Comparative Study of the Agronomic Characteristics of Four Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), an annual herbaceous plant of tropical origin belonging to the Poaceae family, is a cereal of major importance. It is used in both human and animal nutrition and as a raw material for a rapidly expanding agro-industry. However, its production remains low, mainly due to the effects of climate change, soil depletion and post-harvest losses. Yields can be improved by selecting more productive varieties. It is with this in mind that the present study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic behaviour of different maize varieties. A Fisher experimental design comprising four blocks was used, each subdivided into four sub-blocks representing the varieties studied. The results obtained revealed that all four varieties tested had a germination rate of over 97%. The kabamanoj variety recorded the highest germination rate (99.23%). However, differences were observed between the varieties in terms of growth, flowering and production parameters.