Evaluation of Pro-Vitamin A Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids for Grain Yield and Agronomic Performance Under Optimal Growing Conditions

Background and Objective: The production and deployment of pro-vitamin A maize hybrid is crucial for combating vitamin A deficiency among consumers who rely predominantly on starchy foods with limited access to fruits and vegetables. The objectives of the study were to (i) Evaluate the performance of the newly developed pro-vitamin A maize hybrids under optimal growing conditions. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two newly developed pro-vitamin A maize hybrids and four commercial maize hybrids used as checks were evaluated under optimum growing conditions, using a 9×4 α-lattices design with three replicates at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria in 2023. Data were collected on grain yield and other agronomic traits. The least square means were calculated and separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 0.05 probability level. Results: The data were analyzed, and the results show that the maize hybrids’ mean squares were significant (p<0.01) for most of the traits measured except anthesis-silking interval, plant height, ear height, and husk cover. The significant variations observed indicate the existence of variability useful for selection. Grain yield of the hybrids varied between 1451.9 (LY2213) and 4650.7 kg/ha (A1804-15) with a mean of 2884.6 kg/ha. The A1804-15 produced the highest grain yield (4650.7 kg/ha), followed closely by LY1409-61 (4628.6 kg/ha) and LY2201 (4274.9 kg/ha). Rank summation index identified the top five hybrids, viz. LY2214, LY2201, LY1914-14, A1804-15, and LY2202 with high grain yield potential and other desirable agronomic traits. Conclusion: These outstanding pro-vitamin A maize hybrids should be subjected to further testing in multi-locational yield trials over the years to confirm their stability and suitability for large-scale cultivation, before their release to farmers.