The role of CGIAR Germplasm Health Units in averting endemic crop diseases: the example of rice blast in Bangladesh

Open Access Article; Published online: 10 Mar 2022Background One of the less known benefits of the CGIAR is the facilitation of international agricultural research for crop improvement by providing a continuous supply of breeding materials for the development of disease resistant varieties. The Germplasm Health Units (GHUs) of the CGIAR are phytosanitary mechanisms put in place to help ensure safe (from pests and diseases) and efficient international transfer of germplasm among genebanks and breeding programs around the world. To date, there is no systematic documentation of the pathways and extent to which GHUs contribute to economic impact in recipient countries. Methods We conducted interviews with key experts and reviewed secondary literature and data to trace the pathways through which the GHU of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) contributes to the impact of breeding for rice blast. We applied an ex ante economic surplus framework to the case of rice blast in Bangladesh, considering productivity maintenance and time saving factors from GHU facilitation. Data were drawn from a national panel dataset of farm households (from 2013 to 2016 with about 4490 households) and field surveys of blast incidence and severity (from 2011 to 2012 in 10 agroecological zones). We augmented our model with Monte Carlo sampling to simulate distributions of parameters. Results Our model predicts that, in the most probable scenario (modal values), the IRRI GHU contributed about US$5.9 million of the total US$ 295 million net benefits over a 20-year time frame of continuous blast resistance breeding and deployment. In the most optimistic conditions (maximum), the IRRI GHU contributed as much as US$62 million of the US$ 1.46 billion benefits. The modal benefit–cost ratio of the GHU in this breeding program alone was estimated at 112. The results are sensitive to the rate of yield savings, which is contingent on yield levels, timing of deployment, effectiveness of resistance, and lifespan of resistance to blast. Conclusions The study reinforces the important, and often overlooked, role of the GHUs in the international agricultural research that aims to enhance genetic gains in crops through efficient and timely access to clean and healthy germplasm

The economic contribution of CGIAR germplasm health units to international agricultural research: the example of rice blast disease in Bangladesh

This study measures the economic contribution of International Rice Research Institute’s (IRRI) Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) to a breeding program that aims to avert yield losses from rice blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) in Bangladesh. We first conceptualize the general pathways through which SHU contributes to the impact of international agricultural research. Then we use a farm-level panel dataset collected between 2013 to 2016 and data on blast incidence collected from field surveys in 2011 to 2012 to conduct an ex-ante economic surplus analysis in a productivity maintenance framework. We then apportion the incremental benefit contributions of the SHU by discounting and applying a time-saving multiplier. To address uncertainties in our estimates, we augment our model with Monte Carlo sampling to simulate distributions of model parameters. Simulating for the most probable outcome, our model estimates about USD 295 million net benefits over a 20-year time frame of continuous blast resistance breeding and deployment. About USD 5.9 million of the net benefits from the development of blast resistant rice varieties in Bangladesh could be attributed to the contribution of the IRRI GHU. The benefit-cost ratio of GHU on this breeding program alone is estimated at 112. The results are sensitive to the rate of yield savings, which is contingent on yield levels, timing of deployment, effectiveness of resistance, and lifespan of resistance to blast. The study reinforces the important, and often overlooked, role of the SHU in the international scientific partnership that aims to enhance genetic gains in rice through efficient and timely access to clean and healthy germplasm

Palliative pelvic exenteration: A systematic review of patient-centered outcomes

Objective: Palliative pelvic exenteration (PPE) is a technically complex operation with high morbidity and mortality rates, considered in patients with limited life expectancy. There is little evidence to guide practice. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the impact of PPE on symptom relief and quality of life (QoL). Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASe, and PubMed databases for studies reporting on outcomes of PPE for symptom relief or QoL. Descriptive statistics were used on pooled patient cohorts. Results: Twenty-three historical cohorts and case series were included, comprising 509 patients. No comparative studies were found. Most malignancies were of colorectal, gynaecological and urological origin. Common indications for PPE were pain, symptomatic fistula, bleeding, malodour, obstruction and pelvic sepsis. The pooled median postoperative morbidity rate was 53.6% (13\u2013100%), the median in-hospital mortality was 6.3% (0\u201366.7%), and median OS was 14 months (4\u201340 months). Some symptom relief was reported in a median of 79% (50\u2013100%) of the patients, although the magnitude of effect was poorly measured. Data for QoL measures were inconclusive. Five studies discouraged performing PPE in any patient, while 18 studies concluded that the procedure can be considered in highly selected patients. Conclusion: Available evidence on PPE is of low-quality. Morbidity and mortality rates are high with a short median OS interval. While some symptom relief may be afforded by this procedure, evidence for improvement in QoL is limited. A highly selective individualised approach is required to optimise the risk:benefit equation