Description

Obatanpa is a widely cultivated open-pollinated maize variety developed by Ghana’s Crop Research Institute (CRI) in collaboration with international partners. Released in 1992, it has become a staple in Ghanaian agriculture due to its nutritional benefits and adaptability.​

Key Characteristics

Type: Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV)​

Maturity: Intermediate, approximately 105–110 days​

Grain Color: Yellow

Endosperm: Combination of dent and flint types​

Nutritional Profile: Quality Protein Maize (QPM) with elevated levels of lysine and tryptophan, addressing protein deficiencies in diets reliant on maize

Yield Potential: Under optimal conditions, yields can reach up to 5.5 t/ha, though average yields on farmers’ fields are around 1.6 t/ha

Disease Resistance: Exhibits good resistance to Maize Streak Virus (MSV) and lowland rust, with moderate resistance to blight

Stress Tolerance: Shows tolerance to Striga hermonthica, a parasitic weed affecting maize crops