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Maize forum at El BatĂĄn

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During 13-14 January, a maize forum was held at CIMMYT-El Batán with participation of principal actors in Mexico’s maize production, marketing, and processing chain, as well as the research sector. This event was one of the training activities carried out by the SAGARPA-CIMMYT maize, wheat, and conservation agriculture research project.

The forum, coordinated by Petr Kosina, knowledge, information, and training manager, and Natalia Palacios, maize nutrition quality expert, brought together more than 40 specialists from each sector, including those from livestock industries. Participants gave a general overview of maize production systems (marginal, intermediate, and commercial), the restrictions they face, and opportunities for improvement.

The use of maize diversity, training, and dissemination of conservation agriculture practices, along with development of drought tolerant and disease resistant maize were some of the topics discussed. To ensure an impact from these technologies, technology transfer programs need to be revised and strengthened, and training and support to farmers needs to be continuously provided, not only in crop management and the use of new germplasm, but also in the area of agribusiness.

“In Mexico we continue to manage maize as a single product, without paying attention to its real importance in the domestic market,” said RaĂșl Navarro, Director General of Bufete Profesional de Servicios a Agroindustrias, S.A. de C.V. “The farmer needs to be taught to be more business-minded and more aware of what the market requires.”

The industrial sector put forth proposals such as opportunities for producing and marketing yellow and forage maize for the livestock sector, and the development of value-added maize such as certified organic maize and nutritionally enhanced maize. The sector also emphasized the need to think in terms of consumer demand and agreed that one of the biggest restrictions for maize production in the country is access to seed. Public policies and the commitment of actors in the sector need to be revised in order to identify new ways of ensuring seed production and distribution.

“We are aware of CIMMYT’s importance, not only at the national level, but worldwide; therefore, I think the contributions and results coming out of this forum are very relevant and should reach people in both the government and private sectors,” Navarro said.

Conclusions from the forum will be summarized and sent to SAGARPA and forum participants. The four main presentations given were as follows: “Factors affecting sustainable maize production in Mexico,” by Noel GĂłmez of the Mexican National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP); “Opportunities for contract agriculture in maize in Mexico,” by RaĂșl Navarro; “Factors determining the acceptability of Mexican maize by the livestock sector,” by Rosario Tovar, INIFAP and Navarro; and, “Factors determining the acceptability of Mexican maize by the food industry,” by Guillermo Arteaga, Grupo Maseca.

Agricultural award opportunities for women

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A new award for female wheat researchers is now accepting applications. Established in 2010, the Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum (WIT) Award provides professional development opportunities for early-career women working with wheat. The award is named after Norman Borlaug’s daughter, who has served as chair of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) since October 2009. Submissions should be sent to WIT@globalrust.org by 01 March 2010.

The CGIAR’s Gender & Diversity Program is now accepting applications for its 2010 African Women in Agriculture Research and Development (AWARD) fellowships. African women who are studying agricultural sciences are invited to apply for this twoyear fellowship program; 60-70 women will be selected. Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree and be a national of one of the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. Submissions should be sent to AWARDFellows@cgiar.org by 22 March 2010.

Science journalism workshop

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Recognizing the importance of accurate and engaging science reporting, CIMMYT co-organized a science journalism workshop in Kenya during 12-14 January in Nairobi, Kenya. Both science and mainstream journalists in print, TV, and radio from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania attended the event, which was held with support from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and ScienceAfrica, a Kenyan science communications firm.

The workshop focused on science, agricultural biotechnology, and climate change reporting, as well as the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project and the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) Initiative. It included lectures, interactive discussions, and visits to two local agricultural science facilities: Biosciences East and Central Africa Hub (BeCA), and the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute’s Biotechnology Center.

