Observation and Yield Trial on Drought Tolerant Maize Varities at, Arbaminch, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was aimed at selecting varities that fit better for lowland maize production area. Seven improved lowland maize varieties along with standard check (BH-540) were tested at Arbaminch Agricultural Research Center’s sub station, South Ethiopia for two consecutive years. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Seeds were sown on a plot size of 3m x 5m in rows of four per plot at a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences (p<0.05) between varieties for grain yield for 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons except for M-5, which was lowest yielder in both seasons. Four varieties (M-4, BH-540, Gibe-2, and M-7) were showed above mean performance during 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance over 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons revealed significance effect of varities for all traits except for cob number.  The effect of season by variety had no effect for all traits studied. It would be highly recommended to use all tested varieties except M-5, until another studies carried out around and similar areas.

Keywords: variety, observation, trial and drought