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

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 201415 and 201516 at farmers 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.