Response of maize hybrids (Zea mays) to staggered sowing

A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during the rainy (kharif) season of 2012 to study growth and yield behavior of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids Vivek QPM 9, PEHM 5, DHM 117 and PMH 3 under staggered sowing (25 June, 10 July, 25 July and 10 August). Sowing on 10 July was better than 25 June, 25 July and 10 August as it recorded taller plants with higher leaf area index, dry weight/ plant, cob length and cob weight. Maize hybrid PMH 3 recorded higher cob weight, cob length, shelling (%) and grain and stover yields than Vivek QPM 9, PEHM 5 and DHM 117. Uptake of N, P and K was high at 10 July, with PHM 3. Sowing on 10 July recorded higher net returns ( 48.1 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.78) as compared to other dates of sowing. PHM 3 gave the highest net returns ( 46.5 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.65). The highest values of N, P and K uptake were found at 10 July planting. Among the hybrids PMH 3 had the highest N and K uptake. For getting more yields and profit, PMH 3 hybrid should be planted on 10 July.