WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT VARITIES OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) ON GROWTH AND YIELD
PERFORMANCE AT ALEGE DILBETO KEBELE, NEGELE ARSI WOREDA MIRAB ARSI
ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
By
Mekonnen Firdu
PSc/Sum/033/12
ADVISOR: Mesfin K (PhD).
A SEINER ESSAY PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF PLANT AND
HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE , WOLAITA SODO
UNIVERSITY PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF BACHELOR DEGREE IN PLANT SCIENCE.
Nov, 2022
WOLAITA SODO, ETHIOPIA
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First of all, I would like to thank my Lord Jesus for being with me in all aspects of conducting
this paper. Also I have a heartfelt gratitude thank to my advisor Mesfin K (PhD). for her all
rounded comments in relation to preparation of this research paper.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT..............................................................................................................................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................ii
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background of the study..............................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the problem.............................................................................................................2
2. LITERATURE REVIEW....................................................................................................................3
2.1. Maize Crop.......................................................................................................................................3
2.2. Agro- ecologies of maize..............................................................................................................3
2.3. Importance and production of maize crop..................................................................................4
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS.........................................................................................................5
3.2. Descriptions of study area............................................................................................................5
3.3. Experimental Materials................................................................................................................5
3.4. Experimental design and Treatments...........................................................................................5
3.5. Experimental procedure...............................................................................................................5
3.6. Data Collection Methods.............................................................................................................5
3.7. Data Analysis...............................................................................................................................6
3.8. Expected outcome........................................................................................................................6
3.9. Beneficiaries of the study............................................................................................................6
4. WORK PLAN.....................................................................................................................................7
5. BUDGET (LOGISTIC).......................................................................................................................8
6. REFERENCE......................................................................................................................................9
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
NPS……………………Nitrogen Phosphors and Sulphur
FAO……………………Food and Agriculture Organization
CSA ……………………Central Statistical Agency
MOA…………………..Ministry of Agriculture
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the study
Maize (Zea Mays L.) belongs to family poaceae is originated in Mexico where its oldest known
years could be traced back to about 7000 years ago (Mangiestdorf et.al, 1994). It is an important
cereal crop, which is grown widely in many countries of Southern Africa region (FAO, 2013).
Production of maize is ranked as third major cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world. The
crop has a wider range of uses. Those included to be a human food, industrially processed food
production of starch and used as forage to feed animals (purseglove. 1998). In Ethiopia; national
maize yield is 3.2 tons per hectare, 28% above the developing world average of 2.5 tons per
hectare (ATA, 2014). However, the production significantly low compared as potentiality of land
to maize. Maize (Zea mays L.) plant is vigorous and tall growing in nature. Yet it is very
sensitive weed computation at early stages of growth (Kumer and Sandari, 2002).
The popularity of maize in Ethiopia is partly , because of its high value as a food crop as well as
the growing demanded or the Stover as animal fodder and source of rural families (Tsedeke et.
Al 2015). Despite of the large area under maize, the national average yield of maize is about 2.95
t ha-1 (CSA, 2012). There are many agronomic, edaphic and environmental factors responsible
for this low yield. Among various factors responsible for low yield, plant population in the field
and selection of unsuitable cultivars are of prime importance. Hybrids developed in recent years
are able to withstand higher plant density levels than older hybrids (Tollenaar1998). This is by
far below the world’s average yield which is about 5.21 t ha -1 (FAO, 2011). The low productivity
of maize is attributed to many factors like frequent occurrence of drought, declining of soil
fertility, poor agronomic practice, limited use of input , insufficient technology generation, like
of credit facilities , poor seed qualities, disease, insect pests, and weeds; particularly, string
(CIMMYT, 2004).
Verities of maize significantly affect yield. Tollera et al, (1999), suggested that breeders should
select maize verities that combine high grain yield and desirable Stover characteristics; because
of large differences that exist between cultivars. In maize farming system of Southern Ethiopia,
spatial study area farmers traditionally use local verities of maize for production and productivity
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for a long period of time. Lack of a high yielding and early maturing verities with good
agronomic practice and potential yield is a leading constraint identification of adaptable Varity
minimizes the magnitude of scale or rank shift of their performance across or specific
environment (Dia et al., 2016b). Odeliye (2001) reported that; maize verities differ in their
growth characteristics, yield and its components.
