CIMMYT played a key role in advancing research on yellow rust resistance by supporting field trials in Mexico and providing access to its extensive collection of traditional wheat varieties. Through its collaboration with the University of Zurich and Kyoto University, CIMMYT contributed to the identification of novel genetic regions in Asian landraces that offer resistance to the destructive fungus. Its leadership in conserving one of the world’s largest wheat germplasm collections continues to be vital for global efforts to develop disease-resilient wheat and safeguard food security through biodiversity.
Dr Velu Govindan from CIMMYT pictured here in action during field days as part of CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program activities in Obregón, México. (Photo:CIMMYT Comms / Dinorah Guzmán Espinosa).
We have the great pleasure of announcing the Derek Tribe Award recipient for 2025 is Dr Velu Govindan, the Principal Scientist – Wheat Breeder at The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico.
Dr Govindan received the award in recognition of his work in plant breeding and genetics. His pioneering work on accelerating genetic gains in wheat has led to the release of over two dozen climate-resilient, zinc-enriched wheat varieties, significantly benefiting farmers across South Asia, Africa and Latin America, highlighting his influence on global food security.
The Crawford Fund’s Derek Tribe Award recognises the distinguished contributions of a citizen of a developing country to the application of research in agriculture or natural resource management in a developing country or countries. These people are often unsung heroes in their fields, with long and dedicated service that has incredible impact.
The Award was inaugurated in 2001 to mark the outstanding contributions of Emeritus Professor Derek Tribe AO OBE FTSE, Foundation Director of the Crawford Fund, to the promotion of international agricultural research.
Dr Velu Govindan from CIMMYT, pictured here in wheat trials in India, is the Crawford Fund’s 2025 Derek Tribe Award recipient (Photo: CIMMYT/Velu Govindan).
Velu is in very distinguished company with his Derek Tribe award, with other CIMMYT awardees including Sanjaya Rajaram, who received the inaugural award in 2001 and was also the recipient of the world food prize in 2014, Ram Kanwar Malik (2015) and Ismail Çakmak (2007). Details about previous recipients of the Crawford Fund Derek Tribe Award are available here.
“Velu has an outstanding record of applying cutting-edge research to enhance agricultural productivity and natural resource management in developing countries. Over the past 15 years, his research at CIMMYT, Mexico, has played a pivotal role in breeding high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified wheat varieties, addressing food security and malnutrition challenges across South Asia and Africa,” said Shaun Coffey, Chief Executive Officer, the Crawford Fund.
“Velu’s research has had significant impact, leading to the release of over 25 improved wheat varieties, benefitting millions of smallholder farmers in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Mexico,” he said.
“Dr Govindan has been instrumental in integrating genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, and precision breeding techniques to accelerate genetic gains in wheat and zinc mainstreaming efforts at CIMMYT. His collaborations with national agricultural research systems (NARS) in developing countries have strengthened local breeding programs, enabling faster varietal development and dissemination,” said Shaun.
Velu’s work has received significant funding from international agencies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and other national and international funding, further demonstrating its global impact.
“Beyond breeding, Dr Govindan has contributed to sustainable agricultural practices by promoting climate-smart wheat varieties that require fewer inputs and are resilient to heat, drought, and resistant to multiple wheat diseases,” he said.
Prior to his role at CIMMYT, Velu was involved in pearl millet biofortification at ICRISAT through the HarvestPlus program, leading to the development of high-iron pearl millet hybrids adopted by smallholder farmers in India.
“He is also an advocate for capacity building, training young scientists and breeders across Asia and Africa; fostering the next generation of agricultural researchers; and actively participating in policy discussions that have influenced large-scale adoption of improved wheat varieties,” said Shaun.
“The Crawford Fund congratulates Dr Govindan on his lasting impact on global food security and natural resource management. We look forward to highlighting his work with the Derek Tribe address, and further raising awareness of the benefits to Australia and developing countries of agricultural research for food and nutrition security,” concluded Shaun.
The Crawford Fund is pleased to partner with the University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney for Velu’s visit to Australia. Plans are underway for him to be presented with his award and deliver the 2025 Derek Tribe Address in the coming months. Information regarding the 2025 Derek Tribe Address will be shared when Dr Govindan’s trip is finalised.
A newly published study has identified a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against wheat blast: a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), named Qwb.cim-7D, located on the long arm of chromosome 7D and derived from Aegilops tauschii, offers stable and moderate resistance to wheat blast—independently of the widely used 2NS translocation.
Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), is a rapidly spreading disease threatening wheat production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. First detected in Brazil in 1985, the disease has since caused devastating yield losses—up to 100% in severe cases. Its transboundary spread, including recent incursions in Bangladesh and Zambia, has intensified international concerns about food security, especially among vulnerable smallholder farming communities. Control through chemical means has proven unreliable, placing even greater emphasis on the development and deployment of resistant wheat cultivars.
Fig. 1 Global incidence of wheat blast with years of its first identification indicated for the affected countries
For years, wheat breeders have relied on a single major source of genetic resistance—the 2NS/2AS translocation from Aegilops ventricosa. While initially effective, recent field observations—particularly in Brazil—suggest that wheat blast pathogens are evolving to overcome this resistance. Despite extensive efforts, previous studies have failed to identify any non-2NS QTLs with both significant and stable effects across environments in field trials.
Fig. 2 Contrasted wheat blast reactions between BWMRI Gom 3 (left, a 2NS carrier) and BARI Gom 26 (right, a non-2NS carrier)
A New Genetic Solution for Blast Resistance
In a recently published study entitled “A novel QTL on chromosome 7D derived from Aegilops tauschii confers moderate field resistance to wheat blast”, CIMMYT’s wheat pathology team and collaborators reported the identification of a novel and consistent QTL—Qwb.cim-7D—which provides significant resistance to wheat blast independent of the 2NS translocation.
The donor bread wheat line, Gladius*2/KU 2097, inherited its resistance from the resistant Ae. tauschii accession ‘KU-2097’. Field experiments were conducted at two Precision Phenotyping Platforms (PPP) in Bolivia (Quirusillas and Okinawa) and one PPP in Bangladesh (Jashore), under artificially inoculated conditions—ensuring a robust evaluation of resistance. The QTL was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7D, where it explained between 7.7% and 50.6% of the phenotypic variation across different environments. This is a significant finding, as previous studies identified non-2NS resistance loci with typically small effects (less than 10%) and inconsistent performance. In contrast, Qwb.cim-7D is the first moderate-effect QTL to demonstrate stable resistance across multiple field conditions.
To facilitate its adoption in breeding pipelines, researchers successfully converted the flanking DArTseq markers into KASP markers—enabling more efficient marker-assisted selection.
Importantly, Qwb.cim-7D provides approximately half the resistance effect of 2NS, highlighting its value as a complementary resistance factor. When deployed through gene pyramiding strategies alongside 2NS and Rmg8, this new QTL could help breeders develop varieties with stronger and more durable resistance to the evolving wheat blast pathogen.
This breakthrough marks a turning point in global wheat blast resistance breeding. It addresses the urgent need to diversify the genetic basis of resistance and equips breeders with a viable new tool to safeguard wheat yields. As wheat blast continues to threaten food security in key regions, the introgression of Qwb.cim-7D into breeding programs offers a promising path toward enhanced crop resilience and improved farmer protection.
Emrah Koç is an Assistant Research Associate at the International Winter Wheat Improvement Program (IWWIP) at CIMMYT-Turkey, where he has been working since 2011. He has over a decade of experience in winter wheat breeding, field evaluation, and international research collaboration. His current responsibilities include germplasm development, data analysis, and coordination of regional international nursery distribution. From 2018 to 2019, Emrah served as a Training and Monitoring Officer for the Regional Wheat Landraces Project, which aimed to improve food security by enhancing wheat production and its resilience to climate change through the conservation of currently cultivated landrace diversity. He got his master’s degree in 2020 from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, with a thesis titled “Agronomic Performance of Modern Wheat Germplasm and Landraces Recently Collected in Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan.” He is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Ege University in İzmir, Turkey. His research interests include wheat landrace diversity, rust resistance, and speed breeding techniques. Emrah has participated in numerous international workshops and has contributed to several peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Extensive multi-year field trials conducted by CIMMYT in Mexico played a pivotal role in validating the efficacy of the Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) spray treatment, confirming its potential to boost wheat yields by up to 12%. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating rainfall—an increasingly common constraint under climate change—CIMMYT’s trial plots consistently outperformed untreated controls across four consecutive crop cycles. These results underscore CIMMYT’s leadership in translating laboratory innovations into resilient, field-ready solutions that enhance food security while advancing sustainable agrifood systems in diverse agroecological conditions.
