Influence of Detopping on Fodder, Grain Yield and Economics of Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Maize Research Station, Vagarai, Palani Taluk, Tamilnadu during rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 to find out the influence of detopping on green fodder, grain yield and economics of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). The experiments were laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three stages and three heights of detopping. Three stages of detopping viz., D1-10 days after 50% silking, D2 -20 days after 50% silking and D3-30 days after 50% silking were tested with three heights of detopping viz., L1 - detopping tassel + 2 leaves, L2 - detopping tassel + 4 leaves and L3 - detopping tassel + 6 leaves with a control (No detopping) replicated thrice. The results of the experiments revealed that detopping 10 days after 50% silking with tassel + 6 leaves recorded higher green fodder yield Regarding grain yield, among the days of detopping, detopping 30 days after 50% silking and detopping 20 days after 50% silking recorded higher yield which were comparable with control (no detopping) (6460 kg / ha). Among the number of leaves, detopping tassel + two leaves recorded higher yield followed by tassel + 4 leaves and both were comparable. Among the treatment combinations, higher grain yield was recorded under detopping 20 days after 50% silking with tassel + 4 leaves followed by detopping 30 days after 50% silking with tassel + 4 leaves and detopping 30 days after 50% silking with tassel + 2 leaves. Regarding economics, higher net return and BC ratio were recorded under the treatment combination of detopping 20 days after 50% silking with tassel + 4 leaves followed by control and detopping 30 days after 50% silking with tassel + 4 leaves.

Dual-purpose production of forage and seeds in maize by detopping and defoliation

“…In addition, removal of the tassel may reduce the terminal dominance that aids in grain filling (Mashingaidze et al, 2010). Among detopping (removal of the upper ear stem) of maize at 10, 20, and 30 d after silking, detopping at 20 d after silking results in the higher grain yield (Amanullah, 2020). Detopping 30 d after silking, removal of the top 6 leaves after physiological maturity, removal of all leaves above the ear, or detopping above the tenth internode produces the highest forage yield and net yield with partial or no reduction in grain yield (Rajkumara et al, 2020).…”