Biotech Updates

Infrastructure for Wheat Rust Trials in Kenya

October 7, 2011

A new irrigation project in Njoro, Kenya was inaugurated by Assistant Minister of Agriculture Gideon Ndambuki to provide water for field trials of new varieties of high yielding, yellow and stem rust-resistant wheat. Over 200 farmers, scientists, government officials, and industry partners attended the ceremony including a field day at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and the celebration of KARI's involvement in the international stem rust screening project known as the Durable Rust Resistance in Wheat (DRRW). KARI is only one of two international stem rust screening nurseries.

"This field day celebrates Kenya's opportunity to improve agricultural productivity, profitability and farmers' livelihoods," said Ndambuki. "The adoption of new technologies will positively impact productivity."

Three new varieties of high yielding, stem- and yellow-rust resistant wheat have been introduced to Kenyan farmers, three are in the pipeline, and 16 other varieties have been released or are in advanced testing by national partners in the rest of the wheat-growing world, said Dr. Macharia Gethi, director of the KARI-Njoro research station.

Check out http://www.africasciencenews.org/en/index.php/life-and-style/49-food/177-kenya-opens-rust-screening-facility-to-fight-global-world-wheat-threat for the full story.