Optimizing the Use of Plant Genetic resources for Food Optimizing the Use of Plant Genetic resources for Food

and Agriculture for Adaptation to Climate Change and Agriculture for Adaptation to Climate Change TCP/SNO/3401TCP/SNO/3401

Baseline Study on the Current PGRFA in Baseline Study on the Current PGRFA in EgyptEgypt

Dr. Sami Reda Saber Sabry Dr. Sami Reda Saber Sabry Project National ConsultantProject National Consultant

First National Meeting to Enhance Ownership of National First National Meeting to Enhance Ownership of National Strategy for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Strategy for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

2 April 2014 -Cairo, Egypt 2 April 2014 -Cairo, Egypt

Introduction and Historical Background Introduction and Historical Background

Location of Egypt Location of Egypt Latitude 22Latitude 22 ْْ to 32to 32 ْْ North of EquatorNorth of Equator Longitude 24Longitude 24 ْْ to 37to 37 ْْ East of GreenwichEast of Greenwich

Total area 1,002,000 sq. KmTotal area 1,002,000 sq. Km

The country is rich of landraces and wild The country is rich of landraces and wild relatives which survived for hundreds of years.relatives which survived for hundreds of years.

Landraces and wild relatives are widely adapted Landraces and wild relatives are widely adapted to biotic and abiotic stresses. to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Cont.Cont.

The Egyptian agriculture is facing main The Egyptian agriculture is facing main challenges like limited cultivated area and water challenges like limited cultivated area and water supply.supply.

Prevailing pressures including desertification, Prevailing pressures including desertification, erosion, climate changes and overuse of erosion, climate changes and overuse of pesticides and other agrochemicals caused pesticides and other agrochemicals caused disappearance of genetic resources at disappearance of genetic resources at unprecedented rate.unprecedented rate.

In the past 50 years new uniform crop varieties In the past 50 years new uniform crop varieties replaced many local varieties and landraces.replaced many local varieties and landraces.

Cont.Cont.

TheThe National Gene Bank (NGB) National Gene Bank (NGB) was estabished was estabished in 2003 and opened in 2004 to be responsible for in 2003 and opened in 2004 to be responsible for the conservation and maintenance of plant, the conservation and maintenance of plant, animal and microorganisms genetic resources in animal and microorganisms genetic resources in Egypt agricultural sector.Egypt agricultural sector.

The The NBGNBG was assigned to coordinate between was assigned to coordinate between activities of National Genetic Resources activities of National Genetic Resources Programs in ARC, Universities, Private sector Programs in ARC, Universities, Private sector companies and Seed Supply System entities. companies and Seed Supply System entities.

The State of Diversity The State of Diversity

Utilization of biological diversity remains the Utilization of biological diversity remains the best way to secure future food needs and to drive best way to secure future food needs and to drive the economic and social development of the the economic and social development of the world.world.

The history of plant domestication is the The history of plant domestication is the humanity’s best defense against poverty, food humanity’s best defense against poverty, food insecurity and threats to natural resources.insecurity and threats to natural resources.

Cont.Cont.

Egyptian agriculture is a very intensive system. It Egyptian agriculture is a very intensive system. It consumes 450 thousand ton of seed from consumes 450 thousand ton of seed from different field crops and more than 5000 ton of different field crops and more than 5000 ton of vegetable seed excluding seed of vetetatively vegetable seed excluding seed of vetetatively propagated crops.propagated crops.

Egyptian farmers still use old local varieties seed Egyptian farmers still use old local varieties seed in some places which are considered a very rich in some places which are considered a very rich biodiversity resource.biodiversity resource.

Cont.Cont.

Egypt signed the Convention on Biological Egypt signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on June 1992 and ratified it on Diversity (CBD) on June 1992 and ratified it on June 1994. It also signed the International Treaty June 1994. It also signed the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for food and on Plant Genetic Resources for food and Agriculture on August 2002 and ratified it on Agriculture on August 2002 and ratified it on 2004.2004.

The treaty sets the guidelines for collection, The treaty sets the guidelines for collection, identification, evaluation, maintenance and identification, evaluation, maintenance and documentation of plant genetic resources. It also documentation of plant genetic resources. It also defines national obligations for the sustainable defines national obligations for the sustainable use of those resources by each contracting party.use of those resources by each contracting party.

