Maize field in Ogbomosho, Nigeria. Photo by IITA.

The Nigeria National Variety Release Committee released several improved maize varieties developed by IITA with partners, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Nigeria.

The varieties address many of the major constraints to maize production such as drought, low soil fertility, pests, diseases, and parasitic weeds. They are expected to boost maize production and food security in West and Central Africa.

Researchers developed the varieties through conventional plant breeding by tapping naturally-available traits.

The released maize include 13 open-pollinated varieties of extra-early, early, intermediate, and late maturity with resistance to the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica and stem borers, tolerance for drought, and with good adaptation to suboptimal soil nitrogen. Four hybrids with drought tolerance have also been released.

The committee also approved two Striga-resistant and two white and yellow productive hybrids developed at IITA in partnership with Premier Seeds Nigeria Ltd. The company will commercially produce and market these hybrids.