POTENTIAL OF ADAPTED ETHIOPIAN MAIZE GERMPLASM AS A SOURCE MATERIAL FOR MAIZE IMPROVEMENT IN SEMIARID ENVIRONMENTS

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.