• Latest
About 70 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa consider maize to be a staple food, making it a significant cereal crop there. Photo: Pixabay

Helping Kenyan farmers to weed out maize disease

25 Jul 2022
Seeds of change: Eritrea’s updated seed policy paves the way for improved food security and a brighter future for its people. Photo: Supplied

Eritrea revamps seed policy to boost food security

21 Mar 2023
From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

21 Mar 2023
Zimbabwe takes stock of its achievements against targets to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture, leaving no one behind. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Zim includes biodiversity into agricultural practices

17 Mar 2023
With power cuts in South Africa threatening food security, infrastructure, and communication networks, experts have called for increased private sector investment in renewable energy projects. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Power cuts: Private sector urged to go green

14 Mar 2023
Small-scale fishers and fish processors make up a large share of the workers in Tanzania’s sardine, sprat and perch fisheries on its Lake Tanganyika. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Tanzania’s women fish processors face new future

13 Mar 2023
AfCFTA: Many women producers, processors and traders in the agri-food sector in Africa face challenges when working in the informal sector, complying with legal requirements, and accessing market information, training, and finance, among other issues. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Women in agri-food sector leverage off AfCFTA

13 Mar 2023
The World Bank has released a report calling on the Central African Republic to prioritize reforms and investment in its agriculture sector to improve economic growth and reduce poverty. Photo: Supplied/Ricci Shryock/AFD/WFP

‘Transform agri for growth in CAR’ – World Bank

12 Mar 2023
Rainfall as a fundamental factor in agriculture is highly heterogeneous and unpredictable, and sadly its occurrence is beyond human control in as much as it is required in moderate amounts, argues agronomist Hamond Motsi. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Excessive rainfall threatens crop yields in Zim

9 Mar 2023
Farmer Nima Elmassad, from Sudan’s Um Naam Um village, says climate change has devastated her fields. Photo: UNEP/Lisa Murray

Sudan’s water crisis: Women fight back

3 Mar 2023
Farmers from Uganda’s Nakasongola district are seeking parliament’s intervention in a case where they say the National Forest Authority has blocked them from accessing nine public water dams. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Ugandan farmers cry foul over water access

3 Mar 2023
In line with the Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Partnership, the collaboration will support small holder farmers with high-quality starting materials to drive food security and sustainable sources of income. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Advanced potato genetics introduced in Ethiopia

1 Mar 2023
Zinc in a well-managed fertiliser programme boosts crop production. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Zinc fertilizer can aid food security in Africa

27 Feb 2023
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP!
Tue, Mar 21, 2023
No Result
View All Result
Food For Afrika
  • Home
  • Agri News
    • All
    • Agri Politics
    • Business
    • Development
    • Markets
    • Trade
    Seeds of change: Eritrea’s updated seed policy paves the way for improved food security and a brighter future for its people. Photo: Supplied

    Eritrea revamps seed policy to boost food security

    From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

    Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

    Zimbabwe takes stock of its achievements against targets to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture, leaving no one behind. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Zim includes biodiversity into agricultural practices

    With power cuts in South Africa threatening food security, infrastructure, and communication networks, experts have called for increased private sector investment in renewable energy projects. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Power cuts: Private sector urged to go green

    Small-scale fishers and fish processors make up a large share of the workers in Tanzania’s sardine, sprat and perch fisheries on its Lake Tanganyika. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Tanzania’s women fish processors face new future

    AfCFTA: Many women producers, processors and traders in the agri-food sector in Africa face challenges when working in the informal sector, complying with legal requirements, and accessing market information, training, and finance, among other issues. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Women in agri-food sector leverage off AfCFTA

    The World Bank has released a report calling on the Central African Republic to prioritize reforms and investment in its agriculture sector to improve economic growth and reduce poverty. Photo: Supplied/Ricci Shryock/AFD/WFP

    ‘Transform agri for growth in CAR’ – World Bank

    Rainfall as a fundamental factor in agriculture is highly heterogeneous and unpredictable, and sadly its occurrence is beyond human control in as much as it is required in moderate amounts, argues agronomist Hamond Motsi. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Excessive rainfall threatens crop yields in Zim

