Evaluation of Promising Highland Maize Genotypes in Highland Districts of Western Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The on-farm trials were conducted in three districts of west shewa zene, Oromia region, Ethiopia, to compare the performance of Promising hybrids under farmers field and promote one or two hybrids for possible release as commercial variety. Seven hybrids were evaluated using randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2021 cropping season. The combined analysis of variance for three districts showed highly significant mean squares due to genotypes for all studied traits except ear position. Site*entry interaction showed significant mean variance only for grain yield (GY) indicating that, the performance of these genotypes were not consistent across sites for this trait. Hybrids SXH180174 and 3XH1900432 were the best performing genotypes for grain yield and some yield related traits. The single cross hybrid SXH180174 scored the highest grain yield (10.05 tons/ha) as compared to the checks and showed preferred plant and ear aspects. Accordingly this hybrid was recommended for variety verification trial stage for release as commercial hybrid in highland agro-ecology of the country.