KAUST researchers are studying the chemical signals in pearl millet that trigger the germination of Striga seeds, a parasitic plant. The research aims to understand the biological compounds involved in Striga infestation. The goal is to induce Striga germination without host plants, reducing Striga seed banks in infested soils. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestation can improve crop yields and food security, especially in regions relying on pearl millet.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Muhammad Jamil won the best poster award at the 15th World Congress on Parasitic Plants for his research on combating the parasitic plant *Striga hermonthica*. His poster outlined his work at KAUST on developing technologies to help farmers in sub-Saharan Africa control this weed, which severely impacts cereal crops. Jamil is part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project at KAUST focused on controlling *Striga* in pearl millet. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to addressing critical food security challenges in Africa through innovative agricultural technologies.
KAUST has received a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research methods for eradicating the Striga hermonthica weed, also known as "witchweed". This parasitic plant devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa by depleting water and nutrients, with the project led by Dr. Salim Al-Babili focusing on pearl millet. The research will involve collaboration with universities in Burkina Faso, Japan, and the Netherlands to identify biological compounds and low-cost methods for Striga control. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestations is crucial for enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and the Middle East who rely on crops like pearl millet.
KAUST researchers have identified a gene, CLAMT1b, in pearl millet that affects its vulnerability to the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica. Pearl millet strains lacking CLAMT1b were found to be resistant to the weed, while those expressing the gene were susceptible. The gene's presence leads to the secretion of strigolactones, promoting interaction with Striga, but its absence does not harm symbiotic relationships with beneficial fungi. Why it matters: This discovery offers new breeding strategies to enhance pearl millet's resistance to parasitic weeds, bolstering food security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia and Africa where the crop is vital.
KAUST Associate Professor Salim Al-Babili and his team have been awarded an approximately $5 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will support the development of strategies to combat the parasitic purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica), which threatens food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Al-Babili's project will focus on protecting pearl millet production through hormone-based soil cleansing, novel chemistries, and identifying genetic factors for resistance. Why it matters: This grant enables KAUST to contribute significantly to addressing food security challenges in Africa and the Middle East by tackling a pervasive parasitic plant, demonstrating the university's commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
KAUST Professor Salim Al-Babili is working to improve crop performance and nutritional value, with a focus on pearl millet. He received a $5 million grant from the Gates Foundation in 2018 to combat the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica, which causes billions in losses annually in Sub-Saharan Africa. His team is developing hormone-based strategies to protect pearl millet from Striga infestation, a project spanning lab research to field trials in Saudi Arabia and Africa. Why it matters: This research addresses critical food security challenges in both Africa and the Middle East by developing practical tools for smallholder farmers, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world applications.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture led Saudi Arabia to observe Fascination of Plants Day (FOPD) for the first time in the GCC. The global event, initiated by the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), aims to raise awareness about the importance of plants and plant science. KAUST's research focuses on food, water, and the environment, addressing challenges of growing plants in extreme conditions. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in advancing agricultural research and promoting environmental awareness in the region, crucial for addressing food security challenges in arid climates.
KAUST Professor Salim Al-Babili has received a Phase III grant from the Gates Foundation, bringing the Foundation's total investment in his research on the parasitic weed Striga to over $11 million in less than 10 years. The funding will support Al-Babili's efforts to develop sustainable and affordable solutions to combat Striga, a major threat to global food security that causes $7 billion in annual crop losses. Al-Babili's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of Striga germination and developing innovative control strategies such as suicidal germination. Why it matters: This continued support from the Gates Foundation underscores the importance of addressing global food security challenges and contributing to sustainable agriculture in arid regions, including Saudi Arabia.