Conduct Participatory variety and hybrids selection trials across target agro-ecologies in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia

Abstract

In singida district, variety with tied ridges had mean grain yield of 2.017 t ha-1 compared to 1.596 t ha-1 for variety without tied ridges which was a 26% yield advantage. Varieties ASARECA 24-4-1 (1.983 t ha-1) and IESV 92174 DL (1.933 t ha-1) had grain yields significantly similar to improved released variety NACO Mtama 1 (2.133 t ha-1). Hybrids with tied ridges gave better yields (mean 2.340 t ha-1) compared with no tied ridges (mean yield 2.00 t ha-1) (Table 2), a 17% yield advantage. Hybrids IESH 22009 (2.750 t ha-1), IESH 29010 (2.683 t ha-1) had statistically similar yields to released hybrid NACO SH 2 (2.533 t ha-1). Under intercropping hybrids with cowpea, mean performance (2.518 t ha-1) was better than hybrids with tied ridges (2.340 t ha-1). Hybrids NACO SH 2 (3.148 t ha-1), IESH 22009 (3.027 t ha-1) and IESH 25007 (3.022 t ha-1) had the best grain yields. The average cowpea yield was 0.914 t ha-1 (Table 3). The yield advantage of intercropping and tied ridges (water conservation) was demonstrated. However returns to investment (gross margins analysis) has be determined.