Performance evaluation and selection of new maize hybrids under sole and inter crop production systems

Abstract

Screening of maize genotypes under different cropping systems (sole and inter cropping) is very important to understand the genotypes response for different abiotic and a biotic stress. Nine maize genotypes including the standard check (BH-543) were planted and evaluated at research and farmers' fields in the 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. Farmers were invited to evaluate the genotypes based on their criteria of selection. Hawassa-Dume common bean variety was used for intercropping purpose in 2012. The genotypes substantially varied for yield and other traits both under sole and intercropping systems. When combined across seasons, the high yielding genotypes, genotype-1 and genotype-5 showed 38 and 37% yield advantage over the standard check. Besides, genotypes markedly varied for their compatibility for intercropping system with land equivalent ratio (LER) <1 for most of genotypes. However, genotype-4 and genotype-8 had LER >1 highlighting the need to evaluate genotypes for intercropping system at early stage of breeding.

Mixture × Genotype Effects in Cereal/Legume Intercropping

“…There are only a few studies considering the socio-economic importance of genotypes of both cereals and legumes species. Goshime et al (2020) involved the farmers in the evaluation of genotypes. Different quality parameters of the genotypes not included in most of the articles hence could affect the acceptance of intercropping by farmers.…”

Developing Multiline Cowpea Varieties Adapted to Local Cropping Systems and Specific Farmers’ Production Goals Through Participatory Breeding

“…The limited success of varieties selected according to their performance under crop management practices different from those applied by farmers is one of the factors explaining low adoption rate of improved varieties (Baoua et al, 2021). For instance, in cowpea crop, most of these varieties developed under sole cropping are not necessarily suited for intercropping (Ntare, 1989;Goshime, Solomon and Alemayehu, 2020;Kammoun et al, 2021;Kiaer et al, 2022). Therefore, selection of genotypes both under sole and intercropping is of paramount importance to enhance yield and varietal adoption (Goshime, Solomon and Alemayehu, 2020;Haug et al, 2021).…”

“…For instance, in cowpea crop, most of these varieties developed under sole cropping are not necessarily suited for intercropping (Ntare, 1989;Goshime, Solomon and Alemayehu, 2020;Kammoun et al, 2021;Kiaer et al, 2022). Therefore, selection of genotypes both under sole and intercropping is of paramount importance to enhance yield and varietal adoption (Goshime, Solomon and Alemayehu, 2020;Haug et al, 2021). Considering local cropping systems in the process of participatory and decentralized selection could increase its effectiveness (Wolfe et al, 2008).…”

“…This also implies that among the greatest grain yields in intercropping, only a proportion would have been selected and other rejected on the basis of their grain yields in sole cropping. Previous studies also reported a significative genotype x cropping system interaction, and indicated that the best varieties for sole cropping are not necessarily the best ones for intercropping (Kammoun, 2014;Goshime, Solomon and Alemayehu, 2020).…”