Evaluation of Open-Pollinated Maize Varieties for Adaptability and Productivity in Golohajo, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major cereal crops and a primary source of energy in the human diet. However, its production in the Somali region is constrained by several challenges, particularly the lack of improved maize varieties, mainly due to limited access to production inputs. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season at Gursum Woreda, SRS, Ethiopia, at the Fafan Research Center. The objective was to evaluate the performance and yield potential of open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in the study area.Three improved maize varieties were tested using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on phenological traits, growth parameters, and yield and yield components. The seeds were sown in plots measuring 22.5 m² (5 m length × 4.5 m width) with four rows per plot, following appropriate spacing. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the varieties for all measured parameters, except for plant height. The earliest days to maturity, tasseling, and silking were recorded for the variety Afan-qalo (122.3, 62.33, and 67.33 days, respectively), while the latest were observed for the variety Raare-1. Afan-qalo also produced the highest number of ears per plant (1.333) and the longest ear length (30.40 cm). Additionally, Afan-qalo recorded the highest thousand seed weight (306.7 g), grain yield (284.0 Qt/ha), and biomass yield (49.08 Qt/ha). Based on these results, the Afan-qalo variety is recommended for sustainable maize production in the study area. Further research should be conducted with additional maize varieties, across different locations and seasons, to enhance maize productivity in this and similar agro-ecological regions.