In Burkina Faso, maize yields are very low in the farming environment because its
production is severely limited by biotic and abiotic constraints. To meet the
productivity challenge, hybrid maize varieties would be a major asset. However,
hybrids are difficult to access, as their breeding schemes are complex and costly.
The objective of this study is to identify hybrids with high yield potential that are
adapted to the climatic conditions of Burkina Faso. To this end, 124 hybrid maize
varieties and four control varieties were evaluated in the rainy season in the
southern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. The experimental design used is an alpha
lattice with three replications. Observations on the agro-morphological parameters
made it possible to classify the material evaluated into three groups according to
the productivity of the varieties. All the varieties evaluated had an intermediate
cycle of 100 to 110 days at maturity. The best performing hybrids showed a grain
yield advantage of between 2 and 110% compared to the control varieties. Among
these hybrids, 25 of them showed a grain yield advantage of between 1.5 and 5.5
t/ha over the controls. These varieties are to be subjected to multi-location and
multi-annual tests in order to evaluate the stability of their yields and to allow their
inclusion in the national catalogue. At the end of these tests, the best varieties could
be proposed for extension programs in the farming community.

Zea mays, hybrids, yield, Burkina Faso