Breeding and Research Services publishes 13 standard operating procedures for trialling and nursery

Breeding Resources Initiative,through its Business Process Managementunit, developed 13 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for trialling and nursery (T&N) operations as part of a multi-year Process Management effort that began two years ago. These SOPs standardize T&N processes across CGIAR Centers, promoting consistent quality and making it easier to compare data across trials and crops. We have interviewed Marcela Pineda, Research Coordinator at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, to explain everything you need to know about CGIAR T&N SOPs.

What do the trialling and nursery Standards Operating Procedures cover?

Marcela: The 13 SOPs provide comprehensive guidance on every step of the T&N pipeline-from crossing to shipping. While the core SOPs are shared across all crops and Centers, detailed Work Instructions specify adjustments for particular crops and machinery. These Work Instructions are under development.

For instance, all Centers follow the same SOP for maintenance, with tailored Work Instructions for each piece of equipment.

Why standardize trialling and nursery with SOPs?

Marcela: Standardized SOPs create a foundation for assessing and improving T&N operations. With this framework, Centers can measure progress, identify gaps, and improve resource allocation. While some Centers have automated specific activities, others are in the process of adopting these practices, so it's important that everyone goes in the same direction. SOPs also foster collaboration among agronomists and enable CGIAR Centers, and National Research Institutes to work together, adopting identical T&N practices.

How can CGIAR Center and partner staff access the SOPs?

Marcela: The T&N SOPs are freely accessible to CGIAR and national partner staff through Breeding Resources Initiative Service Request Portal.

How were the SOPs developed?

Marcela: The SOP development followed a rigorous process led by specialized Process Teamsacross CGIAR Centers. Each key stage of the breeding process was mapped out, with SIPOCs (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) for each of these stages. The teams, including crop representatives and core team members from each Center, drafted and reviewed SOPs to ensure broad consensus and applicability.

Developing SOP collegially enhance their relevance, which were developed by a diverse, multidisciplinary team following established quality standards.

Why create CGIAR-specific SOPs?

Marcela: CGIAR operates within a unique research environment, with diverse capacities, stakeholders and setups across regions. These SOPs are tailored for crop breeding research needs. CGIAR's SOPs will be updated annually to ensure they remain relevant and continue to meet stakeholder needs.

What are next steps for implementation?

Marcela: The SOPs are already valuable to partners, who can use them to support funding requests for facility upgrades. CGIAR's investments-such as those from the Crops to End Hunger(CtEH) fund for irrigation and research equipment-are further enhanced by these SOPs, which provide complementary best practices for irrigation, laboratory preparation, planting, sustainability, and digitization.

Training programs, such as the recent CtEH operational training sessions across Africa, align with the SOPs to ensure staff have the skills to perform T&N activities effectively, using the machinery and equipment provided by the project.

This interlinked approach not only supports Centers in identifying capacity gaps but also offers a roadmap for improvements in technical operations.

Implementation champions at each Center lead the rollout, with KPIs in place to measure success.

How can staff get help with SOPs implementation?

Marcela: Breeding Resources Initiative provides comprehensive support for the implementation of SOPs across CGIAR Centers, enabling staff to integrate these guidelines seamlessly into their daily operations.

Through structured training, accessible resources, communicative culture and dedicated assistance, the Business Process Management team ensures that Centers can effectively adopt SOPs while embedding a robust Quality Management System (QMS) into their workflows. To achieve this, we offer:

1. Training and Workshops: These sessions introduce Center staff to the QMS framework, emphasizing the critical role of SOPs in maintaining operational excellence.

1. Online Training Modules: Flexible, remote learning opportunities that allow staff to familiarize themselves with SOPs at their own pace.

1. Centralized Repository: A well-organized platform where all SOP documents, related templates, and step-by-step implementation guides are stored, ensuring easy access for staff across all Centers.

What is CIAT's view?

Marcela: These SOPs provide clear guidance for trialling and nursery operations, enhancing traceability. At CIAT, we have integrated T&N SOPs for seed quality, management, preparation, and planting across various crop systems. In our rice breeding program, for example, the team organized processes into platforms-Crossing, Rapid Generation, Sowing, and Harvest-to streamline their breeding cycle. SOPs for each stage, paired with specialized data management software, have improved data organization and reduced processing times.

Dividing tasks across teams and platforms gives everyone clearer roles and builds confidence in our daily work. Two team members focus on implementing T&N SOPs across CIAT's main crops-cassava, rice, and beans. We are also getting support from Breeding Resources Initiative for implementation.

What would be your concluding words?

Marcela: Standardized processes not only facilitate harmonization across teams but also increase confidence and efficiency. The initiative's work, encompassing clear documentation and adaptable SOPs, promises lasting improvements in the efficiency of breeding operations at CIAT and across CGIAR Centers!

Resources

• Access the Trialling and Nursery SOPs

• How we are professionalizing breeding research management processes

• Inside Genetic Innovation's process management: mapping processes to enhance breeding research services

• Photo reportage: mechanizing crop breeding stations in Africa to drive data accuracy

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Photo credits: The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. We express our gratitude to the CGIAR research funders for their invaluable contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund.

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