Download - Maize

generated from CIMMYT and IITA breeding programs within the first three years of the CRP, and also
will be the primary genotyping tool for LD mapping in CIMMYT association mapping populations, and in
identifying novel alleles in CIMMYT’s germplasm collection.
What's new in this initiative?
This initiative will provide the first publicly available tropical haploid inducer lines to maize breeders
worldwide.
State‐of‐the‐art public tools applicable in the context of breeding programs of NARS and local seed
companies.
The first application of genotyping by sequencing to public maize breeding programs, and the first
proof‐of‐concept of rapid‐cycle genomic selection will occur in CIMMYT’s and IITA’s African‐targeted
programs.
Novel “open‐source” designs for integrating rapid‐cycle genomic selection and DH technology in
SME and NARS breeding programs.
Targets and impact estimates
Assuming that genetic gains will only be increased by 25% (100% in temperate environments) from a
current average yield of 3.4 t/ha for maize in the developing world, yields of products developed
through use of these tools will be increased by approximately 0.25 t/ha relative to conventionally bred
materials. If, starting 2020, annually an additional 1% of the adopted (sub‐)tropical maize area is planted
to varieties developed with these new tools, approximately 5.5 million tons of maize would be added
annually (and increasing) to global maize production by 2030.
Other issues
Gender
The tools developed in this initiative are gender neutral. However, at least 50% of the clients engaged in
testing of the new tools will be women scientists and young researchers from the target developing
countries.
Capacity building
Only a handful of today’s cadre of breeders in the developing world has been trained in the use of new
tools envisioned in SI 9. Achieving the promise of the new breeding technologies will require substantial
capacity building in NARS and private‐sector breeding programs, and a new conceptualization of the role
of molecular breeders, who will need to reduce their focus on genotyping and to increase their skills in
quantitative genetic analysis and data management. This will require formal, intensive, multi‐stage midcareer
short‐course training, supported by high‐quality web‐based training materials. Implementation of
doubled‐haploid technology and advanced phenotyping systems will be supported, both by short
courses and by season‐long training visits to CIMMYT to participate in all steps in the process.
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