Response of Top Cross Hybrid Maize to Variation in Different Environments
Oladipo MS*, Aluko OA, Adewumi AD and Ukachukwu PC
Grain Legume Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author: Oladipo MS, Grain Legume Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Published: July 23, 2025
Abstract
Top cross can be defined as the hybridization or a cross performed between an open pollinated variety (OPV) and either a single cross hybrid or an inbred line. This study assessed the performance of 21 yellow hybrid maize evaluated at Kishi and Ibadan during the 2020 and 2021 farming seasons. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used to set up the experiment on each site. The ANOVA result showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits except for plant and ear aspect. Hybrid TZEI 8 X DMR-LSR-Y (4.57 t ha-1) had the highest yield. TZEI 8 X DMR-LSR-Y was the earliest to remove tassel (51 days) and hybrid TZEI 12 X ART98-SW1-Y was the earliest to exhibit silk (55 days). TZEI 12 X DMR-ESR-Y was noted for its significantly tall plants and ear placement. Positive non-significant correlation was observed between grain yield and plant height and also for grain yield and ear height. Ibadan 2020 had the best performance for grain yield (5.25 t ha-1) followed by Kishi 2020 and Ibadan 2021 had the lowest yield per location. TZEI 12 and TZEI 8 were observed to be the best female parents while DMR-ESR-Y, PROVIT-A and BR9928-DMR-SR-Y are similarly observed as the best male parent in the hybrid combinations. This study can be repeated at the locations used and at other locations to confirm the yield and pattern of response of the maize hybrids across locations and years.
Keywords: Agronomic response; ANOVA; correlation; hybrid maize; top cross
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