Genomics breakthrough offers new hope for faster improvement of Africa’s staple RTB crops
Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB) crops, which include cassava, yam, banana, plantain, sweet potato, and potato, remain at the heart of food and nutritional security for millions of people across the tropics
- Science
Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB) crops, which include cassava, yam, banana, plantain, sweet potato, and potato, remain at the heart of food and nutritional security for millions of people across the tropics. In sub-Saharan Africa, especially these crops contribute significantly to daily calorie intake and serve as a major source of livelihood for over two billion people globally. Yet, despite their importance, efforts to improve these crops have historically lagged behind those for cereals and legumes due to their genetic complexity and reliance on vegetative propagation.
A new research review by IITA scientists led by Molecular Breeder Scientist Paterne Agre, sheds light on how recent advances in genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) are transforming this narrative. Focusing on banana and plantain, cassava, and yam breeding programs, the study provides a comprehensive blend of how modern genomic tools can accelerate the development of improved, resilient, and high-yielding RTB varieties.