Productivity of medium-duration maize cultivars under varying planting densities and nutrient levels in rainfed conditions of Northeast India

Abstract

Maize is the second important staple crop
after rice in the hill rainfed ecosystem of north eastern
India. Due to high variable climatic conditions, erratic
rainfall and wide range of temperature in the region,
shorter duration of maize varieties is gaining popularity
over long duration and local landraces. A field experiment
was conducted during the kharif season of 2020-21 to
identify the most medium duration varieties of maize
under different planting densities and nutrient levels. Three
varieties of medium maturity maize (DKC 9190, DKC
8191 an Bio 9544) were tested in two different planting
densities (Normal- 66,666 and high- 83,666 plants ha-1)
and two nutrient levels (RDF i.e. 120:60:60 and 150%
RDF i.e. 180:90:90 N:P:K kg ha-1) in split-split plot design
replicated thrice. The experimental result observed, normal
planting density possess taller plant height (245.2 cm),
lesser days to tasselling (56.3) and silking (60.3) and
yield attributes. The variety DKC 8191 recorded the
shortest duration to tasselling (54.7) and silking (58.7),
higher length (17.0 cm), girth (16.0) of the cobs, more
number of rows (14.0) and kernels per row (37.9)
compared to the other varieties under normal planting
density. Also under normal planting density the variety
DKC 8191 recorded the maximum yield (6537 kg ha-1),
net return (103767 Rs. ha-1) and B:C (2.97) followed by
DKC 9190 and Bio 9544 respectively. Thus, it can be
concluded that the variety DKC 8191 with normal planting
density of 66,666 plants ha-1 and nutrient level of
120:60:60 NPK kg/ha, showed more suitability for attaining higher yield and economic benefits under rainfed condition
of North East India when compared to DKC 9190 (4428
kg ha-1 and 57175 Rs. ha-1 respectively) and Bio 9544
(3203 kg ha-1 and 30354 Rs. ha-1 respectively).