Behaviour of maize varieties concerning the production and pests and diseades susceptibility in Huambo country (Angola)

Abstract

The main objectives of this work were the evaluation of the behaviour of different traditional maize varieties – Branco redondo and SAM3 – and imported ones – ZM423, ZM521, ZM523, ZM611, ZM621 – to their tolerance to the stem and earn borars and to the virus MSV (Maize Streak Virus), in three locations of the central highlands of Angola and in two cropping seasons (rainy and dry season). Maize yields were also evaluated. In the two growing seasons and in the three locations, the traditional varieties did not show any infection by the virus MSV. The imported varieties show disease symptoms but at a low incidence level. The severity of the maize stem and earn borars were low and no significant differences were observed between the tested varieties. The yields of the imported varieties varied between 7 and 8 t ha^-1 in the dry season (irrigation) but in the rainy season their average yield decreased (3 to 4 t ha^-1).  The yield of the traditional varieties was similar in both growing seasons, in general lower than the imported ones. The average yield in Branco redondo and SAM3 varieties was 2 t ha^-1. SAM3 variety production in Chianga was an exception; where the yield was 4 t ha^-1 in the rainy season. Probably this can be explained by the fact that SAM3 was obtained in this region.