Evaluación agronómica y adaptación de 12 híbridos comerciales y 4 híbridos experimentales de maíz (Zea mays L.) en 3 localidades, en las provincias de Loja y Santa Elena

Abstract

The hard corn is one of the most important agricultural products of the national economy, due to its high social impact, as well as constituting the main feedstock for the manufacture of foodstuffs for human and animal industry. (Solagro. 2006). This research work was developed in Loja Province, in Zapotillo and Pindal Cantons, in Garza real and Pindal Parishes and in Santa Elena Province, in Santa Elena Canton. This work was supported by local farmers and The National Autonomous Agricultural Research Institute (INIAP), in the Experimental Austral Station of Corn Program. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and the adaptation of twelve commercial hybrids of corn (Zea mays L.) and four experimental hybrids in Zapotillo, Pindal, and Santa Elena Canton. Treatments were arranged in a design of completely randomized blocks (DCRB) with 16 treatments with three replicates, giving a total of 48 plots, located in the three localities. Among the evaluated areas, Zapotillo and Santa Elena localities are best for hard corn production. It is recommendable to plant the lNlAP H-602, Triunfo, Dekalb 70-88, for the towns of Zapotillo, Pinal, and Santa Elena respectively, for its good performance and adaption at each location.