Photosynthetic activity and efficiency of solar energy utilization by corn hybrids in the Krasnodar Territory

   Introduction. Investigations of the efficiency of solar energy utilization by modern corn hybrids, depending on agricultural practices and weather conditions in individual years, are of significant scientific and practical importance.

   The goal of the research was to study the influence of hybrid composition, chemical plant protection products against weeds, sowing time, and the number of inter-row cultivations on the photosynthetic activity of corn plants and the efficiency of insolation, heat, and water resources during crop cultivation in the Krasnodar Territory.

   The objectives and methods. Experimental data collection and analysis, as well as calculations of photosynthetic parameters, were conducted using experimental agronomy methods.

   The results and discussion. The DKC 4590 hybrid, sown early, demonstrated the highest net photosynthetic productivity (6.9 g/m²), while cultivation reduced this indicator. The maximum PAR efficiency of 2.8% was obtained with the DKC 4590 hybrid, using Titus Plus and Elumis herbicides at early sowing and one or two inter-row cultivations. Early sowing of the DKC 4590 corn hybrid provided the highest photosynthetic efficiency of 0.48 %, while cultivation had virtually no effect on it. Overall, it was established that the use of various herbicides for plant protection from weeds had little effect on productivity and photosynthetic potential. A very strong mathematical relationship was found between grain yield and the PAR efficiency indices, enabling its use in breeding to create highly productive hybrids and develop varietal agricultural technologies.

   Conclusion. Thus, the DKC 4590 corn hybrid demonstrated the highest PAR efficiency (over 3.0%) with a yield exceeding 67 c/ha. All hybrids demonstrated minimal solar efficiency with minimal grain yield – 30-40 c/ha.

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