Forage Performance of Corn Hybrids and Their Varieties

Abstract

The present study had as objective to evaluate the performance of maize hybrids and yours varieties for forage production in the climate and soil conditions of the forest area in the state of Alagoas. In conducting the experiment it was adopted the randomized block design, with 12 treatments (maize genotypes) and three replicates, totaling 36 experimental plot. Each experimental plot consisted of four rows of 5 meters in length, two lateral queues were discarded due to the border effect. For planting, the spacing of 0,7 m x 0,143 m was used, totalizing a final stand of 100,000 plants per hectare after thinning. At 93 days after sowing, the evaluations were carried out regarding the plants biometrics, and forage yield. Considering the conditions under which the experiment was developed, it can be concluded that: (a) The genotypes Jabotão, Branca, Branquinha and their experimental hybrids showed the highest plant height; (b) The experimental hybrid Janor presented the best culm/ear; (c) The Jabra and Branquinha genotypes are the best performance for forage yield (d) The Jabra experimental hybrid showed excellent forage aptitude, which makes it a promising material, which can be evaluated in other regions in the future and later launched as a genotype for fodder production.