Implementing a Sorghum Genomics Assisted Breeding Program in Haiti

Genomic assisted breeding promises to lower the cost of predicting the breeding or varietal values (ability to produce a new high performance variety) of novel genotypes produced by recombining existing material. In spite of its many promises, genomic assisted selection has not yet been adopted by breeders from developing countries outside of the CGIAR international research centers. Chibas, a small agriculture research Institute in Haiti, a Feed the Future target country, has already started using genotyping by sequencing data for its edible Jatropha breeding program. Chibas is now initiating a genomic assisted in its sorghum breeding program.

Our program aims at using available technologies as well as new technologies still under development to further reduce the cost of Genomic Selection. It will allow us to reduce the duration of our breeding cycles and improve genetic gain over time. We will also carry out section against deleterious mutation and include these in our predictive models. A special emphasis is given in our program to selection for drought tolerance and adaptation to acidic and/or very alkaline soils (prevalent in Haiti).