Differences among open-pollinated tropical maize (Zera mays L.) varieties i
n seedling development and establishment on compacted soils were studied. S
oil dry density was used as an index of compaction. Three soil compaction l
evels and 12 traits associated with development and establishment of maize
seedlings were investigated. A control (without compaction) was also includ
ed. Varietal differences were observed for most traits measured. Genetic di
fferences for seedling development on compacted soil were detected. Varieta
l differences contributed about three times the contribution of compaction
to total variability in the traits. Better seedling development and perform
ance were obtained in moderately compacted soil than in the control. Shoot
length, shoot dry weight and per cent dry matter in roots were good indicat
ors of the tolerance of maize seedlings to compaction. A physiological stra
tegy for maize seedling establishment on compacted soil was proposed. The i
mplications of the results for seed testing were also highlighted. It was c
oncluded that consideration should be given to the genotype of maize destin
ed for use in ecologies prone to high soil densities. All varieties of maiz
e grown in an agroecological zone could be screened to identify genotypes t
olerant of higher soil densities. The seeds could then be multiplied and di
stributed to farmers.