January 2016

An evaluation on the profitability of growing improved maize open pollinated varieties in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

This study examined the profitability of growing Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) of maize against hybrids in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Studies have shown that improved OPVs of maize can be a valuable step for smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas as they are relatively drought tolerant when compared to hybrids. Thirteen maize varieties were evaluated extensively by on-farm trials in selected areas under...

Author(s): Melusi Sibanda, Abbyssinia Mushunje and Charles Shelton Mutengwa