One of Nigeria’s leading universities, the University of Ilorin, Kwara State has announced the development of a “revolutionary” maize seedling that has the capability of withstanding drought.
The new invention described as “drought tolerant and striga resistant hybrid” seedling is code-named “ILOMAZ 3.”
The lead scientist, Dr. Folusho Bankole presented the newly developed seedling at the 38th meeting of the Technical sub-committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) on 29th October, 2024.
The innovative seedling according to the university was developed and tested in collaboration with Scientists from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan Oyo state, the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
The university noted that earlier varieties that had been developed by the institution were warmly accepted by Nigerian farmers.
“The previously released varieties (ILOMAZ 1&2) are already in high demand which is a result of the seed drop and other promotional activities carried out by the Agricultural extensionist (Dr. Kemi Omotesho) and Socio-economist (Dr. Grace Akinsola) on the Accelerating Genetic Gains (AGG) in Maize project,” a statement by the university read.
The university expressed confidence that the ILOMAZ 3 will revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria and beyond, “We are confident that when these varieties find their way into the hands of our farmers, they will change the agro-landscape, empower resource-limited farmers, and provide succour to end-users in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria,” the university stated.