FORAGE AND GRAIN YIELD IN NATIVE CORN (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to quantify in 7 varieties of native or landrace corn (Zea mays L): grain yield, biomass, stubble and leaf: stem index; as well as the relationship between biomass, stubble and plant height.

.Design / methodology / approach: The treatments consisted in the sowing of seven cultivars of native corn (Zea mays L.). The experimental design was randomized blocks with four repetitions. The height of the plant, total biomass, its accumulation in stem, sheets, bracts, cob, grain and stubble (stem biomass + sheets + bracts + cob) were evaluated. An analysis of variance, the Tukey mean comparison test, and a regression analysis were applied.

Results: Significant differences were found between native corn cultivars for the variables under study. The outstanding ones were Yellow from Ixtenco, followed in terms of biomass and stubble by Blanco-ancho from Texcoco, Blanco and Rojo from Ixtenco. The height of the plant determined the biomass in 67% and the stubble in 77%.

Study limitations / implications: The trends found may 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. In relation to grain yield, biomass and stubble, the cultivar Amarillo from Ixtenco was the outstanding one, followed by Blanco-ancho from Texcoco, Blanco and Rojo from Ixtenco. The height of the plant determined in 67% and 77% the amount of stubble and biomass.