Genoscope (part of the Genomic Institute of the CEA in Evry, France) and Agropolis–CIRAD (Montpellier, France) are starting to perform the complete sequencing of the banana genome. With an annual production of over 100 million tons, the banana is considered a key nutritional commodity. It is consumed at practically all latitudes and longitudes of the planet. However, its production is plagued by diseases and insects which require massive use of pesticides
The sequencing project, to be financed by the ANR (Genomic Program) and the two research organisations, GENOSCOPE/IG/CEA and Agropolis–CIRAD, is being carried out in the framework of an international public consortium for the genomics of the banana (Global MUSA GENOMICS Consortium, with the notable participation of Bioversity International and the Generation Challenge Programme for the libraries and BACs, as well as of Plant Research International and EMBRAPA for the BAC end sequencing).
It is expected that the sequencing operation will take two years and will lead to the establishment of a catalogue of genes contained in banana, with the results to be deposited in public databases and thus made accessible to all scientists in both academic and private sectors of the agribusiness.
Two Fellowship opportunities will be available for 2010 to carry out research on conservation and use of Plant Genetic Resources. The Fellowships are supported by Pioneer Hi‐Bred International, Inc., United States, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Australia.
Applications are invited from nationals of developing countries, aged 35 or under, holding a Masters degree (or equivalent) and/or Doctorate in a relevant subject area. The list of eligible countries is available on the World Bank website: ('Income group': 'low‐income' and 'lower‐middle income' only).
Deadline for applications: 8 November 2009
The Norman E Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Programme helps developing countries strengthen sustainable agricultural practices by providing short‐term scientific training and collaborative research opportunities to visiting researchers, policymakers and university faculty while they work with a mentor. The programme targets developing countries and matches participants with experts in their field at land‐grant universities and 1890s colleges, government agencies, international research centers and other non-profit institutions and private companies.
- Eligibility: Please consult website
- Deadline: Various in October 2009, depending on region of interest (please consult website)
ICRISAT's Center of Excellence in Genomics (CEG), supported by the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology, will host its sixth training course entitled 'Application of genomics technologies in plant breeding, from 16–27 November 2009 at the ICRISAT campus at Patancheru, Greater Hyderabad, India. The course will provide participants a hands-on opportunity to gain expertise in the use of molecular markers (SSRs, SNPs and DArTs), gene/QTL mapping and marker-assisted breeding. The course will focus on the experimental design and data analysis components of molecular markers, rather than the actual marker data generation technology. The course will also introduce concepts and prospects of modern genomics tools such as Next Generation Sequencing technologies, as well as bioinformatics tools and databases in plant breeding. Special attention will be given to the requirements for utilising a high-throughput marker service facility such as the one established at CEG. Since its inception in 2007, CEG has trained more than 100 scientists from India and other developing countries in the application of genomics technologies in crop improvement.
Eligibility
- The sixth training course is primarily open to Indian scientists, although there will also be a limited number of places for scientists from other developing countries who have a demonstrable ability to use both the techniques taught and the CEG marker services.
Expenses
- Selected Indian participants will be provided 2nd class AC train fare by the shortest route to/from ICRISAT plus boarding and lodging at ICRISAT.
- Candidates selected from other developing countries should source sponsorship from either their home institute or from external funding bodies to support travel expenses; ICRISAT–CEG will cover board and lodging at ICRISAT.
Deadline for submissions: Applications to be submitted online by no later than 15th September 2009.
Contact for more information: Rajeev Varshney, Leader, Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Principal Scientist (Applied Genomics), ICRISAT/ Subprogramme Leader, Generation Challenge Programme
A workshop, entitled 'Capacity Development for Farm Management Strategies to Improve Crop-Water Productivity using AquaCrop' will be held from 25–29 October 2009 in Cairo, Egypt, to train participants in the practical applications of ‘AquaCrop’, a crop model recently developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
AquaCrop focuses on simulating the attainable yield in response to water which is the key driver for agricultural production and which becomes increasingly the critical factor limiting crop production. The model uses a relatively small number of explicit and mostly intuitive parameters and attempts to balance simplicity, accuracy and robustness.
Through teaching participants how to apply the new model, the course aims to improve their skills in strategic farm management practices toward increasing crop water productivity in rainfed and irrigated production systems.
The workshop is a joint initiative of FAO, the UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) hosted by the United Nations University and the Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute (SWERI).
Selection requirements
- Eligible applicants will:
- Have at least 3 years of professional experience in a related field (water resources
management, irrigation, extension service on farm water management, research in
crop-water relations, teaching in agricultural science) - Currently be working in a relevant institution or organisation
- Be able to demonstrate opportunities for dissemination of the gained knowledge
- Possess basic computer skills
- Have a good command of English
- Be under the age of 45
Deadline for application: 1st September 2009
More information, including details on how to apply and funding opportunities
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