Tadesse holds a PhD degree in Plant breeding and Biotechnology in
December 2022 from University of Nairobi (UoN). He also holds MSc. in
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (2013) from UoN and BSc. in Plant
Science (1996) from University of Asmara, Eritrea. His major interests
include variety development, hybrid F1 development, agronomy of both
field and horticultural crops and technology transfer among smallholder
farmers. Tadesse has more than 15 years of experience in National
Agricultural Research Institution and Seed Companies. He has conducted
extensive research in his area of specialization including breeding for Striga
and drought resistance/tolerance in sorghum, development of F1 hybrids in
cucurbits (Squash, watermelon and cucumber). Tadesse worked in a project
focused in the introgression of Striga resistance genes from a donor parent
in to a farmer preferred local sorghum variety. He successfully identified
genes and molecular pathways that contribute to Striga resistance in a
resistant sorghum variety. He has published several papers in peer reviewed
journals; presented in conferences, workshops and scientific meetings; won
awards and fellowships; has sourced and managed research grants from local
and international funding agencies.
Abstract
In terms of area and crop harvest, sorghum is the most important cereal in
Eritrea and is cultivated on about 200,000 hectare annually. Production is
however seriously hampered by the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica. This
study was carried out to determine sorghum production constraints, Striga
incidence and extent in sorghum growing area of Eritrea; to find out the
levels of stimulants for Striga germination in sorghum; to select for Striga
resistance in sorghum landraces using SSR markers; to determine at gene
level the differential expression of Striga resistance in a Striga susceptible
and resistant genotypes of sorghum.
Baseline survey and focused group discussion involving 136 farmers from
the Eritrean subzones of Golij, Tesenei, and Hamelmalo showed that Striga
infestation and drought stress were ranked as the highest production
constraints that need immediate intervention. Studies to determine Striga
germination stimulant identified accessions EG830, EG1076, EG473,
EG1261, EG546, and EG746 produced low levels of Striga germination,
with 11.85 %, 13.05 %, 14.68 %, 15.32 %, 15.74 %, and 16.5 % germination
percentages, respectively, when compared to controls, IS9830, SRN39, and
Framida, which had 22.46%, 22.67%, and 23.27%. Genotyping study using
SSR markers identified sorghum accessions EG1075, EG1168, and EG1239
which displayed 1-3 Striga resistance QTLs and supported less Striga
emergence with improved grain yield. The study also discovered genes and
molecular pathways that contribute to Striga resistance in N13 (resistant
variety). The genes and molecular pathways identified may provide a strong
basis for a better understanding of Striga resistance in sorghum breeding
program.
Research Supervisors
Prof. Eliud Kahiu Ngugi – University of Nairobi, Kenya
Prof. Emmanuel Safari Ariga – University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Tesfamichael Abraha – Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea
