NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL WHEAT IMPROVEMENT RESEARCH IN THE POST-GREEN REVOLUTION PERIOD - EVOLUTION AND IMPACTS

The role of IARC-generated technology in the global system of spring wheat improvement is examined for the period, 1977-90. Nine of the thirty-eight developing countries that produce spring wheat demonstrate the capacity to develop varieties from their own crosses; the other countries focus on screening CIMMYT germplasm for direct release. Over 40% of spring wheat area is sown to ''direct transfer'' CIMMYT varieties, indicating that CIMMYT research remains an important complement to NARS research. An ex post rate of return above 50% is estimated for wheat research investments in developing countries, with the highest returns occurring in the South Asia region and in irrigated and high-rainfall environments. Future returns above 35% are projected.