Yields and acceptability of opaque-2 maize in the tropics of Colombia

Yield trials with farmers and acceptance surveys were conducted in Colombia in 1969-1970 to assess the potential use of opaque-2 maize in the tropical regons of the country. Yields were variable, particularly from one farm to another. In spite of this variability which may have confused the results, and analysis of variance was applied, using farms as replications. No significant differences were found between two growing seasons, among six regions of the increase in yields when traditional farmer technology was replaced with a package of cultural practices which included adequae fertility, insect control, and weed control. Opaque-2 hybrids significantly improved thew yield potential over the farmer`s traditional varieties, whether he used his existing technology or acceptability of opaque-2 floury maize was found to be low. This may be improved by education, promotion, and eventual development of a flint-type maize with the same nutritional quality as the opaque.