The Maize Improvement Programme for Southern Ecologies, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Ibadan, has developed new maize varieties that are of great economic benefits to humans. The Acting Head of the Programme, Dr Julius Olasoji, revealed this in Ibadan on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria . Olasoji said the institute has mandate on the genetic improvement of maize varieties to deal with the challenges of low yields among farmers. He added that the varieties would also ensure laudable food production in Southern agro- ecologies of the country. “The varieties are Ife Maize hyb-08 with plant height 170 to 178cm, white grain colour, and dent grain texture, with 57 days to mid-silken, 98 days of maturity and 8.60t/ha yield potential. “It’s tolerant to all folia diseases with multipurpose utilisation potential. “We also developed Ife Maize hyb-08 with 9.50t/ha yield potential, 60 days to mid-silken and 110 days to maturity. “The variety is tolerant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvlinear leaf spot and the utilisation potential is multipurpose,” he said. Olasoji, who is a seed scientist, said that the programme was also able to identify micro-organisms and plant samples for maize diseases control. “We also have formulation of eco- friendly coating methods for the control of seed-borne diseases of maize. “Diffusion of quality seeds of improved maize varieties for farmers in the Southern agro- ecologies of Nigeria, “Olasoji added. He further said that the farmers have access to the varieties through farming system programmes.