Molecular Breeding Pipeline of the CIMMYT Global Maize Program

The CIMMYT Global Maize Program (GMP) has a long history of research directed toward the application of molecular marker technology to improve the efficiency of maize breeding for resource poor smallholder farmers around the world.  CIMMYT GMP is currently organizing our molecular breeding pipeline to focus on application and delivery of efficient molecular breeding solutions to support the global maize breeding effort.  A range of trait projects addressing biotic and abiotic stresses relevant to smallholder farmers will be reviewed with particular focus on application to the overall breeding strategy.  In addition to research projects with particular trait focus, the GMP molecular breeding team has been evaluating different molecular breeding methods and integrating markers for the use of quality control in the global maize breeding effort.  Method development and quality control initiatives will also be reviewed.  Finally, a brief cost-benefit analysis of marker application models for maize breeding in sub-Saharan Africa will be presented.