top of page

Marama bean crop improvement using tissue culture and mutation breeding approaches.

Unknown.png

Namibia University of Science and Technology

Fresh Marama 2 (1)_edited.jpg

Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum). Photo credit: Dr Percy Chimwamurombe

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Background

 

​Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) is a wild perennial edible legume that grows in the Namibian desert. It is often referred to as “green gold” due to the high protein content found in its seeds, estimated to be between 29% and 39%, surpassing the protein content of soybeans and chickpeas (approximately 23%). Marama bean demonstrates remarkable resilience, tolerating both summer temperatures as high as 50ËšC and freezing winter conditions, and is capable of surviving in areas where surface water is available for only eight weeks each year. 

​

The aim of this research project is to accelerate the improvement of the marama bean beyond what can be achieved through traditional breeding methods. The project will employ mutation breeding on several marama bean varieties sourced from the seed bank at NUST. In addition, tissue culture techniques will be used to shorten the juvenile period of this legume.

Objectives

​

1. Reduce the juvenile phase (time-to-seed) using tissue culture and hormone treatments on adventitious roots from immature marama explants and test if this will reduce the juvenile stages. 

2. Apply mutagenesis breeding to produce stable and desirable traits.  

​

IMG-20190326-WA0020 (1)_edited.jpg

Dr Percy Chimwamurombe, with a marama bean tuber. 

20210228_105851_edited.jpg

i

Fresh Marama 1 (1)_edited.jpg

ii

Fresh Marama 3 (1).jpg

iii

Marama bean plants (i) and pods (ii and iii). Photo credit: Dr Percy Chimwamurombe.  

PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS

Percy.jpeg

Dr Percy Chimwamurombe

PI

NUST, Namibia

Jeya.jpg

Dr. Jeya Kennedy

Plant Biotechnologist & Orchid Tissue Culture Specialist

NUST, Namibia

Rose.jpg

Rose Nankole Halifeli

MSc Biotechnology student

NUST, Namibia

Project Location

Location of NUST Namibia 

Join Us on

YouTube
​​© 2025 The Kirkhouse Trust SCIO. Scottish Charity No. 047432.

Material from this website may be reproduced in print or electronic form for educational and research purposes. Copyright is retained on all copies made and the name of the Kirkhouse Trust must not be used in any advertising or publicity material without the express permission of the Kirkhouse Trust. Photographs remain the property of the author.

Something not right? If you would like to correct something on KT's website please contact us.
bottom of page