The State o The State o In SituIn Situ Management Management

Three workshops were held and organized by Three workshops were held and organized by NBG and stakeholders seed supply companies, NBG and stakeholders seed supply companies, farmers and plant genetic programs.farmers and plant genetic programs.

Under the law No. 102, 1983 for protected areas, Under the law No. 102, 1983 for protected areas, twenty seven protectorates were identified till twenty seven protectorates were identified till 2010 representing about 10% of the total area of 2010 representing about 10% of the total area of Egypt.Egypt.

The number of plant species and the nature of the protected areas of Egypt

Recent Assessment of Plant Biodiversity of the Protected Areas of Egypt

No.Name of

protected areaType of protected area

No. ofplant species

1Abu GlumWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)25

2Ras MohammedWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)53

3TabaDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

87

4NabqWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)40

5Wadi AllaqiDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

98

6SiwaDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

52

7ElbaDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

381

8AhrashWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)12

9Ashtoum El-GamilWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)6

10BurullusWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)192

11ZaraneekWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)152

12OmayedDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

150

13Wadi El-RayanWaterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine)38

14Wadi El-GimalDesert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains)

92

Total1378

The Egyptian Flora Species, 2000The Egyptian Flora Species, 2000

TaxaNo. of species

No. of endemic species

No. of endangered

species*

Viruses44--

Bacteria238--

Fungi1260--

Algae1148--

Non-flowering vascular plants

337--

flowering plants2094614

The State of The State of Ex SituEx Situ Management Management

(1)(1)National Gene Bank OrganizationNational Gene Bank Organization

- There are four major departments related to the - There are four major departments related to the NGB activities, they are:NGB activities, they are:

Field Crops.Field Crops. Horticultural Crops.Horticultural Crops. Animal Genetic Resources.Animal Genetic Resources. Agriculture-related micro-organisms. Agriculture-related micro-organisms.

The National Gene Bank Organization also The National Gene Bank Organization also comprises the following sections, labs, and facilities:comprises the following sections, labs, and facilities:

1- The Genetic resources conservation section2- Seed Viability Testing and Regeneration Section.

3- Genetic Resources Evaluation Section.4- Documentation and Information Section.

5- Taxonomy Section.6- Chemical Analysis Lab.7- Molecular Genetics Lab.

8- Tissue Culture Lab.9- Cytogenetics Lab.

10- NGB Farm.11- Green houses.

12- NGB Herbarium13- Small Botanical Garden

Number of Genera and Species in the NGB

CropCropGenraGenraSpeciesSpecies

Field CropsField Crops5858115115

Vegetable CropsVegetable Crops51517676

FruitsFruits20202525

Medicinal and Aromatic plantsMedicinal and Aromatic plants183183252252

Trees & ShrubsTrees & Shrubs45456363

Wild PlantsWild Plants165165232232

TotalTotal522522763763

The Planned Cold Storage Capacity

Storage TypeStorage TypeTrue seeds accessionsTrue seeds accessionsTissue CultureTissue Culture

Short Period StorageShort Period Storage3-5 Years3-5 Years

787107871012251225

Medium Period StorageMedium Period Storage5-7 Years5-7 Years

12745012745024502450

Long Period StorageLong Period Storage7-10 Years7-10 Years

16968016968024502450

List of Botanical Gardens in Egypt

No.Name of

Botanical Garden

Present Area

(Feddan)*

Dateof Estab.

No.of F.

No.of G.

No. ofSpecies

1Ain Shams Univ., Fac. of Sci.319531147501200

2Alex. Univ. Fac. of Sci.21942500

3Cairo Univ., Fac. of Agr.151947316480

4Orman B.G., Giza28187390520600

5Zohryia, Gezera, Giza 8186857143442

6Quba Palace, Cairo124196072551

7Zoo Garden, Giza80189068208342

8Manial Balace, Giza61150239

9Agriculture Museum, Dokky, Giza

1937327394

10Azbakyia Garden1018674183800

11Antoniadis Garden, Alex.45186062

12Al-Nozha Garden, Alex.300 BC.

