EFFECT OF DİFFERENT IRRIGATION LEVELS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF CORN VARIETIES (Zea mays L.) UNDER AYDIN ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

The study was aimed to determine yield and quality components of corn hybrids under water deficiency in Aydın ecological condition in 2021. Five corn hybrids (M14G44, P2085, DKC6980, TORRO and SYFUERZA) were grown under full and deficit irrigation (100% and 60% field capacity respectively) levels. According to findings obtained unfilled cob height ranged between 14,0 mm and 34,3 mm, number of seeds per ear ranged between 389 and 711, ear diameter changed from 42,6 to 54,3 mm, thousand seed weight ranged between 249,6 and 367,6 g, grain yield ranged between 7573 and 18570 kg ha-1. In terms of quality characteristics crude ash ratio was observed between 1,27% and 2,15%, crude oil ratio was between 2,13% and 4,18%, crude fiber ratio was between 1,95% and 2,45%, crude protein ratio was between 7,93% and 11,62% and crude starch ratio was between 57,42% and 64,63% The results showed that full irrigation level has statistically significant effect on yield and yield components with increasing levels. It was found that all cultivars have generally high yield potential under the current ecological conditions (100% water). In addition, the irrigation level should be above 60% of the field capacity for economic production. Considering one year results and in terms of grain yield, it can be said that Fuerza variety is promising in tolerating limited irrigation, while P2085 variety is more sensitive.