7 October 2017. Stakeholders came together in a workshop to discuss and prioritize action plans for preventive control of the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) in maize production, on 26 September at IITA, Ibadan.

The workshop titled “Strategic planning to prevent spread of Maize Lethal Necrosis” aimed to raise awareness about the status of MLN spread and progress towards control in affected regions in East Africa.

Maize breeders, scientists, staff, and students from Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) Ghana, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and IITA, attended the workshop with a shared vision of pulling together national, regional and international partners to combat the spread of MLN, support seed companies to produce Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV)-free commercial seed, spread improved farming practices for disease control, and create a “community of practice” for disease diagnosis and management.

The MLN disease, which appeared in the region in 2011, was first reported in Kenya. The disease has caused major losses to maize crops of up to 90%, resulted in an estimated grain loss of 126,000 tons valued at $52 million in Kenya alone, and decreased food security. This emerging threat is now endemic in much of East Africa, and has been reported and confirmed in DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Robert Asiedu, Director, Research for Development, IITA-West Africa, represented by Michael Abberton, IITA Deputy Director, Research for Development, West Africa, and Head, IITA Genetic Resources Center, commended all the participants for their efforts towards making the meeting a huge success, and urged them to seize the opportunity to integrate, educate, and exchange ideas on strategies to fight and prevent the menace.

In addition, Abebe Menkir, Leader, IITA Maize Program, applauded the participants, as he said: “I welcome you all to this very important meeting; MLN has been a significant challenge affecting maize production. I am looking forward to seeing positive contributions and a solid approach towards preventing the further spread of MLN in Eastern Africa.”

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