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maize‐dependent countries if most OPV breeding effort shifted to biofortified maize, especially for
hidden characters like zinc, essential amino acids and vitamin E, to name a few.
Why international agricultural research?
CIMMYT and IITA have established protocols and the requisite facilities and expertise that allow
assessment of the nutrient composition in maize germplasm and breeding materials. The Centers are
committed and mandated to forge partnerships with advanced research institutes and national research
programs in joint projects for the nutritional enrichment of maize, and are also key research partners of
HarvestPlus. CIMMYT and IITA scientists have a long history of developing and disseminating QPM
varieties. CIMMYT scientists in collaboration with University of Illinois and Cornell University recently
discovered key genes governing critical steps in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, thus enabling
marker‐assisted selection for speedier and cost‐effective development of pro‐VA‐rich maize cultivars.
CIMMYT scientists have also generated germplasm with significantly higher levels of zinc.
CIMMYT and IITA are able to generate and coordinate the complex partnerships needed to develop
high‐yielding, stress‐tolerant biofortified maize varieties, demonstrate their efficacy in improving
nutritional status of affected populations, support national partners in implementing the seed
production and monitoring systems needed to ensure that the quality trait reaches farmer, and advise
on strategies that will make biofortified maize attractive to producers and accessible to poor consumers.
Transgenic biofortification approaches are a special case where complex public–public and public–
private international partnerships will be required. Transgenic approaches will be used in cases where
genetic diversity in the maize gene pool is limited or where the environmental effect is very large. In
those cases, a clear strategy for intellectual property management, regulatory approval and
commercialization can be designed and funded. Country‐specific strategies must be developed for
transgenic variety deregulation and release, due to the differences in regulations and acceptance
between them. Universities, advanced research institutes and private companies will be essential
partners whenever transgenic approaches will be taken. Through its participation in projects to develop
germplasm tolerant to low‐N fertility and drought, CIMMYT has substantial experience in public–private
partnerships designed to deliver transgenic varieties to smallholders in Africa—experience directly
applicable in projects on transgenic, biofortified varieties.
Researchable issues
Discovery, characterization and use of genetic variation in the maize gene pool (including breeding
germplasm) for nutritionally valuable traits, including essential amino acids, carotenoids, and Zn.
Gene discovery and allele or haplotype mining for enhanced levels of nutritional traits such as
protein, starch, oil, anthocyanins, forage quality traits, phytic acid, folate, ascorbic acid, lignin,
cellulose.
Gene expression profiling and allele selection for genes governing critical steps in the nutritionally
important biosynthetic pathways.
Grain, plant and crop physiological responses or pleiotropic effects of breeding selection for traits
conferring enhanced nutritional value.
The effects of common grain handling, storage, and food processing methods (e.g., lime‐cooking,
fermentation, milling and roasting) on the retention and bioavailability of nutrients in maize.
Processing maize grain for improved nutritionally quality and enhanced nutrient bioavailability
Breeding and selection of maize varieties whose residues are low in lignin with potential for higher
digestibility without reduction in grain yield.
Develop maize populations with desirable stover characteristics for use in ruminant production.
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