Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) Genotypes

Abstract

This research was conducted in Samsun Bafra conditions in 2021, using a total of 19 different genotypes of popcorn, which differ from other corn subspecies in terms of grain size and usage area, and have gained popularity for snacking purposes. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study examined plant height, main stem diameter, leaf number, cob length, cob diameter, cob row number, number of kernels per cob, cob weight, kernel weight, and grain yield of the popcorn genotypes. It was determined that there is a statistically significant relationship between these examined parameters and genotypes. According to the results of the experiment, plant height in popcorn genotypes ranged from 128.33 to 207.00 cm, main stem thickness varied between 11.91 and 20.20 mm, leaf number per plant ranged from 8.33 to 12.33, cob length varied from 11.60 to 20.33 cm, cob diameter ranged from 27.63 to 36.49 mm, cob row number varied between 12.00 and 15.67, and the number of kernels per cob ranged from 405.67 to 772.67. The grain yield values ranged from 183.05 to 482.43 kg/da. The research determined that the average grain yields of populations and lines were higher than the overall average of popcorn cultivars. When considering grain yield and yield parameters, the TBCM-6 line stood out. According to the biplot analysis, it was observed that the P2 and P3 populations, along with the TBCM-3, TBCM-4, TBCM-6, TBCM-23, TBCM-44, and TBCM-62 lines, excelled in terms of yield and yield components.