Adaptability of old Italian flint maize (Zea mays L.) varieties to different weed control systems

Abstract

The current diffusion of high-yielding hybrid maize varieties has relegated old Italian flint varieties for polenta dishes to domestic scale. However, increasing demands for traditional foods as well as the exploitation of the local biodiversity furnish the base for the rediscovery of old flint varieties. Their cultivation represents an important source of income for low-input agricultural systems, marginal areas and organic systems. Information is currently lacking on the management of old flint varieties. This article provides information on the management of three flint maize varieties, concerning yield level and the adaptations found under chemical and mechanical weed control methods. The varieties Marano, Nostrano dell'Isola, Pignoletto and Ottofile were described and evaluated. The varieties assayed were shown to completely recover from damage caused by mechanical weed control means and to tolerate herbicide treatment with foramsulfuron and bromoxynil. In our study we observed increasing presence of Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Chenopodium album, Galinsoga ciliata and Panicum dichotomiflorum in the non-chemical system in comparison with the chemical system. No differences of weed infestation were recorded among varieties. The yield obtained was about 4 t ha−1 in both chemical and mechanical weed control strategy.