UNDP-CIMMYT Global research project: (Phase 3): Progress Report to August 1977

Abstract

The progress made in the various aspects of the UNDP-CIMMYT Global Research Project "Research and training in the development of High Lysine Maize" during the period September 1976 to August 1977 is presented in this report. The major emphasis in CIMMYT's high protein quality maize program has been to exploit genetic modifiers of 02 locus to remedy undesirable kernel characteristics and improve the agronomic performance of opaque-2 converted maize. Good progress has been made this direction. We now have maize opaque-2 materials that are very similar in kernel appearance and performance to normal materials. A number of quality protein maize varieties exhibited performance in terms of yield and production that was equal or even superior to normal maize varieties or hybrids used as checks in these trials. Considerable progress has also been made in improving the stability of the hard endosperm o2 maize kernel in different environments. Wider scale testing of the superior quality protein varieties is necessary to know whether the levels of ear rot and insect resistance and stability of hard endosperm achieved to date will be sufficient to allow commercial production of these types. CIMl\lYT scientists are quite hopeful that newly developed opaque-2 materials will soon be able to fulfil the expectations to some extent that had been raised following the discovery of the biochemical and nutrition- al effects of the opque -2 gene.