THE PERFORMANCES OF SOME NEW DENT MAIZE (Zea mays L.) CULTIVARS GROWN AS MAIN CROP IN A MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in the experimental fields of at Alasehir district of Manisa province in western Turkey in 2016 and 2017, aiming to determine the adaptability of new maize cultivars for grain production as main crop under Mediterranean ecological conditions. Kayras, Kalends, Kebeos, Keidas, Inove, Performer, Hydro, Pioneer 2088, Pioneer-31-D-24, Pioneer 2105, LG 30600, LG Indaco, LG 30692, BC 678, C-955 and Valbom were tested. Significant differences were detected among the varieties in terms of plant height, first ear height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear, 1000 kernel weight, grain yield and crude protein traits. The average value of plant height of maize cultivars varied between 216.03 and 262.45 cm and first ear height 82.70 and 105.48 cm; number of leaves per plant 11.50 and 14.65; stem diameter between 19.0 and 24.1 mm; ear length between 19.33 and 23.06 cm; ear diameter 38.0 to 52.4 mm; number of kernels per ear 314.05 and 563.11; 1000 kernel weight 295.06 and 406.03 g; grain yield 9020.6 kg ha-1 and 12243.0 kg ha-1 and crude protein content between 8.72 and 14.24 %. In conclusion, cv. Pioneer-2105 and cv. Performer were found to be superior to other cultivars for yield and 1000 kernel weight traits.