Introducing Kenya's MARPLE Diagnostics Hub 2022

In this video, researchers from the John Innes Centre and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) explain the benefits behind launching a new Njoro MARPLE diagnostics hub by training 17 plant pathologists in July 2022. This new capability enables local researchers to identify rampant yellow rust strains within two days of collecting samples, a process that previously took 3-12 months and was reliant on sending samples overseas. For the Njoro research station the training also represented a landmark moment, with the first ever gene sequencing taking place on site. Participants comprised researchers from both KALRO in Njoro and the PlantVillage Dream Team.
The new platform will allow Kenyan rust pathologists to monitor and respond to emerging rust threats more rapidly. The July training provided the KALRO and PlantVillage researchers with the ability to identify yellow rust strains as part of a new strategic Kenyan MARPLE hub.
The Njoro hub marks the third of its kind globally, following the opening of the initial Ethiopian hub and a South Asian hub in Nepal during early 2022. KALRO Njoro researchers will incorporate the platform into their ongoing rust monitoring while the Dream Team will connect the platform with their rust surveys across Kenyan farming areas.

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