Perspectives from agriculture: advances in livestock breeding - implications for aquaculture genetics

In this paper we present livestock breeding developments that could be taken into consideration in the genetic improvement of farmed aquaculture species, especially in freshwater fish. Firstly, the current breeding objective in aquatic species has focused almost exclusively on the improvement of body weight at harvest or on growth related traits. This is unlikely to be sufficient to meet the future needs of the aquaculture industry. To meet future demands breeding programs will most likely have to include additional traits, such as fitness related ones (survival, disease resistance), feed efficiency, or flesh quality, rather than only growth performance. In order to select for a multi-trait breeding objective, genetic variation in traits of interest and the genetic relationships among them need to be estimated. In addition, economic values for these traits will be required. Generally, there is a paucity of data on variable and fixed production costs in aquaculture, and this could be a major constraint in the further expansion of the breeding objectives. Secondly, genetic evaluation systems using the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML) and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) in a framework of mixed model methodology could be widely adopted to replace the more commonly used method of mass selection based on phenotypic performance. The BLUP method increases the accuracy of selection and also allows the management of inbreeding and estimation of genetic trends. BLUP is an improvement over the classic selection index approach, which was used in the success story of the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in the Philippines, with genetic gains from 10 to 20 per cent per generation of selection. In parallel with BLUP, optimal genetic contribution theory can be applied to maximize genetic gain while constraining inbreeding in the long run in selection programs. Thirdly, by using advanced statistical methods, genetic selection can be carried out not only at the nucleus level but also in lower tiers of the pyramid breeding structure. Large scale across population genetic evaluation through genetic connectedness using cryopreserved sperm enables the comparison and ranking of genetic merit of all animals across populations, countries or years, and thus the genetically superior brood stock can be identified and widely used and exchanged to increase the rate of genetic progress in the population as a whole. It is concluded that sound genetic programs need to be established for aquaculture species. In addition to being very effective, fully pedigreed breeding programs would also enable the exploration of possibilities of integrating molecular markers (e.g., genetic tagging using DNA fingerprinting, marker (gene) assisted selection) and reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization using cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Fish demand and supply projections

It has been predicted that the global demand for fish for human consumption will increase by more than 50% over the next 15 years. The FAO has projected that the increase in supply will originate primarily from marine fisheries, aquaculture and to a lesser extent from inland fisheries, but with a commensurate price increase. However, there are constraints to increased production in both marine and inland fisheries, such as overfishing, overexploitation limited potential increase and environmental degradation due to industrialization. The author sees aquaculture as having the greatest potential for future expansion. Aquaculture practices vary depending on culture, environment, society amd sources of fish. Inputs are generally low-cost, ecologically efficient and the majority of aquaculture ventures are small-scale and family operated. In the future, advances in technology, genetic improvement of cultured species, improvement in nutrition, disease management, reproduction control and environmental management are expected along with opportunities for complimentary activities with agriculture, industrial and wastewater linkages. The main constraints to aquaculture are from reduced access to suitable land and good quality water due to pollution and habitat degradation. Aquaculture itself carries minimal potential for aquatic pollution. State participation in fisheries production has not proven to be the best way to promote the fisheries sector. The role of governments is increasingly seen as creating an environment for economic sectors to make an optimum contribution, through support in areas such as infrastructure, research, training and extension and a legal framework. The author feels that a holistic approach integrating the natural and social sciences is called for when fisheries policy is being examined.

卧龙自然保护区不同海拔的中国沙棘(Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis)天然群体的遗传多样性分析

