Head Smut Distribution, Expression and Genetic Resistance of Maize to Sphacelotheca Reiliana In Kenya

Abstract

Head smut of maize caused by Sphacelotheca reiliana(Kuhn) Clint, or, according to Longdon and Fullerton by Sporisorium reiliana was first reported in Kenya in 1925 (McDonald, 1925).Later, head smut epidemic was reported in Molo, Solai; Njoro, Rongai and Nakuru where the incidence was as high as 70% in some maize fields (McDonald, 1928). Maize breeding started in Kenya in the early 1930s with emphasis on yield improvement and later on resistance to common rust, Southern rust, maize streak and turcicum blight (Harrison, 1970). Breeding for resistance against head smut was then not a priority; instead cultural methods of control such as crop rotation and roguing were encouraged (Robinson, 1960).