The improvement and promotion of quality protein maize in selected developing countries: 1999 Progress report -- tentative work plan for 2000

Abstract

During 1999, an important investment in laboratory equipment for ELISA analysis for India and China was made. Visiting scientists were trained in ELISA analysis in Mexico. Superior hybrids and open-pollinated varieties of quality protein maize (QPM) identified during 1998 through multilocation testing were evaluated in Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Transfer of QPM technology (i.e., new varietal releases) was conducted in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Mozambique, and Ethiopia, and strengthened in Ghana, Brazil and China. QPM research issues were included as an integral part of normal CIMMYT training courses offered at headquarters and in the regions in breeding and seed production. Resources were made available to national research systems for large-scale seed multiplication of truly superior QPM cultivars for more extensive testing during 2000, when transfer of this technology will intensify. Relatively stronger national systems, such as those of Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia and China, enhanced the introduction of QPM in their normal elite lines and open-pollinated varieties. CIMMYT scientists in the regions and in Mexico visited experimental sites and got first-hand impressions of the performance of QPM in each participating country and discussed future activities and strategies with local researchers. Policy makers and senior CIMMYT authorities participated in ceremonies to mark the release of new QPM hybrids in China, Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador