IOFS and Zhetysu University host the 2nd Central Asian Workshop on Genetics and Genomics

The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) has partnered with Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, to co-host the “2nd Central Asian Workshop on Wheat Genetics and Genomics” on June 24-25, 2024 dedicated for plant breeders and geneticists.

It should be underlined that Zhetysu University is a multidisciplinary institution in Kazakhstan, is committed to academic excellence and research, aiming to provide quality education and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. The university works towards innovation and technologies through international collaboration, featuring specialized departments such as the Department of Science and Commercialization, and of International Relations and the Scientific Research Institute of Biotechnology and Ecology that comprised of four laboratories including the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Genomics which provided its platform for the workshop. The workshop aims to develop resilient and high-quality wheat varieties, enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Central Asia. Topics include pre-breeding for resilient crops, wheat varietal improvement, hybrid wheat, speed breeding, molecular breeding, and KASP genotyping. Participants representing seven Kazakhstani research institutes and universities interacted with international experts from Pakistan and Turkiye, including the IOFS Director, a renowned wheat breeder.

Additionally, Zhetysu University received climate-resilient wheat seeds from Pakistani universities in February 2024. These germplasms were planted in three locations across Kazakhstan to evaluate their performance. A field visit will be organized in Almaty to assess the new varieties.