Yields of maize, sorghum varieties and sorghum hybrids in the East African Lowlands

Abstract

1. Sorghum is capable of giving substantial yields under dry conditions where maize fails.2. Sorghum can consistently out-yield maize in some areas under conditions of apparently adequate or excessive rainfall.3. Low soil nutrient status, and/or poor soil water relations, interacting with the amount of rainfall were probably responsible for the low maize yields where precipitation in the growing season exceeded 15 in.4. Some hybrids originating in the U.S.A. may be of immediate value in dry areas of East Africa. Such hybrids are generally susceptible to bird damage and are more susceptible to Atherigona indica infuscate than local material. Hazera 726 shows less susceptibility to both these pests and is recommended for dry areas.