Genotype and Year Effect on Grain Yield and Nutritive Values of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of genotype and year on the dry matter yield, grain yield and nutritive value in six maize genotypes (ZP 434, NS 444, ZP 684, NS 6010, ZP 735 and Dunav). Studied genotypes belong to different maturity groups FAO 400 (ZP 434, NS 444 ultra), FAO 600 (ZP 684, NS 6010) and FAO 700 (ZP 735, Dunav). The field experiments were carried out in dry land farming in the region of Southwest Vojvodina province (Serbia), during the years 2006 and 2007. Genotype had significant effect on the Dry Matter Yield (DMY), Grain Yield (GY), Grain Starch Content (GSC), Grain Protein Content (GPC), Starch Yield (SY) and Protein Yield (PY). The genotype NS 6010 among the 6 genotypes had the highest DMY (24.0 ton ha(-1)), GY (12695 kg ha(-1)), SY (8951.8 kg ha(-1)) and PY (1225.9 kg hawe(-1)). Genotype NS 444 ultra statistically had the lowest DMY (17.8 ton ha(-1)), GPC (9.29%) and PY (925.0 kg ha(-1)). Also, the year have a significant effect on the all studied traits. Two years differed significantly in distribution of precipitation. In 2006, averages for genotypes, DMY, GY, GSC, GPC, SY and PY were significantly higher then in 2007 because of higher amount and distribution of precipitation, especially during the summer months of June to August. The GPC decreased with increasing GSC and GY.