The Biological Factor Influence on Maize Seed Production

Abstract

This work presents the behaviour of two hybrids in seed growing; these hybrids, DKC 3203 (Monsanto) and Clarica 3893 (Pioneer), are simple hybrids and they are part of FAO 300-400 group. The seed batch was placed within Urleasca locality radius, Brăila county, on a chernozem type of soil, with physical and chemical characteristics which are favourable to maize plants’ growth and development, area which is characterized through a semi-droughty steppe climate, with a sprinkling system well refurbished. For the hybrids analysed, after harvest, there were determined the productivity elements (number of kernels/cob, cobs’ average weight, the weight of the kernels/cob), the yield and the quality indices, purity and germination; also, there were performed biometrical measurements (the length and diameter of the cob, and corn car’s diameter) and finally, there were determined the productions obtained. The biometrical measurements showed that the cobs of DKC 3203 hybrid have both the length (13.9 cm) and the diameter (4.1 cm) higher than the ones from Clarica hybrid, 13.6 cm respectively 3.2 cm. At Clarica 3893 hybrid, the cobs have a higher number of kernels (310.15), but the weight of the kernels on a cob (81.69 g) is smaller, due to the fact that the kernels are smaller and not equal in size, as compared with DKC 3203 hybrid, which has smaller number of kernels (304.33), but the kernels are larger (107.35 g) and more uniform. At DKC 3203 hybrid, the yield was 5.1% higher than at Clarica 3893 hybrid, this being correlated with a production higher by 205 kg/ha obtained from the same hybrid. It was observed that at the hybrid from Monsanto company, DKC 3203, it was obtained a production of 3840 kg/ha and a profitability ratio of 62.85% as against the hybrid from Pioneer company, Clarica 3983, at which there was obtained a production of 3635 kg/ha and a profitability ratio of 62.82% in the same climatic conditions and with applying the same technological elements, thus resulting that both hybrids are profitable from economic point of view in order to produce seed, due to the fact that crop’s profitability is over 50%.