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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> be susceptible to this virus complex2 The insect vector required to transmit this virus <br /> complex is found in Hawaii. Imagine if that virus reaches Hawaii - what would it do to <br /> our taro production? <br /> <br /> Alomae, a lethal viral disease of taro, <br /> <br /> is spread by taro planthoppers. <br /> <br /> Taro plant hoppers <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In the Solomon Islands, "it is by no means certain that the crop [taro] can be <br /> reinstated to its former abundance and usage. Its day may have gone forever, as has <br /> happened in many parts of coastal Melanesia.s3 Could this viral disease decimate taro <br /> production in Hawaii in the future? <br /> Is the movement of genes across species unnatural? <br /> No. Conventional breeding of plants and animals have moved genes across <br /> species for specific purposes, such as increased hardiness. For example, mules are the <br /> offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. And triticale is a hybrid of wheat and <br /> rye. In addition, all organisms, including humans, carry genes inserted from different <br /> species. For example, all humans carry genes that have been incorporated from viral <br /> infections. <br /> <br /> The bacterium Agrobacterium tumefasciens transfers its DNA (genetic material) <br /> into woody or herbaceous plants and causes crown gall disease. In our project, we are <br /> utilizing this naturally occurring bacterium to transfer disease resistance genes into <br /> Chinese taro. <br /> <br /> What is the progress of our project on genetic engineering of Chinese taro to increase <br /> disease resistance? <br /> Three disease resistance genes have been transferred into Chinese taro variety Bun long: <br /> 1. Oxalate oxidase gene from wheat; <br /> 2. Chitinase gene from rice; and <br /> <br /> S. Pacific Commission., 1978, Advisory Leaflet. <br /> 3 Kastom Gaden Association, Solomon Islands, 2005., People on the Edge, www.terracircle.org.au. <br /> <br /> <br /> 3 <br />