N. Yitbarek et Th. Hilger, POTENTIAL OF ADAPTED ETHIOPIAN MAIZE GERMPLASM AS A SOURCE MATERIAL FOR MAIZE IMPROVEMENT IN SEMIARID ENVIRONMENTS, Journal of Applied Botany, 69(5-6), 1995, pp. 157-162
A total of 834 samples of local adapted maize germplasm were collected
from eight administrative regions of Ethiopia; 592 samples in 1984 an
d 1985, 242 in 1986 and 1987. After collection, the accessions were ev
aluated at two experimental stations - Awasa and Zewai. Both stations
are located in a semi-arid environment of southern Ethiopia where rain
fall amount is low. In particular at Zewai, rainfall is poorly distrib
uted and highly variable. Under these conditions, maturity indeces of
germplasm from Welo, Game Gofa, Shewa and Hererge were early to medium
. Accessions from Welega, Illubabor, Keffa, and Sidamo area were late
types with an average growth period of more than 130 days. Data on mat
urity indeces, plant and ear height, disease and pest reaction, and yi
eld performance revealed the diversity and variability of maize germpl
asm in Ethiopia. An experiment carried out during 1988 and 1990 under
controlled conditions at Awasa indicated the potential and adaptabilit
y of unexploited Ethiopian maize germplasm as source material for the
maize improvement under stress environments. Germplasm selected for ea
rly maturity, drought resistance, disease and pest tolerance, and yiel
d were superior in most aspects compared to a new variety ready for re
lease and a standard check which should further be assessed for truene
ss to type.