Diallel analysis of turcicum leaf blight resistance in Kenyan maize lines
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Date
2013-06Author
Njoroge, K
Gichuru, L
Type
ArticleLanguage
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Exserohilum turcicum is a major constraint to maize production in the humid highlands of sub-Saharan
Africa. To develop efficient cultivars, the gene action involved and genetic stability across target
ecologies must be understood. A half diallel study of 12 inbred lines was conducted to assess the types
of gene action involved in turcicum resistance and genetic stability across 5 locations in central and
western Kenya. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important and highly dependent on
test ecologies. General combining ability accounted for 84% of the variation across locations and hence
selection for resistance to turcicum should be effective if directed at disease environments. Dominant
effects were less influenced by the environments, suggesting stability of turcicum resistance among
hybrids. Two environments, Bukura and Kitale, were found most discriminating for the disease both
among parental genotypes and among the F1 crosses. Half of lines used in this study were found to
have acceptable levels of resistance. One parent, P2 (S4 80-17-2-1) had the most desirable qualities of
per se resistance, general combining ability and genetic stability. Multi-locational breeding nurseries
can be a useful strategy to identify turcicum resistant lines with wide ecological appeal to plant
breeders.
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http://www.academicjournals.org/ajar/PDF/pdf2013/20Jun/Njoroge%20and%20Gichuru.pdfhttp://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/49778
Citation
Njoroge, K., & Gichuru, L. (2013). Diallel analysis of turcicum leaf blight resistance in Kenyan maize lines. African Journal of Agricultural Research. Vol. 8 (23), 2877-2883.Publisher
University of Nairobi Faculty of Agriculture,University of Nairobi