Performance Evaluation and Adaptation of Improved Maize (Zea Mays L) Varities for Highland of Alicho,Silti and Analemo Districts of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The trials were conducted on farm in three districts of Silte and Hadiya Zones, south region, Ethiopia, to evaluate the adaptation and yield performance of improved maize varieties in 2013/2014 of Belg season. Data on plant height, Number of ear plant^-1, number of cob plot^-1 ,ear height(cm) and grain yield were recorded. Six released varieties namely Hora, Kuleni, Jibat, Wenchi, BH661 and BH-660 (standard check) were planted on (5.1m*4.5m) plots at spacing of 75cm*30cm. The trials were laid in RCBD with three replications. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences among varieties for grain yield and some of traits.  The varieties BH-661 and Wenchi out yielded other varieties and had average yields of 119.42qt ha^-1 and 101.01 qt ha ^-1 across three districts, respectively.  The combined statistical analysis revealed BH-661 and Wenchi outshine other varieties which were as the most preferred varieties’. It is therefore recommended that BH-661 and Wenchi which had higher yields be promoted for cultivation in selected districts of south Ethiopia.

Keywords: adaptation, maize, on farm , improved varieties, agro ecology