“Hidden hunger” is a serious problem affecting over 2000 million people in developing countries. In Peru, it has increased from 17.7 to 19.6, between 2021 and 2022. This problem is caused by deficiencies in micronutrients and vitamins in humans. Crop biofortification for zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and provitamin A (ProA) has emerged as an initiative to help solve this problem using conventional breeding (no transgenics). Research in Peru shows the feasibility of promoting biofortified maize with high Zn, high ProA and also high grain yield potential. For purple maize, which contains anthocyanins, a chemical with beneficial effects for humans, studies on varietal adaptation and anthocyanins content are being conducted in Peru. Preliminary results show clear differences among varieties for grain yield potential and high anthocyanin content in the cob, husk, and grain. Purple maize production has increased fourfold in the last twenty years due to increased local consumption and exports. However, its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is minimal, less than 1 %. Consequently, this presents a big challenge and an opportunity for research and technology development to increase maize production and link purple maize producers with global consumers. For quality protein maize, available hybrids with high grain yield potential and wide adaptation must be promoted in Peru.

Más de 2000 millones de personas en el mundo padecen “hambre oculta” por insuficiencia de minerales y/o vitaminas en la dieta diaria. La situación del hambre en Perú pasó de 17.7 a 19.6 puntos de 2021 a 2022. La biofortificación de cultivos surgió como una iniciativa para ayudar a solucionar este problema mediante la producción de plantas con mayor contenido de zinc (Zn), hierro (Fe) y provitamina A (ProA) en el grano utilizando métodos de mejoramiento convencional (no transgénicos). Los resultados obtenidos en el Perú nos muestran que existen híbridos de maíz biofortificado, con alto contenido de Zn y ProA, y con muy buen potencial de rendimiento. Para el caso del maíz morado, con alto contenido de antocianinas, un fitoquímico que tiene efectos beneficiosos para la salud de las personas, se está estudiando la adaptación de las variedades en todo el país tanto para el rendimiento del grano como para el contenido de antocianinas. Resultados preliminares indican que hay claras diferencias entre variedades para rendimiento y contenido de antocianina en la coronta, brácteas y grano. La producción de maíz morado se ha cuadruplicado en los últimos 20 años por un mayor consumo interno y por el incremento en las exportaciones. Sin embargo, su contribución al Producto Bruto Interno (PBI) es muy baja: menor al 1 %; lo que es un reto y una oportunidad para desarrollar y transferir tecnología que incremente la producción y vincule al productor de maíz morado con el consumidor. En el caso de maíz de alta calidad de proteína (QPM), se ha liberado en el Perú un híbrido simple (QPM) de color amarillo intenso, con alto potencial de rendimiento y amplia adaptación.

Grapevines face the dual challenge of sustaining yield and fruit quality under arid and increasingly variable environmental conditions. This study characterized the phenotypic variability and multi-year stability of 49 grapevine (Vitis spp.) accessions conserved in the Chincha germplasm bank over three consecutive growing seasons, with the aim of identifying promising material for table grape, pisco (a traditional grape-based distilled spirit from Peru), and wine production. Morphological traits (cluster weight, berry weight and dimensions), colorimetric parameters (CIELAB), and physicochemical attributes (moisture, dry matter, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturity index, and reducing sugars) were evaluated. Multivariate analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering), genotype × environment interaction models (AMMI and GGE), stability indices (ASV and WAASBY), and assessments of interannual stability were applied, together with a multi-criteria selection index tailored to the intended end use. The results revealed two contrasting phenotypic profiles: one characterized by high berry volume/weight and elevated water content and another with smaller berries but higher dry matter, sugars, balanced acidity, and superior maturity indices. Genotypic effects were predominant for size-related traits such as berry weight, whereas titratable acidity and reducing sugars exhibited a more pronounced genotype × year interaction, supporting the use of AMMI models and the WAASBY index to select genotypes that are both productive and stable. The ranking identified accessions PER1002061, PER1002062, and PER1002168 as outstanding candidates for table grape production; PER1002076, PER1002097, and PER1002156 for pisco; and PER1002122, PER1002131, PER1002135, and PER1002098 as accessions with high oenological potential. Overall, these findings highlight the value and diversity of Peruvian grapevine germplasm and provide a foundation for breeding programs targeting varieties adapted to specific market niches, including table grape, wine, and pisco.