Evaluation of the Agricultural Productivity of Three Maize Varieties (Zea mays) and Their Adaptability to Climatic Constraints in Tolloré (Mayo Rey, North Cameroon)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the adaptability of three improved maize varieties (CMS 8704, CMS 8501 and CMS 9015) at Tolloré in Northern Cameroon. Trials were set up at different planting periods (early sowing (ES), normal sowing (NS) and late sowing (LS)), using a Fischer block design with two replications. The different parameters observed concern agronomic parameters: germination, growth and yield. An analysis of variances was carried out and the Tukey test was applied to classify the variables. The results on field parameters revealed that (1) independently of the varieties, the best germination rates were obtained in late sowing, while the highest growth parameters and yields were obtained in normal sowing; (2) independently of the sowing periods, CMS 8704 presented the best germination rate, CMS 8501 stood out at the vegetative and flowering stages, while at maturity CMS 8704 obtained the best results. CMS 8501 has the best yield. The interaction between the sowing period and the variety shows that CMS 8704 is the variety best suited to the study area for normal and late sowing. These climate-intelligent cultivation practices could be resilience techniques to climate change and could contribute to the fight against food insecurity in order to increase maize productivity among producers with low levels of intensification.