Hybrid Maize Varieties Research Articles

Nitrogen Fertilizer Split Application Response on Late Maturing Maize ((Zea mays L.) at Banshure and Omonada Woredas, Sowthwest Ethiopia

The field experiments were carried out at Buno Bedele and Omonada Jimma Zones on farmers’ fields for three consecutive main seasons and two sites each. The 10 treatments were laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications using (BH661) hybrid maize variety. All across season and location data analysis of ANNOVA showed that all parameters were significantly affected by different time of nitrogen applications including plant height, grain yield, and harvest index, above ground biomass and logging percentage. The two highest grain yield 6.48 and 6.47 was recorded from applying 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at flag leaf appearance stage and applying 1/2 at planting + 1/2 at 4-5 weeks after emerge (Positive control) respectively again this treatment gave 13.08 and 12.62 t ha-1 above ground biomass yield respectively. The highest grain yield has 78.24 and 23.00 % yield advantage over negative control and applying all recommended N rate at planting respectively. Again in economic analysis, the above treatments gave the highest 111660 and 111840 net benefit respectively. Even though the applying 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at flag leaf appearance treatment MMR was not acceptable. Therefore, based on the highest net benefit applying 1/2 at planting + 1/2 at 4-5 weeks after emerge (Positive control) and applying 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at flag leaf appearance nitrogen fertilizer split application on late maturing (BH661) maize variety give an economic yield response and also acceptable for farmers of study areas and similar agro ecology.

Evaluation of the Productivity of Hybrid Varieties of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Under Tropical Climatic Conditions in the Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, maize yields are meager in the farming environment because biotic and abiotic constraints severely limit its production. Hybrid maize varieties would be a major asset to meet the productivity challenge. However, hybrids are difficult to access, as their breeding schemes are complex and costly. The objective of this study is to identify hybrids with high yield potential that are adapted to the climatic conditions of Burkina Faso. To this end, 124 hybrid maize varieties and four control varieties were evaluated in the rainy season in the southern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. The experimental design used is an alpha lattice with three replications. Observations on the agro-morphological parameters made it possible to classify the material evaluated into three groups according to the productivity of the varieties. All the varieties evaluated had an intermediate cycle of 100 to 110 days at maturity. The best performing hybrids showed a grain yield advantage of between 2 and 110% compared to the control varieties. Among these hybrids, 25 of them showed a grain yield advantage of between 1.5 and 5.5 t/ha over the controls. These varieties are to be subjected to multi-location and multi-annual tests in order to evaluate the stability of their yields and to allow their inclusion in the national catalog. At the end of these tests, the best varieties could be proposed for extension programs in the farming community

Dissection of the Genetic Basis of Yield Traits in Line per se and Testcross Populations and Identification of Candidate Genes for Hybrid Performance in Maize.

Dissecting the genetic basis of yield traits in hybrid populations and identifying the candidate genes are important for molecular crop breeding. In this study, a BC1F3:4 population, the line per se (LPS) population, was constructed by using elite inbred lines Zheng58 and PH4CV as the parental lines. The population was genotyped with 55,000 SNPs and testcrossed to Chang7-2 and PH6WC (two testers) to construct two testcross (TC) populations. The three populations were evaluated for hundred kernel weight (HKW) and yield per plant (YPP) in multiple environments. Marker–trait association analysis (MTA) identified 24 to 151 significant SNPs in the three populations. Comparison of the significant SNPs identified common and specific quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) in the LPS and TC populations. Genetic feature analysis of these significant SNPs proved that these SNPs were associated with the tested traits and could be used to predict trait performance of both LPS and TC populations. RNA-seq analysis was performed using maize hybrid varieties and their parental lines, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between hybrid varieties and parental lines were identified. Comparison of the chromosome positions of DEGs with those of significant SNPs detected in the TC population identified potential candidate genes that might be related to hybrid performance. Combining RNA-seq analysis and MTA results identified candidate genes for hybrid performance, providing information that could be useful for maize hybrid breeding.

