By BRIAN OKINDA More by this AuthorResearchers have discovered that certain maize varieties can defend themselves against stem borers. The researchers from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) and its partners identified the genetic markers in the “smart maize” varieties. Their research, which was conducted by Icipe, Keele University and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat), offers possibilities for developing maize varieties that are resistant to stem-borers. The pests are most damaging in their larval stage, when they are hidden inside the stem making their control difficult. Later, the pests also drill into maize cobs, ruin grains and increase susceptibility to aflatoxins.

Source: Daily Nation July 16, 2020 12:22 UTC