Impacts of Drought Stress and Planting Methods on Sweet Corn Yield and Water Use Efficiency

Abstract Seasonal drought is the most important factor to limit the production of maize in the world. Using a split plot design, a two year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of limited irrigation regime on yield, yield components and water use efficiency of sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). Responses of three sweet corn varieties KSC403, Merit and Obsession to three different water regimes were studied under two planting methods (raised bed and furrow planting). The three water levels (I1: 100%, I2: 80%, I3: 60%) of the estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc)) were arranged as main plots. Combination of the two planting methods and three sweet corn varieties were arranged in subplots. The evaluated traits were significantly affected by varieties (p