Genetic analysis of biomass yield and related traits for hybrid cultivar development in the leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.

Houdegbe AC, Achigan-Dako EG, Sogbohossou EOD, Salaou AMB, Rago DE, Schranz ME, Odindo AO, Sibiya J, (2026). Genetic analysis of biomass yield and related traits for hybrid cultivar development in the leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. BMC Plant Biology, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-026-08814-1 Quantitative genetic parameters associated with the inheritance of biomass yield and related traits were evaluated […]
Steps to transform African opportunity crops into reality crops

Rutsaert P, Achigan-Dako EG, Ayenan MAT, Chamberlin J, Daudi H, Houdegbe AC, Kresovich S, Mbugua Gitonga A, Nas TM, Ojiewo CO, Sibiya J, Gandhi H, Banda VR, Niang M, Betran J, Chisikaurayi B, Egesi C, Gangashetty P, Ibitoye D, Mushoriwa H, Muungani D, Onyeka J, Schafleitner R, Tippe DE, Yohane EN, Pixley KV, 2026. Steps […]
Amaranth as an opportunity crop in Africa: drought–nutrient interactions and breeding perspectives for climate resilience

Mkpuma KC, Mwangi G, Kidaha M, Houdegbe AC, Njiru E, Ozimati AA, N’Danikou S, Oselebe H, Dinssa F, Abukutsa-Onyango M, Schafleitner R and Achigan-Dako EG (2026) Amaranth as an opportunity crop in Africa: drought–nutrient interactions and breeding perspectives for climate resilience. Front. Plant Sci. 17:1841633. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1841633 Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is increasingly recognized as a promising opportunity […]
VACS Amaranth and Okra Phenotyping by Drones Workshop: Strengthening Agricultural Research through UAV Technology

From February 16 to 20, 2026, the Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) hosted an impactful workshop in Cotonou, Benin focussing on drone‑based phenotyping for amaranth and okra. The VACS Amaranth and Okra Phenotyping by Drones Workshop brought together researchers, graduate students, agronomists, and agricultural practitioners to explore how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly […]
Development of plant-based protein and oilseed value chains inBenin: the national program approved!

Crop production remains one of the pillars of Benin’s economic growth, making a major contribution to the national GDP and food security.Yet several local crops rich in plant-based proteins and oilseed content _such as doyi , voandzou (Bambara groundnut), cowpea, groundnut, sesame and egusi seeds_ which are essential to community diets, remain underutilized and contribute […]
Agricultural research approaches for crops that nourish by improving nutrition, soil health, resilience and prosperity

Lecy, Kate & Gonzalez, Francisco & Becker-Reshef, Inbal & Chabala, Lydia & Cheboi, Juliana & Chimonyo, Vimbayi & Danquah, Eric & Demo, Riley & Eleblu, John & Fraser, Evan & Gerrano, Abe & Gonhi, Tinovonga & Griffin, Timothy & Hemrich, Günter & Houdégbé, Carlos & Kennedy, Gina & Mansaray, Alpha & Mbuya, Mduduzi & Murphy, […]
Combining ability and heterosis analysis for mineral content in the leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.

Houdegbe AC, Achigan-Dako EG, Sogbohossou EOD, Odindo AO, Schranz ME, Sibiya J (2025) Combining ability and heterosis analysis for mineral content in the leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. PLoS One 20(9): e0332095. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332095 Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) is a leafy vegetable rich in micronutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and secondary metabolites, making it a valuable opportunity crop […]
SNP markers revealed the genetic diversity and population structure of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze Syn. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit accessions collected in Benin

Dossa AF, Tchokponhoué DA, Houdegbe AC, Achigan-Dako EG (2025) SNP markers revealed the genetic diversity and population structure of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze Syn. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit accessions collected in Benin. PLoS One 20(9): e0331702. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331702 Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a wild species with many biological activities in medicine. The species can potentially serve as a pesticide […]
Agroecology Serving Local Territories

The Contributions of the ARES AGRO-ECO Project In response to the growing challenges of intensive agriculture, climate change, and the degradation of natural resources, agroecology is emerging as a sustainable and locally adapted solution. It is within this framework that the AGRO-ECO project was launched, led by the Genetics, Biotechnology, and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) […]
Agronomic biofortification of cereals and legumes with iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium for food and nutrition security: Available options for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nicodème V. Fassinou Hotegni, Fernand S. Sohindji, Mouizz A.B. Salaou, Pinawè C. Agbandou, Léocade W.S. Azonhoumon, Dèdéou Tchokponhoué, Carlos Houdegbe, Charlotte A.O. Adjé, Enoch G. Achigan-Dako https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154324004289 Although agronomic biofortification has been argued as strategic approach to cope with food and nutrition insecurity in many areas, smallholders’ farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are still facing […]
