Progress in Breeding Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato in sub-Saharan Africa Mwanga R., G. Ssemakula, B. Yada, J. Kreuze, S. Fuentes, J. Low, W. Grüneberg, E. Carey, M. Andrade, E. Lukonge, B. Kivuva, J. Ndirigwe, C. Yencho Planet Earth Institute Spotlight Seminar: The Future of Agriculture in Africa The Library, Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, London, UK March 15, 2017 The Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA) is a five-year initiative designed to improve the food security and livelihoods of poor families in Sub-Saharan Africa by exploiting the untapped potential of sweetpotato. It will develop the essential capacities, products, and methods to reposition sweetpotato in food economies of Sub-Saharan African countries to alleviate poverty and under-nutrition. SWEETPOTATO ACTION FOR SECURITY AND HEALTH IN AFRICA

Outline of presentation Background, yield losses due to sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) Old sweetpotato breeding cycle Breeding for beta-carotene (orange flesh) Progress to date

Sweetpotato Virus Disease (SPVD) Causes Significant Yield Losses (50->90%) (drought?) Clark et al. 2012: Plant Disease

Developing populations for SPVD resistance and quality traits

Regional genotype x environment orange-fleshed sweetpotato trials, 15 Trial Sites 2006/2007 . Serere Namulonge Kakamega Bukoba Hombolo Kibaha Angoni Gurue Mandoto Mimosa Rubona Kibundu Umbelezi Zanzibar Kizimbani Kacwekano Not to scale

Sweetpotato seed sent from Uganda to SSA Countries in 2007/2008 (Total amount of seed: 471,405) . 152,640 37,350 10,540 32,850 90,400 21,000 71,010 9,705 Not to scale 8,000 20,320 . 17,590

Variety Selection/Breeding Combine high beta-carotene with other major desirable traits -

Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA) – from 2009 supported sweetpotato platforms

African sweetpotato breeders breed in Africa for Africa using the latest knowledge and efficient methods 12 Countries with crossing blocks/breeding 3 Countries with sweetpotato evaluation/ selection activities Since 2009 nine countries have released 56 new superior varieties; 40 of them orange-fleshed

Thank you for your attention Planet Earth Institute World Food Prize Foundation AGRA CGIAR CENTERS NARS Farmers Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Other Donors Other partners