Influence of Methods of Sowing on Productivity of Spring Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

By : Mahesh Kumar, Jasbir Singh Chawla

Page No: 97-99

Abstract
Promising cultivars and improved planting methods are of prime importance to realize the maximum potential of maize (Zea mays L.). The studies on the effect of different planting methods on crop growth and yield of different maize cultivars was conducted during spring season. The three methods of sowing (Ridge, Trench and Flat sowing) as main plots and four genotypes (PMH 1, PMH 2, Parkash and JH 3956) in sub plots were evaluated with split plot design. The plant height was significantly more with ridge sowing than trench and flat sowing. Days taken to 50 per cent silking under ridge sowing were significantly less than trench and flat sown crop. The grain yield was significantly more in ridge and trench sowing as compared to flat sowing. The ridge and trench method gave 10.2 and 8.0 per cent higher grain yield as compared to flat sowing. Higher yield in ridge and trench planted crop may be attributed to better access of roots to nutrient and water resulting in good plant growth. The plant and ear height; and days to 50 per cent silking was significantly higher in PMH 1 as compared to other hybrids. Similarly, PMH 1 (6810 kg/ha) being at par with JH 3956 (6712 kg/ha) recorded significantly higher mean grain yield than Parkash (5686 kg/ha) and PMH 2 (6478 kg/ha).

Authors :
Mahesh Kumar and Jasbir Singh Chawla : Maize Section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU Ludhiana, Punjab 141004