Morphological and productive traits of red kernel maize in variable weather conditions

Abstract

The scientific work presents the results of two year testing of the morphological and production traits of maize variety ZP Rumenka planted in three sowing dates. Investigations were performed on a calcareous chernozem in agro ecological conditions of northeast Srem. Subject of study were three sowing dates: March 31, April 10 and 20th of April. The results show morphological and productive maize traits that have the most important role in the yield formation. The traits are: stalk height (up to tassel), cob length, cob weight, grains per cob, cob share in the total mass and 1.000 grains weight. The values obtained are shown in the two year average and were compared over years of research. Variation caused by sowing period and variable weather conditions, were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and LSD test. The results showed that sowing dates have a significant and very significant impact on the studied traits, which interacting with weather conditions, and particularly water regime, showed great variation. The thermal conditions of this area in a two year average and in each research year have shown that corn can be sown earlier (early April) than the most producers do. Any delay in sowing will significantly reduce the level of utilization of genetic yield potential of this variety. The best production results were achieved by sowing at the end of March. Even the very favorable weather conditions in the first year of investigation could not mitigate the consequences of the later planting dates. It should be opted for early sowing of maize considering the fact that the drought becomes common phenomenon in our main agricultural areas.