choosing the right maize variety.pdf - Rice Knowledge Bank

Choosing the right maize variety
With thousands of different varieties of crops
available for farmers to choose from, it is
important for farmers to select varieties most
suitable for their conditions. Although many
institutions are involved in promoting
appropriate crop varieties to farmers, some
recommendations do not take into account the
wide range of factors that influence the farmers’
decision‐making. This has partly contributed to
limited adoption of new crop varieties by
smallholder farmers.
• General loss of confidence in improved
varieties and in the source of the seed (i.e.
seed companies).
• Rates of future adoption being affected.
What the farmers want:
• A variety that can improve their livelihoods,
providing both food and income.
• A variety that performs well each season,
providing yield stability. Drought or any
other environmental conditions should not
endanger food/income security.
• A variety that is not too expensive to grow.
This cost perception will depend on farmer
preferences. For instance, if farmers can
recycle seed by using open pollinated maize
varieties (OPVs) instead of hybrid maize
varieties, they could save money for
acquiring other inputs (such as fertilizer).
• Seed that is easily accessible on the market,
affordable to purchase, and from a trusted
source.
Why is it important to get it right
Choosing the wrong or inappropriate variety
can result in:
• Loss of yield, resulting in food insecurity
and loss of profits. (For example, some
imported varieties may never mature or
may yield much lower than expected
because they are not adapted to
environmental conditions in a particular
area. This problem often occurs when when
farmers use the grain from relief efforts or
food help for sowing.)
Figure 1. Seed may fail to emerge (foreground) even
when the inappropriate variety is used.
To select the right variety, it is important to
know the general characteristics of your area in
terms of:
• Length of the growing season (depends on
water availability/rainy season and
optimum temperatures). This determines the
ideal maturity group.
• Yield potential of the area. This is related to
the environment (agroecological zone):
rainfall and temperature patterns, soil
characteristics, elevation, etc. Some varieties
are more suitable for low and some for high
yield potential areas.
• Prevalent diseases and pests in the area.
Look for varieties with resistance or
tolerance to prevalent diseases and pests.
• Crop choice of neighboring farms. Learn
from successes and failures of neighboring
farmers.
Availability of such information helps to
determine what characteristics a variety needs to
perform well. These may include, for example,
the degree of disease resistance, the maturity

group or whether drought or soil acidity
tolerance is required.
General maturity groups of maize varieties
An early‐maturing variety can either be planted
early and be harvested before the end of the
season, late and be harvested by season‐end, or
in areas where the rainy season is short.
It is understandable that farmers see new
varieties as risky; their survival is depending on
the success of their crops. New varieties may be
tested on small areas before being adopted for
the entire farm.
An intermediate‐maturing variety does not
require a full season to mature, and tends to
produce higher yields than early‐maturing
varieties. It can be planted in areas where the
rains may stop early or harvested before the end
of the season.
A late‐maturing variety needs to be planted
very early in the season, often with the first
rains. Under favorable conditions, it gives the
highest yields.
It is also crucial to keep in mind grain
consumers’ criteria, considering:
• Targeted use of the final product. Different
varieties are often preferred when the grain
is for home‐processing and storage
compared to when it is intended for sale,
processing, feed/silage, or for other special
purposes.
• Current market conditions – which variety
suits market requirements
• Quality attributes in terms of the endproduct.
In maize, intrinsic characteristics
such as starch, oil, and protein content are
closely related to the end‐use value. A
variety that produces sweet and large cobs
may be chosen for green mealie
consumption. Some varieties are particularly
favorable for home‐processing and homestoring,
while some are preferred simply
because they fetch a high price at the
market.
Figure 2. There are better returns when the right
variety is planted.
Where can farmers find more information
Contact with local extension workers is
important. They can provide information on
new varieties and technologies tested for local
environmental conditions. A trusting
relationship should be established so that
farmers can feel confident in using new
varieties.
The information and experiences of other
farmers is also important. Social networks can
play a critical role in the adoption of new
technologies.
It is important to remember that varietal
selection can only take the farmer a part of the
way: agronomic practices are also an essential
component in producing high yielding, high
quality crops.
This fact sheet was prepared as part of the IRRI‐CIMMYT alliance ‐ Cereal Knowledge Bank
(knowledgebank.cimmyt.org) • Developed with input from F. Mtambanengwe, J. Jones, P.Kosina • 2007