The plant protection capabilities of extension workers in enhancing Maize (Zea mays L.) production: A case study of District Shangla Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study analyzed farmers’ perceptions about plant protection capabilities of extension workers in enhancing maize production in remote District Shangla Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Educating farmers about modern technologies of crops is the mandate of the extension staff of the provincial agriculture extension department. For this research, two villages were taken purposively from three union councils of Tehsil Besham of District Shangla for data collection through a well-structured interview schedule. A total of 204 farmers were selected for data collection, which was analyzed using SPSS V.20 software. Descriptive statistics, 5 points Likert scale, and Chi-square tests were used. About 32% of respondents were found in the age 26-35 years, 46.6% respondents have 1-2 acres of land under maize crop while 57.8% maize growers were literate with 20.1% respondents educated up to matric. Maximum (82.4%) growers were getting 6400-12800 kg/acre maize production by cultivating local varieties. Awareness about alternative pest management technique was ranked 1st with the highest mean value of 3.04 and standard deviation of 1.13, and performing pest monitoring on maize were ranked 2nd with a mean value of 2.84 and standard deviation of 1.14. In contrast, identifying symptoms of major insects/pest diseases was ranked 5th with the lowest mean value of 2.67 and a standard deviation of 1.23. Their plant protection issues by educating them on disease-resistant varieties and weather suitability of maize hybrid varieties for higher production through local agriculture programs broadcasted on a local FM channel and pamphlets.

Evaluation of Open-Pollinated and Hybrid Maize Varieties in the Spring Season at Baitadi District, Nepal

Being a maize producing region, cultivation of hybrid and improved maize varieties in the spring season is very low in Baitadi district. In order to examine the performances of different maize varieties, five maize varieties including both open-pollinated (i.e. Arun-2, Arun-4 and Rampur composite) and hybrid varieties (i.e. Rajkumar and Rampur Hybrid-10) were tested using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in spring season during February to August, 2020 at Dasarathch and municipality-1, Baitadi. The highest days to emergence of seedlings was in Rampur Hybrid-10 (30 days) and the lowest days to emergence was in Arun-2 (23 days) and Arun-4 (23 days), respectively. The plant height was significantly higher in Rajkumar (156.4 cm), whereas the leaf area index were significantly higher in Arun-2 (4.36 cm). Similarly, the phenological behavior like days to 50% tasseling (112 days) and silking (119 days) were significantly earlier in Arun-4. Likewise, yield attributing characteristics like cob length, cob diameter, number of rows/cobs, number of kernels/rows, shelling%, thousand grain weight (TGW) were found significantly higher in hybrid maize varieties as compared to openpollinated varieties. Grain yield was found significantly higher in hybrids Rajkumar recording yield of 5.32 Mt ha-1 closely followed by Rampur Hybrid-10 (4.75 Mt ha-1) whereas open-pollinated Rampur composite, Arun-2 and Arun-4 recorded grain yield of 4.58 Mt ha-1, 3.99 Mt ha-1 and 2.33 Mt ha-1 respectively. The results indicated that hybrid varieties were promising and should be promoted for general cultivation in the hills area of Nepal. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 123-136 (2021)

Effect of Blended Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties under Irrigation Condition in Low Land Area of South Omo Zone

Maize is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia. However, the yield of this crop is limited due to the lack of varieties and blended fertilizer for varieties and site specifications. The use of a right amount of fertilizer based on crop requirement has significant importance for sustainable crop production. A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of NPSB blended fertilizer rate for maize yield production at a Dasenech and Nyangatom districts in the lowland area of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia during the 2019/ 2020 cropping season. The experiment was factorial with three maize varieties (BH-140, BH-540 and MH-140) and four NPSB blended fertilizer rate including kg ha-1(none fertilizer, 50 NPSB, 100 NPSB, and 150 NPSB). Factorial combinations were used as twelve treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, as well as yield and yield components data, were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS software program. The result of analysis of variance revealed that the interaction effect of varieties and blended fertilizer rate highly significant difference in grain yield. The result indicated that the highest grain yield (3624.0 kg ha-1) and net benefit (45,324 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2123.5 % were obtained from BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates at Dasenech location. Whereas, at the Nyangatom location, the highest grain yield (4324 kg ha-1) and net benefit (54,774 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2968.5 % were obtained from MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates. Therefore, based on the yield response and, cost and return analysis indicated, it is recommended BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Dasenech location, while MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Nyangatom location and their similar soil conditions and agro-ecology.