CIMMYT is pleased to announce the appointment of Flavio Breseghello as the new Director of the Global Wheat Program. A renowned wheat breeder and leader in agricultural research, Breseghello will guide CIMMYT’s flagship wheat initiative at a pivotal moment for global food security.
“CIMMYT’s wheat program has long been a cornerstone of global food security,” said Breseghello. “I’m honored to contribute to this legacy, while helping shape its future in the face of new challenges.”
With over two decades of experience advancing wheat research in Brazil and internationally, Breseghello brings scientific expertise and strategic vision to the role. His appointment underscores CIMMYT’s commitment to science-driven innovation that responds to evolving global needs—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where wheat is a staple crop and climate resilience is increasingly urgent.
“Climate change is reshaping the risks and realities for wheat farmers in low- and middle-income countries,” Breseghello said. “Our challenge—together with our partners—is to stay ahead of these threats with science that is inclusive, adaptive, and driven by the needs of the most vulnerable.”
CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program is at the forefront of developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant wheat varieties that feed over 2.5 billion people around the world. As director, Breseghello will lead efforts to strengthen international research collaboration, expand capacity building, and ensure the program’s innovations reach those who need them most.
“Flavio is a globally respected leader whose deep experience and inclusive approach will be a tremendous asset to the program and to the global wheat community,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT. “We are thrilled to welcome him to this vital role.”
Away Hamza, a young and ambitious farmer in Arsi Zone, Oromia region, proudly tends to his wheat field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Wheat plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. As the country’s second most important staple crop, it is crucial to national food security. Traditionally, wheat cultivation has been concentrated in Ethiopia’s highlands, but this has changed with the introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project—an initiative designed to address the production challenges faced by Ethiopia’s irrigated lowland areas. Led by CIMMYT in partnership with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the project aims to tackle key issues such as the lack of stress-tolerant wheat varieties and limited access to reliable seed sources.
Transforming wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands
The Adaptation, Demonstration, and Piloting of Wheat Technologies for Irrigated Lowlands of Ethiopia (ADAPT-Wheat) project focuses on bridging critical wheat production gaps and introducing innovative solutions for smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. By improving wheat production through new varieties and modern technologies, the project is not only increasing agricultural productivity but also transforming farmers’ livelihoods. The initiative aims to directly benefit 1,000 households, with a much wider impact expected across the two regions.
Financially supported by BMZ, the project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. Researchers and national partners have witnessed a significant shift in wheat production practices, demonstrating the success of innovative agricultural technologies and improved collaboration among stakeholders.
Insights from researchers and partners
Bekele Abeyo, CIMMYT-Ethiopia Country Representative and project leader:
“The ADAPT-Wheat project marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s wheat production journey. It introduces viable wheat technologies that are well-suited for the irrigated lowlands, enhancing both production and productivity in the pursuit of food and nutritional security.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR–DG representative:
“For years, CIMMYT has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s wheat production system by introducing germplasm, improving varieties, and offering financial, equipment &technical support and training for both researchers and farmers. With the ADAPT-Wheat project, we’ve seen another tangible difference in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. The project’s support, including the introduction of modern farm machinery, has not only enhanced mechanization at the farm level but has also contributed significantly to the broader objectives of national agricultural development.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR-DG representative (Photo: CIMMYT)
Major milestones and achievements
1. Building capacity for sustainable change
One of the project’s most significant accomplishments has been its strong emphasis on capacity building—both human and physical—to empower local communities in wheat farming. Key capacity-building initiatives include:
Training for researchers: Software and scientific writing training to enhance technical skills and scientific contributions.
Training of trainers (TOT) for agricultural experts: Development agents and district-level subject matter specialists were trained to share knowledge with farmers.
The project also included seed distribution, experience-sharing visits, and field days to disseminate knowledge and encourage peer learning. A notable outcome has been informal seed exchange among farmers, amplifying the project’s impact.
Through these efforts, the project successfully reached approximately 4,300 households and engaged a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to human capacity development, seed production and distribution, technology diffusion, and sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, infrastructure development—such as the construction of a quarantine facility and installation of air conditioning units at the Werer Research Center—has strengthened research capacity and maintained high standards for agricultural innovation. The procurement of essential farm machinery has also set the stage for more sustainable wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands.
2. Introducing elite wheat lines
The project introduced 505 elite bread wheat lines and 235 durum wheat lines. From these, 111 bread wheat and 49 durum wheat genotypes were identified for their promising traits, including heat stress tolerance, early maturity, and superior yield components. These lines were rigorously tested across diverse agroecological zones to ensure adaptability.