To address the common misconception among journalists and the public that all biotechnology is genetic modification, CIMMYT molecular biologist Kassa Semagn presented on molecular breeding for drought tolerance in Africa, with a focus on the use of genetic markers. Anne Wangalachi explained the DTMA objectives, key achievements, and its relevance for East Africa. To ensure this information was transmitted to as many people as possible, especially rural farmers in Kenya and Tanzania, Wangalachi repeated the information in two radio interviews broadcast in Swahili. In addition to gaining scientific knowledge, journalists received tips on how to interest others in the media and the public in science stories, while scientists who attended the event learned how to package their research findings in an accessible and appealing manner.

“For practicing journalists, the workshop was useful not only for knowledge gathering, but also for upgrading our reporting skills for the constantly changing world of science and communications,” said attendee Zephania Ubwani, senior science writer at the Citizen Daily, a paper in Tanzania. “We hope this program will continue.”

As one practical outcome, following the workshop several regional media outlets published science-related stories based on information gathered from the course.

2010 Science Week: food today, food tomorrow

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CIMMYT-El Batán bustled with activity as nearly 130 scientists stationed in 19 different countries gathered for Science Week 2010. During 20-26 January, participating staff analyzed CIMMYT as an institution, identified program specific issues, and created action plans to improve the efficiency and imapct of the center’s work.

This year’s event featured forward-looking, cross-program discussions and the free exchange of ideas and information, allowing staff to learn more about other areas within CIMMYT. Much emphasis was placed on improving and increasing multi-disciplinary projects, including expanded roles for the Global Conservation Agriculture Program (CAP) and the Socioeconomics Program (SEP).

“I know my own program—the Global Maize Program—very well. But at Science Week you get a lot of perspectives on why and what CIMMYT is doing with wheat, conservation agriculture, and socioeconomics,” said Yoseph Beyene, a maize breeder based in Kenya. “The interaction between groups and the potential for collaboration is very interesting.”

Many staff members remarked on the positive and progressive vibe of the event. “This is the best Science Week in my nine years attending,” said Guillermo Ortíz-Ferrara, Nepal-based cereal breeder. The sentiment was endorsed by socioeconomist Mulugetta Mekuria, who is based in Zimbabwe: “The new scientists are revitalizing CIMMYT, making us more dynamic, and the director general is actively involved, giving a face to management.”

The week began with a general overview of each program, followed by a day of break-out sessions that focused on issues like science and publications, germplasm and platforms, and partnerships activities and impacts. On Friday, leaders delivered presentations on the CGIAR reform process, intellectual property rights, fundraising, the library, and CIMMYT’s website. Over the weekend, nearly 100 persons traveled to the Tlaltizapán Research Station to view drought trials, wheat trials, and to gain a better understanding of CIMMYT’s Mexico-based research stations. The final two days focused on program specific discussions, with an emphasis on program collaboration.

“The cross-program interaction this week was very rich,” said Marianne BĂ€nziger, deputy director general for Research and Partnerships. “It is all of us together that will make a difference.” Director of CAP, Pat Wall, agreed by saying that the cross-program discussions were the highlight of the event.

One of the main goals of the week was to find ways to improve CIMMYT’s science. However, DG Tom Lumpkin reinforced that though quality science is vital for the center, it is a means to an end. “We are not just here to study; we are here to deliver impact,” he said. “Our mission is to serve the poor and the hungry.”

To continue to meet this mission, Lumpkin laid out three initiatives to prepare CIMMYT for the world of 2050. They include a consortium to raise wheat yield potential; the new Seeds of Discovery project; and the proposed Borlaug Institute for South Asia.

“The problems are out there,” BĂ€nziger said. “But so are the solutions.”

