Effect of sowing dates on seed quality and ancillary traits of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid seed production

The present investigation was conducted at Agriculture Research Station, Buldhana during 15th July to 15th November, 2022 revealed that sowing of maize hybrid BMH 18-2 (PDKV Aarambha) on 15th October turned out to be the best treatment. Female (V1543) and male (V1551) parents of BMH 18-2 were sown at monthly intervals (from July 15th, 2022 to November 15th 2022) with 6:2 row ratio in RBD with four replications. Sowing date significantly influenced the flowering behaviour, seed quality parameters and ancillary traits in hybrid maize seed production. Sowing of hybrid seed production program in T4 (October) and T5 (November) was found optimum and highly remunerative which resulted in high seed yield and quality besides good germination and seedling vigour index – I of hybrid seed. The impacts of sowing dates and varieties on maize growth, development and quality parameters are discussed in this article.