中国沙棘是一种雌雄异株、风媒传粉的灌木或乔木，在中国西南的卧龙自然保护区有广泛的分布。本研究以采集于四川卧龙自然保护区5 个海拔(1800 m、2200 m、2600 m、3000 m、3400 m)梯度的中国沙棘天然群体为材料，以ISSR 和AFLP 标记技术研究其遗传多样性水平及其遗传结构，旨在了解卧龙地区中国沙棘天然群体的遗传多样性水平以及遗传多样性在群体间、群体内以及雌雄亚群体间的分布和特征，为中国沙棘树种的遗传改良及种质资源保存提供遗传研究背景与实验依据。同时探讨ISSR、AFLP 和RAPD三种标记对中国沙棘天然群体的遗传变异水平和群体间遗传结构的评估能力和各自的优缺点。研究得出以下主要结论： 1. ISSR和AFLP分析都表明卧龙自然保护区的中国沙棘群体拥有较高的遗传变异水平(h = 0.249，HT = 0.305)。出现这种结果的主要原因可能与卧龙自然保护区多变的气候条件和生境的异质度大有关。 2. ISSR 和AFLP 都揭示出卧龙自然保护区中国沙棘群体的遗传多样性随着海拔的增加发生显著的变化，表现为中海拔群体(2200 m 和2600 m)比高海拔群体(3000 m 和3400 m)和低海拔群体(1800 m)有更高的遗传多样性的趋势。出现这种趋势的可能解释是低海拔群体处在相对高温和相对干旱的环境，高海拔群体受到低温和紫外线胁迫，而中海拔群体存在中国沙棘生长的适宜环境。 3. ISSR 和AFLP 分析都表明：卧龙自然保护区中国沙棘的遗传结构遵循分布范围广、交配系统以异交为主的木本植物的通常模式，即大多数的遗传变异存在于群体内，只有少部分的遗传变异存在于群体间。 4. 经Mantel 检测表明，卧龙自然保护区中国沙棘群体间的海拔距离和对应遗传距离之间存在显著的正相关关系，即随着垂直海拔距离的增加，群体间的遗传距离也随之增加。Mantel 检测结果以及聚类分析将卧龙自然保护区5 个不同海拔的中国沙棘群体分为低、中、高海拔群体三组的研究结果都表明，海拔很可能是限制群体间基因交流的主要因素。 5. ISSR 分析发现同一海拔的雌雄亚群体首先聚类的研究结果表明，同一海拔的雌雄亚群体在遗传上最相似。方差分析结果表明只有3.8%的总遗传变异存在于雌雄亚群体间，这可能与雌雄植株间的交配和遗传物质的混合有关。 6. ISSR、AFLP 和RAPD 分析都表明卧龙自然保护区不同海拔的中国沙棘天然群体的遗传多样性水平较高。它们的分析结果估算得到的Nei's 平均基因多样度(h)分别为0.249、0.214 和0.170。从该结果可以看出ISSR 和AFLP 比RAPD 检测到更多的遗传多态性,这很可能是不同标记检测的基因组的位点不同所致。 7. 依据对不同标记系统的比较分析，认为ISSR、AFLP 和RAPD 三种分子标记系统都能成功地用于调查卧龙自然保护区不同海拔的中国沙棘群体的遗传变异水平及遗传变异结构，提供关于中国沙棘天然群体多态性水平和遗传变异分布的有用信息。在三者中，AFLP 具有最高效能指数和标记指数，在确定种间分类关系或鉴别个体方面是一种比较理想的标记。 Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis, a dioecious and deciduous shrub species,occupies a wide range of habitats in the Wolong Nature Reserve, Southwest China. Ourpresent study investigated the pattern of genetic variation and differentiation among fivenatural populations of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis, occurring along an altitudinal gradientthat varied from 1,800 to 3,400 m above sea level in the Wolong Natural Reserve, by usingISSR and AFLP markers to guide its genetic improvement and germplasm conservation. And,comparative study of ISSR, AFLP and RAPD was performed to detect their capacity toestimating the level and pattern of genetic variation occurring among the five elevationpopulations of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis, and to discuss their application to the study onplant genetics. The results were list following: 1. The ISSR and AFLP analysis conducted for the H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensispopulations located in the Wolong Natural Reserve of China revealed the presence of highlevels of genetic variation (h = 0.249, HT = 0.305). Besides such features as relatively widedistribution, dominantly outcrossing mating system, and effective seed dispersal by small animals and birds, it is sometimes argued that hard climatic conditions and heterogeneous habitats may also contribute to high levels of diversity. 2. Genetic diversity of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis populations was found to varysignificantly with changing elevation, showing a trend that mid-elevation populations (2,200m and 2,600 m) were genetically more diverse than both low-elevation (1,800 m) andhigh-elevation populations (3,000 m and 3,400 m). H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis is thoughtto be stressed by drought and high temperature at low elevations, and by low temperature athigh elevations. The high genetic variability present in the mid-elevation populations of H.rhamnoides subsp. sinensis is assumed to be related to a greater plant density in the middlealtitudinal zone, where favorable ecological conditions permit its continuous distributioncovering the zone from 2,200 m to 2,600 m above sea level. 3. The genetic structure of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis revealed by ISSRs andAFLPs followed the general pattern detected in woody species with widespread distributionsand outcrossing mating systems. Such plants possess more genetic diversity withinpopulations and less variation among populations than species with other combinations oftraits. 4. In the present study, Mantel tests showed positive correlations between altitudinaldistances and genetic distances among populations or subpopulations. The observedrelationship between altitude and genetic distances, and the result of the cluster analysisincluding populations or male subpopulations and classifying the groups into three altitudeclusters suggest that altitude is a major factor that restricts gene flow between populationsand subpopulations. 5. The analysis of molecular variance showed that only 3.8% of the variability residedbetween female and male subpopulations. Such a very restricted proportion of the totalmolecular variance between female and male subpopulations is due to common sexuality andmixing of genetic material between females and males. 6. The analysis based on ISSRs, AFLPs and RAPDs all revealed relatively high levelsof genetic variation among different altitudinal populations of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensisin Wolong Natural Reserve of China. Their estimates of mean Nei’s gene diversity is equal to0.249, 0.214 and 0.170 respectively, suggesting the higher capacity of detecting geneticvariation of ISSR and AFLP than RAPD. It might be ascribed to their distinct sensitivity todifferent type of genetic variation. 7. Based on the coparative study on ISSR, AFLP and RAPD, we drew a conclusion thatthey all successfully reveal some useful information concerning the level and pattern ofgenetic vatiation occurring among different elevation populations of H. rhamnoides subsp.sinensis. AFLP is a ideal tool to taxonomic study and individual identification for theirhighest efficiency index and marker index among the three marker systems.

