Yield Response of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Hybrids Sown on Various Dates during Kharif in Peshawar-Pakistan

To study the effect of various sowing dates on yield and yield attributes of maize hybrids during kharif season, an experiment was conducted at New Developmental Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during summer 2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having four replications. Sowing dates (July 1 st , 16 th , 30 th ) were allotted to main plots, while maize hybrids (SUNCROP-3031, PIONEER-3025 and MALKA-TS-1105) were allowed to sub plots. A subplot size of 3m x 4.5m was used. Each subplot consisted of six rows 3m long, 0.75 m apart. Sowing on 1 st and 16 th July gave significantly maximum at par grains ear -1 (562 and 556), 1000 grains weight (445 and 421 g), grain yield (9004 and 7813 kg ha -1 ) and biological yield (25055 and 23240 kg ha -1 ) respectively. Hybrids sown on 16 th July produced taller plant height (232 cm). Delayed sowing as on 30 th July decreased grains ear -1 to 460, 1000 grains weight to 391 g, grain yield to 6060 kg ha -1 , biological yield to 15972 kg ha -1 and plant height to 185 cm. There was no effect of sowing dates on ear m -2 . Among the maize hybrids, PIONEER-3025 had the highest number of ears m -2 (7), grains ear -1 (554), 1000 grains weight (460 g), grain yield (8343 kg ha -1 ) and biological yield (22129 kg ha -1 ) while Malka-TS-1105 showed the lowest ears m -2 (4.8), grain yield of 7119 kg ha -1 and biological yield of 20231 kg ha -1 . The hybrids did not differ from each other in plant height. Based on the results, among the tested maize hybrids, PIONEER-3025 is recommended for sowing on either July 1 st or 16 th in the agro-ecological conditions of Peshawar valley. Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), hybrids, sowing dates, grain yield, yield components