Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems for African Crops
Seed Systems Research
Abstracts from the Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems
Conference
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Germplasm
exchange and seed multiplication of cassava in Kenya challenges and
opportunities H.M. Obiero, P.J. Ndolo, M.S. Akhwale & K.
Orondo Over
60% of cassava the production occurs in western Kenya. Farmers grow a
wide range of traditional varieties while introductions from IITA are
also grown. The popular varieties are: Tereka, Adhiambo lera, Tamisi,
Serere and Kibandameno. Constraints
to cassava production are biotic, abiotic and socio economic. In 1995, a
virulent form of African cassava mosaic disease, termed Ugv, devastated
all the cassava crops in Western Kenya. We have introduced a large
number of cassava clones first screened at Serere, Uganda. The germplasm
is evaluated for resistance to CMD, cassava bacterial blight,
anthracnose and cassava green mite. The clones are also evaluated for
cyanide potential, yield, adaptability and acceptability. Released
clones are rapidly multiplied under a three-tier system (primary,
secondary and tertiary). Two varieties, SS4 and Migyera, were released
in 1998 and primary sites have bulked and distributed over 24 million
mini-stems in the region. Extension agencies and farmers have been
trained in rapid multiplication techniques, processing and utilization.
Challenges facing cassava production include: development of
early-bulking maturing varieties, more rapid multiplication, development
of varieties with longer post-harvest storage capacity, and development
of varities with better local adaptation. |
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