GENES’ MSc Candidate

Norman Munyengwa (BSc)

Home Country: Zimbabwe
Supervisor: Dr. Hermine Ngalle¹, Dr. David Cros¹ and Dr. Edmore Gasura^2
1University of Yaounde, Cameroon
²Chairperson, Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe.

Crop of interest

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is one of the most important crops in the world as it provides 99% of the rubber used in the world of which 70% is used in the tire industry and the remaining 30% is used in the healthcare sector. Natural rubber is a major ingredient for more than 50,000 household, healthcare and industrial products that have elasticity as a functional attribute. In Africa, Ivory Coast is the leading producer of natural rubber and it holds 7th position at the global level.

Project title

Genomic selection in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) marker data obtained from Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS).

Summary of proposal

The major challenge faced by rubber breeders is the very long breeding cycle which can last for 30 years. The three phenotypic based selection stages in rubberare responsible for the very long breeding cycle. The use of QTL-based markers to improve rubber yield has not been succesful due to difficulties in estimating QTL × environment interactions. Genomic selection, which is a next generation, state-of-the-art approach of marker-assisted selection has huge potential to improve rubber yields and to reduce the generation interval through increasing selection intensity since more individual rubber clones can be selected at the seedling stage. My research uses whole-genome marker data from GBS and phenotypic data of rubber clones to create a genomic prediction model that is used to predict the genomic estimated genetic values (GEGVs) of rubber clones in the selection population for which only genotypic data is available. With my research, selection of rubber clones to advance to next selection stages or to release as new cultivars can be done at the seedling stage, based solely on the GEGVs. Genomic selection can help meet future demands of rubber in an environmentally sustainable way and also increase the GDP in rubber producing countries and at the same time improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers who produce 80% of the rubber in the world.

Personal Comment about the GENEs Opportunity

The GENEs project is a fantastic and very unique opportunity for me as it has allowed me to study plant genomics which has always been my dream as a professional. The partnerships approach in the GENEs project works very well as it allows collaboration with other scientists.

GENES’ MSc Candidate

Dennis OKPORIE (B.Agric, Crop Science)

Home Country: Nigeria
Supervisor: Prof. Enoch Achigan-Dako¹, Prof. Happiness O. Oselebe^2
1Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey Calavi (UAC), Benin Republic
²2Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

Crop of interest

Rice is a seed of monocot, with 24 chromosomal number 2n=24, which has two major domesticated species, O. Sativa (the most commonly grown in Asia which originated from the river valley of Yangtze mekonrivers) and O. Glaberimma (popularly known as Africa rice) which has its center of origin in Delta of Niger river in Africa. NERICA is the crossing progeny of both species. It is one of the major staple food crop.It is consumed by human and livestock and services as raw materials to industries in the production of flour, infant food, livestock feed etc, and a major source income to household farmers.

Research Topic

Accessing the genetic diversity among selected rice accessions using morphological and SSR markers.

Summary of proposal

It has been expounded that identification and evaluation of high heritability in accession alone will not be enough for variety development but the combination of morphological and molecular markers will be useful in studying genetic diversity of rice for conservation, breeding and other crop improvement activities. However, this study will aim at accessing the genetic diversity among selected rice accessions using morphological data and SSR markers in other to identify high yielders with superior quality traits and diverse adaptability, for use as parents in a breeding program. The breeding tools to be applied include the use of morphological characterization and SSR markers, with a molecular breeding method. This will be conducted in a simple lattice design experiment. Moreso, It is expected at the end of this research that genotypes of superior genetic quality with high adaptive mechanism to our environment would be identified among the selected rice accessions and would be subjected to further improvement which will help in combating food insecurity in Africa and globally.

Personal Comment about the GENEs Opportunity

The gene opportunity has widened my scope in the area of becoming a renowned plant breeding researcher and a clear understanding about the need of molecular breeding in this comtempory society. It has enhanced my rational ability and focus in offering solution to the present need in agriculture.

