Adaptation of Hybrid Maize to Greenbelt and Ironstone Plateau Agro-Ecologies of South Sudan

Abstract

Maize is a major staple food and source of income for over 90% of the population in South Sudan however, average yield is very low (0.5-0.9 t/ha). Little research has been done on maize improvement in the country and farmers mainly depend on local and unimproved cultivars. Identification and release of adapted and high yielding hybrids may elevate average maize yield (t/ha) among the resource-poor farmers in the country. Improved maize hybrids from the region have not been tested under South Sudanese environments. Objectives of the study were to: (i) determine genotype by environment interactions among some regional maize genotypes; (ii) estimate genetic components and heritability for yield performances; and (iii) identify high yielding maize hybrids adapted to agroecologies of South Sudan. At least 48 maize genotypes including elite hybrids and open-pollinated varieties (OPV) adapted across sub-Saharan Africa and two local cultivars collected from local farmers in South Sudan were evaluated across five locations within greenbelt and ironstone plateau agro-ecologies over three years (2013-2015). Experiments were set up in a 12 × 4 alpha lattice design with 2 replications. Standard agronomic practices were followed and data recorded on yield traits and resistance to major diseases. Across locations and years analysis revealed significant differences among genotypes due to genotype and genotype × environment interactions (P ≤ 0.01). Significant variability (P ≤ 0.01) existed among the genotypes for yield stability across environments. The study identified hybrids SC719 (8.3 t/ha), KH500-22A (8.0 t/ha) and Longe 10H (7.9 t/ha) as the best and stable candidates.