Ghana`s Scientists to Seek Commercial Approval for GE Cowpea

Genetically engineered cowpea will be requested for commercial approval in Ghana in November, according to Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). SARI is one of the institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research that is tasked to develop enhanced crop varieties to help the farmers in the northern part of the country and beyond.

The Pod-borer resistant cowpea, which exhibits resistance to destructive Maruca pests, is currently undergoing an internal review process. Once this is done, the next step is to submit it to the National Biosafety Authority for environmental release. The Pod-borer resistant cowpea is expected to decrease spray from 10 times to 2 times only to control other pests that attack cowpea.

Read more from the Genetic Literacy Project.