3. Demonstrating modern irrigation technology and mechanization
The project didn’t stop at improving wheat varieties—it also introduced modern mechanization practices to enhance efficiency and yield. In the Afar and Oromia regions, pilot farms demonstrated advanced machinery such as:
Subsoilers
Bailers
Land levelers
Planters
Ridge makers
Multi-crop threshers
These technologies have been showcased at various farm sites to facilitate adaptation and scaling.
4. Releasing and adapting wheat varieties
The project identified eight wheat varieties (four bread wheat and four durum wheat) suited for Ethiopia’s lowland irrigated conditions.
Additionally, two new wheat varieties—one bread wheat and one durum wheat—were officially registered and released for large-scale production. These releases mark a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen wheat production systems.
5. Seed production and distribution
Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds has been another key priority. Through partnerships with research centers, early-generation seeds were provided to private seed producers and farmers’ cooperative unions. Field monitoring ensured seed quality at harvest, resulting in the production of 430 quintals of certified seed.
Women and youth empowerment strategy
The ADAPT-Wheat project has made a deliberate effort to empower women and youth by ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds, training, and technical support. Notably, women comprised 32% of seed distribution beneficiaries, strengthening their role in improving food security and livelihoods.
Voices from the field: Farmers share their stories
Damma Yami from Jeju district, Alaga Dore village
Farmer Damma Yami, has carefully monitors her thriving wheat crop as it nears harvest (Photo: CIMMYT)
Damma Yami’s story is a powerful example of how innovative agricultural initiatives can transform communities, especially in regions facing harsh environmental conditions.
“For many years, we have lived in arid conditions where livestock farming was our primary livelihood. However, with the challenges posed by weather trends, our traditional systems were no longer sufficient to maintain our livelihoods. The introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project in recent years has reversed this trend. The project brought us wheat cultivation, as a new and golden opportunity for the farming community. We received high-yielding seeds, training, and technical support on farming practices, and soon we began to see impressive results. The benefits of the project are clear: it provides food for our families, generates income to send children to school, and helps meet other basic needs. As a farmer who engaged in this project, I can confidently say that the project has reshaped our future livelihood.”
Yeshiwas Worku from Oromia region, Arsi Zone, Merti district, Woticha Dole village
Farmer Yeshiwas Worku actively monitoring the growth and performance of his wheat crop on his plot, ensuring optimal results through the support of the ADAPT project (Photo: CIMMYT)
Yeshiwas Worku, a 40-year-old farmer was among those who benefited from the project.
Yeshiwas explains that before the project, wheat cultivation was not traditionally practiced in his area, but it has now become a game-changer for the community. The introduction of modern farming tools, machinery, and access to improved crop varieties has been key to their success. With the help of the project, wheat production has not only become their main source of income but has also helped farmers gain confidence in their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
“We are now familiar with modern farming tools, machines, and practices thanks to the implementing partners of the ADAPT project. We also have access to improved crop varieties, which are crucial for better production and increased income. Now, wheat production has become the main source of our livelihood. This alternative farming opportunity has not only boosted our confidence but has also allowed us to secure a more sustainable livelihood for my family and me. I am deeply grateful to the project implementing partners for playing such a crucial role in transforming our lives. The impact has truly been transformative.”
A transformative impact on wheat production
The ADAPT-Wheat project, alongside CIMMYT’s ongoing work in Ethiopia, has significantly improved wheat production systems and enhanced the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the lowland regions. More than just a This project is technological intervention, the project serves as a lifeline for smallholder farmers. By introducing innovative wheat technologies, improving seed availability, and empowering local communities, it directly contributes to Ethiopia’s food security goals while fostering economic growth and resilience in rural areas.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency, the success of the ADAPT-Wheat project serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development.
In Memory of Leonardo Crespo Herrera
Senior Scientist, Bread Wheat Improvement – Global Wheat Program
With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Leonardo Crespo Herrera, senior scientist in the Global Wheat Program at CIMMYT. A brilliant researcher and deeply valued colleague, Leonardo leaves behind a legacy of excellence in wheat science and a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Leonardo joined CIMMYT in 2015 as a postdoctoral fellow, bringing with him an unwavering dedication to advancing wheat research for global food security. Over the next decade, his work helped shape the future of wheat breeding. As an Associate Scientist, he played a key role in leading breeding efforts, mentoring young scientists, and fostering collaboration with national and international partners.
