In the vast landscape of agritech, a humble yet mighty crop is making a comeback. Niger, a small-seeded oilseed crop from the Compositae family, is gaining renewed attention from researchers and breeders. The crop, which thrives in both temperate and tropical climates, has long been underutilized despite its potential for biodiesel production, soap manufacturing, and even culinary applications. Its seeds, rich in oil (50–60% biocrude), are a promising source of renewable energy, and the harvested plants serve as green manure, improving soil health. However, Niger cultivation in India has significantly declined over the past decade due to low yields, poor seed set, self-incompatibility, and seed shattering.
The discovery of hereditary male sterility in India has paved the way for heterosis utilization and laid the foundation for breeding improved varieties. Jayashri Narayan Papade, lead author from the Indian Council of Agriculture Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), Akola, India, emphasizes the urgent need for genetic improvement of Niger. “The lack of genetic diversity has restricted breeders from developing high-yielding cultivars,” she says. “But with the right tools and technologies, we can unlock Niger’s full potential.”
Traditional breeding methods, coupled with advanced biotechnological tools, are being explored to enhance Niger’s yield and quality. Plant tissue culture, molecular markers, and the identification of promising gene targets are at the forefront of this research. Advanced technologies like CRISPR/Cas, including base and prime editing, are promising to revolutionize Niger breeding and functional genomics research. “CRISPR/Cas tools have been employed in some oilseed crops to improve their traits,” Papade explains. “The same can be applied to Niger to develop desirable traits and improve its commercial viability.”
The insights from this research, published in ‘Agriculture’, stress the urgent need to genetically improve Niger and other underutilized oil crops to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable and diverse oil crops. Such interventions could transform Niger cultivation, ensuring its role in global agriculture and the energy sector. As the demand for industrial applications and oil consumption continues to rise, the improvements in Niger’s yield, quality, and stress resistance could significantly impact the energy sector. By tapping into the potential of underutilized crops like Niger, researchers are not only contributing to the energy sector but also supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.