Influence of Detopping on Fodder, Grain Yield and Economics of Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) ........
During the rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20, field experiments were conducted at the Maize Research Station in Vagarai, Palani Taluk, Tamilnadu to determine the effect of detopping on green fodder, grain yield, and economics of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). Three stages and three heights of detopping were used in the experiments, which were set up in a factorial randomised block configuration. Three levels of detopping were tested: D1-10 days after 50% silking, D2 -20 days after 50% silking, and D3-30 days after 50% silking, with three heights of detopping: L1 - detopping tassel + 2 leaves, L2 - detopping tassel + 4 leaves, and L3 - detopping tassel + 6 leaves, with a regulation (no detopping) repeated three times. Detopping 10 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 6 leaves resulted in a higher green fodder yield, according to the results of the experiments. In terms of grain yield, detopping 30 days after 50 percent silking and detopping 20 days after 50 percent silking produced higher yields that were comparable to the control (no detopping) (6460 kg/ha). Detopping tassel + two leaves produced the highest yield, followed by tassel + four leaves, which were both comparable. Detopping 20 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 4 leaves provided the highest grain yield, followed by detopping 30 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 4 leaves and detopping 30 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 2 leaves. In terms of economics, the treatment combination of detopping 20 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 4 leaves followed by control and detopping 30 days after 50 percent silking with tassel + 4 leaves yielded a higher net return and BC ratio.
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