    Farmer Nima Elmassad, from Sudan’s Um Naam Um village, says climate change has devastated her fields. Photo: UNEP/Lisa Murray

    Sudan’s water crisis: Women fight back

  • Changemakers
    • All
    • Agribusiness
    • Agripreneurs
    • Farmers
    • Innovation
    From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

    Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

    Namibia's Popular Democratic Movement party has tabled a motion of insurance for farmers, that will compensate for the loss of livestock due to conflict with wildlife. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Computer model to ease farmer-wildlife conflict

    It started with a handful of trees on her family farm. Today Wezi Mzumara is breaking new ground as a woman chocolate maker in Malawi. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Meet Malawian chocolate maker Wezi Mzumara

    Nature-based biopesticides are now offering a safer alternative to locust control. ©FAO/Ismail Taxta/Arete

    Locusts: How Somalia became biopesticides leader

    The award-winning Nigerian farmer Samson Ogbole, who did not initially want to be a farmer, incorporates technology, science and agriculture to end hunger.

    Meet ‘Farmer Samson’, biochemist and soilless farmer

    What started as an informal Facebook group has become a vibrant online market community in East Africa called Mkulima Young.

    East Africa’s vibrant digital one-stop for farmers

    Greenify Global, a youth environmental conservation movement, works in schools in Zomba, Malawi, teaching children and creating food gardens according to permaculture principles. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Malawi permaculture project teaches earth care

    Woman Farmer Kerotse Lekabe (middle) with her workers in Pella, North West, where she farms with vegetables on six hectares of land. Photo- Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Woman farmer’s drive builds family business

    Support to improve women land ownership delivers life-changing benefits for women farmers in Tanzania, like Mariam Tungu, from Singida’s Ikungi district in central Tanzania. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Women land ownership changes destinies

  • Food Security
    • All
    • Climate Change
    • Crops
    • Food Trends
    • Logistics
    Climate change: A total of 27% of children in South Africa are stunted. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Climate change ‘a daily reality’ for Africans

    Cop27: Zambian farmer Esther Zulu was born in Nyimba district in the eastern part of Zambia. She currently lives and farms on property inherited from her parents, both of whom were farmers. Photo: Supplied/AICCRA

    Cop27: Zambian farmer demands food systems change

    With heavier and unpredictable rainfall and tides encroaching on coastal cities, the risk of flooding is becoming more prevalent. Through an FAO project, local communities in Quelimane, Mozambique have restored 1.6 hectares of mangroves to prevent flooding and soil erosion. Photo: Supplied/Mani Tese/Leonel Raimo

    Green city living changes Africa’s urban landscape

    Perennial rice being harvested near Lake Victoria in Uganda. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Perennial rice could boost food security in Africa

    The global FoodTech Challenge is looking to reward 4 agritech or foodtech companies working to address food security challenges. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    FoodTech Challenge: 3 African startups shortlisted

    30-year-old farmer Nerudo Mregi is transforming the face of farming by applying technology and artificial intelligence. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Welcome to agri’s future of drones, robots and IoT

    Farmer Japeth Owidi makes use of a solar-powered pump to ease the labour-intensive strain of farming. Photo: Supplied/FuturePump

    COP27: Small-scale farmers belong at the table

    Insect-rearing requires minimal access to land and feed, providing income and livelihood opportunities for many in rural and urban communities. Left/top: Photo: FAO/Giulio Napolitano

    World ‘worms’ up to edible insects

    Hunger and malnutrition in the Lake Chad Basin have reached alarming levels this year, driven by Boko Haram terrorism and the effects of climate change.

    Hunger, terrorism stalks Lake Chad Basin

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Food Health
    • Trends
    A picture featuring George Chiwedzerero, who left Zimbabwe for South Africa and was not heard from for two decades.

