Yield Potential of Sub-Tropical Maize Hybrids of Different Maturity Groups across Nigeria Guinea Savanna 1

• M. S. Oladipo

  Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

  Author

• G. Olaoye

  Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

  Author

• M. Oyekunle

  Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

  Author

• A. Atanda

  Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

  Author

• F. Bankole

  Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

  Author

Yield potential can be defined as the yield of a crop cultivar when grown in environments to which it is adapted, with nutrients and water non-limiting with pests and diseases effectively controlled. This study assessed the yield potential of sub-tropical hybrids of different maturity classes in Nigeria's savannas and also identify superior hybrids that could be further evaluated. 45 early, 42 intermediate and 40 late maize maturing hybrids along with two (2) checks were evaluated at three planting sites (Ilorin, Zaria and Kano) in 2016. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three (3) replicates on each site. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using least significant difference. Hybrid CZH142153 (2978.95 kg ha-1) was the highest yielder for the early maturing hybrids, CZH15028 (3027.77 kg ha-1) for intermediate and CZH142123 (2702.77 kg ha-1) ranked top for late hybrids. Kano was the best for grain yield among the early (2731.22 kg ha-1) and late (2836.53 kg ha-1) hybrids while Zaria was best for the intermediate hybrids (2010.88 kg ha-1). This study should be repeated at the locations used and other locations for two or more seasons to confirm their yield potential.

1. M. S. Oladipo, Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

   Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

2. G. Olaoye, Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

   Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

3. M. Oyekunle, Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

   Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

4. A. Atanda, Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

   Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

5. F. Bankole, Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

   Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *Corresponding Email Address: oladipoms

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