Direct and Indirect Contribution of Yield Components to the Grain Yield of Maize [Zea mays ( L.)] Grown at Mubi, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

Abstract

An investigation was conducted in 2011 and 2012 rainy seasons at Mubi in the Northern  Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria to assess effect of timing of nitrogen application on the performance of maize. The treatments were laid out in a split – plot design.  Two maize varieties (OBA -98 and OBA – SUPER) were assigned to the main plots.  While nine nitrogen timings and zero fertilization as a control were laid out in the sub-plots.  These were replicated thrice .The path analysis showed that cob length gave the highest percentage yield contribution of 10.12%, followed by 100 grains weight (8.69%).  The highest combined contribution of 12.58% came from pod length combined with 100 grains weight.  This implies that cob length and 100 grains weight should be given emphasis as selection criteria in maize.  The residual value was 48.49%., which means the variables considered in this study accounted for 51.51% of the yield contributions

Key words: Maize, Path analysis, yield contributions