The Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) proudly celebrates the successful PhD defense of Dr. Belchrist Eliel SOSSOU, held at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA) of the University of Abomey-Calavi.
His doctoral research, entitled “Etiology and genetic resistance of gboma eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.) to bacterial wilt disease caused by ralstonia solanacearum in Benin,” addresses one of the most serious constraints affecting vegetable production in the country.
Bacterial wilt is a highly destructive disease capable of causing significant yield losses in gboma, an important traditional African leafy vegetable widely consumed in Benin. Through extensive field surveys, pathogen characterization, genetic diversity analyses, and multi-environment screening trials, Dr. Sossou investigated the distribution of the disease and identified promising sources of resistance within the available gboma germplasm.
His findings revealed substantial variation in resistance among gboma accessions and led to the identification of resistant entries that could be promoted for validation and use by farmers. The study also provides valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at developing improved varieties combining bacterial wilt resistance with traits preferred by producers and consumers.
This research represents an important contribution to food security, sustainable vegetable production, and the conservation and improvement of traditional African vegetables in Benin.
