Productivity of corn hybrids in the conditions of the western forest-steppe of Ukraine

The relevant scientific justification for the western region of Ukraine is the comprehensive assessment and selection of maize hybrids with wide environmental plasticity to ensure high and stable grain yield under the influence of specific weather factors. The increase in gross maize yields is possible due to the effective use of the genetic capabilities of new hybrids and is vital for the Western Forest-Steppe where this crop is not selected, and agricultural producers use hybrids of other originator institutions. The purpose of this study was to establish the grain productivity of hybrids of early-maturing and mid-early maturing groups in the soil and climatic zone of Ukraine under study. Generally accepted and special methods were used in this study, such as field, measurement and weight, statistical methods. Based on the obtained research results for 2019-2021, changes in weather conditions in the soil and climate zone under study were confirmed. The duration of the growing season of maize is determined depending on weather factors and the hybrid. The area of the leaf surface in the flowering stage (BBCH 61-69) – development of fruit (BBCH 71-79) and the net productivity of photosynthesis were found. The resistance of hybrid plants to diseases was substantiated and the highest percentage of their damage was found in 2021 with a large amount of precipitation during June-September. The dependence between hybrids and their biological properties was proved to effectively use the existing soil and climatic conditions, which affected grain productivity and the range of variability over the years. The results of this study suggest that changes in weather factors, namely an increase in the sum of active temperatures and sufficient precipitation during the growing season, enable high grain yields of maize hybrids of early-maturing and medium-early maturing groups. Recommendations were given for farms of various legal forms to introduce Ukrainian hybrids into agricultural production: DN Meotyda and Orzhitsa 237 MV