Performance of Variety Cross Hybrids of Maize (Zea Mays L.) in the Mid-Altitude and Highland Transition Areas of Ethiopia

Improved open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) have been developed and released for commercial production in maize growing areas of Ethiopia. However, the dissemination of these improved varieties is limited because of a low level of interest of seed producers in the production and marketing of OPV seed. The dissemination of broad based improved varieties could be increased by the development and release of adaptedcommercial high yielding variety cross hybrids. This study was conducted in 2002 at seven locations in the midaltitude (1000 – 1800 meter above sea level, masl) and highland transition areas (1800 – 2000 masl) of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of variety cross hybrids. Twenty-nine variety cross hybrids and nine parental OPVs/populations along two checks were tested in randomized complete block design with three replications ateach location. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference (