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Ligeyo DO, Saina E, Awalla BJ, Sneller C, Chivasa W, Musundire L, Makumbi D, Mulanya M, Milic D, Mutiga S, Lagat A, Das B, Prasanna BM. Genetic trends in the Kenya Highland Maize Breeding Program between 1999 and 2020. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1416538. [PMID: 39011310 PMCID: PMC11246847 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1416538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Optimization of a breeding program requires assessing and quantifying empirical genetic trends made through past efforts relative to the current breeding strategies, germplasm, technologies, and policy. To establish the genetic trends in the Kenyan Highland Maize Breeding Program (KHMP), a two-decade (1999-2020) historical dataset from the Preliminary Variety Trials (PVT) and Advanced Variety Trials (AVT) was analyzed. A mixed model analysis was used to compute the genetic gains for traits based on the best linear unbiased estimates in the PVT and AVT evaluation stages. A positive significant genetic gain estimate for grain yield of 88 kg ha-1 year-1 (1.94% year-1) and 26 kg ha-1 year-1 (0.42% year-1) was recorded for PVT and AVT, respectively. Root lodging, an important agronomic trait in the Kenya highlands, had a desired genetic gain of -2.65% year-1 for AVT. Results showed improvement in resistance to Turcicum Leaf Blight (TLB) with -1.19% and -0.27% year-1 for the PVT and AVT, respectively. Similarly, a significant genetic trend of -0.81% was noted for resistance to Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) in AVT. These findings highlight the good progress made by KHMP in developing adapted maize hybrids for Kenya's highland agroecology. Nevertheless, the study identified significant opportunities for the KHMP to make even greater genetic gains for key traits with introgression of favorable alleles for various traits, implementing a continuous improvement plan including marker-assisted forward breeding, sparse testing, and genomic selection, and doubled haploid technology for line development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dickson O Ligeyo
- Department of Food Crops and Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Edward Saina
- Department of Food Crops and Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Bornface J Awalla
- Department of Food Crops and Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Clay Sneller
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
| | - Walter Chivasa
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lennin Musundire
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dan Makumbi
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Dragan Milic
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Mutiga
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abraham Lagat
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Biswanath Das
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Boddupali M Prasanna
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
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Mukaro R, Chaingeni D, Sneller C, Cairns JE, Musundire L, Prasanna BM, Mavankeni BO, Das B, Mulanya M, Chivasa W, Mhike X, Ndhlela T, Matongera N, Matova PM, Muungani D, Mutimaamba C, Wegary D, Zaman-Allah M, Magorokosho C, Chingwara V, Kutywayo D. Genetic trends in the Zimbabwe's national maize breeding program over two decades. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1391926. [PMID: 38988630 PMCID: PMC11234322 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1391926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring genetic gains within breeding programs is a critical component for continuous improvement. While several national breeding programs in Africa have assessed genetic gain using era studies, this study is the first to use two decades of historical data to estimate genetic trends within a national breeding program. The objective of this study was to assess genetic trends within the final two stages of Zimbabwe's Department of Research & Specialist Services maize breeding pipeline between 2002 and 2021. Data from 107 intermediate and 162 advanced variety trials, comprising of 716 and 398 entries, respectively, was analyzed. Trials were conducted under optimal, managed drought stress, low nitrogen stress, low pH, random stress, and disease pressure (maize streak virus (MSV), grey leaf spot (GLS), and turcicum leaf blight under artificial inoculation. There were positive and significant genetic gains for grain yield across management conditions (28-35 kg ha-1 yr-1), under high-yield potential environments (17-61 kg ha-1 yr-1), and under low-yield potential environments (0-16 kg ha-1 yr-1). No significant changes were observed in plant and ear height over the study period. Stalk and root lodging, as well as susceptibility to MSV and GLS, significantly decreased over the study period. New breeding technologies need to be incorporated into the program to further increase the rate of genetic gain in the maize breeding programs and to effectively meet future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronica Mukaro
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Davison Chaingeni
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Clay Sneller
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Science, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jill E Cairns
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lennin Musundire
- Accelerated Breeding Initiative (ABI)-Transform, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Boddupalli M Prasanna
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Busiso Olga Mavankeni
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Biswanath Das
- Accelerated Breeding Initiative (ABI)-Transform, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mable Mulanya
- Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Walter Chivasa
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Xavier Mhike
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Thokozile Ndhlela
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nakai Matongera
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Center (SIRDC), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Prince Muchapondwa Matova
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Center (SIRDC), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Dean Muungani
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Mukushi Seeds (Pvt) Ltd, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Charles Mutimaamba
