| dc.description.abstract | Low available phosphorus (P) is one of the major hindrances to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in acid
soils. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop P-efficient maize inbred lines, (2) develop single
cross hybrids from the P-efficient inbred lines, and (3) determine their response to P application in the
P-deficient acid soils of western Kenya. Ninety-eight inbred lines and 49 single crosses were developed
and screened at P-deficient (2.0 to 2.2 mg P/kg soil) soils of Sega and Bumala. Mean grain yield (GY) for
the hybrids was 75.3% higher with P-fertilizer than without P for the same hybrids. Thirty-three percent
(33%) of these hybrids were inefficient but responsive to P application, 27% were efficient and none
responsive, only 13% were efficient and responsive, while the rest were inefficient and non-responsive.
GY was positively correlated (r = 0.57**) with plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) (r = 0.60**) and PH
was correlated with EH (r = 0.86***). This study has developed and identified P-efficient maize
germplasm that can be utilized directly or in developing other hybrids for use in acid soils of western
Kenya and in other acid soils where P is limiting. | en_US |
