Maize streak resistant hybrid, MU03-022, bred in Kenya showing stability in yields

MU03-022 yields are high and stable in absence (above) or presence (below) of maize streak virus disease

Source: Africancrops.net
By Jane Ininda, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) 

Scientists working within the Maize Breeders Network (MBNET) and based at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute have been undertaking plant breeding with the goal of improving farmers’ livelihoods through development and deployment of improved maize varieties.  Every year public and private breeders in Kenya evaluate new crop varieties in National Performance trials conducted in diverse maize growing ecologies of Kenya for adaptation.  During a recently convened National Performance Trial meeting in Nairobi, Kenya (November, 2006), ten (10) improved maize varieties bred by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute were recommended for pre-release or full release (see below for characteristics of each maize variety). This paves way for the process of commercialization and delivery of new technology (new varieties) to farmers by the development organizations and the private sector. 

The varieties released include:

Four Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) were recommended for release in the Dryland areas of Kenya (1200 masl)
Two High Yielding Maize Streak Virus resistant Hybrids were recommended for  pre-release in the Mid -Altitude areas (1600-1800 masl) of Kenya
One Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) with stem borer resistance was released for the Mid- Altitude areas of Kenya (1600-1800 masl)
One Hybrid was pre-released for the High Altitude areas of Kenya (1800-2200 masl)
One Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) for frost prone areas of Kenya (>2400 masl)

The varieties produce higher yields than those currently grown by farmers, are tolerant to drought and also resistant to maize streak virus disease, stem borer damage, and turcicum leaf blight and gray leaf spot.   The varieties are available for commercialization in dryland, mid-altitude and highland ecologies of Kenya. 

The complete description of the Maize Breeders Network (MBNET) is available at http://www.africancrops.net/maizenetwork/index.htm. 
 

Characteristics of maize varieties pre-released and released by KARI, November 2006

Comments about this news article can posted and shared through the Maize Forum of the African Crops Message and Discussion Board or by email to: jininda@mx.todaysonline.com and africancrops@wananchi.com.

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