Assessment of farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrid varieties for high productivity in Ghana

ABSTRACT The adoption of maize hybrids is essential to contribute to maize productivity and ensure self-sufficiency and food security. However, the adoption of improved varieties hybrids technology including in Ghana is very low. Farmers’ socio-economic characteristics in relation to the adoption of maize hybrids, farmers constraints and readiness to adopt maize hybrids were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 173 farmers in four regions in the forest-savannah agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The percentage of farmers that used hybrid seed in 2019 and 2020 were 32.4% and 22.5%, respectively. Of the four hybrids varieties grown, none was locally produced and over 83% of the farmers indicated readiness to adopt maize hybrid seed. The empirical model reveals that farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrids is positively influenced by gender, age, high yield and constraints variables such as high cost of production and pests and diseases.

EFFECT OF ZINC AND BORON ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN PYUTHAN, NEPAL

The study was carried out to evaluate the production performance of hybrid maize variety Kanchan with the use of different fertilizers at field condition. The study was conducted with five treatments and four replications in single factor Randomized Complete Block Design. Treatment consists of farmer practice 80:50 NP2O5 kg ha-1, recommended dose 150:60:40 NP2O5K2O kg ha-1, recommended dose of NP2O5K2O + 15 kg ha-1 zinc, recommended NP2O5K2O + 2 kg ha-1 boron, and recommended NP2O5K2O + 15 kg ha-1 zinc + 2 kg ha-1 boron. At 90 days after sowing the leaf area index (LAI) was significantly higher with recommended dose of NP2O5K2O + Zn + B (2.46cm2) which was statistically similar with recommended dose of NP2O5K2O + Zn (2.39cm2) and recommended dose of NP2O5K2O + B (2.22cm2). Plant heights were the highest with recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn+ B at earlier stage of crop growth but was statistically similar among different treatments at later stage of crop growth. Days to 50% tasseling were the longest with farmer practice (74 days) while it was shortest in recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn+ B (69days). Anthesis silking interval was obtained the shortest in recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn +B (2.75days). Similarly, phenological character, cob length was highest (16.650cm) with recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn+ B which was statistically similar with recommended NP2O5K2O + B (16.725cm) and recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn (16.5cm). The lowest sterility (%) was obtained with the recommended NP2O5K2O +Zn+ B (9.5%) which was statistically similar with recommended NP2O5K2O + B (9.5%) and Rec. NPK +Zn (11.2%). The highest grain yield (9.01ton/ha), harvest index (0.45) and benefit cost ratio (1.92) were recorded with the recommended NP2O5K2O + Zn+ B while these parameters were the lowest with the farmer practice. Thus, the study showed that hybrid maize yield could be maximized with fertilization of 150:60:40 NP2O5K2O kg ha-1, Zn15 kgha-1 and B 2 kgha-1 and use of micronutrition such as Zn and B is beneficial to enhance growth and yield of hybrid maize.

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

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.

Yield-limiting plant nutrients for maize production in northwest Ethiopia

Summary The potential yield of improved maize varieties usually cannot be fully realised mainly due to inappropriate soil nutrient management practices in most parts of Ethiopia. Site-specific fertiliser recommendations are rarely used in the farming systems of Ethiopia. There is also a lack of data to develop or validate decision support tools for targeting specific crop production. A study was conducted for three consecutive rainy seasons (2016–2018) in the maize belt of the north-western parts of the Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia. The objectives were to obtain the maximum achievable yield potential of maize, determine the most yield-limiting nutrients and create a database of maize responses to applied nutrients so that decision support tools could be developed for the study areas. Treatments were individual nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)) and combinations of the three. In some treatments, NPK was also combined with sulphur, zinc, lime and compost. Two hybrid maize varieties (BH-540 and BH-660) adaptable to the study areas were used. BH-540 was used for the Mecha district, while BH-660 was used for the south Achefer, Jabitahnan–Burrie–Womberma districts. Maize yield increased by more than 50% due to fertiliser applications compared to without fertiliser. The study showed that the possibility of increasing maize productivity to more than 12 t ha-1 for the study sites. The most yield-limiting nutrient in the study sites was N, followed by P; K was not a yield limiting. Without N the yield of both varieties was non-significant from the control (without added nutrients). Maize grain yield did not respond to application of lime, compost, zinc and sulphur. The result also showed very high variability across sites, indicating that it is important for policymakers, farmers and investors to consider site-specific fertiliser recommendations. Finally, a database containing intensive plant response to NPK for maize was generated and could be used as input in site-specific decision support tools development.

