Mandate of   AICRP (MAIZE) Mandya Centre ZARS, VC Farm, Mandya, Karanataka-571405

• Evaluation of maize hybrids/composites for yield performance   under different maturity groups (Late, Medium, Early and Extra Early) in Co-ordinated trial.
• Screening of maize genotypes against Turcicum leaf blight (TLB), Sorghum downy mildew (SDM) and Polysora rust disease under different maturity groups in co-ordinated trial.
• Survey and suvellience for major diseases of maize in southern parts of Karnataka.
• Assessment of avoidable yield loss due to SDM, TLB and Polysora rust
• To conduct Integrated Disease Management (IDM) practices in order to identify effective control measures against SDM, TLB and Polysora rust
• To conduct front line demonstration to popularize the maize hybrids and technology for higher productivity
• To conduct demonstration of maize hybrids under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)
• Developing nutritionally enriched recipes using QPM and other speciality corns and their shelf life studies.
• Transfer of technology through training programme and other means to SHG women in maize value-added product preparation and its popularization

 Research Accomplishments (in bullets; 10 Max):

1. Released high yielding, disease tolerant, stay green single cross Maize hybrid MAH-14-5 suitable for cultivation in rainfed situation in southern Karnataka during 2017.
2. Released high yielding, disease tolerant, stay green single cross hybrid Hema (NAH-1137) suitable for cultivation in Zone 4, 5, 6 and 7 during 2010.
3. Released high yielding and disease tolerant single cross hybrid Nithyashree (NAH-2049) suitable for cultivation in Zone 4, 5, 6 and 7 during 2006.
4. Released high yielding and disease tolerant Early maturity composite NAC-6002 suitable for cultivation in Zone 4, 5, 6 and 7 during 1999.
5. Released high yielding and disease tolerant Late maturity composite NAC-6004 suitable for cultivation in Zone 4, 5, 6 and 7 during 1998.
6. Identified 19 stable TLB resistant (NAI 137, 138, 142,161, 175, 176, 197, 204, 207, 209, 214, 226,  CML 226, 248,360, 410, HKI 163, SKV 50,  KUI 1411 and KUI 1411-A), 7 stable P. Rust resistant (NAI 137, 138, 142,161, 175, 176, 197, 204, 207, 209, 214, 226,  CML 226, 248,360, 410, HKI 163, SKV 50,  KUI 1411 and KUI 1411-A ) and 11 inbred lines (MAI-1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20 and 21 ) which are consistently showing resistant and moderately resistant reaction to SDM. 
7. Identified Azoxystrobin (Seed treatment @ 0.2% and spray @ 0.15%) as an alternate fungicide to metalaxyl + Mancozeb against SDM in maize.
8. A total of 166 demonstrations were successfully conducted under Tribal sub plan for popularizing the maize hybrids with improved production technology and 225 front line demonstrations were conducted to see the performance of maize hybrids.
9. Developed Maize value added products namely, Maize noodles, Pasta, Maize vermicelli, Laddu, Crispes, Papad were branded under brand name “Maizy”, Nutri mix, Maize idli mix and Maize vada mix were included in UAS (B) package of practice book.
10. Technologies on value added products of baby corn such as baby corn candy, baby corn Murabba, brining of baby corn, dehydration of baby corn and dry salting of baby corn were standardized and added to UAS(B) Package of practice book.