Enabling shared service for the global CGIAR- NARES Breeding Networks through CGIAR-BRS Lab Services

Excellence in Breeding (EiB), a pivotal cross-cutting platform within CGIAR, is dedicated to revolutionizing breeding programs in the developing world, with a profound commitment to enhancing food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development. EiB stands at the forefront, offering shared genotyping services, cutting-edge analytical tools, and decision support systems that transcend CGIAR centers and extend support to numerous national agricultural research systems (NARES) in resource-constrained regions. As an integral component of the unified One-CGIAR vision, building on the existing EiB genotyping shared services, the innovative "Breeding Resources Initiative" is poised to further elevate breeding modernization by expanding and customizing centralized genotyping services, attuned to the dynamic requirements of CGIAR-NARES collaborative breeding networks. Underpinning this initiative is the expansion and refinement of shared genotyping and sequencing services, reinforcing the capabilities of partners. This evolution includes novel service offerings, such as low-density SNP genotyping through the KASP platform, ideal for applications necessitating fewer than 50 markers. Additionally, mid-density targeted sequencing, encompassing 1-4K markers, is designed to empower genomic selection and fingerprinting. A ground-breaking reference genome service offers complete, fully assembled platinum reference genomes with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, serving as a one-stop resource for breeders. Complementing these genomic services, lab services extend to biochemical quality and nutritional analysis, incorporating nondestructive NIR (Near Infrared) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) services, as well as ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) services. Crucially, the initiative fosters a collaborative environment where the latest molecular advancements across the global breeding community converge onto a shared platform. By reducing genotyping costs, this initiative equips CGIAR, NARS, and other public sector breeders with the tools necessary for marker-based selection, seamlessly integrating forward breeding and routine quality control measures into the breeding pipeline. This strategic move expedites the delivery of enhanced breeding products to farmers worldwide, marking a transformative step towards sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and the empowerment of global agricultural communities.