Field Performance of Extra-Early Maturing Pro-Vitamin A Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Optimal Rainfed Conditions in the Derived Savanna Agroecology Zone

Adopting extra-early maturing pro-vitamin A (PVA) maize hybrids, which can help combat malnutrition and enhance grain yield, is essential in areas with erratic rainfall patterns. This study was carried out to (i) evaluate the performance of extra-early maturing PVA maize hybrids under optimal growing conditions; (ii) identify superior hybrids in terms of high yield and adaptability. A total of 16 hybrids, including two commercial hybrids used as local checks, were evaluated for two years. The trials were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates at the Teaching and Research (T&R) Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Data were recorded on grain yield and other agronomic traits and analysed. Significant variations (p < 0.001) were observed among the hybrids for measured traits, indicating adequate genetic variability among the hybrids, which can be exploited for trait improvement and selection of superior hybrids. The years of evaluation contributed 70.9% to the total variation in grain yield, the hybrid accounted for 18.6% and the hybrid × year interaction, 10.5%. Grain yield (GY) of hybrids ranged from 2.25 t ha−1 (EEPVAH-38) to 4.22 t ha−1 (EEPVAH-48), with a mean of 3.51 t ha−1. The outstanding PVA hybrid (EEPVAH-48) outyielded the best check by 19%. The results of the rank summation index and cultivar superiority index were found to be consistent, as both methods identified EEPVAH-48 (4.22 t ha−1), followed closely by EEPVAH-40 (4.10 t ha−1), as the highest yielding hybrids. These hybrids exhibited outstanding yield and adaptability, highlighting the need for extensive on-farm trials to confirm their superiority and potential for commercialization in the derived savanna agroecology zone.