Fodder and Grain Yield in Native Maize (Zea mays L.)

Resumen

Objective: To quantify the grain yield, biomass, crop stubble, and leaf:stalk index in seven varieties of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as the relationship between biomass, stubble, and plant height.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The process consisted in planting seven genotypes of native maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental design comprised randomized blocks with four repetitions. The plant’s height, total biomass, its accumulation in stalk, leaf, husk, cob, grain, and stubble (biomass of stalk?leaf?husk?cob) were evaluated. A variance
analysis, the Tukey means comparison test, and a regression analysis were applied.

Results: Significant differences were found between the native maize genotypes. Notable cases were the Ixtenco Yellow, followed in terms of biomass and stubble by the Texcoco White-Wide, then the Ixtenco White and Red. The plant height determined biomass in 67% and stubble in 77%.

Study Limitations/Implications: The tendencies found could vary depending on the native cultivars studied and their management.

Findings/Conclusions: In the study region, there are differences between native maize cultivars for the agronomic characteristics evaluated. With respect to the yield of grain, biomass, and stubble, the Ixtenco Yellow cultivar was outstanding, followed by the Texcoco White-Wide, and Ixtenco White and Red. The plant height determined biomass in 67%, and stubble quantity in 77%.