2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To gather a critical mass of world specialists to carry out both independently commissioned and jointly collaborative research activities on wheat blast, focusing on the development of novel management strategies for the wheat blast disease to reduce its negative impact on wheat production. To provide a framework for researchers around the world to facilitate the exchange of ideas, know-how, and biological materials (germplasm and microbial isolates), the exchange and development of detection and evaluation techniques and methods, control methods, and evaluation of strategies for control, among other things, of the wheat blast disease. Under this Agreement an umbrella framework for the elaboration and development of specific Collaborative Projects between two or more Partners to the WBC and between one or more Partners of the WBC and third parties following the principles and the criteria stated in this Consortium Agreement. The WBC will promote and support the training and exchange of scientific staff among the WBC Partners; support grant and donor applications by the Partners or to submit proposals for funding if they are consistent with stated WBC Areas of Interest. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Many countries, including the United States, have established biodiversity regulations that restrict the exchange of pathogen isolates, DNA and DNA sequences, and germplasm outside of their countries without the complicated and lengthy process of establishing separate agreements with numerous individual cooperators in different countries. This will enhance existing USDA project plans for screening U.S. wheat germplasm for disease resistance to diverse isolates of the pathogen in South America, development of accurate diagnostic methods, and provide the basic biological information needed to develop a disease management strategy. 3.Progress Report: The International Wheat Blast Consortium (WBC) was finalized and signed by all 14 members in October 2011. Members include, ARS, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Paraguayan Chamber of Exporters and Traders of Cereals and oilseeds (CAPECO) Argentine National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Bolivian Center for Agricultural Research (CIAT), Uruguayan National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), Dept of Crop Sciences, University of Gotiingen, Germany, Dept of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University, French Center for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD), French National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA), Netherlands Foundation Agricultural Research Service, Research Institutes, Applied Plant / Plant Research International (DLO, PPO/PRI) and RWTH Aachen University, Germany (AACHEN UNIV). The function of the WBC is to overcome barriers to the exchange of fungal isolates, germplasm, information and research priorities among concerned countries.