Evaluation of the yield impact of 50% male-sterile hybrids in low yield environments and their potential value for smallholders in Africa

Description of the topic

We are evaluating the yield impact of 50% male-sterile hybrids in low yield environments to assess the potential value of male sterility gene 44 or Ms44 for smallholders in Africa. We hypothesize that the gene will provide a 3 to 5% yield advantage under drought and/or low nitrogen conditions commonly faced by smallholders. The gene is being provided on a royalty free basis by DuPont-Pioneer to benefit resource poor smallholders in Africa. The male sterility allele is dominant and will be delivered using Seed Production Technology (SPT), also being provided by DuPont-Pioneer. Research will be conducted both on station and on farm. The student will work with researchers at CIMMYT, KALRO, ARC, and Pioneer in Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The student will also work closely with CIMMYT social scientists to obtain gender-disaggregated farmer preference data.

Work expectations

The student will be involved in preparing and planting yield trials, collecting data, analyzing trial data, writing up and publishing results. We anticipate that the student would be first author of a publication describing the impact of Ms44 50% hybrids under smallholder farmer conditions in eastern and southern Africa. The student would also contribute to a separate manuscript describing farmer preferences regarding the 50% male-sterile hybrid concept.

Required skills

An understanding of genetics and plant biology.