Dr. Lolita M. Dolores (UPLB)
Dr. Nestor L. Pido (VSU)

The overall objective of the project is to develop transgenic sweet potato resistant to Sweet potato Feathery Mottle Virus (SPFMV) and Sweet potato Virus Disease (SPVD) complex through Agrobacterium- mediated transformation.

Specific Objectives:
1. To validate and confirm the gene inserts of constructs containing CP and /or CP + inverted repeats of SPFMV-RC and SPFMV -C strains.
2. To improve the in vitro regeneration protocol for the test varieties.
3. To transform the Philippine sweet potato varieties with the constructs containing CP and/ or CP + inverted repeats of SPFMV-RC and C strains via Agrobacterium- mediated system.
4. To evaluate/screen putative transgenic lines of sweet potato for resistance to SPFMV and SPVD.
5. To determine molecular characteristics of transgenic materials.

a) The proponent shall adhere as closely as possible to the schedule of activities reflected in the submitted gantt chart. Modifications in the planting, monitoring schedule and other activities could be made with the concurrence of the IBC and the DOST-BC.

b) The proponent shall also include/indicate in the gantt chart when the presence of the IBC members and monitors is needed.

c) A list of personnel who will be given access to the contained facilities shall be submitted to the DOST-BC for approval.

d) The proponent shall ensure that only the DOST-BC authorized personnel are allowed inside the limited access facilities.

e) The DOST-BC and the Post-Entry Quarantine Station, Bureau of Plant Industry (PEQS-BPI) should be informed in advance of any visitations by unauthorized persons.

f) The DOST-BC and the PEQS-BPI shall be informed immediately of any intrusion by unauthorized persons.

g) The proponent should submit a detailed plan on how the viable materials will be handled during the transfer from UPLB to VSU (i.e. mode of transfer, packaging, etc.).

h) The proponent under the guidance of the IBC should coordinate and make arrangements with the PEQS-BPI with regard to the transfer of viable materials.

i) All plants and viable materials within the experiment area shall be accounted for.

j) Any additional requirement that the DOST-BC may impose, as necessary, during the duration of the experiment should be complied with.

k) The proponent shall strictly comply with the additional requirements that the DOST-BC may impose, as necessary, during the test period;

l) The proponent shall submit through the IBC a terminal report 90 days after termination of the experiment.