Welcome to the ProMusa Crop Improvement Working Group. We look forward to working with you and of advancing the interests of the group as we all take it forward in the coming years.
Priorities previously highlighted in ProMusa meetings for this working group have embraced 1) conservation, characterization and use of germplasm, 2) developing capacity in breeding programs 3) encouraging the development of collaborative research projects and 4) developing and applying biotechnological tools to accelerate genetic improvement. In relation to the latter priority, clearly we are now at an important moment, with the recent publication of the whole genome sequence for Musa acuminata DH Pahang, together with increased availability of gene expression data, molecular markers, plant transformation protocols and other research themes.
As a first step it is important to know what has and is being done by working group members and our mission will be to encourage dialogue and collaboration between like-minded individuals that have generation of global public goods as a goal. Bioversity has provided the framework so we can get to know more about each other and what it is we do or are interested in pursuing. The new website of ProMusa can act as a catalyst for opening these lines of communication. Reports, publications, announcements of workshops, calls for competitive funding for research, job opportunities … such topics can all be posted on the website discussion forum.
We look forward to hearing from you!
All the best,