The use of doubled haploid (DH) technology and release of second generation tropicalized haploid inducers by CIMMYT have allowed breeders to greatly reduce the time and cost associated with the development of improved maize lines. DH lines have reduced the time it takes to develop inbred lines from 3-4 years to just one year. Over 93,0000 DH lines were developed from 455 populations and delivered by CIMMYT in 2017 to maize breeding programs in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

The second generation tropicalized haploid inducers (CIM2GTAILs) released in 2017 have a haploid induction rate (HIR) that is over 40% higher than the first-generation tropical inducers released by CIMMYT in 2012. The CIM2GTAILS were developed by CIMMYT using marker assisted selection (MAS). CIM2GTAILs are also superior in terms of agronomic performance. These improvements reduce DH development costs by at least 30%.

The second generation inducers are already used for large-scale haploid inductions in CIMMYT DH facilities. MAIZE received 20 requests for 2GTAILS from public and private sector partners in 2017. In addition, 29 researchers were trained in various technologies that can enhance genetic gains in maize breeding, including DH.