Cuba strengthens maize genetic resource conservation via COBIMAS project

Cuba is strengthening its national capacity to conserve and sustainably utilize maize genetic resources through the COBIMAS project. Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the initiative aims to protect agricultural biodiversity and develop more resilient production systems.

The project provides advanced equipment, such as stereoscopic microscopes, to laboratories at the Alejandro de Humboldt Institute of Tropical Agriculture Research. This technology facilitates the detailed analysis of plant tissues and cells, essential for the management of the national germplasm bank. These efforts directly benefit the UBPC Emilio Hernández in Artemisa, supporting the evaluation and multiplication of genetic materials.

Cuban maize is considered a globally significant resource, containing six distinct varieties—Criollo, Argentino, Tusón, Canilla, Amarillo Reventador, and Dulce—that have adapted to specific tropical microclimates. Experts note that this genetic wealth is among the five most relevant sources worldwide for improving maize in tropical regions, offering vital strategies to combat climate challenges such as drought and pests.