Evapotranspiration, yield and silage quality characteristics of three maize hybrids grown under Mediterranean conditions

The aim of the study was to determine the yield and silage characteristics of maize hybrids (Burak, Efe and Safak) under different irrigation levels designated as no irrigation (I-0), irrigated 25% (I-1), 50% (I-2), 75% of I(4)treatment (I-3), and fully irrigated treatment (I-4), irrigated when 40% of available water content consumed, in drainage-type lysimeters in 2012 and 2013. The results showed that irrigation treatments have a statistically significant effect on yield, dry matter, organic matter and protein content and silage quality components. The maximum fresh yield (86,238 kg ha(-1)in 2012 and 90,063 kg ha(-1)in 2013) was obtained from Burak hybrid I(4)treatment. Irrigation amounts ranged from 100 to 721 mm in 2012 and from 105 to 712 mm in 2013. The treatments resulted in seasonal evapotranspiration of 190-746 mm and 208-751 mm in 2012 and 2013, respectively. On average, the highest water-use efficiency was found in I(1)as 150.0 kg ha(-1) mm(-1)for Safak hybrid, and the lowest one was found in I(4)as 107.6 kg ha(-1) mm(-1)for Efe hybrid. Additionally, the lowest yield-response factor (0.81) was obtained from Safak hybrid. It was concluded that Safak hybrid is the most tolerant hybrid to water stress.