Anatomics in pearl millet

How can we use advances in technology to identify opportunities to maximise productivity of land, labour and crops?

Lead researchers: Professor Malcolm Bennett and Professor Ndjido Kane

There are many environmental, biological, social and economic factors that influence the success and sustainability of global crop production. Our projects will increase our knowledge of these factors to help safeguard crops as a relevant food source of the future. 

Pearl millet is a staple food for approximately 100 million people, and 90% is grown by smallholder farmers. Yet a major hindrance to its production is drought. As climate change brings unpredictable weather patterns and increasing temperatures, this project aims to identify new varieties of pearl millet better adapted for future environmental scenarios. We will explore the key genes tolerant of drought, then share this information with partners, breeders and smallholders.