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Ngaboyisonga C1*, Suresh LM2, Nizeyimana F3, Gafishi MK1, Mbarushimana JD1
1Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), P.O. Box 5016 Kigali, Rwanda
2International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), PO Box 1041 Nairobi, Village Market-00621, Nairobi, Kenya
3Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), P.O. Box 1269 Kigali, Rwanda
Abstract
Maize is a leading crop in Rwandan agriculture, but its production is threatened by the outbreaks of
Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) virus disease. The establishment of MLN artificial inoculation facility in the region
where Rwanda is located has facilitated the developing MLN resistant maize genotypes. The objective of this study was to
identify maize MLN resistant varieties that are high yielding and stable across environments, and to integrate them with
other disease management strategies in Rwanda. Forty-one maize varieties were screened through MLN artificial inoculation
facility in Naivasha, Kenya. Then, 24 of them were evaluated under natural inoculation in Karama research station, Rwanda.
Twelve potential maize varieties were investigated for genotype by environment interaction in four sites at mid-altitudes
in Rwanda, including Cyabayaga Karama and Bugarama, over two consecutive seasons. The study identified three maize MLN moderately
resistant varieties; RHM1402, RHM1407, and RHM1409 that are high yielding and stable across environments. MLN was found to
increase the incidence of ear rot, hence, raising the risks of infection with harmful mycotoxins such as aflatoxins. In order to
manage the MLN disease in Rwanda, it has been advocated that the identified varieties be made available to farmers and integrated
with other methods of control.
Keywords: AMMI, AUDPC, Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, Maize Lethal Necrosis, Sugar Cane Mosaic Virus, Variety × Environment Interaction
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* - Corresponding Author
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