Abstract:

Maize is a very important cereal crop produced almost throughout the country. It is valuable as a food and cash crop. The Cereals Research Program based at Namulonge Agricultural and Animal Production Research Institute aims at developing high yielding varieties that are resistant/tolerant to major pests and diseases and providing appropriate maize production technology package to the farmers for increased maize production. In 1991, an open pollinated variety (OPV) Longe 1 was released to farmers followed by single cross hybrids Longe 2H and Longe 3H in 1998. Early maturing Longe 4 and high protein maize Longe 5 (both OPVS') were also released. The open pollinated varieties, Longe 1,4 and 5 have a yield potential of 4-5 tons/ha. In 2002, 3Way hybrids, Longe 6H, 7H and 8H with yield potential of 7-9 tons/ha were released. Maize seed is distributed by seed companies and at the District Agricultural Offices countrywide.