Plant Biologist tasks researchers on improving character of interest in plants
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
AREWA AGENDA – Prof Oba Mustapha, of the Department of Plant Biology of the University of Ilorin has advised researchers to adopt molecular marker assisted breeding to accelerate yielding and enhance food productivity.
Mustapha made the call in Ilorin during his paper presentations at 221st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin entitled: “Chromosomes and it’s Dynamicity for Classification and Food Security”.
The Plant Biologist who teaches in the Faculty of Life Sciences of the University explained that Molecular breeding is the use of genetic manipulation performed at DNA molecular levels to improve characters of interest in plants and animals.
He added that this includes genetic engineering or gene manipulation, molecular marker-assisted selection and genomic selection.
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Mustapha pointed out that Selectable marker genes are pivotal for the development of plant transformation technologies because it allow researchers to identify or isolate the cells that are expressing the cloned DNA.
He also advised on the need to maintain and constantly update Gene Banks of crops species.
He observed that Gene banks are typically institutions where routine operations such as the storage of seed, plant tissue, pollen and sometimes DNA sequences are carried out, the management of plant collections in field genebanks, and other related activities.
The expert stated that the Gene Banks are vital to national and international efforts to conserve and harness benefits of global crop diversity.
He explained that such maintenance with new materials will avoid extinction of endangered species.
Mustapha observed that universities should endeavour to establish a Molecular Biology Laboratory to augment the services rendered by Central Research Laboratory.
He also advised the government to evolve policy that will create a synergy between universities and industries, adding that this will go a long way to make them benefit from researches carried out in the universities. (NAN)
