Therefore, when it comes to African Yam Bean, developing a micropropagation protocol would be the first step in introducing new traits using biotechnological approaches and producing suitable cultivars of this legume crop. Nevertheless, the Africa Yam bean is recalcitrant to regenerate in vitro. I have worked on in vitro propagation of African yam bean using nodal explants from the mother garden. Unfortunately, the nodal explants have been producing voluntary callus instead of shoot formation; I have also encountered a high percentage of contamination during the introduction from the mother garden.

This year I was awarded the Open Doors Fellowship Program with a 3-month research stay in Belgium. Through this program, I have conducted a research project on the micropropagation of the African yam bean for future transformation prospects. My stage at the laboratory of Prof Dr Stefaan Werbrouck has allowed me to access facilities and equipment unavailable for research in my laboratory in Africa. The outcomes of my research while at the University of Ghent are very promising, and we hope to be able to publish a research article soon. In addition, I will return to IITA with an improved in vitro protocol for African yam bean that has proved to be very beneficial for in vitro seed germination and shoot formation. Beyond this, I have also learned basic molecular skills and other laboratory techniques that shall be useful for me to deliver my work at IITA.    

Undoubtedly, I shall transfer the knowledge and skills acquired during my research stay in Belgium to my colleagues in Ibadan. Now we are looking ahead to the next phase for starting a collaboration with UGent and VIB-IPBO to open new research paths into improving African yam bean.