The Present and Future Role of Insect-Resistant Genetically Modified Maize in IPM

Commercial, genetically-modified (GM) maize was first planted in the United States (USA, 1996) and Canada (1997) but now is grown in 13 countries on a total of over 35 million hectares (\u3e24% of area worldwide). The first GM maize plants produced a Cry protein derived from the soil bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which made them resistant to European corn borer and other lepidopteran maize pests. New GM maize hybrids not only have resistance to lepidopteran pests but some have resistance to coleopteran pests and tolerance to specific herbicides. Growers are attracted to the Btmaize hybrids for their convenience and because of yield protection, reduced need for chemical insecticides, and improved grain quality. Yet, most growers worldwide still rely on traditional integrated pest management (IPM) methods to control maize pests. They must weigh the appeal of buying insect protection “in the bag” against questions regarding economics, environmental safety, and insect resistance management (IRM). Traditional management of maize insects and the opportunities and challenges presented by GM maize are considered as they relate to current and future insect-resistant products. Four countries, two that currently have commercialize Bt maize (USA and Spain) and two that do not (China and Kenya), are highlighted. As with other insect management tactics (e.g., insecticide use or tillage), GM maize should not be considered inherently compatible or incompatible with IPM. Rather, the effect of GM insect-resistance on maize IPM likely depends on how the technology is developed and used

Childcare practices and nutritional status of children aged 6-36 months among short and long term beneficiaries of the Child Survival Protection and Development Programmes (The case of Morogoro, Tanzania)

A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out to compare childcare practices and nutritional status of children aged 6–36 months in Mwembesongo and Mjimpya wards that had long and short experiences respectively with the Child Survival, Protection and Development (CSPD) programme. The purpose of the study was to establish whether the long-term implementation of the CSPD programme had an impact compared to that of a short-term programme. The findings showed that the children from Mwembesongo were exclusively breast-fed for a significantly longer period (50 days) than those in the Mjimpya ward (32 days) and that significantly more mothers (95.7%) in Mwembesongo than in Mjimpya (84.5%) attended growth monitoring programmes. On the other hand, significantly more mothers in Mjimpya (71.5%) compared to those in Mwembesongo (51.8%) breast-fed immediately (less than one hour) after birth. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in children's nutritional status (wasting and underweight) between the two wards, except for stunting. More children in Mwembesongo (39.7%) than in Mjimpya (27.5%) were stunted. The findings have demonstrated that financial capacity to support children's food and care requirements forms a springboard from which to launch additional efforts for improved nutritional status. SAJCN Vol. 21 (1) 2008: pp. 16-2

Familial tendency and dietary association of goitre in Gamo-Gofa, Ethiopia

Objective: To assess the familial tendency and dietary association of goitre.Design: Ciaectional study with descripEve and analytical components.Setting: Goma-Gofa, south Ethiopia.Subjects: Five hundred and ninety seven elementary school children aged 6-18 years and their biological parents.Results: Prevalence of goitre was found to be 51.7% of which 21.7% was visible goitre. The mean urinary iodine extraction levels indicated adequate dietary intake of iodine by the study group. A significant association (p<0.001) was established for familial tendency of goitre between parents and their children. Consumption of Iurlleko (Moringa stenopetala), a leafy vegetable common in the study area, of more than two times per day was signifkantly (p<0.005) associated with causation of goitre.Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that goitre prevalence in Gamo-Gofa, Ethiopia is due to familial tendency as well as dietary factors

Malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia in lactating women in urban slum communities from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Objective: To determine the status of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and malnutrition in lactating women. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Six urban slum communities in Teklehaimanot district, Addis Ababa. Subjects: One thousand and seventeen lactating women were enrolled and assessed for their haemoglobin (Hgb), serum ferritin level and body mass index (BMI) during the month of March 2001. Iron deficiency anaemia was considered when Hgb and serum ferritin concentrations were less than 12gm/dl and 12 µg/l respectively, whereas, a BMI less than 18.5% kg/m2 was considered malnourished. Main outcome measures: Determinations of haemoglobin, serum ferritin and BMI measurements. Results: The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and protein energy malnutrition in the slum communities was 22.3% and 27.1% respectively. The mean age of mothers (28.4±6.12 years) indicates that prevalence of malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia was higher among younger mothers than among older mothers. The prevalence of malnutrition was positively correlated with the serum ferritin concentration status, of the mothers (r=0.12, p=0.2, RR=1.03). Conclusion: It is observed that malnutrition and IDA are major health problems and therefore, an appropriate nutrition intervention package to improve the nutrition situation of the communities is recommended (E Afr Med J:2003 80(4): 191-194