Investigation of Some Agronomic Performances of Local Maize Populations with Different Grain Colors and Kernel Structures

Authors : Umut Songur, Harun Baytekin, Fatih Kahrıman
Pages : 172-180
Doi:10.33202/comuagri.1638369
View : 95 | Download : 92
Publication Date : 2025-07-07
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Maize is a crop with broad usage globally and is significant in various areas. From an agronomic perspective, it is known for its diversity in both quality traits and adaptation to different conditions. Particularly, there is notable variation in maize genotypes regarding color-related traits and anthocyanin compounds, which have been the focus of recent studies. Commercial maize varieties are widely grown, but efforts to develop new varieties with superior agronomic and nutritional traits are ongoing. Rich in genetic variation, colored maize genotypes are characterized by their high phenolic content and antioxidant activity, which are essential in terms of nutritional and health benefits. This study was conducted to determine the agronomic characteristics of 14 local maize genotypes with varying grain colors and 2 standard varieties under Çanakkale conditions during the main summer cropping seasons of 2021 and 2022, using a randomized block design with three replications. In the study, traits such as days to flowering, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, ear weight, kernel weight per ear, and the number of kernels per ear were examined. Significant variation was observed among the local maize genotypes for the traits examined. The days to flowering ranged from 54.9 to 70.0 days, plant height from 114.61 to 230.8 cm, first ear height from 40.8 to 110.8 cm, ear length from 12.9 to 17.7 cm, ear diameter from 29.1 mm to 37.7 mm, ear weight from 59.8 to 109.4 g, kernel weight per ear from 46.3 to 93.7 g, and the number of kernels per ear ranged from 324.5 to 611.4. The local maize genotypes coded as POP3, POP4, POP14, POP5, POP7, and POP9 were found to be promising in terms of kernel weight per ear and plant height traits. These materials are considered potential genetic resources for future breeding programs, especially when evaluated for grain quality and color characteristics.
Keywords : Mısır, renkli mısır, yerel genotip, bitkisel özellikler

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