Year: 2019
Genome editing, gene drives, and synthetic biology: Will they contribute to disease-resistant crops, and who will benefit?
Innovations
New paper outlines potential uses of genetic engineering technologies to address problems that affect resource-poor farmers and consumers.
CIMMYT and Indonesia’s agricultural research agency renew collaboration
Capacity development
The Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD) signed a memorandum of understanding with CIMMYT to reaffirm their research partnership for maize and wheat improvement.
Extensive use of wild grass-derived “synthetic hexaploid wheat” adds diversity and resilience to modern bread wheat
Innovations
New study shows that improved bread wheat varieties obtained from crosses of durum wheat and goat grass are helping to ensure the crop’s future.
Scientists set to release stem rust resistant wheat varieties in Kenya
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: Xinhua News (1 Sep 2019)
CIMMYT scientist says wheat varieties to be released in Kenya have high yields and are resistant to stem rust U99.
CIMMYT research at the forefront of the digital revolution in African agriculture
Innovations
New leaflet highlights digital innovations for Africa as researchers share insights at the African Green Revolution Forum 2019.
Remembering Max Alcalá, who led CIMMYT’s wheat international nurseries
Nutrition, health and food security
He was instrumental in preparing and distributing nursery results, which are still used by breeders.
African leaders rely on science and technology to improve food security
Innovations
At the Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue in Rwanda, experts and policymakers analyzed ways to address the continent’s food security crisis in the face of climate change.
Scientists use DNA fingerprinting to gauge the spread of modern wheat in Afghanistan
Innovations
New study finds that wheat farmers often do not accurately identify their varieties.
Breaking Ground: Anani Bruce guards Africa’s maize harvest from insect pests
Innovations
CIMMYT entomologist strengthens native resistance in maize against fall armyworm and equips farmers with pest control measures.
Nepal’s seed sector partners join forces to realize the National Seed Vision 2013-2025
Nutrition, health and food security
Halfway into Nepal’s 12-year plan to boost seed systems, partners review progress and plan the best way to meet targets.
From tinkering mechanic to manufacturing genius
Capacity development
Source: Dhaka Tribune (17 Aug 2019)
USAID-funded CIMMYT and iDE project helped young mechanic develop the market for his locally-manufactured machines.
Global group of journalists find wheat research, comradery in Canada
Capacity development
WHEAT media sponsorship connects scientists and reporters at International Wheat Congress.
New platform rapidly diagnoses wheat rust
Innovations
Source: World Grain (13 Aug 2019)
MARPLE diagnostic platform significantly reduces the time to identify strains, which previously took months.
Using the MARPLE kit to diagnose wheat rust in Ethiopia
Innovations
The mobile kit will allow Ethiopia to quickly identify wheat rust strains in 48 hours, instead of sending samples to labs abroad.