    Missing migrants project helps families find peace

    The general impression of Zanzibar when approached from the mainland is of a long, low island with small ridges along its central north–south axis. Coconut palms and other vegetation cover the land surface. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Here’s how farming transformed Zanzibar’s coastline

    Saponins also work against bacteria and fungi. Some bacteria have an external membrane that protects their genetic material. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Southern Africa’s soapy plants can improve hand hygiene

    There are a number of flowering plants that we do not often recognise the holistic health benefits of, such as okra, kalanchoe and periwinkle flowers. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Healing with the help of Africa’s indigenous plants

    Burger King is one of many fast food franchises that is introducing more plant-based meals. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Burger King, KFC explore more veggie options

    Cassava is one of the continent's food staples. Here is a history on the root veg and its humble beginnings. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Cassava, a staple crop that sustains a continent

    Herbal remedies are commonplace in Uganda; testing these scientifically is a good way to ensure they’re safe and effective. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Herbal skin treatments in Uganda get a scientific boost

    Researchers believe that Rwanda's soft drink tax can be better used to boost public health by targeting sugar content. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Sugar tax might curb rise in obesity, diabetes in Rwanda

    Lebanese farmers have shirked using chemicals during the goring process and are realising their produce is healthy regardless. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Lebanese potato farmers find that less is more

  • Home
  • Agri News
    • All
    • Agri Politics
    • Business
    • Development
    • Markets
    • Trade
    Seeds of change: Eritrea’s updated seed policy paves the way for improved food security and a brighter future for its people. Photo: Supplied

    Eritrea revamps seed policy to boost food security

    From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

    Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

    Zimbabwe takes stock of its achievements against targets to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture, leaving no one behind. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Zim includes biodiversity into agricultural practices

    With power cuts in South Africa threatening food security, infrastructure, and communication networks, experts have called for increased private sector investment in renewable energy projects. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Power cuts: Private sector urged to go green

    Small-scale fishers and fish processors make up a large share of the workers in Tanzania’s sardine, sprat and perch fisheries on its Lake Tanganyika. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Tanzania’s women fish processors face new future

    AfCFTA: Many women producers, processors and traders in the agri-food sector in Africa face challenges when working in the informal sector, complying with legal requirements, and accessing market information, training, and finance, among other issues. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Women in agri-food sector leverage off AfCFTA

    The World Bank has released a report calling on the Central African Republic to prioritize reforms and investment in its agriculture sector to improve economic growth and reduce poverty. Photo: Supplied/Ricci Shryock/AFD/WFP

    ‘Transform agri for growth in CAR’ – World Bank

    Rainfall as a fundamental factor in agriculture is highly heterogeneous and unpredictable, and sadly its occurrence is beyond human control in as much as it is required in moderate amounts, argues agronomist Hamond Motsi. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Excessive rainfall threatens crop yields in Zim

    Farmer Nima Elmassad, from Sudan’s Um Naam Um village, says climate change has devastated her fields. Photo: UNEP/Lisa Murray

    Sudan’s water crisis: Women fight back

  • Changemakers
    • All
    • Agribusiness
    • Agripreneurs
    • Farmers
    • Innovation
    From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

    Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

    Namibia's Popular Democratic Movement party has tabled a motion of insurance for farmers, that will compensate for the loss of livestock due to conflict with wildlife. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Computer model to ease farmer-wildlife conflict

    It started with a handful of trees on her family farm. Today Wezi Mzumara is breaking new ground as a woman chocolate maker in Malawi. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Meet Malawian chocolate maker Wezi Mzumara

    Nature-based biopesticides are now offering a safer alternative to locust control. ©FAO/Ismail Taxta/Arete

    Locusts: How Somalia became biopesticides leader

    The award-winning Nigerian farmer Samson Ogbole, who did not initially want to be a farmer, incorporates technology, science and agriculture to end hunger.

    Meet ‘Farmer Samson’, biochemist and soilless farmer

    What started as an informal Facebook group has become a vibrant online market community in East Africa called Mkulima Young.

