African scientists are using the tools of biotechnology to boost the climate-resiliency and yields of the high-protein African yam bean. Scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Genetic Resource Center are employing marker-assisted selection and other biotech tools, as well as conventional plant breeding, to add traits like shorter cooking time, high yield, disease resistance and early maturity to the yam bean.
The improved crop will be capable of providing food and nutrition security, income generation for farmers and employment for women and youth, researchers said.
“The application of biotechnology on the African yam bean, whose high protein content makes it a better source of food than corn, sweet potatoes or cassava, will lead to increased yields, which in time will help resource-poor rural and semi-rural communities in west Africa achieve resilience to climate stresses,” said Gideon Enofe, a Nigerian research scientist.
Source: allianceforscience.cornell.edu
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
