Abstract
As part of a farming systems research project in KwaZulu, a range of agronomic variables (hybrid and open‐pollinated seed, frequeincy of weeding and fertilizer rates) were evaluated for small‐scale subsistence and commercial maize (Zea mays L.) production. Not all hybrids performed well but a group of adapted cultivars outyielded the open‐pollinated cultivars consistently. The grain yield regression equation of a leading hybrid (PNR6549) on the best open‐pollinated cultivar (Kalahari Early Pearl) was y = 0,32 + l,2x (yield range: 1 t ha‘1 to 8 t ha‐1). The large‐grained Hickory King and a traditional cultlvar (Maputaland), while giving lower grain yields than other open‐pollinated and hybrid culttvars, were preferred for consumption as green mealies (corn‐on‐the‐cob). Weed control was a major determinant of yield. At the lowest level of purchased input (open‐pollinated seed, no fertilizer), increasing the number of weedings from one to three raised the mean grain yield over two seasons from 1,1 t ha‐1 to ...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
