For Yield and Resistance to Maize Streak Virus
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University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEVELOPMENT OF TOPCROSS HYBRID MAIZE (Zea mays L.) FOR YIELD AND RESISTANCE TO MAIZE STREAK VIRUS DISEASE By ALLEN OPPONG (10293971) THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN PLANT BREEDING WEST AFRICA CENTRE FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON DECEMBER 2013 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DECLARATION I hereby declare that except for references to works of other researchers, which have been duly cited, this work is my original research and that neither part nor whole has been presented elsewhere for the award of a degree. .................................................. ALLEN OPPONG (Student) .................................................. PROF. S.K. OFFEI (Supervisor) .................................................. PROF. K. OFORI (Supervisor) .................................................. DR. HANS ADU-DAPAAH (Supervisor) i University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Dedication This work is dedicated to my father Very Rev. William Ofori of blessed memory, my mother Grace, my siblings, my wife Linda, my little daughter, Marilyn and rest of the family. ii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh General Abstract Studies were conducted to explore the potential of utilizing Ghanaian maize landraces for improved grain yield and resistance to the maize streak virus disease. Farmer perceptions of the maize streak virus disease as well as constraints to the adoption of improved varieties and farmers’ continuous reliance on local landraces or farmer varieties and production constraints were investigated. Genomic characterization of Maize streak virus (MSV) strains found in the forest and transitions zones of Ghana were also undertaken to identify virulent strains of the virus that can be used to screen novel genotypes with adequate resistance to the disease. Genetic relationships among selected Ghanaian maize landraces and “exotic” germplasm were analyzed using SSR markers. Studies on general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) on yield and related traits as well as MSV disease incidence and severity were conducted on selected local landraces and some CIMMYT and IITA inbred line testers using the line by tester approach. Percentage heterosis and heterotic groups were assessed in the local germplasm. The yield stability of selected topcross hybrids generated together with their landrace parents were assessed using AMMI and yield stability index in six environments. Sixty four (64%) of respondents cultivated improved OPVs released by the research institutes and about 36% and 3% depend on landraces and hybrids respectively. Majority of the farmers preferred cultivars with slender cobs and lot of grains. Constraints identified by the farmers included climate change, poor road infrastructure, lack of farming inputs and cheating by middlemen. Majority of farmers interviewed had knowledge of the maize streak virus disease. Maize streak virus disease was mentioned as a seasonal disease which affects about 20% of their yields. Variants of MSV A1 identified from the disease specimen also aligned closely with those iii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh that have been detected in West Africa. The UPGMA dendrogram showed one big cluster with two outliers. However, eight minor clusters and nine outliers were found, if a perpendicular line is drawn from 0.22 genetic similarity, whilst Bayesian analysis indicated four sub populations and a mixed group. Significantly high mean yields were obtained for some of the topcross hybrids compared with their parents and the local checks with as much as 111% heterosis being observed for some of topcross hybrids over the best parent yield. Heterotic groups were assigned to 11 of the landraces (farmer varieties) whilst the remaining 5 could not be assigned. Significantly positive general combining abilities (GCA) effects with respect to yield were observed for lines LA30, LA3 and LA80, while significantly positive specific combining ability effects were observed for crosses involving lines LA558, LA76, LA80, LA457 and LA3. Testers CML442, CML444 and TZEI17 GCA effects significantly contributed positively to yield increase but significantly negative to MSV disease incidence and severity. Yield stability index ranked most of the topcross hybrids as high yielding and stable across environments. This work has demonstrated the potential of utilizing Ghanaian maize landraces for improved yield and resistance to the Maize streak virus disease. It is recommended that inbred lines are developed from some of the promising landraces identified which can be used to produce single or double cross hybrids with yields and Maize streak virus disease resistance better than what was obtained in this study for wider adoption. iv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Acknowledgement My greatest acknowledgement goes to the Almighty God for His mercies this far. I humbly acknowledge my supervisors; Prof S.K. Offei, Prof. K. Ofori, Dr. Charles Thé (of blessed memory) and Dr. Hans Adu-Dapaah for their pieces of advice, encouragement and support which enabled successful completion of this study. Most special appreciation and thanks go to the Alliance for the Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for granting me a scholarship to undertake this study. Worthy of special mention are Prof. Eric Y-Danquah, Director of the West Africa centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon and Dr. Rufaro Madakadze of AGRA for their unflinching support. I am grateful to the Director General of the CSIR and the entire management of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Kumasi for granting me study leave and providing a congenial set-up that enabled this study to be carried out. I am grateful to the Generation Challenge Programme (GCP) for providing genotyping support service through BeCA, Nairobi, Kenya as well as some equipment and training through the ‘Capacity building a la carté programme. I dare not forget to acknowledge the immense support I have received from Dr. Marilyn L. Warburton of USDA-ARS CHPRRU, Mississippi State, MS, USA, for supporting my application to WACCI and reading through some portions of this work. Similarly, I am grateful to Dr. F.O Anno-Nyako of CSIR and Dr. F. A. Ofori formerly, of the KNUST Crops Science Department who in several ways have supported me this far. I recognize the immense support of Dr. Arvind Varsani of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and Dr. Martin P. Darren of the University of Cape Town, South Africa for their support for the genomic characterization of Ghanaian Maize streak virus isolates. Special thanks go to Dr. Vernon Gracen of WACCI and Cornell University, New York, USA, for his support and advice. I am grateful to Dr. Cosmos Magorokosho of CIMMYT Zimbabwe and Dr. Badu-Apraku of v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh IITA for freely supplying me inbred lines. Worthy of mention are the staff of the Pathology and Entomology sections, PB maize and Socio-economic divisions of the CSIR-CRI for their total support and commitment. Of particular mention, are Dr. M. Owusu-Akyaw, Dr. B.M. Mochia, Dr. J.N.L. Lamptey, Dr. E. Moses, Dr. K. Obeng-Antwi, Mr. Ibrahim Adama and Mr. Manfred B. Ewool. Others are Mr. Lord Ohemeng Appiah, Bright Asante, Benedicta Nsia-Frimpong, Mr. and Mrs Appiah Kubi, Esther Ntim Oheneba, Isaac Ativor, Kwasi Paul, Francis Dadzie, Francis Mensah, Mr. Joseph Kyeremeh, Stephen Oware Kunkuma, Kwadwo Alale, Kwame Aponye, Nana Ebo, Ebenezer (Entomology), Rose Osei Kofi, Kwabena Ali Balenge, Bawuah, Samuel Wiafe, Rose Baafi and Comfort Nkrumah Gyamera. Special thanks go Alhaji Yakubu and Mr. Emmanuel Donkor of the Forestry Commission, Kumasi, the entire staff of WACCI, Dr. Maxwell D. Asante, and the numerous friends who in no small measure have contributed to this work. I say thank you to all the International Scientists who delivered modules on plant breeding at WACCI and reviewed this work at the conception and final stages. Last but not least; I am indebted to my family, wife Linda, my course mates (Cohort two members) and the numerous well wishers for their support, prayers and encouragement. vi University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Table of Contents DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i Dedication ....................................................................................................................................... ii General Abstract ............................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgement .......................................................................................................................... v Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. xiii List of Plate .................................................................................................................................