Control of barley diseases : Montana State University (MSU)

Evaluation covers the period 8/79-5/81 and is based on discussions with participants in three LDC"s. Project objectives are being achieved. Nursery stock of disease-resistant barley varieties (recurrent selection populations) have been developed by the contractor, Montana State University (MSU), and sent to participating LDC"s. Barley breeders in LDC"s are selecting specimens from the nursery stock for further pyramiding of genes for disease resistance and for use in barley breeding programs. MSU cosponsored a workshop on barley diseases and breeding in Rabat, Morocco, and has made considerable progress in training students from LDC"s in barley research and breeding. MSU is to be complimented for allowing students in its training program to participate fully in research and for maintaining contact with the students after their return home. The latter practice should be continued on an advanced basis. Effective and mutually beneficial linkages have been established with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) as well as with national programs in LDC"s. Action decisions are to: prepare documentation to extend the project from 9/81 to 1/82 and again from 2/82 to 1/85; ensure project linkage with the pending Crop Production and Technical Assistance Project; and keep USAID"s informed of nursery sites and of new LDC cooperators in their countries.