Dr Abel Gari

Abel is currently a Royal Society Future Leader Africa Independent Researcher (FLAIR) Fellow.

Abel’s current research focuses on developing genomics tools for a crucial tropical forage species in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

At present, he is leading a project: Overcoming forage challenges in Africa: exploring sequence diversity in Napier grass to fast-track breeding projects at national level. This project aims to bring sustainable intensification of the smallholder livestock sector activities in SSA, by generating information and tools that can be used to rapidly select productive Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) genotypes with resilience against drought and disease pressure.

Abel previously completed his PhD study at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden. His PhD thesis was focused on screening field pea (Pisum sativum) accessions for host plant resistance against pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum).

Afterwards, Abel conducted his postdoctoral study under Marie Curie-CAROLINE fellowship program at Teagasc, Ireland focusing on developing marker assay for self-incompatibility genes in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) at Dr Susanne Barth’s lab.