New Maize Variety Gives Farmers Hope Against Armyworm
Scientists have urged the government to approve genetically modified maize after trials in Uganda showed resistance to fall armyworm invasion.
Dr Sylvester Oikeh, Project Manager of Water Efficient Maize for Africa (Wema) that is carrying out Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize trials in Kasese, said the genetically modified variety was resistant to the pest that has decimated maize farms across the border.
“The potential of the Bt gene to control fall armyworm is quite evident in the Bt maize trials going on in Uganda and this is quite exciting for our farmers,” said Oikeh.
FAO/Lesotho/Lechoko Noko