National Agriculture Research Institute
National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)
National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)
Nigeria
Taro (cocoyam)
2022-2023
Taro leaf blight (TLB) epidemics can progress quickly and lead to devastating consequences — reducing yields by up to 50% and leaf yield losses of up to 95%. With a goal to increase food security and alleviate malnutrition in Nigeria and the region, this project seeks to identify QTL/genes and facilitate development of nutritious taro varieties with enhanced TLB resistance and yield qualities in a biparental mapping population.
Leveraging the National Root Crops Research Institute’s existing taro program and breeding knowledge, this study will be the first to follow a single marker approach to dissect the genetic basis of TLB resistance and corm quality in a biparental mapping population. The research will be the foreground for efficient and effective cocoyam breeding that will take into account women’s trait preferences — recognizing that women contribute over 60% of the labor force in food production and processing — with additional priorities in optimizing nutrition and engaging young farmers in the taro value chain.
Research priorities include: