Impacts of irrigation and non-irrigation conditions on some morphological traits of corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars

In order to study of impacts of irrigation and non-irrigation conditions on some morphological traits of corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was arranged at Ardabil, Iran, in 2010. Factors included eight maize cultivars (BC 678, BC 418, SC 700, BC 582, SC 301, BC 652, BC 566 and SC 704) and two conditions of planting (irrigation and non-irrigation). Results showed that leaf number, plant height, ear diameter without skin, ear weight per plant and grain yield in irrigated were higher than non-irrigated conditions. SC 700 and BC 566 have the highest and lowest traits respectively among the eight maize cultivars. The result shows that the grain yield in irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, the SC 700 varieties in non-irrigation farming about 20.17% (Whit 10688 kg/ha yield) and Bb C 566 cultivar about 22.09 percent (Whit 4330 kg/ha yield) have loss of yield than irrigated condition. Thus, SC 700 cultivar was the superior cultivars under both conditions in terms of high yield and it was distinguished as the most susceptible cultivar as well.