Evaluation of Growth and Yield Potential of Two Grain Corn Varieties Suitable for Bris Soil

Abstract

Grain corn is primarily utilized as poultry feed, playing a significant role in the food, feed, and seed industries in Malaysia. Its high carbohydrate content provides essential energy, making it a crucial ingredient in poultry diets to support the growth and production of chickens, turkeys, and other poultry species. This study aims to evaluate the growth potential and yield performance of two grain corn varieties suited for cultivation in BRIS soil. The field experiment was conducted at MARDI Bachok on BRIS soil to assess the performance of two hybrid varieties GWG888 and P4546 based on vegetative growth, yield and yield components. Modified agronomic practices were applied for planting and maintaining the crops. Findings revealed no significant difference in dry yield between the two varieties. Some characteristics were significantly influenced by the planting season, excluding plant height and stem diameter. These traits indicated that vegetative growth did not affect those specific characteristics. P4546 outperformed GWG888 in total plant number, total cob production, and ear placement height. P4546 achieved a higher gross yield of 7.2 tons/ha, compared to GWG888's 5.89 tons/ha. Yield component evaluations further highlighted the better performance of P4546. Overall, the results suggest that both P4546 and GWG888 are viable for cultivation in BRIS soil, with P4546 showing superior advantage in yield and recommended to farmers for grain corn production.