Computer simulations are helping CGIAR breeders develop better varieties faster
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Published on
30.06.21
- Impact Area
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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.
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