Article Abstract:
Vitamin A deficiency can cause serious diseases in children. However, xerophthalmia is its worst complication since it leads to blindness, affecting an estimated 13 million infants and pre-school children. A vitamin A supplement at a dosage of 200,000 international units taken in the form of capsules at the prescribed dose regimen will prevent a severe case of blindness in a child. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A could likewise stop blindness. An intake of 50 grams of cassava leaves or three grams of red palm oil per day would be just as effective.
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Article Abstract:
Scientists at the University of Guelph (Canada) are involved in a plant genetic engineering project with cassava as the target plant. The objective is to develop methods to introduce desired characteristics into domesticated cassava species or hybrids taken from it. Genetic transformation is achieved by a particle gun that bombards selected cell tissue with DNA-coated particles. Similar genetic transformation projects involving cassava are being undertaken in countries like China, Denmark and the UK.
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Article Abstract:
The Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria has developed a new, high-yielding cassava variety which can increase crop yield and enhance food self-sufficiency. Cassava is an important food crop, especially in Africa because it thrives even in poor soils, requires little fertilizer and water and can be stored in the ground for as long as one year. The IITA has devveloped multiploid varieties of cassava which can yield as much as 50 to 70 tons per hectare.
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