Evaluación agronómica de seis genotipos de maíz (Zea mays L.), con fines forrajeros en el cantón La Joya de los Sachas.

Abstract

The present experimental work consisted of the agronomic evaluation on six genotypes of Zea mays L. by means of morpho-physiological parameters and production, for forage purposes in Joya of Sachas parish. For this purpose, six maize genetic materials were chosen as study subjects, called treatments, being these: INIAP H-551, INIAP H-554, Promissory QPM, DEKALB 7088, INIAP 543 QPM and COPA (SV 3243), where the experimental scientific method was used under a completely randomized block design with four replications; the specific management of the experiment consisted in the following steps: soil analysis, soil preparation, plotting, planting, pre and post emergent chemical control of weeds and insect pests, fertilization and harvest; data were taken based on morphological variables: days to female flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root and stem flare, stem diameter and number of leaves; physiological variables: greenness index and leaf area index; production variables: green forage and dry matter production; these data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5%. The hybrid COPA SV3243, was the earliest in female flowering, recorded a higher average leaf width and greenness index; INIAP 543-QPM reported higher averages in plant height and leaf length; INIAP H-554, higher average in stem diameter; DEKALB 7088, higher number of leaves and Promissory QPM, higher leaf area index and lower percentages in root and stem lodging; COPA (SV 3243) obtained higher values in green forage and dry matter production. It is concluded that the hybrid COPA (SV 3243), presented the highest productivity, with a profitability of $ 5145.67. It is recommended to carry out physical-chemical analysis to know the nutritional content and forage quality.