Abstract:
Objective To screen for dense-tolerant and high-yielding maize varieties suitable for cultivation in the Yili River Valley.
Methods Twenty-six maize varieties were planted in Yining County (central Yili River Valley) and seven varieties in the 71st Regiment (eastern Yili River Valley) at a density of 12×104 plants/hm2. Growth period, agronomic traits, leaf area index, biomass, and yield traits were compared.
Results Yuanke 105, Jinli 1085, Guangyu No.3, S8006, and Shandan 660 showed high yields of 20 767.5, 20 593.5, 19 581.0, 19 516.5, and 19 363.5 plants/hm2, respectively. S8006 and Shandan 660 had low ear height coefficients, at 31.0% and 31.3%, respectively. Jinli 1085 and Shandan 660 had significantly lower barren stem rates (3.9% and 2.2%). Guangyu No.3 had the highest leaf area index at silking. Yuanke 105, Jinli 1085, and Guangyu No.3 developed faster at early stages, with higher dry matter accumulation per plant at jointing. Jinli 1085 had the highest harvest index (0.6).
Conclusion Comprehensive analysis indicates that Yuanke 105, Jinli 1085, Guangyu No.3, S8006, and Shandan 660 have good yield potential and are worthy of further promotion in the Yili River Valley.