Comparative Performance of Pre-Commercial vs Existing Maize Hybrids in Zambia

Maize production in Zambia has remained below the global average, with a national yield of 2,800 kg/ha compared to the world average of 5,000 kg/ha, as reported by FAO. This yield gap is mainly attributed to challenges such as pests, diseases, declining soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties with limited resistance to pests and diseases, that are not suited to local Agro ecological conditions. To address these challenges, this study was conducted at Agri-Wind in Serenje District, Zambia, to evaluate and compare the performance of six pre-commercial maize hybrids against sixteen commercially available hybrids. A total of twenty-two maize hybrids were assessed, including six pre-commercial varieties (PV17, PV18, PV19, PV20, PV21, PV22) and sixteen commercial varieties (V1 – V16). The trial was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Performance evaluation focused on yield potential, insect and disease resistance, as well as distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA in Field Book (CIMMYT) at a 5% significance level (p = 0.05). Results indicated that V5 and PV19 were the highest-yielding hybrids, producing 5,850.70 kg/ha and 5,498.18 kg/ha, respectively. These varieties, along with PV18, showed strong resistance to Northern Leaf Blight (NLB) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV), making them promising candidates for commercial release. Although PV17 had a lower yield (3,781.05 kg/ha), it demonstrated the best resistance to NLB (score of 1.5), suggesting its potential for disease-prone areas. In contrast, PV21, which had lower yields and weaker disease resistance, was deemed less suitable for release. Generally, PV19, PV18, and PV17 emerged as the most promising pre-commercial hybrids, while V5 was recommended for high-yielding areas. In addition, the DUS analysis revealed superior characteristics in the pre-commercial hybrids, such as enhanced anthocyanin coloration and optimal growth duration, indicating their potential adaptability to local agroecological conditions.