Genetic markers and genetic engineering are being used at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in Mexico to develop improved varieties, such as GM wheat strains with improved resistance to fungal infection and enhanced quality.

Initial activities aim to identify a range of elite regenerable and transformable wheat cultivars.

New methodology, such as automated marker systems, will allow the large number of samples encountered in a typical breeding program to be processed.

This knowledge base promises to make germplasm improvement faster, cheaper and more effective.

CIMMYT Director-General, Dr Masa Iwanaga and Executive Research Officer, Dr Peter Ninnes has met with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in Australia to map out investment and management details as part of an international crop breeding alliance.

The meeting followed a visit to Mexico by GRDC Chairman, Terry Enright and Executive Manager, Program Operations, John Harvey.