Page 28 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Seeds saved from these varieties segregate and, if replanted, do not retain the
desired characteristics, leading to lower yields and inconsistent traits. Therefore,
it is advised to purchase new seeds for each cropping season. They have higher
yields due to hybrid vigour (heterosis), making it more ideal for commercial
farming. They are bred for specific traits such as pest and disease resistance,
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drought tolerance, heat tolerance, maturity time and other good characteristics
that aim for high yield. Examples of hybrid varieties are presented in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Some recommended maize varieties in Tanzania

Seed Category Optimal Average Maturity Attributes
variety altitude grain yield (days)
(metres) (t/ha)
Resistant to leaf rust, leaf
NATAH 104 OPV 500 - 1700 8.5 120 blight and grey leaf spot
diseases
Resistant to Leaf rust,
WE 3117 OPV 0 - 1500 6.7 125 blight and Maize streak
virus diseases

Tolerant to grey leaf spot,
NATA K8 OPV 0 - 1600 4.5 115 Leaf blight and Leaf rust
diseases.

MERU Hybrid 1,000 – 10 129 Resistant to Maize streak
H600 1,600 and grey leaf spot diseases

Drought tolerant, resistant
400 –
PAN 4M-21 Hybrid 7.5 125 to Leaf rust, Maize streak
1,200
and grey leaf spot
Resistant to Leaf rust,
MERU Hybrid 800 – 7.2 115 Maize streak, and grey leaf
SB507 1,200 spot diseases. Resistant to
drought
Resistant to Leaf rust,
800 –
SC719 Hybrid 8.5 150 grey leaf spot, and cob rot
1,500
diseases; good for animals

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