Dear applicant,
I am pleased to inform you that following your application to the Benefit-sharing
Fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, in
response to the Call for Proposals 2008, your pre-proposal was screened by the Bureau of
the Governing Body of the Treaty as one of the eligible pre-proposals. As a result of the
screening, you are invited to submit a Project Proposal by 18 March, 2009.
http://www.planttreaty.org
Call for Proposals 2008
Submission of Project Proposals
Project Proposals must be submitted through the national authorities of a
Contracting Party to the Treaty, i.e. through the National Focal Points or through the
Permanent Representatives to FAO. See contact details of National Focal Points and
Permanent Representatives to FAO in the attached information table.
Project Proposals must be submitted by the national authority to the Secretariat of
the Treaty at [email protected] or by fax (39) 0657056347 and could be submitted in
English, French or Spanish. Nevertheless, you are kindly requested to submit your
Project Proposal in English, as far as possible.
A Panel of Experts designated by the Bureau in consultation with their Regions
will review and rank the Project Proposals received by 18 March 2009 according to the
selection criteria adopted by the Governing Body at its Second Session. Please find
attached the selection criteria for your reference and further information.
Project Proposals will be appraised by the Bureau on the basis of
recommendations made by the Panel of Experts. Project Proposals will be approved by
the Bureau of the Governing Body on 31 May 2009 and the results will be notified to
applicants within the following weeks.
I remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.
Shakeel Bhatti
Secretary
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources
for Food and Agriculture
http://www.planttreaty.org
Benefit-sharing Fund of the International Treaty
Call for Proposals 2008
PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM
Deadline for submissions: 18 March 2009
Project proposals should be submitted through the national authorities of a country
that is a Contracting Party to the Treaty, i.e. through the National Focal Points or
through the Permanent Representatives to FAO.
Project Proposals could be submitted in English, French or Spanish. Nevertheless,
you are kindly requested to submit your Project Proposal in English, as far as
possible.
For any further questions regarding the project proposal submission, please contact
the Secretariat by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone +39 06 5705 3554.
I. CONTACT INFORMATION
Organization: Universidad de Costa Rica, Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas
(CIA)
Address: Ciudad Universitaria, Rodrigo Facio, San José, Costa Rica.
Telephone: +506 2511-3059
Fax: +506 2234-1627
Country: Costa Rica
Web page: http://www.cia.ucr.ac.cr/
Contact Person
Mr
Mrs
Ms
Name Arturo Middle name _________________ Last name Brenes
Position: Plan Biotechnology Unit Head
Address: Universidad de Costa Rica, Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas
P.O. Box 2060, San José
Country: Costa Rica
Telephone: : +506 2511-3059
Fax: +506 2234-1627
E-mail: [email protected]
II. INFORMATION ON THE ORGANIZATION
A. BACKGROUND Maximum 500 words
Outline any previous work done by the organization and its links to this application. Please provide some
information about the rationale behind the project proposal.
The effects of global climate change such as heat, coldness, drought or flooding are likely to
threaten most crop species. Moreover, changes in their affecting pathogen spectrums can be
expected. It is necessary to develop new cultivars which are adapted to these threats by applying
MAS (marker assisted selection) or genetic transformations based on useful candidate genes.
Most of the actually cultivated potato species are not adapted to the threats of climate change, but
large germplasm resources in form of Solanum wild species exist which carry important genes for
resistance or tolerance to different stresses.
Large part of the genetic variation is located in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia and has
been studied intensively. However, also in Costa Rica unique germplasm resources of wild
Solanum species exist which have been only partially characterized and have not been exploited
yet for breeding. Specific accessions can be found in Costs Rica which are adapted to adverse
cold, heat and drought conditions and do not show presence of disease symptoms.
The aim of this project is to characterize this valuable germplasm with respect to resistance and
tolerance to different biotic and abiotic stresses and exploit it through breeding to obtain new
potato varieties adapted to climate change for sustainable agriculture.
The leader of this research, CIA from the University of Costa Rica, has already collected some
promising accessions and established them in vitro. Recently the morphological, taxonomic and
physiological characterization of this germplasm has been initiated.
Genomic studies offer the possibility to characterize germplasm efficiently at the molecular level
and to accelerate considerably breeding programmes. The detection of candidate genes for useful
traits offers the possibility to apply them – after developing the corresponding markers – in
marker assisted selection (MAS) within breeding programmes. The survey of allelic diversity of
such genes within cultivated and wild species and analyses of their particular effects permits to
select the most efficient allele combinations for these purposes. Within this project we want to
identify useful candidate genes for different biotic and abiotic stresses using molecular tools,
characterize the allelic variation of this novel germplasm and use the markers in marker assisted
breeding.
