NAME : SIPHO

R NCUBE

CANDIDATE NUMBER : 5151

CENTRE NUMBER : 100092

RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED FOR THE

REQUIREMENTS OF PAPER 4 “A LEVEL”
AGRICULTURE AT FOUNDERS HIGH SCOOL IN 2020.

1
 TOPIC
A comparative study on the use of certified hybrid seed (SC709) and traditional seed in maize
production in relation germination percentage, growth rate (stem height) and final yield at
Founders High School within a period of four months from November 2019 to March 2020.

2
 ABSTRACT
A comparative study was carried out at Founders High School in Bulawayo. It mainly focused on
the effects of using certified and non-certified maize seeds in maize production in relation to
germination percentage, growth rate(stem height) , and final yields as from November 2019 to
March 2020.

The research project was carried out to find out the best maize seeds which should be used by
farmers of Zimbabwe. It was also carried out to determine the maize seeds which produce high
germination percentage, high growth rate (stem height) and high yields.

The researcher used a 2x2 block design measured 3mx1m. The four beds were labeled A, B, C
and D. In beds A and D, certified seeds were planted, and non-certified seeds were planted at
beds B and D. The seeds were planted using the recommended spacing of 900mmx300mm.

In this research study, the results obtained were different. Certified maize seeds had a higher
germination percentage (95%) while non-certified seeds had a lower germination percentage
(70%).

Two weeks after emergency, certified maize seeds had a higher growth rate of 22cm than home
grown seeds which only had a growth rate of 17cm. After 8 weeks, just before tasseling,
certified had a growth rate of 179cm while home grown seeds had a growth rate of 168cm.

At harvesting, there was a high total yield from certified seeds (bed A) of 13kg while the home
grown seeds produced cobs which only weighed 9kg.

The author recommends farmers to use certified hybrid seeds because they have a high
germination percentage. This is because they have high seed viability, which breaks seed
dormancy, unlike home grown seeds which are prone to dormancy. Certified seeds have a high
growth rate, due to low pest infestation during growth and also due to low disease attack,
unlike home grown seeds which are attacked by pests and diseases. Certified seeds also confer
high yields with improved grain quality, so farmers should use them.

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researcher is greatly indebted to the following people who have made this project a
success:

Mr E Tshuma who helped the researcher in carrying out the entire project.

Friends Moses, Wesley, and Gracewin who helped the author in weeding and watering the
crops.

The parents Mr. and Mrs. Ncube for giving a hand in the typing of the project.

4
 DEDICATION

This research is dedicated to the author’s parents who supported and motivated the author
academically. It is also dedicated to the teachers who to a greater extent made this project a
success.

5
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

(1) TOPIC------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

(2) ABSTRACT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

(3.1) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

(3.2) DEDICATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -5

(4.1) INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -7

(4.2) AIMS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

(4.3) OBJECTIVES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

(5.1) HYPOTHESIS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

(5.2) JUSTIFICATION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

(5.3) LIMITATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13

(5.3) DELIMITATIONS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

(5.4) LITERATURE REVIEW--------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

(5.5) MATERIALS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16

(6.2) EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN----------------------------------------------------------------------------17

(6.3) DATA COLLECTION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------19

(6.4) DATA ANALYSIS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

(7.1) RESULTS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

(7.2) RESULT ANALYSIS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -29

(8.1) SUMMARY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32

6
(8.2) RECOMMENDATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------------33

(9) REFERENCES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Maize production is given a higher priority in Zimbabwe. It is regarded important in many regards. It is
grown for different reasons, but mainly for consumption, maize stalks can be used to feed livestock and
for manuring fields. Maize can also be used to brew beer and for educational purposes. Maize seeds are
usually found in two forms, certified seeds and non-certified seeds. Certified seeds are seeds that are
chemically treated to survive drought, pests and disease attack. These give high and better yields. Non
certified seeds are seeds obtained from the previous harvest. These are highly susceptible to pests and
disease.

According to R Mitchner (2011), one of the common mistakes which the farmers make is to plant non
certified seeds (traditional seeds). Use of certified seed is critical for a healthy maize plant, because it is
free from pests and diseases.

R Mitchner (2011) also emphasizes and encourages farmers to use certified seeds because they are
viable compared to traditional seeds which may be dormant.

R Mitchner (2011) explains that the germination rate of certified seeds will be high compared to that of
traditional seed. If traditional seeds are used, the maize growing period might be extended since
germination is sometimes slow, leading to poor growth.

According to F Calitz(2011), certified seeds have high germination percentage. Non certified seeds have
low germination percentage due to high pest attack, normally during storage, thus reducing viability.
The seeds are also likely to have low food reserves because of the storage period.

M Mandizvidza (2005) states that certified seeds have a higher growth rate and are disease and pest
resistant and sometimes drought tolerant. This leads to improved yields and quality.

A Bernad states that certified seeds are superior to home grown seeds. This is because they have high
germination percentages, growth rate and final yields. This is because they are less prone to pest and
disease attack unlike home grown seeds.

7
B Manyua(2013) and M Mandizvidza state that use of certified maize seeds result in high yields because
of the selected production traits which express hybrid vigor. The author wants to prove that certified
maize seeds will produce more yields compared to traditional seeds. Farmers are also encouraged to use
certified seeds because they are free from pests and diseases because of their treatment, so they
produce very high yields.

8
 AIMS

To compare the effects of using certified maize seeds (bed A) and home grown maize seeds
(bed A) in relation to germination percentages, growth rate (stem height) and final yield.

9
 OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE 1

To calculate and compare the germination percentage of certified hybrid seed and non-certified
seed (home grown) two weeks after emergency.

OBJECTIVE 2

To measure and compare the growth rate (stem height) of certified and traditional seed two weeks after
emergency to tasseling stage.

OBJECTIVE 3

To compare the final yield of maize between certified and homegrown seed at harvesting.

10
 HYPOTHESIS

There is no relationship between the use of certified seeds and traditional seeds in maize production, in
relation to germination percentage, growth rate (stem height) and final yield.

11
 JUSTIFICATION

The researcher carried out this investigation to find out the type of maize seed which can obtain high
germination percentage, high growth rate, and high final yield. The researcher also carried out this
research to stop the argument which arose in his area, on the type of maize seed which produce high
germination rate, high growth rate, and high final yield. Certified seeds were viable, so the germination
percentage was high unlike in traditional seeds where the seeds became dormant. Certified seeds had
high growth rate and produced high yields than certified maize seeds

12
 LIMITATIONS

During the course of the research, the researcher encountered certain problems such as unavailability of
fertilizer, so the researcher did not use any fertilizer. Another limitation faced was pest attack (army
worm) on maize. This resulted in reduced yields, as the researcher would rouge diseased plants. Another
major draw limitation was the relief of the garden. It was slightly steeper, so when the researcher
watered the crops, runoff of water would occur to the lower parts of the bed, eroding the alluvial soil to
the lower sides of the bed. The greatest encounter the researcher faced was time frame i.e. regular
monitoring of the crops due to the Covid 19 pandemic which induced early closure of schools.

13
 DELIMITATIONS

The area under study, Founders High School is in natural region four, under Bulawayo Metropolitan
Province. This area receives a rainfall of 450 – 650mm per annum. The area experiences very high
temperatures ranging between 25-35 degrees Celsius in summer. In winter, the temperatures are less
than 10 degrees Celsius. The area has less than 14 pentads. The area also has red clay soils.

14
 LITERATURE REVIEW

Maize( zea maize)is a cereal and a staple food crop grown in Zimbabwe. Certified maize seeds are those
seeds treated with various chemicals. They are produced under special care, specifically for growing, not
for consumption .Non certified maize seeds are those seeds taken from the previous harvest. These are
prone to pest attacks e.g. grain weevil, and diseases, because of the Bad storage facilities

According to J Isleib(2014), certified maize seeds have a high germination, due to high seed viability
which easily breaks seed dormancy, also due to high food reserves which can sustain the seed from
germination up to emergence, when exposed to favorable conditions. On the other hand , F Calitz(2011)
states that non certified maize seeds have low germination percentage due to high pest attacks,
normally during storage. This reduces the seed viability. The seeds are also likely to have low food
reserves because of the storage period.

According to A Bornad(2014), certified maize seeds have high growth rate because of the seed’s genetic
make up which had been hybridized during open pollination

B Manyua (2013) explains that certified maize seeds result in high yields because of the selected
production traits which express hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor results in high quantity and quality yields.

According to I M Mujaya and B Mereki( 1999) , certified seeds are produced in such a way that they suit
specified farming regions

15
 MATERIAL/METHODS

The materials used for the research project

MATERIAL QUANTITY
Certified maize
seeds 100g
Non certified
seeds 100g

Compound D 500g

Ammonium
nitrate 500g

The author used 100g of both certified seeds (SC 709) and non- certified seeds.

The author applied 500g of compound D as basal, so as to incorporate Nitrogen, Phosphorus and
Potassium( NPK). These nutrients are essential for growth.

At vegetative stage, the researcher applied ammonium nitrate fertilizer as top dressing. This is essential
for tasseling and grain filling.

Two weeks after emergency, the author used a tape measure to measure the stem height in both beds
A and B with certified and non- certified respectively. The author used the pesticides carbaryl, dipterex
to control pests in non-certified seeds. After harvesting, the author used an electric scale to weigh the
final yields. ( mass of cobs from beds A and B)

16
 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The researcher used a 2x2 block design. Four beds with measurements of 3m x 1m each were made.
The experiment was replicated once. The experimental beds were randomly selected and labelled as
beds A (certified), B (non certified), C (certified) and D (non- certified). The seeds were planted using the
maize recommended spacing of 900mm x 300mm

17
 DATA COLLECTION

OBJECTIVE 1. To calculate and compare the germination rate of certified hybrid seed with the
germination rate of non – certified seeds, two weeks after germination.

To come up with the germination percentage, the researcher is going to count the number of seeds
germinated divided by the number of seeds planted and then multiply by 100.

Germination was calculated as ×100

TABLE SHOWING GERMINATION PERCENTAGE

Date Observation Bed A (900mm × Bed B (300mm ×

300mm) 300mm)
13/11/19 Number of seeds
planted
27/11/19 Number of seeds
germinated
27/11/19 Germination
percentage

18
 OBJECTIVE 2

To measure and compare growth rate of certified maize seeds with the growth rate of non – certified
seeds in terms of stem height, two weeks after germination to tasseling stage.

In objective 2, the researcher will use random sampling. In each bed, the researcher will measure only
five crops and measure their stem heights. The stem height will be averaged from each bed every week.

TABLE SHOWING AVERAGE STEM HEIGHT OF EACH BED

DATE AVERAGE OF BED A AVERAGE OF BED B

04/12/19
11/12/19
18/11/19
25/11/19
01/01/19
08/01/20
15/01/20
22/01/20

19
 OBJECTIVE 3

To weigh and compare the final yields from certified maize seeds with those of non- certified maize
seeds at harvesting

The author will harvest the maize cobs, dry them and compare the yields by weighing the yields from
beds A and B separately. The researcher will use an electric scale to weigh the yields so as to get
accurate results and correct amounts of yields.

TABLE SHOWING MASS OF YIELDS

Date of harvesting OBSERVATION MASS OF YIELDS(COBS)

BED A – CERTIFIED SEEDS

03/03/20
BED B – NON CERTIFIED
SEEDS

20
 DATA ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE 1 : To calculate and compare germination percentage of certified maize seeds with the
germination percentage of non-certified seeds, 2 weeks after germination. The results on germination
percentage will be displayed on tables and on a pie chart.

OJECTIVE 2: To measure and compare the growth rate (stem height) of certified maize seed and non-
certified (home grown) seeds 2 weeks after germination, up to tasseling stage. The results on growth
rate (stem height) will be displayed on a table and on a line graph.

OBJECTIVE 3: To measure and compare the final yields of maize between certified and non-certified
seeds in terms of mass of cobs. The results will be displayed on a table and on a bar graph.

21
 RESULTS

OBJECTIVE 1

To calculate and compare the germination rate of certified maize seeds with the germination rate of
traditional seeds, two weeks after germination

Germination percentage of bed A (certified) = number of germinated seeds/ number of planted seeds x
100

= 19/20 x 100

= 95%

Germination percentage of bed B (non certified) = number of germinated seeds/ number of planted
seeds x 100

= 14/20 x 100

= 70%

TABLE SHOWING GERMINATION PERCENTAGE

DATE OBSERVATION BED A( CERTIFIED) BED B( NON CERTIFIED)

13/11/19 Number of seeds planted 20 20

27/11/19 Number of seeds germinated 19 14

27/11/19 Germination percentage 95 % 70%

22
KEY

Germinated

Did not germinate H

PIE CHART: GERMINATION PERCENTAGE OF BED A

5%

95%

1 2

23
PIE CHART SHOWING GERMINATION PERCENTAGE OF BED B

KEY

Germinated

Did not germinate

30%

70%

1st Qtr

There was a great difference in the germination percentages of the seeds. Bed A with certified maize
seeds had a higher percentage compared to bed B with traditional seeds which had a relatively low
germination percentage. This is because certified seeds have high seed viability which easily breaks seed
dormancy, high food reserves which can sustain the seed from germination, up to emergence when
exposed to favorable conditions.

24
 OBJECTIVE 2

To measure and compare the growth rate (stem height) of certified maize seeds with the growth rate of
traditional seeds, two weeks after germination to tasseling stage.

TABLE 2 SHOWING GROWTH RATE IN (cm)

Date Week Bed A( CERTIFIED)

Bed B( NON
CERTIFIED
04/12/19 1 22 17

11/12/19 2 43 36

18/12/19 3 55 42

25/12/19 4 97 74

01/01/19 5 118 110

08/01/19 6 155 143

7
15/01/20 173 159

22/01/20 8 179 168

25
LINE GRAPH SHOWING AVERAGE STEM HEIGHTS OF THE CROPS (CM)

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Bed A Bed B

Certified maize seeds have high growth rate because of the genotype of the seed which had been
hybridized, unlike traditional seeds which have a low growth rate due to pest infestation during storage.

26
OBJECTIVE 3

To compare the final yield of maize between certified and non - certified seeds at harvesting.

TABLE 3 SHOWING FINAL YIELDS (weight in kg)

DATE OF RECORDING TREATMENT AREA YIELDS IN KGS (KILOGRAMS)

BED A(certified seeds) 13

03/03/20

BED B(non certified seeds) 9

At harvesting, there was a high total yield in certified maize seeds(Bed A) compared to traditional
seeds(BED B) which gad a relatively low yield

BAR GRAPH SHOWING YIELDS

14

12

10

0
0 2 Bed B
4 6 8 Column1
10 12 14 Bed A
16

Bed A Column1 Bed B

27
 RESULTS ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE 1

To calculate and compare the germination percentage of certified maize seeds with the germination
percentage of traditional seeds, two weeks after germination.

According to J Isleb(2014) , certified maize seeds have high germination percentage compared to
traditional seeds. This is because certified seeds have high viability which easily breaks dormancy, and
also have high food reserves which can sustain the seed from germination up to emergence when
exposed to favorable conditions.

WWW. Google.com explain certified maize seeds have high germination percentage compared to
home grown seeds because certified seeds are treated with chemicals which reduce pest infestation.

According to K Parimala and K Subramanian(2013), certified seeds have a high germination percentage
due to the availability of nutrients which sustain the crops until they emerge from the ground. Certified
seeds are clean and disease free, unlike home grown maize seeds which are prone to pest and disease
infestation.

According to the researcher’s findings, certified maize seeds had higher germination percentage (95%)
compared to home grown seeds which had a germination percentage of 70%. This supports what J
Isleb(2014) says.

28
OBJECTIVE 2

To measure and compare the growth rate of certified maize seeds with the growth rate of home grown
seeds, in terms of stem height, two weeks after germination up to tasseling stage.

According to A Bornad ( 2014) and F Calitz( 2011), certified maize seeds have a high growth rate
compared to home grown seeds. This is because the genotype has been hybridized, unlike non- certified
seeds which are only taken from the previous harvest.

According to M Mandizvidza(2005), certified maize seeds have higher growth rate and are disease and
pest resistant. This leads to improved yield and quality.

The author discovered that the growth rate of certified maize seed was higher (179cm), compared to
that of home grown maize seeds which was 168 cm

29
OBJECTIVE 3

To weigh and compare the final yields from certified maize seeds with that of of home grown maize
seeds at harvesting

According to B Manyua(2013) and M Mandizvidza(2005), certified maize seeds result in high yields
because of the selected production traits which express hybrid vigor. This differs with home grown
seeds which express little hybrid vigour.

Bernard(2014) states that certified seeds are superior than non-certified seeds because they have high
germination percentage, high growth rate and high yields. This is because they are less prone to disease
attack than non-certified seeds.

The researcher discovered that the overall yield of certified maize seeds was high compared to that of
home grown seeds. This was because of the quality of the grain obtained from the harvest of certified
seed which was good and the grains were big. Certified seeds produced cobs of mass 13kg while non-
certified only produced cobs of mass 9kg.

30
 SUMMARY

The project was carried out on the effects of using certified hybrid seed (SC 709) and traditional seed in
maize production, in relation to germination percentage, growth rate (stem height) and final yield. Four
beds were constructed on a 2x2 block system and labelled A – D. On beds A and D, certified seeds were
planted, while beds B and C contained non – certified seeds

In terms of germination percentage, certified maize seeds had a relatively higher germination
percentage of 95% compared to non – certified seeds which had a germination percentage of 70%. This
was because certified seeds were more viable than non – certified seeds which some were dormant.

Non certified seeds had a relatively lower average growth rate(168cm) than certified seeds which had a
growth rate of 179cm. This was due to the genotype of the seed which had been hybridized, unlike non
– certified seeds which were taken from the previous harvest.

In terms of final yields, certified seeds produced high quantity yields which weighed 13kg, compared to
non- certified seeds which only weighed 9kg. This was because certified seeds were disease and pest
resistant, unlike non – certified seeds which were proan to pest and disease attack thus reducing the
quantity and quality of yields.

The author encourages farmers to use certified seeds as they are viable and produce high germination
percentages. They are pest and disease resistant, so they result in high growth rates. They also result in
higher yields.

The author further encourages farmers to research further about the type of maize seeds which produce
high germination percentages, high growth rate and high final yields.

31
 RECOMMENDATIONS

The author recommends farmers to use certified maize seeds because they ensure high germination to
plants, for they have enough nutrients to sustain up to emergence

The researcher also recommends farmers to use certified seeds, as they ensure a higher growth rate,
compared to home grown seeds which have a relatively low growth rate.

The researcher further recommends farmers to use certified seeds because they produce high yields
with a good quality grains that are not easily affected by pests during storage.

The author recommends farmers to use certified seeds over non certified seeds as they have high seed
viability because of the seeds which are treated with chemicals which break seed dormancy.

Use of certified seeds can reduce the cost of production. This is because certified seeds require little or
less pesticides and herbicides due to their resistance to pests and diseases and can withstand the
competition from weeds.

32
REFERENCES

NAME : A BERNARD

YEAR : 2014

TITTLE : SOILS OF SOUTH AFRICA

NAME : I M MUJAYA and B MEREKI

YEAR : 1998

TITTLE : AGRICULTURE TODAY BOOK THREE

PUBLISHER : COLLEGE PRESS PUBLISHERS PVT.(LTD)

NAME : M MANDIZVIDZA

YEAR : 2005

TITTLE : DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURE

PUBLISHER : COLLEGE PRESS PUNLISHERS PVT (LTD)

NAME : PARIMALA K AND SUBRAMANIAN

YEAR : 2013

TITTLE : CENTRE FOR INDIA KNOWLEGDE SYSTEMS

NAME : WWW.GOOGLE.COM

YEAR : 2016

TITTLE : CERTIFIED SEED X GROWER SAVED SEED: HOW TO FEED A HUNGRY

WORLD

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34