Evaluation of Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrides Under Water Limitation

Water deficiency at different growth stages affect maize yield differently. In order to study the response of maize hybrids to water stress during pre-flowering stage, a field experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment based on complete randomized block design at Moghan Research Station, during 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. The experimental factors were irrigation with two water deficit conditions, one with commonly available irrigation water referred to as control and the other interrupted irrigation before flowering, and five maize hybrids (SC600, SC640, SC704, SC720 and SC740).Water deficit stress affected all measured traits except number of kernels per ear. Water stress reduced plant height (11.7%), grain yield (22.8%), 100 grain weight (15%), ear length (12%) and number of kernels per row (10%). A significant correlation indicated a strong positive relationship between grain yield and plant height, 100 grain weight, ear length, number of kernels per row. According to the results of this two years experiment, SC640and SC704 had been more stability under commonly available irrigation and the interrupted irrigation before flowering.