Effects of Different Irrigation Intervals on Yield Parameters and Popping Quality of Popcorn (Zea Mays Everta Sturt.) Cultivated in Amik Plain as Second Crop

This study was conducted to determine the appropriate irrigation intervals and the effects of these irrigation intervals on yield, yield components and some quality characteristics of popcorn cultivated in Amik plain conditions. This study was carried out in the second crop period of 2015 at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Agriculture Faculty, Field 49 Research and Application Area. Ant Cin 98 popcorn variety was used as seed material. Field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and five irrigation intervals (S1:6 days, S2:9 days, S3:12 days, S4:15 days, S5:18 days interval) were investigated. The effects of irrigation intervals on ear lenght, ear weight, hectoliter weight and grain yield were statistically significant while on plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, 1000 kernel weight, popping volume, flake size and unpopped kernel ratio were not affected statistically. While the highest grain yield obtained at 6 days irrigation interval with 3956 kg ha(-1), the lowest grain yield was in 18 days irrigation interval with 2557 kg ha(-1). Also, differences between 6, 9, 12 and 15 days irrigation intervals were not statistically significant although grain yields were 3956 kg ha(-1), 3937 kg ha(-1), 3617 kg ha(-1) and 3352 kg ha(-1), respectively.