National and International Wheat Improvement Research in the Post‐Green Revolution Period: Evolution and Impacts

The role of IARC‐generated technology in the global system of spring wheat improvement is examined for the period, 1977–90. Nine of the thirty–eight developing countries that produce spring wheat demonstrate the capacity to develop varieties from their own crosses; the other countries focus on screening CIMMYT germplasm for direct release. Over 40% of spring wheat area is sown to “direct transfer” CIMMYT varieties, indicating that CIMMYT research remains an important complement to NARS research. An ex post rate of return above 50% is estimated for wheat research investments in developing countries, with the highest returns occurring in the South Asia region and in irrigated and high‐rainfall environments. Future returns above 35% are projected.