Melody Mashaire : Business Reporter
Seed Co Zimbabwe has introduced new fast growing seed varieties to mitigate against the effects of climate change, an official has said. Addressing delegates and farmers at a field day in Shamva, Seed Co Zimbabwe managing director Mr Denias Zaranyika said the newer varieties would help deal with the unpredictable weather patterns brought by the El Nino phenomenon.“Some of you have already been able to experience the beauty of the ultra-early and widely adaptable SC301, this is the one which is going to mitigate against climate change.
“We have added to this basket SC303, the earliest hybrid available in the country which also boasts good foliar disease coverage,” he said
Mr Zaranyika said the company had also introduced a flint grain type with good drought tolerance and thick cob in the 4-series
“In the 4-series, we have introduced SC417 and SC419.
“ SC417 is a flint grain type; with good drought tolerance and thick cobs; while SC419 is the highest 400 series yielder with very white grain; excellent drought tolerance; widely adaptable and fast dry down rate, among other attributes,” he said.
He said in the early maturity range SC 529 remained the highest yielder in the 500 series with good GLS tolerance levels.
“New additions to the 6-series are SC649 and SC643. Both SC649 and SC643 have excellent drought tolerance and widely adaptable; while SC643 exhibits good nitrogen use efficiency.
Mr Zaranyika said the company’s researchers had been working on newer products, particularly in maize and soya beans.
“We have good stories to tell, the good stories are anchored on some of our newer products that our team of researchers have been working on, particularly in maize and soyabeans,” he said.