Agricultural Biotechnology

The research in agricultural biotechnology has mainly focused on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Cassava is a perennial shrub widely grown in the tropical regions of the world. The roots are the principle economic important part of the plant providing a major carbohydrate food for an estimated 500 million people. In Uganda, cassava ranks second to bananas in terms of area occupied, total production and per capita consumption, respectively and it is the leading food security base.

Our work at MBL has explored the use of microsatellite markers for the benefit of breeding. Studies have been carried out from genetic resource assessment to identification of important root trait genes in cassava. Population genetic studies have been carried out to understand the introgression history and genetic diversity of cassava post the recent cassava mosaic disease (CMD) epidemic that occurred in Uganda (in the 1990s) and comparing the diversity found with other countries in Africa and Latin America.

We have also carried out indepth studies on the genetic diversity and composition of farmers’ cassava varieties using an interdisciplinary approach involving farmer interviews, genetic markers and morphological descriptors within three districts in Uganda have been done. The latter study earned one of the scientists an award of “ Outstanding Research Publication Award, 2006,” from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT, Spanish acronym), Cali, Colombia.

Currently, we are working in collaboration with the national cassava programme, National Crop Resources and Research Institute (NaCRRI) in looking for molecular markers associated with root quality traits in cassava. The traits include: post harvest deterioration (PPD), dry matter content (DM), amylose content and reducing sugars and cyanogenic glucoside potential (CNP). There is also a study being undertaken in conjunction with Makerere University Faculty of Agriculture and NaCRRI to develop genetic resources for screening cassava for drought resistance.