Improved varieties/hybrids and season in maize cultivation

Improved varieties or hybrids in maize cultivation refer to strains of maize that have been selectively bred to exhibit desirable traits such as higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional content. These varieties typically result from crossing two or more parent strains with desired characteristics to create offspring with a combination of these traits.

The choice of maize varieties and hybrids depends on various factors such as climate, soil type, local pests and diseases, and intended use (e.g., for human consumption, animal feed, or industrial purposes). Farmers often select varieties that are well-suited to their specific growing conditions and market demand















As for the planting season, maize cultivation varies depending on the region and climate. In temperate regions, maize is typically planted in the spring after the last frost and harvested in late summer or early fall. In tropical regions with consistent temperatures, maize can be planted and harvested year-round, although specific planting and harvesting times may vary based on rainfall patterns and other factors.

Overall, the use of improved maize varieties and hybrids, combined with proper agronomic practices and timing, can significantly enhance productivity and contribute to food security and economic development in maize-growing regions.

1. Improved varieties/hybrids and season in maize cultivation N.Raghul 2022019108

2. IMH 222 This is a medium maturity single cross field corn hybrid for cultivation during rabi season in North Western Plains Zone. It has grain yield of 10.19 t/ha and has shown significant yield superiority (17.53%) over the relevant best check. It is moderately resistant to Chilo partellus insect, Charcoal rot, Turcicum leaf blight and Resistant to Maydis leaf blight and Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) diseases.

3. IMH 223 Th is is medium maturity single cross field corn hybrid released for cultivation during rabi season in North Western Plains Zone. It has grain yield of 10.48 t/ha and has shown significant yield superiority (20.89%) over the relevant best check. This hybrid is moderately resistant to Chilo partellus insect, Charcoal rot,Turcicum leaf blight, R esistant to Maydis leaf blight and Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) diseases.

4. IMH 224 This is a medium maturity single cross field corn hybrid released for cultivation during kharif season in North Eastern Plains Zone. It has grain yield of 7.23 t/ha and has shown significant yield superiority (13.49%) over the relevant best check. This hybrid is moderately resistant to Chilo partellus insect, Maydis leaf blight, Turcicum leaf blight, Charcoal rot, Resistant to Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) diseases.

5. PMH 1-LP Phytic acid is one of the major anti-nutritional factors in maize grains which affect the bio-availability of different mineral elements like iron and zinc. ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana has released the first low phytate maize hybrid . PMH 1-LP in the country for commercial cultivation in the north western plains zone (NWPZ) comprising of Punjab, Haryana, plains of Uttarakhand , Western UP and Delhi. PMH 1-LP has 36% lower phytic acid as compared to its original version and 140% higher availability of inorganic phosphate. It has a grain yield potential of over 9.5 t/ha. It has moderate resistance to major diseases namely Maydis leaf blight, Turcicum leaf blight, charcoal rot, and pests, namely maize stem borer and fall armyworm.

6. DMRH 1308 Parent: BML6 × HKI163 Year of release: 2017 Season: Rabi Yield: 9.5-10.5t/ha Maturity: Medium (130-150 days) Recommended for cultivation in: Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Special features: Medium maturing (Rabi: 130-150 days), attractive yellow grain colour, high yielding female line, tolerant to Turcicum leaf blight and charcoal rot diseases of maize, responsive to high inputs.

7. Maize VGIH-2 (VaMH-12014) TNAU, Coimbatore Released on 05.09.2019 Cultivated in BH, JH, WB, OD, CHH, Eastern U.P. Normal Type Yield: 6300 kg/ha (rainfed) (12.6%>COH(M) 8 & 16.1 %>NK 6240) Moderately resistant to Turcicum leaf blight; Moderately resistant to Fall army worm and Stem borer

8. IQMH 203 Type of corn: Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Year of release: 2020 Season: Kharif Yield: 6.3  Maturity: Medium (89 days) Recommended for cultivation in: Central Western Zone comprising states Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh & Gujarat Reaction to major diseases and insects: IQMH 203 (IIMRQPMH-1705) has shown Resistance to Fusarium stalk rot and moderately resistant to Rajasthan Downy Mildew, Curvularia Leaf Spot and  Chilo partellus  under artificial epiphytotic conditions at hot spots. Special features: IQMH 203 (IIMRQPMH-1705) medium maturity single cross hybrid shown significant yield superiority (29.0, 35.7 and 28.0 %) over the relevant best checks in Central Western Zone during three years of testing in AICRP trials of maize. It exhibited high Tryptophan (0.77 %) and Lysine content (3.48 %) in endospermic protein. This hybrid is responsive to high inputs, due to medium duration it can be fit better in maize based cropping system.

9. IMHB1532 Parent: IML 127-1 × IML 242-1 Year of release: 2018 Season: Kharif Yield: 1.5-2.0t/ha (De-husked baby corn) Maturity: Medium (55-60 days baby corn crop) Recommended for cultivation in: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, U.P. (Western region), Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh &Chhattisgarh Special features: Medium duration (55-60 days baby corn crop), attractive creamy colour baby corn, prolific, high yielding female line, tolerant to curvularia leaf spot and charcoal rot diseases

10. Seasons in India India has three seasons Kharif – June – July ( 85 % rainfed area) Rabi – Peninsular India and Bihar Oct – November Spring – North India. Jan – Feb Irrigated condition Yield of maize is more during Rabi and Spring season

11. Seasons of TamilNadu Winter/Rabi – End of December to 1 st week of January Kharif – First fortnight of June or First fortnight of August Rainfed – End of september to October 1 st week

12. Reference https://aicrpmaize.icar.gov.in/cultivars/ https://iimr.icar.gov.in/?publications-category=annual-reports