Ceremony and pine for Hugo CĂłrdova

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In memory of revered maize breeder and CIMMYT distinguished scientist Hugo CĂłrdova, who died 25 December 2009, CIMMYT staff and management joined with AmĂ©rica CĂłrdova, Hugo’s wife, and friends of the family in a simple, solemn ceremony on Wednesday 20 January 2010 to plant a Pino Michoacana MartĂ­nez in the pine grove near the main building at El BatĂĄn. The planting followed the opening presentations for 2010 Science Week, which included a tribute by Tom Lumpkin on the center’s behalf to CĂłrdova and Norman Borlaug. “These two hunger fighters are part of the CIMMYT ‘panteon’—people whom we should all remember and emulate,” said Lumpkin. In the planting ceremony, Marianne BĂ€nziger briefly mentioned Hugo’s achievements and the way he constantly challenged colleagues and partners to do their best in pursuit of CIMMYT’s mission. AmĂ©rica thanked all present for their support and kind words. “It’s a great comfort for me in this difficult moment to hear CIMMYT directors’ recognition of the value of Hugo’s work and the esteem and affection colleagues had for him,” she said. BĂ€nziger announced that similar commemorative trees would be planted in honor of Hugo at the Agua FrĂ­a and TlaltizapĂĄn experiment stations.

New GWP associate director

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Etienne-DuveillerEtienne Duveiller is the new associate director of the Global Wheat Program (GWP) as of 01 January 2010. His previous position was GWP principal scientist and head of wheat pathology, to which he will continue to devote 25% of his time. Duveiller has spent more than 25 years in international agriculture, most of which have been with CIMMYT, and specializes in disease resistance, epidemiology, and integrated crop management. He understands national programs and regional offices, as he has been based in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Congratulations, Etienne!

Renaming the ObregĂłn experiment station

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In honor of Norman Borlaug and his importance to the farmers of Sonora State, Mexico, and to the entire developing world, the Mexican National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) has decided to change the name of the Yaqui Valley Experiment Station in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, to “The Norman E. Borlaug Experiment Station,” effective as of 25 March 2010, Norm’s birthday. The new name will also be used henceforth in CIMMYT publications, official documents, and other communications.

Researchers explore new data analysis tools

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Fifteen researchers gathered at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur, Bangladesh, earlier this month to learn more about data processing. The course, “Statistical analysis of field experimental data using CROPSTAT,” ran from 11- 13 January 2010 as part of the project “Sustainable intensification of rice-maize systems in Bangladesh,” which is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

CROPSTAT is a data analysis program that uses balanced and unbalanced designs for single and multi-site analysis. None of the participants had used CROPSTAT before, though several had some background knowledge on other statistical software. CIMMYT-IRRI senior scientist and project leader Jagadish Timsina coordinated the course; Shahjan Kabir from BRRI, and Shalimuddin from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), provided handson training. The project is jointly implemented by CIMMYT and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with national partners: BARI, BRRI, the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), the Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Services (RDRS), and the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC). The 15 researchers who attended the training were from the four project sites (Comilla, Gazipur, Rajshahi, and Rangpur) of BARI, BRRI, BARD, and RDRS.

After course completion, participants expressed interest in using CROPSTAT 7.2 to analyze ACIAR project data, and suggested a second, more advanced CROPSTAT course. One of the objectives of this ACIAR-funded, 5-year project (2008-13) is to provide training for researchers, farmers, and extension workers from governmental and nongovernmental organizations. The CROPSTAT training is one example of researcher-geared training.

Wheat: our daily bread

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El BatĂĄn hosted two wheat events in December 2009 to support a collaborative research agreement between the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture (SAGARPA) and CIMMYT, which was signed in October 2009. Both events were coordinated by Roberto J. Peña, head of wheat grain quality, Global Wheat Program, and Petr Kosina, manager, Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building.  The first event, a workshop titled “Main stakeholders in the wheat production, marketing, and processing chain,” took place on 03-04 December and attracted nearly 40 experts from the three wheat sectors (production, marketing, and processing). The goals of the workshop were to 1) identify common problems  faced by farmers, industrialists, and end users; 2) set priorities for the three sectors; and 3) make commitments to solve the identified problems.

