Report on the Asian maize biotechnology network , (AMBIONET) training course

Abstract

The application of biotechnology is key in a strong breeding program as breeders seek to develop new maize varieties that are high-yielding, stress-tolerant and input-efficient. Biotechnology holds a lot of promise for maize breeders, enabling them to achieve results more quickly and efficiently, and to attain breeding goals that may not be possible using only traditional methods. Molecular marker technology is an important tool for identifying parts of the genetic material associated with important agronomic traits, allowing the location and manipulation of genes of interest for maize improvement. Molecular markers are now being used to identify chromosome segments associated with resistance to diseases and insect pests, and tolerance for abiotic stresses such as drought and low nitrogen conditions. Because these traits can be mapped and marked on maize chromosomes, the progress of conventional breeding is greatly accelerated. In CIMMYT, biotechnology tools are now being applied to develop high-yielding maize varieties with desirable traits through marker-assisted selection. The Asian Maize Biotechnology Network (AMBIONET) is a partnership between CIMMYT and national agricultural research systems (NARS) in Asia, where there has been relatively little opportunity to use biotechnology tools for maize improvement. The AMBIONET was established to enhance the capacity of Asian NARS to integrate biotechnology in their search for solutions to problems affecting maize production, and to conduct collaborative research that will eventually result in improved maize varieties. The AMBIONET training program is aimed at the transfer of biotechnological tools to teams of scientists working in the national maize improvement programs in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. The 1998 training course was specifically designed to introduce members of the AMBIONET teams to concepts in plant genome analysis and their applications to plant breeding.