In alignment with the directives of H.E. Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, President of the Agricultural Research Center, the National Gene Bank of Egypt (NGB) welcomed a delegation from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The visit aimed to strengthen international cooperation in the field of plant breeding and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
(NGB) welcomed students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University—specifically from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture—for an educational visit to learn about the bank’s diverse activities and its vital role in preserving plant and genetic resources, as well as maintaining the high quality of cultivated plant varieties in Egypt.
As part of the directives of Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, to restructure the Animal Breed Registration and Improvement Committee, Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, President of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), chaired the committee’s second meeting to discuss key topics related to the development and enhancement of Egypt’s animal genetic resources.
The meeting was attended by:
Dr. Sherine Assem, Deputy President of ARC
Dr. Mona Mehrez, Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture
Dr. Tarek Soliman, Head of the Animal and Poultry Wealth Development Sector
Dr. Mohamed El-Shafie, Director of the Animal Production Research Institute and Committee Rapporteur
Directors of the Animal Wealth Institutes, the Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, the National Gene Bank, and the Regional Center for Food and Feed
Several prominent experts, including:
Prof. Dr. Maher Hasab El-Naby
Prof. Dr. Adel Abu El-Naga
Prof. Dr. Abdel Rashid Ghanem, Director of the National Milk Collection Centers Project
Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, President of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and Chair of the Animal Breed Registration Committee, held the committee’s first preparatory meeting. The meeting was attended by several distinguished experts and leaders, including:
Dr. Maher El-Maghraby, Vice President of ARC for Production
Dr. Mona Mehrez, Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Animal Wealth
Dr. Tarek Soliman, Head of the Animal Wealth Sector
Dr. Mohamed El-Shafie, Director of the Animal Production Research Institute and Committee Rapporteur
Dr. Mohamed Saad, Director of the Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute
Dr. Mostafa Fadel, Director of Animal Reproduction Research
Dr. Gehan Hosny, Director of the Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute
Dr. Nevine Abdel Fattah, Director of the National Gene Bank
Dr. Mohamed El-Sherbiny, Director of the Regional Center for Food and Feed
Dr. Farid Istino, Professor of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University
Dr. Essam Omar, Chief Researcher at the Animal Production Research Institute and genetic resources expert
The hidden world of microbes and their role in sustainable farming
When people think of gene banks, they often picture seed storage, but did you know that microorganisms are just as important? At NGB’s Microbiology Lab, researchers are collecting and studying bacteria, fungi, and algae that play crucial roles in soil health, disease control, and crop productivity.
The strategy depends on the continuity of ensuring the quality of long-term seed preservation
Objective
Diagnosing plant diseases and studying the various symptoms of plants in order to differentiate between them and healthy plants to be prepared for preservation.
Isolating plant pathogens, and identifying the actual pathogen, thus facilitating the process of implementing control programs.
Enriching the microbial wealth with new isolates that have an interactive effect with the plant.
It helps to study varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests at the genetic level.
Helping to identify diseases and infections that are already present in various crops under Egyptian soil conditions. It has a role in agricultural guidance and providing recommendations on how to deal with disease problems, whether in the field, greenhouse, or laboratory, and also during various preservation methods.
The role of Lab/Dept
The primary role of the phytosanitary laboratory in gene banks is to ensure that plant samples are free and safe from diseases and pests before preserving them in the long term.
Laboratory scientific equipment
Oven
Incubator
Microwave
Seed counter
3 balances
Safety cabinet
Thermo cycle PCR
Vortex
Hot plate
Microtome
Centrifuge
Microscope
Water purification system
W3Deep freezer
autoclave
electrophoresis cell
power supply
2 germinator
3 Growth chamber
Staff
Dr. Heba Hamdi Hammad Afifi +20 100 069 1522 hebaafifi160@gmail.com
Specialized in collecting, isolating and identifying microbial genetic resources and evaluating their role, environmental impact and various applications in the fields of (agriculture, pharmacy, food). In addition to identifying the different genes specific to microorganisms. Preserving microbial genetic resources in various ways and continuously evaluating them.
Strategy
Collection and Preservation of microbial isolates
Characterization the collected microbial isolates.
Documentation and Database Management: Keeping detailed records of each strain, including its origin, characteristics, and storage conditions.
Utilization and Research Support: Partnering with academic and industry researchers to promote the use of microbial strains for various applications
Capacity Building and Training: Offering training for researchers and technicians on best practices for microbial resource management
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Evaluating the ecological impact of collecting and using microbial resources
Objectives
Conservation of Biodiversity: Preserve a wide range of microbial species and strains to maintain genetic diversity.
Utilization for Biotechnological Applications: Promote the use of microbial strains in industrial applications.
Support for Agriculture: Enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by providing microbial strains that promote plant growth, improve soil health, and reduce disease severity.
Microbiology Lab roles
microbiology lab at a gene bank plays a critical part in the conservation, characterization, and application of microbial genetic resources, supporting both scientific advancement and sustainable practices.
