Dual-purpose production of forage and seeds in maize by detopping and defoliation

Abstract

Maize is one of the most productive crops whose seeds are used in the poultry sector as one of the main ingredients in their diet. It is also important forage for ruminants as silage. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of defoliation and detopping on dual-purpose maize production in field (Kermanshah, Iran, Mediterranean climate conditions) and laboratory experiments. The study included a control (intact plant), removal of leaves at the top of the ear, removal of leaves under the ear, removal of all leaves, detopping stem removal at the top of the ear, and detopping including removal of leaves under the ear. In the laboratory experiment, germination traits were assessed in seeds obtained from the mother plants in the field experiment. The field and laboratory experiments were conducted with a randomized complete block design and completely randomized design. The data were analyzed using a general linear model. The removal of leaves under the ear produced an increased seed number per row compared to the removal of leaves at the top of the ear. Intact plants (control) and the plants defoliated under the ear had a higher 100-seed weight than other treatments. There was no difference between detopping and control plants in seed yield. Removal of leaves under the ear of mother plants produced a lower seed germination percentage (83%), radicle length (11.3 cm), and seed vigor than in other treatments. The results show that maize can be cultivated as a dual-purpose crop for forage and seed production.