Maize, also known as corn, is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. It is a versatile crop that is used for both human and animal consumption, as well as for industrial purposes. In Tamil Nadu, maize is cultivated under rain-fed and irrigated conditions, with the major maize-growing districts being Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Tiruppur. When choosing suitable varieties for maize cultivation in Tamil Nadu, factors such as soil type, rainfall, temperature, and pest and disease resistance should be taken into consideration.
Here are some of the most suitable varieties of maize for cultivation in Tamil Nadu:
1. CO (R) 7: This is one of the most popular varieties of maize in Tamil Nadu. It is an early maturing variety that is suitable for both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. It has good tolerance to drought and disease and is a high yielding variety.
2. CO (R) 6: This variety is well suited for cultivation in rain-fed conditions. It has good drought tolerance and can withstand moderate levels of pest and disease attacks. It is a mid-early maturing variety that can be harvested in 100-105 days.
3. CO (R) 9: This variety is suitable for cultivation in irrigated conditions. It has good resistance to pests and diseases, particularly to turcicum leaf blight. It is a high-yielding variety that can be harvested in 100-105 days.
4. CO (R) 4: This is a high-yielding variety that is suitable for cultivation in both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. It has good resistance to pests and diseases, particularly to stem borer and turcicum leaf blight. It is a mid-early maturing variety that can be harvested in 100-105 days.
5. CO (R) HM 4: This variety is well suited for cultivation in irrigated conditions. It has good resistance to pests and diseases, particularly to shoot fly and stem borer. It is a high-yielding variety that can be harvested in 115-120 days.
6. CO (R) PMI 67: This variety is a mid-early maturing variety that is suitable for cultivation in rain-fed conditions. It has good drought tolerance and can withstand moderate levels of pest and disease attacks. It is a high-yielding variety that can be harvested in 100-105 days.
In conclusion, choosing suitable varieties of maize for cultivation in Tamil Nadu is critical to ensuring a good yield and a profitable harvest. CO (R) 7, CO (R) 6, CO (R) 9, CO (R) 4, CO (R) HM 4, and CO (R) PMI 67 are some of the most suitable varieties of maize for cultivation in Tamil Nadu, taking into consideration factors such as soil type, rainfall, temperature, and pest and disease resistance.