CRCIL News
Whole Genome Sequence Data on Diverse Pearl Millet Accessions Across the African Continent
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a major staple cereal in Asia and West Africa but remains underrepresented in genomic research compared with other major cereals. This dataset presents whole-genome sequencing (WGS) variant data for a diverse panel of 231 pearl millet accessions collected across Africa.
Seeds of Hope: Growing Wheat and Resilience Across Two Continents
From the golden plains of Kansas to the sun-baked fields of Senegal, the story of wheat is being rewritten. Once, the American Midwest was known for its steady rains and predictable seasons, while West African farmers looked to the skies for a single life-saving storm. Today, both regions face the same challenge—hotter days, shorter rains, and a climate that refuses to play by the old rules.
In Kansas, farmers watch winter wheat struggle through dry, cracked soil. In Senegal, farmers wait for rains that come too late or too hard. Yet in this shared struggle, two worlds have found common ground—and a shared hope that innovation can outpace the climate.
Ethiopia’s Shift to Drought Resiliency via Scientific Discovery
For years, developing drought-resilient sorghum in the drylands of Ethiopia faced a mix of scientific and logistical hurdles. Trials were difficult to coordinate, field conditions were unpredictable and collecting the plant samples needed for genetic research was slow, messy, and often unsuccessful.
Field teams used to travel long distances to gather leaf tissue from mature plants growing under the harsh sun. The work could take days, with samples scattered by wind, mislabeled, or damaged by heat. Even when successful, the older, fibrous leaves from mature plants yielded poor-quality DNA — leaving researchers with limited insight into the genetic traits that could make sorghum stronger against drought.
Beating the Odds in Bangladesh
For generations, rice farmers across Bangladesh have battled against the odds — struggling with salt-soaked soils, long dry spells, floods that swallowed their fields, and cold snaps that stunted their crops. Each season brought new uncertainty, and for many families, rice harvests — the foundation of their livelihood — were no longer guaranteed.
That story is beginning to change.
Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab Holds Kickoff Meeting in Ethiopia
The Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab hosted a launch meeting for the next phase of the project from June 16–19, 2025, at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting served as a launching pad for new CRCIL research projects in Ethiopia and training for project leaders to understand reporting processes and expectations for research and communication.
Dr. Fekadu Gurmu, Crop Research Director for EIAR, provided welcoming remarks, expressing appreciation for the support EIAR received through SMIL and the continued support through CRCIL.
K-State Lab Resumes Work on World’s Top Crops
Kansas State University's Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab will continue its work after federal funding resumed in April.
The innovation lab aims to help double the world's food supply by 2050 through improvements in crop production for four of the world’s most important cereals: sorghum, millet, wheat, and rice. All four crops are grown in the United States, and more than 50% of sorghum is grown in Kansas.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said he appreciates Secretary Marco Rubio for recognizing the importance of the work being done at K-State and supporting the CRCIL’s continuation.