Comparison of the grain yield and quality potential of maize hybrids in different FAO maturity groups

Abstract

A total of 96 hybrids from four maturity groups (FAO 200, 300, 400, 500) were tested in two years (2006, 2007) at two locations in Hungary (Martonvásár, Szarvas). Considerable differences were found between the years for the grain yield per hectare and for the grain quality parameters. In 2006 record yields were achieved at both locations, averaging 11.61 t/ha in Martonvásár and 12.20 t/ha in Szarvas, due primarily to well-timed irrigation in Martonvásár and to good rainfall supplies in Szarvas. In 2007 both locations suffered from drought, with less rainfall than average during the critical months of the vegetation period, which was partially compensated for by irrigation in Martonvásár, giving a yield average of 5.96 t/ha, while the hybrids grown in Szarvas had a yield average of 5.06 t/ha. The grain quality parameters exhibited a close correlation with the grain yield in the individual FAO maturity groups. Hybrids of the flint type, which have a short vegetation period, had high protein and oil contents, but the yield averages were low due to the slower rate of starch incorporation. Hybrids of the dent type have a longer vegetation period and more intense carbohydrate accumulation, but low protein and oil contents. In wet years and locations there was a higher rate of starch accumulation, while dry years are favourable for protein and oil accumulation. The Bravais correlation coefficient was calculated between the yield and the grain quality parameters (averaged over years, locations and varieties). A positive, moderately strong correlation (0.68) was found between the yield and the starch content, a negative, moderately strong correlation (-0.52) between the yield and the protein content, and a loose negative correlation (-0.19) between the yield and the oil content.

The impact of environmental factors on the protein content and yield of maize grain at different nutrient supply levels

“…Averaged over the different fertiliser treatments, in years with higher average yield, the grain protein content was lower, similarly to the conclusions of Mason and Mason (2002) and Hegyi et al (2008).…”

Proceedings of the 9th Alps-Adria Scientific Workshop, 12–17 April 2010, Špičak, Czech Republic – WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

“…The year has a significant impact on the yield of maize, if the amount of precipitation is favourable during the season, outstanding yields can be achieved. In dry years, the intensity of photosynthesis and transpiration drops as a result of water stress and the yield can be halved as compared to a wet year (Hegyi et al, 2008;Jambrovic et al, 2008;Ceska et al, 2008;Hoffmann et al, 2007). Irrigation obviously has an effect on maize yield, but this is strongly influenced by the crop rotation, there is a tight correlation between the year, the water supply and the agrotechnical factors (crop rotation, fertilization, plant density (Pepó et al, 2008).…”

Vetésidő és az évjárat hatása a kukorica hibridek terméshozamára és a minőségére

“…El sősorban csökken a fehérjetartalom. A termőhely és a hibridek meg vá lasztá sával, valamint a technológia összeállításával azonban jelentős beltartalmi ja vulást lehet elérni (Marton et al 2008).…”

“…A szemben a fehérje és a fehérjefrakciók megoszlása egyenetlen, így mind azon tényezők, amelyek megváltoztatják a szem tömegét, a szem morfo lógiai részeinek tömegarányát, befolyásolják a szem fehérjetartalmát (Izsáki 2006). Gundel et al (1981), Pásztor és Kováts (1985) és Hegyi et al (2008) a mi nőséget befolyásoló számos tényező közül kiemelkedőnek a fajta/hibrid, mint biológiai tényezőt, a klimatikus tényezőket, valamint az alkalmazott ag rotech nika és azok részelemeinek jelentőségét tartják.…”