Effect of varieties and plant densities on yield, yield attributes and economics of babycorn (Zea mays)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Almora during the rainy (kharit) season of 1995, 1996 and 1997 to find out optimum plant density and suitable variety of baycorn (Zea mays L.) production. Three populations, viz. 11 1,000 133,000 and 166,000 plantslha and 6 varieties, viz. VL Makka 16 , VL Makka 41 , VL Makka 42 , VL Makka 88 , VL Amber (popcorn) and a local cultivar Dhayari , were evaluated. Significantly more days to babycorn harvest was recorded at 166,000. (48.7 days) than 11 1,000 plantslha (47.0 days). However, babycorn harvest duration and green cob : babycorn weight ratio were significantly less at 166,000 plantslha compared to 11 1,000 plantslha. Significant reduction in green cob weight and babycornlplant was recorded with the increase in plant density. Plant barrenness was markedly increased from 6.9 to 13.0% with increase in plant density from 1 1 1,000 to 166,000 plantslha. Babycorn and green fodder yields, net returns and, benefit : cost ratio increased significantly with increase in plant density up to 133,000 plantslha. Significantly highest babycorn yield (1,428 kg1 ha), net return (Rs 24,980lha) and benefit :cost ratio (2.48) were recorded in VL Makka 42 . This variety produced heaviest babycorn (5.1 g), maximum babycornl plant (2.24), babycorn length (6.3 cm) and babycorn girth (3.5 cm), and had the lowest green cob : babycorn weight ratio (4.1) and barren plants (8.4%). Maize composite VL Makka 16 was the next best variety for babycorn yield and monetary returns.