Preliminary comparison of WEMA maize (Zea mays) variety and maize hybrid under different irrigation frequencies and soil types

Abstract

Water scarcity and soil fertility have been long recognized as the most crucial factors limiting maize production. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted during 2021 planting season at North-West university Research Farm to investigate the comparison of Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) maize and hybrid maize varieties under different irrigation frequencies and soil types. The experiment was a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment fitted in a randomized complete block design in four replicates. The treatment factors consist of irrigation frequency (1, 2 and 3 times in a week), soil types (Sandy and Sandy loam) and maize variety (WEMA and PANNAR varieties). Results indicated that the tallest plant height (41.99 and 56.38 cm) was recorded with three times irrigation frequency at 46 and 53 DAP. The maize variety sown in the sandy loamy had a higher number of leaves (6.50 and 7.75) at 46 and 53 DAP, respectively. The WEMA variety had higher chlorophyll content (13.73 SPAD) at 46 DAP. The PANNAR maize variety had higher chlorophyll content (16.65 SPAD) at 53 DAP. Highest shoot dry weight (4.30 g) was obtained in sandy loam soil type. WEMA variety had highest total dry matter weight (20.90 g). The result indicated that sandy loam, maize variety and irrigation frequency three times enhanced the growth of WEMA variety and PANNAR hybrid. WEMA maize produced the highest dry matter compared to PANNAR. This showed that WEMA variety could tolerate water deficit compared to the PANNAR hybrid.