Optimizing Sowing Dates for Growth and Yield Performance of Thailand-Originated Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in the Semi-Arid Conditions of Faisalabad

Abstract

Crop production faces challenges due to increasing food demands of a growing population, exhausted natural resources, and climate variability. Climate change is a major factor affecting maize production. A field trial was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The study employed a randomized complete block design with split plots, involving three replications and four maize hybrids: Pioneer 4040, Charoen Pokphand-1, Charoen Pokphand-2, and Charoen Pokphand-3. Three sowing dates, July 15, July 30, and August 15, were tested. Data were analyzed statistically using Fisher's Analysis of Variance and LSD test at a 5% significance level to identify differences among treatments. Standard procedures recorded yield parameters. Early sowing (July 15) resulted in maximum values for plant height (243.33 cm), cobs per plant (1.86), cob length (21.83 cm), cob diameter (4.40 cm), grains per row (41.23), 100-grain weight (33.30 g), biological yield (32.80 t/ha), grain yield (10.10 t/ha), and harvest index (41.35%). Conversely, late sowing (August 15) yielded minimum values for plant height (220 cm), cobs per plant (1.10), cob length (18.66 cm), cob diameter (3.40 cm), grains per row (29), 100-grain weight (26.46 g), biological yield (26.48 t/ha), grain yield (8.76 t/ha), and harvest index (34.39%). Hybrid P-4040 achieved maximum values for plant height, cobs per plant, cob length, cob diameter, grains per row, 100-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index with the first sowing date. Hybrid CP-1 showed peak performance for these parameters when sown on July 31.