Assessing the Impact of Thermo-temporal Changes on the Productivity of Spring Maize under Semi-Arid Environment

摘要

Crop productivity is highly affected by variation in inter-seasonal temperature. Appropriate planting date play key role in crop management to achieve maximum productivity on sustainable basis. To evaluate the effect of planting dates and seasonal variation in temperature on phenology, growth and yield of different maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, an experiment was conducted during spring seasons of 2015 and 2016. Treatments were comprised of four sowing dates (27 January, 16 February, 8 Mach and 28 March) and three maize hybrids (Pioneer-1543, Monsanto DK-6103 and Syngenta NK-8711). The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split plot arrangement. The effect of variation in temperatures at different stages of crop were evaluated by relationship of mean temperature at different stages during growing season to yield and phenological stages. Results showed that maize hybrids acquired lesser time to emerge with the delay in sowing time from last week of January. Relatively more days to 50% tasseling and silking were recorded in Poineer-1543 by the end week of January sowing. Poineer-1543, Monsanto DK 6103 and Syngenta NK 8711 completed life cycle in 103, 101 and 96 days, respectively. Time series leaf area index (LAI) gradually increased during vegetative stages and reached maximum 65 to 70 days after planting. Maximum and statistically similar time series LAI and total dry matter (TDM) were recorded for January sowing and 2 nd week of February sowing. Among maize hybrids, higher biomass and LAI were recorded in Monsanto DK6103 as compared Monsanto DK 6103 and Syngenta NK 8711. Maize hybrids Poineer-1543 produced maximum grain yield of 9291 kg ha -1 for January sowing. Relationship of seasonal temperature at different growth stages of maize showed negative correlation with R 2 ranged from 0.92 to 0.99. Therefore, it is concluded that change in temperature at different sowing dates effected the phenology, growth and yield of spring maize. However, maize hybrids Poineer-1543 can sustain the maximum productivity when sown by end of January.