13Rose Garden, Alex.51928

14Aswan Garden1719285997371

Several herbaria of dried native plants Several herbaria of dried native plants (specimen) can be found in Egypt. The (specimen) can be found in Egypt. The

Department of Botany of the Faculty of Science, Department of Botany of the Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Ain Shams University. In the Cairo University, Ain Shams University. In the Agriculture Museum, MALR is maintaining a Agriculture Museum, MALR is maintaining a

very big collection among other herbaria in very big collection among other herbaria in Egypt. The herbarium serves as a reference for Egypt. The herbarium serves as a reference for the identification of the several groups of native the identification of the several groups of native

germplasm.germplasm.

Other Organizations Participating in the Other Organizations Participating in the Information Sharing MechanismInformation Sharing Mechanism

A.A. Central Administration for Seed Testing and Central Administration for Seed Testing and Certification (CASC) Certification (CASC)

B.B. Central Administration for Seed Production Central Administration for Seed Production (CASP).(CASP).

C.C. Seed CompaniesSeed CompaniesD.D. Breeding ProgramsBreeding Programs

A. (CASC)A. (CASC)

- It is the agency responsible for seed quality - It is the agency responsible for seed quality control, seed legislation and state policy control, seed legislation and state policy enforcement. It is the designated seed enforcement. It is the designated seed certification authority which performs seed lab certification authority which performs seed lab and field testing for certified seed and lab testing and field testing for certified seed and lab testing for the uncertified seed.for the uncertified seed.

- CASCCASC includes directorates and offices for the includes directorates and offices for the following activities: Seed and Seedling Field following activities: Seed and Seedling Field

Inspection – Control Plot Testing – Seed Viability Inspection – Control Plot Testing – Seed Viability Testing – Seed Health Testing – Checking and Testing – Seed Health Testing – Checking and Rechecking – Arbitration – Seed and Seedling Rechecking – Arbitration – Seed and Seedling

Certification – Seed Import and Export Control – Certification – Seed Import and Export Control – Market Control and Seed Legislation Enforcement Market Control and Seed Legislation Enforcement

– Extension and Training – Licensing – Variety and – Extension and Training – Licensing – Variety and Breeder’s Rights – Variety Testing.Breeder’s Rights – Variety Testing.

Numbers of Registered Varieties (Field Crops) 1988-2010

Crop88/20032010Total

Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..

1Alfalfa516516

2Barley - 6 Rows707707

  2 Rows 202202

 Barley Total707707

3Berseem909909

4Chickpea202202

5Cotton1501515015

6Broad bean1701717017

7Flax( lineseed)404404

8Lentil404404

9Maize- White Lines1301313013

 Yellow lines 13013909 Single W. Hyb.121527044121965 Single Y. Hyb.771408871522

 Double W. Hyb 246246

 Double Y. Hyb 033033 3 Way. W. Hyb 11819022111021

 3 Way. Y. Hyb74117411

 Maize Total65411066541106

10Millet202202

Total130421722141613256188

CropCrop88/200388/200320102010TotalTotal

Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..Go

Gov.v.

Pri

Pri

v.v.

Tot

Tot..

  PreviousPrevious1301304242172172221414161613213256561881881111RiceRice121200121211001113130013131212SorghumSorghum7777141400111177881515

1313Sorghum XSorghum XSudangrassSudangrass553388553388

1414SudangrassSudangrass110011110011

1515SoybeanSoybean6600666600661616SunflowerSunflower0088880011110099991717Wheat - BreadWheat - Bread28280028282200223030003030

  DurumDurum550055110011660066  Wheat TotalWheat Total33330033333300333636003636

1818Sugar CaneSugar Cane8800888800881919Sugar beetSugar beet2222002222252544446969474744449191

2020TeosinteTeosinte110011110011

2121SesameSesame6600666600662222Peanut Peanut 330033001111331144

2323OnionOnion440044440044

2424F. cowpeaF. cowpea110011110011

2525GouarGouar110011110011

2626Bonavist,lablabBonavist,lablab110011110011

2727Munge beanMunge bean110011110011

2828CanolaCanola220022220011

  11411418181321322929474776761431434747208208

TotalTotal2442446060304304313161619292275275121121396396

Cont.