    East Africa’s vibrant digital one-stop for farmers

    Greenify Global, a youth environmental conservation movement, works in schools in Zomba, Malawi, teaching children and creating food gardens according to permaculture principles. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Malawi permaculture project teaches earth care

    Woman Farmer Kerotse Lekabe (middle) with her workers in Pella, North West, where she farms with vegetables on six hectares of land. Photo- Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Woman farmer’s drive builds family business

    Support to improve women land ownership delivers life-changing benefits for women farmers in Tanzania, like Mariam Tungu, from Singida’s Ikungi district in central Tanzania. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Women land ownership changes destinies

  • Food Security
    • All
    • Climate Change
    • Crops
    • Food Trends
    • Logistics
    Climate change: A total of 27% of children in South Africa are stunted. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Climate change ‘a daily reality’ for Africans

    Cop27: Zambian farmer Esther Zulu was born in Nyimba district in the eastern part of Zambia. She currently lives and farms on property inherited from her parents, both of whom were farmers. Photo: Supplied/AICCRA

    Cop27: Zambian farmer demands food systems change

    With heavier and unpredictable rainfall and tides encroaching on coastal cities, the risk of flooding is becoming more prevalent. Through an FAO project, local communities in Quelimane, Mozambique have restored 1.6 hectares of mangroves to prevent flooding and soil erosion. Photo: Supplied/Mani Tese/Leonel Raimo

    Green city living changes Africa’s urban landscape

    Perennial rice being harvested near Lake Victoria in Uganda. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Perennial rice could boost food security in Africa

    The global FoodTech Challenge is looking to reward 4 agritech or foodtech companies working to address food security challenges. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    FoodTech Challenge: 3 African startups shortlisted

    30-year-old farmer Nerudo Mregi is transforming the face of farming by applying technology and artificial intelligence. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Welcome to agri’s future of drones, robots and IoT

    Farmer Japeth Owidi makes use of a solar-powered pump to ease the labour-intensive strain of farming. Photo: Supplied/FuturePump

    COP27: Small-scale farmers belong at the table

    Insect-rearing requires minimal access to land and feed, providing income and livelihood opportunities for many in rural and urban communities. Left/top: Photo: FAO/Giulio Napolitano

    World ‘worms’ up to edible insects

    Hunger and malnutrition in the Lake Chad Basin have reached alarming levels this year, driven by Boko Haram terrorism and the effects of climate change.

    Hunger, terrorism stalks Lake Chad Basin

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Food Health
    • Trends
    A picture featuring George Chiwedzerero, who left Zimbabwe for South Africa and was not heard from for two decades.

    Missing migrants project helps families find peace

    The general impression of Zanzibar when approached from the mainland is of a long, low island with small ridges along its central north–south axis. Coconut palms and other vegetation cover the land surface. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Here’s how farming transformed Zanzibar’s coastline

    Saponins also work against bacteria and fungi. Some bacteria have an external membrane that protects their genetic material. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Southern Africa’s soapy plants can improve hand hygiene

    There are a number of flowering plants that we do not often recognise the holistic health benefits of, such as okra, kalanchoe and periwinkle flowers. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Healing with the help of Africa’s indigenous plants

    Burger King is one of many fast food franchises that is introducing more plant-based meals. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Burger King, KFC explore more veggie options

    Cassava is one of the continent's food staples. Here is a history on the root veg and its humble beginnings. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Cassava, a staple crop that sustains a continent

    Herbal remedies are commonplace in Uganda; testing these scientifically is a good way to ensure they’re safe and effective. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Herbal skin treatments in Uganda get a scientific boost

    Researchers believe that Rwanda's soft drink tax can be better used to boost public health by targeting sugar content. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Sugar tax might curb rise in obesity, diabetes in Rwanda

    Lebanese farmers have shirked using chemicals during the goring process and are realising their produce is healthy regardless. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

    Lebanese potato farmers find that less is more

No Result
View All Result
Food For Afrika
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Helping Kenyan farmers to weed out maize disease

by Lucinda Dordley
25 Jul 2022
in Crops, Farmers
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
About 70 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa consider maize to be a staple food, making it a significant cereal crop there. Photo: Pixabay

About 70 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa consider maize to be a staple food, making it a significant cereal crop there. Photo: Pixabay

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a devastating plant disease than can cause malformed cobs and premature death of crops, among other symptoms. The disease was first reported in Kenya between 2011 and 2012. A recent study looked at the importance of developing management strategies among farmers to combat MLN.