Overall, they agreed that there is poor communication among the different sectors of the wheat chain and that the CIMMYT-hosted workshop was a step toward fixing this problem. Other major issues discussed included: biotic stresses, diseases, and rusts; the availability of appropriate varieties; adequate technology packages for high yield and quality; management practices; training for scientists and for farmers; and the need for better communication between farmers-producers-industry. Eduardo Villaseñor Mir, coordinator of  Small Grain Cereals from Mexico’s National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP), said it was positive that the workshop brought multiple sectors together. “In the past, the presence of the industry has been sporadic and poorly attended. Fortunately, in this forum representatives of the main Mexican industries were present,” he said. “For the first time we were able to know what the industry really thinks of needs. A conclusion from the forum was that the wheat produced locally is perfectly useful for diverse industrial processes.”

This was one of the first times that farmers and industrialists have discussed as equals issues related to wheat. At the end of the workshop, all agreed that coordinated and responsible teamwork is the best way to achieve a successful wheat chain. Discussion outcomes will be   published in a proceedings, accompanied by audiovisual resources, and made available to participants, SAGARPA, and other institutions and agencies.

The following week, from 07-10 December 2009, 17 wheat breeders and agronomists discussed wheat quality   in a course organized by Peña that covered the genetic, chemical, and biochemical bases of wheat quality, along with laboratory demonstrations of the   necessary tools and approaches to select for quality in a breeding program. The course also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary and coordinated breeding work for high yields, disease resistance, and good quality.

Behind the science

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Who is CIMMYT? Our center would not be the successful institution it is today without the dedication, expertise, and remarkable perseverance of our diverse staff. This year, the Informa will feature members of the global CIMMYT community in a special section titled: “Behind the science.” Email suggestions or profiles to c.castro@cgiar.org or l.yates@cgiar.org.

Meet David Ndung’u, a visiting scientist at CIMMYT who is currently working as a plant breeder with the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project.

“I have always lived on a farm, in the highlands of central Kenya, surrounded by tea plantations. My interest in plant breeding is rooted from this, which formed my earliest experiences. I wanted to learn more about what makes plants tick.”

And learn he did. After an undergraduate study of botany and zoology, Ndung’u joined CIMMYT in 1992, initially as a research assistant. His remarkable diligence did not go unrewarded—CIMMYT awarded him a scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Agronomy at University of Nairobi. This was followed by a Ph.D. scholarship— financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (B&MGF) through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)—for a doctorate in Plant Breeding, at the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

It would be several years, but eventually Ndung’u returned to CIMMYT. Now he can often be found out in the field collecting data from experimental plots, setting up experiments, and managing experimental trials. Ndung’u also analyses DTMA data and writes scientific papers.

An optimist by nature, and a jovial one to boot, Ndung’u sees a bright future in seed systems and believes this is the next frontier in food security

Sasakawa and partners impacts

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A website designed to track the effectiveness of efforts to improve farmers’ livelihoods in Ethiopia and Uganda is available to the public and the CIMMYT community at http://sg2000ia.cimmyt.org/. The site provides information that is used to monitor knowledge from and assess impacts of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)— particularly the Sasakawa-Global 2000 Program—and partners on their capacity building efforts and dissemination of technologies for improved cropping practices in Africa.

This impact-assessing project has been in place since 2006 and focuses on maize and wheat production; conservation agriculture; tillage technology; and post-harvest, agroprocessing, and improved marketing technologies for other relevant crops in local farming systems. The corresponding website, developed by Roberto La Rovere and launched in 2008, has information on the project’s background, approach, and key contributors. It also contains peer-reviewed journal paper, socioeconomic reports, datasets, interactive Google Earth maps, and other collection and management tools.

Wheat genebank safety duplications shipments

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One of the wheat germplasm bank’s activities is to send duplicates of its accessions to other banks for safekeeping to avoid losing its seed collections in case of man-made or natural disasters.

CIMMYT currently has duplicates of its germplasm collection in three locations: the USDA’s National Plant Genetic Resources Preservation Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), a CGIAR center located in Syria; and the recently constructed Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in Norway.

The last seed shipment this year, containing 76,756 accessions, was sent on 08 December to Fort Collins. In February, 20,769 accessions from the wheat collection were sent to Svalbard, and there are currently 196 boxes containing 76,311 accessions ready to be shipped to ICARDA in January 2010.

