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What varieties of maize are grown in Kenya?

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1.High altitude varieties (6000ft): They are bred to mature in 5 -6 months. Mainly consist of H6 series such as H614, H625, H628.
2.Medium altitude varieties (5000ft): Mainly H5 series such as H511, H512, H513.
Both the high and medium varieties are hybrids that can produce upto 40% more than the local varieties. The hybrids are planted once due to decrease in hybrid vigour and hence low yields in subsequent plantings.
3.Kitale synthetic varieties: These are open pollinated varieties produced when inbred pure lines of the same variety are grown together and allowed to cross pollinate freely. The first breeding was done in 4.Kitale in 1955 but until 1961 is when they got the good variety called Kitale synthetic II.
5.Katumani composite (Mixed): These are obtained by growing varieties of different genetic composition together and allow them to pollinate freely. This was first done by National research station at Katumani. They cannot yield as hybrids. They are well distributed especially eastern province. Can be grown year in year out.
6.Cost composite: Are like Katumani composites but breeding was done at Mtwapa in Kilifi
Local open pollinating varieties like nyamula, jowi, number nane.

Titany answered the question on August 16, 2021 at 07:23

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What varieties of maize are grown in Kenya?

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