Evaluation of Yield Performance and Variation on its Adaptation-Related Traits of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.) Varieties at Selected Woredas of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the performance of released quality protein maize varieties in the lowlands of Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia in 2014. As treatment, four varieties; BH540, MelkassaQ4, MelkassaQ6 and MHQ138 was planted in the complete randomized block design with three replications in two locations including Humbo and Badessa. In the 2014, growing season there was shortage and uneven distribution of rainfall compared to the relative normal distribution of rainfall in the lowlands of study area. Analysis of variance and mean comparison results prevailed the presence of significant difference (p<0.05) for some of the studied traits. These traits are plant height, root height, grain yield, biomass and kernels per ear. Plant height was negatively (r = -0.18 and r = -0.12) correlated with ear height and root height respectively and positively with low value correlated (r = 0.042) with grain yield. Similarly root height was strongly correlated with grain yield and biomass (r = 0.24 and r = 0.35) in the positive direction. Regarding the yield performance, from three QPM varieties, MHQ138 performed better than that of others and the check BH540.