Current Status of Current Status of Agricultural Biotechnology Agricultural Biotechnology

in Lebanonin Lebanon

AARINENA / Regional Agricultural Biotechnology NetworkExpert Consultation Meeting, 15-16 December 2007, Cairo

Presented by Lamis Chalak

Department of Plant BiotechnologyLebanese Agricultural Research Institute

Ministry of Agriculturelchalak@lari.gov.lb

General General AspectsAspects of of Agriculture in LebanonAgriculture in Lebanon

Lebanon is a small country (10 452 km2), located in the Near Lebanon is a small country (10 452 km2), located in the Near East Fertile Crescent region where domestication of species East Fertile Crescent region where domestication of species started ten thousand years ago.started ten thousand years ago.

Topographical, climatic and landscape diversity create Topographical, climatic and landscape diversity create diverse agro-ecosystems ranging from semi-arid to humid, diverse agro-ecosystems ranging from semi-arid to humid, that allow for a large number of temperate and subtropical that allow for a large number of temperate and subtropical plant genetic resources to live and flourish. plant genetic resources to live and flourish.

The main crops grown in Lebanon are olives, fruit trees and The main crops grown in Lebanon are olives, fruit trees and cereals each representing over 20% of the total cultivated cereals each representing over 20% of the total cultivated area in the country, followed by tubers and fruity vegetables. area in the country, followed by tubers and fruity vegetables.

About 36% of Lebanon is cultivated land, of which 7% is About 36% of Lebanon is cultivated land, of which 7% is covered by forests and 57% is non-cultivated land or covered by forests and 57% is non-cultivated land or temporary pasture. In 2004, the cultivated area was about temporary pasture. In 2004, the cultivated area was about 268 000 Ha out of which 135 000 Ha is irrigated. Also, more 268 000 Ha out of which 135 000 Ha is irrigated. Also, more than 30% of the population is entirely dependent on than 30% of the population is entirely dependent on agriculture. agriculture.

Major activities in Agricultural Biotechnology

-Sanitation and micropropagation by using in vitro techniques to produce certified plant material (true to type and virus free).

- Virus detection and identification of new diseases by using conventional and real time PCR.

- Immunodiagnosis of viruses using polyclonal antibodies developed against recombinant coat protein.

- Identification of candidate genes of Bacillus thuringiensis in the aim of production of biopesticides.

- Characterization of plant genetic resources such as almond, cherry, peach, olive, grapevine, and fig by using molecular markers.

- Selection assisted by molecular markers for wheat (drought tolerance) and tomato (resistance to viruses and fungi).

Lebanon is a developing country, with limited capacities, and biotechnology has been included in the structure and agenda of agricultural research institutions in the nineties.

Sanitation by mersitem culture ± thermotherapy

Micropropagation

Application for economically important crops:

- Stone fruits

- Banana

- Strawberry

- Potato

- Caper and ornamentals

In vitroIn vitro propagation for the propagation for the production of certified production of certified

materialmaterial“True-to-type and Virus “True-to-type and Virus

freefree””

1 2 3

In vitroIn vitro propagation of propagation of

Stone fruitsStone fruits

Characterization of plant genetic resources by using molecular markers of

- almond,- cherry, - peach, - olive,- grapevine,- fig.

Germplasm Assessment

0.10.1

Nahali

Halawani 4 Abou soumegh

Oum oumar

Halawani double

Halawani 3 Biadi

Awja 4 Bandouk awja

Halawani mwabbar

Melkani Halawani males

Istanbouli

Halawani 1 Halawani 2

Itali 2

Halawani 5 Itali 1

Demi-khachabi

Metwi

Awja 3

Awja 1

Awja 2

Khachabi 5

Khachabi tawil

Khachabi 9

Khachabi kabir

Khachabi 8 Khachabi 7 Khachabi Khachabi 6

Khachabi 10

Khachabi 1 Khachabi 4

Khachabi 2

Khachabi 3

.

. .

.

.

Characterization of Characterization of Plant Genetic Resources Plant Genetic Resources

Breeding Activities

Selection assisted by molecular markers - Wheat (drought tolerance)

- Tomato (resistance to viruses and fungi).

- -Virus detection and identification of new diseases by using conventional and real time PCR - Immunodiagnosis of viruses using polyclonal antibodies developed against recombinant coat protein.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Identification of Plant Diseases

Candidatus Phytoplasma Phoenicium

(Almond)

More recently, only two activities related to genetic More recently, only two activities related to genetic transformation are undergoing in the Lebanese laboratories.transformation are undergoing in the Lebanese laboratories.

- The American University of Beirut (AUB) has undertaken a - The American University of Beirut (AUB) has undertaken a collaborative program with Arab and American institutions on collaborative program with Arab and American institutions on the transformation of local varieties of tomato in order to the transformation of local varieties of tomato in order to improve their resistance to viruses. improve their resistance to viruses.

