As part of the Linkata Meeting, held on October 15, 2026, the case study “Maize Under Pressure: Drought and Corn Stunt Disease in Tolima” was presented, highlighting the challenges facing maize production due to the interaction between climatic factors and plant health issues.

The presentation provided an opportunity to share this regional challenge and emphasize the importance of strengthening risk management in maize production systems through knowledge generation, experience sharing, and the development of management strategies adapted to local conditions.

In the department of Tolima, periods of drought pose a significant challenge to crop productivity and sustainability. This situation is compounded by corn stunt disease, which is associated with pathogens transmitted by the insect vector Dalbulus maidis. Understanding the distribution and population dynamics of this insect is essential for developing prevention and plant health management strategies.

This experience aligns with the objectives of the “Resilient Maize: Innovation and Sustainable Management of Corn Stunt Disease” project, which seeks to generate knowledge and promote management alternatives to address the climatic and plant health challenges affecting maize production in Colombia and Argentina. Its areas of work include assessing the potential distribution of Dalbulus maidis under climate change scenarios and implementing integrated management practices to strengthen the resilience of production systems.

Participation in knowledge-sharing events such as the Linkata Meeting helps raise awareness of the challenges facing the maize sector, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge generated through agricultural research.

Through these efforts, the Resilient Maize project reaffirms the importance of integrating research, innovation, and knowledge management to advance more resilient and sustainable maize production systems that are better prepared to face the challenges of climate change.