The effect of different irrigation levels on the production and quality of corn varieties (Zea mays L.) in Aydın ecological conditions

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine yield and quality components of some new hybrid corn varieties under different irrigation levels in Aydın ecological conditions. Material and Methods: In the field experiment, five new hybrid corn varieties (M14G44, P2085, DKC6980, TORRO ve SYFUERZA varieties) were grown under full (100% field capacity) and deficit irrigation (60% field capacity) levels. The trial was established in randomized block design as split plots with three replications in Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops Research Station in 2021. Results: Accoring to findings obtained unfilled cob height ranged between 14,04 mm and 34,34 mm, number of seeds per ear ranged between 389 and 711, ear diamaeter changed from 42,58 to 54,33 mm, thousand seed weight ranged between 249,6 and 367,6 g, grain yield ranged between 757,3 and 1857 kg/da. In terms of quality characteristics crude ash ratio was observed between 1,266% and 2,148%, crude oil ratio was between 2,13% and 4,18%, crude fiber ratio was between 1,945% and 2,450%, crude protein ratio was between 7,93% and 11,62% and crude starch ratio was between 57,42% and 64,63% Conclusion: The results showed that full irrigation level has statistically significant effect on yield and yield components with increasing levels. Hybrid corn varieties showed different reactions especially under the full irrigation levels assumed to be more variety-specific. For economic production, irrigation level should be above 60% of the field capacity. Although there are significant differences between varieties, it has been found that high yield potential observed under current ecological conditions. Considering the quality characteristics, irrigation levels have great impact on the varieties.