Optimization of sowing time of maize hybrids for spring season in North western India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at G.B.P.U. A &T, Pantnagar during spring season 2019 to study the effect of different sowing dates and hybrids on growth, yield and economics of maize.The experiment consisting of six dates of sowing (5 February, 12 February, 19 February, 26 February, 5 March and 12 March) in main plot and five hybrids (Pant Sankar Makka 5, Pant Sankar Makka 6, DH 300, DKC 9108 and P 1866) in sub plot was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The plant height, days to 50% flowering, cob length, cob girth, 100-grain weight, grain irrigation water use efficiency and economics were influenced significantly by sowing dates. The values of all these parameters were significantly higher in 5th and 12th February sowing and reduced significantly with delay in sowing. Performance of hybrids DKC 9108 and P 1866 was superior to other hybrids with respect to production and net return. The results indicated that maize in spring season in North western India should be sown in the first fortnight of February. The productivity of DKC 9108 and P 1866 is high in spring season.