Performance of cultivars of Kharif fodder maize under late sown conditions in Punjab

Continuous green fodder availability is essential for economical livestock production. Time of sowing and season have profound effect on the performance of crops and their cultivars. A comparative field investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of three cultivars of fodder maize under late sown conditions during Kharif season at farmers’ fields in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. Cultivar P-3396 recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (246.3 q/ha) than J-1006 (204.3 q/ha) and local variety (155.0 q/ha). Maize hybrid P-3396 attained 25.2 and 68.3 per cent higher dry matter yield over J-1006 and local variety. Maize hybrid P-3396 also recorded significantly higher production efficiency and net return. Crude protein content did not vary significantly among different cultivars. Benefit:cost ratio was statistically similar in case of J-1006 and P-3396 but significantly higher than local cultivar.