Field evaluation of Kenyan openpollinated maize populations for reaction to rust

Abstract

Forty Kenyan traditional open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) populations (OPP) and four commercial varieties were evaluated in the field for reaction to Puccinia sorghi Schw. at Njoro, Kenya. Ten rust evaluations were conducted over the growing season and Area under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) and rate of disease development (Rate) were determined. Wide variability in levels of rust infestation was observed among OPP and some middle- and late-maturity OPP from high altitude districts developed low levels of rust; Kenyan OPP are a valuable source of useful genetic variation.