Production of a base population and its responses to F-1 selection in the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians irradians Lamarck (1819)

A base population of the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians irradians Lamarck, was produced by crossing two cultured bay scallop populations. After 1 year of rearing, the top 10% truncation selection of the top 10% (i=1.755) was carried out in the base population of about 1300 adults. A control parental group with a an identical number to the select parental group was randomly selected from the entire population before isolation of the select parental group. The result showed that, at the larval stage, the growth rate of larvae in the selected line was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05), and that the genetic gain was 6.78%. Owing to the lower density of control at the spat stage, the mean shell length of the control line was larger than that of the select line at day 100. When the same density was adjusted between two lines in the grow-out stage (from day 100 to 160), the daily growth rate of the selected line was significantly higher than that of the control line (P < 0.05). Survival of the select line was significantly larger than that of the control line in the grow-out stage. In conclusion, the results obtained from this experiment indicate that selective breeding from a base population with a high genetic diversity established by mass spawning between different populations appears to be a promising method of genetic improvement in bay scallop, A. irradians irradians Lamarck.

Growth and survival of reciprocal crosses between two bay scallops, Argopecten irradians concentricus Say and A-irradians irradians Lamarck

A complete diallel cross between two bay scallop populations, Argopecten irradians concentricus Say (M) and A. irradians irradians Lamarck (C), was carried out. Growth and survival were compared among hybrids and pure populations. No significant difference in the shell length was found among the four groups on the first day of D-larvae. On day 10, shell lengths of the two reciprocal crosses (CM, MC)(female x male ) were significantly greater than those of the CC (141.97 mu m) and MM (146.20 mu m) groups, with the growth rate of the MC (156.14 mu m) cross greater than that of the CM (155.35 mu m) cross. Also, heterosis for survival was significantly larger than that for growth. Both maternal origin and mating strategy had significant effects on growth and survival throughout the whole larval stage. Heterosis was also observed in later spat and adult stages. On day 170, the mean shell length, shell height and total weight of the CM cross were significantly larger than those of the other crosses (P<0.05). The results from this study indicate that hybridization between A. irradians concentricus and A. irradians irradians may be a promising way for genetic improvement of existing bay scallop brood stocks in China. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Caracterização morfológica reprodutiva do coqueiro gigante (Cocos nucifera L. var. Typica) em condições de sequeiro.

1998

Factors affecting the survival of sheep embryos after transfer within a MOET program

F. Baria, M. Khalid, W. Haresign, A. Murray and B. Merrell (2003). Factors affecting the survival of sheep embryos after transfer within a MOET program. Theriogenology, 59 (5/6), 1265-1275. Sponsorship: DEFRA RAE2008

Ações de pesquisa e desenvolvimento para o uso diversificado de espécies comerciais e silvestres de maracujá (Passiflora spp.).

