1. Characterisation of maize (Zea mays L.) single cross hybrids between CIMMYT drought tolerant
donor lines and Pannar elite lines
C. Muyambo1, EM Brauteseth1, PE Shanahan2
1Pannar Seed (Pty) Ltd, P. O. Box 19, Greytown, 3250, South Africa
2Discipline of Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of
KwaZulu-Natal, P. O. Box X01 Scottsville, 3201, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
caiphas.muyambo@pannar.co.za
ABSTRACT
Food security in Africa has generally been equated to the availability of maize (Zea mays L.) grain, the
production of which is severely hindered by drought stress. There is a need to breed maize genotypes
with improved drought tolerance; but drought tolerance research has largely remained academic. This is
probably because of the complexity of the drought phenomenon and the genetic basis of plant
responses to drought stress. Development of drought tolerant genotypes is slower than the pace
needed to meet the rising demand for food. It has been reported that genetic variation for drought
tolerance is available in existing elite germplasm; however, there remains a need for extensive breeding
for drought prone areas, improved strategies and targeted technologies. The objective of this study was
to evaluate single cross maize hybrids developed from CIMMYT drought tolerant donors and Pannar
elite inbred lines, with a focus on drought adaptive traits. A 12x12 factorial (North Carolina design II)
mating design was used to produce F1 single cross hybrids in the 2012 winter season. In the 2012/13
summer season, 71 experimental hybrids plus 10 checks were evaluated under raingrown conditions at
four sites: Cedara and Greytown (South Africa); and Devonia and ART farm (Zimbabwe). In the 2013
winter season, 110 hybrids from the same factorial were evaluated under managed drought stress in
Chiredzi and Chisumbanje (Zimbabwe). Results from the summer trials revealed genotypes with
improved yield and agronomic performance across all four locations when compared to standard
checks. Genotypes at the Greytown and ART farm sites were exposed to drought stress during the
flowering period; hence, top yielding genotypes at these sites would have some level of drought
tolerance. Results from managed drought trials are also presented.
Sponsored by PANNAR SEED (PTY) LTD