Seed Maize (Zea mays L.) Quality Factors from Five Agro-ecological Zones in Ghana and Their Impact on Growth and Grain Yield

Abstract

This experiment was conducted in the field and laboratory to evaluate the impact of seed quality attributes on emergence, germination, growth and grain yield. Obatanpa (local maize) seeds produced under certified and farmer-saved seeds in five agro-ecological zones were collected for five agro-ecological zones were used. After the land was slashed by cutlass, ploughed and harrowed the experiment was done 2x5 factorial randomized complete block design with four replications at the spacing of 80x40 cm with three seeds per hill one seedling thinned later two weeks after planting. Seed quality parameters moisture content, purity analysis, germination, and fungus associations with the seeds were determined in the Pathology lab, Department of Crop and Soil sciences using randomized complete design (RCD) in three replications. Results from tests in the laboratory showed that seed moisture content, purity, germination, and fungus associations with the seeds were impact on emergence, growth and yields of maize. The certified seed system gave higher yields than farmer-saved seeds across the agro-ecological zones.