Productivity and quality attributes of maize varieties (Zea mays L.)

Productivity and profitability of maize grown under different use patterns for fodder baby corn, green cobs and grain were evaluated during 2009 and 2010. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block. Design with three replications in the plot size of 3 x 3m. Three varieties each for different use pattern of maize viz., fodder type, baby corn, green cob and grain maize were investigated for yield parameters, biochemical traits and production economics. The maize varieties for fodder resulted in maximum fodder yield (up to 429.62 q/h), crude protein (up to 11.96%) and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The maize green fodder equivalent yield varied significantly from 181.8 to 1281.3 and 228.5 to 1136.6 q/ha, during 2009-10, respectively. The quality traits of the green fodder of baby corn varieties and green cob varieties were comparable to the varieties grown solely for the fodder purpose. The gross returns also varied significantly from 18,180.67 to 1, 28,128.30 and 22,845.00 to 1, 13,660.33 Rs/ha, during the year 2009 and 2010 respectively. The results of the study revealed that the cultivation of dual-purpose maize varieties was more economic than the cultivation of varieties for a single purpose.