Numbers of Registered Varieties (Vegetables) 1988-2010

CropCrop88/200288/200220102010TotalTotal

Gov.Gov.Priv.Priv.Tot.Tot.Gov.Gov.PrivPriv..Tot.Tot.Gov.Gov.Priv.Priv.Tot.Tot.

11BeanBean4416162020001111441717212122CucumberCucumber88676775750099998876768484

33GarlicGarlic110011110011

44Karcade Karcade (Rama)(Rama)110011110011

55Sweet Sweet Potato Potato 440044440044

66TomatoTomato448484888800242424244410810811211277SquashSquash11141415151155662219192121

88PeasPeas22668822668899CowpeaCowpea550055110011660066

1010WatermelonWatermelon221717191933558855222227271111MelonMelon22272729290011112228283030

1212CantaloupeCantaloupe00171717170017171717

1313RadishRadish330033330033

1414SpinachSpinach1100111100111515EggplantEggplant331717202022224455191924241616PepperPepper004747474700141414140061616161

Cont .

CropCrop88/200288/200220102010TotalTotal

Gov.Gov.Priv.Priv.Tot.Tot.Gov.Gov.Priv.Priv.Tot.Tot.Gov.Gov.Priv.Priv.Tot.Tot.1717PotatoPotato0092929292002020202000112112112112

1818ArtichockeArtichocke220022220022

1919AsparagusAsparagus220022220022

2020StrawberryStrawberry006666006666

2121OkraOkra110011110011

2222LettuceLettuce0088880088882323CabbageCabbage111122001111112233

2424CauliflowerCauliflower1100111100112525CarrotCarrot0099990011110010101010

2626TurnipTurnip110011110011

2727Table beatTable beat220022220022

2828Faba bean(Veg.)Faba bean(Veg.)442266442266

2929ThymeThyme110011110011

3030CamomileCamomile110011110011

3131DillDill110011110011

3232YamsYams110011110011

3333TaroTaro110011110011

3434BroccoliBroccoli        TotalTotal606043043049049077838390906767513513580580

(B) CASP(B) CASPCASPCASP administers and advises ARC on administers and advises ARC on

requirements for foundation class seeds, plans, requirements for foundation class seeds, plans, supervises and contracts with seed growers to supervises and contracts with seed growers to multiply targeted other certified seed classes, multiply targeted other certified seed classes, CASP also coordinates seed conditioning among CASP also coordinates seed conditioning among seed conditioning facilities to minimize seed conditioning facilities to minimize mechanical contamination of seeds and to avoid mechanical contamination of seeds and to avoid the excessive seed transportation costs. CASP is the excessive seed transportation costs. CASP is head quartered in Giza, with offices in the head quartered in Giza, with offices in the governorates.governorates.

Accepted Seed Production Areas 2007-2011)in Feddan – 4200m2(

CropCrop2007/2007/20082008

2008/2008/20092009

2009/2009/20102010

2010/2010/20112011

Coverage W/ Coverage W/ Certified Seed %Certified Seed %

a. Winter Cropsa. Winter Crops

WheatWheat49945499455425854258251492514939737397373030

Faba beanFaba bean2633263322942294988988132613261313

BarleyBarley851851100910095925928008001010

b. Summer Cropsb. Summer Crops

CottonCotton133171133171585595855950682506827314873148100100

RiceRice22778227782584425844162141621411594115945050

Corn (Maize)Corn (Maize)11279112791401714017190071900720859208595353

SorghumSorghum5015016606604064062812811010

(C) Seed Companies(C) Seed CompaniesSeed production companies are specializing mainly Seed production companies are specializing mainly

in seed of hybrid maize, sorghum, sorghum x in seed of hybrid maize, sorghum, sorghum x sudan grass forages, sunflower, some kinds of sudan grass forages, sunflower, some kinds of vegetable seeds, and seeds of berseem clover and vegetable seeds, and seeds of berseem clover and alfalfa. Seed producing firms include special alfalfa. Seed producing firms include special units have been established within the ARC to units have been established within the ARC to deal with the breeder and foundation seed deal with the breeder and foundation seed classes in self – pollinated crop varieties and classes in self – pollinated crop varieties and hybrids. Seed companies also include seed hybrids. Seed companies also include seed import, export, and trade. import, export, and trade.

