations where cassava has an important socioeconomic niche. If successful, such countries can apply the technology towards their particular needs, significantly reducing the gap between the technology and its intended endusers. Training scientists from the developing countries in the transgenic biotechnologies is of primary importance in this effort. There are, However, many other factors including the availability of laboratory supplies, equipment, suitably trained support staff, funding and biosafety regulations, which must be addressed and put in place before a transgenic programme can be fully implemented in a given country. A transgenic capability is being transferred from ILTAB, USA to the University of Zimbabwe. Three southern African cassava varieties were induced to form embryogenic suspension cultures at ILTAB and have been transferred to Zimbabwe. The genetic transformation of these cultivars is currently underway in both labs. Problems encountered in the transfer process as well as possible solutions animed at adapting the available protocols will be presented. The lessons learnt from this process are of value to both developing and advanced country laboratories. It is intended that presentation should generate increased awareness of the requirement and problems in implemeting long term transgenic programmes in cassava.1 aTAYLOR, N. J.1 aBEACHY, R. N.1 aFAUQUET, C. M.  tRevista Brasileira de Mandioca,Cruz das Almasgv. 17, p. 32, nov., 1998. Suplemento.