Biometric parameters and yield of maize hybrids in dependence on agricultural technology elements

Abstract

Modern innovative corn hybrids of the intensive type have a significant individual response of morphometric and photosynthetic indicators to the density of the coenosis. Establishing correlations of these indicators with the level of grain yield of different genotypes of corn hybrids and determining the optimal parameters for the manifestation of these characteristics allows technological measures to ensure the realization of productive potential. The purpose of the research was to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biometric and photosynthetic indicators of innovative corn hybrids depending on the genotype, and the density of the coenosis, and to determine the correlationregression dependence of these characteristics. Field experiments were conducted during 2019-2021 in the agroecological zone of the Central Forest Steppe. The soil of the experimental site is typical chernozem, the precursor is soybean. With the help of field, morphometric, laboratory, and statistical (dispersion and correlation analysis) it was established that the height of the plant, the height of attachment of the upper (productive) cob, the area of the assimilation surface of one plant, and the photosynthetic potential depended on the studied factors – the genotype of the hybrid and the density of the coenosis. A medium and strong positive correlation was established between productivity and these characteristics, which indicates the need to technologically ensure optimal plant growth and development at various stages of the development of corn plants of all hybrids. The mid-ripe hybrid Zedan 32 (FAO 320) showed maximum productivity at a density of 80,000 plants/ha and sharply reduced productivity at a density of up to 100,000 plants/ha. Mid-early hybrids showed maximum yield at a density of 90,000 plants/ha, while an increase or decrease in plant density from the optimum led to a decrease in grain yield. Therefore, each hybrid has its optimal coenosis density for obtaining the maximum grain yield, and increasing the photosynthetic potential of crops by agrotechnical measures does not always guarantee a parallel increase in the grain yield of corn hybrids