Comparative Performance of Thirteen Grain Corn Commercial Hybrid Varieties in the Serdang Environment

Selecting and evaluating hybrid varieties based on environmental suitability could enhance both growth performance and yield of grain corn cultivation, thereby improving the profitability of grain corn economic gains. This study aimed to compare the performance of thirteen commercial grain corn hybrid varieties from local and foreign sources in the MARDI Serdang, Malaysia environment. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications for two planting seasons (July-November 2020 and February-June 2021). Seven agronomic and yield parameters were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT analysis. The results revealed a significant interaction between planting seasons and hybrids for days to 50% pollen shed, plant height and Cut Cutting Test (CCT) yield. Season 2 produced higher component yield traits but not significantly different for CCT yield. Considering overall individual performance, the best performing varieties were DK9979C, GWG5005, and P4554, which showed the best yield and were consistent over seasons, especially in fluctuated environment factors. In contrast, the varieties GWG888 and DK9950C produced the least, with yields of 4279.2 kg/ha and 4051.2 kg/ha, respectively, marking a decline of over 50.0% in the second season compared to the first season. This result shows that season influenced the yield and performance of some tested hybrids. This study provides useful information for grain corn farmers and breeders in selecting good adaptability hybrid varieties suitable for the Serdang environment.