MLN is considered one of the major biotic constraints that affects maize production in Kenya. “Maize yield losses to MLN have been reported to range from 30% – 100% depending on the variety, stage of disease infection and prevailing environmental conditions,” says a recently published study on the disease’s impact on Kenyan maize stores, titled: “Maize production systems, farmers’ perception and current status of maize lethal necrosis in selected counties in Kenya“.

ADVERTISEMENT

Maize is an important cereal crop in Sub-Saharan Africa and is considered a staple crop by approximately 70 million people. In 2019 alone, fields to grow the crop covered a total of 40 million hectares in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Understanding the disease

“To develop MLN management practices that are effective, efficient and easily adaptable to the small-scale farmer, there is a need to understand farmers’ knowledge in relation to the different aspects of the disease. Understanding the role of knowledge in farmers’ practices is also an important starting point for developing a management strategy that fits the context of the smallholder farmer maize production practices.

“In Kenya, studies have been done to understand the viruses associated with MLN and their geographical distribution. However, no studies have been conducted to get insight into farmers’ knowledge and their role in MLN control. Hence, the present study focuses on understanding farmers’ know-how on scientific knowledge and recommended management practices on MLN and also on their local knowledge of the disease management. “

The study also crosses through five Kenyan counties that are known for their maize production, and these include Bomet, Nakuru, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Narok.

Participant details

“Of the 406 farmers who were interviewed in the present study, there was almost equal representation by both males (56.4%) and females (43.6%),” the study reflected. “Statistically, there was a significant association between the gender of the farmer and the county where they were from, with Embu (23.6%) and Kirinyaga (36.7%) counties reporting a high number of females. Therefore, efforts to promote MLN disease management strategies should be structured in such a way that they are easily accessible to both males and females.”

About 95% of those surveyed had completed some type of formal education, whether it was in elementary school (grades 1–8), secondary school (grades 9–12), or college. The percentage of uneducated farmers was under 5%. Bomet county has the largest percentage of graduates from universities with 17.9%, whereas Narok had none.

Approximately 1.48 t/ha of maize was projected to be produced during the 2020 – 2021 growing season, with 77.3% of farmers reporting average yields of less than 2 t/ha. Nakuru county respondents reported an average yield of 4.41 t/ha and MLN incidence rates in their farms that were less than 10%. These farms were those that were situated in the Molo region at a height of 2411.02 meters above sea level. Due to weather that makes it difficult for insects to survive, previous research have found that MLN incidence is low in higher altitude places.

Pest and weed control

” Use of herbicides for weed control in combination with manual weeding was also common among farmers in Kirinyaga (41%). Use of biological and cultural methods for pest control was common in Nakuru (26%). Farmers in Nakuru, at an altitude of 2411.02 m above sea level, reported having minimal pest damage saying when it rains, the pests are washed off.

“Other biological control methods reported included the use of ash, soil, tobacco, and Ariel, a popular washing detergent. In addition, some farmers reported to being against the use of pesticides especially when growing maize for their own use while others cited lack of money to buy the pesticides. However, some farmers were of the opinion that there has been a change in the pests affecting the maize crop, as the cultural control methods were very effective (eliminating the pests by 90–100%, according to farmers’ observation) five to ten years ago, but they were noting these methods becoming less effective.”

Improved maize varieties were cultivated in the majority of counties, according to 87% of the respondents. The hybrid DUMA 43, chosen for its drought resistance and quick maturation qualities, was the most often planted in Kirinyaga. It was followed by Pioneer 3253, chosen for its favourable market quality traits since it is sold as green maize.

In Kirinyaga, several hybrids were also planted, including DK777, Pannar, Sungura, baby corn, DK8031, and DK9089. The hybrid cultivars DK777 and H614 are most prevalent in Embu county, whereas H6213 and Narok and Nakuru counties have the most H6213 plantings. These hybrids were chosen because of how well they fit into the various agro-ecological zones.

There is a need to introduce and diversify the maize varieties grown in each region as just a few of the hybrids are now cultivated in each county, the study observed.

