National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has accepted the application by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) to conduct national performance trials (NPTs) of the varieties.

The cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) — a resistant variety which has been undergoing research by Kalro — is ready for large scale trials after which it will assessed on the attributes given by scientists before being approved for commercialisation.

“An application from Kalro containing extensive information on the safety of this trait has been accepted by NBA and we are asking the Kenyan government to approve Cassava Line 4046, which can protect farmers from devastating losses,” said Kalro.

CBSD-resistant Cassava Line 4046 type was developed through the Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (Virca Plus), a consortium of Kenyan, Ugandan, Nigerian and American institutions to develop disease-resistant and nutritionally-enhanced cassava varieties.

A positive decision by the Kenya NBA would allow us to move ahead in bringing disease-resistant versions of superior cassava varieties to breeders and farmers,” said Kalro.