Association of Seed Yield and Yield Traits of Maize (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zea mays&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in Inbred Lines at Bako, Ethiopia

Seed yield of any hybrid maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) variety emerges depending on parental characteristics of inbred lines used. Even though, traits of each inbred line are recorded there is no clear information about parental traits that contribute to yield and associations among those characters. The present study was conducted using 14 inbred lines at Bako National Maize Research Centre in 2018/2019 based on Randomized complete block design with three replications. Determining type and level of associations among certain parental traits of inbred lines were the primary objectives of the study. Data of PH, EH, EPO, 50% AD, 50% SD, MD, EPP, ED, EL, KPR, and TKW were collected. Analysis of variance was carried out using SAS9.3 and correlation and linear regression were tested using past 3.4 software. The mean squares revealed that there were highly significant differences existed among inbred lines for most of the traits except EPP, EA, and ED. Correlation analysis indicated that a strong positive relationship (r=0.57) exist between grain yield and plant height, ear length (r=0.57), kernel/row (r=0.62) and thousand kernel weight (r=0.58). A negative learner association was observed for grain yield with the ear aspect (r=-0.36) and plant aspect (r=-0.28) which is important for quality seed production. Linear regression shows that plant height, ear height, ear length, number of kernel/row, and thousand kernel weight are closely associated with grain yield. Hence, based on correlation and regression analyses, we conclude that these traits should be considered in selecting inbred lines in breeding programs.

Effect Of Weed Management Practices On Weed Dynamics, Yield And Economics Of Spring Maize At Dhading Besi, Nepal

Weeds have been a major constraint in maize cultivation resulting in huge economic loss to farmers. A field experiment was conducted at Dhading Besi, Nepal to evaluate the effect of different weed management practices on weed dynamics, yield and economics of spring maize in 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising of eight treatments with three replications. Rajkumar hybrid maize variety was used in the experiment. The treatments consisted of weedy check, weed free, atrazine as PE @1.0 kg a.i./ha, pendimethalin as PE @1.0 kg a.i./ha, atrazine @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha as PE followed by (fb) 2,4-D EE @0.5 kg a.i./ha as PoE, pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha as PE fb 2,4-D EE @ 0.5 kg a.i./ha as PoE, 2 hand weeding @ 20 and 40 DAS and Farmer’s practice. The experiment result revealed that sequential application of atrazine fb 2,4-D EE treatment resulted in highest grain yield (11.37 t/ha) which was statistically similar with weed free (11.24 t/ha) and followed by the treatment atrazine (10.36 t/ha). 16 weed species belonging to 6 different families were identified. The broad leaf weeds and grassy weeds were more prominent than sedges. The total density and dry weight of weeds were found significantly lower in sequential application of atrazine fb 2,4-D EE than other treatments. Similarly, application of atrazine fb 2,4-D EE resulted in maximum weed control efficiency of 87.59 %, 95.91 % and 92.17% at 30, 45 and 60 DAS respectively. The lowest weed index (-1.27%) was also obtained in the application of atrazine fb 2,4-D EE. Yield loss due to weed in the weedy check treatment was found to be 50.99% followed by farmer’s practice (43.17%). The benefit cost ratio and increment in benefit over weedy check were highest in atrazine fb 2,4-D EE followed by atrazine and significantly better than other weed management treatments. The sequential application of atrazine fb 2,4- D EE was found to be the most effective in controlling weeds, high yielding and economical among the different weed control treatments. The application of atrazine one time as PE was found to be next better option for weed control in spring maize.

Fertilizer Effects on Endosperm Physicochemical Properties and Resistance to Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), in Malawian Local Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties: Potential for Utilization of Ca and Mg Nutrition

Maize grain hardness influences storage pest resistance, a key characteristic valued by smallholder farmers. The structural changes in the endosperm determine grain hardness and are influenced by agronomic practices. The purpose of this study was to establish whether supply of calcium and magnesium based fertilizers can alter physicochemical properties of local and hybrid maize varieties and reduce the infestation by larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)) during storage. Two local and one hybrid maize varieties commonly grown by smallholder farmers in Malawi were cultivated under three fertilizer treatments (NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium), NPK plus gypsum, and NPK plus dolomite). After harvest, the grains were classified into flint and dent types, followed by P. truncatus infestation and determination of their physicochemical properties. The addition of gypsum and dolomite fertilizers led to higher levels of amylose, total zein and β-14 zein, traits associated with kernel hardness, compared to the application of NPK fertilizer. Moreover, local maize varieties showed higher resistance to P. truncatus infestation, hardness and biochemical properties associated with hardness (total zein, α-19 and β-14 zein, starch lysophosphatidylcholine, and non-starch free fatty acid) compared to hybrid variety. Our study suggests the potential for utilizing Ca and Mg nutrition in maize to improve kernel hardness, thus adoption of gypsum and dolomite by smallholder farmers may be beneficial against P. truncatus during storage.

