Evaluation of Improved Maize Genotypes for Grain Yield and Yield Components in Chilga District, North Western Ethiopia

In order to evaluate the performance of improved maize genotypes, an experiment was conducted at Chilga district of Northwestern Ethiopia, during 2013 main cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The data were recorded on plant height, ear height, number of ears/plot, field weight, grain yield and 1000 grain weight. All varieties showed significant differences with each other for all the traits studied. Variety P3812W had the highest grain yield of 4877 kg ha-1. The highest plant height of 209.67 cm was noted in variety BH 670. The local variety had maximum ear height of 106.67cm. MH138Q had maximum number of ears which is 35. Data recorded for field weight showed that genotype P3812W had maximum field weight of 5.67kg. Maximum value for 1000 grain weight was shown by BH 660 (375.00g). These varieties had a wide genetic background, thus showing grain yield ranges from 2334 to 4877 kg ha-1. Maize variety P3812W was found most promising, which has the potential to increase the average yield of maize in Chilga district and is therefore recommended for general cultivation.