Biobrees: experiences with a north-south co-operative research programme

摘要

A Joint Research Co-operative Programme between Indonesia and the Netherlands, on Biotechnology, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology Research for Horticulture (BIOBREES) stared in 1994 with research projects on vegetable crops (Capsicum pepper, shallot), ornamental plants (rose, chrysanthemum, gladiolus) and fruits (mangosteen). The overall goal is bilateral co-operation with matching financing, for fundamental and development-oriented research of mutual interest. Specific objectives are training ofjunior researchers of both parties in biotechnology research and advanced plant breeding; production of breeding material with valuable characters e.g. pest and disease resistance; participation of the private sector (seed and plant propagation companies) in the research projects. Evaluation of the results in 1998 shows that the programme fulfilled the objectives, with benefits for both parties. A prolongation is in preparation. The main problems at the Indonesian side were delays in timely availability of funding, a limited number of research staff with experience in plant breeding and biotechnology, and the absence of plant variety protection. Indonesia benefited most in building-up biotechnological know-how and exposure of staff to a modern research and communication environment. A problem at the Dutch side was the lack of research staff with international experience. Spin-offs for the Netherlands are the increase of international experience in research co-operation and new linkages of Dutch companies with the Indonesian horticultural sector. The trigger for a successfull co-operation is the between resear BIOBREES could serve as a model for a more full-grown north-south research co-operation.