Collection, characterization, conservation, and utilization of local maize genetic resources
| MSI99P1564 | |
| Govinden, N. Rummun, K. | |
| Collection, characterization, conservation, and utilization of local maize genetic resources | |
| Dulloo, M. E.; Dulymamode, R. (eds), Plant genetic resources in Mauritius: towards a national strategy: Proceedings of a National workshop on plant genetic resources in Mauritius, held at the University of Mauritius, 21-22 October 1993 | |
| Book chapter | |
| 1994 | |
| p. 61-64 | |
| 999 03-919-0-4 | |
| Réduit, National Parks and Conservation Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources | |
| En | |
| En | |
| Maize was an economically important crop at the beginning of French colonization early in the 18th century. Periodically thereafter, several minor germplasm introductions were made until the 1940's. Over the years, local farmers in Mauritius and Rodrigues have made selections suited to their environment, their cropping systems and their preferences for grain types. This has given rise to numerous ecotypes. The danger of these ecotypes disappearing was recognized in the late 1960's when foreign hybrids were introduced and a maize breding programme was initiated at the MSIRI. Steps were therefore taken to collect and conserve them. The Mauritian and Rodriguan maize ecotypes were collected in 1970, 1980, 1985. Their characteristics were observed: the Mauritian ecotypes are taller and later-maturing than the Rodriguan ones; both groups have orange-yellow flint grains and possess variable levels of resistance to one or more maize virus disease and tolerance to maize rusts. The last collections of ecotypes are conserved as such in a medium term cold store. They have to be periodically regenerated. Both the Mauritian and Rodriguan ecotypes have also been conserved in the form of separate composites. It is believed that all the ecotypes have disappeared from fields in mauritius. In Rodrigues, with the introduction of an improved Composite in recent years, farmers are also abandoning their traditional varieties for the Composite. The local germplasm has proved very useful in the local breeding programme. Inbred lines derived from the Rodriguan ecotypes have been, and are still, used as parents in early maturing hybrids currently grown in sugar cane interrows. One inbred line, derived from a Mauritian ecotype, is a parent in a hybrid in the process of being released for full season cultivation for grain and green cobs. Variety MSIRI 3B, a composite derived from the Rodrigual ecotypes and improved for resistance to maize streak virus (MSV) is currently being vulgarized in Rodrigues because of its higher yield. It is also in the process of being registered. It may be a valuable contribution to the world-wide effort in breeding for resistance to MSV. The potential of the local germplasm has not yet been fully investigated, but their usefulness to Mauritius has already been proven. There is a risk of losing them because of problems in conservation and regeneration due to the lack of facilities and personnel. Solutions to these problems are urgently needed. Efforts should be made to duplicate the collection of local Mauritius and Rodrigues ecotypes. | |
| MAIZE GERMPLASM GENETIC RESOURCES GENETICS | |
| MAURITIUS | |
| Maize germplasm | |
| 1994-02-03 | |
| En | |
| LIBFC | |
| CAT | |
| FC |