Response of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) genotypes to water stress under irrigation in a semi arid ecology, Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the Irrigation Research Station, Institute for Agricultural Research, Kadawa during 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 dry seasons to study the response of quality protein maize (QPM) genotypes to water stress. A split plot design was used with combinations of genotypes (TZE-W Pop x 1368, EV DT-W 99 STR, and DMR-ESRW) and irrigation regimes (40, 60 and 80 centibars soil moisture tension) assigned to the main plot and plant population (33,333 44,444, 53,333 and 66,666 plants ha^-1) assigned to the sub-plot and treatments were replicated three times. Irrigation scheduling at the less stressful 40 and 60 centibars tension significantly increased leaf area index, crop growth rate and total dry matter plant^-1 among the growth components and significantly heavier ears per plant, and harvest index among the yield components. Irrigating at 80 centibars tension significantly increased weight of ears per plant. Water stress had no significant effect on grain yield, it can be concluded that irrigating at 80 centibars irrigation scheduling had resulted in good yield performance (2.3 tons/ha) of QPM at Kadawa.