From Functional Genomics of Model Organisms to Crop Plants for Global Health

Organized by Diter von Wettstein, Roger Beachy and Robert Goldberg
National Academy of Sciences Building
2100 C Street NW, Washington, DC
April 3-5, 2006

Meeting Overview
The sequencing of the Arabidopsis and rice genomes provided unlimited possibilities to determine the function of genes, and information from these plants enhances the quality of information about crop plants. Functional analyses precede with ever more sophisticated tools enabled by modern biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology.  Introduction of genes to silence or express single or multiple genes is routine for all major crop plants, and has exposed the potentials for plant breeding not previously available. Hundreds of millions of US citizens enjoy daily diets that contain products of genetically modified corn made resistant to the European corn borer. Herbicide tolerant and insect resistant soybean, canola and cotton provide increased incomes to farmers.  

Recent advances in research make it clear that the potential for other advances in food and nutrition and sustainable agriculture is enormous. The purpose of the colloquium was to present the fundamental breakthroughs that will impact the future of food and agriculture, and the technical and non-technical challenges of bringing discoveries to the consumer. Lecturers included insights to potential consumer responses to the biotechnology in which they participate.  The colloquium was structured to address graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, directors of public granting agencies, and policy makers.

Publications  Link to Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences published papers for this colloquium.

Colloquium Presentations
Colloquium presentations are now being posted.  Additional presentations will be posted as they're approved by the speakers.