1. 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

2. 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

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

4. Developing populations for SPVD resistance and quality traits

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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