His scientific contributions were extensive, and his research continues to benefit farming communities around the world. Those who wish to learn more about his work and its impact can explore a selection of his achievements:
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leonardo was known for his warmth, generosity, and inclusive spirit. He made others feel welcome and supported. Colleagues remember him not only as an exceptional scientist, but also as a kind-hearted, trusted mentor, loyal friend, and inspiring leader.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and admired him. Leonardo’s legacy will continue to grow through the lives he touched and the science he so passionately advanced.
Dr. Rosichan joins IWYP after 30 years as an R&D leader in both the private and public sectors. During that time, he led complex multinational, multidisciplinary and multifunctional research teams. Most recently he was Scientific Program Director for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) where he was the Director for the Crops of the Future Consortium and Next Generation Crops Challenge Area. He will continue to reside in the USA.
BBSRC has provided the consultancy position in recognition of the valuable achievements of IWYP in serving the wheat scientific community over these past 10 years during which IWYP has been funded and guided by numerous governmental funding agencies and private sector wheat breeding companies.
IWYP’s strong links are with scientists studying yield-related wheat traits all over the world as well as with many breeding programs, public and private. IWYP’s mission is to serve breeding programs, especially through its Hubs in CIMMYT, Mexico, Kansas State University in the USA and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in the UK, by delivering trait-improved elite germplasm.
Senior representatives from CIMMYT visited the John Innes Centre to strengthen their strategic partnership focused on advancing global wheat research. Key collaborative efforts include the Wheat Disease Early Warning Advisory System (DEWAS) and research on genetic resistance to wheat blast. CIMMYT’s Director General, Dr. Bram Govaerts, emphasized the long-standing partnership’s global impact, noting that around 70% of the world’s wheat is linked to CIMMYT’s network. Dr. Sarah Hearne, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, highlighted the shared commitment to providing sustainable solutions that enhance farmers’ resilience and productivity worldwide.
Building on the success of their initial project, CropSustaiN, CIMMYT and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are proud to announce an expanded partnership aimed at tackling agriculture’s biggest challenges. This enhanced collaboration will broaden efforts to transform farming practices, reduce environmental impacts, and support farmers worldwide.
From specific solutions to a broader vision:
The initial partnership focused on developing innovative wheat varieties through Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI), significantly reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Now, this expanded collaboration sets a foundation for exploring a wider range of initiatives, including:
Climate-smart crop systems with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced agricultural technologies for greater resilience and sustainability.
Inclusive tools to empower farmers globally.
Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT’s director general, said:
“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration and science can transform agriculture, addressing both food security and environmental sustainability on a global scale.”
This next phase reflects a shared commitment to creating a sustainable future by turning scientific innovation into actionable, real-world impact for millions of farmers worldwide.
Matthew Reynolds, Distinguished Scientist and Head of Wheat Physiology at CIMMYT, is the recipient of the 2024 China Friendship Award. This recognition highlights his cutting-edge research to enhance the climate resilience and yield of wheat cropping systems, as well as his dedication to fostering collaboration between CIMMYT and China.
Researcher, Innovator, Collaborator, Mentor
During his 35-year tenure at CIMMYT, Reynolds has played a pivotal role in developing a new generation of advanced wheat lines based on physiological breeding approaches. This work has led to the creation of more resilient wheat varieties from diverse gene pools, significantly boosting yield potential.
Reynolds is the eighth CIMMYT scientist to receive the China Friendship Award. His numerous accolades include being an elected member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences and earning fellowships with the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), the latter representing the society’s highest individual honor. He has also been honored with the prestigious 2024 International Crop Science Award by CSSA.
A prolific author in crop physiology and genomics, Reynolds actively promotes international collaboration among wheat scientists, tapping expertise and emerging technologies that enhance plant science. He provides young scientists with mentorship and opportunities to engage in agricultural research. He also leads key initiatives, such as the International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) and the Heat and Drought Wheat Improvement Consortium (HEDWIC), which leverage collective expertise and innovations to improve yields and climate resilience.
About the China Friendship Award
The China Friendship Award is the highest honor given by the Chinese government to foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China’s economic and social progress. It was established in 1991 by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs under the authorization of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. As of September 2024, a total of 1,998 experts from over 80 countries and regions have received this award.
That’s how much farmers have saved this century, through use of disease-resistant wheat varieties. Modern wheat can thank its “wild relatives” — grassy cousins millions of years old and tested through extremes of earth’s climate — for most of its resistance genes.
Despite such remarkable achievements in wheat breeding, we’ve only scratched the surface of the genetic potential in wheat’s wild relatives. With climate change intensifying and the rapid evolution and spread of pathogens — a new strain of fungus can circulate in the jet stream—it’s imperative that we increase investment in researching this largely untapped genetic diversity. Doing so could revolutionize wheat production, ensuring food security while dramatically reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.
Without such efforts, epidemics or pandemics could devastate yields, potentially leading to massive applications of toxic agrochemicals and increased selection pressure for pests and diseases to develop resistance. The consequences would be far-reaching, impacting not only food security and the environment, but also geopolitical stability, potentially triggering human migration and conflict.
Today, wheat is the most widely grown crop on Earth, providing 20% of all human protein and calories and serving as the primary staple food for 1.5 billion people in the Global South.
However, with its future under threat, standard breeding approaches can no longer keep up with the pace of climate change. Research shows that climate shifts from 1980-2008 reduced wheat harvests by 5.5%, and global wheat production falls 6% for every degree-centigrade increase in temperature.
Wheat science urgently requires enhanced investments to scale up genetic studies of wild relatives, utilizing next-generation breeding tools. These tools include gene sequencing technologies, big-data analytics, and remote sensing technologies. Satellite imagery makes the planet a laboratory, allowing researchers to monitor traits like plant growth or disease resistance globally. Artificial intelligence can super-charge breeding simulations and quickly identify promising genes that enhance climate-resilience.
The basic genetic resources are already available: more than 770,000 unique seed samples are stored in 155 seed banks across 78 countries. These samples represent the full scope of known wheat genetic diversity, from modern varieties to ancient wild relatives and landraces developed at the dawn of agriculture.
What’s missing is funding to accelerate the search for specific genes and combinations that will fortify wheat against harsher conditions. This requires political will from key decision-makers and public interest. Nothing is more important than food security and the environmental legacy we leave to our children.
Harnessing the power of microorganisms
The genetic variation in seed banks is largely absent in modern wheat, which became genetically separate from other grass species 10,000 years ago and has undergone recent science-based breeding, constricting its diversity. Wheat needs its cousins’ diversity to thrive in a changing climate.
Beyond climate resilience and disease resistance, wild wheat relatives offer another exciting avenue for environmental benefits: enhanced interactions with beneficial microorganisms. These ancient grasses have evolved intricate relationships with soil microbes largely absent in modern wheat.
Some wild wheat relatives can inhibit soil microbes that convert ammonium to nitrate. While both are usable nitrogen forms for plants, nitrate is more prone to loss through leaching or gaseous conversion. Slowing this process of conversion, called nitrification, has profound implications for sustainable agriculture, potentially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, improving nitrogen-use efficiency, and decreasing synthetic fertilizer use.
As proof of concept, the first and only crop (so far) bred to promote microbiome interaction is wheat, using a gene from a wild relative (Leymus racemosus) to slow nitrification.
In addition, wild relatives often form more effective symbiotic relationships with beneficial soil fungi and bacteria, enhancing nutrient uptake, drought tolerance, and natural pest defenses. Reintroducing these traits could reduce chemical inputs while improving soil health and biodiversity.
The benefits extend beyond the field. Wheat varieties that use water and nutrients more efficiently could reduce agricultural runoff, protecting water bodies. Enhanced root systems could increase soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.
By systematically exploring wild wheat’s microbial interaction traits, wheat varieties can be developed that not only withstand climate challenges but also actively contribute to environmental restoration.
This represents a paradigm shift from crop protection through chemicals to resilience through biological synergies. Indeed, even a fraction of the US $1.4 trillion spent annually on agrochemical crop protection could work wonders to fortify wheat against present and future challenges.
The path forward is clear: increased investment in researching wild wheat relatives can yield a new generation of wheat varieties that are not just climate-resilient, but also environmentally regenerative. This will be a crucial step towards sustainable food security in a changing world.
CIMMYT Director General Bram Govaerts’ visit to The University of Queensland (UQ) on September 27, 2024, reinforced a long-standing partnership aimed at tackling global food security and sustainability challenges. For over 50 years, CIMMYT’s collaboration with Australian researchers has advanced wheat breeding, contributing significantly to Australia’s agricultural resilience. The visit emphasized expanding research on key crops like sorghum, millets, and legumes, while promoting sustainable practices and climate resilience in agriculture. This collaboration continues to drive innovations that benefit not only Australia but also regions across the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
