Effect of transplanting and seed hydropriming on grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) as second crop in temperate region of Kermanshah, Iran

To save water, get suitable establishment, shorten growth duration and increase grain yield of maize, this experiment was conducted as split plot factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications at Mahidshat research station (Kermanshah, Iran) in 2017 and 2018 growing season. Two planting dates (10th  and 20th  of July) were assigned to main plots, and a combination of planting methods including; direct seeding, hydroprimed seed and transplanting with two  maize hybrids (KSC 704 and KSC 260) as factorial arrangement were randomized in sub plots. Resultsof combined analysis of variance showed that the effect of planting methods (direct seeding, hydroperimed seed and transplanting) was significant (P < 0.01) on plant height and ear, number of days to silk emergence and tasseling, grain moisture content and cob percentage and (P < 0.05) on number of grain per row. Grain yield in the first planting date (July 10) was 17% higher than the second planting date. Gain yield in transplanting (10466 kg.ha-1) and hydroprimed seed (10899 kg.ha-1) methods was higher than direct seeding (10300 kg.ha-1) by 2 and 6%, respectively. The highest grain yield of  KSC 704 (12203.3 kg.ha-1) and KSC260  (10276.4 kg.ha-1) obtained in the first planting date.Grain yield in the first planting date in hydroprimed seed of KSC 704 and KSC 260 was 11789 kg.ha-1 and 10153 kg.ha-1, respectively. Transplanting method caused early maturity of maize hybrids by 12 days. In general, under water shortage condition KSC 260 hybrid and transplanting would be more suitable.