1.2. Statement of the problem
Although maize have wider area coverage and various economic importance and high yielder,
the production level below the yielding potential of the crop for limited use of variety, recurrent
drought, unvalued nutrient application, and pest problems. It is evident that, the determination of
variety of maize production has been done by several researchers. However, the information on
the available improved variety in which climate and soil type has not been well documented and
accessible to extension workers and farmers in study area. Therefore, the objective of this study
was intended with the following objective.
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.3.1 General objective
To evaluate the NPS level of the growth and yield components of Maize in Negele Arsi Woreda,
West Shoa Zone.
1.3.2 Specific objectives
To identify the best high yield maize variety for study area.
To determine the best NPS level for optimum on the yield component of Maize.
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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Maize Crop
The name ‘maize ‘is derived from a South American Indian Arawak- carib word “Mahi”. It is
Considered to be indigenous to Americas; particularly Southern Mexico where, it domesticated
about 800 years ago and does not exist in its wild from (Mandal, 2014). The crop is a tropical
grass that is well adapted to many climates and hence has varieties which have wide maturity
from 70 days to 210 days (Sephen And Brown 2008). The cultivation of maize is described in the
hilly areas of Fujian province on china’s Southeastern coast in the 16 th c. By the early 20th c,
maize had become one of china’s major crops. The maize area expanded 10 million hectare
approximately, 12% of total cultivated area between 1900 and 1930(Erika et al ,2006) . Maize
consists of both yellow white flint maize. Usually Africa in particular Ethiopia, grow mainly
white dent or semi-flint white grain maize (ATA, 2013). In Ethiopia, maize production is of
recent history. Probably it was introduced to this country from Kenya during the 17 th c . Maiz has
been introduced to Ethiopia in the 1600s to 1700s (EIAR, 2015).
2.2. Agro- ecologies of maize
Maize is one of the most important food crops worldwide. It has the highest average yield per
hectare and it is grown in most of the world over a wide range of environmental conditions.
Maize is generally less suited to semi –arid or equatorial climates although drought-tolerant
cultivars adapted to semi-arid conditions are now available. The crop requires an average daily
temperature of at least 20 ºC for adequate growth and development: the optimum temperature for
growth and development ranges between 25-30 temperature above 35 ºC reduces yields (Brink
and Belay; 2006). Frost can damage maize at all growth stages and a frost-free period of 120-140
days is required to prevent damages. Leaves of mature plants are early damaged by frost and
grain filling adversely affected. Currently maize is widely grown in most parts of the world over
wide range of environmental conditions ranging between 5oº latitude north and south of the
equator. It also grown from sea level to over 3000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l) elevation
(signah 1997).
In the tropics maize does best with 600-900mm well distributed rain fall during the growing
season (Brink et al., 2006)
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The most suitable soil for maize is one with a good effective depth, probable morphological
properties good internal drainage and optimal moisture regime sufficient and balanced quantities
of plant nutrients and chemical properties that are favorable specifically for maize production.
Although large-scale maize production takes place on soils with a clay content of less than 10%
(sandy soils) or in excess of 30% (clay and clay loam soils) , the textual classes between 10 and
30% (clay) have air and moisture regimes that are optimal for healthy maize production and
productivity.
2.3. Importance and production of maize crop
Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and the leading crop of the world
after rice wheat. It has high productivity due to its large leaf area and maize seed contains 11%
protin and its nutrient value is higher in comparison rice and wheat (Chowdhury and Hassen ,
2013). It is one of important cereal crops in the world’s food for men and feed for animals.
Because of its higher yield potential compared to other cereals, it is called “queen of cereals “.
Green cobs are roasted and eaten by people (chandras et el..2010). In Ethiopia maize is produced
for food. It is consumed as injera, porridge, bread and nefro. It is also consumed roasted and
boiled as vegetable at green stage. In addition to the above; it is used to prepare local alcoholic
drink known as “Tella & Arekie”. The leaf and stalk are used for animals feed and also dried
stalk and cobs are used for fuel. It is also used as industrial row material for oil and glucose
production (MOA2010).
