Agronomic impacts on maize (Zea mays L.) yield formation

Abstract

Introduction Some researchers PETHE (1817), CSERHATI (1901) brought the attention to the importance of sowing time even in the early 19lh and 20th century. Earlier sowing and the use of sowing seed of good quality ensure higher and more safety yield. Moreover, maturation is due to happen earlier. l'S6 (1959, 1969) and PASZTOR (1966) stated that two main factors affect the initial development of maize: precipitation and temperature. Earlier sowing resulted in slow emergence, however, yield was higher. Yields of hybrids at late sowing time were significantly lower. According to SARVARI (2005), hybrids with good resistance to cold at germination can be sowed 10-15 days earlier than the classical sowing time (15 April5 May). Evaluating the results of a ten-year long experiment, BERZSENYI and DUNG (2001) pointed out that environmental factors at the reproductive period of maize are more unfavourable when sowing at late or at very late time. SARVARI and FUTO (2001) found that the seed moisture content at harvest can be significantly lower at the early sowing time, thus the costs of drying can also be reduced.