Achievements in Maize Pathology Research

In line with the goals and objectives of Maize Pathology Program; and in a bid to increase maize productivity in Malawi, the Maize pathology project, largely benefiting from funds provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, released 3 new maize varieties that combine disease resistance with hard endosperm (flint and poundability) and high yields. The three varieties namely: Chitedze 8, 4, and 3 (CZR 8, CZR4 and CZR3) were released by the Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee ATCC, in November 2002, after four years of research/evaluation. It is the first time Malawi has produced varieties combining three farmer preferred traits.  Characteristically, the varieties are of medium maturity (130-133 days), flint hybrids that are white in colour, and adapted to a wide ecological niche i.e. low, medium and high altitude ecologies.  In addition, the varieties have good husk cover, good lodging resistance, are medium in height and high flour output, compared with the popularly grown MH 18 variety.  For example CZR 8 (Plate 1) has a potential yield of 10000kg/ha followed by CZR 4 and CZR 3 with 7000kg/ha and 9000kg/ha respectively.

The maize pathology research team has released circulars on how to control maize diseases such as gray leaf spot. The major thrust that has been put in place to enhance technology transfer and utilization, and improve linkage among stakeholders, is the formation of Technology Transfer Committee (T.T.C.s) that organizes special field days for the farmers, school children, and other stakeholders.