2015

Molecular Characterization and Gene Expression Profiling of Antimicrobial Peptides in Penaeid Shrimps

The constitutive production of AMPs in shrimps ensures that animals are able to protect themselves from low-level assaults by pathogens present in the environment. As these molecules play important roles in the shrimp immune defense system, the expression level of these AMPs are possible indicators of the immune state of shrimps. The present study also indicates the antiviral property of AMPs, especially ALF, stressing the importance of their up-regulation through the application of immunostimulants/probiotics as a prophylactic strategy in aquaculture. The present study shows that shrimp defense system is equipped enough to evade WSSV infection to a certain extent, when the animals were maintained on marine yeast and probiotic diet, whereas the control diet fed group succumbed to WSSV infection. This study reveals that marine yeast and probiotic supplemented diet can delay the process of WSSV infection and confer greater protection to the animals. Particularly, the protection conferred by marine yeast, C. haemulonii S27 and Bacillus MCCB101 were highly promising imparting greater hope to the aquaculture community to overcome the prevailing disease problems in aquaculture. It may be inferred from the present study that up-regulation of AMP genes could be effected by the application of immunostimulants and probiotics. Also, AMP expression profile could be used as an effective tool for screening immunostimulants and probiotics for application in shrimp culture. Ultimately, it is likely that no single compound or strategy will provide a solution to the problem of disease within aquaculture and that, in reality, a suite of techniques will be required including the manipulation of the rearing environment, addition of probionts as a matter of routine during culture, and the use of immunostimulants and other supplements during vulnerable growth phases. Finally, the development of good management practices, the control of environmental variables, genetic improvement in the penaeid species, understanding of host-virus interaction, modulation of the shrimp immune system, supported by functional genomics and proteomics of this crustacean, as a whole suggests that the control of WSSV is not far.

Studies On The Reproduction Of Indian Whiting Sill/160 5'/Ham/1 (Forskal) (Percoidei, Sillaginidae)

From the point of view of rational exploitation and proper management of the fishery resources as well as for the development of intensive aquaculture of fishes through selective breeding, brood stock development, domestication and genetic improvement, a sound knowledge of reproductive biology and physiology of the candidate species is of great importance. In recent times, a wealth of information on maturity, spawning habits, spawning periodicity, spawning season, size at maturity and fecundity of commercially important fishes has been generated. Gametogenesis involves the transformation of Primordial germ cells in the gonads into specialised cells or gametes, namely ova in the female and sperms in male, through a series of complex morphological and cytological events. The formation of male gamete is known as spermatogenesis. In the female, the primary growth phase involving the formation of primary oocyte from oogonia is known as oogenesis, which would be followed by the secondary growth phase, in which considerable increase in the size of the oocyte occurs, due mainly to accumulation of yolk. This process is known as vitellogenesis, which would be followed by final maturation and ovulation of the ova. In the present work, basic aspects of maturation and spawning, salient features of gametogenesis and associated biochemical changes occurring during these processes in an important cultivable fish, Sillago sihama belonging to the family Sillaginidae have been investigated.

Optimising contributions of goat farming to household economic success and food security in three production systems in Ethiopia

The study aims to analyse factors affecting contributions of goat farming to household economic success and food security in three goat production systems of Ethiopia. A study was conducted in three districts of Ethiopia representing arid agro-pastoral (AAP), semi-arid agro-pastoral (SAAP) and highland mixed crop-livestock (HMCL) systems involving 180 goat keeping households. Gross margin (GM) and net benefit (NB1 and NB2) were used as indicators of economic success of goat keeping. NB1 includes in-kind benefits of goats (consumption and manure), while NB2 additionally constitutes intangible benefits (insurance and finance). Household dietary diversity score (HDDS) was used as a proxy indicator of food security. GM was significantly affected by an off-take rate and flock size interaction (P<0.001). The increment of GM due to increased off-take rate was more prominent for farmers with bigger flocks. Interaction between flock size and production system significantly (P<0.001) affected both NB1 and NB2. The increment of NB1 and NB2 by keeping larger flocks was higher in AAP system, due to higher in-kind and intangible benefits of goats in this system. Effect of goat flock size as a predictor of household dietary diversity was not significant (P>0.05). Nevertheless, a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was observed between GM from goats and HDDS in AAP system, indicating the indirect role of goat production for food security. The study indicated that extent of utilising tangible and intangible benefits of goats varied among production systems and these differences should be given adequate attention in designing genetic improvement programs.

