Abstract

In Burundi, the local population (especially in the mountains) relies on maize and peas for food. Phases I, II and III of this project supported research to increase the yield of beans, maize and peas, emphasizing the selection and breeding of high-yield, disease-resistant varieties. This project will increase the productivity of maize and peas through improved cultivars and cultural practice, thereby improving the living standards of small farmers in Burundi. The project also will serve as a training ground for a team of researchers in Burundi who will carry out the research themselves.

Post-Project Summary

This project continued the development of the maize and peas program with a view to rendering it autonomous, entirely run and managed by national scientists trained for the purpose. To develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and early-maturing maize varieties derived through germplasm techniques, a number of varieties suited to each altitude zone were released to farmers. A popular high-yielding variety for low altitudes was multiplied on a commercial farm and the resultant 200 t of seed was sold to over 50 farmers for on-farm trials. High and medium altitude varieties were distributed to 960 farmers who then obtained better yields. For the development of pea varieties, 275 pea lines were tested in one season, but gave no yield because of a high incidence of disease. The following season, 10 lines were tested on two sites and although no significant improvement in yield was registered, some varieties showed tolerance to certain diseases. Fertilizer trials on maize resulted in good responses to nitrogen and phosphate on less acid soils, and to lime on more acid soils when 123 maize lines were tested for tolerance to soil acidity. Low fertilizer applications were used in trials of intercropped maize and beans, while intercropping maize and peas resulted in high yields for maize and no yield for peas due to fungal attack. To ensure the continuity of the program, several Burundian scientists received support for engaging in specialized studies in agricultural research.

Recipient Institution(s)