Principal Scientist ICRISAT P.O Box 39063 Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
Body of Abstract: Sorghum is a cereal crop of critical importance in the semi-arid tropics (SATs), particularly in Africa, where it is second only to maize by area of cultivation. Despite its resilience to harsh climates, the productivity of sorghum that is grown by smallholder farmers in the SATs under low input remains extremely low. Our research has focused on the development of genomic tools to enhance the efficient exploitation of existing genetic resources, and subsequently characterised climate resilience traits such as the stay-green, Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) and resistance to several biotic stresses. We used publicly available genomic resources and also generated additional resources towards the development of quality control (QC) and Mid-density panel (MDP) markers that have enhanced the routine utilisation of molecular markers by sorghum breeders, including those from under-resourced institutions. We have mapped genomic regions responsible for traits of interest and subsequently developed marker assays for routine selection and introgression. We have particularly characterised Striga hermonthica, one of the most devastating biotic stresses in Africa, and will continue to develop more durable solutions to this difficult weed. Preliminary results indicate under-exploitation of the vast genetic resources available in sorghum for crop improvement. We recommend pyramiding of superior traits into farmer-preferred varieties through the use of advanced technologies in order to provide high yielding sorghum under low input to smallholder farmers.