Application of Biotechnologies for Crop Improvement and Food Production: Case Studies From the BIOALI Network

Abstract

This chapter highlights the work conducted by the BIOALI Network and presents various case studies that demonstrate the application of biotechnologies in crop improvement and food production. The objective of the BIOALI Network was to establish an interdisciplinary platform for exchanging scientific knowledge and experiences in order to enhance breeding programs for food crops. The network members, comprising different actors involved in food production, utilized various biotechnological approaches to achieve their specific objectives. These approaches included breeding plants for virus resistance, characterizing fruit flours from diverse native fruit species, and propagating trees and pastures in agroforestry systems for animal feed. By working collaboratively on the production of food crops using a multidisciplinary approach, the network members were able to synergize their efforts and increase applicability across Latin American and Caribbean countries. This is particularly important given the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and increasing demand for food resources.