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IITA
Striga resistant maize germplasm announcement
S. hermonthica
is an obligate out-crossing species with diverse morphological forms.
Breeding maize for polygenic resistance has, therefore, been the focal
point of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to
develop germplasm with durable resistance to many populations of S.
hermonthica. Such maize germplasm can also be less vulnerable to
genetic changes in the parasite. IITA identified diverse sources of
resistance to S. hermontica of varying maturity and kernel
color and improved them through recurrent selection under artificial
and uniform infestation. Open pollinated varieties, inbred lines and
hybrids have been developed form improved cycles of selections of
these populations. These materials are also resistant to the maize
streak virus, Southern corn leaf blight, Southern corn rust and
Culvularia leaf with adaptation to the lowlands. IITA
has distributed Striga resistant maize germplasm to the
NARS in and outside of West and Central Africa. (WCA). On-farm trials
of Striga-resistant maize varieties and other methods for
integrated control are currently pursued by NARS in many countries of
WCA with the support from a regional maize network (WECAMAN) through
funding from USAID and IFAD as well as through the Korean-funded AU/SAFGRAD
project. These activities have promoted the adoption of Striga
resistant varieties in rotation with legume cultivars selected for
efficacy in causing higher levels of suicidal germination of S.
hermonthica. Some of the Striga resistant varieties are
already in the hands of farmers in Nigeria and Benin Republic. This
year we have organized trials consisting of extra-early-, early-,
intermediate- and late-matuirng Striga resistant varieties,
inbred lines and hybrids for distribution to interested NARS, private
seed companies and other organizations. Please forward your trial
requests to IITA. The list of trials can be accessed in
www.africancrops .net.
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