The Agronomic Performance of Some Romanian Maize Hybrids under Unfavourable Climatic Conditions

Developing maize hybrids with high genetic potential for grain yield and quality across diverse environmental conditions is a key objective in the breeding activity. Consequently, this study was carried out to evaluate the behaviour of 42 early maize hybrids developed at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (A.R.D.S.) Turda. The hybrids were developed by crossing four elite (highly productive) inbred lines and several lines possessing favourable genes for carotenoid content. Sowing was performed in early May at a density of 70,000 plants/ha using a Monoseed DT experimental seeder. The experiment utilized a randomized block design with three replications, each plot consisting of two 5 m rows. Several hybrids exhibited superior yield performance, indicating good adaptability to the unfavourable conditions of the experimental year: TA452 x TE370, TA447 x A484, TE390 x LC28 and A483 × A484. These hybrids had a well-developed leaf system, erect or semi-erect leaves, good flowering–silking coincidence and a low number of sterile plants.