Agronomic Performance and Yield Stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Drought Stress in the Sudanian Savanna of Côte d'Ivoire
N’da Hugues Annicet *
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Research Station of Ferkessédougou, BP 121, Ferkessédougou, Côte d'Ivoire.
N’cho Achi Laurent
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Research Station of Ferkessédougou, BP 121, Ferkessédougou, Côte d'Ivoire.
Kouakou Romaric Kouakou
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Research Station of Ferkessédougou, BP 121, Ferkessédougou, Côte d'Ivoire.
Letto Kouakou Yann Cédric
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Research Station of Ferkessédougou, BP 121, Ferkessédougou, Côte d'Ivoire.
Konaté Dofougo
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Research Station of Ferkessédougou, BP 121, Ferkessédougou, Côte d'Ivoire and Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Doctoral School in Agronomic Sciences and Transformation Processes, P.O. Box 1093, Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Climate variability and increasing rainfall irregularity in West Africa, particularly in the Sudanian savanna zones of Côte d'Ivoire, pose significant challenges to stable cereal production. Consequently, there is a critical need to identify crop varieties that combine high yield potential with resilience to drought and fluctuating environmental conditions.
Aims: The study aims to evaluate the stability of grain yield under abiotic stress is a major challenge for enhancing the resilience of cereal-based cropping systems in West Africa.
Place and Duration of Study: This study characterises the performance and stability of seven maize genotypes (five experimental hybrids and two checks) across two contrasting environments in northern Côte d’Ivoire : Ferké (favourable rainfall conditions) and Boundiali (severe water stress during the grain-filling phase).
Study Design: The experimental design was a randomised complete block design with three replications.
Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects for genotypes, environments, and the genotype × environment interaction. At Ferké, mean grain yields reached 5.79 t/ha, whereas a drastic reduction was observed at Boundiali with a mean of 2.63 t/ha. GGE biplot analysis decomposed the interaction and identified two distinct mega-environments. Hybrid A1909-9 exhibited remarkable stability and balanced performance across both sites, while EWH-118 demonstrated the highest tolerance to stress, achieving 4.35 t/ha at Boundiali. In contrast, the check FMB showed high sensitivity, with a yield reduction of 60%.
Conclusion: Hybrids A1909-9 and EWH-118 display the most promising adaptability profiles and are recommended for dissemination to enhance maize productivity and food security in the Sudanian savannah zone subject to climate variability.
Keywords: Zea mays, genotype × environment interaction, GGE biplot, drought, food security, Côte d'Ivoire