Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
Ahmadu
Bello University Zaria has recently released 17 improved cultivars, including
an Aflatoxin B-resistant maize hybrid, in an effort to enhance food and
nutritional security in Nigeria.
Zaria, Kd. (January 14, 2024) – Scientists from
the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Samaru, Ahmadu Bello
University (ABU) Zaria, in collaboration with national and international
partners, have successfully registered and released improved cultivars of
maize, sorghum, oat, and castor for utilization by farmers in Nigeria. This
information was disclosed during the recently concluded 37th meeting of the
National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties,
Livestock Breeds/Fisheries held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources
and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Nigeria, on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
The meeting was chaired by Professor Soji Olufajo and considered 23 nominations
from various entities, including research institutions, universities, and the
private sector, for registration and release.
Notably, the majority of the nominations (17
out of 23) originated from the IAR/ABU Zaria, underscoring the exceptional
dedication of the institute's scientists to national development in terms of
ensuring food and nutritional security. Among the 17 nominations submitted by
IAR are two maize hybrids (SAMMAZ 70 and SAMMAZ 71), developed in collaboration
with IITA Ibadan, Champion Gold 68 from Monsipol Nigeria Limited, SC417 and
SC665 from Seed Co. Nigeria, Kabamanoj from UPL Group Company, and Golden MH1-W
and Golden MH2-Y from Flour Mills Nigeria Plc. Other cultivars nominated for
release included an early-maturing sorghum hybrid, Golden SH1 from Flour Mills
Nigeria Plc, Castor variety SAMCAS 1 from IAR/ABU Zaria, and extra-early (SAMOT
3 & SAMOAT 4) and early-maturing cultivar (SAMOAT 5).
The maize hybrids registered and released
for commercial production are high-yielding, with all boasting an average above
8 tonnes per hectare for farmers. Notably, SAMMAZ 70 is an extra-early maturing
hybrid (80 – 85 days) with high pro-vitamin A content (17.2 ug/g DW), tolerance
to striga pests, and a potential yield of 7.6 tons/ha. SAMMAZ 71 is a
medium-height maize hybrid that matures in 110 – 120 days. Its outstanding
features include a high grain yield of about 10 tons/ha, resistance to
aflatoxin B, and suitability for production in Northern and Southern Guinea
savannah. The profiles of the four maize hybrids tagged SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T,
SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T have been published on the IAR/ABU
webpage.
Champion Gold 68 is a single-cross maize
hybrid developed by Monsipol Nigeria Limited. It matures in 110 – 120 days,
with a potential grain yield of 11 tons/ha. It is also tolerant to major foliar
diseases.
Kabamanoj is an impressive single-cross
hybrid that has recorded tremendous success across many countries in West
Africa where it has been released. The early-maturing (105 – 110 days) yellow
maize hybrid has a potential grain yield of 11.8 tons/ha and is developed by
UPL India. It has been registered for commercialization in Nigeria by RICECO
International Limited.
Flour Mills Nigeria Limited has registered two
exceptional maize cultivars with white and yellow grain colors that promise to
revolutionize the flour industry in Nigeria. The white maize hybrid, Golden
MH1-W, is a single-cross hybrid with a potential yield of 10 tons/ha, while the
yellow hybrid, Golden MH2-Y, has a potential yield of 9 tons/ha. Both cultivars
have good milling quality and are tolerant to major maize foliar diseases in
Nigeria.
Other maize cultivars registered include
SC417 with a potential grain yield of 11 tons/ha and SC665 with a potential
grain yield of 12.3 tons/ha. SC417 and SC665 were developed by Seed Co. Ltd.
Furthermore, an early-maturing and
photoperiod-insensitive sorghum cultivar has been registered and released for
cultivation in Nigeria by Flour Mills Nig. Plc. The sorghum hybrid, Golden SH1,
with a potential grain yield of 6.2 tons/ha, matures in 100 – 100 days, which
is significant for drought-prone areas in semi-arid zones in Nigeria.
Additionally, the photoperiodic nature of the hybrid means that it can be grown
all year round with assurances of flowering and grain production.
Other cultivars released by the Institute include the Castor variety SAMCAS 1, with a potential yield of 3.2 tons/ha and oil yield of 47%. Two extra-early (SAMOAT 3 and SAMOAT 4) and one early (SAMOAT 5) improved oat cultivars were also registered and released at the 37th meeting.
The groundbreaking efforts of the scientists
at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Samaru, Ahmadu Bello
University (ABU) Zaria, in collaboration with national and international
partners, have ushered in a new era of agricultural innovation and advancement
in Nigeria. The successful registration and release of improved cultivars
spanning maize, sorghum, oat, and castor underscore the institute's unwavering
commitment to national development, particularly in addressing challenges
related to food and nutritional security. The diversification of cultivars,
encompassing Champion Gold 68, Kabamanoj, and cultivars from Flour Mills
Nigeria Limited and Seed Co. Ltd., further exemplifies the collaborative
efforts that have led to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant
varieties poised to transform the agricultural sector.
As these cultivars are released for commercial production, farmers across the nation can anticipate increased productivity, enhanced resilience to environmental challenges, and improved economic prospects. The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, driving positive change for the nation's farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.
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