A select group of eight scientists from China and India traveled to Mexico for a two-week wheat course that ran from 23 November until 04 December. Led by Matthew Reynolds, CIMMYT wheat physiologist, the course focused on phenotyping for physiological trait-based breeding and gene discovery. The first week was held at El Batán and focused on the theoretical aspects of physiology in breeding. For the second week, participants traveled to Tlaltizapán to practice practical application. Procedures covered included biomass and root sampling; yield component estimation; mega-environment breeding; and the measurement of canopy temperature.
The course was funded by the Generation Challenge Programme (GCP) and is a build-up for GCP Phase II, which involves the application and delivery of genetic diversity and trait information (gathered during Phase I). In Phase II, GCP will devote half of its resources to seven main priorities, one of which is to increase drought tolerance for wheat in China and India.
Capacity development 