Maize crop is a key source of food and livelihood for millions of people in many countries of the
world. Its production in Africa is rain feed and irrigation FAO (2007); about 158 million hectares
of maize are harvested worldwide. Africa harvesting 3% followed by Tanzania in Worldwide
consumption of maize is more than 116million tons, with Africa consuming 30% and sub-
Saharan Africa 21 % http:/www.nue.uk.edu) . it is an important source of many industrial
products , such as corn sugar , corn oil, starch, syrup, brewery’s grit, & alcohol(Dutt, 2005).
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3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.2. Descriptions of study area
The experiment will be conducted at Alege Dilbeto Kebele, Negele Arsi Woreda Mirab Arsi
Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The site is about 264.77 km far from Addis Ababa, capital city
of Ethiopia. It is located at 8° 0' 0" N Latitude and 35° 15' 0" E longitudes with an altitude of
1669 meter above sea level. The soil type of the area is sandy loam with pH of 7.9. The area
receives an average annual rain fall between 900 to 1100 and of the average annual minimum
and maximum temperature of 12 ºC and 27 ºC respectively (Negele Arsi District 2022
unpublished).
3.3. Experimental Materials
Experimental Materials that will be used to conduct this research are, field equipments like:-tape
meter, peg, water can, rope, hoe, & balance etc. And stationary materials like: - pen, pencil,
binder, ruler, marker, note book etc. The experiment will be conducted at variety (Pioneer shone,
BH660, BH546, BH540, and local variety.
3.4. Experimental design and Treatments
Five treatments of maize (Pioneer shone, BH660, BH546, BH540, and local variety were taken
as test crop). The experiment will be laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with
three replications. The size of total experimental plot will be 2.4m². Distance between plot and
blocks were 0.5m and 1m respectively and its seeding rate was 25kg ha-1.
3.5. Experimental procedure
The field will be prepared and leveled for sowing after seed bed will be prepared. And then the
seed will be planted at the seeding rate of 25 ha -1. 100kg ha-1 NPS instead of 100kg of DAP and
100kg urea will be applied based on (as) Abduselam et al (2017). 100N kg NPSB blended
fertilizer will be used instead of 100kg of DAP applied at a time of sowing and used half urea
will be used during sowing and half at knee stage. Field management like watering, weeding
was done possibly.
3.6. Data Collection Methods
Data on plant height, number of leaves per plants, ear length, number of seed ears and 1000seed
weight & grain will be taken from ten pre-tagged plants of each two middle rows. The plant
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height will be measured from the base of plant to the apical bud of plant and expressed in
centimeters. Number of leaves per plant will be recorded by counting number of leaves from
each ten per tagged plants. The ear length will be measured from the base of the ear to the tip.
Number of rows per cob will be recorded by counting number of rows per cob ten each pre-
tagged plants and the main will be taken as the number of rows per cob. Number of seeds per
row from per-tagged plants will be counted and average will be recorded as number of seeds per
row. Seeds per row counted from ten randomly selected per-tagged plants will be converted to
mean value and recorded as number of seeds per row. The sample will be recorded & the mean
weight will be recorded per cob weight of the plant (gm).
3.7. Data Analysis
The data will be analyzed and summarized based on ANOVA (Analysis of variance) for the
RCBD Randomized Complete Block Design) and the treatment mean separation will be carried
out by using last significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability level.
3.8. Expected outcome
Identification of the variety that will be produces the highest yield, yield components of maize.
3.9. Beneficiaries of the study
The beneficiaries of this research are, farmers by having maximized/increased yield(s) And the
researchers of the same study settings by using it as input of his/her related studies as well as
student researchers of the universities so as to use it as references or citations too.
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4. WORK PLAN
Table 1: work plan
S.N Activities Time of accomplishment in months
January February March April May June
`1 Literature review X x x x
2 Develop proposal x X
3 Research designing X X
4 Field work X x x x
5 Data collection x x x
6 Data analysis x
7 Report writing x
8 Submission and presentation x
of report
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5. BUDGET (LOGISTIC)
Table 1: Budget
Items Sub totals
Input (Haricot bean) 100 birr
Personal cost (labour) 2280.00 birr
Equipment and supplies cost 340 .00birr
Stationery cost 350.00 birr
Computer and printer 500.00 birr
Total 3570.50 birr
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