Download - Maize

Outcomes
Novel tools will empower NARSs and SMEs to accelerate breeding gains for diverse smallholder farmer
groups, encompassing a wide range of needs and environments.
Methods
Adapt high‐density genotyping, doubled haploids, improved informatics and other new tools for use
by small‐ and medium‐scale seed enterprises (SMEs) and NARS breeding programs.
Develop, test and package these tools so that they can be implemented by maize breeders in NARSs
and local seed companies, and through collaboration with the GIBS, also benefit breeders of other
cross‐pollinated crops where similar sized investment may not be justifiable.
Outstanding innovations
Provide the first publicly available tropical haploid inducer lines to maize breeders in Africa, Latin
America and Asia.
State‐of‐the‐art public tools applicable to breeding programs of NARSs and local seed companies,
including “open‐source” designs for integrating rapid‐cycle genomic selection and double haploid
technology.
The first application of genotype‐by‐sequencing to public maize breeding programs, and the first
proof‐of‐concept of rapid‐cycle genomic selection.
Capacity building
Genesis with partners and justification
Capacity building is vital to impact, exit strategies and long‐term sustainability of the products of MAIZE.
During consultations, partners repeatedly emphasized the importance of specialized training in almost
all of the areas of the Strategic Initiatives—including agronomy of maize‐based systems, precision
agriculture, breeding for drought tolerance, post‐harvest technology, and use of new tools and methods
for maize breeding and seed production. They emphasized that all these were best done as an
integrated part of the research partnering. As an example, a recent analysis by the Global Partnership
Initiative for Plant Breeding Capacity Building (FAO 2005) highlighted the insufficient capacities in both
conventional and modern plant breeding technologies in many developing countries. As a result, these
countries fail to fully capture the benefits of plant genetic resources, new tools and technologies.
Outcomes
Capacity‐building efforts in each Strategic Initiative will empower a new generation of women and men
scientists and other professionals to reduce poverty and hunger, improve human health and nutrition
and nurture the environment to support future generations.
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