GENES’ MSc Candidate

Desalegn Abebe MEKONEN (BSc, Biotechnology)

Home Country: Ethiopia
Supervisor: Prof. Barrage Moussa¹, Prof. Happiness O. Oselebe^2
1College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Addis-Ababa Science and Technology University.
²Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

Professional Experience

Calibration and verification of measurement instrument and quality analysis, testing of food and chemicals in trade and transport beruea in Addis Zemen, Ethiopia.Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute/ARARI (Bahir Dar, Ethiopia)

Crop of Interest

Grass pea (Lathyrussativus L.) is a food, feed and fodder crop belonging to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae). It is a much-branched sub erect, straggling or climbing herbaceous winter annual crop. Its reproduction system is by seed and is a self-pollinating crop. The genus (Lathyrushas 187 species and subspecies being recognized (Wang et al., 2015). It is strictly diploid with chromosome number being 2n=14. Grass pea grows widely in several tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In Ethiopia Grass pea is the fifth most important pulse crop in the country and is commonly cultivated on heavy clay soils (mostly vertisols). Grass pea seeds are used in India, Ethiopia and other developing countries as part of the diet of the poor in times of famine. Seeds are used for making bread, paste balls, local beverages, utilized as boiled (nifro) or roasted (kolo), shiro (powdered seeds) (Urga, et al. , 2005).

Research Topic

Study on Genetic diversity of Grass pea (LathyrussativusL.) and Association of β- ODAP content of Seed in Ethiopian Genotypes with SSR Markers.

Summary of proposal

Grass pea (Lathyrussativus L.) is the source for cheap and nutritious food choice in drought and famine susceptible regions of the world. However, its use is limited and remain masked because of the presence of an endogenous neurotoxic non-protein amino acid β-N-oxalyl-L- α, β- diaminopropionicacid (β-ODAP). To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted ingrass pea genetic diversity study using SSR marker. The aim of this study will be to specify the β-ODAP content of seed and genetic variation of Grass pea genotypes using SSR markers and clarify their phylogenic relationship in order to establish breeding programs which will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume crop in Africa and other parts of the world. For this, 25 grass pea accessions kindly provided by theEthiopia Biodiversity Institute/EBI/, Ethiopia will be used. This experiment will be laid down on simple lattice design 5x5. At the end of this project, it is expected thatmolecular variations and similarity of Grass pea accessions will be determined, Low β-ODAP content genotype will be identified and Association of seed β-ODAP content with molecular marker will be revealed.The information generated in this study can serve as a component of effective germplasm conservation and breeding programme to improve this crop, so that farmers and other stakeholders in the grass pea value chain will benefit as a whole.

Personal Comment about the GENEs Opportunity

First of all, I would like to appreciate GENEs for bringing this exciting project and the Coordinators of the project. I am delighted to be part of GENES project. The impact of the project will be irreplaceable in terms of skill, knowledge, resources and culture sharing between African brothers and it will create future collaboration in Africa. However, the fund allocated to research is very small especially for projects involving molecular studies.

GENES’ MSc Candidate

Amobi Francis OZIBO (BSc, Applied Biology)

Home Country: Nigeria
Supervisor: Prof. Happiness O. Oselebe¹ and Prof. Enoch G. Achigan-Dako ^2
1Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria
²Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey Calavi (UAC), Benin Republic

Crop of Interest

Bananas also referred to as Musa L., are perennial monocotyledonous herbs characteristically divided into dessert bananas, cooking bananas and plantains and beer bananas. It is highly nutritive and serves as source of food for man because of its high energy content. It contains all essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Banana is used industrially to produce insecticide, colour absorber, antioxidant, biogas, alcohol and cattle feed.

Research Topic

Effects of drought condition on phenotypic traits of banana assertions

Summary of proposal

Bananas are quite sensitive to drought; however, genotypes with “B” genome are more tolerant to abiotic stresses than those solely based on “A” genome. Bananas with “ABB” genomes in particular are more tolerant to drought and other abiotic stresses than other genotypes. Therefore, this proposal is aimed at determining the effects of prolonged water inadequacy on the morphology of banana assertions. Bananas require frequent irrigation to avoid significant crop losses, especially during dry periods. Bananas, originally a tropical fruit crop, have reached the sub-tropics and even semi-arid regions owing to their adaptations and to growers' perseverance to manage the crop at the small expense of yield and quality.The objectives of this proposal is to assess the effect of soil moisture deficit stress on juvenile vegetative stage, floral primordial initiation (PI) stage,flowering and bunch development on yield and yield parameters.Parameters will be taken on individual assertion of both optimal and drought condition. Stomatal conductance, cell membrane stability (CMS), leaf emergence rate, rate of leaf senescence, RWC, and bunch yield under soil moisture deficit stress are some of the traits associated with drought tolerance. Among these stress, bunch yield under drought condition will be given top priority for phenotyping.

