Mixed variety cultivation as productivity-enhancing and cost-reducing strategies for maize (Zea mays L.) production
2005
Paudel, M.N.
Adoption of maize hybrid technology led to substantial increase in total maize production. Nevertheless small farmers, which constitute the majority of corn growers in developing countries are constained with the relatively high input requirement of hybrids. Four field experiments were conducted at the Central Experiment Station of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños [College, Laguna, Philippines] in 2004 to evaluate mixed variety cultivation and F1 hybrid substitution as productivity-enhancing and cost-reducing strategies for maize production. Substituting 25-50% (seed weight basis) of F1 hybrid seeds with an improved open pollinated variety (OPV) or F2 segregating generation did not result in significantly lower yield than the yield of the pure stand of the F1 hybrid. Blending a tall and a short hybrid variety in two row proportions did not enhance nor reduce grain yield. Simple linear regression analysis showed that grain weight/pla nt, and shelling recovery were significantly related to grain yield while ear length and ear fill percentage were potential contributors to variations in grain yield. Frequency distribution analysis indicated the dynamism of yield components suggesting the occurrence of yield compensation at different magnitudes in the mixed stands. Based on seed cost, substitution of F1 hybrid seeds with OPV reduced the expenses on seeds although the return above variable cost was higher in the pure stand of F1 hybrid and in the 75:25 mixed stand of hybrid and OPV. Thus, substitution of F1 hybrid seeds with either OPV or F2 segregating generation seeds up to 50% is an economically sound alternative maize crop production system. Moreover, pure culture of F1 hybrid is more economically sound option than pure cultivation of open pollinated varieties.
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