Master’s Project Aims to Improve South African Sorghum

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Mr Asande Ngidi’s master’s research through UKZN’s African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) focused on the differences in growth, crop yield, biomass distribution and carbon storage in different sorghum varieties to combat the threat of climate change and food insecurity.

Ngidi, who completed his undergraduate studies at UKZN, was inspired to build a career in the agricultural sciences thanks to his upbringing in the rural areas and rich agricultural landscape of Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal. Witnessing first-hand the value of crop farming for his community, Ngidi was intrigued by plants and their growth processes, spurred on by his family’s emphasis on the importance of education and hard work.

Ngidi was attracted to studying at UKZN because its values aligned with his ambition and aspirations and because it boasted a strong track record of research and teaching. At the University, he found a vibrant academic community and supportive environment that provided opportunities to engage with experts in his field and pursue his studies. He enjoyed the diverse and inclusive campus that enriched and broadened his perspectives.

Motivated to improve crop yields and sustainability, Ngidi dedicated his efforts to the discipline of plant breeding, continuing to a master’s project that would enhance food security and agricultural practices in the country.

Encouraged by his parents to continue his studies in his field of interest, Ngidi took on a master’s project under the supervision of Professor Hussein Shimelis in which he screened sorghum genotypes to identify those with better agronomic traits, biomass allocation and carbon storage to enhance soil health and fertility, boost sorghum production, improve food security and ultimately help mitigate climate change.

The indigenous and resilient African crop has the potential to help feed the world under increasingly harsh climatic conditions. He planted his trials at UKZN’s Ukulinga Research Farm and sites at Silverton in Pretoria and Bethlehem in the Free State. Then, he analysed the carbon to identify genotypes with high grain yield, biomass production and carbon storage for production and breeding.

Ngidi analysed field data to calculate variance components, heritability and genetic advance, assessing genetic variability in sorghum for agronomic and carbon storage traits to identify the best candidates for production or breeding. Correlation and path coefficient analyses were also conducted to evaluate trait relationships, guiding selection for improved grain yield and carbon storage.

His study, funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC), provided interesting insights, including that some sorghum genotypes had relatively high biomass production and carbon storage but low grain yield. This led to ideas for further research on crossing genotypes to integrate these traits into a single genetic background and create a new population characterised by high carbon storage, substantial biomass production, and high grain yield.

Some high-performing sorghum genotypes identified have the potential for commercialisation and could advance the development of improved sorghum varieties that are more productive and environmentally sustainable to benefit farmers and the agricultural industry.

Pursuing a master’s was challenging; managing field trials required meticulous planning and co-ordination, considering weather variability. Ngidi developed a detailed schedule to ensure consistent monitoring and data collection and collaborated closely with his team to adapt plans proactively to real-time weather forecasts and field conditions to work around unpredictable conditions, enabling accurate data collection and ensuring the integrity of the trials.

He adopted an organised and focused approach to his studies, and prioritised open communication with his supervisor and family to manage expectations and boundaries. The success of his studies has motivated him to continue to do a PhD.

Ngidi thanked his supervisors, Shimelis, Dr Sandiswa Figlan and Dr Vincent Chaplot, for their patience, guidance, supervision and interactions throughout his research and the WRC for their funding; Dr Seltene Abady and Dr Kwame Shamuyarira for their support and for improving his scientific writing skills; ACCI’s technical staff for assisting him with his trials; and his parents and grandmother for their unwavering support. 

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini