Effect of Pollination Levels on Yield and Quality of Maize Grown for Silage

Authors : Selahattin İPTAŞ, Musa YAVUZ

Pages : 41-48

View : 13 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2008-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Maize insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Zea mays L.); hybrids with good yields of grain and whole-plant dry matter are preferred for forage production. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between kernel development and nutritive value of maize silage, using controlled pollination to alter the extent of ear fill in 4 maize hybrids. Whole-plant acid detergent fiber insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ADF);, neutral detergent fiber insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(NDF);, and crude protein insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CP); were measured. Pollination control affected the ear fill for 0% and 100% pollination levels. Stem diameter and plant height were not affected by pollination treatment; however, they were different for the hybrids. Leaf content and stalk content were negatively correlated insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.68** and -0.87**, respectively); with actual ear fill. Ear content was also positively correlated with dry matter insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DM); yield insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = 0.69**); and was negatively correlated with ADF insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.73**); and NDF insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.73**);. Harvest index varied among pollination treatments and the hybrids. The greatest DM yield insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(17.8 Mg ha-1); obtained at 100% pollination level. Whole-plant DM content increased by 19% as pollination level increased from 0% to 100%. DM content was positively correlated with grain yield insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = 0.80**); and ear content insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = 0.81**); and it was negatively correlated with leaf content insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.63**); and stalk content insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.77**);. Whole-plant NDF insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.81**); and ADF insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = -0.75**); were negatively correlated with pollination levels or actual ear fill. DM content and DM yield increased with pollination levels as a function of ear fill. The results revealed that ear fill and kernel development are important factors in decreasing whole-plant NDF and ADF values.
Keywords : Silage maize, pollination, agronomic characters, dry matter yield, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber