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research: Wheat

Matthew Reynolds talks about climate change

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The US government has temporarily satisfied its hunger for information on how to adapt agriculture to climate change. On 14 September 2009, Matthew Reynolds, CIMMYT wheat physiologist, joined around 15 other agriculture experts just outside of Washington, DC, USA, to present at a conference titled: “Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: What Will It Take?”

The conference, sponsored by the US Department of State, opened with a keynote by John Holdren, science adviser to the President of the United States, and was followed by four main panel topics: Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture; Research in the Public Sector; Research in the Private Sector; and Alternative Crops, Sustainable Management, and Integrative Strategies. The goal of the event was to explore strategies and raise awareness about adaption measures that are required—or will be required in the future—to maintain sufficient global food production.

“It is reassuring to know that the US government is taking the issue of food security in the context of climate change seriously,” said Reynolds, who presented on adapting the major cereal crops (including maize and wheat) to climate change. “The State Department was not the only government program represented at the conference; the broad spectrum of speakers and government officials (including USDA and USAID) present shows that they are considering a comprehensive approach to the issue.”

A position paper based on the outcomes of the conference will be prepared for the US government. It will also be published in Science magazine.

Wheat retreat: Focusing on the future

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Wheat production must increase 35% in the next two decades to meet growing demand, developing countries are suffering under the global food crisis, and CIMMYT’s umbrella organization, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, is undergoing a major change initiative. Hans-Joachim Braun, global wheat program (GWP) director, cited these evolving situations during a GWP brainstorming meeting held 27-29 May 2009 near Teotihuacán, Mexico where he stressed the importance of identifying the GWP’s key goals for the coming years.

“We are trying to implement the ‘wisdom of the crowd,’ ” Braun said of the meeting, which was structured around open dialogue, small discussion groups, and engaging brainstorming activities. “World food security relies heavily on the work done by the people in this room,” he said. “Our discussions here will help to focus the future of the global wheat program and target our business plan.”

The core traits that all CIMMYT– developed germplasm have are high yield potential, tolerance to drought and heat, resistance to cereals rusts, and acceptable end-use quality. During the meeting, other traits identified as having high importance were lodging resistance, resistance to septoria, and nitrogen-use efficiency. Seven other traits were acknowledged; each was discussed in detail in terms of who will focus on it, if new resources are needed to adequately address it, and anticipated costs. To increase program efficiency, GWP staff also identified barriers to CIMMYT’s ability to improve food security and administrative bottlenecks.

Other topics included conservation agriculture, GWP management structure, quality control for data, location for regional offices, and the complexities of private and public sector partnerships. On Friday afternoon, Scott Ferguson, deputy director general for Support Services, joined the group to discuss administrative issues. Overall, participating staff said the meetings were well organized and facilitated productive staff interaction and discussion of GWP issues. Suggestions for improvement included more outreach representation and clearly defined outcomes and follow-up.

For more information, please contact H.J.Braun@cgiar.org.

Ravi Singh receives awards from Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces

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On November 21, 2008, Ravi Singh, CIMMYT distinguished scientist and wheat breeder, received the Jinding Award from Sichuan Provincial Government, China, in recognition of CIMMYT’s contribution to wheat production through shuttle breeding and training. Mr Wei Hong, Provincial Vice Governor, presented the award to Singh.

The Jinding Award is the highest honor from Sichuan Province and is designed to recognize scientists from other countries who have made significant contributions to economic and social development. Wheat is a leading crop in Sichuan, with around 1.4 million hectares of harvested area annually. The CIMMYT Global Wheat Program (GWP) has enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with Sichuan Province for the last 20 years, and more than 15 wheat varieties derived from CIMMYT germplasm are commercially released. In 2002 former GWP Director Sanjaya Rajaram also received the Jinding Award. In November 2008, Singh also received the Yuncai Award from Yunnan province in recognition of his contributions to wheat production in the Province. Congratulations!