marker-assisted selection in wheat - ictsd

374Marker-assisted selection – Current status and future perspectives in crops, livestock, forestry and fishFigure 2Conceptual basis for the Generation Challenge Programme – Unlocking Genetic Diversityin Crops for the Resource-PoorReprinted by permission from the proposal for a CGIAR Challenge Programme (CGIAR, 2003).raw materials; (2) genomic science providesthe means to exploit genetic resources (i.e.identify new alleles); and (3) crop improvementapplies traditional and modernmethods of gene/allele transfer into functionalcrop varieties (CGIAR, 2003).The GCP is therefore an ambitious initiativeto put into action a complex mix oftools, capacities, concepts and strategies. Itis organized and managed to direct theseresources towards the pursuit of goals thatare not attainable through the disciplinaryand isolated modes of operation thatunfortunately prevail in the internationalagricultural R&D arena. As such, it is possiblythe best structured international effortfor development, adaptation and promotionof effective (and inclusive) access anduse of tools such as MAS.As part of its complex strategy, the GCPwill define protocols for more efficientgene transfer including molecular markersthat are closely linked to the genes for thedesired trait, rapid tests for phenotype recognition,and genetic transformation ofnew genes into locally adapted geneticmaterials, such as improved varieties andlandraces. All of these strategies dependon the adaptation and development ofmarker technology and marker-assistedprocedures, hopefully helping to consolidatea networking approach to breedingand biotechnological research with effectiveimpact, especially on resource-poorcountries.Research activities commenced in January2005 with the first round of competitiveresearch grants awarded for 17 three-yearprojects of approximately US$1 millioneach. In early 2005 a new round of commissionedgrants was started, which servedas the basis of the GCP platform of toolsand technologies for genetic studies andapplications. In total, the GCP initiated