Spring and winter wheat, Oregon State University

PES covers the period 7/78-6/80 and is based on site visits, document review, and interviews with project personnel and officials of the implementing agency, Oregon State University (OSU). The project continues to enjoy excellent success, with outputs in most areas exceeding targets. International nurseries developed by OSU and its collaborator, CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico) have generated spring x winter crosses with superior germplasm. These crosses have been evaluated by 96 cooperators in 48 countries. Cooperators in areas with particular wheat production problems are screening additional genetic materials. In addition, wheat screening and selection are being carried out in climatically varying sites in Oregon and Mexico. A new replicated yield trail is enabling LDC"s with only limited breeding programs to make important research contributions. In regard to training of LDC personnel, more than 12 graduate students have been or are being trained in thesis programs alone, compared to a project goal of 10 students in all programs. Regarding linkage, OSU is exchanging genetic stock, experimental lines, and research information with other organizations concerned with winter wheat. A cooperative research agreement has been signed by OSU, other wheat research institutions, and the Government of Turkey, and an exchange agreement was signed with Mexico"s National Institute for Agricultural Research. Limited exchange of germplasm with the People"s Republic of China has begun. OSU staff have participated in eight international meetings, prepared 18 technical papers, and conducted 16 country program reviews. Because of A.I.D."s shrinking research and development resources, the possiblity of transferring project funding management to CIMMYT should be explored. If the project is not transferred, the A.I.D. contract should be extended. Whether or not transfer is effected, close linkages between the project and the new Cereal Grain Support Services and Crop Production and Utilization Technical Assistance projects should be ensured. USAID"s should continue to be kept informed of nursery sites and new cooperators in their countries.