New maize streak resistant varities in Burundi and constraints to their production

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the main staple cereal crop in Burundi and it occupies about 120,000 hectares. Maize Streak Virus (MSV) has become the main constraint to maize production in the country over the past fifteen years. The disease is mostly prevalent in the highlands (above 1800 masl) especially in valleys. A study was conducted on farmers' fields to evaluate 2 CIMMYT. Zimbabwe maize varieties S2SYNF3 (89 Elite) and ZM601C1F3 against two local checks, HASR (high altitude streak resistant) and local farmers maize at 3 sites. Ten farmers were selected per site and each site represented a replication. Results indicated that: the 2 CIMMYT cultivars out-yielded the checks by 55 and 31 %, respectively. The local maize had 71% stunted or dead plants resulting in a loss in yield of 78%. In the low and mid-altitude ecology (800-1800 masl), the IITA variety EV32SRBC2F2 was tested under artificial inoculation with leaf hoppers (Cicadullina spp.). It out yielded the susceptible check Imbo-l (ex-Across 7843) by 35%. These results indicate the need for MSV resistant varieties for these areas of Burundi if maize production is to be improved. How will smallholder farmers in such areas benefit from such MSV resistant varieties (S2SYNF3, ZM601C1F3 and EV32SRBC2F2)? A diagnostic survey was conducted to investigate production constraints and problems faced by the maize seed industry. The eleven natural regions of Burundi were surveyed. Besides MSV, which is the main constraint, there are other problems which farmers experience namely, lack of inputs, stem borers, weevils, mice and other rodents, termites and rootworms. The proportion of farmers who plant improved maize varieties is considerably low, and it varies from region to region, with an average of 16%. The remainder: plant their own seed kept from previous harvest (47%)source seed from neighbours (11 %)and plant seed bought from the market (26%). The seed industry needs to be improved in order to serve farmers more efficiently.