Influence of different sowing density in two varieties of maize. Part II. Relation to agricultural morphological features

Summary In this paper, we investigate the effect of seeding density on several morphological features such as plant height, height of the production ears, ear length, ear diameter, leaf area, and LAI (leaf area index). Inference is based on a series of three-year two-factor experiments with two hybrid maize varieties – SY Cooky and Drim “stay-green” type – and 5 sowing densities: 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 plants per m2. The “stay-green” maize variety had production cobs significantly higher on the plant, and had a thicker cob and a larger leaf assimilation area than the conventional variety. Increasing maize sowing density from 6 to 10 plants m−2 resulted in a linear decrease in cob length and diameter, while it increased the LAI. Significantly higher chlorophyll content, expressed in SPAD units, was found in the “stay-green” hybrid at the BBCH 67 stage in a wet (2012) and drier year (2014), compared with the traditional variety. This may indicate that such a variety is more tolerant to stress conditions.

Why farmers use so many different maize varieties in West Kenya

In this article we reflect on the discussions as to whether breeding and seed system development should proceed along its current well established route of developing varieties with a higher agricultural productivity or if the diversity of farmers, their contexts and rationales requires broader approaches. We make use of data from a recently held survey (2018) in West Kenya. The data show that some 80% of the households in the survey planted both local and hybrid maize varieties. The choices that people make about which variety to plant are many. Apart from rainfall, the availability of cash, the promise of a good yield, the presence of projects and programs and the culture of seed also influences these choices. We argue that an inclusive demand-oriented maize breeding and seed system needs to include a range of varieties and seed sources and to develop and support different delivery pathways to fit farmers’ diverse use of seeds and varieties. Our findings also indicate the need for more systematic study of the diversity of farmers’ rationales and the performance of crop varieties. This would provide useful information for all the actors involved.

Genetic Purity Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrid Seed and Their Parents Produced in Different Seed Companies of Ethiopia

Genetic purity is one of the quality criteria required for successful seed production of maize. In hybrid seed production, genetic purity is contaminated due to out-crossing from other varieties or selfing events. In this study, Single nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) and Grow-out test (GOT) method was used for the objective to assess genetic purity of maize hybrid varieties with their parents produced by various seed growers in the country. Six three way cross hybrid (3WCH) maize varieties and seven single crosses were collected from different sources then planted with their parents in 2019. Genetic purity analysis by SNP revealed that 74% of an inbred line showed an acceptable genetic purity level (&gt;95%). However, five inbred lines (CML395, A7033, F7215, SC22 and 124-b(113)) revealed heterogeneity &gt;0.05 ranged from 0.13 to 0.20. All single crosses except A7033/F7215 and all the 3WCH varieties showed the genetic purity level ranging from 40 to 66% and 44 to 63% across seed sources, respectively. Based on GOT results, the level of type in single crosses and 3WCH variety across seed sources ranged from 7.1 to 46.4% and 3.6 to 35.7%, respectively. Generally, in the current result both SNP and GOT showed both heterogeneity and homogeneity of seed. This implies the presence of variation among seed producers in terms of producing high quality seed. Therefore, awareness should have to be given for each individual seed producers on quality seed production techniques and procedures that they have to follow. Similarly, genetic purity analysis could be conducted further in the seed system to provide error correction and to ensure seed quality assurance and control.

Adaptation of superior maize varieties high yield and biomass the availability of animal feed

Maize is the second important commodity after rice in Indonesia. The application of high yielding varieties is one of the best strategies to increase productivity in maize development areas. The aim of the study was to obtain superior varieties with the highest yield potential and biomass to increase productivity and its availability as animal feed. The research was conducted in Pringgabaya district, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara from April to June 2020. The field experiment used a randomized block design with treatment of 8 hybrid varieties, where six new superior varieties (Bima-14, Bima 20, HJ-21, JH-27, JH-37, Nasa-29) and two comparison varieties (Bisi-2 and Pioner 21), each treatment was repeated four times. The results showed that there were 3 high yielding hybrid maize varieties, namely JH-37 (8.43 t/ha), Nasa-29 (8.35 t/ha) and HJ-21 (8.15 t/ha) significantly differ from other varieties. For the highest biomass potential, there are 3 superior varieties of hybrid maize, namely HJ-21 (4.82 t/ha), Bima-20 (4.69 t/ha) and JH-27 (4.56 t/ha). High yielding hybrid maize varieties that available as animal feed were JH 37, Nasa-29 and HJ-21.

