Determination of yield and yield characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars for silage as main crop under Kocaeli Kandira

This research was conducted under the ecological conditions of Kocaeli Kandıra Province in the vegetation period of 2016. The aim of the study was to determine the yield and yield characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars for silage as second crop in Kocaeli Kandıra ecological conditions. For this purpose, eleven maize cultivars (Kompozit Arifiye, Kilowatt, Samada 07, Burak, Hido, P31Y43, Ada 523, Ada 951 , Aga, Truva, DKC7211) were obtained from the private seed companies. Plant height, leaf number, tasseling period, corncob silk period, dry matter yield, corncob yield, stover yield and crude protein ratio determined in these cultivars. The differences among the cultivars were found be statistically insignificant concerning dry matter yields and crude protein ratios. Dry matter yields ranged from 1 812,..-2 945,25 kg da. Crude protein ratios changed between 7.54-10.10 % and the highest crude protein ratiowas obtained from the cultivar. Plant heights, number of leaves, number of day in tasseling period and number of day in corncob silk period were found to be between 192 cm-282 cm, and 11.73-15.20, ADF (Acid detergent fiber) from 21.83-35.76 % and NDF (Nötr detergent fiber ) from 40.03-52.81 %. The cultivar DKC7211 for ADF volues showed high performance and the cultivar DKC7211 for NDF volues showed high performance. Corncob yields varied from 1 53.33-1 645.00 kg da and the highest corncob yield wasobtainedirom the cultivar Kompozit Arifiye. According to the results, it was found out that the cultivars Aga(Sasa)1 and Kompozit Arifiye for dry matter yield, the cultivar Kompozit Arifiye for corncob yield values showed high performances.