African Scientists Soon to Release Striga and Drought Tolerant Sorghum Varieties

East African researchers are at advanced stages towards releasing striga and drought resistant varieties of sorghum. According to Dr. Dan Kiambi, the Executive Director of the African Biodiversity Conservation and Innovations Centre (ABCIC), about 50 sorghum lines carrying one to four striga resistant QTLs introgressed in five farmer preferred varieties, using marker assisted backcrossing have been field tested under different environmental conditions in Eritrea, Kenya and Sudan with very promising results. This progress was presented at a regional workshop which took place on September 19 to 20, 2011, in Nairobi, Kenya. The aim of the workshop was to sensitize the sub-regional stakeholders on technologies available for the deployment of Striga resistant varieties.

The scientists showcased the power of science and technology, in particular marker assisted breeding, in providing solutions to some of Africa's crop production challenges. It was attended by 60 participants including sorghum breeders, scientists, policy makers, farmers, media, seed companies and extension agents. The participants appreciated the work done so far in development the sorghum varieties in the sub- region. They stressed the need for adoption of a value chain approach, in order to ensure that all relevant stakeholders were sufficiently involved.

Striga is one of the most serious constraints in cereal production in Africa, and leads in some cases to 100% yield losses in farmers' fields, causing crop damage estimated at seven billion dollars (US$7 billion) across Africa. The project is supported by the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA).

For more information, contact Dr Dan Kiambi, the Executive Director of ABCIC, at d.kiambi@abcic.org