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Present-day crop plants were domesticated from wild progenitors and selected from a primitive genepool. The former's usefulness in modern plant breeding depends on their cytogenetic affinity and barriers to hybridization, the amount of available germplasm for evaluation, and the presence of desirable traits, and also on whether repeated backcrossing is needed to eliminate undersirable characteristics introduced from the wild or primitive parent.

This workshop over a period of four days will review progress toward evaluation and utilization of wild relatives of wheat and its primitive forms, identify areas of research where emphasis needs to be placed, and indicate possible imbalances between theoretical and taxonomic studies and experimental verification.

The program: The Workshop will bring together scientists from diverse disciplines, such as germplasm collectors, genebank personnel, cytogneticists, biochemists, stress physiologists, pathologists, etc. to exchange ideas and information about the status of wild relatives and primitive forms and their usefulness in wheat improvement. Emphasis will be on methods of evaluating genetic variability and recognizing desirable genes, studies in crossability of wild germplasm with cultivated wheat, as well as biotechnological advances in overcoming barriers to crossing and difficulties in chromosome pairing. It will feature invited and contributed papers in all areas of research and particularly in: Taxonomy, Germplasm evaluation, Disease resistance, Tolerance to salinity, Grain quality of primitive forms. Utilization of germplasm, Constraints to use of wild relatives, Use of biotechnology, Development of networks.

Invited papers will be sought from scientists who have achieved international recognition for their work in areas of interest to the Workshop.

A program of activities for persons accompanying Workshop delegates will be prepared if there is sufficient interest. A tour of the ancient and historic city of Aleppo will be arranged.

Proceedings: Proceedings of the Workshop will be published in English.

Location: The Workshop will be held at Tel Hadya, ICARDA's principal research station, located 37km south of Aleppo.

Accommodation: Rooms at specially discounted rates will be available at a Hotel (4-star). Average temperature during October is 22-25C. Light rain is possible for a short period.

For further information and registration (no fee), please contact:
Dr. A. B. Damania
Genetic Resources Unit,
ICARDA, P. 0. Box 5466,
Aleppo, Sylia
Telex: 331206, 331208, 331263 ICARDA SY. Fax: (963-21) 225105 or 213490

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