Computer simulations are helping CGIAR breeders develop better varieties faster
- From
-
Published on
30.06.21
- Impact Area
-
Funders
Australia, Gates Foundation, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America

In 2020, CGIAR crop breeders began using computer simulations to model the performance of their breeding programs up to 50 years in the future. This means that they have statistical evidence to show which decisions will have the greatest benefit for farmers years down the line.
How many unique plants must be grown, and how many crosses made? How and when should the best offspring be selected? Is it worth investing in technologies like genomic prediction or hybrid breeding? How can breeding be made faster without losing gains?
A group of experts brought together by CGIAR Excellence in Breeding are developing a library of answers to such questions using solid quantitative genetics principles coded in simulation software such as AlphaSim.
Related news
-
Niger State Partners with AfricaRice for Transformative Rice Production Growth: Targeting 10 Million Tons by 2030
AfricaRice28.07.25-
Food security
-
Nutrition, health & food security
-
Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs
July 22, 2025, Mbé, Côte d'Ivoire – In a landmark visit that signals a new era…
Read more -
-
RDA-IRRI champions climate-smart pest management for sustainable rice production
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)15.07.25-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
-
Food security
LAGUNA, Philippines (13 May 2025) — IRRI emphasizes prevention and suppression at the recent Inter…
Read more -
-
IRRI Drives Efforts to Scale up Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)10.07.25-
Food security
Bushra Humaira Dhaka, Bangladesh – In collaboration with CGIAR’s Scaling for Impact (S4I) Progra…
Read more -