The present study examines the combined influence of genetic and climatic factors on maize yield under the agroecological conditions of Bogsig, Romania, during the 2024 growing season. Eleven maize hybrids representing various FAO maturity groups were cultivated under uniform technological conditions to evaluate the effects of genotype and rainfall distribution on grain productivity and harvest moisture. Over the last century, maize cultivation technology has undergone profound transformation, shaped by genetic progress, technological innovation, and climate adaptation. Genetic improvement remains the foundation of yield advancement. Considerable yield variability was recorded among the tested hybrids, ranging from 4,406 kg ha⁻¹ for SY Pandoras to 9,835 kg ha⁻¹ for SY Atos, revealing a yield amplitude of 5,429 kg ha⁻¹. This variability underscores both the genetic potential of the studied materials and the risk associated with selecting hybrids insufficiently adapted to water-limited environments. The analysis highlights the strong influence of rainfall distribution on yield formation, with summer drought exerting a significant negative impact on less tolerant hybrids. Conversely, drought-resilient genotypes demonstrated superior stability and productivity under the same environmental stress. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of hybrid selection as a key adaptive strategy for sustainable maize production in regions facing increasing climatic variability. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing hybrid choice to enhance resilience and productivity under changing rainfall regimes typical of continental agroecosystems.

maize, hybrid performance, rainfall distribution, yield stability, drought stress.

agronomy

Presentation: poster