Response of maize (Zea mays) hybrids to spatio-temporal variation in planting

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at farmer’s field of Madandanga village under Chakdaha Block of Nadia district in West Bengal, to study response of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to spatio-temporal variation in planting. The experiment was laid out in a split split-plot design with 3 genotypes, viz. (‘P 3533’, ‘P 3396’, ‘P 30V92’) in main plot, 3 planting densities (55,555, 66,666 and 83,333 plants/ha) in sub-plot and 3 sowing dates (20 November, 30 November, 10 December) in sub sub-plots, replicated thrice. Irrespective of planting density and sowing date, the genotype ‘P 30V92’ gave the maximum yield, followed by ‘P 3396’ and ‘P 3533’. Significantly maximum grain of 12.51 t/ha and stover yield of 12.86 t/ha were obtained in high-density planting (83,333 plants/ha) accounting for 110% and 71% more than low planting density (55,555 plants/ha), respectively. The maximum grain yield of 10.03 t/ha and stover yield of 11.22 t/ha were obtained from 20 November-sown crop; accounting 30% and 24% more grain and straw yields than that derived from late sown (10 December) crop. Economic assessment in terms of gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio showed that the growing maize hybrid ‘P 30V92’ on 20 November at a density of 83,333 plants/ha proved profitable and hence recommended as a best crop-management practice in the winter season of West Bengal.