Juvenile-mature wood transition in pine: correlation between wood properties and candidate gene expression profiles

There is a strong desire to exploit transcriptomics data from model species for the genetic improvement of non-model crops. Here, we use gene expression profiles from the commercial model Pinus taeda to identify candidate genes implicated in juvenile-mature wood transition in the non-model relative, P. sylvestris. Re-analysis of 'public domain' SAGE data from xylem tissues of P. taeda revealed 283 mature-abundant and 396 juvenile-abundant tags (P < 0.01), of which 70 and 137, respectively matched to genes with known function. Based on sequence similarity, we then isolated 16 putative homologues of genes that in P. taeda exhibited widest divergence in expression between juvenile and mature samples. Candidate expression levels in P. sylvestris were almost invariably differential between juvenile and mature woody tissue samples among two cohorts of five trees collected from the same seed source and selected for genetic uniformity by genetic distance analysis. However, the direction of differential expression was not always consistent with that described in the original P. taeda SAGE data. Correlation was observed between gene expression and juvenile-mature wood anatomical characteristics by OPLS analysis. Four candidates (alpha-tubulin, porin MIP1, lipid transfer protein and aquaporin like protein) apparently had greatest influence on the wood traits measured. Speculative function of these genes in relation to juvenile-mature wood transition is briefly explored. Thus, we demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting SAGE data from a model species to identify consistently differentially expressed candidates in a related non-model species.

Reaping the benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture

Food security is one of this century’s key global challenges. By 2050 the world will require increased crop production in order to feed its predicted 9 billion people. This must be done in the face of changing consumption patterns, the impacts of climate change and the growing scarcity of water and land. Crop production methods will also have to sustain the environment, preserve natural resources and support livelihoods of farmers and rural populations around the world. There is a pressing need for the ‘sustainable intensifi cation’ of global agriculture in which yields are increased without adverse environmental impact and without the cultivation of more land. Addressing the need to secure a food supply for the whole world requires an urgent international effort with a clear sense of long-term challenges and possibilities. Biological science, especially publicly funded science, must play a vital role in the sustainable intensifi cation of food crop production. The UK has a responsibility and the capacity to take a leading role in providing a range of scientifi c solutions to mitigate potential food shortages. This will require signifi cant funding of cross-disciplinary science for food security. The constraints on food crop production are well understood, but differ widely across regions. The availability of water and good soils are major limiting factors. Signifi cant losses in crop yields occur due to pests, diseases and weed competition. The effects of climate change will further exacerbate the stresses on crop plants, potentially leading to dramatic yield reductions. Maintaining and enhancing the diversity of crop genetic resources is vital to facilitate crop breeding and thereby enhance the resilience of food crop production. Addressing these constraints requires technologies and approaches that are underpinned by good science. Some of these technologies build on existing knowledge, while others are completely radical approaches, drawing on genomics and high-throughput analysis. Novel research methods have the potential to contribute to food crop production through both genetic improvement of crops and new crop and soil management practices. Genetic improvements to crops can occur through breeding or genetic modifi cation to introduce a range of desirable traits. The application of genetic methods has the potential to refi ne existing crops and provide incremental improvements. These methods also have the potential to introduce radical and highly signifi cant improvements to crops by increasing photosynthetic effi ciency, reducing the need for nitrogen or other fertilisers and unlocking some of the unrealised potential of crop genomes. The science of crop management and agricultural practice also needs to be given particular emphasis as part of a food security grand challenge. These approaches can address key constraints in existing crop varieties and can be applied widely. Current approaches to maximising production within agricultural systems are unsustainable; new methodologies that utilise all elements of the agricultural system are needed, including better soil management and enhancement and exploitation of populations of benefi cial soil microbes. Agronomy, soil science and agroecology—the relevant sciences—have been neglected in recent years. Past debates about the use of new technologies for agriculture have tended to adopt an either/or approach, emphasising the merits of particular agricultural systems or technological approaches and the downsides of others. This has been seen most obviously with respect to genetically modifi ed (GM) crops, the use of pesticides and the arguments for and against organic modes of production. These debates have failed to acknowledge that there is no technological panacea for the global challenge of sustainable and secure global food production. There will always be trade-offs and local complexities. This report considers both new crop varieties and appropriate agroecological crop and soil management practices and adopts an inclusive approach. No techniques or technologies should be ruled out. Global agriculture demands a diversity of approaches, specific to crops, localities, cultures and other circumstances. Such diversity demands that the breadth of relevant scientific enquiry is equally diverse, and that science needs to be combined with social, economic and political perspectives. In addition to supporting high-quality science, the UK needs to maintain and build its capacity to innovate, in collaboration with international and national research centres. UK scientists and agronomists have in the past played a leading role in disciplines relevant to agriculture, but training in agricultural sciences and related topics has recently suffered from a lack of policy attention and support. Agricultural extension services, connecting farmers with new innovations, have been similarly neglected in the UK and elsewhere. There is a major need to review the support for and provision of extension services, particularly in developing countries. The governance of innovation for agriculture needs to maximise opportunities for increasing production, while at the same time protecting societies, economies and the environment from negative side effects. Regulatory systems need to improve their assessment of benefits. Horizon scanning will ensure proactive consideration of technological options by governments. Assessment of benefi ts, risks and uncertainties should be seen broadly, and should include the wider impacts of new technologies and practices on economies and societies. Public and stakeholder dialogue—with NGOs, scientists and farmers in particular—needs to be a part of all governance frameworks.

