National Project Coordinators of the RAS/5/045 expressed a keen desire, at the Project Planning Meeting which was held in Kuala Lumpur 25-29th June 2007, for the project to offer training in molecular biology techniques for screening mutant populations for desirable traits in regard to protein and starch quality.

The Regional Training Course of the RAS5/045, entitled “Mutation breeding for enhanced cereal starch and protein properties” was held in Lismore, Australia, 23rd-27th March 2009 provided training in topics from theoretical background, to basic techniques that can be used in relatively unsophisticated laboratories, and through to the most modern advanced techniques of mutant detection and screening. Whilst the methods taught related particularly to grain crops, they also have broad application in plant mutation breeding in a range of crops.

A field excursion to inspect methods in tropical and subtropical crop research stations, and also to see Australian sugarcane production and processing methods, provided participants a break from the hard work in the lecture room and laboratory.