Title: Interregional workshop on “Contingency Planning for Rapid Variety Release, Seed Multiplication and Distribution of Wheat Rust Resistant Varieties,” Antalya, Turkey, 7-9 December 2009
Contact wafa.khoury@fao.org for more information
Introduction
In response to the emergence of a new virulent strain of stem rust called Ug99, FAO has launched the Wheat Rust Disease Global Programme (WRDGP) to contribute to global food security through the prevention and management of wheat rust diseases and the enhancement of wheat productivity. The Programme is implemented in close cooperation with the partners of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (ICARDA, CIMMYT and Cornell University) and FAO’s Initiative on Soaring Food Prices. It covers 29 countries that are either affected or at direct risk of new rust virulent strains.
The programme aims to support actions in the following areas:
Surveillance/monitoring coupled with analysis of the changing pathogen virulence and emphasizing international cooperation, networking and knowledge sharing;
Accelerated breeding through human resource development and new technologies;
Multiplication and distribution of seeds of resistant replacement wheat varieties;
Capacity building of poor farmers for disease management in the field.
An important component is the strengthening of the national systems for rapid seed multiplication of wheat varieties resistant to rust, especially to serve small farmers. Most countries have a functioning system in place for the production of certified seed which involves the public and private sectors. These systems are however rarely prepared to respond to emergencies.
Purpose
The main objective of the meeting is to prepare participants to identify the gaps in their national seed systems and actions to address the gaps, from variety testing and release to early generation and certified seed to prevent or effectively respond to emergencies caused by wheat rusts. This will be done in a participatory way that involves the participants in sharing their experience and knowledge as well as technical presentations
Article: Multimedia188 (permalink) Categories: :Multimedia:training_archive Date: November 23, 2009; 1:12:26 PM EST Author Name: Jenny Nelson Author ID: jnelson