Carried out in three hub countries (Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria) and participatory variety selection were carried out speeding up the release of the varieties for farmers in dire need of improved wheat. During R4D and testing of the heat-tolerant varieties, ensuring their successful production in-situ. International Center Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas carried out training, demonstrations, out-scaling of integrated systems’ approach alongside a package of interventions – production capacity and seed systems, including land preparation, integrated pest management and efficient irrigation and improved crop management practices. It included participatory engagement of farmers and testing of the heat-tolerant varieties, ensuring their successful production in-situ. Elite yield trials were implemented in three countries and participatory variety selection speeded up the release of the varieties for farmers.
- Shuttle breeding
- Marker-assisted selection
- Key location phenotyping
- Fixed genotypes were phenotyped for different agronomic traits
- Targeted crossing blocks characterized both at molecular and morphological levels were assembled
- Elite genotypes were identified and assembled into yield trials and evaluated using participatory variety selection
- Training was given to breeders of the three hub countries.
- The phenotyping platforms are key regional labs which played for the development of the germplasm.
- The participatory approach and training contributed for creating understanding, enthusiasm, and encouragement.
- The process enabled to speed up variety releases.