DRY MATTER YIELD AND TOTAL DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES IN ARID AREAS UNDER DIFFERENT MOISTURE REGIMES

Resumen

The inappropriate selection of maize varieties with higher water demand or a late growth cycle is a factor that reduces yield in rainfed conditions in Northern Mexico. This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter yield (DMY), total digestible nutrient content (TDN), and yield stability of eight maize (Zea mays L.) varieties under four moisture conditions in an arid region of Mexico. A randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement was used, with three replicates per treatment. The main plot factor was the soil moisture level (rainfed conditions only and rainfed plus one supplemental irrigation). Subplots consisted of eight maize varieties or genotypes. Data were analyzed through combined analysis of variance, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) modeling, principal component analysis (PCA), and biplot visualization to evaluate genotype stability. Under rainfed conditions, the varieties CHLHW09029, V-209, and CAFIME showed the highest DMY, while 35p12 had the highest TDN content. Under rainfed plus irrigation conditions, Ocelote exhibited the greatest DMY, and CHLHY02502, V-209, and VS-204 recorded the highest TDN. The AMMI model for DMY indicated that CAFIME, V-209, and CHLHY02502 were stable in Rain Y17, Rain Y18, and Rain + Irrigation Y18, respectively. For TDN, the compatibility of varieties with specific MLs was as follows: 35p12 was most suited to Rain Y17, VS-204 aligned with Rain Y18, and CHLHY02502 performed well under any irrigation treatment. The CAFIME genotype demonstrated consistently high performance in all moisture conditions. Given its adaptability and the potential for seed reuse, it is recommended for smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico.