From August 29th to September 2nd, Dr. Thanda Dhliwayo, the maize expert from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), was invited to visit HAAFS. Dr. Dhliwayo gave a report titled "Utilizing temperate germplasm that has been protected by plant varieties as a key resource for developing high yield, short season, tropical and subtropical maize hybrids". The report systematically introduced CIMMYT's practice of using temperate maize germplasm to improve tropical inbred lines, that is by introducing Ex PVP and other germplasm into CIMMYT's tropical germplasm, the yield was improved, the growth period was shortened, and the distance of hybrid vigor group practice was expanded. After the report, discussion on how to use tropical maize to improve temperate germplasm, how to maintain the resistance of tropical resources during the improvement process, and the application of whole genome in CIMMYT breeding were conducted.

Meanwhile, Dr. Thanda paid a visit to the tropical germplasm resource identification nursery located at the experimental station of the Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops. After listening to the introduction on molecular assisted breeding and important trait localization in maize, as well as the field planting and phenotype investigation of tropical maize inbred lines introduced from CIMMYT, Dr. Dhliwayo compared and analyzed the performance differences of these tropical maize germplasms in Mexico and the Huang-Huai-Hai region, pointed out the advantages and disadvantages, and proposed using temperate germplasms for two backcrosses and strict screening to obtain improved germplasms that suitable for the local environment.

The visit has strengthened the connection between HAAFS and top international research institutions, clarified the methods and routes for improving maize temperate germplasm with tropical germplasm, and laid the foundation for future in-depth cooperation and improvement of temperate germplasm between the two sides.

（Source from www.hebnky.com）