Dr Rodreck Gunundu at his Graduation ceremony and in the field.Thesis on Developing Stronger Hybrids for Africa Earns PhD for Maize Breeder
Dr Rodreck Gunundu’s PhD study through the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) aimed to identify promising maize inbred lines and experimental hybrids to address Africa’s persistently low yields of a staple crop vital for food and nutrition security.
Gunundu combined phenotypic traits with high-resolution Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers offering a path toward developing and releasing high-yielding, single cross and three-way hybrids suited to African growing conditions where stresses such as drought, flooding, poor soils, pests, diseases and limited access to improved seed varieties reduce productivity.
His research, supported by SeedCo Limited where he has worked for over 15 years, combined traditional field evaluation with advanced genetic tools to fast-track the identification of strong-performing inbred lines and hybrid combinations. Analysing over 1 000 maize lines, Gunundu identified diverse and complementary parents using SNP markers to guide hybrid development. Several inbred lines showed strong breeding values, with some excelling in hybrid combinations and laying a foundation for further breeding. Experimental hybrids tested across Zimbabwe and Zambia included top performers with yields exceeding eight tonnes a hectare and strong stability. These are now being considered for commercial release and are expected to support more resilient, productive maize farming across Africa. Many promising lines will also be integrated into SeedCo’s breeding programme.
Gunundu completed his undergraduate and master’s studies at the University of Zimbabwe. He joined UKZN for his PhD, attracted by its strong agricultural research programme, which aligned with his career goals and offered cutting-edge, interdisciplinary training in plant breeding.
Drawn to plant breeding by its potential to address global food challenges, Gunundu aims to develop resilient, nutritious and adaptable crops. He is especially interested in integrating genetics, genomics and agronomy to create solutions that benefit farmers, communities and ecosystems.
His PhD journey included experimental setbacks, large datasets, and balancing research with professional and family life. He overcame these challenges through collaboration, mentorship and time management, often working late into the night or early mornings, especially during planting and harvest seasons while supporting his wife and two children.
‘A clear strategic plan, a strong support system and adaptability enabled me to navigate these challenges and ultimately achieve my goals,’ said Gunundu.
He will apply the knowledge gained through his PhD to advance SeedCo’s breeding programme and contribute meaningfully to global food security.
Gunundu thanked his supervisor, Professor Hussein Shimelis, for his exceptional mentorship and guidance; Dr Seltene Abady Tesfamariam for his valuable advice; his wife, Mrs Pamela Bongani and his children Munesu Jayden and Atidaishe Chiara and his extended family and friends for their unwavering support.
He acknowledged SeedCo Ltd and its Research and Development team, particularly Mr Morgan Nzwere and Dr Gorden Mabuyaye, for their funding and germplasm support. Special thanks went to Dr Jacob Mashilo, Professor Edmore Gasura, Dr Isack Mathew, Dr Admire Shayanowako, Dr Learnmore Mwadzingeni, Dr Nyasha Chiuraise, Mr Malven Mushayi, Mr Alexander Chikoshana and Mr Caleb Souta for their assistance.
Above all, he thanked Jesus Christ for His protection and love.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied