The best maize variety is the maize seed that produces the highest yield with minimal resources or inputs. In Nigeria, most maize farmers will say the best maize variety is pioneer hybrid maize variety. Some will say it is the Bayer DK series like DK234.
The best maize variety in Nigeria is usually a variety that is hybrid. Hybrid maize seeds are generally higher yielding than the open pollinated varieties.
The hybrid maize varieties are bred to resist a lot of pests and diseases and also yield more than the open pollinated maize varieties.
The best maize variety in Nigeria
The following are the best maize varieties in Nigeria:
Pioneer Hybrid Maize Variety
The pioneer hybrid maize variety or seed is known as the best maize variety by some farmers in Nigeria because of its high yield and good resistance to pests and diseases.
The pioneer hybrid maize variety is used by large farmers and outgrowing farms owned by multinationals like the Nigerian Flourmills Plc.
There have been instances where maize farmers that planted pioneer hybrid seeds had yields of 6 – 9 tons per hectare.
Mosanto Hybrid Maize Variety (Sold by Bayer Nigeria)
The following are the hybrid Dekalb maize varieties in Nigeria:
DeKalb DK234 Hybrid Maize Variety (White)
This DK234 variety from Mosanto is bred to be grown in the Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. The yield potential of this hybrid maize variety is 13 tons. It is also known as the best maize variety in Nigeria.
It is tolerantto maize streak virus, rust and striga.
DeKalb DK920 Hybrid Maize Variety (Yellow)
This hybrid maize variety is known as the best maize variety by some maize farmers in Nigeria. It has a yield potential of 10 tons per hectare. This maize variety is bred to tolerate conditions in all the climatic zones of Nigeria.
It is resistant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot, and Striga hermonthica.
DeKalb DK818 Hybrid Maize Variety (Yellow)
This maize variety is suited for the Guinea Savannah belt of Nigeria. It has a yield potential of 10 tons per hectare. The cobs produced by this variety are usually big with big seeds.
DK818 is resistant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot, and Striga hermonthica.
SeedCo Hybrid Maize Varieties
The following are the Seedco maize varieties available in Nigeria:
SC 510
This hybrid maize variety produces yellow maize seeds. It has a yield potential 5 – 6 tons per hectare. It is a prolific maize variety that grows well in the Guinea Savannah belt of Nigeria
SC510 is resistant to maize rust and other pests and diseases.
It is Pro Vitamin A variety.
SC 645
SC 645 hybrid maize variety can yield up to 7 – 8 tons per hectare. This maize variety reaches harvest time in 100 – 110 days.
This variety can tolerate high temperature, some pests and diseases. This variety is bred to withstand the climatic condition of the southern Guinea savannah belt of Nigeria.
SC 649
The SC649 is a white maize variety from SeedCo. It has resistance to striga and maize rust. It can also yield 6 – 7 tons per hectare.
The SC 649 maize variety can grow in all agro-climatic zones of Nigeria. The maturity time is 95 – 105 days.
SC 651
The SC651 is a hybrid maize variety that has a maturity time of 100 – 110 days. The yield potential of this maize variety is 100 – 110 days.
It can tolerate high temperature and can yield 5 – 6 tons.
SC 719
SC719 is a maize variety that can reach harvest time in 110 – 120 days. It is bred to grow in the Guinea Savannah belt of Nigeria.
It is resistant to some pests and diseases.
Premier Seeds – Hybrid Maize Varieties
The following are premier seeds’ hybrid maize varieties that can be grown in Nigeria:
Premier Oba 98 (white, QPM)
Premier Oba 98 (white) maize variety is one of the best maize varieties from Premier Seeds. It produces white maize.
It can tolerate a lot of tropical diseases and pests. Premier Oba 98 has maturity time of 110 days. Premier Oba 98 can be planted in the rain forest belt and the savannah belt of Nigeria.
Oba 98 (white) variety can tolerate lodging, rust, blight and streak. The height of the plant of this breed can reach 190 cm.
This variety has a yield potential of 6 – 8 tons per hectare.
The other hybrid maize varieties from Premier Seeds are:
- Premier Oba Super-1 (white)
- Premier Oba Super-2 (yellow)
- Premier Oba Super-3 (white)
- Premier Oba Super-4 (yellow)
- Premier Oba Super-6 (yellow)
- Premier Oba Super-7 (white)
- Premier Oba Super-9 (white)
- Premier Oba Super-11 (white)
- Premier Oba Super-13 (white)
Source: Premier Seeds
To be successful in maize farming in Nigeria, you need to choose the best maize variety.
Read our latest article on how many tons of maize a 1 hectare can produce?
If that is the case,I will embarked on maize farming.