IR maize: Imazapyr resistant maize for Striga management

Boost maize yields while eliminating the issue of Striga infestation

The "Imazapyr resistant maize for Striga management (IR maize)" technology is a maize variety that has been genetically modified to exhibit resistance to imazapyr, an herbicide effective in protecting maize crops from parasitic Striga weeds. These improved maize lines, known as IR maize, have been specifically designed for regions in Sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected by Striga, a parasitic weed that significantly impacts crop productivity by sapping nutrients and water from maize plants. IR maize not only safeguards against Striga but also reduces the growth and negative impact of other common weed types, contributing to improved grain and stover productivity, as well as nutrient and water use efficiency in maize crops. This technology has led to substantial enhancements in food self-sufficiency and economic returns in maize farming across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 7/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

The poor: Positive medium

Under 18: Positive low

Women: Positive low

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: Same amount of carbon released

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

Water use: Same amount of water used

Problem

Severe Striga weed infestations in maize crops, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to significant yield losses.
Reduced grain yields and crop productivity due to the parasitic nature of Striga, which competes with maize for nutrients and water.
Limited food self-sufficiency and economic returns in maize farming areas affected by Striga infestations.
Herbicide reliance and the need for effective Striga control methods.

Solution

Development and marketing of improved maize varieties that are genetically modified to be resistant to imazapyr, a herbicide effective in protecting maize crops against Striga weeds.
Introduction of IR maize lines in areas severely affected by Striga, enhancing grain yields and curbing the further spread of the weed when combined with appropriate soil and fertilizer management.
Use of IR maize seeds coated with imazapyr instead of non-resistant hybrid varieties, leading to increased grain and stover productivity and improved nutrient and water use efficiency.
Reduction in herbicide usage for Striga control by precisely delivering the imazapyr agent through seed dressing, effectively inhibiting Striga spore germination near maize roots during the critical stages of crop establishment.
Genetic engineering of maize germplasm to incorporate an 'IR' gene, making maize plants resistant to imazapyr herbicides.
Marketing of maize varieties combining imazapyr resistance with other valuable traits, such as drought tolerance and biofortification.
Season-long protection against Striga on fields, even in areas with varying Striga seedbanks and levels of parasitism of untreated maize varieties.
Compatibility of IR maize with degraded fields and low soil fertility when combined with the appropriate supply of inorganic fertilizers and organic resources.
Use of the non-toxic herbicide imazapyr, which is applied in micro-doses through IR technology.
Coating of herbicides onto maize seeds using a binding agent like Arabic gum, ensuring stable application and effectiveness.

Key points to design your project

This technology aims to enhance food safety, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture. Simultaneously, it helps manage plant diseases more sustainably and mitigates the effects of climate change, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals such as food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable agriculture.

To integrate this technology into your project, create a list of project activities and prerequisites, including:

Identifying and developing effective pesticides for seed treatment to control Striga infestation,
Raising awareness among farmers about the benefits of IR maize on production and Striga control,
Providing access to seed treatment for community-based and commercial seed multipliers, as well as agro dealers,
Linking producers to financial support and markets.

- Estimate the quantity of IR Maize seed and pesticide needed for your project, considering that Imazapyr herbicides cost 4-5 USD for the IR seed required to plant one hectare. The seed of IR maize costs 1.5 to 2.5 USD per kilogram.

- As the technology is available in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, include the delivery cost to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.

Training is crucial because treating seed requires knowledge and skills to be performed properly and safely. A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for training and post-training support for using the technology. Communication support for the technology should be developed (flyers, videos, radio broadcasts, etc.).

For better optimization of this technology, it is recommended to associate this technology with Drought-tolerant varieties (DTMA, WEMA, others), Specialized pre-plant fertilizer blending and N topdressing, Maize-legume rotation, and intercropping. To implement the technology in your country, you could collaborate with agricultural development institutes and seed multiplication companies.

Cost: $$$ 1.5—2.5 USD

per kg

IP

Open source / open access

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Malawi	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mozambique	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Uganda	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Zambia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

1. Seed Selection and Preparation:

Obtain high-quality IR maize seeds from a reliable source. Use gloves when handling the coated IR maize seeds to avoid exposure to the herbicide.

2. Soil and Fertilizer Management:

Follow the best soil and fertilizer management practices recommended for your specific growing area and conditions.
Ensure that the soil surface is well-tamped down to help the herbicide reach the surrounding soil.

3. Planting IR Maize:

Plant IR maize seeds as you would with any normal maize crop.
Ensure proper seed spacing and planting depth according to local recommendations.

4. Fertilizer Application:

Apply inorganic fertilizers, with a particular emphasis on nitrogen, as these have been shown to increase yields from IR maize and reduce Striga infestation.
Fertilizer application addresses soil limitations and helps the crop grow stronger.

5. Intercropping or Rotation (if needed):

On farmlands with high rates of Striga infestation, consider intercropping or rotating with food legumes like soybean or cowpea, or forage legume like greenleaf clover.
These additional crops can help manage Striga while diversifying agricultural output.

Last updated on 22 May 2024