Research Highlights of the CIMMYT Wheat Program 1999-2000

Five participants thought the level of instructional
materials was about right, while one found them
somewhat difficult. All participants felt the
curriculum was well planned, highly organized,
and very relevant to their current work and
responsibilities. The “Reference Manual” was
found extremely useful and informative. On the
duration of the course, three participants felt that
five weeks was about right, while the other three
felt that 6-8 weeks would be ideal. They also
commented that one week for collecting
germplasm was too short; they needed at least two
weeks to study the materials, harvest, and process
the selected materials for shipment. They all felt
that the lecture followed by demonstration/
practical teaching methodology used by most staff
was very effective. On language ability, training in
class and field, and interpersonal relations, all
participants found their trainers competent to very
competent. As for the weekly program,
participants suggested scheduling at least half a
day to interact, discuss, or follow up on topics of
special interest with staff and to use the library.
All trainees felt that the wheat improvement
technologies learned during the course were very
appropriate to home-country conditions. They also
believed their abilities as wheat scientists had
improved after the course. Their expectations in
terms of making international friends/or contacts,
collecting new reference materials and
publications, having the opportunity to travel, and
saving some money were satisfied. As for
continued support from CIMMYT, most
participants felt that receiving new publications
and returning to CIMMYT as visiting scientists
after several years would be most useful.
The participants made the following comments:
• Course curriculum was complete and covered very
important topics.
• The “lecture followed by practical application”
format employed during the course was very
effective.
• The Reference Manual very useful, informative,
and excellent pre-lecture material.
• Participants appreciated the opportunity to give a
presentation or seminar on his/her own research
work.
• Participants appreciated having at least half a day
per week of free time to seek one-to-one
discussions with staff on specific issues and to use
the library.
They also made some valuable suggestions and
pointed out some positive aspects of the course:
• More brainstorming or discussion sessions on key
wheat improvement issues.
• More opportunities to practice special techniques
(e.g., use of IWIS and alpha lattice analysis).
• Extending the germplasm collection period to two
weeks.
• Excellent schedule of field trips and weekend
activities.
• Loving and caring behavior of the organizer.
• Course organization was very good.
Finally, participants felt the advanced course is
unique and effective in increasing the expertise of
those who attend. Furthermore, they recommended
that a greater number of active scientists from
developing nations be given the opportunity to
visit Mexico and contribute to and profit from
CIMMYT’s wheat research program.
Program Outlook
The need for good germplasm is obvious, as is the
need for highly trained scientists, capable of
selecting superior varieties and determining the
most adequate and efficient practices that allow
farmers to obtain stable, superior yields. Welltrained
scientists are essential to the progress of
national agricultural research programs in the
developing world. CIMMYT will continue to offer
the advanced wheat improvement course to help
NARS staff achieve their goals. The Center is also
committed to assisting national training programs
wherever and whenever possible. In conclusion,
CIMMYT’s wheat training program will respond to
and anticipate the training needs of national wheat
scientists by providing opportunities tailored to
their specific circumstances.
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