Laboratory scientific equipment
– Laminar flow
– Fluorescent microscope – Convention PCR
Staff
Dr. Fayrouz Hassan Abd Elmeged drfayrouz_ngb@outlook.com
Dr. Akram Hassan Mohamed akramhassan8787@gmail.com
Cytogenetics lab plays a crucial role in conserving plant and animal genetic resources with a focus on studying the structure and function of chromosomes in plants and animals. This involves different techniques like karyotyping, chromosome banding, and in situ hybridization to understand genetic diversity, evolution, and breeding potential.
Chromosomal studies are based on visible of investigations the C and GTG-banding Florescent bands and FISH markers were used in an attempt to provide fine standard karyotypic details and characterization, overall the investigate of chromosomal maps of wild plants, animals and landraces which can be utilized in the different breeding programs and determination of chromosome number in diploid and polyploidy of genomes.
Information from studies of chromosomes in addition to the classification of plants and Animals, determine the position and the relationship between plants.
The Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity study (Mitotic activity, frequency of micronuclei and the chromosomal aberrations in mitotic cell divisions) as an indication of the genetics instability and adaptability to the Egyptian conditions in varieties, landraces and/or accessions and his tolerant to biotic abiotic stress. Moreover, to detect any existing association between the cytological and instabilities and agronomic characters. Detection of the pollen grain viability of different varieties, landraces and/or accessions.
Cytogenetics Lab has extensive expertise in chromosomal Karyotyping with banding and Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization technique. It is equipped with a vertical microscope (Leica DM2500) equipped with a cooled monochrome digital camera (Leica DFC340FX), and vertical fluorescence microscope (Leica DM4 B) (Leica Microsystems, Germany) equipped with cooled digital color camera (Leica DFC450C), with a Standard and high-resolution automated karyotyping software processing (Leica CW4000), Moreover have a Cooling Incubator and a Biological Safety Cabinet.
Aims to use modern laboratory techniques and innovate new methods to create fast and accurate ways to supporting the evaluation and classification of genetic resources, whether plant or animal genetic resource.
Our Vision
Cytogenetics fingerprint for Egyptian genetic resources
Applications
Genetic Diversity Studies: By examining chromosomal variations, scientists can assess the genetic diversity within and between species, which is essential for conservation and breeding programs.
Evolutionary Studies: Cytogenetics helps trace evolutionary relationships and understand how species have diverged over time.
Breeding Programs: Understanding the chromosomal makeup of plants and animals’ aids in the selection of desirable traits for breeding.
Disease Resistance: Cytogenetic studies can identify genetic factors that contribute to disease resistance in plants and animals, crucial for developing resilient species.
Impact
Conservation: Preserving genetic diversity ensures the resilience of species to environmental changes and diseases.
Agriculture: Enhancing crop and livestock quality through informed breeding programs supports food security and sustainability.
Research: Cytogenetics provides fundamental insights into genetics and genomics, advancing scientific knowledge.
Methods & Techniques
1- Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity detection the frequency of:
Chromosomal Aberrations
Micronucleus
Mitotic Activity
Miotic Activity
Chromosome Stability
2- Chromosome Study:
Karyotyping: This technique involves organizing and analyzing chromosomes to detect genetic abnormalities and variations.
Chromosome Banding structure: Using Gimsa stain to identification the C and G-banding pattern Standard.
Comparative Fluorescence chromosomes banding: by studying the fluorescent banding patterns chromomycin A3 (CMA), and 40-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and NOR-Banding.
Staff
Dr. Mona Ebrahim Abd El-Gawad +20 100 917 0469 mona.abdelgawad@arc.sci.eg monagenetist2012@gmail.com
Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim +20 100 695 1737 maibrahim30@icloud.com
chemical analysis Laboratory is one of the most important laboratories in the National genes Bank, the work based on the evaluation and characterization of plant genetic resources according to their chemical composition to know the importance of each genetic resource and to identify the active substances contained in it, also measuring it’s concentration by using the most accurate methods and the latest scientific equipment.
Strategy
1. Discuss and study the latest laboratory methods for chemical analysis used in the detection of chemical components and their application to genetic resources found in the National gene Bank.
2. Documentation of data and results obtained after comparing them with specialized scientific references.
3. Participate in the training courses for university students and new researchers to give them the necessary expertise in the field of chemical analysis and chemical classification of plant genetic resources
Objective
1. Determine of active substances in each plant genetic resource.
2. Evaluation and characterization of plant genetic resources according to their chemical composition.
3. Study the effect of the environment surrounding each genetic resource on the chemical composition and interpretation of the relationship between them.
4. Entering Data and results of the chemical analysis tests of each Plant Genetic Resource into the National gene Bank database as a reference to return to it at any time.
5. Provide all the information and experiences in the field of chemical analysis for all researchers and those interested in this area with the exchange of experiences between our laboratory and other laboratories specializing in this field.
