DuPont is partnering with Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International as the scientific lead on this project that aims to improve the nutritional value of sorghum for human consumption as well as to build African scientific capacity through the training of African scientists. The project is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative. DuPont donated the initial technology that contains 50 percent more lysine compared to traditional sorghum at a value of $4.8 million. For specific project information, please visit www.supersorghum.org/ .

Sorghum: a dietary staple for more than half a billion people.  Sorghum is the sixth most planted crop in the world, grown on more than 100 million acres each year worldwide, producing about 60 million metric tons of grain each year. Sorghum grain is low in protein quality due to its low content of essential amino acids, such as lysine. It is also difficult to digest, which inhibits the absorption of nutrients. The reliance on sorghum as an important food in arid regions of Africa and Asia can result in problems associated with malnutrition, especially in children.

“Global challenges require global solutions and recognizing this is the key to success.” – Florence Wambugu, PhD., CEO, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International

The Africa Biofortified Sorghum Project seeks to provide a long-term solution to the problem by creating a “super sorghum” that grows well in the harsh climate but also contains increased levels of essential nutrients, especially lysine and Vitamins A and E, as well as more available iron and zinc. The end result could improve the life and health of more than 300 million people.  Science is part of a bundle of solutions that holds the key to creating sustainable agriculture and a more nutritious food supply in Africa. This innovative solution could have profound implications for the region and the world.

History:  DuPont Crop Genetics researchers led by Zuo-yu Zhao and Rudolf Jung of subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. developed a technology to genetically transform sorghum using agro-bacterium and introducing a gene for improved lysine content. Initially developed through the use of corn research, the scientists were able to introduce a high-lysine protein gene into sorghum.  Zhao and his team have published the results of this research and presented at international conferences, beginning in 2000. An editorial article was published in Science magazine in 2003.

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