Integrated approaches to higher maize productivity in the new millennium: proceedings of the Seventh Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Maize Conference

Abstract

This proceedings provides a comprehensive and detailed presentation of the major maize research activities and advances in Eastern and Southern Africa since the previous Regional Maize Conference held in 1998. The Conference, which included a Symposium on Low Nitrogen and Drought Tolerance in Maize, heard a total of 101 papers addressing the major constraints to maize production and productivity in the region and breeding and agronomic approaches to overcoming them, including biotic constraints (diseases and insect pests), Striga, and abiotic stress (low nitrogen fertility and drought) as well as constraints to farmer uptake of new technologies. These proceedings represent the work of the major portion of scientists in the region dealing with maize production and, taken together, are a useful guide to regional research priorities and testify to the considerable range of maize research undertaken.