SELECTION OF SUITABLE VARIETIES OF MAIZE FOR GRAIN AND FODDER PRODUCTION IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN

Two separate trials were conducted during kharif 2010 at Agricultural Research Station, Keshwana, Jalore [Latitude 25° 23.115' N, longitude 72° 30.726' E, elevation 149.9 msl and annual rainfall 421 mm] with the objective to find out suitable varieties of maize for grain and fodder production in western Rajasthan. The grain productivity of different varieties of maize ranged between 24.66 q/ha and 31.96 q/ha with the average of 28.79 q/ha; however, green fodder yield of different varieties ranged between 417.67 q/ha and 513.67 q/ha with the average of 448.94 q/ha. Maize varieties EC - 3160, Pratap Makka - 3, PHEM-2,  Navjot and Pratap maize-2 performed relatively better than the average for grain yield and Pratap Makka Chari-6 Hybrid provided highest  green fodder yield. Therefore, these varieties may be promoted for cultivation in western Rajasthan for enhancing grain and fodder productivity of maize.