CIA collaborates in this project with NEIKER (Basque Institute for Research and Development
in Agriculture; Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain). NEIKER has realized different genomic studies in a
dozen of plant species and applying different molecular tools such as transcriptome mapping,
differential cDNA-AFLP, microarray analyses or direct EST sequencing from enriched libraries.
Actually NEIKER participates in a large Genomic Project in potato (Bioexploit, IP of EU FP6).
Knowledge about markers and methodologies to perform the planned R&D activities of this
project are available.
B. ORGANIZATION
i) Please select from the following options to show the nature of the organization
Government
A farmer, farming community or farmers' association
Non Governmental Organization
Gene bank or ex situ collection of PGRFA
Science, research & academic sector
Private Sector
A regional or international organization
ii) Maximum 500 words Describe the organization’s mandate, organisational structure, funding, and
capacity to administer small scale projects (organizational and financial documents may be provided as
attachments)
Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas (CIA)
Plant Biotechnology Unit (LBP), Center for Agricultural Research, University of Costa
Rica.
The Center for Agricultural Research (ICA) at the University of Costa Rica is dedicated
to research in the areas of Natural Resources, Soil, Biotechnology, Soil Microbiology and
Agricultural Postharvest in addition to social work and teaching, both at pre and
postgraduate levels. During its trajectory of more than 50 years, the CIA has linked their
research with various national and international institutions and much of its activity has
been directed toward participatory farm research, which has enabled the adoption of
technologies developed. The CIA is a team of over 80 active people, including 25
researchers, research assistants and undergraduate and postgraduate students and
administratives in its five units.
One of the most important programs at the Plant Biotechnology Unit of CIA is the potato
breeding program. This unit has been supporting the national potato program through the
production of high quality seed for small farmers in the past 18 years, and has begun the
process of genetic improvement in this important crop, using conventional and novel
techniques. The LBP has a potato germplasm bank of almost 300 entries, which includes
varieties grown in South and North America and Europe, wild species of Costa Rica as
well as somatic hybrids produced in Germany and Sweden and progenies of these
hybrids.
For a description of the collaborating organization NEIKER see chapter L.
“COLLABORATION”.
iii) Indicate if a Board or a specific steering committee has been appointed to oversee the
development of this project. Yes/No (If Yes please provide details)
The steering committee to oversee the development of this project is composed of the
principal investigators and the project staff involved, together with the corresponding
heads of departments of each institution as external observers (see also chapter E
“MONITORING”).
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. PROJECT TITLE
IDENTIFICATION OF USEFUL POTATO GERMPLASM ADAPTED TO BIOTIC AND
ABIOTIC STRESSES CAUSED BY GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
B. DURATION OF THE PROJECT
Start of the project (month/year) 07/2009
End of the project (month/year) 06/2011
C. SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT Maximum 500 words
Please provide a brief summery of the project identifying the objectives and activities.
Abiotic stresses caused by climate change represent a critical limitation and a mayor threat for
sustainable agriculture and food security. It is necessary to develop new cultivars with tolerance
to abiotic stresses by exploiting the existing biodiversity of species. In this project we will
characterize novel, yet unexploited germplasm from Costa Rica and identify accessions
which are adapted to biotic and abiotic threats of climate change. Based on this
information we will develop molecular markers which can be used for potato breeding of
new potato cultivars for sustainable agriculture.
Initially a germplasm working collection consisting of around 60 Solanum wild species
accessions mainly from Costa Rica will be established and plant materials will be multiplied as
required for the corresponding field trials and bioassays.
Phenotypic evaluations of these accessions for resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic
stresses will be performed in field trials and bio-assays. The traits for evaluation include different
pathogens such as fungi, nematodes and different viruses and abiotic stresses heat, cold and
drought .
We will detect candidate genes (CG) for resistance or tolerance to these stresses using different
molecular tools. On one hand we will apply the differential cDNA-AFLP technique to detect new
candidate genes, on the other hand we will exploit existing genomic resources in potato and other
plant species to detect homologous CG in potato or for validating known candidate genes. We
will develop molecular markers based on the sequence information of CG, analyze their allelic
variability in our germplasm collection and associate specific phenotypic expression with
particular alleles.
Pre-breeding activities by means of crossings and evaluations of resulting progenies will be
performed to combine favourable characteristics and to improve adaptation to climate change
applying the developed markers.
All Project results and Products (breeding clones) will be disseminated and transferred to the
scientific community, to breeders and to gene bank curators. A Knowledge base will be
established with all results and a molecular marker set will be selected for analysing stress
adaptation in potatoes which can be used for marker assisted breeding in potato and related
species.
D. PROJECT OBJECTIVE(S), ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS
General Objetive:
The general objective consists of characterizing novel germplasm from Costa Rica,
identification of accessions adapted to biotic and abiotic threats of climate change and
developing molecular markers which can be used for potato breeding of new potato
cultivars for sustainable agriculture.
