GG_ STRINF&NONINF_2010-2021_Masari.xlsx

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) is both a cash crop and an important staple crop. However, <i>Striga</i> <i>hermonthica</i> infection constrains its production and productivity. A total of 159 hybrids from 21 international trials were evaluated under <i>Striga</i>-infested (STRINF) and <i>S</i>triga-non-infested (STRNON) conditions at Mokwa and Abuja, Nigeria, from 2010 to 2021. Generally, substantial progress has been achieved with a good level of repeatability estimates for the early maturing maize hybrid trials evaluated under STRINF and STRNON conditions. The results obtained in the study demonstrated that the breeding strategies adopted during the 12-year breeding period have been effective and that the potential of the trials in the exploration of the genetic potential of the hybrids for commercialization in the SSA for food security and poverty alleviation.