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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Optimum sowing time for maize (Zea mays L.) in Northern Sudan

Abde Rahman A. M , Eltahir S. Ali , A. A. Hamada and O. M. Siraj

Abstract:

The optimum sowing time of maize is a key factor for grain yield maximization. Accordingly, this study was conducted at Hudeiba Research Station Farm for two years (2005- 2007) to determine the appropriate sowing time for maize in northern Sudan, and to aid maize growers to have optional sowing dates all the year round. We tested Hudeiba-1 cultivar in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Thirteen sowing dates from 17 July to 19 January at 15 days interval were studied in each year. The results showed that sowing date had a significant (P 0.05) effect on maize grain yield and yield components, on number of kernels per ear, 100-kernel weight and on ear weight. In both years, grain yield of maize significantly increased when maize was sown between 17 September and 18 November. Sowing in the first week of October resulted in the highest mean grain yields in both years (3176, 2951 kg/ha) and 3063 kg/ha for the combined grain yield. However, sowing between 17 September and 18 November may be a reasonable and a practical option to farmers for optimum maize grain yields. The regression analysis also indicated that sowing dates earlier than the third week of September or later than the first week of December resulted in a substantial maize grain yield reduction. The results fully support the previous recommendation of maize sowing as a winter crop in northern Sudan.
 

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 12  (2008) PP. 1-10