Genetic Analysis of Seed Nutritional Content in Tef Millet

Tef (Eragrostis tef) is the mainstay of Ethiopian agriculture, with more acres planted than in any other crop.  Tef has high resilience to both drought and waterlogged soils, but yield is limited by the tiny seed size and severe susceptibility to lodging.  We have used mutational and other genetic approaches to help solve these two problems.  Among tef’s many benefits is the exceptional nutritional quality of its grain.  Tef grain is very high in protein and mineral content, especially calcium and iron.  Recently, we have generated a recombinational map of tef, with 486 SNP markers in a RIL population, using genotype-by-sequencing technology.  We are using this map to investigate QTL associated with various aspects of nutritional quality, particularly those related to mineral content.  When combined with two full genome sequence analyses that have recently been completed, these studies should uncover candidate genes associated with these traits, thus suggesting routes towards further nutritional improvement of tef and other cereals.