Lessons Learned from SATREPS Projects and Perspectives

Abstract

Cutting-edge science and technology such as genome analysis is a useful technology in genomic characterization of living organisms, biological diversity analysis, breeding, and any other genome-related science. In this chapter, we tried to find how the cutting-edge science and technology was utilized in solving the global-scale problems in developing countries, particularly in research for development fields using bioresources. For this purpose, we examined the effectiveness of cutting-edge technologies in addressing the issues challenged by the nine projects reported in Chaps. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this book. In any case, the state-of-the-art technologies were found to be effective only when conventional technologies were applied complementarily. For example, the genome analysis using next-generation sequencer was found to be a very useful technology in identifying the traits of genetic materials in the research of plant breeding. However, to solve the problems and apply the results for development, breeding materials needed to be tested in the process of selection of promising materials toward new varieties-candidates under the field conditions whether they adapt to the real conditions through G (genetic traits) × E (environmental conditions) × M (management such as fertilization and water control) experiments. Many projects reported herewith showed that conventional technologies were also used and useful in those experiments. Therefore, we conclude that both cutting-edge and conventional technologies are required in a harmonious manner in solving the problems and applying the results for development in developing countries. At the same time, capacity building of researchers is essential to obtain new knowledge for understanding the problems and new technologies to solve the problems.