Effect of Limited Irrigation on Canopy Temperature and Yield of White Food Corn Hybrids. (C02-lnu837811-poster)
Authors:
M. Sagaram* - Texas A&M University G. Piccinni - Texas A&M University M. Laffere - Texas A&M University K. Kolenda - Texas A&M University
Abstract:
Corn grown in the Winter Garden region of Texas is irrigated from the Edwards aquifer, which is depleting rapidly. A research study was conducted at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in Uvalde in 2003 to study the effect of limited irrigation on canopy temperature and yield of white food corn hybrids. White food corn hybrids (Asgrow RX949W, RX953W and Pioneer 30G54) were planted randomly in four replications under conventional (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) at populations averaging 62000 plants per ha. Irrigation was provided by a center pivot irrigation system equipped with LEPA nozzles. Irrigation regimes (100%, 75% and 50% ETc) were treatments in each tillage system. Actual evapotranspiration (ETc) was based on the data collected from a lysimeter planted with corn (Pioneer 30G54). Soil water balance was determined from weekly measurement of soil moisture using a neutron probe. Preliminary data collected on fresh mass yield indicates that there is no difference between100% and 75% ETc. Fresh mass yield in tillage systems shows higher yields in CT except for RX949W in 75%ETc. An infrared camera was used to determine differences in canopy temperature.
The effect of water stress on canopy temperature, yield and performance of white food corn hybrids at different irrigation regimes will be discussed.
Speaker Information: Madhulika Sagaram, Texas A&M University, Texas A & M Agriculture Research and Extension Center,1619 Garnerfield Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801; Phone: 830-486-5971; E-mail:
Session Information: Monday, November 3, 2003, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Presentation Start: 4:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 514)
Keywords: Limited Irrigation; Water Stress; Canopy Temperature; Corn