In order to meet this general objective the following Specific Objectives are envisaged:
1. Establishment of a representative germplasm collection of Solanum wild species
accessions from Costa Rica and preparation of plant materials for trials and assays.
2. Evaluation of these accessions from Costa Rica for resistance or tolerance
biotic and abiotic stresses related to global climate change.
to
3. Detection of useful candidate genes for biotic and abiotic stresses applying
different molecular Tools.
4. Development of molecular markers and molecular characterization of the
mentioned plant materials with these markers.
5. Pre-breeding activities to combine favourable characteristics and to improve
adaptation to climate change applying the developed markers.
6. Dissemination and Transfer of Project results and Products (breeding clones).
Description of the Work
Following the specified objectives the consortium will perform the following activities:
1. Establishment of the germplasm working collection and preparation of plant
materials
1.1. Establishment of the germplasm working collection
Initially the germplasm working collection consisting of around 60 Solanum wild species
accessions mainly from Costa Rica but also other reference wild species will be established.
Many accessions are already available in vitro, but the working collection will be completed with
additional, suitable entries.
1.2. Preparation of plant materials
All accessions will be multiplied in order to have sufficient plant material for the corresponding
field trials and bioassays.
2. Phenotypic evaluation of germplasm.
2.1 Evaluation of resistance or tolerance to pathogens:
Evaluations of resistances against different pathogens such as fungi: Phytophthora infestans,
nematodes: Nacobbus aberrans, Globodera sp. and different potato viruses: PVY, PVX, PLRV
will be performed in the accessions of the working collection.
2.2 Evaluation of resistance or tolerance to abiotic stress factors: drought, cold, heat
Evaluations will be performed in field trials and bio-assays using standard methodology. The
following stress-factors will be assayed:
- Evaluation of drought, cold and heat tolerance of all the accessions in field trials at appropriate
locations.
- Evaluation of heat, cold and drought tolerance through bioassays under controlled conditions
cultivating selected susceptible and tolerant genotypes under stressed and unstressed conditions.
3. Detection of candidate genes for biotic and abiotic stresses using different molecular tools.
3.1 Differential cDNA-AFLP
The cDNA-AFLP technique will be applied to detect transcripts with differential expression,
representing potential candidate genes. For this purpose RNA and mRNA will be extracted from
stressed and unstressed plants from the bioassays. After generating double-stranded ds-cDNA,
restriction digest and adapter ligation, the standard AFLP methodology will be applied.
Truly differentially expressed transcripts will be isolated, cloned and sequenced and homology
searches will be performed in public Databases (via NCBI) in order to detect candidate genes
with a relevant biological meaning.
Based on their sequence information appropriate primers for PCR applications will be designed
using Software Primer3.
3.2 Analysis of known candidate genes for biotic and abiotic stresses.
In silico mining of sequence databases and publications will be performed for evaluating
published candidate genes from potato and other species. In the latter case sequence comparisons
with potato BAC sequences or ESTs will be performed in order to detect potato homologues.
Appropriate primers will be designed based on (comparative) sequence information in order to
obtain amplification products via PCR.
4. Marker Development and molecular characterization of plant materials with these markers.
4.1 Validation of Markers and characterization of accessions
Initially the primers for candidate genes designed in Activity 3 will be validated for presence of
polymorphic PCR amplification products using a subset of accessions. If this is the case, primers
will be applied to the whole range of accessions. Otherwise, new primers will be designed based
on sequencing (SNP markers) or specific techniques such as restriction digest of amplification
products or SSCP.
4.2 Analysis of the allelic variability and specific allele-phenotype associations
The number of different alleles which exist in the Collection and their frequences will be
determined, as well as the number of patterns (allelic composition) which are obtained, their
frequencies in the accessions and the degree of heterozygosity in each genotype.
On the other hand potential associations of specific marker alleles with specific characteristics
(for example resistances) will be analysed for application in marker-assisted selection.
5. Pre-breeding activities to combine favourable characteristics and to improve adaptation to
climate change
5.1. Crossings and evaluation of progenies.
Crosses between accessions and between accessions and commercial cultivars will be performed
in order to combine favourable characteristics. The obtained progenies will be evaluated for
agronomic performance and resistances.
5.2. Marker validation and genotype selection
If segregating amplification products for maker alleles are obtained, these will be used to validate
the corresponding candidate genes.
Based on the molecular and phenotypic information superior genotypes with favourable
characteristics and combined resistances will be selected.
6. Dissemination and Transfer of Project results and Products (breeding clones).
6.1 Scientific Dissemination
A project web page will be established containing information about the project objectives, the
participants and the results which will be obtained.
This web page will also contain a Knowledge Base with all results and a molecular marker set
will be selected for analysing stress adaptation in potatoes and related species which can be used
for marker assisted breeding in potato.
Results will be disseminated in appropriate conferences and workshops and will be published in
relevant journals.
