This chapter focuses on quantitative genetics, screening of germplasm collection at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, genetic diversity, genetic variation of provitamin A content in maize. Inheritance, heritability, genotype-by-environment for carotenoid content, population improvement, development of open-pollinated varieties were also discussed. Agronomic performance, stress tolerance, combining ability, heterosis were also conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. It may be concluded ...

This study measures the economic contribution of International Rice Research Institute’s (IRRI) Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) to a breeding program that aims to avert yield losses from rice blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) in Bangladesh. We first conceptualize the general pathways through which SHU contributes to the impact of international agricultural research. Then we use a farm-level panel dataset collected between 2013 to 2016 and data on blast incidence collected from field surveys ...

Cassava is a source of carbohydrates to more than 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, even though its production is 6–8 t ha−1, which is below the highest world production of 36.4 t ha−1 in India. To address this yield gap and increase cassava’s availability, affordability, and adequacy, intensive but sustainable production is important. Additionally, being an emerging raw material in the animal feeds, pharmaceutical, beer industries etc., only increases its demand, however the current ...

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) invaded Africa in 2016, and has since spread to all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, causing devastating effects on mainly maize and sorghum. The rapid spread of this pest is aided by its high reproductive rate, high migration ability, wide host range and adaptability to different environments, among others. Since its introduction, many governments purchased and distributed pesticides for emergency control, with minimal ...