The Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI) is hosting a virtual seminar given by Tesfaye Mengiste, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University, on Tuesday, June 11 at 11 AM CT. The title of his talk is “Leveraging Genomics and Molecular Genetics for Gene Discovery and Integrated Improvement of Sorghum.” Dr. Mengiste will discuss the comprehensive studies taking place in his lab that focus on developing disease resistant, high yielding, adapted cultivars. The fungal diseases anthracnose and grain mold, both studied in the Mengiste lab, affect sorghum production worldwide. This research is particularly important in the face of climate change which will continue to result in increased frequency of drought, disease epidemics and expanding ecological niche of pathogens. The design of smarter disease management strategies is crucial to control current and emerging pathogens and protect the genetic gain from crop improvement efforts. For information on this and future seminars visit the CSI seminar webpage.
