Influence of Sowing Dates on Varying Maize (Zea mays I.) Varieties Grown under Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

The rapid climate changes are imperative to evaluate and find ways that suite to maize-specific varieties either hybrids or varieties with appropriate sowing dates to avoid the critical growth stages from the stresses due to climate condition. Sowing at proper time and selection of good verity are the most important factor cropping system. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture Research Farm during summer 2016 to evaluate the influence of sowing dates on varying maize varieties grown under the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar. The experiment was laid out in RCBD (randomized complete block design) were replicated three times with split plot arrangement. Sowing dates (10 June, 21 June, 1 July, 11 July, 22 July) were allotted to main plot and varieties (Iqbal, Azam, Jalal, Babar, SB-989, SB-909, SB-292, CS-200, CS-220, and W-888) were placed in the subplot. The subplot size was 5 m × 3 m. Experimental result showed that maximum days to tasseling (60), days to silking (65), tasseling and silking interval (6), plant height (185 cm), biological yield (21745 kg ha -1 ), 1000 grain weight (413 g) grain yield (5162 kg ha -1 ) were observed in different sowing intervals. Among the different verities the maximum days to tasseling (57), days to silking (62), tasseling and silking interval (7). Plant height, (176 cm), biological yield (17279 kg ha -1 ), 1000 grain weight (410 g), grain yield (5113 kg ha -1 ). It is concluded from the result that early sowing and tested variety W-888 give higher grain yield and yield traits of maize.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Dates Planting on Spring Maize Production Under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan

“…Biological biomass includes the total biomass of the above ground plant parts of the crop. After threshing grains were collected and corn grain yield was measured (Ali et al, 2018). The ratio of grain yield to biological yield is expressed as harvest index (Cao et al, 2016).…”

“…Annual production of 6900 thousand tones adds 2.6% value addition in agriculture and 0.5% in country GDP (Rehman et al, 2020). The yield contributing agronomic traits and grain yield of maize are affected by numerous factors i.e., inappropriate time of sowing (Moosavi et al, 2012), delay sowing (Ali et al, 2018), weeds *Corresponding author: fasihullahhaider281@gmail.com infestation (Haider et al, 2019), utilization of unapproved and non-certified seeds, shortage of water (Golbashy et al, 2010), salts stress and extreme heat stress (Fink, 2017), in particular during the maize reproductive and vegetative phase (Nagar et al, 2015).…”

“…To minimize the adverse effects of heat stress i.e., adjustment in planting time, nutrient management, incorporation of stubbles, moderate tillage, genetic modification and hormone application are used (Ding et al, 2016). Moreover, the application of plant hormones significantly enhances the development and growth of maize especially at extreme temperature stress (Ali et al, 2018). Humic acid can significantly minimize the heat stress and improve the enzymatic and metabolic activity in cereals and is an essential component of water and water bodies i.e., rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans (Mohamed, 2012).…”

Evaluation of sowing date and fertilization with nitrogen in maize cultivars in rainy conditions in Zambia

“…The means for the 100 grain weight was statistically significant from SD1-SD2 (8.07 g), SD1-SD3 (10.49 g) and SD2-SD3 (2.42 g). The effect of sowing date on maize yield has been studied in Pakistan and results showed that early sowing of maize cultivars gave higher grain yield (Ali et al, 2018). The cob length mean difference between SD1-SD2, SD1-SD3 and SD2-SD3 were 0.21, 0.45 and 0.25 cm, respectively.…”

“…Additionally, the selection of specific maize cultivars has implication on the management of the SD. Maize growth and yield is influenced by changes in temperature (10 -30°C) and rainfall, and this is associated with sowing date (Ali et al, 2018;NSW, 2009). It requires 450 -600 mm of water per season and this is acquired from the root soil water reserves (du Plessis, 2003).…”