Approaches and progress in breeding drought-tolerant maize hybrids for tropical lowlands in west and central Africa.

Drought represents a significant production challenge to maize farmers in West and Central Africa, causing substantial economic losses. Breeders at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture have therefore been developing drought-tolerant maize varieties to attain high grain yields in rainfed maize production zones. The present review provides a historical overview of the approaches used and progress made in developing drought-tolerant hybrids over the years.

Estimating genetic gains for tolerance to stress combinations in tropical maize hybrids.

Maize is a strategic food crop in sub-Saharan Africa. However, most maize growing tropical savannas particularly in West and Central African experience the occurrence of frequent droughts and infestation, resulting in 30-100% yield losses. This production zones need maize cultivars that combine tolerance to the two stresses.