Ames, Iowa
November 19, 2007
The
Illinois Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) is pleased to
announce their intention to offer crossing services for soybean
and dry bean breeders beginning by the fall of 2008. Key to this
effort is a recent pledge of assistance offered by Iowa State
University soybean breeder, Dr. Silvia Cianzio.
Dr. Cianzio maintains a very active continuous soybean crossing
program in Puerto Rico at the University of Puerto Rico’s
Isabella Research Station. Progeny from her program have been
increased at ICIA’s Winter Farm at Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, for
several years.
Dr. Cianzio has expressed her belief that by offering
educational and technical support to ICIA, she will be
contributing to the broader soybean industry by positioning ICIA
to better serve: a) seed companies; b) independent breeders; c)
university researchers; d) industry consultants; and e) other
seed certification agencies.
ICIA staff will benefit by learning crossing skills, plot design
and soybean nursery management techniques from Dr. Cianzio. In
addition, Dr. Cianzio’s program will generate a stream of former
University of Puerto Rico interns, all highly skilled in soybean
nursery operations, who will be candidates for future ICIA
professional agronomic positions. By adding soybean crossing
services, the Global Seed Solution (GSS)© portfolio will be
expanded. |
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