Evaluation of New Maize Hybrids Based on Irrigation Efficiency, Water Use Efficiency, Kernel and Forage Yield

ABSTRACT: In order to study the effects of drought stress on irrigation efficiency, water use efficiency, kernel and forge yield in some new maize hybrids, an experiment was conducted at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran in 2009. The experiment was carried out using split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three irrigation regimes (irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm cumulative evaporation from standard evaporation pan class A) and sub-plots included 14 new forage maize hybrids. In this experiment kernel yield, 1000-kernels weight, number of kernels per ear, irrigation efficiency, water use efficiency and dry forage yield were considered. The results showed that effects of irrigation regimes on all the traits were significantly different (P < 0.01). Hybrids were different (P < 0.05) in 1000-kernels weight. But the interaction of hybrids and irrigation regimes was not significant for all of the traits. So hybrids represent the same reaction to the irrigation regimes. Irrigation efficiency for kernel yield in irrigation after 70 mm evaporation from evaporation pan was more than the other irrigation regimes (9.02% and 16.53% respectively). Water use efficiency for irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm evaporation from evaporation pan was 1.30%, 1.16% and 1.03% respectively. Hybrid KSC700 had the highest water use efficiency.