title: Opportunities and constraints to biotechnological applications in the Caribbean: transgenic papayas in Jamaica and Venezuela.
abstract: In this opinion article, we briefly review the status of crop biotechnology research-with emphasis on the development of GM crops-in Jamaica and Venezuela. We focus on the transgenic papayas developed for both countries, and examine the factors hindering not only the development and application of this biotechnological commodity for the improvement of agricultural productivity, but also on the challenges influencing societal acceptance of the technology.
authors.affiliation: Centro Jardín Botánico, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 5101, Mérida, Venezuela, fermin@ula.ve
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fermin
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tennant
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D029441:Carica / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology; D033161:Government Regulation; D007563:Jamaica; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D057865:Plant Immunity / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology; D017800:Potyvirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D011639:Public Opinion; D014687:Venezuela