Characterisation of micronutrient (zinc and iron), dense tropical maize hybrids grown in two different environments in Zambia

Abstract: 
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.
Les carences en fer et en zinc qui sont répandues dans la plupart des pays de l’Afrique sub-saharienne ont été attribuées à des faibles niveaux de micronutriments des grains dans les variétés locales. L’étude a caractérisé le germoplasme du maïs dense en micronutriments (fer et zinc) afin d’identifier les lignées prometteuses à introduire pour la reproduction du maïs en Zambie. L’étude a été menée en deux endroits. Les emplacements ont été différents pour les niveaux intérieurs de zinc avec « National Irrigation Research Station (NIRS) » ayant 19,2 mg / kg et « Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) » 18,7 mg / kg. Aucune différence n’a été observée entre les sites et les entrées, ni des interactions significatives en ce qui concerne les niveaux intérieurs de fer, bien que les niveaux étaient dans la fourchette acceptable de 13,6 mg / kg pour le génotype 07C04592B et 17,9 mg / kg pour le génotype 07C04602B. Les réponses différentielles pour le rendement en grain ont été observées entre les génotypes d’un endroit à un autre. Les différences dans la croissance des plantes et les paramètres de développement observés parmi les entrées sont dues aux conditions de croissance et les sols trouvés dans les deux sites. Trois entrées de haut rendement ont été identifiées : 07C04602B, 07C04568B et 07C04578B. Ils comportaient aussi des niveaux élevés intérieurs de fer et de zinc.
Language: 
English
Date of publication: 
2010
Country: 
Region Focus: 
Southern Africa
Author/Editor(s): 
University/affiliation: 
Collection: 
RUFORUM Conferences and Workshops
Licence conditions: 
Open Access
Access restriction: 
Form: 
Printed resource
Publisher: 
ISSN: 
E_ISSN: 
Edition: 
Extent: 
593-596
Notes: 

About the RUFORUM 2010 Biennal Conference
"The 2010 RUFORUM Biennial Conference was the second in the series. The main objective of the Biennial conferences is to provide a platform for agricultural research for development stakeholders in Africa and beyond to actively exchange findings and experiences, while at the same time learning lessons towards improving performance of the agricultural sector and ultimately people’s livelihoods. The biennial conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholders in agriculture. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning. This record contains an extended abstract accepted under the theme of Natural Resource Management"