6.2 Transfer of results and products to the sector (productive chain)
Workshops and meetings will be organized with breeders, farmers and other actors of the potato
productive chain in order to inform about the project and the project results. Demonstration of
promising clones in field trials will be performed and promising breeding material will be made
available to potato breeders.
Objective 1: Establishment of the germplasm working collection and preparation of plant
materials
Activities
1.1. Establishment of
the germplasm
working collection
Project outputs
Milestones and indicators (I)
Working collection of around 60
Solanum wild species accessions.
1.2. Preparation of
Plant material of the different
accessions for realising field trials
and bioassays
To establish a germplasm
collection representing the
variability of Solanum wild species
from Costa Rica
I: Nº of accessions in the working
collection
To obtain sufficient plant material
for the foreseen trials and assays
I: Amount of plants or tubers for
field trials and bioassays
plant materials
Due date
Month 3
Month 6
Objective 2: Evaluation of accessions of Solanum wild species from Costa Rica for
resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses related to global climate change.
Activities
2.1. Evaluation of
resistance to
pathogens
2.2. Evaluation of
resistance or
tolerance to abiotic
stress factors

Project outputs
Milestones and indicators (I:)
Due date
Results of evaluation assays for
resistances to fungi, nematodes and
potato viruses in the working
collection.
Results on evaluations of drought,
cold and heat tolerance of the
accessions through field trials and bioassays.
Identification of accessions with
resistance to different pathogens
(I: Nº of accessions with
resistances)
Months*
12 and 18
Identification of accessions with
tolerance to different abiotic
stresses
Months*
12 and 18
(I: Nº of accessions with abiotic
stress tolerance)
first results and extended results, respectively
Objective 3: Detection of useful candidate genes for abiotic stresses applying different
molecular Tools.
Activities
Description/ Project outputs
Milestones and indicators (I)
Due date
3.1. Differential
Results of differential cDNA-AFLP
evaluations for drought, cold and heat
tolerance. Potential candidate genes
and primers for PCR amplifications.
Identification of new candidate
genes with relevant biological
meaning for biotic and abiotic
stress resistance through
differential cDNA-AFLP.
Months*
12 and 18
cDNA-AFLP
3.2. Analysis of
known candidate
genes for biotic and
abiotic stresses.
Results of in silico mining to detect
published candidate genes for
resistances to biotic stresses and
drought, cold and heat tolerance.
Identification of homologues in potato
and primers for amplification of these
candidate genes.
I: Nº of detected candidate genes
for biotic and abiotic stress
tolerance
Identification of potato
homologues of published candidate
genes for biotic and abiotic stress
resistance from other species.
Months*
12 and 18
(I: Nº of published candidate
genes for biotic and abiotic stress
tolerance and homologues in
potato)
Objective 4: Development of molecular markers and molecular characterization of the
mentioned plant materials with these markers.
Activities
Project outputs
Milestones and
indicators (I)
Due date
4.1. Validation of
Markers and
characterization of
accessions
Results on marker validation and
characterization of the accessions.
Obtainment of highly
polymorphic markers.
Months*
12 and 18
4.2. Analysis of the
allelic variability and
specific allelephenotype associations
Results of polymorphism analyses in the
accessions and potential associations of
specific marker alleles with specific
characteristics (for example resistances)
(I: Nº of developed
polymorphic markers for
biotic and abiotic stresses)
Identification of associations
between specific marker
alleles and
resistances/tolerance to
biotic/abiotic stresses.
Months*
18 and 24
(I: Nº of specifc allelephenotype associations for
biotic and abiotic stresses)

first results and extended results, respectively
Objective 5: Pre-breeding activities to combine favourable characteristics and to improve
adaptation to climate change applying the developed markers.
Activities
Project outputs
Milestones and
indicators (I)
5.1. Crossings and
evaluation of
progenies.
Crossings and progenies evaluated for
agronomic performance and resistances.
To combine different
favourable characteristics
through crossings.
Months* 12
and 24
(I: Nº of crosses and
progenies)
To validate successfully
markers in selected
progenies and to obtain
promising genotypes.
Months* 18
and 24
5.2. Marker validation
and genotype selection
Results on marker validation in selected
progenies.
Selection of superior breeding clones
with combined favourable
characteristics.
Due date
(I: Nº of validated markers
and selected superior
genotypes with combined
favourable characteristics)
Objective 6: Dissemination and Transfer of Project results and Products (breeding clones).
Activities
Project outputs
Milestones and
indicators (I)
Due date
6.1. Scientific
Dissemination
Project web page with Knowledge
Database
Presentations of project results in
conferences and workshops.
Publications.
