The Maize Research Institute (MRI) – Knezha traces its origins back to 1924. · With Order No. 4054 of October 25, 1924, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and State Properties, an Experimental Field in Knezha was established. The Institute was officially created by Decree No. 77 on December 3, 1925, signed by His Majesty Tsar Boris III. In 1931, the Experimental Field merged with the seed production farm of the Practical Agricultural School in Knezha, forming the State Agricultural Experimental Station. Research Development From 1946 to 1950, research activities expanded into two main areas: "Agrotechnics" and "Breeding", focusing on multiple crops, including maize, wheat, sunflower, barley, oats, legumes, and others. In 1950, by a decision of the Ministry of Agriculture, the station was reorganized into the Institute of Agrotechnics. In 1954, it merged with the Livestock Research Station, forming the Agricultural Research Institute, later renamed the Complex Agricultural Scientific Institute (CASI). Maize Breeding Milestones Maize improvement efforts began in 1926, leading to the creation of the first varieties: "White Pearl Maize", "Improved Local Yellow – 1857" In 1951, interline hybridization was introduced. In 1962, CASI was transformed into the Maize Research Institute – Knezha. The breeding programs incorporated global maize gene pools and advancements in maize genetics, enabling the rapid development, certification, and regional adaptation of new hybrid varieties. Institutional Affiliations In 1982, MRI became a member of the Agricultural Academy. In 2000, it joined the National Center for Agricultural Sciences (NCAS). In 2007, following amendments to the NCAS Law, structural units were reorganized into Regional Agro-Technoparks, with MRI-Knezha joining the North-Central Regional Agro-Technopark. In 2008, the Maize Research Institute became part of the Agricultural Academy – Sofia. Breeding Achievements (1962–2025) A total of 115 maize hybrids were developed and certified. In the 2018 National Variety List of the Republic of Bulgaria, 23 hybrids, 29 lines, and 4 special hybrids from MRI were included. · The Patent Office of Bulgaria maintains certificates for 43 maize hybrids and lines. Genetic Resources MRI-Knezha maintains a working plant gene pool collection of 2,246 samples, including: 1,700 inbred lines (domestic and foreign) 182 local landraces 364 synthetic populations