Drought stress is a major factor limiting the productivity
of maize (
Zea mays
L.) in West and Central Africa. This study
was conducted to assess drought tolerance/susceptibility in nine early maturing
maize composites, including five drought tolerant selections. The varieties were
evaluated in 5 drought-stressed and 5 non-drought stressed environments in Ghana,
West Africa, from 1995 to 1997. Effects due to environment (E), genotype (G) and
G x E interaction were highly significant (P<0.01) for grain yield, 50% silk
emergence, plant height, lodging, ears per plant, and ear rating in both environments
(drought and non-drought stressed). In the stress environment, grain yields of
the varieties ranged from 2.21 to 3.12 t ha
-1, while in the favourable
environment yields ranged from 4.17 to 5.96 t ha
-1. Two drought tolerant
selections (EVEJ 9190DWDP & EVFU 9190DWPD) out-yielded Dorke SR (an improved
check) by 16.0% and the Local (landrace) variety by 30.8% in the stress environment.
In the favourable environment, grain yields were similar, averaging 5.85 t ha
-1
for the two elite varieties and the improved check. Grain yield in the stress
environment was positively associated (r = 0.71, P<0.01) with yield in the
non-stress environment. Estimates of Eberhart and Russell's stability parameters
across environments were b
i = 1.04 (s
2=0.13) for the improved varieties and b
i=0.65
(s
2=0.22) for the local variety.