Yield and yield components in native corn (Zea mays L.) under flooded conditions

Abstract

Under rainfed or irrigated conditions, the crop may be subject to flood conditions, whose effect on growth and yield depends on thephenological stage in which it occurs. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of flooding in the vegetative andreproductive stages on the growth and yield of native Azul corn. The study was carried out in Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexicowith a temperate climate. Planting was carried out on May 12, 2018 in a clay soil with a pH of 7.8 at a population density of 4.16plants m⁻². To give the flood conditions, rainwater was combined with irrigation. It is concluded that in Azul maize, flooding in thevegetative period reduces the size of the canopy and biomass. During the flowering, it generates a less thick stem, higher percentageof plants without ears, small ears, fewer grains per row, smaller grain, lowest harvest index, biomass and grain yield per plant andm⁻². The growth cycle of maize is shortened by ten days. The stem height is not affected.