Description

ABSTRACT

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the largest crop in the world and the first cereal produced front of wheat.Thus, there arises the need to highlight some local maize varieties that stand out from other varieties and meet the requirements of producers and consumers. This study aims to evaluate the performance of ten varieties of maize in agroecological conditions of South Benin, in order to identify the best. Ten corn accessions collected in Katagon regions Zoungbomin and Ifangni of (South Benin) were evaluated morphologically in a device in random randomized blocks. Twenty four morphological characters selected from maize descriptors were used. The descriptive analysis revealed a significant diversity among accessions, marked by a significant gap between the minimum and maximum values. Thus, eight variables (male flowering to 50%; 50% female flowering, plant height, height of ear  insertion, number of primary branch of the tassel, average number of kernels per row, weight of 100 grains, maturity), contributing most discriminating varieties “Lagos” and“Carder” despite their performance. These characters could be used inbreeding and improvement programs.

Keywords: Variety, maize, morphological, genetic diversity, Benin