Personal Comment about the GENEs Opportunity

I am highly gratified over GENES opportunity. GENES has granted me the opportunity to develop myself academically and research wise through its funding. With GENES opportunity, I can now participate abundantly in practical and researches which I would have done peripherally owing to facility inadequacy. In all, all thanks to GENES.

GENES’ MSc Candidate

Chukwunyere Ebube Oliver (BSc, Biological Sciences)

Home Country: Nigeria
Supervisor: Dr. Wosene, G.¹, Prof. Okezie, C., and Dr. Ofodile L. N. ^2
1Jimma University, Ethiopia
²Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (former Anambra State University), Nigeria

Crop of Interest

Lima bean is the second most important legume in the world of the genus Phaseolus. A herbaceous species which includes both annual determinate bush types and perennial indeterminate climbing types, perennial due to the presence of large swollen tap roots. The bush types are short, about 0.6 m tall, whereas the climbing types are up to about 25 m. Each plant on maturity produces a large number of pods. Each pod is oblong, often curved and terminates in a sharp beak facing the dorsal suture. Pods contain two to four seeds and dehisce on drying. Seeds may be small, medium or large-sized depending on the lima bean type. Seed weight varies from about 0.5 g/seed in the small-seeded types to as much as 3-4 g per seed in the large-seeded types. Seed shape may range from kidney, through rhomboid to round. Seed colour is variable and may be speckled, mottled, or full-coloured. Colours vary and usually include white, grey, yellow, brown, purple or black. Wild varieties usually have small pods, are small-seeded, seed colours being predominantly grey, black or speckled.Economic and industrial Importance includes, a) its intake can lowers LDL cholesterol levels, b) they have anticancer benefit because of it phytochemicals coumestrol and saponins, compounds contents, c) nitrogen-fixating legume that sheds its leaves profusely therefore can be used for soil fertility restorer, d) its forage can be fodder used in making silage and hay for animal feeding or diet supplements, and it is used as a food and an alternative income source for the local population.

Research Topic

Variability study for yield and quality traits in Lima bean (Phasiolus lunatus) using morphological and nutritional parameters.

Summary of proposal

Lima bean, Phaseolus lunatus is a member of the family leguminosae. It is an easy to grow grain legume and of a high food valve and many health benefits with a protein content ranging from 17 to 40 g/100 g, quite higher than that in cereals (7-11.8 g/100g) and approximately equal to the protein content of meat 18-25 g/100 g. It fat content is low as It also contains carbohydrate (sugar and starches), vitamin and minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium). The development of strategies for genetic breeding and for in situ and ex situ seed conservation is important. The genotypes maintain several undesirable traits, including pest and disease susceptibility, indeterminate growth, long life cycle, and high hydrocyanic acid content, among others, they also have good local adaptation and a large amount of genetic variability. More also, in the developing world, protein energy malnutrition is a major challenge and it is quite difficult to provide adequately, animal protein supplies needed by consumers without incurring high cost. Therefore, main objective of this work will be to carry out the variability study for yield and quality traits in Lima bean (Phasiolus lunatus) using morphological and nutritional parameters. Data will be collected forthe proximate, mineral and anti-nutrients contents in the raw, cooked, roasted, germinated and fermented lima bean samples. As we expect,the result of this study may qualify Lima Bean for use in making flour and used in many other food preparations such as baby foods and baked products. The crop has been observed to have high yield potential, deep root system and drought tolerant, making it a good prospect crop in tropical Africa.

Sample of Lima Bean Cultivar to be planted

Personal Comment about the GENEs Opportunity