TY  - PRO
AU  - Onyango,R.M.A.
AU  - Ngeny,J.M.A.
AU  - Ransom,J.K.|Palmer,A.F.E.|Zambezi,B.T.|Mduruma,Z.O.|Waddington,S.R.|Pixley,K.V.|Jewell,D.C.
ED  - Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico DF (Mexico)
TI  - Verification of recommended maize production package on farmers fields in Trans-Nzoia District
SN  - 92-9146-025-7
U1  - 633.15 
PY  - 1997///
CY  - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
PB  - CIMMYT
KW  - Crop management
KW  - AGROVOC
KW  - Plant production
KW  - Sustainability
KW  - Zea mays
KW  - Hybrids
KW  - CIMMYT
N2  - Although maize hybrids were released in the early 1960's, the full yield potentials of some of these hybrids have not been exploited. This is due to non-use of the known technologies (recommended production package). The technologies have been there for over 30 years and farmers current production stands at 1.5 ton/ha compared to the 7 ton/ha produced with improved technologies. This study was conducted in order to verify the most salient features required to raise and sustain maize production under different agro-ecological zones in Trans-Nzoia District and, at the same time, demonstrate to farmers in their own fields the benefits of improved practices. These features include correct choice of variety, timely seedbed preparation and planting, fertilizer use and weed and pest control. Commercial varieties H614, H625 and H626 were planted using the recommended technology in the three agro-ecological zones (AEZ) (UH, LH, and UM) within Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province. These were compared to a commercial variety of a farmer's choice planted and cultivated by a farmer according to his usual practices. When H626 was released, farmers quickly alleged that it required more fertilizers to maintain high yields compared to H614 which they like and have stuck to. Where recommended technology was used, H626 had the highest yield (8.9 ton/ha) which was not significantly different from H625 (8.5 ton/ha) and H614 (8.1 ton/ha). However, these yields were significantly different from the farmer's yield even though they used recommended variety H614D. There were no significant differences between the different varieties in ear height. However, H614D showed the highest % lodging, significantly different from H62S and H626. The different AEZ's had an effect on lodging especially in sites where ants were prevalent. AEZ's had no effect on variety, therefore any variety would fit a wide range of environments. Farmers indicated they would increase area under maize and also improve their level of management if input prices were lowered and timely payments were made
ER  -