Variation in the morphology and effector profiles of Exserohilum turcicum isolates associated with the Northern Corn Leaf Blight of maize in Nigeria.

Background: Maize production in lowland agro-ecologies in West and Central Africa is constrained by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, causal agent of Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB). Breeding for resistance to NCLB is considered the most effective management strategy. The strategy would be even more effective if there is adequate knowledge of the characteristics of E.

Identification of Early and Extra-Early Maturing Tropical Maize Inbred Lines with Multiple Disease Resistance for Enhanced Maize Production and Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Maize, a staple for millions across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), faces major biotic constraints affecting production and safety of the crop. These include northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), Curvularia leaf spot (CLS), and aflatoxin contamination by , , , and , respectively. Farmers in SSA would benefit tremendously if high-yielding maize hybrids with multiple disease resistance (MDR) were developed and commercialized.

Identification of early and extra-early maturing tropical maize inbred lines resistant to in sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) incited by the fungus is a foliar disease that significantly limits maize production and productivity in West and Central Africa (WCA), particularly in the mid-altitudes but during the last decade it has become a menace in lowland agro-ecologies. The most economical and environmentally friendly disease management strategy is the cultivation of maize varieties resistant or tolerant to NCLB. However, no early maturing (EM) and extra-early maturing (EEM) NCLB resistant varieties are commercially available in WCA.