Nakhon Sawan 4: Drought Tolerant Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

     Research Center to select a new variety with drought tolerance, high yield, and significant disease resistance. Several promising hybrids have passed the criteria on evaluation of drought tolerance and yielding ability in major maize plantations. The results showed that an average grain yield of NakhonSawan 4 (NS4) was 1,070 kg rai-1 which was a nonsignificant difference from Nakhon Sawan 3 (NS3), a standard  check variety and commercial hybrid. Under the severe water stress for one month, NS4 achieved an average grain yield of 695 kg rai-1 which was 17% greater than that of NS3. NS4 also showed moderate resistance to foliar diseases, northern corn leaf blight, and downy mildew. Seed production of hybrid maizeNakhonSawan 4 was recommended by planting the female inbred (Takfa 1) in 4 rows, alternating with the male inbred (Takfa 4) in 1 row to achieve a complete hybridization of pollen and silk resulting in high seed yield, 369 kg rai-1.