There’s no doubt 2009 was a very busy year for the people who work in the wheat germplasm bank; besides their daily operations, they also helped prepare the duplicate shipments. The supervisors in this area recognize the efforts made by each of its team members.

They are also grateful to staff in the seed distribution unit of International Nurseries and the Seed Health Laboratory for their help with the documentation and logistics of the shipments.

A new book, Molecular Plant Breeding, now in print

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The road from basic genomics research to achieving impacts in routine plant breeding programs has been long, bumpy, and scattered with wrong turns and unexpected blockades. A new publication by CIMMYT molecular breeder/senior scientist Yunbi Xu provides a roadmap for how biotechnology can make plant breeding more efficient and lead to overall crop improvement.

Molecular Plant Breeding, published by CABI, is over 700 pages long and contains an integration of approaches and an overview of various plant improvement methods, such as molecular markers, gene mapping, and quantitative genetics. Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, visionary plant breeder and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Green Revolution, and Dr Ronald L. Phillips, Regents Professor and McKnight Presidential Chair in Genomics, University of Minnesota, each contributed a foreword for the book. Also included in the book is a memoriam for Dr. Borlaug contributed by Thomas A. Lumpkin, CIMMYT Director General; Marianne BĂ€nziger, Deputy Director General for Research and Partnerships; and Hans-Joachim Braun, Director of the Global Wheat Program.

Yunbi extends a heartfelt thanks to the many people who assisted him in this eight-year endeavor, including the eight CIMMYT co-workers who provided review expertise.

Wheat physiology course

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A select group of eight scientists from China and India traveled to Mexico for a two-week wheat course that ran from 23 November until 04 December. Led by Matthew Reynolds, CIMMYT wheat physiologist, the course focused on phenotyping for physiological trait-based breeding and gene discovery. The first week was held at El BatĂĄn and focused on the theoretical aspects of physiology in breeding. For the second week, participants traveled to TlaltizapĂĄn to practice practical application. Procedures covered included biomass and root sampling; yield component estimation; mega-environment breeding; and the measurement of canopy temperature.

The course was funded by the Generation Challenge Programme (GCP) and is a build-up for GCP Phase II, which involves the application and delivery of genetic diversity and trait information (gathered during Phase I). In Phase II, GCP will devote half of its resources to seven main priorities, one of which is to increase drought tolerance for wheat in China and India.

CIMMYT begins 2010 with Science Week

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CIMMYT scientists are set to meet on January 20-26 2010 for Science Week. The event is meant to bring IRS and selected national staff from Mexico and the regional offices together so that they can (1) share successes and critically review activities of CIMMYT’s research programs and units; (2) define concrete action steps to improve the quality of our work; (3) learn about changing processes and practices at CIMMYT; (4) discuss program-specific issues and 2010 work plans; and (5) discuss inter-program work and perspectives for 2010 and beyond.

The week promises to be an exciting one, with a change from the traditional presentation-style program to a variety of formats that will enable participants to discuss issues more freely. The program will start with a critical review of CIMMYT research, starting with overview presentations and then seeking answers to critical questions about CIMMYT’s four Programs and GRU/CRIL. This will be followed by small group discussions on science and publications, germplasm and platforms, partnerships activities, and fundraising and human resources, all with the aim of identifying ways to improve the quality of CIMMYT’s core business. Topics that are programmatic, inter-program, institutional, and CGIAR-wide in scope will be covered during the week. In consultation with scientists, a Task Force made up of Matthew Reynolds (GWP), IvĂĄn Ortiz-Monasterio (CAP), Cosmos Magorokosho (GMP and regional), Jon Hellin (SEP), Susanne Dreisigacker (GWP and biotech), JosĂ© Crossa (GRU and CRIL), Petr Kosina (Co-coordinator) and Luz George (Coordinator) assisted DDG-RP Marianne Banziger in developing the program.

Scientists are requested to bring posters that were presented at scientific meetings in 2008 and 2009. There will be space to display the posters and to ‘talk science’ with colleagues.