Performance of Argentine Maize Hybrids Across Southern U.S. Environments. (5698)
Authors:
B.A. Ochs* - Texas A&M University K.L. Mayfield - Texas A&M University F.J. Betran - Texas A&M University
Abstract:
Argentine maize, which has hard endosperm, orange grain color, good husk cover, and temperate adaptation, can contribute to improve grain quality of U.S. hybrids.
Our objective was to determine relative performance and adaptation of Argentine hybrids across Southern U.S. environments, and compare their response to aflatoxin contamination to commercial hybrids. Fourteen commercial hybrids from Argentina (A933, AX877, AX878, AX882, AX884IT, AX888IT, AX889, AX934, AX956, AX882MG, AX890MG, DK682, CONDOR, and NK900TDMAX) and six from the U.S. (DKC66-80, DKC69-70, P31B13, P32R25, W47100, and LH195xLH210) were evaluated in replicated trials at eight Texas locations for grain yield and agronomic performance, and at three locations for response to aflatoxin under inoculation with A. flavus. In South Texas average grain yield was 8.7 Mg ha-1(7.6 to 10.0 Mg ha-1). Argentine hybrids had similar or earlier maturities than U.S.
hybrids. Average aflatoxin contamination was 560 ng g-1 (11.7 to 1428.3 ng g-1).
In general, U.S. hybrids were more susceptible to aflatoxin than Argentine hybrids.
Hybrids AX882MG and DK682 had competitive yields and aflatoxin levels below 300 ng g-1. Although Argentine hybrids appeared to be adapted to South Texas, future performance of these hybrids across other locations will determine their range of adaptation and potential contribution to reduce aflatoxin.
Speaker Information: Brett Ochs, Texas A&M University, Mailstop 2474 Dept. Soil &
Crop Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-2474; Phone: (979)845-3469; E-mail:
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1014)
Keywords: exotic maize germplasm; Argentine commercial maize hybrids; tropical maize; aflatoxin response