Blessing Adanta Odogwu

I am passionate about discovering new ways to improve the nutrition, and address the threat abiotic and biotic stresses poses to food security crops in Africa. My research interests are in crop improvement, plant protection and plant breeding using modern genomic tools. My current research is focused on improving the culinary quality of indigenous legumes so as to increase its demand and utilization. My professional achievements are: (i.) characterization of common bean rust pathotypes in Uganda, (ii.) development of a breeder-friendly marker (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR markers) linked to common bean rust resistance, and (iii.) developed advanced seeds with resistance to rust. These findings contributed to the legume breeding program in Uganda and have been published in peer-reviewed journals and shared at conferences. Apart from participation in professional international associations, I also volunteer to help others in my community grow their career through a mentorship program. I am actively mentoring young female scientists and youths interested in any area of the agricultural value chain in Nigeria as a volunteer mentor in the Grooming Leaders for Agriculture (GLA) initiative.