International Winter Wheat Improvement Program
In cooperation with
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-SEC)
Krasnodar Agricultural Research Institute named after
P.P. Lukyanenko
State Scientific Establishment “Agricultural Research
Center “Donskoy”
INTERNATIONAL WINTER WHEAT TRAVELLING SEMINAR
22-26 May 2017
SUMMARY
International winter wheat improvement program (www.iwwip.org) is a partnership between
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey, CIMMYT and ICARDA to develop new winter
wheat varieties for the region of Western and Central Asia. The main breeding priorities are broad
adaptation, rust resistance and grain quality. The best advanced lines as well as the best introduced
lines are annually distributed through FAWWON (Facultative and Winter Wheat Observation
Nursery) to more than 100 cooperators in around 50 countries. Till now more than 70 varieties
were released in the region occupying more than 2 mln. ha. International winter wheat travelling
seminar was initiated by IWWIP in 2007 in Turkey with the objective of bringing together IWWIP
cooperators to share the results, discuss challenges and develop future cooperation directions.
Travelling seminar was conducted in 2009 in Ukraine, in 2011 in Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, in
2013 in Uzbekistan and in 2015 in Azerbaijan and Georgia. In 2017 Krasnodar Agricultural
Research Institute and Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” proposed to host the seminar in
Russia. The seminar attracted 74 participants from 17 countries of Central and West Asia, Eastern
and Western Europe.
During the first days the group visited Krasnodar Agricultural Research Institute named after P.P.
Lukyanenko and been shown wheat breeding and research plots as well as multiplication of new
varieties of wheat and barley. The group was highly impressed by the level of breeding and
research activities, the diversity of the germplasm and its yield potential. Varieties from Krasnodar
are grown on several million hectares in Russia and other countries and contribute to the regional
and global food security. In the afternoon, several presentations were made from the hosts and the
guests outlaying the current status of winter wheat improvement and regional collaboration.
On May 24, the group travelled 250 km from Krasnodar to Rostov visiting one private farm with
variety demonstrations and two seed production state farms which multiply the varieties from
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Krasnodar Institute. All the fields visited were very well maintained, clean and with yield
expectations exceeding 7-8 t/ha. On average, Krasnodar Region obtains wheat yield of 6.2 t/ha
from 1.2 mln ha keeping wheat sector highly attractive and profitable.
Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” was visited on May 25 with focus on breeding and
agronomy activities. Wheat production in Rostov regions is more variable and subjected to moisture
stress in some areas and over years. The wheat breeding program is structured accordingly
targeting favorable and stress affected environments separately. Rostov region grows more than 2
mln ha of wheat and also very important for Russia’s grain production. Winter wheat varieties from
Russian public breeding programs dominate the production (95% of areas) though private
companies, including multinational, already engaged in some activities and are ready to compete.
The cultural traditions and hospitality of Cossacks were well demonstrated during the farms visits.
On May 26, a wrap up meeting was held with several presentations by the participants and
discussion. Main outcomes of the seminar are:
 The participants appreciated IWWIP activities in developing and distribution of the
germplasm through regular international and special nurseries. The format and the size of
the nurseries distributed from Turkey fits very well the target breeding programs. The
suggestions was made to provide molecular markers data so that the germplasm utilization
is more effective.
 IWWIP framework connecting many breeding programs from Central and West Asia,
Europe and USA is an excellent example of international cooperation and deserve to be
supported by a project. The opportunity should be sought in EU and possibly other donor
agencies.
 IWWIP strategy presented at the wrap up meeting was endorsed by the participants for
implementation based on the priority.
 Though IWWIP and international organizations (FAO, ICARDA, CIMMYT) provide
framework for international cooperation the seminar participants encouraged bi-lateral
projects, collaboration and activities.
 The next winter wheat travelling seminar in 2019 was provisionally invited by Croatia, Iran,
Russia and Turkey. The decision will be made in late 2018 in consultation with IWWIP
cooperators.
 Human Resource Development for young researchers is very important and, therefore,
IWWIP support of young researchers especially from CAC countries is very much
appreciated and should continue with expansion.
 The seminar participants highly appreciated the efforts of the organizers and especially
Krasnodar Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”, seed
farms for invitation, organization, solid research program and entertainment.
 Financial support provided to conduct this event from Turkish Government, CRP WHEAT
and FAO is highly appreciated.
Additional information: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
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