MLN prevalence

Farmers were shown images of MLN-infected maize plants during the survey. MLN was known by several names in the various counties, yet the bulk of the farmers (80%) could still recognise it. In the current study, the severity of MLN is highlighted by the fact that 93% of the farmers reported seeing MLN on their farms. According to statistics, there was no relationship between the farmer’s age or gender and their understanding of MLN. However, there was a statistically significant discrepancy between the county’s and the farmers’ means.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Across all the study areas, more than 70% of the respondents reported that MLN is higher during the short rains (sunny season) and off-season plantings,” the study observed.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Environment plays a critical role in disease development and the dry and hot conditions during off season and short rains/sunny season would be a favourable environment for reproduction and movement of vectors to transmit MLN causing viruses. A few of the farmers (6%) reported MLN being high any season that maize is planted. This could be attributed to maybe late plantings in long rains which have been reported to contribute to high MLN incidence or delayed rains (which simulate sunny season in the long rains).”

Most notable symptoms

“Yellowing was reported by 60% of the farmers as the most common symptom associated with MLN. Few farmers could identify the early onset MLN symptoms (chlorotic mottle on leaves), making it difficult for the farmer to control the disease early before it spreads. Premature plant death and male sterility were not identified by farmers as MLN symptoms. Therefore, yellowing was the prominent MLN symptoms recognized by the farmers who had limited know-how of other symptoms associated with MLN.

“About 46.3% of the farmers reported observing MLN when the maize was at the pre-flowering stage and 36.5% at the vegetative stage. Other prominent stages were the post-flowering stage (7.3%), the 4 – 5 leaf stage (5.3%), and the flowering stage (2.2%). About 2% of the farmers noted that MLN can affect the maize plant at any growth stage. The results of this study are concurrent with previous studies reporting that MLN can affect maize plants at all growth stages.”

ALSO READ: AfDB gives millions of farmers relief via facility

Tags: Kenyamaize diseaseMaize lethal necrosissmall-scale farmers
Lucinda Dordley

Lucinda Dordley

Next Post
In Uganda, the NFA reports that the percentage of area covered by forests increased from roughly a quarter in the 1990s to 9% in 2015. Photo: Pixabay

Ugandans turn to trees in global warming fight

Seeds of change: Eritrea’s updated seed policy paves the way for improved food security and a brighter future for its people. Photo: Supplied
Agri News

Eritrea revamps seed policy to boost food security

by Staff Reporter
21 Mar 2023
0

Eritrea’s updated seed policy document is set to enhance the formal seed sector and improve food security. Quality seed production...

Read more
From rice farmer to agripreneur: Kébè Lamah leads a cooperative of 500 women farmers in Guinea, thanks to the support of the INTEGRA programme. Photo: Supplied

Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

21 Mar 2023
Zimbabwe takes stock of its achievements against targets to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture, leaving no one behind. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Zim includes biodiversity into agricultural practices

17 Mar 2023
With power cuts in South Africa threatening food security, infrastructure, and communication networks, experts have called for increased private sector investment in renewable energy projects. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Power cuts: Private sector urged to go green

14 Mar 2023
Small-scale fishers and fish processors make up a large share of the workers in Tanzania’s sardine, sprat and perch fisheries on its Lake Tanganyika. Photo: Supplied/FoodForAfrika.com

Tanzania’s women fish processors face new future

13 Mar 2023

Eritrea revamps seed policy to boost food security

Guinean women farmers thrive with INTEGRA

Zim includes biodiversity into agricultural practices

Power cuts: Private sector urged to go green

Tanzania’s women fish processors face new future

Women in agri-food sector leverage off AfCFTA

Food For Afrika

African farmers and agripreneurs, rise up. FoodForAfrika.com is a continent-wide agriculture publication celebrating sustainable agriculture. We salute the agriculturists who bring food to our tables.

Categories

  • Agri News
  • Agri Politics
  • Agribusiness
  • Agripreneurs
  • Business
  • Changemakers
  • Climate Change
  • Crops
  • Development
  • Farmers
  • Food Health
  • Food Security
  • Food Trends
  • Innovation
  • Lifestyle
  • Logistics
  • Markets
  • Premium
  • Trade
  • Trends
  • Uncategorised

Contact Us

Office: +27 21 879 1824
News: info@foodforafrika.com
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Follow Us

  • Home
  • Food Security
  • Agri News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle

© 2022 Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Food Security
  • Agri News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle

© 2022 Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)