On 9th to 13th December 2024, the Center of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) successfully conducted a training on Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) diagnostics for six delegates from Zambia at KEPHIS PQBS, focusing on enhancing phytosanitary capacity. The training featured 15% theory sessions and 85% practical sessions, with a field visit to CIMMYT’s MLN screening facility in Naivasha.
Key topics included an overview of MLN disease, its epidemiology, spread, and management, as well as MLN viruses' detection methods. Delegates engaged in hands-on sessions covering sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and molecular assays for virus detection. The field visit provided insights into current research and breeding of MLN-resistant maize varieties.
The training achieved over 90% of its objectives, strengthening regional plant health systems. The event concluded with certificates awarded by KEPHIS Managing Director Prof. Theophilus Mutui, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration to combat MLN.
