Researchers big break on disease resistant cassava
By Mathew Ndungu, July 31, 2025Kenya is getting closer to having a Genetically Modified (GM) and disease-resistant cassava after years of research.
Dr Paul Kuria, lead researcher from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), which is behind the project, informed the Board of Directors and Management of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) during their visit to Mtwapa confined field trials that the research had proved successful.
“We are done with the research, and we are only waiting for final approval for open cultivation and placement of the virus-resistant cassava into the market by the National Biosafety Authority and the Environment and Socioeconomic Impact Assessment permit from the National Environmental Authority (Nema) for commercial production,” Kuria told the delegation.
KALRO hopes to have the variety in the market before the end of the year and is calling for government support.
The cassava variety is resistant to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), which will help boost production and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers through increased income in Kenya and Uganda.
The NBA approved the application in June 2021 following safety assessments and public participation.
The approval paved the way for national performance trials of these varieties, before registration and release to farmers.
Dr Kuria said the improved cassava variety was developed through the VIRCA Plus Project, which was started to develop cassava that is resistant to cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD).
The Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (VIRCA Plus) project is a collaborative programme consisting of virologists, plant physiologists, breeders, biotechnologists, molecular biologists, agronomists, nutritionists, regulatory scientists, communication and management.
The two diseases are a challenge to cassava production in Kenya and the region. While CMD causes crinkling of the leaves, CBSD causes browning and malformation of the edible roots.
CBSD can result in 98 to 100 per cent loss of usable storage roots in a severe attack. CMD can luckily be managed through conventional breeding. These diseases are transmitted by whiteflies and by farmers sharing diseased cuttings.
The national performance trials were conducted at Alupe, Kakamega, Kibos, Homa Bay and Oyani in western Kenya, while in the coastal region, it was at Mpeketoni, Mtwapa, Matuga, Kikoneni and Msabaha.
Speaking during the tour, NBA Board of Directors Chairman Prof Jenesio Kinyamario underscored the importance of the two institutions working together in supporting the government’s agenda of having a food-secure country.