Overview of Maize Diseases in Kenya

Abstract

Maize like other cereals is plagued by reduce its potential yield. In many diseases which Kenya, over twenty fungal diseases, four viral diseases, one bacterial disease and several others caused by parasitic nematodes and weeds have been reported OVET the years. Between 1930 1970 considerable research was carried out on maize streak, Turcicum blight and polysora rust. This work was carried out by only few plant pathologists in collaboration with plant breeders. Although there were no major achievements with streak polysora rust diseases, there was remarkable success with Turcicum blight. Between 1970 and present time, the number of plant pathologist working on maize disease has increased. Research was carried out on sugar cane mosaic disease in maize, maize stripe, maize streak and head smut. Collaboration between Pathologist and plant breeders was not as strong as in the preceding period. On the basis of maize diseases prevalence, we have outlined the future research priority of what we consider to be the major maize diseases in Kenya today. Currently maize disease tour to cover all maize growing areas is necessary. We recommend that a multidisciplinary approach DE adapted in maize disease research in the future. For each proposal approved, it will be necessary consisting of agronomist.