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Research for Development (R4D), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dagne Wegary
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mainassara Zaman-Allah
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Cosmos Magorokosho
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Victor Chingwara
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Dumisani Kutywayo
- Crop Breeding Institute, Department of Research & Specialist Services, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Tarekegne A, Wegary D, Cairns JE, Zaman-Allah M, Beyene Y, Negera D, Teklewold A, Tesfaye K, Jumbo MB, Das B, Nhamucho EJ, Simpasa K, Kaonga KKE, Mashingaidze K, Thokozile N, Mhike X, Prasanna BM. Genetic gains in early maturing maize hybrids developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Southern Africa during 2000-2018. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1321308. [PMID: 38293626 PMCID: PMC10825029 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1321308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Genetic gain estimation in a breeding program provides an opportunity to monitor breeding efficiency and genetic progress over a specific period. The present study was conducted to (i) assess the genetic gains in grain yield of the early maturing maize hybrids developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Southern African breeding program during the period 2000-2018 and (ii) identify key agronomic traits contributing to the yield gains under various management conditions. Seventy-two early maturing hybrids developed by CIMMYT and three commercial checks were assessed under stress and non-stress conditions across 68 environments in seven eastern and southern African countries through the regional on-station trials. Genetic gain was estimated as the slope of the regression of grain yield and other traits against the year of first testing of the hybrid in the regional trial. The results showed highly significant (p< 0.01) annual grain yield gains of 118, 63, 46, and 61 kg ha-1 year-1 under optimum, low N, managed drought, and random stress conditions, respectively. The gains in grain yield realized in this study under both stress and non-stress conditions were associated with improvements in certain agronomic traits and resistance to major maize diseases. The findings of this study clearly demonstrate the significant progress made in developing productive and multiple stress-tolerant maize hybrids together with other desirable agronomic attributes in CIMMYT's hybrid breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amsal Tarekegne
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Dagne Wegary
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jill E. Cairns
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mainassara Zaman-Allah
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Yoseph Beyene
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Demewoz Negera
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adefris Teklewold
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kindie Tesfaye
- Sustianable Agrifood Systems Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - MacDonald B. Jumbo
- Crop Improvement Program, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics, Bamako, Mali
| | - Biswanath Das
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Egas J. Nhamucho
- Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM), Chokwe, Mozambique
| | | | | | | | - Ndhlela Thokozile
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Xavier Mhike
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Boddupalli M. Prasanna
- Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
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Badu-Apraku B, Abubakar AM, Adu GB, Yacoubou AM, Adewale S, Adejumobi II. Enhancing Genetic Gains in Grain Yield and Efficiency of Testing Sites of Early-Maturing Maize Hybrids under Contrasting Environments. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1900. [PMID: 37895251 PMCID: PMC10606723 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The major challenges of maize production and productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) include Striga hermonthica infestation, recurrent drought, and low soil nitrogen (low N). This study assessed the following: (i) accelerated genetic advancements in grain yield and other measured traits of early-maturing maize hybrids, (ii) ideal test environments for selecting early-maturing multiple-stress tolerant hybrids, and (iii) high-yielding and stable hybrids across multiple-stress and non-stress environments. Fifty-four hybrids developed during three periods of genetic enhancement (2008-2010, 2011-2013, and 2014-2016) were evaluated in Nigeria, The Republic of Benin, and Ghana under multiple stressors (Striga infestation, managed drought, and Low N) and non-stress environments from 2017 to 2019. Under multiple-stress and non-stress environments, annual genetic gains from selection in grain yield of 84.72 kg ha-1 (4.05%) and 61 kg ha-1 (1.56%), respectively, were recorded. Three mega-environments were identified across 14 stress environments. Abuja was identified as an ideal test environment for selecting superior hybrids. The hybrid TZdEI 352 × TZEI 355 developed during period 3 was the most outstanding under multiple-stress and non-stress environments. On-farm testing of this hybrid is required to verify its superior performance for commercialization in SSA. Considerable progress has been made in the genetic improvement of early-maturing maize hybrids for tolerance of multiple stressors and high yield. The identified core testing sites of this study could be used to enhance the testing and selection of promising hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baffour Badu-Apraku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria; (A.M.A.); (S.A.); (I.I.A.)
| | - Adamu Masari Abubakar
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria; (A.M.A.); (S.A.); (I.I.A.)
| | - Gloria Boakyewaa Adu
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research—Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), Tamale 00233, Ghana;
| | - Abdoul-Madjidou Yacoubou
- Crop Breeding Department, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin/CRA, Cotonou 01BP884, Benin;
| | - Samuel Adewale
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria; (A.M.A.); (S.A.); (I.I.A.)
| | - Idris Ishola Adejumobi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria; (A.M.A.); (S.A.); (I.I.A.)
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