To transfer efficiently
project results to the
scientific community
Month 6 and
updates
month 12,
18, 24
6.2. Transfer of results
and products to the
sector (productive
chain)

Workshops and meetings with breeders,
farmers and other actors of the potato
productive chain
Demonstration and dissemination of
promising breeding clones.
first results and extended results, respectively
(I: Web page, Nº of
publications and
contributions to congresses)
To transfer efficiently
project results to the
scientific community
(I: Web page, Nº of
publications and
contributions to congresses)
Periodically
during the
project, each
6 months
E. MONITORING Maximum 500 words
Identify who will be the person responsible for the reporting of the project as well as for
monitoring the project progress and its impact assessment according to concrete milestones and
indicators.
Project Management Board (PMB)
The PMB will monitor the progress of the project. It is composed of the Coordinator (Dr.
A. Brenes; CIA) and the principal investigator from NEIKER (Dr. E. Ritter), together
with the corresponding heads of departments of each institution as external observers and
project staff, if required.
The coordinator in collaboration with the other PMB members will be responsible for
reporting and the technical and financial management of the project.
Communication flow and Progress Control
General communication between the project partners will be realized via email or Skype.
At each anticipated milestone the responsible partner(s) will write a brief report, stating
whether the milestone has been met and, if not, the reason and a new expected date when
the milestone will be met. In addition, to enhance the exchange of data and ideas and to
enable the coordinator to closely follow the progress (and interfere if necessary) it is
expected that each partner regularly provides the coordinator with informal progress
reports, who will take care of the distribution of the information via email.
In order to facilitate the monitoring of activities and progress, a chronogram for the
planned R&D tasks has been established. The table below shows the timing of the different
activities and the participants in each task. Responsible partners are underlined:
Task
Nº
1
Year 1
2 3
4
1
Year 2
2 3
Partici-
4 pants
1. Establishing germplasm collection and plant
materials for trials and assays
1.1 X
1.2 X
2. Screening of germlasm and progenies for
resistance/tolerance
2.1
X
2.2
3.2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P1,P2
X
X
X
X
X
1
Year 1
2 3 4
1
Year 2
2 3
Partici-
4 pants
4.1
..4.2
X
X
X
X
X
X
P2
X P1, P2
5. Marker-assisted Pre-Breeding
P1,
3. Detection of useful genes
3.1
Nº
4. Marker development & Characterization
P1
P1
X
Task
X
5.1
X
X
5.2
X
X
X
X
X P1
X P1
6. Dissemination and Transfer of Results
X
X
X
P2
6.1
X
P2
6.2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X P1,P2
X P1,P2
Reporting in appropriate format will be performed as requested by the financing agency.
Annual meetings will be realised to plan and coordinate the R&D activities and to present and
discuss the obtained results.
Management of knowledge and intellectual property
The project generates new knowledge in different fields as described above. Several
instruments are implemented to disseminate freely this knowledge and associated
technologies and results. These include beside publications also congress contributions
and a detailed Project WEB page. No restrictions exist upon the diffusion of results.
F. TEAM COMPOSITION AND CAPACITY Maximum 500 words
Give information regarding the team composition. Please specify briefly their discipline and
background and identify if the project foresees the use of available local expertise.
CIA will establish the germplasm collection, perform the phenotypic characterization of these
materials with respect to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance or resistance and realize the planned
pre-breeding activities.
On the other hand CIA will evaluate the molecular markers developed by NEIKER on
these materials.
Scientists
involved
Dr. Arturo Brenes-Angulo, with more than 15 years of experience in potato production,
tissue culture and technology of tropical roots and tubers. He has worked with pests and
diseases in potato, particularly with late blight (Phytophthora infestans). Has been
involved in the use of unconventional improvement of plants, especially in protoplasts
fusion, technology of DNA markers, and in the collection, identification and preservation
of wild potato species in Costa Rica. He will be the project manager in Costa Rica and
the head of the research on the evaluation of phenotypic testing of plant material.
Dr. Luis Gomez-Alpízar has over 20 years of experience in tissue culture of tropical root
crops and potatoes. It has been extensively involved in the characterization of P.
infestans populations and potato germplasm using molecular techniques. Will be
responsible for the work of the molecular characterization of plant material.
For a description of the scientific team from the collaborating institution NEIKER
see chapter L. “COLLABORATION”.
G. CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT Maximum 500 words
i) Describe the potential contribution of the project to economic development
The project aims to characterize new potato genotypes with resistance to important
abiotic factors so that parents can be selected with high agronomic potentials for the
generation of varieties adapted to extreme climatic conditions. At the end of the project
farmers will have availability of improved potato varieties adapted to climate change for
sustainable agriculture. This will lead to additional income, improved life standards and
increased financial capacities for new investments or additional purchase of
consumables.
ii) Specify with an X if the project contributes to:
* eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* ensure environmental sustainability
iii) Indicate if the project contributes to other Millennium Development Goals1 and how.
