Comparative performance of maize varieties under tropical conditions in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental and geographical conditions play a pivotal role in determining the performance of maize varieties, making varietal selection critical for optimizing yield under specific agro-ecological settings. This study evaluated the morphological, reproductive, and yield traits of two maize varieties, Oba Super-6 (early maturing) and Suwan-1-SR (medium maturing), over two consecutive cropping seasons (2023 and 2024) at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, leaf number, days to tasseling and silking, cob length, number of grains per cob, and grain yield. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two varieties across all measured parameters. Oba Super-6 consistently outperformed Suwan-1-SR in both seasons, exhibiting superior vegetative growth, earlier reproductive maturity, and higher grain yield. These findings suggest that Oba Super-6 is better adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of Abraka and holds greater economic potential for farmers in the region. Its early maturity and robust yield performance make it a suitable candidate for cultivation in tropical environments prone to climatic variability. The study recommends Oba Super-6 for widespread adoption in similar agro-ecological zones to enhance maize productivity and ensure food security.