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II International Society for Horticulture science (ISHS)

Genetically Modified Organisms in Horticulture (GMO 2011)

The International Society for Horticulture Science in conjunction with the local organizing committee in South Africa is pleased to announce

the II International Society for Horticulture science (ISHS) Genetically Modified Organisms in horticulture (GMO 2011).

The theme of the symposium is “Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future”. The symposium will be held in Mpumalanga, South Africa from September 12-15, 2011 at the Protea Hotel The Winkler in White River. The second ISHS GMO symposium in Horticulture is a follow-up on the first symposium held in Ski (Oslo), Norway, in 2007. We would like to invite you to join the South African community at the II ISHS GMO Symposium 2011, where science, decision makers and industry will come together. We aim to facilitate a platform for sharing of results, learning from each other as well as application in industry, decision making and regulation. This 2011 event will be an update of progress and challenges in plant biotechnology for horticulture crops with an extra focus on developing countries. This will also be an opportunity for plant biotechnologist to share their knowledge on new technologies to the horticultural research community. It will be relevant for research scientists and the industry involved in the developing of biotechnology products in the world.

The four day program will be structured in such a way so that it will provide an opportunity for those involved in the research, development, testing, regulation, assessment and management of GMO’s worldwide to share experiences with colleagues from around the globe. It will offer an unique opportunity for scientists and other stakeholders to work together to pave the way for a sustainable future.

The sessions will focus on: GMO’s in developing countries, Plant and pest diseases – Reducing Environmental Footprint, Exploitation and Progress of GMO’s in Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables, Progress of GMO’s in other crops and Regulation and Legislation

Keynote speakers invited include

Dr Kathy Kamo (Floral and Nursery Plant Unit, USDA, Beltsville, USA) - confirmed

Dr Marc Ghislain (Applied Biotechnology Laboratory, International Potato Center (CIP), Peru

Dr Leena Tripathi (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Uganda) - confirmed

Prof Ronny Swennen (Division of Crop Biotechnics and Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Belgium)

Prof Melané Viviers (Institute for Wine Biotechnology, South Africa)

Mr Willy de Greef (EuropaBio, Belgium) - confirmed

Mrs Muffy Koch (Global Biosafety Specialist, Canada) - confirmed

An abundance of citrus and many other subtropical fruit variety of vegetables are produced in Mpumalanga. Nelspruit is the second-largest citrus-producing area in South Africa and is responsible for one third of the country's export in oranges. A Scientific excursion to the Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops (Nelspruit) research unit (ARC-ITSC), Citrus Research Institute and Timbali Technology Incubator can be organized for those participants wishing to take advantage of this opportunity. The Timbali Technology Incubator was initiated to create a centre for the establishment and support of emerging farmers in the cut flower industry. Currently, Timbali clients are cultivating a variety of cut flowers. One of the crops, the famous Gerbera, was chosen for its unique adaptability to the region and its high value on the market. The growers at Timbali possibly represent the largest Gerbera cut-flower project in Africa and it is estimated that over a 2 million flowers are produced annually.

Mpumalanga is a province with spectacular scenic beauty and an abundance of wildlife, lying in the northeast of South Africa. It is bordered by the countries of Mozambique and Swaziland. In the eastern region lies the southern half of the magnificent Kruger National Park, a nature reserve teeming with African wildlife in a total area roughly the size of Israel.

Scientists are invited to submit proposals for oral presentations and/or posters that are consistent with the theme of the meeting and program.

Best regards from South Africa Organising Committee

Adri Veale

Convener and chair of organizing committee

We look forward for your support and participation