Use of biotechnology in agriculture has become beneficial for many farmers. However, growing of genetically modified crops has it's own specifics. Paper describes and evaluates specifics of use of biotechnologies in agriculture in the Czech Republic.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Biotechnology)-Dept. of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2007 iv, 75 leaves / The development of transgenic plants resulted in the need to utilize the various molecular methods (e.g., ELISA, real - time PCR etc.) for the detection or analysis of the presence or absence of a specific trait in a particular plant (Bt in this study). The overall aim of this study was to optimize a half – seed extraction technique as part of a laboratory protocol for transgenic maize plants and to explore the possibility of using the following molecular techniques: horizontal isoelectric focusing, real - time PCR and ELISA, as methods for detection of the Bt trait for incorporation into the half – seed extraction protocol.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Biotechnology)-Dept. of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2007 iv, 75 leaves / The development of transgenic plants resulted in the need to utilize the various molecular methods (e.g., ELISA, real - time PCR etc.) for the detection or analysis of the presence or absence of a specific trait in a particular plant (Bt in this study). The overall aim of this study was to optimize a half – seed extraction technique as part of a laboratory protocol for transgenic maize plants and to explore the possibility of using the following molecular techniques: horizontal isoelectric focusing, real - time PCR and ELISA, as methods for detection of the Bt trait for incorporation into the half – seed extraction protocol.

D. Tech. Food Technology. / Discusses a range of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were isolated from functional food products and pharmaceutical preparations and also obtained from culture collections. They were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis for accurate identification and classification and the probiotic properties of the organisms was evaluated. The isolates were then screened for inhibitory activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans strains. Selected isolates that were found to have the necessary inhibitory and probiotic properties were recommended for inclusion in an envisaged synbiotic, maize-based beverage that would, in a subsequent study, be subjected to a nutritional intervention trial aimed at alleviating oral thrush in human patients. The specific objectives: to investigate and illustrate the superiority of rpoA and pheS gene sequencing compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the identification and phylogenic assignment of Lactobacillus isolates ; to determine the precision of selected protein-coding gene sequencing in comparison with 16S rRNA gene sequencing for the discrimination and phylogenetic analysis of Bifidobacterium isolates ; to investigate the probiotic properties of selected bacterial strains in terms of antibacterial activity, anti-Candida activity, acid resistance, bile tolerance and antibiotic resistance ; to determine the potential of Lactobacillus isolates to inhibit the growth of each of seven Candida albicans strains in fermented maize gruel and to establish the factors contributing to Candida inhibition and to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of intracellular extracts and to elucidate compounds in methanol extracts from selected Lactobacillus strains.

The use of genetically modified (GM) maize technology is subject to compliance with stewardship requirements and the adoption of specific management practices that promote the long-term effectiveness and environmental sustainability of the technology. For smallholders to comply with these requirements and adopt the desired management practices to ultimately benefit from the technology, they require information that creates awareness of the value of these requirements. To determine what information farmers receive about GM maize and how this information is disseminated to farmers, face to face interviews were conducted with 81 extension personnel and 210 smallhoder GM maize farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The effect of Bt maize introduction and management practices in smallholder maize agroecosystems in the Eastern Cape on Bt maize target [Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and non-target insect pests [Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and a snail species, [Cornu aspersum (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae)] was determined through laboratory, field and cage experiments. The effect of smallhoder farmers‟ GM maize cultivation practices on the profitability of GM maize technology was also determined through on-farm trials in different localities of the Eastern Cape identified as hot-spots for stem borer and weed infestation. Results of surveys indicated that extension personnel had a low level of awareness of GM maize technology stewardship requirements. GM maize technology was also largely disseminated to smallholder farmers through non-participatory approaches and print media sourced from GM seed companies. Although farmers had a high level of contact with extension services, they lacked access to information about GM maize technology. Smallholder farmers‟ level of awareness about GM maize and compliance with the requirement for the planting of non-Bt maize refuge areas adjacent to Bt maize was also very low. While Bt maize event (MON810) commonly cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province had a variable effect on A. segetum under laboratory conditions, it had no effect on the incidence of plants damaged by A. segetum and C. aspersum under field conditions. The incidence of H. armigera damage on Bt maize plants was however significantly affected by Bt maize. Populations of B. fusca collected from smallholder maize fields in the province were observed to be still highly susceptible to Bt maize. Results of on-farm evaluation of the profitability of GM maize revealed that stem borer pressure, growing conditions, input supplies and market access affect the productivity and profitability of GM maize cultivation. Challenges within the extension and advisory services of the Eastern Cape which can militate against smallholder farmers‟ ability to benefit from GM maize technology and sustain the long-term efficacy of the technology were identified during this study. Given these challenges and the fact that the cultivation of GM maize may not be profitable under typical smallholder maize cultivation conditions and management practices, dissemination approaches that provide farmers the opportunity to evaluate GM maize technology alongside alternate technologies under their conditions, may prove beneficial.

Science and technology can help feed the ever-growing human population. Green Revolution, still under critique, helped to certain extent, to reduce poverty in Asia. Biotechnology is not a solution to all problems but could be used in conjunction with other new technologies, to feed Africa. The adoption of biotechnology by farmers throughout the world, and by African farmers in particular, could help Africans to farm successfully without asking for food aid from other continents. The study analysed the adoption of maize biotechnology by developing maize farmers of Gauteng Province, South Africa. Primary data was collected through a survey (using a structured questionnaire) from 121 maize farmers from 2011 to 2014 maize production seasons. Data was analysed using SPSS computer software for descriptive statistics, rate of adoption and logit function to determine factors influencing adoption of Bt maize by farmers. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that 54% of the farmers adopted Bt maize during the 2011 to 2014 maize production seasons in the Gauteng Province. Results of the Logit model analysis indicated that farm size, gender, age, education level, off-farm employment, extension visits and farm neighbour had positive significant impact on the adoption of Bt maize by farmers. Visits by sales representatives of companies selling maize seeds, affiliation to farmer organisations and farmers speaking about Bt maize during meetings had negative significant impact on adoption of Bt maize by farmers. Developing farmers need regular visits of extension officers and their knowledge in order to achieve a high rate of Bt maize adoption. Well planted demonstration plots should be encouraged for farmers to adopt Bt maize as farmers believe in seeing to copy. Representatives from seed suppliers need to improve their sales approach in order to encourage adoption of Bt maize. Female developing farmers should be encouraged to get involved in maize farming by example making exclusive financing model for women farmers. Government can create legislations to commit financial institutions to provide women farmers with low interests or zero interest on farm loans to women farmers. Rigorous training should be encouraged so that farmers could successfully adopt Bt maize / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture and Animal Health)