Why Africa’s New Green Revolution is failing – Maize as a commodity and anti-commodity in South Africa

The South African Government has for the past two decades spent significant resources on introducing smallholders to Genetically Modified (GM) maize with the aim to make agriculture a way out of poverty. However smallholder farming continues to decline and poverty is on the rise in the country. The present paper aims to explain this failure of the government to support its smallholders by describing the intra-actions between maize, politics and technological development in South African history. Importantly maize is understood here as an agent in that its materialities are not only being impacted by, but are also having impact on the outcome of farming practices and wider political economies. The paper describes how maize, as a result of intra-action between maize biology and choices made by farmers, politicians and breeders during the colonial era and apartheid, developed in parallel as a commodity serving the settler farmers, and an anti-commodity, or escape crop, providing subsistence to marginalised smallholders. While South Africa today is a democracy that spends significant resources on improving smallholder livelihoods, recent technological development and market concentration have increased rather than decreased the gap between commodity- and anti-commodity maize. As a result new GM and hybrid maize varieties introduced to smallholders today are badly equipped to facilitate a crop led New Green Revolution.

EFFECTS OF NITROGEN AND ZINC TREATMENTS AT DIFFERENT DOSES ON MAIZE YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS UNDER KAHRAMANMARAŞ CONDITIONS

This study was carried out in 2019 in Kahramanmaraş University Field Crops Department to determine nitrogen and zinc fertilizer needs of maize plants in Kahramanmaraş Region. Experiments were conducted in split-plots design with 3 replications. Soil nitrogenous fertilizer (Urea) treatments were arranged as: 0 kg/da (N0), 15 kg/da (N15), 30 kg/da (N30). Foliar zinc treatments were arranged as 0 ppm (Zn0), 2500 ppm (Zn5), 5000 ppm (Zn10). Dekalp DKC6890 hybrid maize variety was used as the plant material of the experiments. Present findings revealed that nitrogen and zinc treatments had significant effects on the first cob height, cob length, cob thickness, number of rows per cob, number of kernels per cob and kernel yield of maize plants, but the effects of nitrogen and zinc treatments on plant height and thousand kernel weight were not found to be significant.

Maize (Zea mays L.) yield response to the effect of blended fertilizer and varieties under supplemental irrigation at Hadero Zuria Kebele, southern Ethiopia

Maize is one of the staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, in southern Ethiopia, the productivity of the crop is very low as compared to the average national productivity, which is mainly attributed to poor soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Hadero Zuria kebele, southern Ethiopia under supplemental irrigation to investigate the effects of different rates of blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Boron (NPSB) fertilizer on the performance of maize varieties. Treatments involving three varieties of maize (30G19, BH-546, and BH-547) and six rates of NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150) kg ha−1 were tested in RCBD using a factorial arrangement with three replications. Data on crop Phenological, growth, yield, and yield components were collected. The results showed that the blended NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties of maize affected days to physiological maturity, leaf area, leaf area index, hundred kernels weight (HKW), dry biomass yield (DBY), and grain yield (GY). The highest mean values for HKW, DBY, and GY were obtained from the 150 kg ha−1 NPSB rate. Similarly, the highest values for DBY and GY were obtained from the BH-546 variety. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained on days to tasseling, days to silking, and harvest index (HI) due to the interaction effect of NPSB rates and varieties. As the NPSB rates increased from 0 to 150 kg ha−1, HKW and DBY increased consistently from 29.62 to 36.62 g and 31.41 to 43.70 t ha−,1 respectively. Grain yield showed a highly significant and positive correlation with cob length, leaf number, HI, HKW, and DBY. Also, maximized economic profitability was gained at a rate of 150 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer. Thus, from this result, the NPSB rate of 150 kg ha−1 with the hybrid maize variety BH-546 could be better for the study area.