Seed-Co are the largest seed company in Africa, operating in 13 countries in Eastern, Central, Western
and Southern Africa and have developed varieties suitable for different environmental conditions as well
as for the smallholder farmer, therefore any pest resistance traits will benefit farmers in Africa and
further afield. Smallholder farmers face difficult challenges in protecting their crops against pests and
diseases in these countries. Aphid pests can cause severe damage and yield losses to wheat. This project
will identify wheat lines which show resistance to aphids, which can be bred into wheat varieties
suitable to be grown in rain-fed, low-potential environments, thereby safeguarding the yield of
smallholder farmers and reducing the reliance on expensive and environmentally unfriendly pesticides.
By doing this we hope to contribute to the food and income security of the African smallholder farmer.