Agronomic Characters and Chemical Composition of Some Corn Hybrids Grown in Libya

Abstract

The agronomic and chemical characteristics of 16 corn hybrids were studied. The agronomic characteristics studied were grain yield, straw yield, ear weight and grain size. The chemical characteristics evaluated were the percentages in corn grain of protein, fat, fiber, N.F.E., ash and the T.D.N. and S.E.
A.T.C. 57, A.S.C. 61 and A.S.C. 95 were generally good producers of grain. A.S.C. 59 and Ertano had good grain yield with poor stover yield. Appollo 136 had good stover yield and poor grain production. A.T.C. 57, A.S.C. 61 and A.S.C. 95 proved dual purpose with emphasis on grain, A.S.C. 73, A.T.C. 89 and Cervino proved dual purpose with emphasis on stover, perhaps as silage.
No relationship was apparent between yield and protein content. Some high yielding hybrids as A.S.C. 61 had high protein content while others had a high T.D.N. and S.E. values (A.T.C. 57). There was a linear relationship between protein and fat, r = 0.74. N.F.E., T.D.N. and S.E. were similar in the different hybrids. The ash data was erratic and variable.