Peanut collaborative research support program : external evaluation report

External evaluation covers the period 1983- 1989. The project is on track, its success fostered by an efficient Management Entity and the superb guidance and policy advice provided by the Board of Directors and the Technical Committee. A particular strength has been the project's policy of not assigning U.S. scientists overseas for extended periods of time; this has served both to increase host scientists' confidence and experience and to enlist U.S. specialists without endangering their teaching, research, or professional careers. The project has improved research capability in host countries by providing funds, equipment, and periodic visits by the U.S. collaborators. Thirteen new cultivars with improved yield and pest tolerance have been released and other promising lines are in final testing or increase stages. Two cultivars resistant to rosette disease were reselected, seed multiplied, and distributed to farmers in Nigeria. Additional accomplishments have been made in the areas of peanut viruses, food safety (mycotoxin management), and postharvest food technology. The project has also developed linkages with numerous national, regional, and world organization which will endure long after the project ends. An example is the formation of an informal international network of scientists interested in peanut viruses, linking researchers in Georgia (U.S.), Nigeria, India, Malawi, Scotland, France, Germany, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, China, and Japan. The project also sponsored many conferences, workshops, and symposia and released an impressive list of publications. U.S. university training of young agricultural scientists will probably be the longest lasting, most effective project accomplishment. A total of 37 Master's degrees and 17 Ph.D.'s have been granted, and another 48 students are currently pursuing advanced degrees. U.S. nondegree training totaling 204 person- months has also been provided. Participants have come from 32 countries, with a significant number of women represented.