The China-CIMMYT high-level wheat symposium was held in late March in Mexico, bringing together dozens of experts from China and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to discuss innovations in wheat breeding and sustainable agriculture.

The symposium was a key event during the annual CIMMYT visitors' week at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, highlighting the role of scientific collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges.

The event underscored the longstanding partnership between China and CIMMYT since 1974. Sarah Hearne, CIMMYT's chief science and innovation officer, praised China's contributions to agricultural science and emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration.

"CIMMYT values its partnership with China and looks forward to leveraging China's strengths in breeding technology, biotechnology and smart agriculture to benefit more developing countries," she said.

Discussions focused on cutting-edge topics such as germplasm innovation, molecular breeding and quality improvement. Chinese experts shared insights into collaborative achievements over the past 50 years, including the development of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties and advanced phenotyping techniques.

These efforts are crucial for adapting agricultural practices to diverse ecological conditions, particularly in Africa and South Asia.

Zhou Wenbin, head of the Institute of Crop Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said the collaboration between China and CIMMYT has significantly advanced wheat breeding and talent development in China, while providing technological support for global wheat sustainability.

He emphasized CIMMYT's role as a bridge connecting China with developing countries, fostering a model of international cooperation that integrates technology development and dissemination.

The event also showcased the latest advances in wheat breeding, including varieties developed using molecular markers and genomic selection. These innovations are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as drought and heat, ensuring stable yields.