Characterisation of micronutrient (zinc and iron), dense tropical maize hybrids grown in two different environments in Zambia
Abstract
177 words
Iron and zinc deficiencies that are prevalent in most sub-Saharan
African countries have been attributed to the low grain
micronutrient levels in local varieties. The study characterised
micronutrient (iron and zinc) dense maize germplasm so as to
identify promising inbred lines to introduce to maize breeding in
Zambia. The study was conducted in two locations. Locations
were different for kernel zinc levels with National Irrigation
Research Station (NIRS) having 19.2 mg/kg and Golden Valley
Agricultural Research Trust (GART) 18.7 mg/kg. No
differences were observed among locations and entries, and
neither were there any significant interactions with regards to
kernel iron levels, though the levels were within acceptable
range of 13.6 mg/kg for genotype 07C04592B and 17.9 mg/kg
for genotype 07C04602B. Differential responses for grain yield
were observed among genotypes from one location to another.
Differences in plant growth and development parameters
observed among entries were due to the growing conditions
and the soils found at the two locations. Three high yielding
entries were identified; 07C04602B, 07C04568B and
07C04578B. They also contained high kernel iron and zinc
levels.
Subjects
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