Abstract:

flatoxins are toxic, and highly carcinogenic secondary metabolic
Aspergillus parasiticus. They pose : : •??j : J£h hazn; ? •.,;
contaminated grain. Recently, Breed* :
Research Institute (NaCRRi) 3c! brn Ging for
aflatoxin accumulation in its
iyi Aspergillus flavus and
:animals that consume -
'National Crop Resources
“ A. flavus infection and
to improve maize grain qc. Tiie breeding strategy had
three major components: (i) idlocaHy adapted, elite germplasm with resistance to A.
flavus and reduced anatoxin : t
(i:)
host resistance, and (iii) for ma J 3:.
of resistance, we first compared
xnient of kernel infection :
f for he.
(KIR) on various
?c :ses and screened them together with their parentantal:Ute germplasm for To identify source free techniques for
?V- e generated 144 three-way
Sines and 4 single cross testers
istance to A. flavus and reduced atlatoxin accumukascii. Using line by tester analysis,
we ideistihed 5 resistant inbred lines and 7 hybrids. We used the resisUnt inbred lines to make
crosses with new sources of resistance from International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement
(CIMMYT) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in diallel design. To
strengthen this work, we conducted a survey to assess farmers' knowledge on A. flavus and
aflatoxins and their management practices. Results obtained provided us with a foundation for
development and deployment of new germplasm with resistance to A. flavus and aflatoxin accumulation for improved grain quality.