Spatiotemporal Variations in Temperature Accumulation, Phenological Development and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Planting date effect on phenological development, temperature accumulation and grain yield of maize was evaluated at three locations of Bangladesh differing in environmental conditions. Marked variations were observed in days to attaining phenological stages, temperature accumulation, duration of growth stages and grain yield across locations and planting dates. October planted maize in Bandarban completed its life cycle in 116 days while February planted maize in Kaharol suffered from high temperatures. December planted maize in Birganj experienced cool weather in vegetative phase and nearly optimal temperatures during reproductive phase. High temperatures hastened maturity reducing the duration of reproductive growth. Early planted maize produced the highest grain yield. Higher grain yield was positively related with the duration of reproductive growth phase. Late planting reduced maize grain yield mainly through lowering the number of kernels per ear and reducing kernel weight.