Through the obtaining of varieties resistant to extreme environments, the project aims to
contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (1,7 and 8). It would enable to expand
the agricultural frontiers for potato cultivation and will favour populations of regions
with extreme climates, allowing them access to new sources of nutrition and income. At
the same time this will make possible to cultivate areas that previously did not have
alternative crops in ways that could reduce the impact of desertification, and emission of
gases.
H. RELEVANCE TO NATIONAL OR REGIONAL PLANS AND
PROGRAMMES Maximum 500 words
Explain the relevance of the project to the country’s or region’s priorities in its plans and
programs for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Recently the government of Costa Rica launched the National Food Plan, which gives
special importance to the cultivation of the potato. It is therefore strategic for the country,
to count on new varieties adapted to the increasing climate changes and its ecological and
economic implications. At the same time, Costa Rica has emerged as a viable alternative
in the production and export of potato to the Central American and Caribbean region,
either as seed or for fresh consumption. The University of Costa Rica has then taken a
leading role in the new government strategies and therefore on the breeding and
cultivation of potato.
For NEIKER the interest lies in the knowledge about candidate genes for climate change
and molecular markers which will be generated through this project. These can be
transferred to or exploited in other genetic backgrounds and even related crops.
I. CONTRIBUTION TO CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT Maximum 500 words
Please identify how the project contributes to the conservation and sustainable use, either of a
specific crop or generally to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
1
Find the Millennium Development Goals at: http://www.fao.org/mdg/
Costa Rica has been making tremendous efforts to protect and use biodiversity in a way
that can ensure their use without adversely affecting the natural habitats. The
bioprosprecting plays an important role in conservation and utilization of these resources.
For the potato, the characterization and safeguard of the wild species growing in Costa
Rica will allow its use for the potato farmers and will reduce the environmental impact of
the excessive use of agrochemicals which is currently applied in the production of this
important tuber.
The knowledge and materials generated by this project will accelerate significantly
potato breeding programmes to obtain improved varieties for sustainable agriculture.
Moreover, specific alleles of candidate genes with low and high value for adaptation to
climate change will be detected, providing in this way guidelines for germplasm
conservation for gene bank curators. Valuable accessions will be maintained and can be
exploited by potato breeders as described above.
J. PROJECT BUDGET
Benefit-sharing Fund budget:
i) Indicate the funds requested in USD from the Benefit-sharing Fund for each year of the
duration of the project, providing details in the budget notes below. Overhead costs are
excluded.
YEAR 1
CIA
NEIKER
6500
7250
1. Staff
2000
3000
2. Supplies
2000
0
3. Services
750
2500
4. Local travel
4000
0
5. Equipment
6. specify
----TOTAL 15250
12750
YEAR 2
CIA
NEIKER
6500
7250
1000
2000
2000
0
750
2500
0
0
-----10250
11750
TOTAL
CIA
NEIKER TOTAL
13000
14500 27500
3000
5000 8000
4000
0 4000
1500
5000 6500
4000
0 4000
--25500
24500 50000
Budget notes: Please provide details on each of the budget items (i.e. the list of equipment and
supplies, number and type of staff required, purpose and number of trips, etc)
CIA:
(1) Contracted scientist for 2 years for collaboration in field trial evaluation and molecular
analyses.
(2) Micropropagation and in vitro maintenance of the genotipes
- Culture media reagents, flasks, cups.
Field trials
- fertilizers, pesticides, protection equipment, etc
DNA extraction:
- Extraction kits and chemicals, liquid nitrogen, plastic ware,
PCR and electrophoresis:
- (labelled) primers, TAQ polymerase, buffers, acrylamide, agarose
- Glass and plastic Ware (Eppendorf tubes, plates, pipette tips)
cDNA-AFLP:
- Kits and chemicals for mRNA, cDNA, ds-cDNA obtainment, cloning kits
- Restriction enzymes, ligase, adpaters, other chemicals
Cloning and sequencing
- Kits and chemicals for cloning and sequencing
(3) Annual Partner Meetings (presentation and discussion of project results, methodology
transfer, planning and coordination of activities) – Flight costs, accommodation, maintenance
NEIKER:
(1) Contracted scientist for 2 years (50% financing) for collaboration in all molecular analyses.
(2) DNA, RNA extraction:
- Extraction kits and chemicals, liquid nitrogen, plastic ware.
PCR and electrophoresis:
- (labelled) primers, TAQ polymerase, buffers, acrylamide, agarose
- Glass and plastic Ware (Eppendorf tubes, plates, pipette tips)
cDNA-AFLP:
- Kits and chemicals for mRNA, cDNA, ds-cDNA obtainment, cloning kits
- Restriction enzymes, ligase, adpaters, other chemicals
Cloning and sequencing
- Kits and chemicals for cloning and sequencing
(3) Annual Partner Meetings (presentation and discussion of project results, methodology
transfer, planning and coordination of activities) – Flight costs, accommodation, maintenance.
