Sustainable networks for using next generation quantitative genetics to modernize breeding programs in Kenya

Cooperating countries: Kenya and Austria

Coordinating institution: Egerton University (EU), Mercy Wamalwa, mercy.wamalwa@egerton.ac.ke, mercyamwogah@gmail.com

Partner institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)

Project duration: 1 June 2022 - 30 May 2024

Abstract:

With the growing population there is increased demand for food, feed and raw materials, hence there is a need for increased productivity in agriculture. Among other measures, such as improved crop management, integrated crop protection and prevention of losses in the field and after harvest, improved crop cultivars will play a central role for sustainable agriculture. Resilient and regionally adapted crops are the cornerstone for sustainable crop and food production. Breeding improved and resilient cultivars has traditionally been based on the generation of diversity followed by phenotypic selection. Breeding can be supported and advanced by integrating traditional plant breeding methods with recent molecular breeding tools. However, African scientists lack the necessary skills to take advantage of the latest and advanced quantitative genetics (genomic selection) and mutation breeding methods which has been shown to accelerate and increase crop breeding efficiency. The use of quantitative genetic tools plays an important role in this respect. By combining phenotypic traits with DNA fingerprinting and pedigree data, genomic estimated breeding values of cultivar candidates can be obtained with greater accuracy and, consequently, increase genetic gains from the selection. Importantly, these quantitative genetic tools can shorten the time to develop improved crop cultivar to meet the imminent food increase in food demand.

This project aims to form a sustainable network between scientists from Kenya and Austria to maximize the use of next generation quantitative genetics to improve breeding programs in Kenya. This work will make major contributions to breeding programs leading to increased productivity, contribute to food and nutritional security, lower production costs while leading to economic empowerment. We aim to focus particularly on quantitative genetic methods such as genomic selection and mutation breeding that are affordable at low cost, therefore accessible and applicable to researchers and breeders working in breeding programs with limited financial resources.