Fighting the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) Virus

ASARECA coordinated the fight against MLN in seven countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda). In collaboration with CIMMYT, ASARECA supported these countries to adopt integrated and multi-pronged control strategies, including development and use of appropriate management practices, breeding and germplasm development. The practices included the use of clean and certified seed as well as crop rotation and control of different vectors using different chemical products. Key activities undertaken in Ethiopia included: Generation of information on population dynamics, incidence, survival and migration characteristics; conducting efficacy trials on new and locally available insecticides; studies on insecticide resistance to Fall Army Worm (FAW); and development and popularization of guidelines on insecticide resistance management. Out of the 71 commercial seed samples sent for screening at CIMMYT in Naivasha, Kenya, MLN was detected in 4 out of 26,400 seeds, thus setting the stage for management of MLN in Ethiopia.

High yielding maize varieties

ASARECA supported Ethiopian scientists to introduce high yielding highland maize varieties with grain yields of 9 t/ha (compared to 2.3 t/ha of predominant lowland varieties). Three hybrids (AMH800, AMH850 and AMH851) were released, including one open-pollinated variety (Hora) for the highland zones. Some of the new varieties, including the four hybrids, have a potential yield of 12 t/ha, which is at par with global standards