OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES

KATUMANI COMPOSITE 'B':

The Katumani composite is an open pollinated variety developed mainly for arid and semi arid maize growing areas of Kenya. In these zones, the composite produces medium yields and tolerant to diseases and pests prevailing at these zones. It grows to about 174 cm tall, has mixed both green and purple stems and quite hairy sheaths, most of the stems being not straight but rather zigzag. The plants produce green leaves with the tassel being medium purple and is produced about 65 days after planting. The variety silks 72 days after planting and the silks being purple in colour. The ears produce white grains that are indiscriminately arranged and are predominantly semi dented.

ADAPTABILITY: This variety was bred for the dry areas of Kenya as it is early maturing and has low rainfall requirements. It is adopted to marginal areas of Kenya within 1000 - 1800m above sea level.

AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: The composite is early maturing variety, maturing 3-4 months after planting with yields average of 12 bags per acre. The variety is tolerant to most of the leaf and ear diseases, to striga weed and drought conditions and it is also resistant to lodging and has good husk cover.

DLCI:
This variety is targeted for the dry areas of Eastern and Coastal regions of Kenya. It is resistant to dorught and very short. It matures early and resistant to diseases and pests prevalent in these areas. The average height is about 201 cm. It produces green leaves with light green stems. The silk colour is cream. The tassels are purple and are produced about 65 days after sowing.

ADAPTABILITY: The variety is more adapted to dry low altitude zones of Eastern and Coastal regions of Kenya.

AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: The variety matures 3-4 months after planting and is capable of producing about 14 bags of grain per acre. The variety is uniform, short and is tolerant to most leaf and ear diseases and has husk cover. It produces grains.