Other contributions: Indicate the funds provided by the organization in USD for each year of
the duration of the project, providing details in the budget notes below
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
CIA
NEIKER CIA
NEIKER
6500
7250
6500
7250
1. Personnel
10000
11000 10000
11000
2000
2500
2000
2500
2. Supplies
750
750
3.
200
200
4.
TOTAL 19450
20750 19450
20750
TOTAL
CIA
NEIKER
13000
14500
20000
22000
4000
5000
1500
400
38900
41500
TOTAL
27500
42000
9000
1500
400
80400
Budget notes: Provide detail on each budget item.
CIA:
(1) Contracted scientist for 2 years for collaboration in field trial evaluation and molecular
analyses.
6 man-months of permanent staff from NEIKER (Dr. A. Brenes, Dr. L. Gómez; 20000
US$)
(2) - (labelled) primers, TAQ polymerase, buffers, acrylamide, agarose
- Glass and plastic Ware (Eppendorf tubes, plates, pipette tips)
- Culture media reagents, flasks, cups.
- fertilizers, pesticides, protection equipment, etc.
(3) - Annual Partner Meetings (presentation and discussion of project results, methodology
transfer, planning and coordination of activities) – Flight costs, accommodation,
maintenance.
(4) Local travel (fuel, allowances)
NEIKER:
(1) - Contracted scientist for 2 years (50% financing by NEIKER) for collaboration in all
molecular analyses (14500 US$)
6 man-months of permanent staff from NEIKER (Dr. E. Ritter, Dr. JI Ruiz; 22000 US$)
(2)
- (labelled) primers, TAQ polymerase, buffers, acrylamide, agarose
- Glass and plastic Ware (Eppendorf tubes, plates, pipette tips)
ii) Indicate if you have applied for co-funding from other sources or submitted this proposal to
other funding sources? Yes / No (If Yes please provide details. Maximum 250 words)
CIA: No co-funding has been applied for this proposal from other sources, nor has
this proposal been submitted to other funding sources.
NEIKER: No co-funding has been applied for this proposal from other sources, nor
has this proposal been submitted to other funding sources.
K. BENEFICIARIES
i) Please select who is (are) the immediate beneficiary (ies) of the project
Government
Farmer, Farming Community, Farmer’s association
Non Governmental Organization
Gene bank or ex situ collection of PGRFA
Science, research & academic sector
Private sector
A regional or international organization
ii) Maximum 500 words. Indicate how the results of the project will directly or indirectly
reach the beneficiaries
The knowledge and molecular data generated by the project are useful to increase the
information about the entries of a Germplasm Bank, and could be integrated in the
passport data of the entry. On the other hand provide guidelines for the conservation of
genes useful for characters of interest and improving the representativeness and
usefulness of the entries in a Germplasm Bank. Available information increases the use
of such banks by the breeders, because of the availability of markers for assisted
selection for genetic improvement programs. Breeders and researchers have a set of
molecular markers useful for assessing adaptation to abiotic stresses in germplasm and
improved breeding clones as progenitors at their disposal which can be used to develop
novel potato varieties. The farmers will have through the pre-breeding activities in the
near future, potato varieties with improved properties such as tolerances and resistances
to biotic and abiotic stresses which are adapted to the global climate change and allow a
sustainable agriculture. Phytopathologists and scientists will have a molecular marker set
for the evaluation of biotic and abiotic stresses with potential application also in other
(related) crop species.The concept being developed here, using potato as a model species
of the genus Solanum, can be potentially applied to other species and crops.
L. COLLABORATION
i) Describe and provide contact information of any collaboration promoted through the project
and explain how it contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of the project. Please list
collaborators in the table below.
Collaborating Institution
Contact Person
Position
Address
Telephone / Fax
E-mail
NEIKER – Basque Institute for Research
and Development in Agriculture
http://www.neiker.net
Dr. Enrique Ritter
Responsible for International Affairs
Granja Modelo, Apartado 46, E-01080
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
+34-945-121181 / +34-945-281422
[email protected]
ii) Maximum 500 words. Describe the roles and responsibilities, both technical and managerial of
the institutions and key staff involved in the project.
NEIKER is a public research institute depending on the Basque Government in Northern Spain.
The institute consists of five departments carrying out basic and applied research in agriculture
(plants and animals). Between 120 to 140 scientists, technical assistants and other staff members,
including undergraduate and graduate students are active in the five departments and
administration.
One of the main research areas in NEIKER is potato, since this crop plays an important role in
the local area for seed potato production. NEIKER is one of the only two national institutions,
which have a potato-breeding program, and several new potato varieties have been released in the
last years. The breeding program combines breeding at tetraploid and diploid level covering –
beside classical breeding through crossings - all novel technological aspects such as protoplast
fusion, genetic transformation and DNA marker technology. Screening for pathogen and disease
resistance as well as for quality traits are performed routinely within the breeding program, in
part supported by marker-assisted selection.
