Water Use Efficiency in Maize Varying By Maturity and Evapotranspiration Potential.

Water utilization is an intense topic in Texas as well as many other areas of the United States.  The ability to minimize yield losses while reducing groundwater usage would provide a significant benefit for maize producers in areas of the country that are lacking in rainfall and facing significant public pressure to reduce water use in agriculture.  The objective of this study is to determine the brown midrib (BMR) trait affects water use efficiency.  Two BMR and four non-BMR maize hybrids with relative maturity of 100-110 days were grown under four irrigation treatments at Etter, TX.  Data were collected on the amount of irrigation, total plant biomass, moisture content at harvest, and other agronomic traits.  A grain trial was also conducted at Halfway, TX to compare water use efficiency in hybrids with relative maturities of 100-110 days.  Data were collected on six maize hybrids varying in maturity under four irrigation treatments for grain yield.  Data will be presented.