Corn response to later than traditional planting dates in the Texas High Plains
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AbstractPlanting date (PD) can significantly affect corn (Zea mays L.) yield. Our objective was to investigate the effects of hybrid and PD later than traditional time on irrigated corn performance in the Texas High Plains. A 2yr field study was conducted using four (2013) to six (2014) hybrids and four PDs (midMay [PD1], late Mayearly June [PD2], midJune [PD3], and late Juneearly July [PD4]). In PD1 and PD2, longseason hybrids had greater yields (1215 Mg ha1) than shortseason hybrids (913 Mg ha1). In PD4, shortseason hybrids (811 Mg ha1) had yield advantage over longseason hybrids (410 Mg ha1). Low yield at late planting was related to reduced biomass, harvest index, kernel weight, and kernel number. Seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) was only reported in 2013. The average ET over PDs was 767mm in a longseason hybrid and 718mm in a shortseason hybrid. Late planting resulted in lower ET (600mm in PD4 vs. 822mm in PD1). Hybrid and PD did not affect water use efficiency (WUE) except for 33D53AM, which had low WUE in PD4 due to low yield with late planting of this longseason hybrid. This study demonstrated that high yield (15 Mg ha1) and WUE (1.5kg m3) can be achieved with longseason hybrids when planted before midJune, but shortseason hybrids were a better choice after midJune. With water limitations, further study is warranted on planting shortseason hybrids after midJune to reduce water use and irrigation.
