Brasília, April 13, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Within a period of slightly more than 30 days, the genetically modified bean variety developed by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) to resist the golden mosaic virus achieved two important successes. On March 12 the government authorized its experimental cultivation, enabling field research to get underway. And now the scientists Francisco Aragão - from Embrapa's Genetic Resources and Biotechnology unit - and Josias Farias - from Embrapa's Rice and Beans unit - were awarded the 2004 Peter Murányi prize for their project "Obtaining bean plants resistant to golden mosaic virus."

The Peter Murányi prize is bestowed each year by the Foundation on individuals, firms, or private or public organizations from any part of the world that have distinguished themselves by a discovery or scientific advance that serves the development and well-being of the population, especially in Brazil.

The Embrapa project is an important example of the ways in which biotechnology can benefit social development and nutrition. The importance of beans in people's eating habits extends beyond the borders of Brazil. Beans are the most important legume in the diet of over 500 million people in Latin America and Africa.

Golden mosaic, considered the worst disease affecting bean cultivation, is transmitted by the white fly and can cause losses of up to 100% of the crop, if it attacks plantations while the seedlings are still young.

In Brazil, beans are a crop with extreme social importance, since they are basically produced by small farmers. Approximately 80% of the production and cultivated area pertains to properties with fewer than 100 hectares.

Translator: David Silberstein