Chitedze

The rice commodity team is based at Lifuwu Experimental Station where most research work on this crop is done. The team conducts research an agronomic practices, breeding and rice insect pest and disease management strategies.

Areas of research

(i) breeding and screening of rice varieties for high yield and tolerance/resistance to major pests and diseases,
(ii) developing agronomic practices for both rain-fed and irrigated rice production, and
(iii) developing management strategies for various diseases and insect pests.

Achievements
(i) recommended and released varieties such as Pusa, Nunkile, Vyawo, Changu, Senga, Mtupatupa Kilombero and Faya, and
(ii) recommended agronomic practices such as spacing, time of planting, fertilizer application rates and water management.