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Maize breeding for alleviating production constraints
in Mozambique
P. Fato,
P. Chauque, D. Mariote, M. Langa & M. Denic
Maize is a principal crop and main staple food in
Mozambique. It is
cultivated on approximately 1.5 million hectares with an average yield
less than 1 t ha-1. Major constraints to maize production
include disease, insect pests, drought and poor soil fertility. Primary
attention is given to breeding for stable yield potential, followed by
resistance to maize streak virus, downy mildew, leaf blights, rusts,
stem and ear rots.
Special attention is given to the breeding for quality protein
maize (QPM), selection for hard grain texture (flintiness), earliness
(drought avoidance), tolerance to drought and efficient use of soil N.
A national maize breeding program was successfully reestablished,
both in terms of program activities and in terms of breeding material.
Intra- and inter-population improvement approaches are being applied.
Maize germplasm from CIMMYT with tolerance to drought and low
soil N was introduced and evaluated and 20 populations are undergoing
evaluation in 11 diverse locations. Three varieties have been selected
for release. Approximately
650 inbred lines with favorable agronomic traits were introduced and
evaluated for local adaption. Six new populations resistant to maize
streak virus and downy mildew and with hard grain texture and QPM
endosperm modification are under multi-location testing throughout the
contry. Seed was also sent to several programs of neighboring countries.
A new QPM variety, Sussuma, was released and two tons of foundation seed
produced. Part of this seed was sent to 16 African countries.
A wide range of maize genotypes was tested by the Mozambiquan
maize breeding program, and collaborative linkages fostered with crop
breeders in other countries.
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