Technical inspection and review of research programmes at the Maize Research Centre, Rajendranagar by Dr. P. Raghu Rami Reddy, Director of Research, PJTSAU

On 29th August, 2024, Dr. P. Raghu Rami Reddy, Director of Research, PJTSAU conducted a technical inspection and review of the research programmes at the Maize Research Centre, Rajendranagar. Dr. Reddy examined the breeding experimental trials, hybrids in advance stage of testing, inbred lines registered with NBPGR and other promising lines. He recommended that the hybrid development programme be structured to ensure nomination of 2-3 hybrids annually to AICRP trials as part of a regular process. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of developing hybrids with strong yield potential of inbred parents, ther perfect synchrony, ensuring no issues for seed-producing farmers, leading to profitable outcomes. He recommended that inbred lines be evaluated across both seasons to observe flowering plasticity, suggesting that future programmes include this type of study. He also proposed the development of specialty corn hybrids with high yield potential and quality traits. Dr. Reddy also engaged with Ph.D. students, advising them to include at least one objective focused on basic science research in their programmes. He highlighted that such an approach could lead to quality publications and provide students with exposure to advanced fields. Later, he inaugurated the drip irrigation facility for the entomology and pathology blocks (covering 3.0 acres), which was established with the funds from the AICRP programme. During his inspection of the entomology experimental fields, he advised promoting the results of the experiment on “intercropping interventions for management of FAW in maize” under natural or organic farming practices. In his review of maize agronomy experiments, Dr. Reddy emphasized the importance of considering current farmer practices in land configuration studies to facilitate targeted improvements. He urged all scientists to generate quality publications by collecting robust data and leveraging postgraduate research and that the funds for PG research would be allocated based on the significance of laboratory studies, with the funds to be released shortly. He congratulated all the scientists of MRC, for development of good number of hybrids in advance stage of testing in AICRP trials, producing quality publications and seed production activity.