Adapting wheat in Europe for climate change

Increasing cereal yield is needed to meet the projected increased demand for world food supply of about 70% by 2050. Sirius, a process-based model for wheat, was used to estimate yield potential for wheat ideotypes optimized for future climatic projections (HadCM3 global climate model) for ten wheat growing areas of Europe. It was predicted that the detrimental effect of drought stress on yield would be decreased due to enhanced tailoring of phenology to future weather patterns, and due to genetic improvements in the response of photosynthesis and green leaf duration to water shortage. Yield advances could be made through extending maturation and thereby improve resource capture and partitioning. However the model predicted an increase in frequency of heat stress at meiosis and anthesis. Controlled environment experiments quantify the effects of heat and drought at booting and flowering on grain numbers and potential grain size. A current adaptation of wheat to areas of Europe with hotter and drier summers is a quicker maturation which helps to escape from excessive stress, but results in lower yields. To increase yield potential and to respond to climate change, increased tolerance to heat and drought stress should remain priorities for the genetic improvement of wheat.

Dinâmica tecnológica no agronegócio brasileiro : uma análise de alguns indicadores de capacitação tecnológica de empresas privadas de sementes

A indústria de sementes vem ao longo do tempo tornando-se um fator de grande importância para o desempenho da agricultura. Nos últimos anos, a importância do setor pode ser percebida pela nova dinâmica da indústria de sementes, a partir das mudanças cada vez mais constantes e profundas tanto no plano econômico, como no tecnológico. A emergência da biotecnologia agrícola está muito imbricada com as fusões e aquisições recentes, envolvendo a indústria de sementes, mas também o setor agroquímico, o novo aliado estratégico das empresas de sementes. A importância do mercado brasileiro de sementes é evidente. O Brasil detém a sexta posição no mercado para o consumo de sementes –estimado em US$ 1.200 milhões, o que se traduz em 4% do mercado mundial, que movimenta aproximadamente US$ 30 bilhões ao ano. Esta importância justifica este trabalho, que faz uma análise exploratória da capacitação tecnológica das empresas privadas de sementes no Brasil, sob a luz da teoria neoschumpeteriana. Metodologicamente os dados foram coletados junto às principais empresas privadas (de capital nacional e estrangeiro) produtoras de sementes básicas. As informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas com os diretores de P&D, referentes ao período de 1999-2002. Dentre os principais resultados obtidos pode se destacar o uso da biotecnologia no desenvolvimento de sementes geneticamente modificadas, ou seja, a produção de sementes transgênicas, a busca constante de técnicas de aperfeiçoamento do melhoramento genético de plantas, o desenvolvimento de sementes cada vez mais resistentes a pragas e doenças, e as crescentes parcerias na condução das atividades tecnológicas. Foi possível também concluir que tecnologicamente os dois tipos de empresas são similares em termos de capacitação de recursos humanos (qualificação e número de pesquisadores). A aquisição e a disponibilidade de recursos financeiros é a diferença mais relevante entre os dois tipos de empresas. Também se concluiu que a extensão e o potencial agrícola torna o Brasil um país atrativo tanto para o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas utilizadas no desenvolvimento de novas sementes, quanto na instalação de empresas multinacionais como ponto de partida para a atuação das mesmas em todo o mercado latino-americano.