Performance Evaluation of Maize Hybrids for Yield Characteristics Under Drought Stress Condition of Southern Tigray Region

Abstract

Eight released maize varieties with one local check were tested at Ofla in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2014 main rainy season. The experiment was conducted to test the adaptability of improved high land hybrid maize varieties and select the best high yielding maize hybrid varieties for the target area. The treatments consisted of one open pollinated maize variety (Gibe-1) and six hybrid maize varieties (Hora, Jibat, Argane, BH-140, BH661, Wanchi) and one local check were evaluated at Ofla sites. Hybrid maize varieties were planted with 0.75 m and 0.25 m between row and between plants respectively. Urea and DAP were used as a source of Nitrogen and Phosperos at recommended rate of application. The analysis of variance showed highly significant difference (p<0.01) for plant height (cm) and days to maturity. While, days to male flower, days to female flower, ear height (cm), thousand seed weight (g), grain yield and yield per cob showed significantly difference (p<0.05). Wonchi variety was obtained the best results in terms of yield and yielding component and local check maize varieties did not performed well in terms of yield and yielding component as compared to hybrids. Therefore, for sustainable maize production Wonchi could be recommended. This variety need to be addressed to farmers and users with improved production packages.