Author : Khin Hnin Yu

Summary : The study evaluated four maize (Zea mays) cultivars (Supersweet, IES Glutinous-4, MMSU, and Sweet Jubilee-209) that were established in four planting dates (9 February, 9 March, 9 April, and 9 May) under Los Banos condition. The effect of varying growing environments imposed through different planting dates on maize cultivars were evaluated in terms of growth, yield components, and yield. Planting date had significant effect on phenological durations of the maize cultivars.

The February planting with high cumulative solar radiation had longest growth period. The April planting shortened the phenological stages of the maize cultivars. The February planted maize crops due to high solar radiation had the highest grain yield (3,928.21 kg/ha) with more leaves, taller stature, high leaf area index that contributed to high crop growth rates and high dry matter accumulation. The April planting with low solar radiation with high rainfall, on the other hand, produced the lowest grain yield (2,159 kg/ha) with least number of leaves, shortest stature, low leaf area index that contributed to low crop growth rates, and low total dry matter accumulation with low cumulative solar radiation and high rainfall. MMSU cultivar produced the highest yield in four planting dates in which February planting date was also the best and had the highest average yield (4,160.41 kg/ha). Within the February to May planting window, the February planting date was recommended for growing maize crop under Los Banos condition. The MMSU cultivar performed well under Los Banos condition, particularly in February planting.