The CIMMYT maize back-up unit
1988
Cordova, H.S. (CIMMYT, Mexico, DF (Mexico). Back-Up Unit)
The CIMMYT back-up unit develops and improves maize gene pools for major maize-growing areas worldwide and serves as a support unit to provide superior genotypes or families to the advanced unit on continuous basis. The gene pools are mass reservoirs of genes and have a broad genetic constitution. They are formed by genetic mixing of several diverse collections, varieties, variety crosses, and hybrids with similar climatic adaptation, maturity, grain color, and texture. A CIMMYT modified ear-to-row half-sib system is used for the improvement of the gene pools. Promising accessions from the germplasm bank and superior introductions from national programs are regularly added to the corresponding pools to broaden their adaptation and to maintain a high level of genetic variability. Considerable progress in yield potential is being achieved in most of the CIMMYT maize gene pools (1 to 6 percent gain per cycle), as well as in maturity, plant and ear height, and disease resistance
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