By Elizabeth Angira
Scientists at Kenyatta University have successfully developed a sorghum variety resistant to striga, a parasitic weed responsible for up to 100% yield loss in sorghum.
The crop has been developed using CRISPR-Cas9, a cutting-edge and most precise genome editing technique.
The striga smart sorghum has potential to address the food insecurity challenge in sorghum-growing regions and subsequently improve livelihoods.
Speaking during a media science cafe, Prof. Steve Rono, the project’s lead researcher revealed that the new variety has shown promising results in areas with heavy striga infestation.
Preliminary trials have been conducted in Homa Bay, Kibos, Mbita and Busia. Although farmers in these areas rely on sorghum for their livelihoods, striga has spelt doom as it has devastated the crop bringing massive losses to the farmers.
Prof. Runo noted crop’s genetic tolerance and diversity are used to improve varieties.
“We used gene editing technology through DNA sequencing, which is used to improve crop productivity,” said Prof. Rono.
The striga smart sorghum has been developed under a collaborative project between Kenyatta University and partners. The project seeks to help farmers obtain complete striga control and high sorghum yields.
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