Journal of Crop Production and Processing

In order to evaluate the suitability of maize hybrids in different planting dates, an experiment was conducted as split plot in JalilAbad, Varamin, Iran in 2015. Main and sub plots were planting date (D1: April 4, D2: April 19, D3: May 5, D4: May 20) and maize hybrids (H1: Gazda, H2: Maxima, H3: KSC 701, H4: AS160) respectively. Results indicated that there was variation between hybrids in terms of leaf area index (LAI), dry matter, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) in different planting dates. Also results showed that the effects of planting date, hybrid and planting date × hybrid interaction on plant height, plant weight, ear weight, ear/plant weight ratio, silage yield and water use efficiency were significant. Among the qualitative traits examined, the effects of hybrid on protein and neutral detergent soluble fiber were significant. The best planting date for achieving the highest silage yield of hybrids Maxima and AS160 were May 5 and 20, but for KSC 701 was April 19 and May 5. However hybrid Gazda had a similar yield in all planting dates. It was concluded that even though cultivation of KSC701 and Maxima seems preferable in terms of silage yield but repeating this experiment in further years is necessary for a solid recommendation.