Participatory Variety Selection of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important staple food in lowland of North Shewa, Ethiopia. However, crop less researched this area. Thus, objective study was to assess performance improved open pollinated variety maize with participation farmers’ using their selection criteria for cultivation areas Shewa. Methods: Fourteen varieties including local were evaluated Eastern Amhara at Eferatana Gedim district, Yimlo research station 2016 and 2017 main cropping season. The experiment conducted randomized complete block design (RCBD) three replications. Five agronomic yield traits collected both years. In addition, small holder farmers participated evaluate score matrix ranking method based on attributes. Result: combined analysis variance across years showed that highly significant (p than 0.01) difference days anthesis, grain yield. highest obtained from Melkassa-4 (5243 kg/ha) Melkasa-2 (5115 while lowest recorded Rare-1 (3294 kg/ha). overall yielding ability Melkasa-4 higher as compared tested varieties. appreciated by Based farmer’s potential, therefore, has recommended lowlands Shewa similar agro ecologies Support needed scale-up deliver such through involving dissemination are adapted needs, it incurred income, good rotation animal feed.