The NCSU RTB Breeding project will combine the prior investments of the SASHA, GT4SP and SweetGAINS conventional and genomic-assisted breeding (GAB) projects into a single breeding component focused on utilizing GAB to improve genetic gains in sweetpotato across SSA. The NC State Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics Program has agreed to lead the genomic-assisted and genomic prediction associated components of the RTB sweetpotato and potato breeding project, in collaboration with the International Potato Center, Lima, Peru and the NCSU sub-contracted partners listed above. Dr. Quesada’s pathology team will be conducting a survey and assisting with the evaluation of post-harvest losses in sweetpotato and possibly other RTB crops as needed and time permits in SSA.
NCSU research project will largely be aligned with the following RTB Breeding Themes (Figure 1): Theme 2: Mainstreaming modern breeding in banana, cassava, potato, sweetpotato and yam; and RTB Breeding Theme 3: Towards One CGIAR-NARS breeding networks; RTB Theme 4: Enabling breeding technologies; and RTB Breeding Theme 5: Project management, outreach, and guidance.