Plant diseases not found in many other parts of the world can be found in Africa. These diseases severely hinder crop production, potentially resulting in a lack of food security. Many of the disease problems are amenable to both classical and modern breeding solutions. However, some are challenging diseases that require the use of genetic modification. This paper discusses some of the diseases whereby genetically modified crops (GMO) can provide a solution. They include maize resistant to the endemic African Maize streak virus, cassava resistant to Cassava mosaic virus, and bananas resistant to bacterial wilt. In addition, other traits of value to farmers in Africa may include maize resistant to insects, post-harvest fungi and to weeds, drought-tolerant maize and vitamin-enriched crops. Consideration is given to some of the concerns preventing governments from approving the commercialization of these crops, including food and safety issues.
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