Biotechnology is a potent technology towards alleviating chronic food shortages in Africa . A major challenge is to develop the most effective biotechnological applications to address the many biotic and abiotic stresses such as diseases, pests and drought that affect African agriculture. The Global Theme on Biotechnology has four scientists, several technical staff and students based at ICRISAT's Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Regional Program offices at ILRI in Nairobi , Kenya . Together with several national program partners, we are applying molecular markers and plant transformation to enhance food production in sub-Saharan Africa using the Biosciences east and central Africa (BecA, www.biosciencesafrica.org) research platform located at ILRI.

Current Research Activities and Services include the following.

Molecular Diversity and Gene Flow Studies: Molecular markers (SSRs) are being used to conduct gene flow studies, determine heterotic grouping, and assess gene diversity and genetic relationships in sorghum and pearl millet germplasm.

Genotyping and Marker Services: NARS are being provided with marker services including, DNA sampling, PCR optimization, high-throughput SSR genotyping and marker data analysis.

Marker-Assisted Selection: SSR markers are being used to introgress QTLs conferring resistance to both biotic (sorghum midge) and abiotic stresses (drought and Striga ) into preferred local sorghum farmer varieties.

Plant Transformation: Tissue culture and transformation protocols for pigeonpea and groundnut developed by ICRISAT scientists in Patancheru, India are being transferred to KARI's Biotechnology Center at NARL. Once established, insect resistant pigeonpea and drought tolerant groundnut will be targeted.

For further information, contact:

Dan Kiambi (molecular diversity studies and MAS)

Kassa Semagn (genotyping and marker services, MAS)

Santie de Villiers (plant transformation)

Fabrice Sagnard (gene flow studies)