Wheat researchers set to meet Virtually in October.

The Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) virtual technical workshop was supposed to take place in Norwich, United Kingdom, earlier this year but was postponed due to the pandemic.

The workshop will discuss the big challenges facing global wheat security. It will bring together researchers from Cornell University, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, and the John Innes Centre, alongside presenters from Kenya, India, Ethiopia, Australia, Finland, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

“We are already witnessing the devastation that the global spread of disease can cause. It underscores the continual threat that diseases pose to our most important food crops,” said Mr Ronnie Coffman, vice-chair of the BGRI and a professor in Cornell’s Department of Global Development and School of Integrative Plant Science.

Mr Coffman said that the wheat epidemics could be catastrophic to human health and well-being.

“This workshop is an opportunity for wheat scientists to converge virtually for the practical training and knowledge-sharing on fighting the numerous challenges,” he said.

Some of the topics for discussion include breeding technologies, disease surveillance, molecular host-pathogen interaction, disease resistance, and gene stewardship.

Dr Maricelis Acevedo, associate director for science for the Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat (DGGW) project and researcher in Cornell’s Department of Global Development, said: “The BGRI has been at the forefront of developing the next generation of ‘wheat warriors’, especially in strengthening the technical and professional skills of women and men scientists from developing countries.”

He said they were taking a global approach to help reduce the threat of diseases that can overwhelm wheat fields.

“Issues related to improving world food security, especially in the face of climate change, can only be addressed by a diverse and united global community.”

The BGRI receives funding through the DGGW project supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UK Aid, an initiative of the British Government.

Wheat researchers are getting ready for a virtual conference to be held from 7th  to 9th October 2020.

The Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) virtual technical workshop was supposed to take place in Norwich, United Kingdom, earlier this year but was postponed due to the pandemic.

The workshop will discuss the big challenges facing global wheat security. It will bring together researchers from Cornell University, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, and the John Innes Centre, alongside presenters from Kenya, India, Ethiopia, Australia, Finland, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

“We are already witnessing the devastation that the global spread of disease can cause. It underscores the continual threat that diseases pose to our most important food crops,” said Mr Ronnie Coffman, vice-chair of the BGRI and a professor in Cornell’s Department of Global Development and School of Integrative Plant Science.

Mr Coffman said that the wheat epidemics could be catastrophic to human health and well-being.

“This workshop is an opportunity for wheat scientists to converge virtually for the practical training and knowledge-sharing on fighting the numerous challenges,” he said.

Some of the topics for discussion include breeding technologies, disease surveillance, molecular host-pathogen interaction, disease resistance, and gene stewardship.

Dr Maricelis Acevedo, associate director for science for the Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat (DGGW) project and researcher in Cornell’s Department of Global Development, said: “The BGRI has been at the forefront of developing the next generation of ‘wheat warriors’, especially in strengthening the technical and professional skills of women and men scientists from developing countries.”

He said they were taking a global approach to help reduce the threat of diseases that can overwhelm wheat fields.

“Issues related to improving world food security, especially in the face of climate change, can only be addressed by a diverse and united global community.”

The BGRI receives funding through the DGGW project supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UK Aid, an initiative of the British Government.

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