Fine mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with Striga resistant genes in sorghum | Crop Management (Crop Varieties)
Description of the technology or innovation
The root hemiparasitic weed Striga hermonthica is a serious constraint to sorghum production in the ECA. Fine mapping of QTLs associated with Striga resistance in sorghum innovation was undertaken to improve the precision of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) to facilitate breeding of sorghum for striga weed resistance. In this innovation, a total of 169 SSR markers associated with Striga resistance QTLs were identified. Of these, approximately 21 SSRs and 175 DArT markers were found to be closely associated with Striga resistance QTLs and were mapped. Fine mapping is the fastest and currently the most efficient technique for generating evidence for the several
combinations of markers or association of markers that support the existence of striga susceptibility genes in the region. Development and evaluation of the striga resistant lines was done in laboratories at ICRISAT and BeCA in Kenya. The innovation has been documented and is ready for up scaling among sorghum breeding laboratories of the ECA. The technology was validated using the base recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and in both cases, the markers linked to the same genomic region confirmed the marker association.
Assessment/reflection on utilization, dissemination & scaling out or up approaches used
The ultimate beneficiaries of this technology are researchers, students and biotechnology companies. Main method was through publication of research findings in journals, which can reach wider circulation globally among sorghum breeders and researchers.
Essential partners/stakeholders) to be involved in the further scaling out/up
The key partners needed in the scaling up process are:
- Sorghum breeders
- Researchers
- Students
- Biotechnology companies
Current situation and future scaling up
Current extent of reach of intended users of the fine mapping innovation in sorghum breeding.The innovation has not reached other sorghum breeders in the region.
Challenges encountered in respect to further dissemination, adoption and scaling up/out of fine mapping tool
- This is basic research which calls for awareness among policy makers to facilitate sustained funding
- Availability of good molecular laboratory facilities
- Availability of large grounds for field testing
Recommendation for addressing challenges
- Create awareness among policy makers and end users on fine mapping innovation
- Forge collaboration linkages with laboratories in advanced countries
Lessons learnt
- Need for early awareness by policy makers of the use of this modern tool in the development of striga resistant sorghum varieties.
- There is need for forge collaboration linkages with advanced laboratories for testing the fine mapping innovations.
- Social, environmental, policy and market conditions necessary to catalyse fine mapping work
- Programmes that increase policy makers awareness
- Conducive institutional mechanisms for variety release
Economic Considerations
Basic costs (local currency and equivalent US $) associated with utilization of the fine mapping innovation
Not done
Estimated returns (local currency and equivalent US$) such as cost benefit or gross margin figures where applicable
Not done
Gender considerations
Gender issues /concerns (if any) were considered in the fine mapping exercise
Was not part of the study
Gender issues/concerns (if any) in the fine mapping exercise
Was not part of the study
Gender-related opportunities (if any), which enhanced or can enhance the genetic linkage mapping
Was not part of the study
Case study or profiles of success stories
Success stories from beneficiaries attesting to the use of the genetic linkage mapping
None as yet
Methodologies for development genetic linkage map
Are well documented and are being published
Contact details
Mohamed H Abdalla
Associate Professor, Agricultural Research Cooperation (ARC)
P.O Box 126
Khartoum, Sudan
Mob: +249-921934900
Email: abdalla_moh2002@yahoo.com; abdallamoh2002@gmail.com
Dr. Rasha Ali
ASARECA TIMPS-Revised Nov 2014 Page 51
Associate, Agricultural Research Co-operation (ARC)
P.O Box126
Khartoum, Sudan
Email: yarashaya@gmail.com
Dr Tom C. Hash
Sorghum Breeder
ICRISAT
Pantecheru,
India
Email: c.harsh@cgiar.org
Dr Santie de Villiers
Senior lecturer
Pwani University
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
PO Box 195-80108
Kilifi, Kenya
Tel: +254 729369758
E-mail: s.devilliers@pu.ac.ke
santiedevilliers@gmail.com
Dr. Dionysious (Dan) Kiambi
Executive Director
African Biodiversity Conservation and Innovations Centre (ABCIC)
P.O. Box 100882-00101, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel/Fax. 254-20-2330014
Mobile.254-731823394/704417920
Email:d.kiambi@abcic.org
Glossary
ANNEX 2
Glossary of terms
ARC: Agricultural Research Cooperation of Sudan
ECA : Eastern and Central Africa
MAS: Marker Assisted Selection
QTL: Quantitative Trait Loci