1Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
2Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
3Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
*Corresponding author's e-mail: patrick.ndakidemi@nm-aist.ac.tz
Online published on 10 February, 2017.
Maize is among the most preferred crop in Tanzania and other parts of the world. However, its production has been facing a number of challenges. Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) is a new challenge in Eastern Africa. The control of MLND is said to be complicated as it is caused by a combination of more than one virus viz. Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV). Stakeholders agree that the priority is to identify MLND resistant maize varieties. Genetic diversity provides the source of traits required against maize production challenges such as MLND. The study of genetic diversity in maize accessions often involves characterizing morphological plant characteristics as well as molecular marker techniques to study variation at DNA level. This review explores different literatures that address the importance of genetic diversity and the possibility of generating information towards obtaining potential materials against maize challenges and MLND in particular.
Genetic diversity, Landraces, Maize, MLND, Molecular markers, Morphological characterization
