In this project, we carry out local breeding activities, do research in and apply new breeding techniques, specifically CRISPR/Cas gene editing, to advance breeding of local food barley genotypes with 1) drought tolerance, 2) fungal disease resistance, and 3) naked grains to enhance food security and market potential. The project specifically enhances breeding of climate resilient cultivars, based on locally adapted landraces.

The project will educate 4 PhD students, anchored at EIAR, with enrollment at Haramaya University (2) and Ambo University (2), in joint collaboration with Aarhus University. The project team covers competences in molecular and conventional breeding, genetics, and pathology, and vast experience in barley research.