(D) Breeding Programs(D) Breeding Programs (1) The Agricultural Research Center (ARC):- ARC is supervising and leading 5 field crops and one

horticultural crops Breeding Programmes on the national level, namely:1 – National Programme for Cereal Crops 2 – National Programme for Fibre Crops3 – National Programme for Oil and Onion Crops4 – National Programme for Legume and Fodder Crops 5 – National Programme for Sugar Crops6 – National Programme for Horticultural Crops

(2) There are some very limited plant breeding activities in the National Research Center (NRC), agricultural colleges and on a larger scale in seed companies specially for hybrids since 1988,

Legislative Farm workLegislative Farm work

- - The NBG is conducting its mandate within the The NBG is conducting its mandate within the following legislative framework:following legislative framework:

1- Laws #’s 53/1966, 102/1983 and 82/20021- Laws #’s 53/1966, 102/1983 and 82/2002 2- Prime minister degree # 1366/2003Ministrial 2- Prime minister degree # 1366/2003Ministrial

decrees #’s 1920/2003, 67/2005, 335/2005, 862/2005 decrees #’s 1920/2003, 67/2005, 335/2005, 862/2005 and 1196/2005.and 1196/2005.

Cont. Cont. - MALR has appointed NGB as national focal MALR has appointed NGB as national focal

point to represent MALR in the international point to represent MALR in the international organizations concerning PGR and to represent organizations concerning PGR and to represent the ministry in implementing the treaty of the ministry in implementing the treaty of PGRFA and to coordinate the activities of PG, PGRFA and to coordinate the activities of PG, breeding programs and seed supply system in breeding programs and seed supply system in Egypt.Egypt.

- The NBG has prepared a protocol fr genetic The NBG has prepared a protocol fr genetic resources exchange to conserve GR from resources exchange to conserve GR from research, breeding organizations and research, breeding organizations and individuals.individuals.

Regional and International CollaborationRegional and International Collaboration

- Egypt has signed the CBD in 1992 and ratified it Egypt has signed the CBD in 1992 and ratified it in 1994.in 1994.

- Also, Egypt signed the International treaty of Also, Egypt signed the International treaty of PGRFA in 2002 and ratified it in 2004. PGRFA in 2002 and ratified it in 2004.

- Egypt is implementing the PGRFA which Egypt is implementing the PGRFA which applies to 35 crops and 29 forages and assures applies to 35 crops and 29 forages and assures the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their use.arising out of their use.

Egypt recognizes "Egypt recognizes "the sovereign rights of the State over the sovereign rights of the State over its own plant genetic resources for food and its own plant genetic resources for food and agricultureagriculture".".

Egypt respects the Farmers' Rights in obtaining and Egypt respects the Farmers' Rights in obtaining and using seeds from their own farms for cultivation for using seeds from their own farms for cultivation for self pollinated crops. self pollinated crops.

The NGB retained the genetic resources from The NGB retained the genetic resources from Egyptian origin from the foreign gene banks to be Egyptian origin from the foreign gene banks to be added to the Egyptian collection in the NGB. Egypt.added to the Egyptian collection in the NGB. Egypt.

The President of the NGB Represents the Near East The President of the NGB Represents the Near East Region in the Government Body for the Region in the Government Body for the implementation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food implementation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, PGRFA Treaty.and Agriculture, PGRFA Treaty.

MALR has appointed the President of the NGB as the MALR has appointed the President of the NGB as the Focal Point and Coordinator of the genetic resources, Focal Point and Coordinator of the genetic resources, breeding, and seed supply systems in Egypt.breeding, and seed supply systems in Egypt.

ConclusionConclusion

The role of biodiversity and the importance of its The role of biodiversity and the importance of its preservation is an outstanding issue for long -preservation is an outstanding issue for long -term food security, sustainable agriculture and term food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development for present and future rural development for present and future generations. In this regard genetic resources will generations. In this regard genetic resources will be explored preserved, evaluated and made be explored preserved, evaluated and made available for plant breeding and scientific available for plant breeding and scientific purposes. The biological diversity as stated in purposes. The biological diversity as stated in the Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD the Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD encompasses all genes, species and ecosystemsencompasses all genes, species and ecosystems.

Thank you