- The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) has just - The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) has just started a collaborative project with ISAB Beauvais in France started a collaborative project with ISAB Beauvais in France for developing a methodology for transformation of local for developing a methodology for transformation of local varieties of chick pea, in order to improve their resistance to varieties of chick pea, in order to improve their resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.biotic and abiotic stress.

An accredited laboratory for detection of GMOs has been An accredited laboratory for detection of GMOs has been installed at the American University for Sciences and installed at the American University for Sciences and Technologies and could be functional in 2008. Technologies and could be functional in 2008.

Activities related to GMOs

Identification of candidate genes of Bacillus thuringiensis in the aim of production of biopesticides,Saint Joseph University.

Other activities

Funding Organizations for Biotech-Funding Organizations for Biotech-related Projects in Lebanonrelated Projects in Lebanon

Funding sources and partners are mainly in EuropeFunding sources and partners are mainly in Europe

European (45%)• International Centre for Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)

• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

• European Union (EU) - TEMPUS Projects

• French Lebanese CEDRE Projects

• University of Patras, Greece

National (20%)• Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research

• University Research Budget, AUB

• Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute

American (30%)• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Partner Universities / InstitutesPartner Universities / Institutes

National Universities National Universities / / OrganizationsOrganizations American University of BeirutAmerican University of Beirut Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute Lebanese National Council for Scientific ResearchLebanese National Council for Scientific Research American university for Science and TechnologyAmerican university for Science and Technology Lebanese American UniversityLebanese American University Saint Joseph UniversitySaint Joseph University Lebanese UniversityLebanese University Kaslik Holly Spirit UniversityKaslik Holly Spirit University

USA / Canadian UniversitiesUSA / Canadian Universities Ohio State UniversityOhio State University University of Toledo, Ohio University of Toledo, Ohio University of Laval, Quebec University of Laval, Quebec

European Universities / OrganizationsEuropean Universities / Organizations University of Patras, GreeceUniversity of Patras, Greece University of LyonUniversity of Lyon Otto-von Guericke University of MagdeburgOtto-von Guericke University of Magdeburg European and Middle EasternEuropean and Middle Eastern International Centre for Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)International Centre for Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)

Funding sources and partner universities are mainly in Funding sources and partner universities are mainly in Europe. Europe.

The majority of the programs either support the The majority of the programs either support the purchase of equipment or research; purchase of equipment or research;

Include an educational, training component and PhDs;Include an educational, training component and PhDs; Few programs support gathering and generating Few programs support gathering and generating

information (data management and information information (data management and information sharing).sharing).

RecommendationRecommendation Need to enhance data management and information Need to enhance data management and information

sharing to support existing data basis and increase sharing to support existing data basis and increase awareness.awareness.

Funding ProgramsFunding Programs

Current Status of Biosafety Current Status of Biosafety FrameworkFramework

UNEP-GEF + UNDP + UNEP-GEF + UNDP + MOEMOE

Sub-contracted to IBSAR-AUBInitiative for Biodiversity Studies in the Arid

RegionsFebruary 2004-July 2005

The development of NBF has been undertaken by the MoE, the implementing agency, through the UNDP, and in turn sub-contracted to IBSAR. The NBF developed for Lebanon included procedures for the safe application of biotechnology in accordance with administrative, legislative, risk assessment and public participation systems.

I- National SurveysI- National Surveys1.1. BiotechnologyBiotechnology2.2. Existing legislations & policies Existing legislations & policies 3.3. Research & Development programsResearch & Development programs

II- Raising Awareness II- Raising Awareness 1.1. Workshops (CPB, legislation, policies, biosafety, GMO’s)Workshops (CPB, legislation, policies, biosafety, GMO’s)2.2. Trainings on risk assessment (farmers, scientists, researchers)Trainings on risk assessment (farmers, scientists, researchers)3.3. Seminars to farmers, schools, universities, stakeholdersSeminars to farmers, schools, universities, stakeholders4.4. Media and TV talk showsMedia and TV talk shows5.5. Brochures, project newsletters, awareness bookletBrochures, project newsletters, awareness booklet6.6. National Biosafety Clearing House (nBCH)National Biosafety Clearing House (nBCH)

III- Development of NBFIII- Development of NBF1.1. Various sources of information (Review on regional status)Various sources of information (Review on regional status)2.2. Local documents, existing legislations, surveys Local documents, existing legislations, surveys 3.3. Feedback from regular discussion meetings with stakeholders Feedback from regular discussion meetings with stakeholders

[Gov’t, NGO, private sector], outcome of workshops[Gov’t, NGO, private sector], outcome of workshops4.4. Review of international experts (provided by UNEP-Biosafety Review of international experts (provided by UNEP-Biosafety

Unit)Unit)

Biosafety Project: Three PhasesBiosafety Project: Three Phases

National Biosafety FrameworkNational Biosafety FrameworkImplementation ? Implementation ?

