Reactions of provitamin-A-enriched maize to foliar diseases under field conditions in Nigeria

Abstract Maize is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vitamin A deficiency index high and could be reduced through the consumption of provitamin-A-enriched maize. However, foliar diseases such as maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight common rust constrain production SSA. The cultivation host-resistant varieties most effective approach to mitigate their effects. Therefore, synthetics improved for PVA carotenoids, selection cycles crosses well commercial disease-resistant check were assessed resistance at hotspots Nigeria. diseases’ effects on agronomic performance carotenoid content genotypes assessed. Genotypes differed traits disease resistance. Stepwise regression revealed that, although determined 93% grain yield, each had effect yield. unit increase virus score increased plant aspect husk cover scores by 0.6 0.4, respectively, whereas an decreased height 16.2 cm 0.7. genotypic variability lutein 36.7 18.7%, while provitamin 27.1%. Most exhibited moderate susceptibility blight. three tolerance rust, thus can serve sources PVA-enriched, tolerant lines.