Influence of detopping practices on green fodder availability, seed yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) in central and southern plateau regions of India

Abstract

The unavailability of adequate quality seeds and green fodder during the lean period together affects livestockproductivity in the country. Hence, it is necessary to assure the availability of quality seeds for sowing andgreen fodder to feed the livestock. To study this, field experiments were conducted on fodder maize at twolocations in the country. Treatments included four detopping (DT) practices viz., T : no DT, T : DT at 10 days 1 2after (DA) 50% silking, T : DT at 20 DA 50% silking and T : DT at 30 DA 50% silking. Results demonstrated that 3 4DT at 10, and 20 DA 50% silking is not advisable in fodder maize for seed production as it considerably reducedthe biomass accumulation (252.4-254.5 g/plant) and leaf relative water content (44.79-63.95%). However, no DT produced the highest growth attributes and green fodder yield followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking whichwas at par with no DT regarding 100 seed weight (23.01 g) and seed yield (2725 kg/ha) with an additional greenfodder yield (3245 kg/ha). Thus, no DT followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking favored the economics of foddermaize seed production (gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio). Regarding locations, Dharwad(Karnataka) outperformed Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) regarding growth, seed yield attributes, and the economicsof fodder maize. Therefore, DT at 30 DA 50% silking could supply additional green fodder (3245 kg/ha) with a14% compromise in the seed yield of fodder maize.