The University of Ilorin, Kwara State, has announced the release and registration of its first drought-tolerant and striga-resistant hybrid maize variety, named ILOMAZ 3.
In a statement from the university’s weekly bulletin on Monday, the hybrid maize was heralded as a revolutionary step for agricultural advancement.
The proposal for ILOMAZ 3’s registration and release was presented by Dr. Folusho Bankole, a senior lecturer in the Department of Agronomy, at the 38th meeting of the Technical Sub-Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB).
Dr. Bankole highlighted that ILOMAZ 3 was developed through extensive testing in collaboration with scientists from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) in Zaria, and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) at Moore Plantation, Ibadan.
She noted that the success of previous varieties, ILOMAZ 1 and 2, is largely due to promotional efforts by Dr. Kemi Omotesho, Acting Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, and Dr. Grace Akinsola, a socio-economist, under the Accelerating Genetic Gains (AGG) in the Maize project.
“With the introduction of these varieties to farmers, we anticipate a transformative impact on the agro-landscape, empowering resource-limited farmers and benefiting end-users in Nigeria’s Guinea Savannah region,” Dr. Bankole remarked.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Oluyemisi Fawole, celebrated the landmark achievement.
She expressed excitement for the release of ILOMAZ 3, the first hybrid maize developed by her faculty, and noted that the earlier varieties, ILOMAZ 1 and 2, have been widely accepted by consumers in Nigeria’s Guinea Savannah and Rainforest regions.
Professor Fawole assured the university community and stakeholders of further groundbreaking research from the faculty and praised Dr. Bankole’s team for their exceptional contributions to agricultural innovation.