Reaction of New Quality Protein Maize Genotypes toStriga asiatica

Abstract

Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze, an obligate hemiparasite, can cause grain yield loss of 20 to 80% in cereal crops such as maize (Zea mays L.). In Sub‐Saharan Africa, maize breeding programs have focused on productivity of normal endosperm maize under Striga infestation while neglecting quality protein maize (QPM). This study aimed at determining levels of resistance or tolerance of eight new QPM genotypes and four non‐QPM checks to Striga asiatica in the field, pot, and agar gel experiments. Under field conditions, genotypes were evaluated in three different Striga‐endemic locations during the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 cropping seasons using a four‐by‐three α‐lattice design with three replications. In the pot experiment, genotypes were arranged in 12 × 2 factorial treatments in a six‐by‐four α‐lattice design replicated four times. In the agar gel experiment, genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. In the field experiment, genotype × environment interaction was significant (p < 0.001) for grain yield, and MQ623, SC643, SC527, and SC535 were high yielding and more stable than non‐QPM genotypes. In the pot experiment, these genotypes also exhibited desirable Striga tolerance, whereas variation was significant (p < 0.05) for Striga treatments and genotype main effects, as well as for Striga × genotype interaction for root biomass and root/shoot biomass ratio. Five QPM genotypes (MH1416, MQ623, SC643, SC527, and SC535) produced higher and more stable grain yields than most of the non‐QPM checks in Striga‐infested fields. These genotypes provided alternative QPM sources that can perform relatively well in Striga‐endemic areas.

Prospects of quality protein maize as feed for indigenous chickens in Zimbabwe: A review

“…To date in Zimbabwe, very excellent varieties of QPM like Mama (MQ623) from Mukushi seeds, SC643 from SeedCo and ZS261 from ARDA Seeds have been developed (Nyakurwa et al, 2017). These QPM varieties have been found to yield the same or 10-25% higher than the non-QPM varieties under the same agronomic conditions (Setimela et al, 2017;Nyakurwa et al, 2018). It is against this background that the impetus to strengthen the utilisation of QPM arises.…”

“…Majority of farmers are not aware of its existence or benefits (Machida et al, 2014). According to Nyakurwa et al (2018), commercial QPM seed is currently available in 17 countries in SSA, yet only 200,000 hectares of land are under QPM cultivation in the region. There is need to facilitate the adoption of QPM through information dissemination.…”

Genetic basis and the current breeding efforts for quality protein maize in Southern Africa

“…Current breeding efforts and future directions. Much effort has been invested in the research and breeding of QPM genotypes, and a number of QPM hybrids is on the market (Table 1), thus resulting in improved QPM Nyakurwa et al (2018) production across Africa (Table 2). However, limited information available on how QPM genotypes respond to various stress conditions that include drought, heat stress, low nitrogen, low phosphorus, and high disease pressure (Table 3).…”

“…Uptake pathways of quality protein maize. QPM production is mainly promoted in maize dependent communities such as these in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (Nyakurwa et al, 2018). Different models are being used for the uptake of QPM and these include; awareness campaigns, food festivals and feeding demonstrations/trials.…”

“…Non-governmental organisations are also playing pivotal roles in the uptake of QPM genotypes. For instance, in Zimbabwe, a Germany organisation known as Welthungerhilfe has been making tremendous efforts to promote QPM genotypes in the rural communities in Gokwe South District, which is one district with high prevalence rates of poverty and malnutrition in Zimbabwe (Nyakurwa et al, 2017(Nyakurwa et al, , 2018. Furthermore, in Malawi and Zambia, there is Harvest Plus organisation which is also promoting QPM and pro-vitamin A maize adoption through on-farm participatory trials.…”