The role of the chemical analysis laboratory
Knowing the chemical composition of each Plant Genetic Resource is the most important step to be taken in the process of classification and description. In this point lays the importance of chemical analysis laboratory where this role is the main point of our work.
By using the latest scientific methods and equipment The laboratory paint a picture of the estimated chemical composition of each genetic resource and describe of the differences in chemical composition between plant genetic resources and each other as the results of the relationship between the environment surrounding each resource and its chemical composition and the active substances it contains.
Staff:
Prof. Dr. Abeer Ahmed Hamdy Elhalwagi abeerelhalwagi@gmail.com
Dr. Ali Hassan Ali Taha Anany ali.h_anany@yahoo.com
The majority of livestock integrates with crops in small holding that represent approximately 85%of its total population. the average farmer owns 1.02 buffalo cows, 0.53growing buffalo calves, 0.94 bovine cows, 0.51bovine calves, 1014 sheep 1.06 goat, number of different poultry of different species plus donkeyes and camels / or horses. The evolutionary forces of mutation, selective breeding, adaptation, isolation and genetic drift have created an enormous diversity of local populations. Livestock provide meat, milk, eggs, fibers, skins, manure for fertilizer and fuel, draught power for cultivation and transport, and a range of other products and services. Livestock biodiversity is essential to food and livelihood security, particularly in the developing world.
Animal production systems in Egypt
Semi intensive / intensive system (delta and Nile valley) mainly large ruminants, small ruminants, a number of different poultry of different species pluse donkeys and camel and / or horses.
Intensive system (poultry and dairy cattle).
Zaraba (around cities) dairy buffalo and goats.
Extensive system (Sinai, north western coastal zone, halaieb and shalatein mainly small ruminants and camels.
The states of breeds at risk
Population size of local cattle and buffalo breeds are quite stable and no indication that one of these breeds is at risk. Except Domiati cattle which could be at risk according to decrease of its population.
The major local breeds of sheep and goat do not seem at risk. The exception is zaribi breed which could be at risk as all available reports indicate deceasing of its population. The breeds of camel, horse, donkey, chicken, duck, goose, are not at risk.
Two local breeds of rabbits have already become extinct, Giza White and Baladi White and two more are endangered, Baladi Red and Baladi Black.
Main constraints facing establishment of national conservation program
Fragmented ownership of livestock.
Lack of recording of animal pedigrees / performance
Lack of applying uniform protocols for collection of germplasm and cryopreservation programs in each breed.
Lack of the accurate information about genetic characterization of our native breeds.
Lack of public understanding and awareness of the role and values of AnGR.
Lack of legislation and regulation affecting the maintenance of AnGR.
The main objective of the department
Genetic characterization of our native breeds.
Standardization of protocols for collection of germplasm, through well- defined and sound cryopreservation programs for each breed.
To rescue and increase the population of endangered breeds. (Red and Black rabbit and Zeraibi goats)
Establishing data base system for information on native breeds characterization.
This includes information on breeds population, description and qualifications.
Emphasis will be on traits related to meat quality, mothering ability and adaptation to harsh climate and poor environmental conditions.
Increasing the awareness of public for the importance of our rescue mission and to the necessity of maintaining these breeds as a gene pool for future use in rapidly changing world.
The magazine published by the Gene Bank.
Pamphlets published by Gene Bank.
Publication in the newspapers.
Publication in the agricultural magazine.
Current activity
Genetic characterization of Sohagi sheep, Barki Sheep and buffalo.
Cryopreservation studies for semen of chicken, Ducks, Turkey and Camel embryo.
Determining some genetic loci of productive traits in some indigenes chicken breeds using microsatellite markers.
4-National gene bank performing of project based on integration of genetic resources management in western desert communities including farm animal genetic resources (Genetic characterization for wild-type of cattle, sheep and goats) in four oases namely El-Kharga, El-Dakhla, El-Farafra and Siwa.
Achievements of Animal Genetic Resources Department
Genetic characterization of chicken breeds and development strains: Among Fayuomi breed (PP, GG and RR). Fayuomi breed Dandarawi breed Gimiza strain Inshas strain Doki-4 strain Golden Montazah strain Silver Montazah strain Mamorah strain Mandara strain Bahij strain Matrouh strain El-salam strain Bandarah strain Sinai strains
Determining some genetic loci of egg production traits in Fayoumi and Dandrawi chicken breeds using microsatellite markers (Ph.D. Thesis).
Variation and phylogeny studies of Egyptian River Buffalo by mitochondrial D-loop nucleotide sequences.
Semen Quality and Freezing of Sohagi Rams in Egypt
Staff
Prof. Dr. Khaled Roushdy Mohamed Mousa +20 114 331 7188 khromod@yahoo.com
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ahmed El-sayed Hasan +20 109 966 1610 m.a.el_sayed@outlook.com
Dr. Alsayed Alsoudy Mohamed Mostafa +20 155 831 3399 alsayedalsoudy@gmail.com
Dr. Heba Abd EL-Wahab Mahmoud Assi +20 100 824 5305 Music.art723@gmail.com
