Yield and protein content evaluation of seven Ecuadorian hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) grown in the Santa Catalina Valley, Peru

Maize cultivation is widely developed at a global level, and countries aimed at agricultural development seek to introduce new varieties that meet the needs of farmers and consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and protein content of Ecuadorian hybrid corn grown in the Santa Catalina Valley, Peru. This research was carried out in the district of Laredo and was based on the evaluation of seven Ecuadorian hybrids introduced in the soil and climatic conditions of the area. Yield and protein content were evaluated including agronomic response variables. The trial consisted of a completely randomized block design with nine treatments and four replications. The comparison of means was carried out by means of a Tukey test with a value of p ≥ 0.05. According to the results, the introduced hybrids showed a positive adaptation with results above the local varieties used as control, with the T2 treatment (DEKLAB 7088) having the highest yield with 8,508.11 kg/ha and the T6 treatment (SOMMA) having the highest protein content of 15.51%. The best responses were achieved by T6 in the variables of days to flowering, plant height and protein content, being the third treatment with the highest yield in kg/ha, which makes it the Ecuadorian hybrid with the greatest potential. This shows the potential of genetic materials developed in other latitudes, having a greater diversity of maize cultivars available for the area.