Molecular techniques are well established at the institute. Within other national and EC projects
different biotechnological techniques were developed and are updated and optimized
continuously for potato but also for other crop species.
Role of NEIKER
As explained above the planned R&D activities, skills and experiences of each partner are
completely complementary.
NEIKER will be responsible for the establishment of bioassays, the identification of appropriate
candidate genes to different biotic and abiotic stresses and the development of the corresponding
markers. NEIKER will also collaborate in marker validation.
Scientists involved
Dr. Enrique Ritter, scientist in charge, has over 20 years experience particularly in potato
breeding, in molecular biology and genetics and large experience in the participation and in
managing of R&D projects. He is working in different fields of theoretical and practical
molecular biology including DNA marker technology, linkage mapping and QTL analysis,
differential expression techniques, genetic transformations. He is responsible for International
Affairs at NEIKER and leader of the research. He is responsible for the over-all technical and
financial management, and particularly for all molecular and genetic analyses. He will spend 3
man-months on the project.
Dr. Ruiz de Galarreta, with 15 years of experience as potato breeder is head of the potato
breeding programme at Neiker. He has large experience working with DNA and RNA markers
using all kinds of molecular techniques and will spend 3 man-months on the project. He will be
responsible for the molecular work in the project.
One scientist with relevant experiences in applied genomics will be funded by the project and
collaborate in the molecular techniques of the project. He/She will spend 24 man-months on the
project.
M. GEOGRAPHIC EXTENSION Maximum 500 words
Please explain how widely applicable (geographic extension) would the results of the project be
and identify the specific countries that would benefit from the project.
From the point of view of geographic extension, the results would not have application
limit, since they can not only be used for the breeding of potato worldwide but are also
potentially applicable to other crops. No restriction exists upon diffusion of results.
Knowledge about candidate genes related to climate change about the effects of
particular alleles and the corresponding markers can be applied and exploited by breeders
and scientists in related and perhaps unrelated plant species in any country.
N. SUSTAINABILITY Maximum 500 words
Please indicate how the project would ensure sustainable activities and beneficial changes during
and after its duration.
The completion of the project will allow the interaction of researchers from developed
and third world countries, which will be of great benefit to both parties. This would settle
the basis for future joint projects and the effective dissemination of results. It also gives
an important added value to wild species of potato which are hitherto unknown, and that
greatly enhance the development of new potato varieties with resistance to the major
abiotic factors. Additionally, this research project will stimulate further collaborations
between project partners on the same or related topics.
Expression analyses can be performed in deep, leading for example to the development
of a specific DNA chip for characterising rapidly unknown germplasm with respect to
climate change adaptability.
Candidate genes and markers can be exploited in related (wild) species (tomato, pepper,
aubergine) and perhaps in more distant species.
Availability of knowledge, materials and markers will improve considerably the
competitiveness of the collaborating institutions as partners for such further R&D
projects.
O. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Maximum 500 words
Provide any additional information that you may think will be useful in assessing this Project
Proposal.
The CIA has participated in recent years in projects funded by the European Union:
Exploitation of the genetic biodiversity of wild relatives for breeding potatoes with sustainable
resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) (INCO-DC, Contract Nr. ERB3514PL972713).
Resistance in wild potato as a source for novel genes mediating resistance against fungal, viral
and nematode diseases (INCO-PLICA4-CT-200030008).
NEIKER has participated in several EU R&D projects related to applied genomics:
Construction and application of a multifunctional and saturated genetic map for coniferous
species QLK5-CT1999-01159 - Coordinator
APOPHYS - Developing a physical and functional map of potato: creating new sources for
molecular markers to breed cultivars with multiple resistances and quality traits QLK5-CT-200201849
LINK2PALM - Construction and exploitation of high density DNA marker and physical maps in
the perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil palm: from biotechnology towards markerassisted breeding ICA4-2000-10010
BIOEXPLOIT - Exploitation of natural plant biodiversity for the pesticide-free production of
food (FOOD-CT-2005-513959)
Within these projects all technologies which are necessary to realize this project have
been setup. Also access to extended sequence information is also available from these
projects.
IV. DISBURSEMENT
Please provide the following bank account information where payments must be made.
This information must be provided in a separate page and become an Appendix of the
Project Proposal.
CIA
IBAN Code:
Swift Code: BNCR CR SJ
Account number ($): 15100010020613577
Beneficiary: Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas (CIA), Universidad de Costa Rica
Bank: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Branch: San Pedro (080)
Address: Apdo.1015-1000
City and country: San José, Costa Rica
NEIKER
IBAN Code: ES49 2095 0611 0620 0024 1372
Account number: 2095 0611 0620 0024 1372
Beneficiary: NEIKER
Bank: BILBAO BIZKAIA KUTXA (BBK)
Branch: Gran Via
Address: Gran Via Street, 23
City and country: BILBAO, SPAIN