NBF: An administrative system drawing on the existence of a administrative system drawing on the existence of a NBC and relevant ministries, guided by a law.NBC and relevant ministries, guided by a law.

A biosafety law is proposed to be adopted for the implementation of the CPB articles.

The Lebanese Parlement didn’t sign the law or ratify the CPB ..

Main ConstraintsMain Constraints

The absence of national programs and the lack of national funds.The absence of national programs and the lack of national funds. The limited capacities in genetic engineering.The limited capacities in genetic engineering. The lack of awareness of ongoing biotech activity that dominates the The lack of awareness of ongoing biotech activity that dominates the

concerned government sectors.concerned government sectors. The noted absence of a continuum between academic, government, The noted absence of a continuum between academic, government,

industry, and public sectors. industry, and public sectors. The lack of potentially marketable products resulting from The lack of potentially marketable products resulting from

biotechnologies that could be used in agriculture industry. biotechnologies that could be used in agriculture industry. The limited innovation because researchers are not made aware of The limited innovation because researchers are not made aware of

market needs, and users find few incentives and means to adopt new market needs, and users find few incentives and means to adopt new knowledge and tools.knowledge and tools.

The lack of procedures for the safe application of biotechnology and The lack of procedures for the safe application of biotechnology and genetic engineering in line with Cartagena Protocol of Biosafety.genetic engineering in line with Cartagena Protocol of Biosafety.

The political strife in the Middle East and the negative impact it has The political strife in the Middle East and the negative impact it has had on Lebanon for the past three decades.had on Lebanon for the past three decades.

Recommendations for Lebanon

- Build a strong national program on biotechnology.

- Adopt means to bridge the gap between academia, research, industry and government.

- Undertake capacity building for adopting genetic engineering and implementing biosafety laws.

- Establish public awareness policy and a “Culture of Research”.

- Build strategies to enhance data management and information sharing.

- Bank on numerous existing expertise, invest in “Centers of Excellence”.

- Initiate and maintain networks with NENA countries that would ensure continued collaboration in issues relating to biotechnology and biosafety.

Challenges and Opportunities

Identify promising niches for future R & D investments.

Undertake reforms and establish opportunities to attract biotechnology industry.

Establish the needed infrastructure to support biotechnology research and marketing of products resulting thereof.

Provide support for capacity building to enhance research in agricultural biotechnology.

Useful Contacts Plant Tissue Plant Tissue CultureCulture

Dr Lamis ChalakDr Lamis Chalak

Dr Salma TalhoukDr Salma TalhoukLARI, LARI, lchalak@lari.gov.lblchalak@lari.gov.lb

AUB, AUB, nt@aub.edu.lbnt@aub.edu.lb

Biodiversity & Biodiversity & Plant Genetic Plant Genetic Resources Resources

Dr Salma TalhoukDr Salma Talhouk

Dr Lamis ChalakDr Lamis Chalak

Dr Magda Bou DagherDr Magda Bou Dagher

AUB, AUB, nt@aub.edu.lbnt@aub.edu.lb

LARI, LARI, lchalak@lari.gov.lblchalak@lari.gov.lb

USJ-FS, USJ-FS, boudagher@fs.usj.edu.lbboudagher@fs.usj.edu.lb

Plant Plant ProtectionProtection

Dr Elia ChoueiriDr Elia Choueiri

Dr Yussuf Abou Dr Yussuf Abou JawdahJawdah

LARI, LARI, echoueiri@lari.gov.lbechoueiri@lari.gov.lb

AUB, abujawy@aub.edu.lbAUB, abujawy@aub.edu.lb

Animal HealthAnimal Health Dr Christo HilanDr Christo Hilan

Dr Elie BarbourDr Elie BarbourLARI, chilan@lari.gov.lbLARI, chilan@lari.gov.lb

AUB,AUB, eb01@lari.gov.lbeb01@lari.gov.lb

Plant BreedingPlant Breeding Dr Fouad MaaloufDr Fouad Maalouf LARI, fmaalouf@lari.gov.lbLARI, fmaalouf@lari.gov.lb

BiopesticidesBiopesticides Dr Mireille KallassyDr Mireille Kallassy USJ-FS, USJ-FS, kallassy@fs.usj.edu.lbkallassy@fs.usj.edu.lb

GMOGMO Dr Yussuf Abou Dr Yussuf Abou JawdahJawdah

Dr Issam Mansour Dr Issam Mansour

AUB, AUB, abujawy@aub.edu.lbabujawy@aub.edu.lb

AUSTAUST

BiosafetyBiosafety Dr Elsa SattoutDr Elsa Sattout UNEP, elsa@intracom.net.lbUNEP, elsa@intracom.net.lb

IBSAR IBSAR Dr Rabih TalhoukDr Rabih Talhouk AUB,AUB, rtalhouk@aub.edu.lbrtalhouk@aub.edu.lb

THANK THANK YOU YOU